Local craft matters magazine issue 7 (www.localcraftmatters.co.uk)

If like me you like good quality gifts that are unusual and unique and you like to take a glimpse at different crafts, and wonder how they achieve that technique then Sywell craft fair, held in Hangar one of the Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire, is for you. The Sywell Aviator
Hotel which sits next door is a work of art in itself harking back to the Art Deco period. Built in the 1930s it houses some very interesting fixtures and fittings and is an ideal place for a meal or drink before heading into the Hangar to take in the goodies that the crafters have to offer.

Pennine Fairs, the organisers of this fair, pride themselves on having hand made and well crafted items. Nothing is bought in or mass produced and the stall holders are happy to talk about their work and maybe even take a commission for that special someone.
There were beautiful handmade bags and textile accessories, pottery, handmade chocolates and jams, beautiful beaded jewellery, fused glass and cosmetics, exquisite turned pieces of wood and paintings and this is to just name a few.

Embroidery and textiles are my passion at the moment and I watched a demonstration by Michelle James. She used an Embellisher to create felt flower brooches and I was amazed to see what can be achieved with brown paper, bondaweb and beads.
There was excellent quirky pottery from Jenny Oates and extremely fine wood turning from C.Paul Coker whose work is museum quality. Yvonne from Kisdon Sculpture produces
fascinating pieces of art from roots and branches, finished with beeswax polish made
especially for her.

Margaret Eyres - Roving Reporter.