Recent Visit to British Craft Trade Fair

A week after visiting the British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) saw the beginning of this year's Britain’s Got Talent. All be it talent of a different kind or otherwise. 

Britain certainly has got talent of the handcrafted/handmade variety as Nicola and I were so fortunate to discover on our first visit to the BCTF in the beautiful town of Harrogate. 

The work involved for each designer maker in preparing for the fair and showcasing their products over the course of 3 days must have been exhausting.  Sadly it is impossible for buyers to stop and chat to everyone - each buyer will go with a plan in mind of what they are looking for and what their customers will like - but it must have been disheartening for the artists when buyers were passing them by and not engaging with them in any way.  It is certainly not a reflection on their creations. That said they all remained positive and confident in their own brand and smiled regardless.    

We were and still are absolutely blown away at the creativity that flowed from every exhibitor we visited.  The variety and artistic designs on offer were breathtaking and the extraordinary products and handcrafted gifts were matched by the lovely people who were behind the designs and creation of each item. 

 

 

The greatest difficulty we had was in selecting, from the huge range on offer, the handmade gifts and accessories that we felt would fit in best in our online gift shop and craft gallery.  We always experience a tinge of regret when we bypass other very talented individuals. 

We would love to have selected more for our customers on the day but we have taken notes and will be contacting many of the designers in the near future!

The choice on offer included beautifully made unique jewellery with a wonderful story behind the designs to products from exciting new designers displaying their creations for the first time in Harrogate - some not long out of university or art school.  Some of favourites on the day included gorgeous textiles and framed artwork made from recycled materials. 

 

 

 

At Noah Home And Gifts we are committed to supporting British Designer Makers.  We really appreciate the wealth of talent that we have in our own country.  Creativity such as this deserves encouragement and a platform to showcase their creations. 

 

 

Britain certainly has got talent and we must promote it at every opportunity! To buy handmade or handcrafted gifts you are buying in to a unique brand and gift choice that promotes British Designers and helps our economy.

 

We look forward to sharing some of our new products from these talented individuals soon.

 

Florence

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Designer Maker Showcase - Andycrafts

 

In the first of our designer maker showcases, we are proud to introduce Andycrafts - a small independent business based in Warwickshire, in the heart of the Midlands.

Founded around 4 years ago by Andy Driscoll, Andycrafts offer a unique range of handcrafted gifts and home accessories including wall clocks, chalk boards, mirrors and wall art – all beautifully handmade by Andy himself, ensuring that quality is never compromised.

 

Starting out like many designer makers, Andy embarked on selling his handcrafted gifts at various craft fairs and shows.  4 years on and he has forged partnerships with a range of carefully selected retail outlets through which his handcrafted items are available for sale.  Many of his products have appeared in national press and glossy magazines and he proactively shares his experience with his peers, happy to pass on any hints and tips he has picked up along the way.

 

Andycrafts’ philosophy is to design and create handcrafted items that are individual and affordable, preferring to use natural materials such as driftwood and earthy natural tones to create classic, stylish pieces that will add character to your home. 

 

Many of Andycrafts’ home accessories are functional items that every home needs, such as clocks or mirrors, however they have successfully turned these everyday items into stunning, decorative focal points that are truly unique and of the highest quality. 

 

We love Andy’s designs and the fact that due to the natural tones and textures, they can be easily incorporated into almost any interior design theme, appealing to a wide range of tastes and as timeless classics they are a worthy investment.  We are delighted to be working with Andycrafts and are sure that their clocks, mirrors and wall hangings will soon be gracing the walls of many of our discerning customers!

 

 

What Andy likes right now and why - these are 5 of Andycrafts favourite products from the Noah Home & Gift range (kindly provided by Andy Driscoll)…….

 

 

Handcrafted Recycled Aluminium Silk Thistle Bookmark.

 

Made by All Fired Up, based in Edinburgh, this recycled aluminium bookmark has a back story all of its own. There is something that appeals to me about old materials being recycled and given a new lease of life, and combined with the task of helping you with your journey through your favourite books, it is a lovely item to have.

 

 

 

 

Fused Glass Jewellery

 

Fused glass is a fascinating technique and is normally quite expensive, but the fused glass jewellery hand crafted by Alicia MacInnes in Glasgow allows you the opportunity to buy some unique pieces of art at very affordable prices.

 

 

 

Personalised Scrabble Tile Cuff Links

 

Scrabble tiles are something most of us identify with, and to have a set of cuff links that can be personalised to show your initials and your age is a nice touch (I could always be creative about my age!) It is also a nice reminder of those family board games where you desperately make up words in the vein attempt to get rid of an X or a Z!

 

 

 

Handcrafted Cards

 

Embroidered Originals produce some nice handmade cards which can help you give that personal touch, and (hopefully) will never be replaced by computer generated website designs. If you want a ‘proper’ card made with skilled hands and attention to detail, then these are for you. I like the ‘Fish and Chips’ card especially!

 

 

 

 

Fair Trade Recycled Aluminium Purple Bowl

 

In my view creatively recycling materials should be encouraged, people using their hands to make lovely objects should be encouraged, and supporting people in being able to make something from nothing is a skill that should also be encouraged. Therefore this product made in India ticks all the boxes for me. In a world where the brutal forces of economics seems to be king, allowing fair trade to flourish and supporting talented individuals seems a worthwhile and satisfying aim.

 

 

 

Browse Andycrafts full collection ......