Teaching pottery and wood turning, and creating unique ceramic, wood turned and silk gifts & art
Proud sponsors of the “Once Upon A Norfolk” Facebook group
AUTUMN ARTISAN FAYRE
SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER 2024
ANOTHER RESOUNDING SUCCESS!
Big Thanks to our Lovely Artisans, Visitors, Friends & Family who Helped to Make Another Successful Artisan Fayre happen!
Following on from the successes of our Spring & Summer Artisan Fayres, Simon & I are pleased to announce that our Autumn Artisan Fayre fundraiser for Norfolk & Waveney Mind didn't disappoint!
We received so many positive, lovely comments from our artisans and also returning & lots of new visitors who were openly & pleasantly surprised by the really high quality of our attending artists.
We're very grateful to those artists who demonstrated on the day, and it was wonderful to see how many visitors signed up for the workshops too!
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Again, we are heart-warmed by the support and generosity shown by visitors and artists alike in buying raffle tickets to win the fabulous, high-end prizes created and donated by each of our artisans (thank you guys!), as well as the purchases from our pop-up Fanoggins Bakery.
And a very BIG thank you again to our lovely, friendly front of house, DEE, who welcomed everyone with a warm smile and cheer, and, despite being exhausted at the end of the day, also stayed to help clear tables and clean up!
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We're also thankful to those artisans and our loyal followers, customers and students who helped to share the event on their social media platforms, put out posters and fliers, and assist in creating our high-quality artisan fundraiser event.
All the event profits (stallholder fees, bakery proceeds & raffle ticket sales) are going to a charity that Simon and I hold close to our hearts - and we've raised a total of
£800
for Norfolk & Waveney Mind!
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Copper ring making workshop with Crafty Cats
Copper ring making workshop with Emma from Crafty Cats
All set up for the pyrography workshop
Copper ring making workshop with Crafty Cats
Workshops
Christine Pike demonstrating flower blossom tiles
Sarah Madsen demonstrating silversmithing
Paul Janssens demonstrating mixed media art
Christine Pike demonstrating flower blossom tiles
Demonstrations
Our Lovely Artisans
Rosie Demonstrating Loom Weaving
Paul Demonstrating Mixed Media Work
Christine Demonstrating Clay Sculpture
Sarah Demonstrating Silversmithing
AUTUMN ARTISAN FAYRE
SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER 2024
An Event Showcasing Talented Artisans & Raising Funds for the Norfolk & Waveney Mind Charity
We are so happy that our free artisan event & charity fundraiser, the Summer Artisan Fayre, was just as successful as our Spring Artisan Fayre. We raised a total of £800 for our chosen charity, Norfolk & Waveney Mind.
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We are thrilled with the lovely, positive comments from the talented artists who had faith in and attended this event, and the numerous encouraging and fabulously supportive remarks made by the visitors who attended in their droves on the day. You'll find artist and visitor reviews and see photos of our Summer Artisan HERE.
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A fabulous collection of Fenland & East Anglian artists, creators & makers who are selling their work and demonstrating their crafts. All profits are going to Norfolk & Waveney MIND, a charity close to our hearts.
Following the success of our Spring & Summer Artisan Fayres, Simon & I here at Blended Monkey are sponsoring the Autumn Artisan Fayre to showcase some of the wonderful local Fenland & East Anglian artists, creators & makers, while at the same time raise funds for Norfolk & Waveney MIND, a worthy charity that we have fundraised for in the past.
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Join us at Upwell Hall on the Norfolk/Cambs border - New Rd, Upwell, PE14 9AB - from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm on Sunday 20 October to experience a great selection of local makers, creators & artists.
Some will be demonstrating their crafts (enjoy demonstrations of stone masonry, needle felting, paperclay sculpting, Powertex art, loom weaving, willow weaving, silversmithing, pyrography, stained glass, artisan floristry, paper jewellery, fabric art, lino printing and sugarcraft).
