New craft collective to hold its first fair
The first Arran crafts fair run by a new Crafts & Company collective is being held later this month.
Crafts & Company began life in 2016 with the aspiration of offering craft workshops on the island and working creatively with local, national and international charities. Since the beginning, it has offered a monthly craft club with a different craft each month and it has been very well supported. Beyond that, the project worked with charities to include Mind, RNLI, Dresses for Africa, Ayrshire Hospice and Mary’s Meals. Important funds have been raised and everyone has had a chance to further explore their creative talents.
They are currently supporting two charities: Knit A Square for orphans in South Africa, to be made into blankets, and the Arran Duke of Edinburgh group. Modest targets are set for each campaign and these are usually exceeded. They had hoped for 20 little dresses for Africa and 167 left the island bound for girls who would cherish their new dresses.
Crafts & Company was originally run by Fiona Doubleday and Coral Smith but in recent months it has become clear that it is too big a project for two people so two has become seven. The new collective involves seven ladies all with a passion for crafts and looking to share that passion. Between them there is seven lifetimes of crafting experi- ence and much more can now be achieved. Attention has turned to a monthly event on the island that celebrates all things craft. The collective is planning to hold a monthly Arran crafts fair in Whiting Bay hall in an attempt to provide selling opportunities for local crafters. As well as the stalls, the collective are also offering a ‘Make and Take’ mini workshop with a different theme each month. This is a chance to come and try a new craft and meet new people, with everyone very welcome to drop in.
Preparation is well under way for the first fair which will be held on Tuesday June 20 from 11am to 3pm. The collective is currently looking for anyone who would like to run a wee tea shop at the monthly event or even supply the cakes. Do get in touch via their website www.craftsandcompany.net if you are interested. Bookings are also open for crafters who would like a stall at the fair.
If you run a craft club or event there is a chance to promote what you do with a small table or by offering business cards/flyers for the welcome table.
Crafts & Company is keen to support new crafters who may only have a couple of things they want to try to sell so there will be a shared new crafters table as well. Members of the collective are busy making a range of handmade gifts to sell as a fundraiser for the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme to help them with their expedition costs. If you are interested in helping with this charity initiative, they would love to hear from you.
Crafts & Company very much hope that these monthly events are a chance to celebrate all that is handmade on Arran and all support is gratefully received. Join Crafts & Company in supporting craft on the island they encourage anyone interested to get in touch.