London Craft Fair Roundup - Fall 2011

For this crafty girl, the drop in temperature, warm coats and pretty colored leaves means that the Fall and holiday craft fair season is about to begin.

I thought it would be nice to compile a list of some really interesting craft fairs in and around London. Although I have not been to many of these in the past, I'm looking forward to attending as many as I can in the next few weeks.

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Origin - September 22-28

Old Spitalfields Market London (E1 6EW) 

"The Contemporary Craft Fair"

The Knitting and Stitching Show 2011 - Oct 6-9

Alexandra Palace, London (N22 7AY)

"The best textile exhibitions in Europe!"

The Renegade Craft Fair - October 8/9

The Old Truman Brewery (91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL)

"The Renegade Craft Fair is a large-scale DIY marketplace event, featuring hundreds of the best indie craft designers and makers around."

(This is has great reputation back in the US so I'm really looking forward to this one).

Spirit of Christmas Fair  - Nov 2-6
Olympia Center, London
(Although not an "official" craft fair, I'm sure their will be some really great work by different crafty artists. Plus, I love Christmas fairs).

Made in Clerkenwell Winter 2011 - Nov 24-27

Craft Central, Clerkenwell (2 locations - EC1M 4DS and  EC1R 0DX)

(I've been to this fair in the past, it's a nice mix of local artisans).

BUST Magazine Christmas Craftacular - Nov 27
York Hall, Bethnal Green (E2 9PJ)
"The BUST Magazine Christmas Craftacular is London’s hippest craft fair..."
(I went to this craft fair 2 years ago and really enjoyed it's artsy, homey vibe along with their many independent artists.)

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Daylesford Organic = Heaven

During a recent weekend trip to Cheltenham, I managed to stop by the Daylesford Organic farm shop (located in Daylesford of course), on our way back home to London. I have to say, that this is one of the most gorgeous farm shops I've ever seen. When you walk in, you are immediately surrounded by fresh organic produce and prepared foods. You can also find housewares, a lovely wine shop and a wonderful cafe.

I myself came away with some fresh baked pastries or an organic hot chocolate (to fight the cold rainy day outside).

If you live in London, you can also visit their shop located in Notting Hill. It's not as large as the farm shop in Daylesford but you can still purchase the same products and the food in the cafe is just as delicious.

Easy Gift Card

I picked up a little present for one of our nieces and was browsing around a card store for a small birthday card or gift card. To my dismay, the least expensive card I could find was at least £2.50. Normally, I wouldn't mind but I have to send out at least 5 birthday cards this month so I figured, why not make one??? So I dug through my box of paper craft supplies and came up with this...

 My stash of paper craft supplies.

Luggage tag card is from Paperchase, the little wooden clip is from Tiger stores.

 The final product.