Crafting the Future: First Look at the 18th edition of Handmade Chelsea 2025, returning to Iconic Chelsea Old Town Hall, 6–8 November

Handmade Chelsea is back! One of the UK’s longest-running, and most established, craft and design fairs is returning for its 18th season. After the exciting changes introduced in 2024, the show, which this year will run from Thursday 6th-Saturday 8th November, will be brighter than ever. 

Celebrating the Nation’s Finest Makers in an Iconic Location

For nearly two decades, Handmade Chelsea has selected the brightest and best making talent from across the British Isles, and beyond. The 2025 show – a 3-day celebration of exquisite UK making – will present over 120 outstanding proponents of craft.

In the unrivalled setting of Chelsea Old Town Hall, this annual event will showcase every possible craft discipline from jewellery to handprinted and handwoven textiles; handcrafted furniture to decorative glass; functional and decorative ceramics; fine art, print and illustration to innovative and original fashion. 

Perfectly Placed for the Christmas Season

Handmade Chelsea is always perfectly placed to kick-off the Christmas buying season. During the event, the most beautiful and original presents can be purchased, directly from the talented people who make them. 

Faithfully Supporting Established UK Talent 

Handmade Chelsea has always showcased the finest, most established craftspeople in the UK. The 2025 show will be no exception! While supporting UK Making in the present, Handmade Chelsea has always fostered and championed those who will carry the torch of UK making into the future. With areas dedicated to new makers, visitors can browse the next generation of making stars!

Handmade Chelsea is partnering once more with craft industry societies and organisations to further the reach of its talented exhibitors and to represent the wider world of UK craft to our discerning visitors. To give a taste of this year’s partners:

The British Society of Enamellers will be exhibiting for the first time with 10 of their makers, taking their own dedicated gallery. 

Building on last year’s inaugural award, the Society of Designer Craftsmen will be awarding no fewer than two prizes for Outstanding Artistry and Innovation at the 2025 show. This partnership sees two organisations, the longest UK craft society and one of the UK’s longest-running craft shows, joining forces to celebrate our extraordinary craft practitioners.

Handmade Chelsea: The Must-Attend Craft Event Every Autumn!

Handmade Chelsea is the must-attend craft event every Autumn. Don’t just take it from us: 

 “Chelsea 2023 stands out as one of my best fairs. The Handmade team, unwaveringly supportive,drew in an interested crowd despite very challenging circumstances. I always look forward to this event, not just as an exhibitor but also for the chance to enjoy it as a customer.”

Ulli Kaiser – exhibitor

Early Bird Tickets until 15th September are available now from  www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk. 

(After this date, Advanced Ticket prices will apply.)

The post First Look at the 18th edition of Handmade Chelsea 2025 appeared first on Handmade in Britain.

Learn how to carve and print your own lino block by hand. This 2 hour hands-on workshop is designed for complete beginners. Join Eleanor, at Handmade Oxford, where you will be guided through the process of designing, carving, and printing your own Lino block onto cards, prints or tote bags. Receive 10% off on any products on our stall by joining our workshop.

Dates: Thursday 12th June, Friday 13th June, Saturday 14th June
11am – 1pm, and 2pm – 4pm

Duration 2 hours  Cost: £40 pp

Venue Waterperry Gardens, Oxford OX33 1LA

To begin with you will learn how to use the carving tools and the basic cutting techniques. An initial practice block is made which allows you to experiment with mark-making and will help you get used to the tools quickly. You may wish to bring some of your own images to work from, however plenty of inspiration will be at hand to help you decide. You will be shown how to develop your image for printing and the process of transferring it on to the Lino block ready to print. You will be shown how to ink your Lino block and how to burnish prints by hand. By the end of the workshop you will have a small edition of your own prints or tote bag and the knowledge and skills to continue your Lino printing journey at home.

The post Craft Workshop at Handmade Oxford – Introduction to Lino Cut on Paper or Fabric appeared first on Handmade in Britain.

Join Brigitte on her time travels through textile history. Learn how to make fibre from local stinging nettles. An ancient fibre plant, nettles have been used for over 3000 years up until the 18th century for everything from heavy sailcloth to fine table linen. Plus, it is one of the most sustainable local fibre sources

Date: Friday 13th June 2025, 10.30am – 1pm, and 2pm – 4.30pm

Venue : Waterperry Gardens, Oxford OX33 1LA

Duration: 2.5 hours

Cost: £40 pp

What you’ll do

What to bring

What you’ll get

The post Nettle Fibre Workshop at Handmade Oxford – Forage your own Fibre appeared first on Handmade in Britain.

GET YOUR EARLY BIRD TICKETS FOR THE 5TH EDITION OF HANDMADE OXFORD!

Early Bird VIP and Standard tickets are now available for the 5th edition of Handmade Oxford, The International Contemporary Craft festival to be held at Waterperry Gardens from Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 June 2025

Event Highlights: 

• Over 150 UK-based makers presenting an exquisite array of fine arts and crafts, including jewellery, fashion, textiles, ceramics, glass, and sculpture.
• Engaging craft workshops, insightful demonstrations, artisan food, Music & More

Important Notes:

• Online ticket purchases enjoy reduced prices; on-site tickets will be available at regular rates only.
• Concession tickets cater to students over 18 with a valid student card and senior citizens (60+).
• Free entry for children under 16, and carers.
• Assistance Animals and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
• While most areas are wheelchair-accessible, please note that we are unable to provide push/motorised wheelchairs for hire.
• Complimentary car parking is available, advanced booking is required for coaches.

