New faces at the Winter Craft Fair

Among the newcomers is Sam Mercer from Ballyclare who specialises in a range of fantastic textile jewellery and accessories including brooches, hairbands, bookmarks and rings. Check out Sam’s brilliant shoe clips which are a great way of transforming your most ordinary shoes into something really special for the party season without breaking the bank!

Ruby Bijou, the creation of Linda Carmichael, is a business which has enjoyed enormous success since being set up in 2010. Linda’s quirky approach and her clever use of resin to encase vintage and modern everyday day objects result in really fun pieces of jewellery and homewares. Think tape measure bangles and button spoon rests and you have ‘got’ Ruby Bijou.

Another new maker to look out for is Laura Rankin who runs Nani Nui, Christmas decorations, file, phone and ipad covers or cinnamon scented pouches all in fabulous coloured felts make ideal teacher presents at just the right price.

We are also pleased to welcome local crafter Roma Griffin of Vintage Cupboard to the craft fair for the first time. A piece of Roma’s upcycled painted furniture or some of her vintage china could be just the thing to give your home a mini makeover for Christmas.

Those with an eye for high quality craft won’t fail to be drawn to the beautiful woodcraft from Tulipwood, the fabulous sculptural and functional ceramics of Alison Hanvey and the gorgeous baskets made by Louise McLean. Again this a a debut appearance in Cookstown for all three accomplished craft producers and a unique opportunity for the discerning shopper to pick up something really special.

There are also newcomers among the food producers, including Little Treats NI, whose cake-pops just have to be seen and Cupcake Frenzy run by Majella Fergsuon from Moneymore We are also delighted to welcome back En-Place foods, Cornerhouse Crafts, Joan Boyd Home Bakes and Erin Grove preserves.

And when you are ready to take a break from shopping you will be pleased to know that upstairs at the Burnavon is also home for the duration of the fair, to Bon Appetit ,run by Joanne Loughran. Joanne will be using her culinary magic to put together a range of soups, scones, bakes and hot lunches for you to sample when you take time out to relax and refresh. Be sure to pick up a menu in the foyer when you visit the fair and treat yourself to something delicious.

As in previous years you can also look forward to great musical entertainment while you shop. Don’t miss Cookstown Youth Choir and the Traditional Music in Schools group on Saturday 24th and very special performances from Sperrin Choir and the Burnavon Folk Club on Sunday 25th.

So there it is – the Winter Craft Fair at the Burnavon is bigger and better than ever for 2012, but with such a vast range of crafts on offer it is impossible to do justice to each and every one. However a full list of exhibitors taking part at the fair is available at the Burnavon.

Please note some of the craft businesses, especially food producers, taking part in the fair will change from Saturday to Sunday – so the only way to be sure you don’t miss anything is to drop in both days!

And if you need any more reasons to visit the Winter Craft Fair this year don’t forget there is loads of free parking nearby and admission is free!

The Winter Craft Fair at the Burnavon Saturday 24th November 10am - 5 pm and Sunday 25th November 1pm - 6pm. Admission free

This annual event is organised by Arts and Cultural Development Cookstown District Council. For more information contact 028 867 69949 (option 4)