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We also have four fabulous WORKSHOPS for you to pre-book or drop-in to on the day including POWERTEX SCULPTURE with the fabulous Sue & Lynda from Fen Mill Crafts, ARTISAN WREATH MAKING with the wonderfully talented Tess Appleby from Fen Edge Floral Design, PYROGRAPHY with the incredibly creative Tic Challis and COPPER WIRE RING MAKING with the amazing Emma Dyke from Crafty Cats.
Read on to see how to book these wonderful workshops!
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​ENTRY IS FREE and there is ample parking at the hall. Yummy locally-made snacks & cakes from Fanoggins Bakery will be available and there are tables & seating provided.
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All event profits (stallholder fees, food income, raffle tickets) are going to Norfolk & Waveney MIND, a charity close to our hearts, which provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
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We spend a lot of our time offering creative therapy workshops to people who suffer with poor mental health, recovering from brain trauma, or who generally need to get away from the pressures of everyday life and immerse themselves in something creative and relaxing.
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We hope you can join us!
WORKSHOPS & ATTRACTIONS
Most of our artists will be demonstrating their crafts throughout the day, but we also have some scheduled workshops that you can pre-book by clicking on the links below
Autumn Wreath Making
Tess from the fabulous Fen Edge Floral Design in Watlington is offering the chance to pre-book a 2-hour autumnal wreath workshop using a beautiful array of dried seasonal flowers, grasses and seed pods for just £35.00, or you can take your chances and see if you can drop in on the day!
The workshop will be held between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm.
To pre-book, email Tess on fenedgefloraldesign@gmail.com, call/text her on 07533 774772 or message on her FB page HERE.
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Powertex Sculpting
Sue & Lynda from Fen Mill Crafts invite you to try your hand at sculpting with Powertex to create a mini journal.
This approx. 2-hour creative workshop costs just £15.00 and you can pre-book by emailing Sue & Lynda on fenmillcrafts@gmail.com or click on the workshop times here to book either the morning or the afternoon workshop directly (workshops will be held at 10.30 am and 1.30 pm).
Or you could of course take your chances and drop in on the day.
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Pyrography
Tic will teach you how to pyrograph your own coaster!
This approx. 1-hour workshop costs just £15.00 and you can pre-book by emailing Tic on ticchallis-art@hotmail.co.uk or texting on 07508 708342 or take your chances on the day and drop in.
Workshops will be held at 11 am, 1.00 pm and 2.30 pm.
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Copper Ring Making
Emma from Crafty Cats will teach you how to make 2 copper wire rings!
This approx. 45-minute workshop costs a mere £15.00 and you can pre-book by messaging Emma on her FB page HERE or by texting her on 07983 177069 or take your chances on the day and drop in.
Workshops will be held at 10.45 am, 12.45 pm and 2.45 pm.
ATTENDING ARTISTS & DEMONSTRATORS
The list keeps on growing! So check in regularly to see additions.
MARK RADCLIFFE EVANS
Stone Mason & Fine Artist
Fine Art trained originally but I've worked as a stone mason, letter cutter and sculptor for 40 years. Recently arrived in East Anglia via many places in the UK.
My sculpture work is always informed by the architecture of the past, fractured edges and polished surfaces, pattern, rhythm, light and shade.
My work has sold in the US, Europe, Ireland and the UK.
I hold workshops in carving, letter cutting and stone masonry.
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Mark will be demonstrating his craft on the day.
ANSARI PRINTS
BY ZOE ANSARI
Artisan Florist
I am a Cambridge-based printmaker and illustrator who has been working with lino printing for several years.
I previously trained as letter carver in stone at The Cardozo Kindersley Workshop and lino was a natural progression into exploring another medium.
I have blended my letter carving and drawing skills into my lino printing practice
I am inspired by nature, pattern design and story telling. I really enjoy the graphic quality of lino print and its versatility.
