An Indie Christmas

Like a lot of people I find myself constantly struggling to comprehend where the time goes, no more so than 5 weeks before Christmas. No really, what happened to Autumn?? How come all the festive craft fairs I booked back at the start of the summer are now imminent??? Yes, this happens every year and it still always takes us by surprise…

So – time to get organised. Fortunately, shopping for Christmas presents is a complete scoosh these days due to the plethora of independent businesses producing gorgeous, original products. It’s never been easier to buy beautifully-made, unique gifts, whether it’s from a local artisan fair or shop, through marketplaces such as Etsy and Folksy, or direct from a maker’s website. Over the next three weekends I’ll be selling my work at the following fairs in Perthshire and Glasgow (full details are on the ‘Shop’ page):

They all promise to be fantastic events with a very high standard of work being exhibited; there really will be something for everyone, and it is a lovely way to shop in your local neighbourhood.

Which is more than can be said for Black Friday, which is almost upon us; a lot of small businesses will be feeling under pressure to reduce their prices to try and compete with big brands and businesses. To combat this, the wonderful Just A Card campaign has come up with INDIE FRIDAY!

Indie Friday Square by Angela Chick

Across social media Just A Card will be promoting the work of independent makers and shops from all over the UK – look out for the #JACIndieFriday #IndieFriday hashtags on Twitter and Instagram and join in the fun!
And remember – when you’re out Christmas shopping this year, don’t pass by an independent. Take a look – you never know what you might find!

Into The Woods

Mad Miss Morag the Lakeland Terrier has come to stay for the day (which always puts my dog Rudy’s nose a tad out of joint); whilst they are both snoozing in between bouts of general insanity, I’m taking the opportunity to write my second blog post!

It’s a bright, but chilly, Monday morning, and I’m watching a robin and a lovely little wren fluttering about in the garden. It’s all feeling rather autumnal so it seems appropriate to bring your attention to the Just A Card Into The Woods Autumn Shopping Guide!

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It’s a wonderful selection of art and craft on an autumnal theme featuring woodland-inspired items from 25 UK based independent makers, and features my Forest Diorama. Find out more about the Just A Card campaign for independent businesses here and have a read of their blog too – you’ll discover so many fantastic makers and get an insight into how they produce their lovely work.

Right, the Terrible Terrier Twosome are stirring – time to go!