Say hello to….Yellow Bear Wares

We look forward to welcoming Fairy Tale Fair newbie Claire of Yellow Bear Wares, who you will find in our workshop room. Find out more about her wonderful quirky vintage knitting needle jewellery….

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

Hello! my name is Claire, I design and make jewellery for my Etsy store Yellow Bear Wares. I’ve always been a maker but I am reasonably new to the world of ‘crafting to sell’ and so far I am really enjoying myself, I’m very excited to be a part of the Fairy Tale fair on November 16^th.

I create my jewellery using vintage and second hand plastic knitting needles. I design and make rings, bracelets, necklaces and I have just launched a new design of mine- knitting needle earrings!

They are the perfect gift to buy for a yarn lover, knitter, crochet fan, crafter or someone that appreciates the upcycled and quirky idea of jewellery made from knitting needles!

How long have you been making your craft items?

I started making knitting needle bracelets for friends and for myself a few years ago and then last year I decided to make some for my parents stall ‘One Bright Spark’ that they take to markets in the South West of England.

The process of making them for my parents enabled me to realise how much I missed the ‘hands on’ making part of my life as it had started to fade away what with work and life!

I really enjoy the whole method, from rummaging through boot sales and charity shops to find my needles through to the challenge of experimenting and designing my items and having the final pieces ready to photograph and sell (or to add to my own jewellery box!). My Etsy shop has been open since February this year.

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it? And do you have some special festive items planned to sell?

My rings have proved to be very popular at the few craft fairs I have done, I think it’s a combination of the bright and funky colours and the idea of it’s previous life as a crafting implement that excites people.

At The Fairy Tale Fair on the 16^th of November I will be adding a new line to my stall: ‘EXTREME KNITTING NEEDLES!’ These are giant wooden knitting needles which are 61cm long that have been hand-made by my father. 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 Christmas gift for the knitter in your life!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

Designing and making! I love trying to think up new design ideas and literally noodleing about with my needles! When inspiration hits me I really enjoy trying to create the vision I have had, sometimes I am pleasantly surprised and it’s the mistakes that make the best results.

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

I have a few fairs lined up in the run up towards Christmas. I’m excited to be doing Craftaganza for a weekend (30^th November/1^st December), Art Junky at the Phoenix for the first time on December the 14^th, and also ‘We Made This’ on December 21^st for those late gift buyers! It’s my first year doing the Christmas run so I’m currently trying to figure out just how much stock I’ll need and focusing on creating a display for my new designs.

I’ve just had some very exciting news that I will be participating in an open house in May next year, this will be a completely new experience for me and I’m looking forward to it already!

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

I hope to develop and expand my Yellow Bear Wares activities, I’m thinking about opening an online Folksy store to help my UK sales base to grow. I have some new design ideas, which are a bit different to my current products but would fit the ‘knitting’ theme and I am hoping to get them out of my brain and into reality in the not too distant future!

Sum up what Christmas is to you in 5 words or less!:

Family, indulgence, loved ones, excitement, sparkle.

Link to your site/ blog/ social accounts:

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/YellowBearWares

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YellowBearWares

Blog: http://yellowbearwares.wordpress.com

Say Hello To… Trish Palmer

Today we welcome back Trish Palmer- her knitted cati were very popular at the last fair, in fact we are still getting messages about them now! They will be back for summer along with lots of other lovely creations…

“It’s fabulous to be with craft lovers – sellers and buyers, plus cake and tea. What’s not to love?” – Trish Palmer

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

I taught Textiles at the local secondary school for over 30 years. During those years I taught students how to hand sew and use a sewing machine. I also promoted embroidery, knitting, quilting, French knitting, tie/dye and patchwork within the lessons or short courses at the end of terms. Now I have retired I am enjoying experimenting with different crafts and combining them in different ways.

How would you describe your style?

I like to work quite small but always take care to make everything detailed. I love colour, decoration and embroidery. My creations, I hope, show lots of skill but are still practical. I always try to incorporate a little something to make you smile.

How long have you been making your craft items?

I have always made bits and pieces for friends and relatives but have only sold my items for the last year or so.

