Sewing Wellness | Collette Costello

Tag: family

  • Discover Local Craft Fairs: Your Guide to Weekend Events in the UK

    Craft fairs are a wonderful way to explore handmade products, connect with local artisans, and find unique pieces that you won’t see in stores. Whether you’re looking to buy handmade jewellery, beautiful artwork, or delicious homemade treats, craft fairs offer something for everyone. If you’re searching for “craft fairs near me this weekend,” or simply curious about craft events in the UK, this guide will help you discover what’s happening near you.

    Why Visit Craft Fairs?

    Craft fairs offer a unique shopping experience and the chance to:

    • Support Local Artisans: Buying from craft fairs helps support independent artists and small businesses, allowing them to continue doing what they love.
    • Find One-of-a-Kind Items: Craft fairs are the perfect place to discover unique, handmade goods. Whether you’re looking for home decor, art pieces, or personalised gifts, you’ll find plenty of options.
    • Get Inspired: Craft fairs can be a great source of inspiration for your own creative projects. You might discover new techniques, materials, or ideas to try.

    Finding Craft Fairs Near You This Weekend

    If you’re looking for craft fairs in your area, there are a few ways to find events happening this weekend:

    1. Event-brite is a popular platform where many local organisers post their craft fairs and markets. You can simply search for “craft fairs near me” and filter by date to find what’s happening near you. Explore Craft Events on Eventbrite
    2. Craft in Focus is an established organization in the UK that runs high-quality contemporary craft fairs throughout the year. They provide detailed schedules of upcoming events, so you can easily plan your visit. Check Craft in Focus Events
    3. British Craft Trade Fair offers information on some of the largest and most popular craft fairs across the UK. These fairs often feature hundreds of talented artisans and provide a broad range of handmade products. View British Craft Trade Fair

    Craft Fairs in the UK: A Look at Popular Events

    1. Living Crafts at Hatfield House

    One of the UK’s largest craft fairs, Living Crafts is held annually at Hatfield House. It attracts thousands of visitors with its array of contemporary and traditional crafts. Here, you’ll find pottery, textiles, jewellery, glassware, and so much more.

    • Event Information: Usually held in May
    • Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire
    • More Details Here

    2. The Great British Craft Festival

    Held at different locations throughout the UK, this festival offers workshops, demonstrations, and plenty of shopping opportunities. It’s ideal for craft lovers looking to learn and shop at the same time.

    • Event Information: Typically held in August and November
    • Locations: Midlands and Bolton
    • View Festival Schedule

    3. Country Living Spring and Christmas Fairs

    If you’re looking for a charming, seasonal experience, the Country Living Fairs are a must-visit. They are held in London, Harrogate, and Glasgow during the spring and the lead-up to Christmas, featuring beautiful homeware, fashion, gifts, and food.

    Finding Craft Fairs Near You Today

    If you’re on the lookout for something to do today, here are some quick tips to help you find a craft fair happening right now:

    1. Local Facebook Groups: Many community groups and event pages on Facebook regularly post about local craft fairs. Try searching for “Craft Fairs Near Me” to find groups and events in your area.
    2. Local Council Websites: Often, your local council’s website will have an “Events” section where you can find listings of nearby craft fairs, markets, and festivals happening that day.
    3. Craft Finder Websites: Websites like Stallfinder provide a directory of craft fairs, markets, and shows across the UK. You can search by location and date to see what’s on today.

    How to Make the Most of Your Visit

    Visiting a craft fair can be an enjoyable and enriching experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip:

    • Arrive Early: Craft fairs often draw crowds, and arriving early gives you the chance to explore without feeling rushed.
    • Bring Cash: While many vendors accept card payments, it’s always good to have some cash on hand, especially at smaller fairs.
    • Talk to the Artisans: Take the time to chat with the sellers. They are often passionate about their work and happy to share their stories or crafting tips.
    • Keep an Open Mind: Craft fairs are great for finding unexpected treasures, so keep an open mind and explore all stalls!

    Final Thoughts

    Craft fairs offer a unique blend of creativity, community, and discovery. Whether you’re searching for craft fairs near me this weekend, looking for a craft fair in the UK, or simply want to find something nearby today, there are countless events where you can explore and connect with local artisans.

    Check out platforms like Eventbrite, Craft in Focus, and Stallfinder to find upcoming events near you, and plan your weekend visit to support small businesses and enjoy a day of creativity and inspiration.

    Have you been to a great craft fair recently? Share your experiences and favourite finds in the comments!

