Gosh, can you believe it – it’s April already, and as if to lift our spirits, the sun has come out here in North Northumberland! Of course the wedding and event season is already upon us, and in case you were thinking of getting in touch, please do so, as my order book is now filling up fast!
I thought I would write a post for my latest edition of Studio News to let you know what I have planned for the rest of the summer as I have now booked several artisan fairs where I plan to show my latest collections of hats, headpieces and accessories. After our recent trip to Amsterdam and Antwerp, I have a lovely selection of new fabrics, so you can expect new designs featuring these fabrics to make an appearance in the new collections at the S/S fairs and artisan events I will be attending.
First up, and over Easter weekend, is the Alnmouth Easter Market. The market is organised by Harriet of the Just Harry boutique. You can find Harriet’s store just along from the Hindmarsh Hall, on Alnmouth’s Main Street. Harriet organises fairs for locals and visitors alike who are looking for unique handmade gifts.
At the Easter Market which is being held at the Hindmarsh, you will find Harriet’s curated collection of local makers and creators, including stands offering art, crafts, jewellery, home decor, and millinery of course! You will be able to enjoy the buzz of creativity, live music and great food.
At Paxton House, in the Scottish Borders area, you will find one of the finest Palladian houses in Britain with pre-eminent collections of Chippendale furniture, Georgian costume and paintings from Scotland’s National Collection. Not only does a visit to the house make a delightful day out, the gardens are beautifully landscaped and suitable for all ages, there’s a wonderful cafe and over the summer months, there’s the bonus of Paxton’s “Markets in the Marquee”.
The weekly craft and artisanal markets are returning for another season at Paxton. These will take place in the marquee every Tuesday from May to September 2025. Entry to the marquee is free, and its open from 10 – 4 every Tuesday.
You’ll find me in the marquee showing my latest collections on the following Tuesdays: 20 May, 29 July and 12 August.
Come to Ushaw College on Saturday and Sunday, 5 & 6 July, and take a step back in time to the 1940s. Taking a nostalgic trip back into the past, you will be able to relive the charm and exuberance of a long-gone era, when swing music filled the air, flapper dresses swirled, and classic cars lined the streets!
I’m delighted to be taking a selection of hats and headpieces to my first vintage event at Ushaw College, and I am looking forward to the exciting selection of retro events and experiences that will be taking place at Ushaw over the first weekend in July.
I’m looking forward to returning to Brancepeth Castle for their summer fair later this year. Brancepeth Castle Craft Fairs are renowned and have been held twice yearly, on the last Friday to Sunday in July and the last Friday to Sunday in November, since 1987!
This well-known venue is a private home and hosts one of the best known artisanal events in the North East. The crafts and gifts on offer are carefully selected for quality and variety, with an emphasis placed on real craftwork. There are also several onsite cafes as well as activities for the younger ones amongst us.
All in all it’s a great day out, in the picturesque village of Brancepeth, and I will be there with my summer collections including ranges of millinery accessories.
Rather nearer to home for me and my next event is Embleton’s Artisan Makers Market. The market is being held in August, in the Creighton Hall, located in the beautiful coastal village of Embleton.
In the Creighton Hall, you will find a variety of artisans showing; the stands will include wildlife art, hand-blown glass, handmade silver jewellery, brass and copper work, textiles, ceramics and of course, couture millinery!
Entry is free, and there will also be an on-site cafe featuring delicious homemade baking.
The last in my round-up of the summer events I will be appearing at with my millinery collections summer, is at Ayton Castle, Eyemouth. Ayton Castle is a Scottish baronial mansion set in the Scottish Borders. Dating back to the 19th century and only occasionally open, the castle is a fantastic and unique place to visit.
This year, Lesley McNish of The Tin Shed, has selected twenty local artists to showcase their original art and artisan craft, along with craft demonstrations, throughout the weekend.
The castle’s own contemporary and interesting art collection will also be on display. The castle’s owners will be operating their own train, offering rides through the grounds. (To access the train, park at the ticket office and station, just off Eyemouth Road, and then you can ride to the castle’s main door). There will be refreshments available in the castle’s cafe, with indoor, as well as, outdoor seating available.
I do hope this selection of varied events and locations has piqued your interest, and I will look forward to meeting you over the course of the summer.