Your complete guide to Christmas Art and Craft Fairs in North Devon 2012

FOR those short on ideas for good Christmas presents, the following art and craft fairs might just provide some very cool, stylish answers.

NOVEMBER:

What: Northam Lodge’s Christmas Fayre

Where: Northam Hall

When: Saturday, November 24, noon to 3.30pm

JEWELLERY, arts, crafts, cakes, spicy nut hampers, a raffle, plants, books and gifts will tempt you to buy your Christmas presents.

The refreshment stall will be overflowing with goodies to eat while Santa will be in his grotto for the children.

What: Swimbridge Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair

Where: Jubilee Hall, Swimbridge

When: Saturday, November 24, 10am to 5pm

SWIMBRIDGE favourites such as local pottery, hand-painted glass, hand-stitched bags, jewellery, country crafts and original paintings return to this popular fair. Mince pies and fruity mulled wine will be served. Profits in aid of Swimbridge Jubilee Hall.

What: Christmas Craft and Design Fair

Where: RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington

When: Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25, 10am to 4pm

ROSEMOOR’S marquee will have about 40 sellers from around the South West displaying items ranging from jewellery to textile crafts and handbags. There will also be Christmas trees and advent calendars and other sparkling Christmas items. The emphasis is on the beautiful and unusual with all the products for sale made by local craftsmen and women. Exhibitors include Graham Karslake with his Flowerpot Photography, Boo Boyne Home Accessories and Beth Tuck’s felt work.

Normal Garden Entry.

What: Christmas Craft Fair

Where: Eggesford Gardens

When: Sunday, November 25, 11am to 4pm

JEWELLERY, textiles, paintings, woodcraft, ceramics, dried flowers and scented goods, along with hand crafted Christmas cards and decorations are just some of the many items for sale at this fair.

There is also a Christmas Gift Fair at the garden centre on Sunday, December 9 with a Christmas Food and Gift Fair on Sunday, December 16. Eggesford Gardens also has a wide range of Christmas trees (real and artificial), decorations, lights, wrapping paper and cards.

What: Grand Christmas Fayre

Where: Welcombe Village Hall

When: Sunday, November 25, 11am to 3pm

CRAFT stalls including cards, jewellery, soaps, pottery, handmade bags, quilting, woodwork, photography and glass crafts will be at this St Mark’s School PTA event.

There will also be a raffle, mince pies and an appearance from Father Christmas who will have a grotto at the fayre.

What: Filleigh Christmas Fete

Where: Filleigh Village Hall

When: Thursday, November 29, 5.30pm

ART, food, jewellery, cards and toys are just some of the attractions at this fete where children can visit Father Christmas and get a small gift. There will be hot suppers with jacket potatoes. Raising money for the church and village hall there will be plenty of fete-style fun.

DECEMBER:

What: Ruby Country Market

Where: Hatherleigh

When: Saturday, December 1

THIS fair boasting 160 stalls provides a chance to eat, drink and sample local products including edible flowers. Stop to watch artisans like David North Lewis, a traditional working blacksmith and Chris Hirst, a leather worker.

Live music will be provided from the Hatherleigh Silver Band, a choir from Shebbear College and Celtic harpist Fionnuala Kirby .

Children can see an 18th century Russian sleigh which has starred in films such as Dr Zhivago, where it was the tzar’s sleigh. It has also been used by Jimmy Tarbuck playing Santa Claus. Families might like to join Ben May and his two shire horses, Tom and Joey, for a covered wagon ride from the market into the town of Hatherleigh.

Deborah Hasting will be holding a Christmas bells and baubles workshop, while Jilly Chandler will be giving a Christmas pottery decoration workshop.

Claire Close will be selling her designer vintage prints and patterns. Sajla Behal Armstrong from Sajla’s Taaza Curry will be giving demonstrations and Mary Jannaway will be showcasing her basket making skills. Author Liz Shakespeare will be signing books.

Entry: £1 per car. Free entry for pedestrians.

What: Umberleigh Christmas Bazaar

Where: Umberleigh Village Hall

When: Sunday, December 2, 10am to 4.40pm

THIS lovely annual event includes work from well known and emerging North Devon artists and makers, plus local producers will be selling cakes, preserves and handmade Christmas decorations.

One of the exhibitors will be Umberleigh artist, Colin Allbrook, one of North Devon’s top watercolourists who exhibits and sells across the UK. His work captures the essence of our area beautifully, which means Colin also has a large following across the region.

This friendly village event is an ideal chance to see and buy Christmas presents straight from the artists and producers in a very relaxed atmosphere.

Have we missed an Art and Craft Fair out? Get in touch! Email the details to emma.glanfield@northcliffedigital.co.uk