The post Early Bird Tickets Now Live for Handmade Oxford 2025 appeared first on Handmade in Britain.

Now in its 18th year, Handmade Chelsea continues to be a cornerstone of the UK craft calendar. This highly anticipated event returns to the iconic Chelsea Old Town Hall on King’s Road in Kensington & Chelsea, celebrating exceptional craftsmanship and design.

What to Expect:
Over 120 of the UK’s finest designer-makers
Three beautifully curated halls showcasing exceptional craftsmanship
Tailored exhibiting spaces for established professionals and emerging talent

Key Details:
Preview Evening (Invitation Only): Wednesday, 5 November 2025
Public Opening: Thursday 6 – Saturday 8 November 2025
Venue: Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road London

We’re on the lookout for outstanding craftspeople across all disciplines to join this year’s show. Online applications are open and reviewed weekly—there’s no fee to apply.

Why Exhibit?
Gain access to a high-profile audience of collectors, buyers, and craft enthusiasts
Showcase your work in a white-walled shell scheme tailored to your needs
Option to share larger spaces with groups of makers

Apply Now!
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this iconic event. APPLY NOW

The post Handmade Chelsea 2025: Applications are now Open ! appeared first on Handmade in Britain.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF MAKING STARS / The New Ashgate Gallery Rising Stars, a yearly award and exhibition, celebrates designer-makers in the first three years of their making careers. For several years now, the Rising Stars have been coming to Handmade Chelsea and this year is no exception. Nine makers, representing jewellery, furniture making, woodworking, enamelling and ceramics will grace the show with their beautiful work, including Sophie Wootton who took part in this year’s The Great Pottery Throw Down.

Philip Gay (Timber Robot Studio), Masuma Rahim (Urban Wood), Libby Daniels, Simone Brown, Suluk Khalvati, Jarrad Belton, Charlotte Smith, Caitlin Murphy and Sophie Wootton.

“As a resident judge for the New Ashgate Gallery Rising Stars and last year the curator for the London Potters annual exhibition at the Morley Gallery, I am delighted to welcome both organisations, and their amazing makers, to Handmade Chelsea.”Dan Goode, Consultant Director, Handmade in Britain

In the unrivalled setting of Chelsea Old Town Hall, this annual event will showcase  these rising stars and over 100 of the UK’s finest designer-makers representing every possible craft discipline from exquisite jewellery to handprinted and handwoven textiles; handcrafted furniture to stunning decorative glass; functional and decorative ceramics; fine art, print and illustration to innovative and original fashion.

Advanced Tickets are now available online.

The post Fresh Faces in Craft: Spotlight on Rising Stars at Chelsea Old Town Hall appeared first on Handmade in Britain.

Perfectly timed to coincide with the start of the Christmas Season, the Handmade Chelsea Craft and Design Fair is back!

A FRESH LAYOUT AND NEW OPENING DAYS /  With brand new opening days and a fresh new layout, visitors can expect an event every bit as bespoke as a handmade piece. Running from Thursday 7th – Saturday 9th November, with a Private View taking place on the evening of Wednesday 6th November, Handmade Chelsea has been reinvigorated!

“Handmade Chelsea is one of the longest running craft shows in the British Isles. Serving as a platform for our selected artists to exhibit their exceptional creations, there will be a beautiful selection on offer just in time for Christmas. Visitors can buy directly from makers or place orders for bespoke commissioned pieces.” Piyush Suri, Founder, Handmade in Britain

ICONIC LOCATION / In the unrivalled setting of Chelsea Old Town Hall, this annual event will showcase over 100 of the UK’s finest designer-makers representing every possible craft discipline from exquisite jewellery to handprinted and handwoven textiles; handcrafted furniture to stunning decorative glass; functional and decorative ceramics; fine art, print and illustration to innovative and original fashion. In addition, an area will be dedicated to new talent, shining a spotlight on up-and-coming designer-makers, ensuring outstanding British making will continue well into the future.

“I cannot wait to welcome our extraordinary designer-makers, and our much-valued guests, to this year’s Handmade Chelsea Craft and Design Fair, it promises to be better than ever!” Dan Goode, Consultant Director, Handmade in Britain

Handmade Chelsea Craft and Design Fair is the place to find beautiful unique gifts this Christmas, for friends, loved ones and personal gifts for oneself. 

In the words of one of our outstanding regular exhibitors:

“Handmade Chelsea show is one of a kind. A fantastic setting in such a busy and popular location in London, attracting buyers for all different craft disciplines. Its long and well-established reputation draws in repeat customers every year as well as attracting new visitors. As a maker who has exhibited for 16 years, it is a fabulous and friendly show to take part in, a highlight of my working calendar!” Annie Ruthven-Taggart, jeweller, Exhibitor Since 2008

We couldn’t say it better ourselves.