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  • Top 5 Victorian Christmas Crafts: DIY Decorations

    Many of today’s favourite Christmas traditions were popularised during Queen Victoria’s reign. Here’s how the Victorians shaped the festive season we know today:

    • Decorating Christmas Trees – Popularised by Prince Albert, who brought the German tradition to England. Trees were adorned with candles, ornaments, and evergreen decorations.
    • Festive Feasts – Victorian Christmas dinners often featured turkey or goose, accompanied by rich trimmings. Plum pudding, mince pies, and even boar’s head were part of elaborate meals for the wealthy.
    • Giving Gifts – Gifts were exchanged on Christmas Eve and displayed unwrapped on tables. The royals exchanged handmade items and fine jewellery, while modest families shared simple, heartfelt gifts.
    • Pudding Traditions – Christmas puddings were served with custard or set aflame for entertainment. Early puddings originated from medieval pottage and evolved into festive staples.

    From trees to puddings, the Victorian’s love for tradition continues to inspire modern Christmas celebrations.

    See below for ideas on how to craft your own Victorian-style gifts and decorations.

    How to Make Vintage Victorian ChristmasDecorations

    Bring vintage charm to your Christmas with these timeless Victorian homemade decoration ideas from English Heritage: 

    Pin-Prick Cards: Christmas cards, a tradition dating back to 1843, were initially expensive but became affordable by the 1880s. Victorians often created homemade cards with intricate pin-prick lace designs, adding a delicate and personal touch.

    To make your own Pin-prick card, download templates here.

    Christmas Crackers: Invented in the mid-19th century by London confectioner Tom Smith, crackers became a festive essential, filled with trinkets and jokes. They remain a classic holiday tradition today. Download how to make guide.

    Paper Flowers: Wealthy Victorian women crafted paper flowers as decorations and personal accessories. By tracing real flowers onto paper and dipping the petals in wax, they created beautiful, lasting arrangements. Download how to make guide.

    Easy Christmas Bunting DIY Project 

    Get into the festive spirit with this fun and easy DIY Christmas bunting project!

    Whether you’re decking the halls or adding a personal touch to your holiday decor, this simple craft is a great way to spread cheer. See how to make bunting video below.

    This 50 Pieces Christmas Cotton Bundle from Amazon includes a range of patchwork patterned fabric, perfect for creating your Christmas bunting.

    If you enjoyed this post subscribe below for more:

  • Christmas Stockings to Make Yourself

    Christmas is a time for warmth, joy, and creativity. One of the best ways to bring a personal touch to your decorations is by making your own Christmas stockings.

    This guide will help you create beautiful, personalised Christmas stockings that will make your Christmas even more magical.

    A Brief History of Christmas Stockings

    The tradition of hanging Christmas stockings is rooted in legend, particularly the story of Saint Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop known for his generosity. It’s said he secretly helped a poor family by tossing gold coins down their chimney, which landed in stockings hung by the fireplace, delighting the family the next

    Over time, the tradition of filling stockings with small gifts and treats became popular in Europe and America by the 19th century. What began as simple socks has turned into decorative holiday items and is now a beloved part of Christmas, with endless ways to personalise them.

    Creative Christmas Stocking Ideas

    Here are 10 fun and creative Christmas stocking theme ideas to inspire your holiday decorating:

    1. Classic Christmas
      Stick to traditional red, green, and white stockings with embroidered snowflakes, reindeer, or Santa.

    To make your own traditional stocking see: How to Sew a Christmas Stocking

    2. Vintage Holiday
    Use burlap or plaid fabric to create a nostalgic, old-fashioned look. Decorate with antique-style buttons, lace, and small wooden ornaments.

    Video: How Make Christmas Stocking quickly

    3. Personalised Names
    Customise stockings with each family member’s name in festive colours or with embroidered initials, making them special for everyone.

    4. Elf Magic
    Create stockings inspired by Santa’s helpers. Decorate pre-made felt stockings, perfect for a playful and whimsical theme.

    Video: How Make Felt Christmas Stocking

    5. Rustic Farmhouse
    Use neutral tones like cream, grey, or brown, with natural elements such as pinecones, twine, or small wooden accents to create a cozy farmhouse vibe.

    6. Christmas Animal Fun
    Design stockings to look like different animals—reindeer, bears, penguins, or even Santa’s sleigh pulled by cute little animals for a playful twist.

    7. Winter Wonderland
    Use icy blue, silver, and white tones to create a frosty, snow-filled theme. Add snowflakes, glitter, or faux snow for a magical winter touch.

