The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2011 Review Pt 1. Craig and Tone , Tone Von Krogh , Fishink , Goodwin-Jones Ceramics , Janie Withers , Ken Eardley , Chris Boland , Dionne Swift , Jenny Llewellyn .

We’ve had a busy few days exhibiting work and selling the ‘ Craig and Tone ‘ range of ceramics at the

GNCCF in Manchester over the weekend.  Here’s how the stand looked.

We had some sales and great feedback, with some interest from galleries who would like to exhibit a

selection of the range, which is encouraging news.

Pieces are still available to purchase from our Etsy Shop. Tone’s solo work was popular too of course,

and she had new pieces in the form of teapots. You can find her work for sale here.

More beautiful pieces in the form of coastal ships and cottages from Goodwin-Jones Ceramics.

This talented couple have moved from our Cornish shores over to Brittany and still return every two

months to stock galleries with their beautiful work.  There are possible plans for more French inspired

seaside cottages and cafes.

Textile artist Dionne Swift was on the next stand to Tone’s, with an intriguing combination of cards,

broaches, wall art and textile backed journals, all printed onto felt with abstract shapes. She is based

in Holmfirth in W. Yorkshire and offers a range of workshops on the textile printing side.

Strong, masculine and angular jewellery was the theme from Sheffield based Chris Boland.

Wonderful pieces constructed from natural stone and crystals for men and women.

Light and colourful ceramics from Brighton based maker Ken Eardley.  Ken has new work on his stall

this year in the form of cake stands and wonderful platters.

Janie Withers and Michael Hanmer had a stand full of subtle coloured and winter focussed weaves

and knitted scarves, tea cosies, purses and water bottle covers. They now work from a studio near to

Nottingham in the Harley Foundation Studios which look a fantastic place to work and be inspired.

More colourful jewellery was on show at Jenny Llewellyn ‘s stand. Jenny graduated from Middlesex

University in 2007 and has taken her organic, silicone creations to weird and wonderful heights.

I will be posting more of my discoveries from the Contemporary Craft Fair over this coming week, so

come back for more amazing work.  Many thanks to everyone whom I spoke to during the show

who were kind enough not only to tell me about themselves and their work,

but to also let me take images to show on here.