I have run workshops for David Parr House in Cambridge and have had work exhibited at The Atelier by the Sea in Brighton and the Lettering Arts Trust in Snape Malting, Suffolk. I am currently studying for an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at The Cambridge school of Art.
FEN EDGE FLORAL DESIGN
BY TESS APPLEBY
Artisan Florist
I founded Fen Edge Floral Design in August 2022 after a decade working in the third sector.
I create bespoke everlasting floral decorations, arrangements and accessories for homes, public spaces and events, using home grown, locally sourced or responsibly foraged dried flowers, grasses and seedheads.
My pieces aim to showcase the beauty and diversity of British flowers.
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Tess will be demonstrating her craft on the day & also holding a WORKSHOP (see workshop section above).
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HAND MARBLED NOTEBOOKS
BY CAROLINE ALDERSEY
Bookbinder & Paper Marbler
My name is Caroline Aldersey and I am a paper marbler & bookbinder based in a small village just outside Cambridge.
I work in the marbling studio at the bottom of my brothers garden. He was a professional paper marbler for over 42 years.
I am mostly self taught when it comes to the bookbinding. I have been running my small business for 7 years now and I can be found most Saturdays throughout the year at All Saints Garden Craft Market in Trinity Street in my home town of Cambridge.
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WIL OF STEEL
BY WIL HORNETT
Blacksmith
I began my journey into blacksmithing seven years ago, sparked by a weekend learning session at a 1940s event with a close friend, a master blacksmith.
Despite having a visual impairment, I haven't let this hold me back, becoming largely self-taught and honing my skills in a hobby I am passionate about. My love for the craft has become a family affair, with my wife Miranda and more recently, my son Ryan, also taking up the hammer.
Each family member brings their own style to their work, crafting small, unique pieces, often repurposing and reusing materials. I am also a blacksmith at Burwell Museum and occasionally run experience days for those interested in the craft.
PAUL JANSSENS
Mixed Media Artist
The combination of drawing and travelling has played a major part in my artwork.
I was born in London where I lived until my mid-twenties and studied at Chelsea School of Art. London proved to be a great city to grow-up and study. Living in such a culturally rich city which is constantly changing fuelled both of my passions for art and travel.
I often return to places to see how time has affected them, this could be the result of natural changes, such as the weather and erosion or man-made influences. I aim to create a sense of the journey by producing the paintings in a series. These paintings will often explore different views of a subject over a period of time.
For much of my work I will initially spend time cycling, walking and kayaking along the coast, recording the journeys in my sketchbooks. On the surface of these paintings are old maps, postcards, correspondence and materials from the area. Washes of dilute paint are applied to the surface and absorb into the layers of collage. The paintings are then refined with greater detail, whilst allowing areas of the collage to remain visible.
Whilst travelling I have exhibited in New Zealand and Portugal. I have had numerous exhibitions in the UK and have participated in the Cambridge Open Studios since 2003. For more information about my work or commissions you are welcome to contact me, or to arrange a visit to my studio.
CHRISTINE PIKE, MA
Artist & Sculptor
I make work that tells stories. From tap-dancing mice to otherworldly beings, my sculpture spans a wide range of subject matter and scale, with one central theme: a joyful appreciation of nature and our relationship to it, viewed through the lens of folktales & myth.
I exhibit throughout the UK & Europe and hold an MA from Norwich University of the Arts.
I work in paperclay, jesmonite, and mixed media, and teach workshops throughout the UK in paperclay sculpting.
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Christine will be demonstrating her craft on the day.
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BLENDED MONKEY
BY SIMON & LOUISE
Woodturner, Green Woodworker & Ceramicist
We are a husband and wife team, Simon & Louise, who create woodturned & ceramic pieces, often blending our disciplines.
We also teach woodturning, pottery, green woodworking, spoon carving & silk painting in our garden studios in Upwell and in various other venues.
We host tutors for crafts such a stone masonry and junk journalling.