    Video: How make 15 min Christmas stocking

    8. Modern Geometric
    For a trendy, contemporary feel, use geometric patterns or minimalist designs in black, white, or metallics.

    To make your own colourful modern stocking see: 30 Best DIY Christmas Stockings

    9. Nature-Inspired
    Use earthy tones and natural fabrics like linen or jute. Decorate with dried flowers, small pinecones, acorns, and sprigs of greenery to create a woodland, nature-inspired stocking.

    10. Nordic/Scandinavian

    Opt for simple, minimalist designs with Scandinavian-inspired patterns, such as reindeer, stars, and geometric shapes, all in classic red and white or soft pastels.

    Video: How Make Scandinavian Stocking

    Tips for Crafting Your Stocking

    • Up-cycled Stockings: Transform old sweaters or denim into one-of-a-kind stockings.
    • Themed Stockings: Create designs inspired by favourite movies, hobbies, or colors.
    • No-Sew Options: Use hot glue for assembling and decorating stockings if sewing isn’t your thing.

    How to Use Your Christmas Stocking

    • Traditional Fillings: Historically, stockings were filled with small gifts, candy canes, fruit (like oranges or apples), and nuts.
    • Personalised Gifts: Include items that are special to the person receiving the stocking, such as their favourite sweets, mini toiletries, or small books.
    • Creative Fillings: Some people even use stockings for non-traditional gifts like gift cards, socks, jewellery, or little handmade items.

    Display Ideas for Your Handmade Stockings

    • Hang them on the mantle with festive greenery.
    • Line them along a staircase railing.
    • Use them as decorative gift holders under the tree.
    • Display them on a stocking holder for a table center-piece.

    Christmas Stocking Project

    Get into the holiday spirit with this fun and simple DIY Christmas stocking project! Using traditional patterned fabric, you can create a charming and unique stocking decoration.

    To make your own Christmas stocking see: 10 Min Easy Stocking Tutorial

    These Christmas Fat Quarters are available on Amazon. Fabrics with traditional Christmas patterns, perfect for making your own Christmas stocking.

    If you enjoyed this post subscribe below for more:

  • Top 5 Victorian Christmas Crafts: DIY Decorations

    Christmas traditions were popularised during Queen Victoria’s reign. Here’s how the Victorians shaped the festive season we know today:

    • Decorating Christmas Trees – Popularised by Prince Albert, who brought the German tradition to England. Trees were adorned with candles, ornaments, and evergreen decorations.
    • Festive Feasts – Victorian Christmas dinners often featured turkey or goose, accompanied by rich trimmings. Plum pudding, mince pies, and even boar’s head were part of elaborate meals for the wealthy.
    • Giving Gifts – Gifts were exchanged on Christmas Eve and displayed unwrapped on tables. The royals exchanged handmade items and fine jewellery, while modest families shared simple, heartfelt gifts.
    • Pudding Traditions – Christmas puddings were served with custard or set aflame for entertainment. Early puddings originated from medieval pottage and evolved into festive staples.

    From trees to puddings, the Victorian’s love for tradition continues to inspire modern Christmas celebrations.

    See below for ideas on how to craft your own Victorian-style gifts and decorations.

    How to Make Vintage Victorian Christmas Decorations

    Bring vintage charm to your Christmas with these timeless Victorian homemade decoration ideas from English Heritage: 

    Pin-Prick Cards: Christmas cards, a tradition dating back to 1843, were initially expensive but became affordable by the 1880s. Victorians often created homemade cards with intricate pin-prick lace designs, adding a delicate and personal touch.

    To make your own Pin-prick card, download templates here.

    Christmas Crackers: Invented in the mid-19th century by London confectioner Tom Smith, crackers became a festive essential, filled with trinkets and jokes. They remain a classic holiday tradition today. Download how to make guide.

    Paper Flowers: Wealthy Victorian women crafted paper flowers as decorations and personal accessories. By tracing real flowers onto paper and dipping the petals in wax, they created beautiful, lasting arrangements. Download how to make guide.

    Easy Christmas Bunting DIY Project 

    Get into the festive spirit with this fun and easy DIY Christmas bunting project!

    Whether you’re decking the halls or adding a personal touch to your holiday decor, this simple craft is a great way to spread cheer. See how to make bunting video below.

    This 50 Pieces Christmas Cotton Bundle from Amazon includes a range of patchwork patterned fabric, perfect for creating your Christmas bunting.

    If you enjoyed this post subscribe below for more: