New Site Now Launched!

We have some exciting news! We’ve just launched a new website, yay! Pop over to www.thefairytalefair.co.uk to explore all it has to offer!

Whilst we’ve loved this blog for 2 years we have outgrown it now, and needed a proper site to contain all our important information and such!

Over 60,000 of you have now viewed this blog- so THANK YOU! We hope all our followers will pop over to our new site too. On the blog section you can also follow our blog just like you did with this one, just click on any post and enter your email in the sidebar promo!

You’ll also see we’ve announced our Christmas dates!

Join us on November 15th in our usual home of Patcham Methodist Church- over 35 stalls of festive goodies, craft workshops, vintage tearoom, face painting and much more! Applications open 1st September.

Also announcing our big Christmas fair- The Fairy Tale Fair at Brighton Racecourse!! Over 100 stalls- this is going to be Brighton’s biggest handmade Christmas craft fair so not to be missed! Applications are now open! Click here to find out more and apply!

Flax Emporium Summer Launch Event

We wanted to let you know about a one of event at Flax Emporium in Trafalgar Street, Brighton.

Flax Emporium is a wonderful store full of handmade and hand designed creations from shop owner Clare Bryant and also lots of local designers, including past fairy tale fair stall holders!

Why not Come and explore Flax Emporium of hidden treasures!? New Collection previews, cakes & cocktails, meet the designers behind the creations, exclusive goodies and discounts!

Also take advantage of the special 15% discount off all items bought on the night!

Thursday 22nd May from 6pm at Flax Emporium, 92 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, BN14ER.

Hope lots of you can make it and please share with all your friends! Click here to join the Facebook event.

Artists Open Houses!

The artists open houses are open once again across Brighton! Be sure to pop along to some before the end of May- they are open this weekend and next. Most houses open 11-5.

View the open houses site for full details of all houses or pick up a brochure from across the city.

We’ll be visiting a few this weekend. We recommend a visit to The Cake House, which contains a few of our previous stall holders! You can find the Cake House at 37 Cleveland Road, Brighton- which is opposite Blakers park and has free parking. Open 11-5pm.

Pop along for lovely art, crafts and jewellery, and yummy cake and soup in our kitchen and garden cafe.

The Fairy Tale Fair is Today!!!

Our fair is today!!! Join us from 10.30 – 4 at Patcham Methodist church for lots of craft-y fun!

Please pop along and support our local sellers who have spent a lot of time getting the wares ready to sell for you today! Over 35 of them await- jewellery, ceramics, cards, prints, glassware, sewn creations, crochet, bags, cushions, knitting, felt creations, Easter gifts, accessories and much more!

Plus don’t miss our craft workshops, for all ages: felt an egg or animal, polymer clay jewellery, giant knitting, beaded jewellery, make a felt finger puppet, or chalk painting!

Also not to be missed our wonderful vintage tearoom run by Rosehip and face painting in the cafe area too!

Bring the whole family along for a fab Spring day out for all! Hope to see you there!

Click here for full address details.

1 Day To Go!!!

The big day is nearly upon us! Remember to join us tomorrow from 10.30am at Patcham Methodist Church, Ladies Mile Road, Patcham, Brighton, BN1 8TA.

There will be over 35 local craft and vintage stalls, a craft workshop room, charity raffle for The Martlets, vintage tearoom, face painting and much more!

Don’t forget to join our Facebook event here, and invite all your friends!

Patcham Youth Silver Band outside the venue

Click here for full location details. Buses 5 and 5A run every 10 minutes from central town and stop just seconds around the corner- ask for Patcham Clock Tower stop. FREE parking too!

Look forward to seeing you all tomorrow! If you are bringing little ones remember they are welcome to dress up in their most sparkly fairy themed attire!

Take Part & Learn Something New!

In case you haven’t heard our craft fair is this Saturday 12th April! As usual will will also have our craft workshop room with Easter workshops suitable for all ages! Here is a run down of what to expect:

Felt workshop with Karen Rao:

This time we will be felting our own ‘Magic Eggs’ This is suitable for all ages. We will use very soft and highly coloured Merino Wool with lots of soapy water.  You’ll just have to come along to find out more! Also felting animals including rabbits and chicks as usual! 

