Directory of 'handmade-only' craft fairs

I've attended (as a seller) and visited (as a buyer) quite a lot of 'craft fairs' over the past year or two, and am increasingly frustrated by the inclusion of sellers who either buy-in products or have them made by someone else, usually a factory somewhere miles away.

Are there any 'handmade-only' craft fairs out there, where products have to be designed AND made by the person selling them? I'm only aware of a handful, but would like to promote those and any others that cherish and support genuine handmade crafts.

I'm going to add a Directory of Craft Fairs to my blog, and will be very happy to include any that sell only handmade crafts. They must be fairs that are held on a regular basis (at least annually), anywhere in the UK, and must include the condition that 'all goods are designed and handmade by the seller'.

If you know of any and would like them added, please let me know.

Hotham Park Country Fair 3/4 August 2013

Next weekend you'll find me under a gazebo at Hotham Park Country Fair, in Bognor Regis, where I'll be selling my textile accessories and other bits and pieces to the milling crowds! Hopefully the weather will be back to 'warm and sunny' - and not too windy - for the weekend, and I'm really looking forward to being out and about in it for a couple of days.

We'll be at stall number B37, just a couple of spaces from the main craft marquee, so I hope a few of you will be around and will come and say 'hello' to us.

The Hotham Park website gives more details of the event as well as directions and information about parking, transport etc.

Littlehampton Arts Festival & Arts Trail 20-27 July

The Littlehampton Arts Festival kicks off tomorrow with Festival in the Park, a day of music, arts and crafts in Caffyn's Field. During the week there are lots more events happening, including Shoreline Sculptures, Arts at Harbour Park, and the Arts Trail.

I'm exhibiting some framed photo prints at Shopmobility in St Martin's Lane as part of the Arts Trail, and will be at Caffyn's Field tomorrow (20 July), with a selection of art and crafts, and at Harbour Park next Friday (26 July) with my photos.

Other events include: Shoreline Sculpture (Sun, 21 July, 3pm); Long Bench 'Flashmob' (Weds, 24 July, 6pm); Arts & Crafts/Special Little Things Market (Sat, 27 July, 10-4); and the Arts Trail is on all week at various venues in the town. Pick up a leaflet for more details, or visit the LOCA facebook page.

Serendipity and Silk Dyes

I've been busy again, this time playing with gorgeous silk dyes and scarves. I love silk, it takes these French dyes beautifully and they look even brighter after they've been steam-fixed. I did a mix of habotai and chiffon scarves - both are lovely - and used three different colourways. I usually select three colours for each batch and mix them to create shades and hues that work well together. Some of the scarves have been shibori-dyed and some space-dyed - both techniques are unpredictable, hence the serendipity in the title. The most exciting bit is unwrapping them after they've been steamed and seeing the final result - always beautiful, but not always as expected!

Here's a photo showing some of them dancing in the sunshine yesterday.

Kimono Notebook Covers

Here are my latest creations, a range of 'Kimono' notebook covers in gorgeous Japanese fabrics with a central band of ribbon representing an obi, the wide sash worn with a kimono. These were inspired by the lovely fabrics - a gift brought back recently from Japan - and my own visit there a few years ago, when I bought myself a beautiful vintage kimono and obi of my very own.

I only have enough fabric for 2 or 3 of each design, so when they've gone there'll be no more in these particular fabrics. They're available now in my Folksy shop, while stocks last!

Worthing Open Houses 2013

My first time as an exhibiting artist in the Worthing Open Houses event started today, with a great day at Camelot House in Worthing. I'm exhibiting there with 3 other artists and couldn't ask for a better venue. We had 65 people through the door today and are hoping for many more tomorrow and over the next two weekends. Everyone seemed to enjoy the variety of work on offer - not to mention Denise's delicious home-baked cakes! - and we received some lovely comments and compliments.

I'm there again next weekend 29th/30th June, 12-5pm. Please come and say hi if you can.

Summer Solstice

Well, it's the longest day and after a pretty dull start, it's turned into a lovely sunny evening. Shame the sunrise wasn't visible but at least we should be able to see it go down. I do love the long, light days in June and the summer solstice always seems to be a bit magical and memorable. Over the years I can recall quite a few that were special, for various reasons, from getting together with friends for a celebratory drink, to holidays in the sun and travels to far-flung places.

In 2010, I arrived back from Indonesia after a wonderful holiday there. In 2008, I set off for Santiago at the start of a 4 week trip across South America, which was amazing. In 2007, I booked my flights to Australia and soon after handed in my notice at work (3 months, that was tough!).

In 2001, I was unpacking boxes in my new home in Sussex at the start of a long, slow, warm summer. Bliss! In 2000, I started a new job after a six month break, spent studying Spanish and French in Tenerife and Nice.

It seems that the solstice represents more than just the longest day - it's a time for new beginnings, chapters closing, adventures starting - it's a special day, with special memories. I shall watch the sun go down on this one with a warm glow.