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…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

 

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

Say Hello to… Lubilou Ceramics

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

Hello, i’m Lisa from Lubilou Ceramics and I make sheep, chickens, harebbits, brooches and home decorations.

How long have you been making your craft items?

Ive been making for a few years now.

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

It changes all of the time and just when I think i’ve made enough of one thing it’ll be something else that takes over in the popularity stakes.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

Being free to do what I want to do and having fun.

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

I hope to get around to making some Easter decorations, small sheep that maybe I can call lambs and maybe small chickens that I can call chicks?

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

I take part in Makers Boutique, and Appleducks events, Jessie Jumbles and will this year also be joining We Made This

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

Gosh, I haven’t achieved the plans that I made last time which was to make enough to have a fully stocked online outlet. There’s so much more that I’d like to do with Lubilou but i’m always running out of time, minutes are like seconds and hours are like minutes. I’d like to find a way of slowing down time and making days last longer.

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

Chocolate and bank holidays!

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

I have taken part twice and loved it. It really is all that they say it is…..magical.

Any other comments you wish to make:

It is wonderful to take part in such a successful fair which is down to the fabulous organiser and the support of the local community.

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:

www.lubilou.com

www.facebook.com/lubilouceramic

www.twitter.com/lubilouceramic

Say Hello to…Earth Kids

Today we welcome Earth Kids, who you’ll find in our craft workshop room. They’ll be conducting a wonderful Easter themed workshop, read on to find out more:

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

We are all about getting back to nature, creating using natural resources and getting children of all ages involved in nature-based activities, inside and outside.

How long have you been making your craft items?

Earth Kids have been organising activities for over a year now, but this our first fair craft stall!

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

Our activity for this event is definitely a proven favourite… Kids just love to crush and crunch chalk to mix and create their own paint. And then to be able to use it to decorate something they can keep is a bonus.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

Working with children and helping them understand all the exciting stuff about the natural world around them.  Like the chalk that is right under their feet!

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

The children (or adults!) can choose from a selection of wooden Easter animals and shapes which they can decorate however they like, to take home.

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

We are planning to have a stall at the Patcham Infants school summer fayre in June this year.

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

Loads of plans to run more craft fair stalls as well as getting our Earth Kids fun Saturday afternoons up and running again. I have enough time on my hands now that both my little ones are now at school.

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

Crisp bright sunshine….. Grape hyacinths!

Any other comments you wish to make:

Earth Kids are very excited about running our first craft stall!

Find out more:

www.earthkids.co.uk

Say Hello to…Miss Muffin Top

Today in the second of our stall holder posts we welcome back the oh so yummy Miss Muffin Top and her magical looking chocolates! Find her in the entrance hall on April 12th…

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

Cute, Quirky, glittery chocolates and other confectioneries, perfect for giving as gifts or just as a little treat to you. There is now a wide selection of vegan goodies on offer due to vegan demand!

How long have you been making your chocolates?

Approximately 4 years!

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

The best seller has to be the vegan peanut butter cups however I reckon there will be a new favourite at the Easter stall as I bring out a wider selection of vegan friendly chocolates and treats!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

They’re so pretty and glittery but the best part is the fact that they’re edible!!

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

Indeed I do! It’s a surprise 😉 but I promise there will be more vegan and gluten free treats on offer!

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

Not at the moment although I would love to start selling my treats at other quirky events so if anyone has any suggestions please don’t hesitate to contact me or approach me at my stall…I won’t bite!

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

My goal is to open up my own quirky, vegan chocolate shop/ tea room as I also make baked goods and enjoy catering to people with dietary requirements such as vegan and gluten free (check out my face book page for details).

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

Chocolate!!! (of course),

Bunnies,

Family,

Easter lunch!

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

Yes I have taken part twice now and loved every minute of both times.

Any other comments you wish to make:

Can’t wait to take part again!

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Miss-Muffin-Top/209648499045508

http://instagram.com/miss_muffin_top

Say Hello To…Jen Moules Textile Design

In the first of our stall holder blog posts for Sprin 2014 we welcome a Fairy Tale Fair newbie, the wonderful Jen Moules Textile Design. Find out more…

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

I am a British designer maker specialising in textile home wares, wallpapers and gifts.

Originally from Somerset I graduated from the Arts University College at Bournemouth in 2011 with a BA (Hons) in Textile Design and now work from my studio in Hampshire. I  draw inspiration from my surroundings and have a passion for nature and wildlife which is reflected in both my textile designs and illustrative work.

My current range of products include greeting cards, gift wrap, prints, cushions, lampshades, fabrics and wallpapers and are available to buy from my online store.

I also offers a bespoke colour match service for all my products, am available to work freelance and commissions are always welcome!

How long have you been making your craft items?

Jen Moules Textile Design has been in business almost three years, since I graduated in July 2011.

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

Every exhibition or market I take part in there seems to be a different favorite each time but I can say the brighter, bolder colour combinations are always a a hit!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I have a real passion for screen printing. I love that no two prints are ever a like ensuring each product is unique and believe the screen print quality lends itself well to my quirky patterns and illustrations.

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

I will be selling a my new range of tea towels for the first time and a collection of gift wrap, perfect if you want to pick up a little gift for someone special.

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

I have taken part in 16 events to date, ranging from small craft markets to large trade shows. I will be taking part in this year’s Brighton and Hove Artists Open House as well as returning to the Festival of Living Crafts at Hatfield House for the second year running. Both events are in May of this year so it’s going to be a very busy month!

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

I hope to expand my range of products but still ensuring all my work is produced in the UK, secure more stockist for my product line and find a regular local selling event.

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

Chocolate bunnies and a nap!

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:

http://jen-moules.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jen-Moules-Textile-Design/278482612234304
https://twitter.com/JenMoules

Spring Applications Released!

It’s that time of year again and The Fairy Tale Fair applications have been released today! Our Spring fair is Saturday April 12th 2014, same time, same place!

It’s the weekend before Easter and we are looking forward to some craft-y Spring time fun, gifts and treats!

If you are a designer/ maker/ vintage seller and would like to apply then applications are open until Sunday Februray 9th 2014. Full details of the day, dates and prices are on the application form and PDF.

Find out more, and about all the marketing we will be doing to create a buzz about the fair!

Click here to apply now!

We are also celebrating over 50,000 views on this blog- THANK YOU to everyone who has taken an interest!
We are doing well on Twitter (3,700 followers), and Facebook (nearly 5,000 fans) too!

Can’t wait to see lots of you again in Spring- it’s going to be MAGICAL!