Tags
art, belfast, crafting, crafts, crumlin road gaol, gifts, Northern Ireland
Last weekend I had a rare treat. A morning out of the house with my daughter to have a delightful wander around a local gem, The NI Crafting Collective that meets usually on the first Saturday of the month at the Crumlin Road Gaol in North Belfast.
It was so nice to have some time to browse and snoop around the gorgeous stalls, poring over the handcrafted products, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and chatting to the friendly stallholders. Just lovely. And what made it even nicer was the wide selection on offer – quite often, craft fairs seem to have lots of replicated stalls – all competing for the same type of customer, but not at this well-organised event. Every stall had something different to offer, from pretty handmade jewellery to beautiful hand-dyed yarns. Here is just a selection of the wonderful hand-crafted products that you can buy for you friends and family at the NI Crafting Collective event – or perhaps you could even treat yourself! I would most definitely recommend getting down to their next event on Saturday 6th May (11am-5pm) as parking is free and not only will you come away with some gorgeous handmade product but you’ll also be supporting these talented local crafters. Now that’s the best kind of retail therapy if you ask me…
Such a cutie! This little gorgeous toy would be lovely for anyone. Hand knitted and crocheted gifts and clothes from Teddy and Dog
Such an interesting flavour from this Raspberry Vodka Jelly – Helen’s Preserves and Pickles had SO much choice.
Jennifer Parker’s quirky and beautiful Heart Felt Creations. She even makes them to order to make a likeness of a beloved pet. Great idea for a gift.
Jane’s Teds specialises in hand knitted teddy-bears and unique crafts. This little dude has to be the most carefully made and special little teddy I’ve seen in ages.
This colourful dianthus plant came from Kilcreggan Urban Farm Garden Centre in Carrickfergus (we took the kids there the next day for a run about and to see the animals, it’s lovely!) and we’re looking forward to planting it in the garden and seeing it bloom…only £2.80!
Upstyle Originals create the most wonderful decoupage items…anything from shoes to jars and bottles. Every single one is unique and one of a kind.
I can think of a few of my more alternative friends who would just LOVE this creation from By PQD. Intricate, detailed and carefully crafted with a unique imagination, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a handbag charm like it.
Metal Art Ireland have created these striking and highly unique pieces of art that would grace any bureau or sideboard. I think it would be a gorgeous gift for someone who likes celtic art – and especially for those who like metal work. Really unique.
Louisa Kelly of Sperrin Crafts is truly talented and seems to be able to turn her hand to anything including this little delightful pin. So cute.
It is NOT easy to hand dye your own yarn, let alone make it so beautiful and Claire Anketell of Giddy Aunt Yarns makes me want to faint with delight at all the colourful yarns. Just beautiful.
This delightful little bowl is already gracing my bedside table. Made by ceramic artist Jessica Gunning, the gorgeous, delicate dish is great for holding jewellery or important small items – and its so pretty and eye catching.
How unique is this little fun and cleverly made hedgehog from Softash Wood Crafts. A really special decorate item.
The Fairy Godmother makes the most original and pretty fabric items from this beautiful decorative heart to useful toiletry and makeup bags. Very kitch and girly.
Peggy and Rose crafts lovely plaques and signs that make great personalised gifts. I know exactly who I would give the coffee and friends one too!
I can’t wait to put a pretty candle on this to watch how the sparkly stars and bubbled, handcrafted class reflect the shine. This would be a great gift from Pebble Glass for anyone who likes unique glassware.
I can’t wait to show my friends (and some of my pupils!) This chill time temple balm from Fresh Forest Cosmetics. A gorgeous calming tin of balm to help with stress and headache. They make gorgeous soaps and bath bombs, too.
I think this magical image from Tandem Photography speaks for itself. I can’t wait to find a pretty frame for it. They have a wide range of simply wonderful images.
This stylish quilted notice board from Buttonhome is already on my bedroom wall beside my computer. It’s almost too pretty to put things on! Reasonably priced, well made and with a lovely range of fabrics, Negin Eliot is certainly very talented.
For this item from Ke Nako Biltong I had to get my tastebuds ready – I’d never eaten anything quite like it before but it was really tasty – an acquired taste – my Dad definitely loved it and he is a more adventurous eater – made from beef, Biltong is similar to beef jerky. Give it a try!
This photo doesn’t do justice to the amazing pearlescence of these quirky earrings from Rock Junkie Jewellery. She has a wide range of unusual and reasonably priced bijou.
Slimming World took a bit of a wobble when these delicious treats came home with me. I promise, I had help, I didn’t eat them ALL myself but I did have a taste. MASSIVE portions and really really tasty – the chocolate malteaser cake was particularly memorable. All home made by The Byres Bakehouse.
Just how sweet are these pretty heart shaped handmade earrings? I’ve been wearing them all week and so many people have commented on them, asking me where I got them from. The Bluebell Handmade Jewellery company has a wide range of jewellery to suit all tastes.
I highly recommend giving the next NI Crafting Collective a visit. You can see all the details of their upcoming events on their Facebook page.
**vendors kindly donated products for review. All opinions are my own.**