Polymer clay jewellery workshop with Mini Patisserie:

Easter themed polymer clay workshop, making Easter eggs and rabbit brooches as well as learning how to make cupcakes and other yummy looking creations out of clay, then take home to bake and wear!

Make your own beaded jewellery with Show Me Shiny Things:

New for the Easter Fairy Tale Fair, we will be making extra colourful elasticated bracelets in our workshop. We have a lovely selection of stars, hearts, glittery, glow-in-the-dark and colourful beads – the hardest part will be choosing which ones to use!!  Only £2 to make a bracelet (or we could make two, and give Mum time to look round the fair..!)  Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday!

Learn Giant Knitting with Yellow Bear Wares:

Learn how to use ‘EXTREME KNITTING NEEDLES!’ These are giant wooden knitting needles which are 61cm long that have been hand-made. I will be running workshops alongside my stall giving you a chance to try knitting with these monsters. I will also have pairs of the needles available for purchase if you like what you have experienced or if you want the perfect Easter gift for the knitter in your life!

Chalk painting with Earth Kids:

‘Earth Kids’ invite you to crush and mix your own paint using chalk, a natural resource from our very own Downs. Choose a wooden shape to decorate with your paint any way you like. Keep it bright and white or add a natural ingredient to give a dash of colour!

Felt Finger Puppets by Emily Makes:

Felt finger puppets- they are sewable, and other cute Easter themed creations. 

Hope to see lots of you on Saturday from 10.30am stopping by our craft room!

Keep the Kids Amused this Easter Holidays!

Kids getting board over the Easter holidays already?! Don’t want to drag them around the shops? Looking for a family day out? Don’t want to pay an entrance fee?

Then join us! There will be unique handmade gifts, Easter fun, cakes, face painting, balloon modeling, craft workshops for all ages, a charity raffle, & more! They might even spot a fairy or two if you are lucky! And its free to enter all day! 

cute dolls by Darcy and Flo

Easter iced biscuits by Rosehip

Hair ties by Jessie Jumbles

Felt workshop by Karen Rao

Face Painting

Patcham Youth Silver Band outside the venue

We are open 10.30am – 4pm this Saturday 12th April, at Patcham Methodist Church, Ladies Mile Road, Brighton. There is also free on street parking, so you can make a day of it! Full location details here >

Say Hello to… I Drew This

Tell us/ remind us a bit about you and what you do/ make…. 

I Drew This illustrates gorgeous greeting cards and prints.

How long have you been making your craft items? 

I have been publishing cards for 2 years.

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it? 

My balloons Little Tweets card is a best seller along with all of my Mischief designs particularly my Pocahontas girl, what makes this so special is that it is an illustration of my daughter.

What do you enjoy most about your craft? 

Bringing an idea for a range to life and then seeing peoples genuine joy when they see them.

Will you have some special Spring time Easter creations for sale? 

I will have a really cute easter card this year of a bunny with a spectacular Easter bonnet!

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)? 

I have just taken part in the We Made This fair in Lewes which was great and this year will be at my first Open House on Montpelier Road, Brighton.

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them? 

I will be taking part in a trade show PG Live in 6 weeks in London where I hope to find lots of new stockists and find commission work for I Drew This.

Describe what Easter means to you in 5 words or less: 

Rest, chocolate, family, friends, happiness.

You have previously taken part in The Fairy Tale Fair. Did you enjoy the day? 

I LOVE the Fairy Tale Fair and always enjoy the day!!

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts: 

https://www.facebook.com/ilonadrewthis

www.ilonadrewthis.blogspot.com

Tweets by ilonadrewthis

Say Hello to…Karen Rao Felt Artist

Tell us/ remind us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

My name is Karen Rao and I am a felt artist. I create wearable art using just wool, soap and water!

How long have you been making your craft items?

I fell in to felt making about 5 years ago just by chance after attending a children’s workshop with my kids. Together we created a large scale wall hanging. After multiplying to a living room full of dramatic seascapes, I turned to animal wall art, floral corsages, felted rocks …… then hats. This is where I am now, animal eared hats with blends of different colours and  fibres. These result in hats that are realistically rich in texture and depth.

