BUST Craftacular, hosted in Bethnal Green’s York Hall yesterday, is without a doubt the best craft fair I’ve ever been to in London and it was a perfect escape from the scorching heat.
London’s finest stitchers, artists, illustrators, jewellers, bakers and general DIY goddesses were all invited by BUST magazine to sell their creations, from tiny notebooks and accessories to framed original screen prints.
There were over 61 exhibitors and small workshops including the Make Lounge fascinator workshop, Mr Wingate tote bag screen-printing and the Swing Patrol dance class, where you could learn to dance the Jitterbug and Lindyhop.
London’s most inventive jewellers, Tatty Devine, had a haberdashery stall and a set up a work station where you could colour your own jewellery.
All this was set to the coolest of party soundtracks, with DJ sets from The A-Maisonettes, The Vinyl Vendettas and She Runs With Wolves (Ladyfest Ten).
The alternative food court offered up cupcakes, heart-shaped tarts, quiches and gourmet tea and coffee by Lardy Da, Tea by Leona, Coco&Me and SweeDee’s.
One of my favourite stalls was Bbel, that sells the most amazing matte silver necklaces and bracelets with swallows, lightning bolts and heart outlines. I first spotted Bbel at Stoke Newington’s Of Cabbages & Kings market and am determined to pick up a necklace next time.
A great new discover was Lost at Sea, a design duo that produce delicate but edgy necklaces, walnut pins featuring woodland creatures and sailor tattoo designs.
Another favourite was Gemma Correll’s illustrated cards, notebooks and tote bags featuring whimsical drawings of owls, cats, pugs and Boston terriers. Being a lover of pugs, I picked up a pad of illustrated ‘to do lists’, illustrated with pugs for just £2.
Ladyfest 10 was there in support and to raise awareness for their upcoming birthday celebration and The Make Lounge recruited new members for their creative craft workshops. The BUST ladies were also there selling copies of the latest issue for just £1.50!
BUST Craftacular is great for checking out London’s most creative craftspeople, getting involved, learning a new skill and making some like-minded friends. If it’s on next year, I’m there!
Click here for a full list of BUST Craftacular London vendors.