Looking for an unusual Christmas present? MAXINE GORDON reports on some novel gift ideas by a team of York artisans
CHRISTMAS is just four weeks away - so let the shopping begin.
York has declared itself open for festive business, with the arrival of St Nicholas Fair and the switching on of its Christmas lights.
But if you are struggling to find something a little bit different and want to wander off the beaten track in pursuit of that elusive present, set your Rudolph radar for the York Makers Christmas Fairs.
The York Makers are a group of local artists and craftspeople who make a variety of products, from glassware and ceramics to jewellery and wooden goods.
They will be holding two fairs in the run up to Christmas - the first will take place this Sunday from 12 to 4pm at Wigginton Recreation Hall followed by one at Clements Hall in Southbank on Saturday December 5, from 11am to 3pm.
Some of the more unusual items for sale this year will be work by Linda Taylor, who paints intricate images of birds straight on to feathers.
Linda, who is a member of the York Art Society and the Newton on Ouse Art Group, said her inspiration came from nature and walking outdoors.
She said: "The British landscape with its soft light and atmosphere is one that is hard to beat."
She came up with the idea of painting on real feathers after seeing the indigenous South American people painting on their Dreamcatchers.
Linda Taylor's painting of an owl on to a real bird feather
She said: "I feel that my feather paintings capture the imagination, linking the art to the spirit of the birds. I source feathers that have been shed by birds and then stick them to mount board. After they have dried I paint the birds using acrylic paint using tiny brushes.
"I don't use a magnifying glass, as people look at them with normal eyesight. I just imply the feathers and detail."
Linda will be taking part in the fair at Clements Hall on December 5.
Fellow York Maker Alyson Cowen said both fairs would enable shoppers to browse handmade goods that support local, small businesses.
There will be around 20 stalls at each venue, selling an eclectic range of products including glasswork, wood turning, jewellery, ceramics, decoupage from comics, crochet, coasters, vintage style clothing, and much more.
A café offering refreshments and cake will be open at both venues too.
Alyson said: "York is home to fantastic creative talent and the Christmas fairs will showcase the skills of our many makers. Come along and meet the makers and purchase direct from the producer themselves."
She added that several of the makers offered a bespoke service to create something absolutely unique.
For more information, follow @yorkmakers on Twitter, York Makers on Facebook or online at yorkmakers.co.uk
York Makers Christmas Fairs
Sunday, November 29
Noon to 4pm
Wigginton Recreation Hall, The Village, York, YO32 2LL
Saturday, December 5
11am to 3pm
Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road, York, YO23 1BW
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