NADINE ANDERSON
Basketmaker
I am a Basketmaker from Ely, Cambridgeshire with 28 years of experience, and am a Yeoman Basketmaker to The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers one of the City Livery Companies in existence for more than 450 years.
My work is varied in techniques and design mostly weaving in home grown willows and locally harvested freshwater rush. Traditional techniques create Contemporary baskets which often reference the Fenland baskets of the 19th & 20th centuries.
My baskets are mostly made for the domestic home and garden, with more challenging commissions for props and costumes for the film industry including Disney’s Cinderella and DC’s The Flash.
I currently have a willow Eel Hive of the Welney pattern and a Rush Docky Bag in a touring exhibition, Traditional Baskets in the British Isles, Basketry- Rescuing, Reviving, Retaining @Ruthin Craft Gallery, Wales then moving to The Harley Gallery, Nottingham in 2025.
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Nadine will be demonstrating her craft on the day.
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EMILY TOMASI, MA
Mixed Media Artist
I like to mix the light & the dark: the happy & the sad, the cynical & the nostalgic, the irreverent & the serious, the sophisticated & the naive - whether it be in theme or mark making.
I draw, paint, make & craft - all the mediums happily overlap. Some of the sketches make it to ceramics or jewellery or painting. I really like making cats, skulls, shells and plants.
I previously worked as a footwear & accessories designer for Top Shop, Gucci, & Moschino.
Later I worked as a freelance illustrator for Alexander McQueen &Markus Lupfer.
I have set up and co-managed five successful accessories brands winning a UK FT business exporter award.
CAMBRIDGE PEN TURNING
BY PAT & CARRIE
Pen Turner
Handcrafted pens made by myself, Pat Carter, using historical wood sourced from all over the world, with a history.
Each one of these historical pens has a story, it will come in a handmade engraved box. Also hand cast resin with items embedded in them i.e. watch parts, gold/silver leaf, pine cones, olive wood, genuine shredded money, abalone shell plus much more.
I also make perfume dabbers, needle holders, pill and compact boxes, letter openers, razor handles (no blades) etc.
I 3D-resin-print my own stands and occasionally sell them if requested. We try to recycle as much as we possibly can and very little is wasted. We use reclaimed church floorboards to make most of our pen boxes. I am very passionate about what I make and love to tell each customer how their item came about.
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SEMPERART GLASS
BY JUNE MASSEY
Fused Glass Artist
After a lifelong love of glass I was thrilled to have the opportunity to make a small fused glass coaster nine years ago and decided to pursue what I thought would be a hobby.
After several courses, a great deal of research and a lot of experimentation with different types of glass, processes and fusing temperatures (including a lot of trial and error, which is all part of growing my art) I felt that it was time for me to take the leap and spend more time exploring the art that I love. It was one of my finer and more inspired decisions!
I now design and make the fused glass pieces in my studio at home in Cambridgeshire. Every piece is unique and has a character of its own.
For me, glass can be both beautiful and functional, so I make a range of products to use, to look at and to enjoy.
One of the greatest pleasures as an artist is to encourage people in my workshops to tap into their creative skills and use the materials in innovative ways; the results are amazing!
SARAH HEATHER ART
Artist
Raised in rural Suffolk, I now live and paint in the Fens.
My work is all about the energy in mark-making and the feeling it evokes for the viewer. Excitement, happiness and fun are the key elements to my intuitive art.
My authentic self comes through on the canvas as does a sense of joy and aliveness. I convey the beauty of the places that inspire my art, through a vibrant but considered colour palette, all enlivened by my use of textures. From the chaos layers underneath to a final flourishing finish, my works are a perfect reflection of my true authentic artistic self and my paintings and drawings bring joy to anyone who sees them.
TIC CHALLIS
Woodworker & Pyrography Artist
My work focuses on the many characteristics of wood; how it can be shaped and formed, the pattens and pictures in the grain and the ways it can be combined with other materials. But all routed in half-remembered dreams and stories.
