I had the pleasure of spending a day at the Creative Craft show last week at the NEC Birmingham. I had such a great day, met some lovely crafty people and enjoyed as many workshops and ‘Make & Take’ sessions as I could fit in!

Let me show you some of the beautiful things I saw!

I loved this gorgeous Christmas tree on the Wool Couture Company stand. Isn’t it pretty? They have kits for all sorts of Christmas decorations (as well and LOTS of other things on their website)

There was a gorgeous display of African Print fabrics by Diligent Hands Fabric. I liked the fact that Fola has lots of traditional cotton fabrics but also beautiful prints on a mix of thinner and silky fabrics too.

I love the Make a Beeline Project from the Grans on the Make. It’s an extraordinary community project organised by some extraordinary ladies.

I had the pleasure of making myself a felted bee at their stall last March when the year long project was just getting going.

I’m afraid my photo doesn’t do the next stand any justice at all (the lighting at these big shows in convention centre halls is not great) This display was gorgeous in real life, all beautiful felted flowers and leaves by Mums Makery. They have a wide range of kits and felting supplies and loads of youtube tutorials to help you.

I’ve said before that probably my favourite things at these craft shows is the workshops and make and take sessions offered by lots of the exhibitors. Back at the last show in June I enjoyed a glass fusing session with Craven and White so when I saw they were back again this time I jumped at the chance to have another go. This time I made a decoration for our Christmas tree. They fire it in the kiln and then will post it out to me in a week or two. I promise to let you see it when I get it back. (eeek - exciting!)

If I show you the fused glass tile I made last time at the show you’ll see why I’m so excited again!

I’m a big fan of the wooden printing blocks from The Arty Place. At previous shows I’ve printed numerous tote bags and tea towels and this time was no exception. I printed a bag but I can’t show you that as it’s a gift for a friend and I don’t want her to see it yet! I can show you the samples I made though. I’m thinking I might try some embroidery over the prints and then make them into something.

I had chance to dabble in a little mixed media and made this pretty Christmas ornament on the Samantha K Crafts stand. Messy but LOADS of fun! I can’t wait to hang this on the tree in December.

Flower arranging has never really been my thing so I had fun at the NAFAS West Midlands stand. NAFAS is the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies and with a little guidance I was able to make this little Autumnal arrangement.

Last but by no means least I enjoyed a beadling session at the stand of The Bead Selection when I was able to make this bracelet, and this is one thing that I am keeping for myself!!

All in all I had a fun craft filled day out. At each of the workshops I sat with and chatted to some lovely people, it’s such a friendly thing to do! I chatted non stop to some more craft loving ladies on my way home on the train too.

Here is the schedule for the ICHF crafts shows next year in case you want to plan your own visit.