One of my favourite bits of putting a fair together is seeing what everyone’s been making in the run-up to it. I always spot a few things that make me think, ‘Ooh, I know exactly who I’d buy that for’ (but also quite few I’d quite like to keep for myself too!).
With our Grand Winter Makers Fair coming up at The British Engineerium in Hove on 21 & 22 November, I thought I’d share a few of those finds with you. And seeing as it’s our 10th year of Paper Daisy, I’ve gone for ten. Although with over 120 makers, artists & small businesses joining us, ten was a lot harder to narrow down than I thought it would be!
A little bit of Hove for the Christmas tree
Martha Mitchell Design
I thought I’d start with something local, seeing as we’re kicking the Winter season off in Hove. Martha Mitchell Design makes illustrated Christmas baubles with different locations (pictured here is the Hove design). I think it would make such a lovely gift for someone who’s moved away or who’s just moved to the area.
Find Martha at the fair all weekend, on the ground floor.
2. Wildflowers for someone who’s already dreaming of spring
Sussex Seed Balls
I thought this was a lovely idea for someone who’s always out in the garden- I’m sure we can all think of at least one person! Pictured here is the pet friendly seed balls - as I know there are many of you with pets at home.
Find Sussex Seed Balls all weekend on the ground floor.
3. Something to get out after Christmas dinner
Bedsit Games
I always like the idea of giving someone a game you can open and play that same day. Head over to Bedsit Games, who has designed several board games including the newly realised Twittens game. Plus, when purchasing from Paul in person, he’ll give you a demo so you can get ahead with the rules of the game!
Find Bedsit Games all weekend in the marquee.
4. FOR SLOW WINTER MORNINGS
Daisy Cooper Ceramics
I definitely have a favourite mug at home (it was actually purchased from a previous fair and made from Claire Murray - who’ll also be joining us). I don’t think you can go wrong with a handmade mug for someone who NEEDs a coffee / tea in the morning! Pictured here are the Blue waves mugs from Daisy Cooper Ceramics - She’ll be joining us for the first time this November. I’d pop a bar of J.Cocoa chocolate or bag of truffles from Truffle Witch in with it, too.
Find Daisy Cooper Ceramics all weekend on the ground floor.
5. FOR THE CANDLE LOVERS
Boucle
There is nothing more cosy than having a candle alight in the cold winter evenings, and if you know someone who always has a candle on then head to Boucle. Each candle is hand-poured and uses 100% pure essential oils that release beautiful scents into the air. There will be a few candle stalls, so make sure you visit them all to pick your favourite scents.
Find Boucle on the mezzanine gallery floor on Saturday 21st
6. FOR THE JEWELLERY LOVER
Gabriella Casemore
It was pretty hard to choose just one jeweller for this list! We’ve got such a mix at the fair, from silver and gemstones to colourful acrylic, leather and even a few pieces in fine gold.
In the end, I went for these daisy earrings by Gabriella Casemore. She’s always a popular exhibitor and you can see why! I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for anything daisy-related (can you tell?), and I think these would make a lovely gift for your jewellery-loving bestie.
Find Gabriella Casemore all weekend on the mezzanine gallery floor.
7. BUILD YOUR OWN HAMPER
Spiced Sussex
I featured a build-your-own hamper in last year’s gift guide and had to bring it back! We’ve got lots of small-batch food & drink producers joining us, so you can pick up a little something from a few different stalls and put together a hamper full of things you know they’ll love.
Pictured here is Spiced Sussex’s gift package. You’ll find Spiced Sussex outside all weekend. Then head up to the mezzanine for more hamper ideas from Marzilcious, The Chilli Trail, Savvy Ferments, Wellb Organics and lots more. I’d do a lap first and see what catches your eye (although I’d probably end up with a few bits for myself too!).
Find Spiced Sussex all weekend outside in one of the gazebos.
8. SOMETHING TO SIP
Vermouth Actually
We’ve got a few small-batch distillers joining us at the fair, so if you fancy adding a little tipple to your Sussex hamper, here’s one I’d go for. It’d make a lovely gift on its own, too!
I’ve picked Vermouth Actually because they’re new to Paper Daisy and I thought this sounded a bit different. They make a Sussex vermouth that’s designed to be sipped on its own. I’d give it to the person who’s always the first to ask, ‘What are we drinking?!’
Find Vermouth Actually all weekend on the ground floor.
9. A DOLL WITH A WHOLE LOAD OF PERSONALITY
Ruby Ruth Dolls
If you know someone who loves things that are a little bit odd in the best way, then head over Ruby Ruth Dolls. There are multiple sizes ranging from mini dolls to larger dolls that make a bold statement.
You’ll definitely want to see all their faces before deciding which one you’re taking home!
Find Ruby Ruth Dolls in the marquee all weekend.
10. FOR THE ONE WHO LOVES TO COOK
Skinner Designs
I had to squeeze in something from Skinner Designs for my final pick! I’ve gone for one of his magnetic knife blocks. It’s something they’ll use every day, and it looks lovely out on the kitchen worktop too. If you’re buying for someone who’s happiest in the kitchen, I’d definitely stop by his stall and have a look at his chopping boards while you’re there.
Find Skinner Designs in the Marquee all weekend.
Honestly, narrowing it down to just 10 picks was so difficult! I could’ve featured so many more of our makers, but I hope this gives you a little Christmas shopping inspo before the weekend. If you fancy seeing who else is joining us, have a look at the full list of makers.
I can’t wait to see you all at the fair!
Grand Winter Makers Fair
Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 November
The British Engineerium, Hove
10.30am–5pm both days
Free entry. If you’d like to skip the queue for the main building, optional queue-jump tickets are available to buy.