Friday 27 June 2014

Come to le depart, depart with a souvenir made right here

The folks at Fabrication are recycling, upcycling and making bespoke items, to get ready for the biggest bike race in the world, congregating close to their shop in July
The social enterprise, which supports micro crafts businesses, is located in The Light, close to the start line, and sells work by around 70 local artists, designers and makers, making it the largest souvenir shop in the area for those wanting to take a little piece, and even a taste, of Yorkshire back with them
Alongside their usual items for sale some of the sellers have been making bike themed cushions, clothing, artwork, jewellery and homewares, as well as Yorkshire rose items
Throughout June, and on TDF day itself, they will be running bike themed craft workshops in The Light courtyard printing Victorian cycling images on bags, wooden items and decoupage, making jewellery, upcycling bike parts into other items and badge making. You can also see how you may have looked in Victorian cycling clothes by having your picture taken in their photo board
If you are planning a picnic after the event why not take advantage of their locally grown and made cordials, chocolates and chutneys, completing the hamper with picnic platters, jugs, blankets and bottle openers. If you’ve had a go at the route yourself and are aching after exerting yourself then try our post exercise bath soaks and massage oil to get yourself moving again

Monday 23 June 2014

Spotlight on the Seller... Life's Little Blessings

I have always enjoyed being creative and I was inspired and encouraged from an early age by my family; not least my seamstress grandma and crocheting mum. I have turned my hand to several crafts but in recent years have developed a love for embroidery and hand-stitching, hand-made cards/stationary and most recently pyrography.
After making things for family and friends for some time, and receiving their encouragement, I began to work on my own designs and ideas and Life’s little blessings was born...
Life’s little blessings is about acknowledging and appreciating the little things in life; whether it be celebrating those familiar special occasions, encouraging someone in their achievements, supporting someone through difficult times or just simply saying ‘hi.
I particularly love, and find my inspiration in: nature, folk art, faith and even the simplicity of a child’s drawing. I enjoy working with natural materials such as cotton/linen, felt, wood and paper/card; using recycled papers/card and wood from sustainable sources as much as possible. I like to see how all these can blend together to create something unique, beautiful and inspiring.
With hand-stitched/embroidered framed pictures, and hand stitched or wooden home decor, accessories and cards there is something special for everyone – enjoy and share the little things in life and have keepsakes of special moments. Happy to personalise items to create a card or gift that is extra special
Find Life’s little blessings on facebook or follow on Twitter @createblessings

Spotlight on the Seller... Lynn Lawson

I am a self taught artist. My inspiration comes from nature, colours, shapes and emotions. Sometimes I draw what I see and sometimes the colours and shapes morph into completely imaginary forms. It all depends on my mood. Sunny days often result in a painting of garden flowers or a landscape at other times I let the picture emerge from paper.
As a child I enjoyed drawing and because I enjoyed it I did more of it. Being told my drawing was good I did it even more and when you find out you can do something quite well you do more of it and so my technique improved. My biggest regret is not pursuing ART after A Level.
Throughout my teaching career, watercolour painting has been my hobby and my method of escape from the pressures of work. Frustratingly at times, it seemed little more than a holiday pastime. Although I must admit I doodled constantly through meetings and conferences!
I have recently left the teaching profession and now have the luxury of working my life around my painting

Monday 9 June 2014

Spotlight on the seller ... Angels and Butterflies

Like many other small businesses Angels & Butterflies came from an addictive hobby.
Creativity runs in the family genes with strong influences from my Mum & Gran who are my Angels & two very talented ladies both having careers in the tailoring industry whilst enjoying & sharing many creative hobbies. The butterfly symbolizes freedom & a strong influence in my designs.
Training originally as a chef & confectioner I find being creative part of my DNA, I like to learn new skills & dabble in a number of crafts enjoying learning new skills. T
The business was launched just over 4 years ago when making for friends & family started to expand. I enjoy using the theory learned whilst studying for a business degree, especially marketing, product placement & tailoring my designs to events, people & locations, my designs are both contemporary & Novelty.
I especially enjoy making custom pieces recently utilizing my love of project management to organize my own events and workshops including working with the brownies
follow us on twitter @angelcharms

Monday 2 June 2014

Spotlight on the seller...Mas Bars

I am Helen Robinson, maker of soaps, skincare and funky candles.
I live in Saddleworth and this is where I create all the items I stock here in Fabrication.
I am truly, madly, deeply in love with the place where I live and try to use local materials where possible in my products – beer from Saddleworth brewery for my shampoo bars and Denshaw honey straight from the hive for my balms.
Providing products free from nasty chemicals is a priority for me and you can rest assured that all my skincare products are vegetarian and many are vegan. No products are ever tested on animals.
My candles are individually made using the finest scented wax. The scent throw is second to none ensuring they fill your room with fragrance while being a treat for the eye.