Yesterday saw us at the third Sooth Isles Craft Fair which is organised by Julie Shearer and Iulia Fisher. The Fair takes place over two days, Saturday 26th May and Sunday 27th May running from 12pm – 4pm and consists of 22 stalls, The Books Sales Room and The Cafe.
The event is a way for local crafters, artists and small businesses to showcase their wares whilst supporting The Cromarty Hall in St Margarets Hope.
The stalls filled the main hall, a room off to the side and the exhibition room upstairs, which boasted a magnificent array of produce from Ponchos to Woodwork, Knitting to Glassware, Jewellery to Booties, oh and don’t forget man’s best friend, as there was even a stall selling organic dog treats, yum yum.
As always I was blown away by the quality of the works and the incredible imaginations of people to be able to visualise a finished product.
Steve Thompson from Wheems Organic had a range of Brassicas plants, these are winter greens which included, kale, curly kale, cabbages and Brussels sprouts.
Donald Campbell of The Orkney Workshop uses reclaimed wood, whether it be from floorboards or pallets and produces the most magnificent woodwork in a variety of items like pillared candle holders, creepies and occasional tables, works brought to life by his daughter the extremely knowledgeable Abigail.
Carrie Paxton Design glass works are all bespoke, personally made for you. Their designs include trees, seashells and images from around Orkney including The Standing Stones.
Upstairs you will find Sheila Chapman who takes unused or leftover tiles and turns them into Decoupage Tiles to be used as individual works of art or even as a handy coaster.
The Book Sales Room is run on behalf of The Cromarty Halls which is a charity. Committee member Sue Graves said that it started with just one book and although I did not count them I could see that it has escalated into many hundreds. Sue asked if we would thank the people who have given books, expressing gratitude at their generous donations.
After perusing and hopefully purchasing some of this wonderful produce why not stop by the cafe for a brew and a slice of homemade cake. On hand to serve in the cafe were Eve Hourston-Wells, Gina Penwarden and Elaine Lonstrath and going by the gaps in the cakes it certainly looked like they were doing a roaring trade.
So why not pop along today to have a wee look and perhaps purchase a bespoke gift for that person who has everything, or even yourself, you could even think ahead, is it really too soon to mention Christmas……….
Here is a list of all the stalls, if I’ve missed anyone out I apologise and please feel free to get in touch.
Wheems Organic Steve Tulloch Hope Plants Valerie Cheyne
Ponchos Iulia Fisher Humour Lounge Orkney David Bain
Artworks Graham Anderton Carrie Paxton Designs Carrie Paxton
V T Knits Vivienne Tullock Hestia Jewellery Emma Thomson
The Orkney Workshop Donald Cambell Bellie M Designs Melanie Miller
Knitting Services & Designs Anne Mackie Cakes & Sweeties Louise Seatter
Art Photography Textiles Kim McEwan Peedie Handmade Gifts Fiona Smith
Hesta Crafts Sarah Laughton Art works and produce Julia Shearer
Maxalicious Dog Treats April Powell Younique Jenni Wilson
Neals Yard Remedies Laura Montgomery Mac Laughton Hyge Hame Crafts
Vintage Antiques Collectibles Tanya McGill Decoupage Tiles Sheila Chapman
Whitehouse Crafts Mirran Hall Book Sales Room Sue Graves
Cafe Ladies Eve Hourston-Wells, Gina Penwarden, Elaine Longstrath