A new Chiswick company that makes craft
products and party bags for children was exhibiting at this year's
Craft Fair. Petit Artisan sells innovative products based on natural
materials.
On offer were a range of activity and party bags to make and
paint. One enables children to make a wooden mechanical toy -
a dragon or a footballer. Prices range from
£3 to £15, and 30p from every bag is donated
to Hope and Homes for
Children, which finds foster homes for children who are victims
of war and disease. Some of the bags were given away as
prizes during the Green Days fete.
There were more than a dozen exhibitors at this year's Craft
Fair, which forms part of the Green Days fete. There was a wide
range of crafts on display and the stalls were open in the Craft
Tent on the Green from 11am-6pm on Saturday 7th and 11.30-5pm
on Sunday 8th.
Barbara McDowell of Twinkle produces children's painted furniture
and accessories and also undertakes commissions for children's
nurseries and bedrooms. Cathy Day, also on the Twinkle stand,
makes children's cushions and has just won the textiles prize
in a competition organised by the Victoria & Albert Museum,
called "Inspired by the V&A".
New exhibitors this year included Dianne Lindner & Lauren
Carew, of Naturally for You, who make handmade soaps and bath
products; Victoria McKenzie of Bella Plata (handmade silver jewellery
from Mexico); Katheryne Semlekan, of Wotwu Childrens Clothing;
Sasha Dee, who makes handmade textile bags; Liz Riley of Love
Unlimited, who creates hand painted ceramics; and Jo Merriman
- traditional willow baskets.
Susan Derbyshire was back this year with her Artful Glass stall,
demonstrating her stained glass work and taking commissions -
as well as showing her glass panels, sculpture and jewellery.
Jeremy Cuss - another regular, who lives in Chiswick - gave demonstrations
of caning and showed his rush seating and french polishing. And
woodturner Sam Cook from Cambridge was also back, showing his
work in sustainable and temperate hardwoods, along with three
other Bedford Park Festival regulars - Helen Reid from Haywards
Heath, with her display of handmade beeswax candles; Anne-Marie
Bruce of Bruce Upholstery; and restorer Roger Lloyd of Furniture
Rescue.
|