Pop Up Market - Kennet & Avon Wharf

Hi There.
With only one week to go till our launch day, I thought I would tell you a bit about the new venture. Probably one of the most exciting things Foxy Lady Creations has done to date.
As a result of the success of Newbury Crafters Network Christmas Pop Up Shop, we decided we should give it another go. The Christmas Pop Up Shop proved that there is a community need for this kind of venture. We felt we were show casing some of the best talent around, and also providing a space for like minded people to get together, chat and share ideas or indeed for anyone that was interested.

Tea Shop by the Canal - Kennet & Avon Canal Trust

Newbury Crafters Network started last September, with me, Gillian Hicks (Dragons Hoard) and Sue Armstrong Fellows (Honey and Rose). We all identified that we wanted more opportunities to sell our products, and immediately talked about premises. Premises in the area are very expensive and business rates are astronomical, and we are not in that league (yet). Gillian led the way with sourcing us a place to hold a Christmas Pop Up shop, and before we knew it, we were planning how to do it.
Newbury Crafters Network, meet monthly, and includes people that just craft for fun, regular hobbiest craft fair exhibitors, or those that are a bit more serious with business plans.


Personally, I enjoyed the buzz of the Christmas Pop Up Shop, and connecting with others, especially those that are trying to make a living out of selling their goods. Gillian and I had a few chats about it (as Sue was hospitalised over the period), and fortunately, we both bounce of each other, and like to take things to action quite quickly. I approached my friends at the Kennet & Avon Canal Cafe in the Wharf in Newbury, as I was aware they hired out their top room. They agreed we could hire the room, so then Gillian and I got on with the organising.
So, ahead of next Thursday the 1st of March, I thought I would give you an insight to the people that will be selling their products at the Pop Up Market.

Gillian Hicks 

Newbury Crafters Network, SANDS craft fair Nov 2017

Gillian is a retired Project Manager, well, she is officially retired, but she certainly hasn't stop managing projects. She has a passion for making crafts, and organising events. Gillian is the founder of the Facebook Group 'Newbury and Thatcham Handmade'. Gillian organises various craft events in the area throughout the year. When she isn't organising an event, she is attending other fairs and making crafts. Gillian makes jewelry, but can put her hand to anything. Give her some resources and she will make something lovely out of it. She also moves with the times, and is keen to learn the latest techniques. For Gillian its more of a hobby than a business, but she takes it very seriously. She likes to sell stuff, just so she can get on with her next project. She is always on the look out for new talent for her fairs. She also loves narrow boating.

Rag Rug by Dragons Hoard

Dragons Hoard Facebook Link


Sue Armstrong Follows

Sue at a craft fair with Honey and Rose

Sue is an extremely busy mum of two that started her natural skin care business 2 years ago.
Her company, Honey and Rose is based in Thatcham, she hand makes natural skin care products that can be custom made to meet individual requirements. Predominantly for people with eczema and psoriasis, this skin care range suits those that love natural ingredients. All of the products have been tested by a chartered chemist.
Its not just for those with serious skin conditions though, I have bought many different products from Sue, usually for presents, she makes lovely seasonal gifts, all at reasonable prices.

Shop online at www.honeyandrosebath.com


Sarah 'Foxy Lady' Mackfall

Foxy Lady at the Christmas Pop Up Shop

I am a mum of one daughter, and along with my partner we live on our narrow boat in Newbury. I have made clothes for over 30 years and since my daughter started school full time a couple of years ago, I have been working at re-establishing myself as an Eco-Fashion Designer. I make vintage inspired clothing, and also bags, accessories and home wares from remnants. My business ethic is to be as kind to the planet as I can.


Foxy Lady Creations Etsy Shop



Newbury Crafter Network founders will always be selling at the shop, and we have space for a few other crafters too. We plan to rotate these spaces so as to give people a chance to sell, and to keep it interesting for the regular shopper, Although. Gillian and Sue and myself, dont stay stagnant, and are often creating new products.
The other people we are featuring this market are as follows:

Anne Moon

Moon Beam Gift Art

 Anne specialises in Pyrography, which is the process of burning wood in order to draw a design on to it. I have tried this myself, and believe me, it is not easy, you need the patience of a saint. She creates stunning and dramatic images on various things from chopping boards to boxes, whatever takes your fancy. It is an art form to respect as it involves lots of precision and patience. Anne has plenty of designs to chose from. or you can commission her to do something more personal. You can chose from personal messages, names, dates or a picture of something you love. Foxy Lady is going to get Anne to make some sign plates for my boat, on locally sourced sustainable Ash with my new logo on. Exciting. #WeLoveWood

Moon Beam Gift Art Facebook Page


Emma Guy

Emma Guy Illustrations

Emma is a Berkshire based artist, that has been painting and drawing since she was a girl, and has a degree in Illustration. She started her business in 2015 when she had her daughter. She designed art work for her bedroom and got a lot of admiration for it.
She loves to draw animals, and likes to capture their personalities.
You can buy prints of her work, and she also sells gifts like coasters, greeting cards, badges and key rings. Emma also takes commissions.





Emma Guy Facebook Page



Rosie Mansfield

Ribbon and Rose

Rosie's is an unusual craft called Tsunami (Ribbon pinching), its a Japanese Art form that has inspired her to make these lovely products. She likes to put her own personal twist on Kanzashi (Japanese hair ornaments). They can be used as hair accessories, jewelry, or even framed as a piece of art. Rosie can personalise them using colours of your choice, and is happy to take commissions.

Ribbon and Rose Spring Flower Hair Slides

Ribbon and Rose Facebook Page



Karen and Ruth 

Karu

Karu is Karen and Ruth, they like doing craft fairs together and make dolls clothes; decoupage glass, and make decorated gifts like money boxes and string jars.

String jars - Karu

I hope you have enjoyed this intro to our Pop Up Market, please come and join us next Thursday if you are in the area. The cafe downstairs has a lovely vintage feel to it, situated right next to the Kennet & Avon canal, and there is ample parking. You are welcome to bring your tea or coffee upstairs to have a chat with me and Gillian, we will probably be sat their crafting and chatting!
Its also a great opportunity to source some unique Mothers Day or Easter presents.

Pop Up Market Event Page - For details

Special thanks to the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust for supporting our Crafting Community Enterprise

https://katrust.org.uk/