Pyrography allows you to work with the wood in a way that is sympathetic to its nature. I see stories in the grain and strive to show snapshots, single moments in a larger narrative that the viewer gets to complete.
I enjoy having fun with my creations, never hiding what things used to be, recycling and reusing things in a way that is at least unusual but always a tiny bit surprising. Half-remembered animals and monsters that never quiet existed.
My work is to me fun and bizarre - trying to never be quite what people expect.
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Tic will be demonstrating her craft on the day & also holding WORKSHOPS (see workshop section above).
OMASI DESIGN
BY RICK TOMASI
Graphic Designer
I am an Italian/Irish artist living in Ely, Cambridgeshire. It was in 2021 that I was able to fully dedicate myself to this career.
My work mainly centres around numbers, geometry, ratios and proportions. I have been described as ‘futurist’, perhaps due to having studied engineering in Italy.
I approach each piece as a problem that needs to be solved. Once decided on the theme, work starts with a pencil and paper, where sketches are developed, measured and balanced. The completed sketch is then digitalised and after that goes to the last part of the process: colour palette. In this method, the final piece is presented as a fine-art giclée print on cotton rag. From the end of 2023, I have started to screen-print, as many of my works are suited to this medium.
I have been selected as a Guest Artist 2024 with Artworks East, a professional group of contemporary East Anglian artists.
MAYS WONDERFULLY WOVEN
BY ROSIE MAY
Traditional Hand Weaver
I am a traditional hand weaver based in Stilton, Cambridgeshire. I work with natural materials on traditional wooden looms to handcraft a selection of joyful woven pieces.
I design all the fabrics myself, meticulously mapping out the warp & weft. Each pick is woven by hand, absolutely nothing is automated. I focus on creating sustainable, conscious, & practical products that avoid waste and utilise my hand-woven fabrics and wonderful genuine vintage haberdashery.
Rosie will be demonstrating her craft on the day.
FATBOB CRAFTS
BY TONY & SORAYA
Leather Artist
Fatbob Crafts was created with the aim of keeping traditional skills at the core of the business, so every item is 100% crafted by hand using age old techiques and hand tools,
Most of my products are produced from premium vegetable tanned leather. Vegetable tanned leather is a hide that has been processed using bark, roots & leaves from trees such as oak which are high in tannins to produce a tanned piece of leather.
Each piece starts life as a blank piece of leather which is hand cut to the appropriate shape & size, then a design may be handtooled onto it & dyed using premium leather dyes & acrylic leather paint. After another 24hrs the piece is then hand saddle stitched using waxed cord & then treated to a minimum of 3 coats of beeswax balm & a finish coat to protect the piece.
FEN MILL CRAFTS
BY SUE & LYNDA
Mixed Media Sculpture
We are certified tutors trained in Powertex. Powertex is an environmentally friendly mixed media product which can be used as a fabric hardener, paint and glue making it a must have mixed media projects.
We host workshops on an individual basis or in groups of up to four people at our cabin in Chatteris.
Where possible we use natural fibres & recycled clothes, as well as other household objects, to create our decorative pieces.
No previous experience with Powertex is necessary to join one of our workshops.
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Fen Mill Crafts will be demonstrating their craft on the day and also holding WORKSHOPS (see workshop section above).
CRAFTY CATS
BY EMMA
Recycled Copper & Gem Stone Jewellery Artist
I make handcrafted sustainable and hardwearing bespoke jewellery, using recycled copper wire and recycled beads and gemstones.
I create something new from old that you can adorn again and again.
I try my very best to use ethically sourced crystals from reputable buyers and sellers.
Creating unique wearable art that will stand up to time and can be passed down to generations. Putting love and meaning into all my pieces. No one item is the same.
Workshops are coming, so keep your eyes peeled for dates and venues, so you too can experience the joy of creating something unique for you.
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Emma will be demonstrating her craft on the day & also holding WORKSHOPS (see workshop section above).
