Hello! Only me! I’m squirrelling away behind the scenes getting this year’s Shop Small Festive Gift Guide ready for you, so in the meantime, thanks for dropping by to read this week’s special feature!
I’ve had the absolute luck and pleasure of working with brilliant Catherine and Rebecca, of SoLo Craft fair, in their new shop in Elephant and Castle since it opened 2 weeks ago.
SoLo Craft Fair are known for running super successful creative events in London since 2016, and have now begun this super exciting new project – playing host to over 60 small businesses who create accessories, homeware, greetings cards and more!
Joining SoLo in the building are Fix Your Cycle and Little Louie…
Little Louie is an exciting cafe/bar, and is the latest project from Louie Louie:
“Cafe by day, wine & cocktail bar by night. With fresh food daily, hifi sounds + vintage furniture for sale as well as natural wines & local beers to go we welcome one and all from the existing + ever growing and changing Elephant & Castle community.”
Find out more here!
Fix Your Cycle have opened a ‘cycle hub’ in the same space, offering bicycle repair; servicing; hire; sales and secure parking!
Find out more here!
The store is super close to Elephant and Castle Tube Station, or about a half an hour walk from the Southbank.
There will also be workshops and events happening at the shop:
Tarot Readings with Thriving Space
Treat yourself to a Friday coffee and pastry and enjoy either a mini reading, or a complete tailored tarot reading with Ambra of Thriving Space.
“This reading is lovingly crafted for you so that you can get guidance on a self-care challenge you are going through right now or simply receive some caring guidance for the month ahead.”
Book here!
Embroidery Workshops with Katie Wells
Learn to stitch a beautiful wall handing with artist Katie Wells in this 2 hour workshop, with all materials provided – what a lush way to make your own Christmas gifts this year!
“You’ll learn all the basic embroidery stitches, plus lots of other tips and tricks to get you started.
We’ll be working on a rainbow embroidered wall hanging in golden autumnal tones.”
Book here!
I have compiled a list of the top ten products sold in store that have made it onto my wish list (believe me, this was no mean feat with so much treasure to choose from!):
1: Hand Painted Bauble by Hello Marilu
£40
Follow @hellomarilustudio
2. Neon Pink Striped Basket by Akinyi
£34
Follow @shop_akinyi
3. Yellow Twisted Headband by Rufina Designs
£13
Follow @rufinadesigns
4. Lilac & Turqoise Earrings by Sabina Dragusanu
(Or if I’m honest, literally everything she makes…)
I discovered Sabina’s marvellous work at SoLo’s Sustainability Market this summer and have been obsessed since!
£58
Follow @sabinadragusanu
5. Embroidery Hoop by Thimble and Fabric
£18
Follow @thimbleandfabric
6. Mushroom Enamel Pin by Art by MR
£7.50
Follow @artbymr._
7. Ceramic Planters by Klara Smith
£21
Follow @ks_shadowmaking
8. Neal’s Yard Print by Emilia Chubb Art
£45
Follow @emiliachubbart
9. Arch Earrings by Ohema Jewellery
£20
Follow @ohemaa.jewellery
10. Greetings Cards by Sophie Kathleen
£4 each
Follow @sophiekathleenn
And honestly, I cannot stress enough the fact that these 10 are just the tip of the very lovely iceberg – with 60 different makers and changing every month, there is bound to be a few bits at least to tickle your fancy in store!
So if you’re local, or are in the big smoke for a festive day out, pop down for a browse and a coffee at:
Elephant Stores, 14 Ash Avenue, SE17 1GQ
They are open 9am-7pm, 7 days a week, so will always be there and up for a chat (and if you come on a Sunday, you may even see my beaming face!).
In the meantime, give them a follow on Instagram for updates and for upcoming workshops – @solocraftfair
See you soon for the Shop Small Festive Gift Guide – while you wait pop over to last year’s for some preliminary shopping inspo! Read here!
Janey
janey-creative.com 