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)