Kirstie Allsopp is returning to The Handmade Fair at Hampton Court Palace in September, aiming to inspire and delight craft lovers for the fifth year running.
The fair, taking place from September 14-16, will feature a wealth of hands-on workshops with some of the best craft talent in the business, from willow weaving and needle felting to lino cutting and brush lettering.
Creative sessions will fall into one of four categories: ‘Paint and Print’, ‘Home and Garden’, ‘Sewing and Textiles’ and ‘Paper and Pens’, giving makers the chance to focus on their particular passion, or try a bit of everything.
The Handmade Fair’s David Westman said: “Events like the Handmade Fair are great at bringing like-minded people together, from across the country, who all share in the same passion – which in this case is a love of making.
“Not only can you learn new skills, be inspired and support some of the UK’s fabulous crafting professionals, the Handmade Fair is the perfect place to relax, meet new people and spend time in a beautiful setting.
“On top of this, with lots of recent findings showing a clear link between crafting and positive mental wellbeing, the Handmade Fair is also becoming increasingly important in other ways.”
A recent survey by 3Gem of 1000 people in the UK, commissioned by the Handmade Fair, found that crafting or hand-making makes people feel relaxed, creative, calm and happy, with 74.5% agreeing that crafting can improve mental health or wellbeing.
The fair will also feature a dedicated ‘Making Time’ drop in area, where visitors will be invited to make and craft at their own pace for half an hour to enhance their wellbeing.
There will be a host of stalls in the Shopping Villages, where shoppers can find the materials and tools for DIY crafts to try at home, alongside handmade wares from professional makers.
Visitors will be able to explore three types of experience: ‘The Super Theatre’, ‘Skills Workshops’ and ‘Grand Makes’.
‘Super Theatre’ sessions gives visitors the chance to hear the latest craft trends, find out insider secrets from top experts and see how some gorgeous designer products are made.
The ‘Skills Workshops’ are where visitors can satisfy their creative cravings in hour-long interactive sessions with hand-picked experts.
Experts include Lauren Cooper of Oh Wonder Calligraphy, Eddie Glew of Blithfield Willowcrafts and Tess Hucker of The Arty Crafty Place.
In the ‘Grand Make’ tents, visitors will be inspired and taught how easy it is to craft something in a few minutes to create products to use in your home, at a party or as a gift.
There will also be masterclasses, which will be between one and a half hours to three hours long and visitors will be able to learn a more specific skill and leave with a fully finished and practical make.
Mr Westman added: “We’re now in our fifth fabulous year at Hampton Court and that’s all down to our fantastic visitors, makers and crafters who have supported us, helping us to grow and delight more craft lovers year-on-year.
“We also have a raft of incredibly talented experts on board which really makes The Handmade Fair different from anything else in the UK.”
Both entry only and VIP tickets are still available from the website.
What: The Handmade Fair
Where: The Green at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey
When: Friday, September 14 – Sunday, September 16, from 9:30am – 6:00pm
