Meet the Maker - Amanda Mercer

One of the most beautiful stands at Country Living was that of Amanda Mercer, who won the Editors Choice Award and her ceramic star decoration was used in the promotional adverts for the show. 

More exciting is that she lives in my home town, I remember seeing her graduation show in 2009 at University of Cumbria and thinking what intricate work it was then, it's wonderful to see how far she's come.

The stand was well laid out and oozed vintage Christmas, I think I'll be having a tree like this in my house this year, her decorations looked so delicate.

Yet by far my favourite item is these ceramic earrings, I couldn't get close enough and her stand was packed out but they have vintage bird and insect pictures on them. 

Her designs would make great Christmas gifts but I'd be too tempted to keep them all for myself.

Amanda's site can be found here.

Thanks for reading

Love Amanda.x.

Country Living Christmas Show part 2

This post is very photo heavy, but the Country Living show was all about the sights and sounds, so I can give you a taste of one of those at least.

This stand had the most amazing colourful angora wraps and beautiful headbands woven with flowers and gemstones, I really wished I'd bought one now. The lady doesn't seem to have a website but can be contacted here.

There was a beautiful array of food on offer. Although this stall which had an amazing selection of Mediterranean food; was responsible for The Feta incident.  My friend Mhairi was offered a sample of Feta as we walked past, I also had some and it was lovely, however she'd never had it before and I can quite honestly say I've never seen a look of horror more complete, caused by eating something. Poor thing I thought she was going to throw up on me, which was unfortunate for the Belgium chocolate lady who's stand we where then stood by. She kept saying "please don't be sick in front of my stand", Mhairi recovered her composure and the chocolate lady gave her some samples to take the taste away but I don't think she'll try feta again soon.

More beautiful food on show, this stall was showing you how to make these wonderful Christmas cupcakes, with local classes taking place in Glasgow.

Ah Demijohn, what lovely glass bottles you have, as well has being happy to give out lots of samples. They had a great selection of liqueurs, wines and whiskeys but I still think my Damson Gin tastes better.

A huge light up tree sparkled in one of the furniture display areas.

The displays were beautifully done, as someone who does a lot of visual merchandising they were very inspirational.

This is Sue Quinn and it was great to see her actually crafting her unique little handmade bears and other animals, she was sewing a small mouse but I especially loves this basket of hedgehogs on her stand.

Rustique Interiors reminded me of my Grandma's house a colourful mish mash of patterns and textures. The patchwork chair below looked so comfy, I was very temped to nap in after all the show walking.

Christmas design and inspiration was on display in every small space around the fair.

It's always great to see Gillian Kyles stand at fairs, her products always look amazing quality and really takes me back to my Grandmas kitchen, the labels make me so nostalgic for those times and have great appeal. 

This stand needs a mention, Caurnie Soap Company it's real asset I'm afraid I can't pass on, it was the smell. Oh it was glorious, his whole stand looked like a old potting shed they were selling handmade soaps and natural beauty products, and we could just not stop smelling them.

Well we all had a wonder time at the Country Living Christmas Show, so if you need Christmas Gift ideas please click on my links or go here for the exhibitors list and find something beautifully handmade for a friend this year.

Have a happy handmade Christmas this year

love Amanda.x.

A bit of a show, and some crafty business.

April has been full of mayhem, making and madness. On bank holiday Monday while my Hubby and children were playing in the sunshine,  I had a stall at Rheged Discovery Centre Food and Gift fair. I've not done a fair for a long time and was very jittery about this one, having been told it should be very busy. However that was not the case, I don't know if it was the lack of advertising and communication from the centre or the good weather but it was very quite, and not just for me but for all the stallholders. Below is my table for the event.

 

It was such a shame the event was quite as the level of the artists was amazing, below is 

Weft Studio which is an independant gallery and studio, they had a display of all their 

crafters work.

Then my other neighbour at the event was Jenny Lockwood Designs, as a seasoned fair trader her display cases put my stand to shame. 

I especially liked her tea holder birds, and ceramic bunting. 

She'll be at the Country Living Fair later in the year and is definitely a "next big thing".

One stand which really stood out at the fair was Rachel Gaw Jewellery, it was mostly resin pieces and so funky, full of sparkles and funk. A must for any Alternative girl wanting to make a statement.The love heart necklace and sugar mice were my favourites.

The other stall to pull me in was K.A.H Ceramics, her stand was full of beautiful yet 

simple designs.  

Well made, functional and yet so stylish, I loved her vases covered with product labels and the bird feeder bowls. With their cute Owl and bird designs, I wouldn't be surprised to see them in a magazine soon.

So although a bit of bad day for making money and missing out on family time, I did meet some lovely makers and chatted to plenty of(hopefully)would be customers.

Thanks for reading, your comments as always are welcome.

Amanda.x.