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

My knitted cacti seem very popular as they look real but are not vicious and you cannot kill them – practical but fun. People like my Super Star peg dollies as they are very detailed with lots of ribbon, lace and glitz – modeled on Lady Gaga. I have made up some kits for the next fair so everyone can make their own individual Super Star.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I never make exactly the same thing twice. Everything is different from the last one. So I still get a kick when I find a new pot for a cacti or a really nice piece of fabric for a peg dolly. I love trying new ideas.

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

I only work with The Fairy Fair and have been lucky enough to have done 3 fairs to date. I am really looking forward to the Fairy Fairs 1st birthday fair.

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

I enjoy crafting and if people continue to like my work I will continue to sell. If not, then my friends and relatives will receive more gifts! I cannot imagine not doing some sort of craft work. I am painting a farm yard mural for my new granddaughter at the moment!

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

It’s fabulous to be with craft lovers – sellers and buyers, plus cake and tea. What’s not to love?

Any other comments you wish to make:

I cannot praise Claire enough for her professional but friendly organization of the Fairy Fair. It always looks fantastic.

Say Hello To Calico & Cotton

We first met Calico and Cotton at our last Fairy Tale Fair, and we are lucky enough to have the mother and daughter team back again. Find out more about them…

“We Absolutley loved The Fairy Tale Fair! Such a great atmosphere, amazing stallholders and the workshops were great…” – Becky, Calico & Cotton

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

We are a Mother and Daughter team who have a passion for the Arts and Crafts. Our items include Beautiful, unique Rag Dolls, Knitted Cats ( full of character! ), Childrens Felt Pictures, Vintage Inspired Jewelry and many more!

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

We have a few… The Fairy Castle Picture, Rag Doll and the Brooches seem to be a favourite to!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

We love coming up with new ideas and being able to create them and seeing the end result!

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

At the moment we have just been with The Fairy Tale Fair.

What items and Mother’s day/ Easter gifts will you be selling at The Fairy Tale Fair?

We are not yet sure what items we will be selling for Mothers Day/ Easter Gifts, but we will be coming up with some ideas for it!

You took part in the last Fairy Tale Fair, did you enjoy it?

Absolutley loved it! Such a great atmosphere, amazing stallholders and the workshops were great ( epecially for the kids! )

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

We hope that one day we will be able to sell through shops and just to be able to continue what we are doing!

Any other comments you wish to make:

We cant wait to see everybody there! It’s going to be fantastic!

View and buy online: www.etsy.com/shop/calicoandcotton

 

We look forward to welcoming Calico & Cotton back on Saturday 9th March!

Say Hello To…Irene Dobson

Today we meet a Fairy Tale Fair newbie- Irene Dobson. We are looking forward to having Irene and her wonderful knitted characters, especially the easter bunnies!

“I find knitting and sewing very relaxing – and it beats housework :)” – Irene.

How long have you been crafting and what do you enjoy about it?

I have loved knitting and making since I was a child.
I especially like knitting colourful dolls and baby shoes.
I find lots of nice patterns on the Internet, and buying wool is an obsession.

My sister Sally and I have ‘making’ days (tea, cakes and a chat!!), and share lots of ideas….
I also sew, and make small gifts, adults and children’s aprons etc…. But knitting is my first love.

I have been making crafts on and off since my children were small – now, for the grandchildren.
I knit dolls as presents and some made to order for friends, who inspired me to try and sell some of my collection.

What are your best sellers?

My best sellers are the dolls and the baby shoes

I find knitting and sewing very relaxing – and it beats housework 🙂

Are you taking part in any other fairs?

This will be my third craft fair, and I already have another booked before Easter.
Sally and I do the fairs together, as we both enjoy meeting nice people and seeing all the unusual craft stalls. A great way to spend an afternoon

What Easter & Mother’s Day creations can we expect from you?

I hope the Easter bunnies and bags complete with chocolate eggs, prove to be popular.
I have some small gifts, which may be nice as extras for Mother’s Day – or any day!

I hope to do more fairs, and am constantly looking for new things to make.

We look forward to welcoming Irene to The Fairy Tale Fair on Saturday the 9th March!

