The Winter Arts Market, Merseyside’s largest arts and crafts market returns to St George’s Hall on 6 & 7 December 2014 from 10am – 5pm. A modern arts & crafts fair with something for all ages, the market features work from more than 200 designers and makers over two days and is the perfect place to pick up beautifully unique gifts in the lead up to Christmas.
The market is also a great way for emerging artists, designers and makers to showcase their work and for customers to support the local creative economy. Many of this year’s stallholders are from Merseyside and the surrounding areas such as Wirral, Southport and St Helens.
We take a closer look at just some of the talented makers pitching a stall this year…
Wirral milliner Sue Wood came to hat design after struggling to find a hat that fit her for her daughter’s wedding. Her work fuses vintage style with a contemporary edge, handcrafted using traditional methods and, where possible, upcycled materials.
Liverpool-based painter Martin Jones draws inspiration from nature, and leans towards unusual, even whimsical, designs and ideas. He works on surfaces ranging from unconventionally-shaped canvases to glass bottles, small vases and boxes.
Amy Lawrence is a textile designer from Lancashire specialising in artisan knitted jewellery made from top-quality yarns. Her work is inspired by her interest in science, nature and traditional cultures.
Steven Porter, from West Derby, creates unique hand made jewellery boxes and other wooden items with beautiful patterns made up of several hundred individual pieces.
This year’s children’s workshop will be hosted by KECS Creative, who offer Christmas crafting fun for all ages. Attendees can build their own Jolly Jumping Jacks toy from recycled cardboard – a cross between a puppet and a paper doll, the toys will be available in a number of festive designs for just £3 each.
Live music co-ordinated by local promoters Mellowtone will once again be a prominent feature of the event. Specific performers, including favourites the Liverpool Ukelele Orchestra, will be announced nearer the time. Shoppers can also relax and enjoy food and drink from Cuthbert’s Café at the North Entrance, which overlooks historic William Brown Street.
For more details visit liverpoolartsmarket.com.