In December 2016, Friday 9th and Saturday 10th, I curated and organised a Christmas Craft Fair titled ‘Christmas Makers at Anrán’ at the beautiful and unique location of Anrán @ Tidwell Farm www.anran.co.uk. 
A handpicked selection of local artisans with varying disciplines in Craft I wanted to create a craft fair which was both affordable and of high quality. Jewellery, Ceramics, Print, illustration, Leather, Woodwork, each established maker showcased their work in a beautiful refurbished Nissan hut. Rusty corrugated iron walls and rough concrete floors with the most fabulous central cluster of sparkling chandiliers.

The owners of Anrán filled their Produce shop with the most delicious food treats, perfect gifts and coffee and cakes and Toni Raphael, senior stylist at Jeff Goodwin Hairdressers Exeter was giving Christmas Haircuts and pretty hair up dos. 

With a great importance to me that children are exposed to craft from a young age and get to be hands on with making I included two workshops for children to enjoy over the weekend. Pottery Play with Laurence Gehannin resident Anrán potter in the Ceramics Studio and Cupcake Decorating with Nelly Konradi, award winning cake maker. These were greatly enjoyed by many children and meant they had a chance to learn new skills and play and experiment with materials and processes. 

The Event was a fundraising Charity event raising money for Barnardo’s and local town, Buckfastleigh’s Food Bank. I organised a charity raffle with prizes from local businesses, Anrán B&B and each maker donated a handmade product. With so much generosity through raffle tickets bought, donations and 10% of each Makers takings we raised a staggering £982.20. This meant such a considerable amount could be given to each charity and make a real difference.

Fridays preview evening held under the stars with fantastic choir ‘Singing for Pleasure’ singing all the best carols, a warming fire pit, homemade mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls created the perfect start to what was a truly successful and enjoyed event.  

A huge thank you to Michael and Edwin of Anrán B&B, all the staff and volunteers that helped over the weekend, the wonderful Makers who made such beautiful products to sell and the public who came, enjoyed, bought gifts and donated to charity. 

The event Facebook page holds images and information on the event and each maker please follow this link… https://www.facebook.com/events/620447428135979/?ti=icl