EVENT DETAILS: 

Handmade Chelsea, Contemporary Craft and Design Fair

Location: Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

New Opening Days: Thursday 07 – Saturday 09 November 2024

HIGHLIGHTS: 

Over 100 outstanding British makers selling their work

A New Layout: A revamped layout promises a dynamic new showcase for handmade work

Supporting the makers of the future: New stand sizes for makers in the first 3-years of their making careers

 A DIVERSE RANGE OF DISCIPLINES, INCLUDING: 

•  Jewellery 
• Ceramics & Glass 
• Fashion & Textiles 
• Wood & Bespoke furniture 
• Sculpture, prints and mixed-media 
• Inclusion of new graduate talents showcasing their fresh designs
• Handpicked artisan food and drinks

You can now apply online through our website or email Alis Clement alis.clement@handmadeinbritain.co.uk

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We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited Handmade Oxford at Waterperry Gardens last month. With over 5,500 visitors, 170 exhibitors, 32 demonstrators, and 16 workshops, the event was a tremendous success!

Your enthusiasm and support made this year’s show truly special. We were delighted to see so many passionate individuals celebrating craftsmanship, creativity, and community.

A special thanks to our talented exhibitors, skilled demonstrators, and workshop leaders for showcasing their incredible work and inspiring us all.

A BIG “THANK YOU” to WATERPERRY GARDENS & ALL OUR PARTNERS without whom the Festival wouldn’t have been possible.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year for another fantastic edition from 12-14 June 2025

 

The post Thank You for Joining Us at the 4th Edition of Handmade Oxford appeared first on Handmade in Britain.

Book Your Spot Now!

Join us for the Sustainable Materials Weaving Workshop with Cassandra Sabo on Friday, 21 June from 11 AM – 1 PM at the 4th edition of Handmade Oxford Craft Festival. The festival will take place at Waterperry Gardens from 21-23 June 2024.

Workshop Details

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to create new materials from yarns and fibres and weave them into beautiful handwoven artworks. Cassandra will teach you different techniques to create your own supply of weaving materials from shorter lengths of yarn, fibre, and cloth. You’ll then use these materials to create unique artworks using various weaving techniques and patterns.

What You’ll Do

Three ‘stations’ will be set up for workshop participants, each designed to introduce you to different approaches for creating materials for your handwoven artwork. You’ll have the option to:

• Cut fabric strips from different textured materials
• Mix yarns to create cordage using a cord winder
• Blend wool roving on a blending board to create your own colour blend

Additional natural materials from our studio ‘waste’ will also be available.

What to Bring

Just yourself! A weaving frame loom and all necessary materials and equipment (scissors, etc.) will be provided.

What You’ll Get

Students will leave with a new handwoven artwork and workshop notes to take home. The cost is £40.

About Cassandra

Cassandra Sabo began her design career upon graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2011. She won an award for her graduate collection, enabling her to launch her studio to create handwoven interior products and lighting. Her work has been featured in magazines and is in the homes of private clients around the world. Recognised by the Michelangelo Foundation, she is an honoured member of their artisan community. Since opening her community weaving studio in Oxford in 2018, Cassandra has been teaching workshops for both adults and children. She also offers an online weaving course with Domestika and workshops through the Homo Faber guide for the Michelangelo Foundation.

Please note: Festival entry ticket is not included in the workshop ticket price.

The post Discover the Art of Sustainable Weaving at Handmade Oxford appeared first on Handmade in Britain.

Handmade Oxford has always been dedicated to supporting grassroots craft organizations, and the 2024 show is set to continue this tradition! This year, we are thrilled to welcome back the Northamptonshire Guild, featuring nine exceptional makers. Their work spans a diverse range of disciplines including glass, ceramics, basketry, textiles, art, jewellery, and wood. This impressive array highlights the rich variety of craft talent within the guild.

Guild members joining us this year are

Anona Wyi Glass, Carol East, Maggie Smith Basketry, Robert Walder Fine Furniture, Nadege Honey Design. Naked Clay Ceramics,

Pasqualina Iarrobino Textiles and Ruth Rignall

In addition, we are excited to host members from the Oxfordshire Craft Guild. Their display will feature both functional and decorative ceramics, as well as exquisite textile wearable art. This presentation promises to showcase the stunning handmade artistry from our local community.

Oxfordshire Craft guild members joining us this year are

Bridget Tennet, Jeanne Jackson , Joseph Bull Studio and Vikki Lafford Garside

Handmade Oxford 2024 will be packed with outstanding work from makers across the British Isles, making it the ultimate destination to experience the breadth of UK craft talent this June. Join us to celebrate and support these incredible artisans!

Visit Handmade Oxford, The International Contemporary Craft Festival, in the beautiful surroundings of Waterperry Gardens, where exceptional craft has been expertly curated, and do so in style with our new VIP ticket! With early entry, priority parking, a designated entrance and a drink of your choice, visitors can enjoy all that Handmade Oxford has to offer in style. 

The post Experience the Best of British Craft: Handmade Oxford 2024 Preview appeared first on Handmade in Britain.