Pop-Up North Wales Contemporary Craft Fair – December

The fan birds are carved from one piece of wood which has been harvested from a sustainably managed woodland in North Wales. Originating in Eastern Europe, fan birds symbolise the Holy Spirit, protection, health and happiness. Traditionally the fan bird is hung from the ceiling so that it can move with the air currents.

The broom or brush is a staple of every home, but I like mine to be beautiful and made from natural materials where possible. The fibres used in my brooms – broomcorn, tampico, arenga and coco fibre, are traditionally grown in warmer climates. I try to use hemp cord wherever possible to make my brushes 100% biodegradable, however with some brooms and brushes, nylon cord is required as this provides the strength to keep the fibres in place.

Beca Fflur creates jewelery and metalwork inspired by the landscape of North Wales. She uses materials such as gold and silver enamel and combines them with materials from the area such as slate.

An artist inspired by nature, woodland areas and old rambling buildings , Carys brings her atmospheric images to life using acrylics on wooden surfaces to keep the rustic feel alive.

Clare Elizabeth Kilgour designs contemporary minimalist jewellery using recycled brass and eco silver. Clare is Inspired by the materials she works with and the clean and minimal lines of simplistic shapes and forms. Her latest collections explore the textures and landscapes within the North Wales mountains.

I am a maker of slip cast ceramics using mainly porcelain but incorporating all clays. Based on nature and its designs and lifecycles.

A self taught artist with an interest in making functional items out of things that may look like they have lost their use.

Keeley is a Staffordshire based designer-maker. This colourful collection of tactile 3d printed objects is inspired by mid-century design, classic silhouettes and geometry in nature. The biodegradable materials have their own unique qualities making each piece individual. Colour and shape stories are celebrated in this ever-changing family of objects.

Kirsty Williams Ceramics creates handmade, functional stoneware pieces that celebrate simplicity and purpose. Each piece reflects a minimalist aesthetic, blending timeless design with everyday practicality. Thoughtfully crafted to bring beauty and ease to daily rituals, Kirsty’s ceramics are more than objects- they are companions for moments shared around the table or enjoyed in quiet solitude.

Nobuko skilfully blends geometry and nature, crafting unique pieces that transcend their apparent contradictions. Her preference lies in harmonizing gemstones with gold and silver, employing wax casting, carving, and traditional fabrication techniques. By producing small batches and accepting commissions, she ensures a diverse price range, offering accessibility to her distinctive creations.

I am an illustrator and printmaker from North Wales and I make prints from the heart about people, places, and things that bring me joy. My work is embodied by bursts of vibrant colour, grainy textures and a healthy dose of whimsy and playfulness. I make screen prints that explore dreamscapes and my philosophy on life, whilst my ‘Huck Muck Gift Shop’ series offers affordable risograph prints celebrating the wonderful world we live in.

Ruth Packham is based in Borth, Ceredigion.
Ruth uses wool fibre from the Cambrian mountains to create quirky, colourful, nature inspired sculpture and pictures using felt making techniques.
Ruth has been a practicing artist for over 30 years working mostly with textiles. Her work is informed by the world around her, the colours and patterns of nature, birds feature heavily in Ruth’s work.
Ruth has exhibited nationally and internationally and regularly teaches workshops, both felt making and screen printing onto textiles.

Using silver chain, wire and sheet as alternatives to thread, wool and fabric, I handcraft beautiful and tactile French knitted, crocheted, embroidered and woven jewellery.

Each piece is characterised by a slinky movement and feel on the skin, or is visually enlivened by the manipulation of the original surface texture.

Splashes of colour are added through semi precious beads and threads, giving each creation a playful quality.

As an artist and climber, I’m interested in the visual appeal of geology. Why it is that alpinists are drawn to certain mountains, or why rock climbers describe their routes as beautiful. As a climber I want to experience these places, but as an artist I want to capture the essence of them.”

Originally coming from an illustration background, Tessa has worked extensively within the outdoor industry, providing artwork for numerous organisations and publications, including; British Mountaineering Council, National Trust, Alpinist magazine (USA), Mountain Equipment, Rock and Ice magazine (USA), Climb magazine (UK) and Kendal Mountain Festival amongst others.

In 2017 she was invited to undertake a residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Alberta, Canada as part of the Banff Mountain Film Festival granting her the Fleck Fellowship Award.