Highlights: The Renegade Craft Fair in London
Hello decor8 readers! My name is Ishtar Olivera and I’m an illustrator and crafter from Spain. Two years ago I moved with my family to the UK and I can tell you it’s been a very exciting adventure so far! I’m so happy to live just two hours away from London. I can visit whenever I need a fresh dose of inspiration, feel like taking the kids to the museums or attend unique events like the Renegade Craft Fair!
This was the second year that the event was held in London, at The Old Truman Brewery on September 15th and 16th. I had the date reserved on my calendar as soon as I learned about it and so, off I went, early on a Sunday morning and this is what I found waiting for me, oh my!
There’s nothing that I love more than flea markets and craft fairs! Handmade crafted objects are real treasures to me. I feel happy just walking along the booths and talking to people and admiring their work. I think they even have a special energy! You can feel it as soon as you walk in.
There’s something welcoming about these events don’t you think?
I loved how spacious and luminous The Old Trueman Brewery was, and how all the booths were displayed, the bunting along the ceiling, the cheerful colors of the tables, the variety of crafts, the music playing in the background and the friendly folks at the door greeting you! See? How can you not feel welcome ; )
Oh, but where to start? So many lovely things to see! Jewelry, dolls, tea cups and pins, tea towels and prints! Here are a few of my favorite things…
First, cute pin cushion houses…
And even ice cream and hedgehog badges! These were made by the sweet illustrator Debbie Greenaway.
Embroidered words to stop by, read and laugh at made by Stephanie Tillman from What Party.
So hilarious and original!
I was surprised to find artists I have followed and admired for years like Stella Baggott from Atelier Stella. I really find her ceramics to be one of a kind. Little succulent pots, doves, clouds with raindrops and even spoons! All with their cute faces which make them irresistible!
I had to bring one of her Mr. Spoons home with me. Who wouldn’t want a spoon with nose and eyes to stir the coffee with ? : ) Don’t forget to check out her website for more lovely ceramics.
Next was the booth of talented doll maker Lucy Brasher from The Cat in the Shoe – you could spot her whimsical creatures from afar!
Really something special, don’t you think?
And then there the Sweet Trash booth filled with wonderful quirky colors and curiosities made of recycled garments and objects.
A bit of kitsch here and there topped up with retro style marvels! Sweet!
The booth of Butterscotch and Beesting had the loveliest circus themed housewares; cushions, lampshades, teacups…
Their booth was beautifully decorated as well. It’s something I enjoy very much about these events: the creativity artists show while setting up their booths in order to make them stand out and be attractive to customers. The theme and colors they choose, different props, it was so inspiring.
Then there are booths that really don’t need to do much, because the artists’ crafts and creations stand out all by themselves. Such is the case of Jess Quinn and her rag dolls.
Jess was definitely one of my favorite artists of the fair. Her inspiration come from her childhood memories and the dolls her mum used to make.
Each doll had so much personality! The fabrics she uses are mostly vintage. They each come with fun accessories like sunglasses, scarfs, pom pom hair bands necklaces and more.
And last but not least the world of jimbobart and his hand-drawn ceramics. Bears, mice and badgers… Woodland creatures that have a special love for cakes (as he says himself ).
I very much enjoyed going through all his work!
And so, there you have it! A brief visit through London’s Renegade Craft Fair and some of my favorite artists. I left with a smile and a spoon! And hoping to come back next year. :) I hope that you enjoyed my favorite things at the Renegade Craft Fair – thank you decor8 readers for having me as your guest today!
(photographs: Ishtar Olivera)
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September 21st, 2012 at 12:59pm
oh too cute… I wish i was there, so many things I could pick up. Those hoops are my favorite.
September 21st, 2012 at 1:55pm
How fun. A few weeks ago I went to the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago. Loved it. Best of times. Wonder how many of the artists were the same? That would be the life. Travel the world with the craft fair. My 10 year old son bought funny t-shirt there and wears it EVERY day. Hope you also got so treasures.
September 21st, 2012 at 2:02pm
A day that would be right up my alley!
Tracy A.´s last [type] .."Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald
September 21st, 2012 at 2:20pm
I liked everything until I saw the neon lampshade from Butterscotch and Beesting. Love that! Flea Markets are so inspiring.
Tina Ramchandani´s last [type] ..Art in General {plus} The Weekly Recap
September 21st, 2012 at 2:45pm
I have as a favorite Butterscotch and Beesting on Etsy for there super wonderfull pillows! Oh I also want to go to a fair like that!!!
September 21st, 2012 at 4:19pm
Adorei passear com você! Obrigada!
September 21st, 2012 at 4:48pm
I love this post, love the work of Debbie Greenaway!
Great information, thanks!
xx
Mariela´s last [type] ..Paredes
September 21st, 2012 at 5:00pm
I want to buy it all… so beautiful!
xx
Pili
Pilar´s last [type] ..Home, sweet home!
September 21st, 2012 at 5:02pm
Oh, wonderful things!! I wish I lived close, so I could visit.
Have a good weekend,
Esther.
