Craft fair proves to be a hand-made success
Crafters, artists and nimble-fingered knitters filled the Whiting Bay hall at the first Crafts & Company collective craft fair on Tuesday.
With decorative displays and items for sale, many of the exhibitors offered interested visitors the opportunity to try their hand at a new craft and possibly even find a new hobby. Among the live crafts where people could learn new skills was a crochet workshop, a wool spinner and many friendly and approachable crafters who were happy to share their knowledge and spend a few minutes chatting about their craft.
The fair offered like-minded people the opportunity to see what is being hand-made on Arran and offered various interesting and novel goods for sale. Stall-holders ranged from jewellery to knitted items, cards, tins, boxes, prints and paintings to tie-dyed clothing and embroidery and woodwork. Popular too, was a selection of homebaking by Cheryl Mclernon of Brodick, whose scones were incredibly well received and much commented on.
The fair, which will become a monthly event, is the brainchild of Fiona Doubleday who, along with Coral Smith, started Crafts & Company as a monthly craft club supporting various charities such as Mind, RNLI, Dresses for Africa, Ayrshire Hospice and Mary’s Meals. Its popularity became so great that five new people joined its ranks to become the new Crafts & Company Collective, which has expanded to a monthly fair which will take place across the island. The two charities selected to benefit from the work of the collective will be Knit A Square for orphans in South Africa, which will be made into blankets, and the Arran Duke of Edinburgh group to assist with their expedition costs.
Fiona said: ‘I am delighted with the turnout today and also with the live crafts where people are sharing their skills. We are celebrating hand-made items which are all produced on Arran. If you would like to learn a new skill or a chance to try something new, or even just to meet new people, pop along to one of our craft fairs where you will be made to feel very welcome.’
The next craft fair will be held at the Whiting Bay hall on Tuesday July 18 from 11am to 3pm. If you wish to exhibit, Fiona can be contacted at craftsandcompanyarran@gmail.com.