It seems that as we pass the notable early dates of November 5th and Remembrance Day, the Christmas preparations in our local shopping centres move up a gear in terms of their Christmas displays.
This is especially true once the legendary Fenwick windows are unveiled on November 5th, that immediately Christmas seems to be more “real’. This means it’s time for me to start planning the upcoming artisan gift fairs I will be attending between now and the end of the year.
The first of the upcoming Christmas events, is The Crafters Art and Design Fair. This is a new event for me. Known locally as The Crafters, it’s an art and design fair held at the Borders Event Centre, Springwood Park, Kelso. The mantra for the event is “the best in Borders makers, artists and designers for one weekend”.
The bi-annual fair is a spin-off from the very popular Crafters shop located in the centre of Melrose, so I am delighted to have been selected to show a selection of winter millinery, hats, headpieces and millinery accessories, at Springwell Park.
Naturally for the upcoming fairs and events I’ve also been busy making luxurious winter headwear and headbands, especially for those party nights.
I sourced some gorgeous velvet materials that I couldn’t resist, so you will find a selection of pieces finished in velvet at the fairs. I’m including some examples in this post.
Generally, there is only one available of each of these designs, though where indicated some designs are available in more than one colour. I had great fun making this one – it’s a wrapped velvet 5cm wide headband finished with a little bundle of velvet bows, set on a comfortable headband.
The second event I will be attending in November is the well-established three day Craft Fair, held at the historic Brancepeth Castle.
Here, along with a collection of winter millinery and accessories I will also be showing a selection of effortless head wraps made from Liberty Print Tana Lawn and similar fabrics (£25 each). The headwraps are always very popular at events, these will be paired with winter felt halos, as well as winter hats and headpieces.
Also available at the November shows and perfect for those work Christmas drinks parties, is this midnight blue velvet turban style headband.
This headpiece is finished with a detachable sparkly bow, and it’s such a dark blue that it could pass for black, Whilst this midnight blue piece is a one-off, I’m also planning to make one in Imperial Purple!
In December, I will be at Merchiston Castle School in Colinton, Edinburgh, for their wonderful event – A Very Merchiston Christmas.
As soon as you arrive and approach the Memorial Hall, you will be become aware that Merchiston too, is in festive Christmas mode – you’ll find that the tree is decked and you’ll be greeted by the Pringle boys, wearing their Christmas jumpers!
Naturally whilst here whilst at Merchiston I’ll have a selection of millinery accessories, with an emphasis on tartan!
I love working with tartan – be it the classic Border Shepherd tartan, worn in Northumberland, or as seen here Cameron of Erracht, one of the “house” tartans of Merchiston Castle School.
This headpiece features a wrapped velvet 5cm wide headband which has been sculpted and finished with an overlay of the Lochcarron of Scotland tartan.
The final event of the year is very local – and it’s set in the magical winter wonderland that The Craster Arms, Beadnell create for the last pre-Christmas weekend.
I am delighted to be returning for this wonderful event, where you will find me in my cosy Christmas cabin with a tempting selection of Christmas fedoras, felt hats and millinery gifts. At the event, you will find an irresistible selection of Christmas gift cabins and stalls, and of course the mull wine will be warming from 12!
These cute mice proved very popular last year when I made them especially for the event at The Craster Arms, Beadnell.
Crafted in merino wool felt, with their candy cane tails, they hang the tree or can sit on the table as place setting decorations. They are available in several colourways.
If you think they are cute too but are not able to come to one of the fairs, and would like more information about any of the events or millinery pieces featured in this post please get in touch – using the Contact Us link. You can also read more about the Mouse family on my Christmas Mouse listing
I’m looking forward to meeting some of you again over the festive season, especially lovely when my customers and clients come to visit me at craft markets and fairs; so I do hope to see you at one of these local events between now and Christmas.
All best wishes
Margaret