Arty crafty Pottering

Date: 26 November 2011 20:46:53

I could get to like this arty crafty pottering thing. I finally began my Christmas shopping today. Yes, really! Armed with my trusty railcard I made my way down the line to the annual Arts and Crafts Fair at The Lightbox museum and gallery in Woking. It's a gentle way to ease into the preparations without all the noise and hassle of the mainstream shops. This is the second year I've done this. An old schoolfriend has a stall there each year, selling cards and jewellery so it's a brilliant opportunity to catch up with her and to enjoy some of the beautiful craftwork. As you can see from the video in the link, the place has only been open a few years, but from the look of it is fast becoming a place for all sorts of projects in the local community. Last year I had to hurry back to a choir practice; this year I'd more time to potter round and explore the other centre exhibits as well. As well as a permanent local history exhibit, this time round, there was a display of Chinese ceramics, (I went round this one before I became too load up with shopping. Can you imagine the bill if my bags got caught in some priceless tea set!). Thankfully, none did, and I spent a very enjoyable couple of hours there, managing to buy a few bits and bobs for various people, including cards, (the one in the picture is one made by my friend). I even had time for tea and a sandwich in the cafe - accompanied by the mellow strains of the Bishop Brown School Steel Band. Wound my way back down through the shopping centre to the station, by way of the British Heart Foundation shop, amongst others, where I was beguiled and tempted and finally fell to the temptations of a hooked rug kit - Nativity Scene - a snip at £3.99. A snip even without the latching tool, luckily we have a spare at home...somewhere. Whether I'll get it made in time for Christmas itself is open to debate - maybe Christmas 2012 might be a more realistic guess. Especially as I've had my writing hand in a support bandage for the last couple of days. I've been having problems with achey wrist, arms and fingers lately. The most likely cause is lugging heavy weights around; my heavy case on retreat and overenthusiastic clutter clearing at home. Or could it be the dreaded RSI? Let's hope not. Either way, I simply couldn't resist the kit. The finished wall hanging will go beautifully with the patchwork camel I bought last weekend!