Today is Shop Independent Day!
Written: 24 June 2021
Today is Shop Independent Day!
This month Holly&Co has been campaigning for everyone to consider where they're spending their money, all in the lead up to Shop Independent Day (today!) - exactly 6 months out from Christmas. If every adult spent at least one single pound on Shop Independent Day, that would pump £51 million into the local economy.
Be big. Shop small.
If you are stuck for places to look for small businesses or independent makers - why not check out our Find a Maker online directory, or our list of exhibitors at Craft Festival Cheltenham.
Maker Spotlight
On Tuesday, we broadcasted live on Instagram with Find a Maker member and storyteller, Betty Pepper.
Betty's work is made from pieces of damaged, discarded books. She takes them in, listens to their tales of woe and gives them a new raison d’etre.
Betty finds inspiration in their form and content and the resulting book sculptures are imbued with her own stories to build a tiny kingdom of magic realism in order to explore our human condition.
Betty is concerned greatly by the welfare of our planet and so she tries to re-use as many materials as possible including those for the packaging of her pieces. Her aspiration is to be as eco-friendly as she can.
Betty works both to commission, telling your own stories, and to the beat of the drum in her head, finding inspiration and gently dark humour in everyday life.
Hayley Banks' 5 Favourites from Craft Festival Cheltenham
We are delighted to have Hayley Banks, the Membership Manager from Design Nation choose 5 favourites from our Craft Festival Cheltenham Exhibitors.
To view all our exhibitors for Craft Festival Cheltenham, click here.
Liz Willis I’ve admired Liz’s jewellery for many years, particularly her ability to create a beautifully cohesive range combining rusty medieval pins, colourful thread and exquisitely crafted silver elements – it just works!
Fauxidermy I love how Helly develops her collections of striking wildlife sculptures based on place; the narrative explaining the inspiration behind the work serves to bring the animals to life. Wonderful.
Tammy Crawford-Rolt I’ve only recently become aware of Tammy’s products and I’m so impressed by the ethos behind the work and practice. An exciting emerging maker; the description of ‘timber magpie’ in relation to the use of local resources and reclaimed wood is fabulous.
Rebecca Callis Porcelain Rebecca’s ceramic pieces are quietly beautiful with their effortlessly elegant forms, considered mark making and subtle glazes. They feel serene and comforting.
Bonner Studio I couldn’t possibly omit the Bonners from a list of my top picks! Their leather bags and products are superbly designed for function and subtle impact, with a splash of colour and fun.
Instagram Live with Betty Pepper
Earlier this week, we chatted live with Betty Pepper on Instagram. You can listen to the full chat here.
Your Safety at our Events
We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to our Craft Festivals in 2021. We want you to feel safe and be assured we are working hard to make all our events COVID secure for all our visitors, exhibitors, volunteers and staff.
Find out more about what we're doing here.
Craft Festival Cheltenham on August 13th -15th
Craft Festival Bovey Tracey on September 10th - 12th
Limited tickets, BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE.