How to have a crafty Christmas

If you’re looking for Christmas inspiration Crafts for Christmas, Hobbycrafts and Art Materials Live from 7th-10th November at the NEC is the place to be.

Hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand offering a treasure trove of gifts and treats including beautiful jewellery, cuddly toys, board games, decorations and ceramics not usually found on the high street.

The Festive Food and Drink aisle will have an extensive array of luxury chocolates, gourmet nuts, fruity preserves, handmade chutneys, farmhouse cheeses, specialist wines and spirits.

There’s also the Scandinavian Christmas Market which will showcase six unique collections from Vivi Gade Design.  With kits to create your own crafts and readymade decorations in an array of designs, you can choose from ornate paper, decoupage paper, wrapping paper, stickers, ornaments and wood decorations.

You can get crafting at the Prima ‘Make & Take’ Craft Theatre and take part in workshops and demonstrations throughout the day to create handmade Christmas decorations and treats while unique sculptors Andrew Sinclair and Diane Coates will be demonstrating their skills and techniques at The Sculpture School where they will be teaching traditional sculpture skills through daily demonstrations in clay sculpture and an exhibition of their work and new range of sculpture tools.

At Hobbycrafts, the award-winning creative crafts show, over 200 exhibitors bring the best of the creative craft world together.  Stock up and discover all the latest innovations and supplies, speak to the exhibitors for their advice and ideas and take part in one of the many free Quick & Easy Workshops, Make & Take sessions, Talks and Demonstrations each day of the show. With everything from stamping, patchwork and quilting and cardmaking to papercraft, jewellery making and beading – you will find everything you need for your next crafty project.

Be amazed by the incredible group of Victorian Carol Singers which are all sculpted out of white paper and glue.  Artist Martin Pidgen from Lincolnshire has created this stunning installation especially for the Birmingham show.

You can also inspire your artistic side at this year’s Art Materials Live, the largest and liveliest show of its kind in the world. Leading professional artists will be offering the very latest art supplies, ideas and innovations as well as their top tips and advice for you to take home.  Take part in one of the pre-bookable hands-on workshops organised by the Leisure Painter & The Artist Magazines, where you can learn to create landscapes, markets, animals and much more in a variety of media. With numerous free workshops and demonstrations taking place daily from some of the industry’s best known names along with some stunning displays to offer inspiration, you will be racing home to create your very own masterpiece.

Ticket Prices: Adult: £12.00 (£10.00 Advance Price) Senior: £11.00 (£9.00 Advance Price) Children free if accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket, otherwise £5.00. 2 Day Ticket (Advance Only) Adults: £17.00 Senior: £15.00

For more information or to book tickets please visit www.ichfevents.co.uk.  Alternatively, phone the Ticket Hotline on 01425 277988.