Quality, style, fun – at the library craft show

An appreciation from Kate Kelly-Tanguay, a visitor to the craft show on Saturday December 7^th:

Arriving half way through the craft show, I had a lovely time browsing the stalls – the best position to solve a couple of Christmas present quandaries, snapping up a black tatting pendant on a ribbon beautifully set with sparkling stones for my 16 year-old goddaughter and Christmas lavender-filled knitted trees (one of which will be a seasonal hanging on the pram of a great niece). I also acquired a lavender wreath fashioned during a gardening group meeting, which is now gracing my front door, wafts of a soothing smell greeting anyone passing in and out of the flat. Even the postman could enjoy it! But I came too late to get one of those ultra-fashionable bobble hats, produced by the library’s knitting group.

There were stalls with fanciable jewellery and badges (oh and yes I found a very up-to-date Mandela commemoration badge to wear), beautifully crafted pots and  hand-made bags, soaps in original and unusual designs, delicately embellished and embossed hand-made cards, pretty ornaments and decorative hangings, themed calendars and very covetable ceramics in bright and gorgeous colours. I was particularly taken with striking fascinators – and wished I had a wedding to go to!

Lambeth cats should be energised and happy during the holidays as catnip did a steady trade on the garden group stall. Carefully tended cuttings had rooted to produce next Spring’s garden and window box colours and smells.

So I could particularly relate to the visitor who commented “I never buy things at craft fairs but I did today.Loads of stuff”.

Quite apart from all the positive comments on the quality of the products  available and the creativity in the local community, there was a great atmosphere and time to chat with local people and for the stall holders to share ideas and experiences

I just need to remember to get there earlier this year, in time for the next knitted fashion craze item (teapot covers anyone?), save my Christmas shopping for the date and find an obliging relative prepared to give me the excuse to order a beautiful wedding hat.

See you there, in the queue!