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It's often impossible to find the right show or fair to exhibit at and it's even harder to find something that is both right and close to home. INSPIRED Craft Fairs is the brain child of a group of local craftspeople who set themselves the task of providing a showcase for the work of some of the best designer-makers from around the area on a monthly basis. Entrance to the fairs will be free and each month INSPIRED will support a local charity.

Commenting on the new venture, co-organiser Elizabeth Ratcliffe said, “Over the past year we have been working to build up our own craft businesses, and we recognised that, although there was a wealth of creative talent all around us, there were relatively few outlets for the wonderful things which were being produced. We hope that “INSPIRED” will fill that gap, making local arts and crafts accessible to a wider audience.”

The INSPIRED concept was devised by...

LIZ RATCLIFFE

Liz came to silversmithing by a circuitous route, via research biology & the Civil Service. Whilst visiting many exhibitions in the course of her work it dawned on her that she really wanted to be on the other side of the fence, producing something that would be admired by others rather than doing the admiring! Liz seized the opportunity to retrain as a silversmith after giving up work to start a family. This was initially an enjoyable hobby, but winning a national award in 2003 finally convinced her to take the plunge and to start selling to the public.

www.elizabethratcliffe.co.uk

SOPHIE HANDA - FUNKY OLIVE

The original Funky Olive, founded by jewellery designer maker Sophie Handa back in 2004, was born from her passion for colour, shape, texture, movement and a love of beautiful accessories. At the start of 2009, she made the decision to grow the business and now incorporates a selection of beautiful handcrafted jewellery & accessories together with ususual gifts for the home & garden, for children and pets. Sophie is passionate about supporting other British designers with her Cool Britannia campaign, with many of the items in the collection being handmade exclusively for her.

www.funkyolive.co.uk

AMANDA WALTERS

As a child Amanda was fascinated by rainbows and the way light danced through water. As an adult she looked for ways to harness this beauty and discovered 'lampwork beads'. This tied together a love of glass, fire and wonderful chemical reactions; rods of coloured glass are heated to melting point and then wound around a metal rod to form a basic bead. Amanda then decorates the surface of the bead and adds dots of complementary colours or swirls. Some of the beads are made into Amanda's beautiful jewellery and some beads are available for sale. More recently she has started a range of beads that can be added to the 'Pandora' style silver bracelets, making them truly individual and unique.

www.amandasbeads.co.uk

MARGARET FINCH - FARLEY PLANTS & FLOWERS

Margaret, a florist by trade and a plantsperson, has been arranging flowers for over 35 years for a variety of lifetime occasions, including weddings and funerals. Margaret started and ran The Flower Corner in Wokingham for over 20 years. She then sold up three years ago to concentrate on her nursery and garden, but still finds time to do her flower arranging. At the INSPIRED Craft Fairs, you will find many beautiful planted bulbs to brighten dark days, patio tubs to greet friends and flower arrangements for evening dinner parties and more treasures, along with help and advice on all your growing needs!

DEBBIE JOHNSON-WAIT - SUGARSTRANDS CAFE

Rounding off the INSPIRED group is Debbie, who every month at the fair runs the wonderful Sugarstrands Cafe, a much needed sunny spot to rest and have a bite to eat while you contemplate which lovely things to buy! Each month Debbie provides delicious homemade light lunches, from soup to sandwiches, as well as refreshments and a wonderful array of homemade cakes & treats to either eat there or take home for later. Also, if you're looking for a cake to be made for a special occasion or just for afternoon tea, then Debbie's your lady.

www.sugar-strands.co.uk

The INSPIRED Fairs provide an ideal opportunity to buy those perfect presents and little luxuries without the hassle of travelling into town. At each Fair, there will be a fabulous mix of crafts on show, from handcrafted jewellery & accessories (including scarves & handbags), beautiful ceramics, glass designs (large and small), paintings (watercolours, prints and more), photography, cards, plants & flowers, local produce as well as a collection of gifts for the home and garden and much more.