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?

I sell at craft fairs and my easy shop: http://karenrao.etsy.com. The husky hat and my cat hats are popular, especially the black cat hat. Recently one was snapped up by celebrity Hollywood tattoo artist Kat Von D!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

Felt making is so versatile that it can almost lead you to new directions! My work is constantly evolving as I find new inspirations and new techniques! Felt can be wall art, it can be worn or it can be a sculptural object – it’s uses are limitless. I enjoy showing people the ancient wet felting process and seeing their fascination as they rub the wool with soap and water, resulting in their very own work of art to take home.

Will you have some special Spring time Easter creations for sale?

I’m always striving to come up with new ideas for the wet felting workshops! This time we will be felting our own ‘Magic Eggs’ This is suitable for all ages. We will use very soft and highly coloured Merino Wool with lots of soapy water.  You’ll just have to come along to find out more!

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

You can see me in many craft fairs around Brighton including:

May Open Houses:

The Cicada House and Teresa Winchester, both on The Fiveways trail

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

My plans are to keep creating, raising my profile and to make accessories that people really love to wear.  I’m sure I wrote this last time but I’d like to set up my own regular workshops. I’ll be collecting information from potential participants, so please give me a nudge.

http://karenrao.com/ 

http://karenrao.etsy.com
https://www.facebook.com/karen.rao2

https://twitter.com/KarenFeltArtist

 

One Week Today!!! Saturday 12th April- Don’t miss it!

The Fairy Tale Fair is just one week today! How time flies when your a fairy with lots to do!

Hope lots of you can join us next Saturday 12th April for lots of craft-y fun! There will be over 35 craft & vintage stalls from local designers & makers, a wonderful vintage tearoom with lots of Easter treats, face painting, charity raffle for The Martlets and much more!

Find us at Patcham Methodist Church, Ladies Mile Road, Patcham, Brighton, BN18TA. Full contact details here. Open 10.30am-4pm.

Like the sound of it!? Please share with all your friends and bring them along on the day!

IT’S GOING TO BE MAGICAL!

 

Say Hello to Ribbon Real

Today we are happy to welcome another fairy tale fair newbie, Ribbon Real:

Tell us/ remind us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

I’m Lynn Watt and I run Ribbonreal – home of beautiful  hand made vintage kimono silk homewares and accessories.

I make fabulous kimono cushions in hand painted and embroidered silks, but I make lots of other pretty things besides ; )

I come from a Fashion and Design background and have a passion for all things vintage and Japanese.

How long have you been making your craft items?

I have been making kimono crafts for 4 years now – wow – time flies when you’re having fun! I needed to find an outlet for my creative self after giving up my job as an Art Director on a lifestyle magazine to become a full time mother of twins.

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?

This is a bit tricky as each of my cushions is a complete one off but I know that red cushions with either cranes or cherry blossoms always go from my shop really quickly and my geometric pattern cushions are very popular and on trend right now! Also, at fairs I sell kimono hairbands and these always sell like hot cakes!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I’ve always been inspired by the orient especially having lived so close to Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, and one day I just stumbled upon my kimono man-in-Japan on the internet! I was hooked on collecting kimono fabric from that day and I admit I’m a bit of a hoarder now! I am addicted! But I couldn’t believe how sad it was that kimonos were being un picked and sold off in strips. It’s amazing the art and craftsmanship that has gone into each kimono. So I wanted to make something out of the silk that could be equally special and beautiful and handed down for years to come. Each silk is so unique and special and it is such a beautiful medium to work with. I am so lucky going to my studio everyday to work with such beautiful cloth.

Will you have some special Spring time Easter creations for sale?

I have lots of gorgeous seasonal cushions featuring butterflies, birds and florals. I also make flower soaps inspired by my love of the orient and I have made a very special little vintage bunny who will be carrying a kimono silk carrot! Nom nom.

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

I try to get out there as much as I can as my products are so tactile! I am a regular at Pop Up Vintage in Hassocks and am stocked at Brigden & Bayliss in Lewes aswell as the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne.