Say Hello To…I Like CATS

Today we say hello to Toby of ‘I Like CATS’. We are very excited to welcome Toby and his wonderful knitted cat creations to the fair- which will be his first craft fair! We think it will be the first of many and his festive cat creations will be popular we’re sure! Read on to find out more…

“To make a solid item from a piece of wool is very satisfying! I also find it very relaxing (most of the time)! To be able to make is a wonderful thing…”- Toby, I Like CATS

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

My name is Toby Oliver Dean and I like CATS and I like knitting. I like lots of other things too, but cats and knitting are pretty major in my life. I have a degree in Fine Art but I seem to have forgotten everything I learnt and have basically reverted back to my childhood. I make knitted brooches and other trinkets such as rings and illustrations, mainly featuring big fat rainbow cats but sometimes dogs and ponies and aubergines too (I love aubergines).

How would you describe your style?

I like things to be tactile; so I try to make items that are pretty to look at but you can also touch and wear every day. I don’t believe in everything looking perfect and uniform so each item is completely unique – colours may vary, cuteness will not!

How long have you been making your craft items?

I’ve been knitting since forever, but I didn’t get serious about my crafting until I moved to Brighton a year ago. Being self-employed in a land of serious creativity has helped a lot, and I’m finally starting to be able to dedicate more time to making knitted cat lovliness.

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

Probably my custom pet brooches, which are also my favourite thing to make! It’s always a bit of a challenge to replicate a much loved pet into knitted brooch form, but so far everyone has loved the results!

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

To make a solid item from a piece of wool is very satisfying! I also find it very relaxing (most of the time)! To be able to make is a wonderful thing.

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

The Fairy Tale Fair will be my very first craft fair! I’m very excited but also nervous, as I have a funny feeling that maybe I am the only person in the world who actually likes the things I make… I use Folksy and Etsy but I find both systems quite impersonal and haven’t really got them to work for me yet. I have some more fairs lined up for December, and I think The Fairy Tale Fair will be the perfect place to begin my craft fair adventure!

What items and festive gifts will you be selling at The Fairy Tale Fair?

Alongside my cat brooches and rings I’ve been working on some cat face baulbauls, as well as little robins and Christmas puddings! I’ve also been busy illustrating some hilarious (I think) cat-pun Christmas cards. Other seasonal pieces include my cable knit headbands which are lovely for winter.

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

I really want to knit a Where The Wild Things Are style cat onesie, with whiskers, ears and a tail. I also want a dog – does that count as an ambition?

Any other comments you wish to make:
Meow.

See I Like CATS shop here: http://folksy.com/shops/ILIKECATS

We can’t wait to see all the cute cats at the fair- in fact we might have to purchase one ourselves! Everyone likes CATS!

Say Hello To…Stiff Stitches

As we near ever closer to our fair we still have lots to tell you about our stall holders! Today we speak to Stiff Stitches – Crochet Emporium. Find out more about her lovely wooly creations…

“I love taking a load of wool, buttons and so on, and creating something with it’s own personality. When it goes right, there is a magic moment where any doubt disappears and you fall a little bit in love with what you are making.”– Stiff Stitches

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

I learned to crochet last November and to say I became instantly hooked is an understatement (as well as a bad pun). Now I am never happier than when crocheting with a cup of tea, maybe with an episode of Poirot or Gardener’s World for company (I may be 35 but I’m not above falling asleep on the sofa while listening to the wireless). I have dabbled in various things – baby blankets & booties, hats, bags etc, but my main products are cushions and Amigurumi – small crochet characters ranging from sea creatures to Stormtroopers.

How would you describe your style?

Colourful and wooly.

How long have you been making your craft items?

About nine months. A friend of mine showed me how to crochet a flower and I literally couldn’t stop from then on…it felt like a language I already knew but had forgotten!! Crochet makes perfect sense to me and so far it seems that there is no limit to what can be made with yarn and a crochet hook!

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

Poirot, the Belgian detective, definitely. I made the first one as a birthday present for my Poirot-loving friend, in April. Since then I have had loads of requests from family and friends, and have had orders via facebook and Etsy from all over the place – Scotland, Illinois…bizarre but brilliant to discover a worldwide network of Poirot admirers!! And I love making him – each one is different to the last but every time, he is unmistakeably Hercule Poirot :0)

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I love taking a load of wool, buttons and so on, and creating something with it’s own personality. When it goes right, there is a magic moment where any doubt disappears and you fall a little bit in love with what you are making. I actually felt quite sad putting the most recent Poirot in a jiffy bag to send away!! But I love knowing that my little creations are going to someone who will enjoy them.