ANNIE BROWN
Felt Artist
Using the fleece from my wool-only flock of rare breed sheep, I make my needle felted paintings.
The different breeds of sheep offer me a choice of textures and colour.
I also hand-dye the wool, enabling me to obtain the exact colours I like to use in my work.
Although my background is in Fine Art, I am self-taught in needle felting. This has lead me to experiment with materials and techniques not conventionally associated with dry felting.
My work is often very delicate.
My inspiration comes the landscape, the nature within it and the transient beauty of each season.
Living on the Cambridgeshire Fens has influenced my work, as has living by the sea in Kent previously.
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Annie will be demonstrating her craft on the day.
SARAH MADSEN
Jewellery Designer & Fine Artist
I studied at Central St Martins College of Art & Design and graduated with a BA Hons in Jewellery Design. (I had every intention of being a fine artist but fell in love with this craft as well.)
With my Jewellery, I aim to bring quality and design together, to produce carefully crafted jewellery work of heirloom and artistic merit.
I feel extremely proud to be part of the importance of keeping this craft and skills ongoing in the U.K. I mainly work to commissions plus teach private workshops from my studio.
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Sarah will be demonstrating her craft on the day.
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CAKE OCCASIONS
BY CLAIRE
Sugarcraft Artist
I make and decorate cakes for special occasions. I specialise in sugar flowers and hold the PME Diploma Masters Certificate.
I also hold workshops for children & adults in my home cake kitchen where we decorate cakes, cupcakes and biscuits, whilst learning a range of sugarcraft skills.
I offer 1:1, mother & daughter and group classes.
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Claire will be demonstrating her craft on the day.
FANOGGINS BAKERY
Local Bakers
You won't go hungry at our Summer Artisan Fayre!​
Fanoggins Bakery will be with us again with a different selection of tempting tasty treats!
Food & drink to eat in or take away.
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CREATIVE CRAFTORIUM
BY DEBS MUNFORD
Textile Artist
I produce a range of original one-of-a-kind creative textiles, both in 2D and 3D, which are perfect for gifts or a treat for yourself.
The Creative Craftorium is a specialist creative hub for textiles and mixed media. I set up the studio to provide workshops and tuition in most creative textile techniques including, print, (Lino cut, screen and geli), Cyanotype printing, embroidery, both hand and machine, mixed media creations and 3D textiles.
Workshops can take place in the studio or can be booked to be delivered at a suitable venue.
I am a renowned local artist who has over 30 years' experience in the field of textiles, both as a designer in industry and lecturing in fashion and textiles.
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Debs will be demonstrating her craft on the day.
CAROL AUGUR
Artist
A bit about me, my creations and inspiration.
I am a self taught artist and enjoy working in a variety of media. My work is mostly inspired from my inspiration.
While living in Spain I was inspired to start buying unloved wooden items from markets etc and upcycling them to give them a second chance.
The bright colours are inspired from hot sunny climates.
I take commissions ranging from abstracts to pet portraits.
I also enjoy one-to-one art tutoring, enabling individuals to develop their own style in a relaxing cluttered small studio in my home in Terrington st John.
PAPER TO PEARLS
BY GILLI
Repurposed Book & Sheet Music Jewellery
About ten years ago life threw me a curved ball I had to give up quilting and retire early from teaching.
Searching for a new focus I took up origami, learnt to turn it into jewellery and Paper2pearls was born.
In 2017 I was awarded a Small Business Sunday award by Theo Paphitis which was a huge boost to my confidence.
I make my jewellery by repurposing old copies of a range of classic books and vintage sheet music.
Sustainability is at the heart of my business and in this I am inspired by my three grandchildren.
A tree is planted for every purchase and I have a Bronze Award from Ecologi as recognition of this.
I am also a member of Blue_Patch a sustainable business directory and I was delighted to be made a finalist and runner up in the Heritage Section of the Sustainability Awards 2024.
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