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them? 

I am always inventing new ways with silk and my mind is always wandering and creating new things. Next on my list is to design my own fabric inspired by the amazing patterns I have discovered in kimono silks. But I need more spare time for this to happen!

Describe what Easter means to you in 5 words or less:

Springtime, birth, joy and happiness!

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LynnWatt

https://www.facebook.com/Ribbonreal

Tweets by ribbonreal

 

Say Hello to… Shiny Pigeon

Today we are super exited to welcome back the lovely Rebecca of Shiny Pigeon, she was very popular at our last fair and we’ll sure she will be again!…

Tell us/ remind us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

Hello! I’m Rebecca and I create whimsical woodland creatures and gifts from fabric, felt and yarn. I work out of the back bedroom of our Nest, normally with our woof, Chekhov laid around my feet and my husband on a very important conference call on the desk next to mine. My creations are inspired by the books I read as a child and I hope to invoke the nostalgia of Enid Blyton, Kenneth Grahame and Richard Adams for the young…or at least the young at heart.

How long have you been making your craft items?

I can’t remember a time I wasn’t making something, I am quite lucky to have been encouraged to ‘be quiet and find something to do’ from an early age. I taught myself to crochet around 3 years ago and I have been sewing since I was allowed to use a needle. I opened the digital doors of The Pigeon’s Nest in 2012 as an outlet for my creativity, and I haven’t looked back.

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?

This year, my rabbits have really done well…. I think I have a certain Christmas ad from John Lewis to thank for that. They make fabulous gifts for children and newborns too…I love getting bunny snuggle photos!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I love to respond to what customers want. I’ve added so many new colour ways recently after getting commissions and then falling in love with the result! The biggest head over heels moment I have had recently has to be for my bunny in a lemon yellow, requested by a customer. I want to make a whole warren full of those beauties!

Will you have some special Spring time Easter creations for sale?

For spring and summer my Love Birds shed their Christmassy colours for pastels and there are chicks galore! Of course, my rabbits will be making an appearance….what is Easter without the Easter bunny?

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

I am very excited to be part of Cowpie this year. Having moved from Dorking, it will now be held at Blue Anchor Farm in Lingfield on the 11^th of May. Looks like it should be a brilliant day for all the family!

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

I have so many plans for The Pigeon’s Nest! I have recently put some of my makes into a lovely brick and mortar shop in Horsham, and this year I hope to find another lovely little boutique, perhaps in Brighton who would stock me too.

Describe what Easter means to you in 5 words or less:

Spring has finally sprung. HOORAY!

You have previously taken part in The Fairy Tale Fair. Did you enjoy the day?

I honestly had SO much fun at the last Fairy Tale Fair. I was quite poorly and was slurping Lemsips under my table, but that didn’t put a dampener on my day at all! Everyone was so friendly (and SUPER talented!) and it really felt like a buzzing community of fabulous makers. It was a great way to spend my Saturday!

Any other comments you wish to make:

The Pigeon’s Nest has made the leap on to Etsy, and I am very pleased we have. Not all my wonderful things are listed yet, but I am just very pleased to be part of such a wonderful online community…. You can find me at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ThePigeonsNestUK .

I can’t wait to be back at The Fairy Tale Fair! 😀

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:

http://www.thepigeonsnest.com

http://twitter.com/shinypigeon

https://www.facebook.com/ThePigeonsNest

http://shinypigeon.wordpress.com 

But what is a craft fair without bunting….?

We love our bunting here at The Fairy Tale Fair! We can’t wait to show off the beautiful bunting by bunting boutique, which will decorate our fair once again!

Bunting Boutique’s bunting at our spring fair

Here are a few words from Sue, owner of Bunting Boutique:

“Down on the Sunny South Coast, tucked away on a side street a mere stones-throw from the beach resides Bunting Boutique, makers of the most exquisite handmade one-off pieces of bunting.

In our Aladdins cave of a studio, surrounded by a myriad of fabrics, tools, nic-nacs and trinkets, we lovingly construct strand upon strand of bunting, the colour and fabric of every single piece carefully considered, every stitch laboured over.