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

My main source for commissions is via my Etsy shop (Stiff Stitches) and my facebook page (Snorkers Imaginarium, just to confuse you), but I will definitely be looking into more events following on from the Fairytale Fair.

What products/ items will you be selling at The Fairy Tale Fair?

A big pile of squodgy cushions and a selection of amigurumi characters. Lots of octopii 🙂

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

I am working on an idea for a book of patterns (top secret!) and would like to set up my own online shop at some point. Other than this, it’s all about new ideas – crochet being a somewhat slow process, I have a list of ideas that I haven’t got around to trying yet – my next new project is going to be a Penguin Classics inspired book-style Kindle cover – watch my website www.stiffstitches.com or check my facebook page for first glimpse!

Any other comments you wish to make:

I’m really looking forward to the Fairytale Fair – the other stalls look so colourful and vibrant – it will be great to see what everyone is up to and hopefully try some of that famous glittery candy floss I keep hearing about!!

We can’t wait to welcome Stiff Stitches and her colourful wooly creations at The Fairy Tale Fair!

Find out more: Website | Facebook | Etsy

Say Hello To…Sasa Boo

Today we Say Hello To…Sasa Boo! We love her knitted rabbits and we are looking forward to meeting them at the fair!

It’s not about world domination, just bringing new creations to the market which I think are special and affordable. – Sasa Boo

Tell us a bit about you and what you do/ make….
I work with two incredibly talented Aunts who are skilled knitters and sewers. Together we combine our passion for hand-made crafts and items we wish existed. We have always hand an eye for cute prints, interesting buttons and novel accessories which helped to inspire us to create Sasa Boo. Having worked in jewellery for five years I have a keen eye for what people are looking for and what isn’t in every shop. Combining a love of interesting vintage finds I source items across the world wide web to create pieces that I would love to receive.

 How would you describe your style?

As I’ve got older I prefer to invest in timeless pieces, especially good tailoring and classic prints. However, I have a quirky edge to my style – whether that be a bow here and there or a ribbon worn around my waist, not forgetting my love of ballerina pumps. However, when it comes to the home its a mix of classic country interior meets french boudoir chic. I love to collect ornaments along the way and any pretty print, be it cushions, curtains or bedding.

 How long have you been making your craft items?

My jewellery line which is stocked in a store in Brighton was formed last year. My online shop on etsy was also established last year and has been running successfully. However, I’ve been making and doing long, long before then.Yet, having the confidence to sell your creations is quite another adventure all together and before I was happy just making for friends and family. It is still nerve wracking unveiling your creations, especially when you know how long they have taken to create, but it is always satisfying to hear positive feedback.

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

My resin hair slides have been the most popular online item along with my hand-made, water colour greetings cards.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

Being a trainee teacher takes a lot of my spare time and I rarely have “me time” but sitting down to paint, make or create is a fantastic way to escape into my imagination and is thoroughly therapeutic. I love seeing my ideas come to life and for me its about making something special and individual.

 Do you take part in other craft events?

I have recently taken part in a fair in Brighton at ‘The Friends Meeting House’ and will also be doing a fair in July in Worthing’s new ‘Barties Boutique’. Towards Christmas I hope to show at Craftaganza in Brighton as well.

What products/ items will you be selling at The Fairy Tale Fair?

The fair will have a good range of affordable gifts. For jewellery I will be selling some vintage brass jewellery and some sterling silver pieces, I will also have a range of hair slides to. The famous knitted bunnies will be there along with some other knitted items. Fabric hearts and scented pouches as well as hand-made fabric covered notebooks will be on sale to. My most recent creation will be showcased which allows the purchaser to create a personalized greetings card, selecting one of my hand-made illustrated cards and a brass initial or numeral necklace, all for £4.50. A really lovely and simple gift.

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

 I’ve always got a head full of ideas and it’s my husband who has to reign me back in. I will definitely continue to create and make, as well as sell at local fairs. I focus alot on the website and hope to expand this in the future. When I can I would love to open my own tea room and would sell all my crafts alongside the delicious cakes and freshly brewed tea. It’s not about world domination, just bringing new creations to the market which I think are special and affordable.

Check us out at the Fairy Tale Fair and online at:

Web: www.sasaboo.co.uk

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/SasaBoo

We can’t wait to see all of Sasa Boo’s wonderful creations and have our eye on her beautiful handmade cards!