After an enforced break of 2 years due to the pandemic, we were delighted that Creative Colonies could resume in its pre-covid, actual face-to-face format on Sunday, 20th November 2022. It’s always an ideal way to buy unique gifts and is certainly the perfect illustration of shopping locally whilst supporting our resident makers. There’s been quite a change in residents over the last 3 years so we welcomed several new creatives and artists to the event where they can showcase their merchandise in their own home.
Fifteen households participated in our revived event, with several of them selling wares by not only the occupier but family members and/or friends, thereby increasing the variety of arts and crafts from original artwork to jewellery to Christmas decorations to hand-made soap… It was noticeable but not a surprise that smaller-ticket, useful items, such as soap and cards, sold particularly well with one household making a well-deserved profit of £350. The main feedback from browsers was how they enjoy visiting the various homes to browse and buy such unusual items whilst sellers and buyers alike commented on the lovely, friendly atmosphere and great community spirit. A welcome development this year was to see children enjoying the fruits of their artistic and creative skills so there were beautiful marbled bookmarks by Anna, greetings cards with scenes from nature by Daphne, hand-knitted scarves by Rosie, vibrant fimo clay earrings by Rae, hand-made Christmas cards by Skye and an enterprising pop-up home-baked cookie stall to satisfy the needs of passers-by!
Here‘s a photo album with pictures of each of the participants and their creations.
Great thanks to everyone who helped make this such a success and let’s hope there need to be no more interruptions to our annual November event!