Our vintage ranges are little works of art in their own right, and with materials sourced from all four corners of the globe (well, Sussex anyway!) you can guarantee that every bundle is totally unique.

By incorporating things like a crocheted doily, a gorgeous trim detail, or an area of hand embroidery, every piece has it’s own story, it’s own history, and we hope, a wonderful future!

If you’re looking for something specific, something more personal perhaps, then please click here to read more about the many bespoke services we can provide.

We can hand embroider letters onto linen to create words or phrases of your choice, or we can design and make Bunting to your specification.

You can choose the patterns, fabric and colour scheme of your choice to guarantee it fits perfectly wherever it ends up hanging.

If you have a special piece of vintage linen which is sentimental to you and would like to see it transformed into a lovely garland, we will gladly help you to realise this. So head over to our Bespoke page for more details.

Bunting in action at our Spring fair

It’s no secret we really love what we do, and we love to create items that you’ll find inspiring and enhance and transform your home, bedroom, wedding venue, caravan or garden into a magical space.”

Find out more about Bunting Boutique here.

See their bunting decorating our fair at Patcham Methodist Church on April 12th!

Rosehip: Vintage Tearoom Menu!

As you’ve already heard Rosehip will once again be running our vintage tearoom, which we are super excited about!

Their final menu for the day is now in and it sounds amazing! There is something for everyone, all ages, and some gluten free items too!

Final menu from Rosehip for the vintage tearoom is here:

CAKES, BISCUITS and TARTS
Simnel Cake
Dark Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel
Pineapple Hummingbird Cake (Never-Ending Cake)
Lemon and Poppyseed Meringue Layer Cake
Almond Apricot Pansy Cake
Chocolate and Raspberry Brownies
Earl Grey and Bergamot Cupcakes
Raspberry and Passion Fruit Muffins
Passion Fruit Sandwich biscuits
Little Cherry Bakewell Tarts
Shortbread Fingers

GLUTEN FREE
Thai Rice and Coconut Cake
Blood Orange, Lemon and Almond Cake

CHILDRENS’ TREATS
Little Chocolate Easter Nests
Little Vanilla Daisy Cupcakes
Gingerbread Bunny Biscuits

SAVOURIES
Cheese Scones
Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas (pasties)*
Goats Cheese and Caramelised Red Onion Tart*
*Served with a selection of salads

DRINKS
Selection of teas and coffee
Hot chocolate
Selection of fruit juices
Water (Still and fizzy)

…..mmm! Plus hand iced gifted Easter biscuits!

 

Say Hello To… Lisa – Celestielle Paint. Face & Body Painting

Today we welcome another fair newcomer, Lisa of Celestielle Paint who will be bringing the fairy tales to life by painting faces in our cafe area!…

Tell us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

I’m Lisa from Celestielle Paint, I’m an award-winning Brighton based face & body artist. I provide high quality, professional face & body art for children & adults alike.

How long have you been painting faces?

I first started painting faces around 3 years ago. The first faces I painted were my children’s and I was immediately hooked! Before long, I was being asked by friends to paint at their children’s parties and it has snowballed from there!

 

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?

The most popular request by far is the butterfly! Closely followed by flower fairies and monster faces…

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

Honestly, I love it all, but the best part of the job is holding the mirror up to show the finished design and the huge beaming smile that follows!

Will you have some special Spring time Easter designs on offer?

I have some very cute Spring designs which girls and boys love!

 

Do you take part in other events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

I have painted faces at a huge array of events, from huge music festivals, airports, football stadiums, shopping centres, night clubs, food festivals, charity fundraising events and many more. Check out my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/celestiellepaint for details of where you can find me

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

Last year was a very exciting year for me – being accepted as a member of FACE – the Face Painting Association and being awarded Paintopia Face Painter of the Year were particular highlights. This year I will be taking classes with the World Face & Body Painting Champion, Matteo Arfanotti from Italy, which I am super excited about!

Describe what Easter means to you in 5 words or less:

Children, chocolate and community!

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:
www.celestiellepaint.co.uk
www.facebook.com/celestiellepaint