Esther´s last [type] ..Autumn on the way
September 21st, 2012 at 5:46pm
It´s wonderfull.
September 21st, 2012 at 6:38pm
I’ve been needing a craft sale to go to. Thanks. Felt like I just went. I am enamored by all of the doll figures. I think little boys need dolls too. I am always looking for one for my grandson that might be a good “boy” doll. Love the little wolfie one.
Kathleen´s last [type] ..Creative Memory #1
September 21st, 2012 at 7:15pm
I was there last year, quite by accident. Such a great event :)
September 21st, 2012 at 10:10pm
Sigh…..one of my all time favorite things in the world. Hitting Renegade the moment it is in town, in Brooklyn. Just THE best. This one looks so bright and cheerful and thank you for introducing me to some lovelies that I had never seen before!
xo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last [type] ..Closer to home
September 21st, 2012 at 11:35pm
Fantastic post. Love the little houses and mermaid.
September 22nd, 2012 at 12:03am
how cool is this fair! I wish I could have seen all these goodies! lucky you!
September 22nd, 2012 at 12:51am
Love all the detail. This makes me want to be craftier. Is that a word?
xoxo,
T
September 22nd, 2012 at 9:29am
Beautiful post, I love doll:))
September 22nd, 2012 at 1:24pm
what amzing work!!i love them all!!!BRAVO!!!really super!!
elli by studio34E´s last [type] ..Ένα industrial κομμωτήριο — Industrial barber shop
September 22nd, 2012 at 1:36pm
Hi sweet Ishtar,
Lovely to see you guesting at decor8, and what a fab post!
I feel I have toured it with you, what an amazing fair and space to hold it in.
I have many links to explore thank you for such beautiful photos.
And the jess Quinn dolls are my favourite of your finds.
I really hope to get to this fair one year in the future
Love kat x
Kat´s last [type] ..Pressed flowers from summer
September 22nd, 2012 at 4:28pm
I attended the renegade craft fair in Los Angles. It is such a wonderful event filled with so many unique items made by people who truly love what they do! I was inspired by all the creativity! Love this Fair!
Lauren @ girl and the abode´s last [type] ..Do what you Love!
September 22nd, 2012 at 6:16pm
Looks so colorful and fun. The bears are lovely!
Patty´s last [type] ..Color, Line and Pattern Art Project
September 22nd, 2012 at 8:44pm
oh how i love handmade dolls! i make dolls usually with wire and paper!
Tiffany´s last [type] ..CHOCOLATE AND SPICE*
September 23rd, 2012 at 11:13am
everything looks amazing!!! thanks for sharing the gorgeous craft tables and offerings…
September 23rd, 2012 at 5:43pm
Gracias por tanto detalle!! Tendré que ir en próximo año!!!! :)
Loved all of your review of the show!! Feels we were there!
September 23rd, 2012 at 10:06pm
Adore Isthar’s photographies from the fair, just so awesome to get a little glimps fo all the godness what is there. Wish i could be there too!
iHanna´s last [type] ..Weekly Inspirations: Adventures and Crazy Dreams
September 24th, 2012 at 3:20pm
Looks like a lot of really cute things!! So many great ideas. Thanks for all the photos.. I love the Cat in the Shoe and What Party.. Bet you had the best time!
christine from decorated life´s last [type] ..Decorating Trick Using Task Lighting
September 24th, 2012 at 4:33pm
Debbie’s work is so cute! Thanks for sharing
Jessica´s last [type] ..8 Homemade Candy Recipes
September 24th, 2012 at 8:35pm
Looks utterly amazing, you just don’t get craft fairs like that up here in northern Scotland ((sigh))
Elaine´s last [type] ..Vintage Teas and Clothes Swap
September 25th, 2012 at 12:29am
Thanks Ishtar for you lovely comments and beautiful photographs. Really glad you like my work and I remember you bought the cloud mobile too. Hope you enjoy. Stella x
September 25th, 2012 at 12:26pm
What a lovely Blog! Thank you soo much for featuring the cat in the shoe! x
September 26th, 2012 at 2:08pm
ISHTAR genial encontrarte aqui! un post increible! hay reunión club del tupper a la vista, viste mail de Rebe? Contamos contigo? es patrocinado, pagan vuelos, hotel… Dinos algo! Un beso!
LILANDCLOE´s last [type] ..BELIEVE!
September 26th, 2012 at 2:36pm
Very nice photos. I was wondering how you find out about these events? Is there a website that lists fairs such as this? Thanks!
September 26th, 2012 at 2:53pm
Beutiful fair and beautiful post!!
October 2nd, 2012 at 3:03pm
Please let us know how to get in contact with Atelier Stella. The ceramic pieces are gorgeous and I would love to know how to purchase. Thanks for the great write-up and introduction to so many great artists.
October 3rd, 2012 at 3:31pm
Great pictures. I must go next year.
May 2nd, 2013 at 7:19pm
Looks so heavenly!!! I which as was there!! Thanks for sharing! :)
stephanie @Babasouk´s last [type] ..At last!