Welcome to Find a Maker

We have spent 20 years creating some of the most beautiful craft festivals in Europe. Along the way, we have gathered a loyal and knowledgeable audience of followers that love and appreciate skillfully, handmade objects. We want to connect our audience with a curated collection of the finest makers, regardless of where they are based.

If you are a Maker, Craft Gallery or Craft Organisation you can Register Your Interest here

MAKER OF THE DAY

Wheatcroftwillow

I run my business, Wheatcroftwillow from my workshop in the heart of the Churnet Valley in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Drawing on my years of training and apprentice style learning I make a range of traditional British baskets as well as more creative, contemporary work. Using natural colours and weaves, I can create a piece of work for home or garden that is both beautiful and is made to last.
I grow my own willow, about half of what I use every year, using organic principles, providing habitat for insects and small mammals. Growing my own willow locally reduces my carbon footprint from shipping willow across the country. I grow unusual varieties that add colour and interest to my work. I feel it is important to try and live lightly upon the earth and this includes my business.
I am fascinated with historical baskets and what they can teach us in our work today. Some of my work involves recreating historical baskets for museums and reenactors. Our ancestors often gathered materials from around their homes to use in the making of functional baskets, developing a deep knowledge of plants and their uses. In 2020, due to lockdown, I started experimenting with other natural and wild materials found near my home, bark, garden plants, rush and hazel, resulting in my range of woven bark foraging pouches for collecting treasures. I feel this use of local and natural resources is becoming more relevant to todays society, using what we have locally in a low impact way to create beautiful items that last.

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    The Capital of Craft Podcast with Alex Finberg

    The Capital of Craft 20th Anniversary of Craft Festival Season

    To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Craft Festival Bovey Tracey in June, here is the 4th season of The Capital of Craft hosted by me, Sarah James MBE. I am the director of Craft Festival and Find a Maker.

    Alex Finberg was the recipient of Craft Festival's Making It Award 2023 and debuted at Craft Festival Bovey Tracey that year.

    In our podcast we find out more about his career. Trained in psychology, his entry into woodworking came about from working on therapeutic projects. I loved learning more about Alex's life and his passion for the outdoors.

    He talks with me from his Devon home.

    https://alexfinberg.co.uk/

    https://www.craftfestival.co.uk/

    Listen here

    Award Winning Festivals

    Since 2003 we have run multi-award winning Festivals in Bovey Tracey, Devon, Cardigan and Cheltenham. In June, we host the UK's best loved and finest contemporary Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey featuring over 200 curated makers. Hosted in idyllic parkland on the edge of Dartmoor. Complimented by an dazzling number of workshops, demonstrations, masterclasses, talks, family activities, street theatre, live music and feasting! In March we head to the beautiful Regency town of Cheltenham, presenting 100 makers at Craft Festival at the Town Hall. In September we will be hosting our first Craft Festival Wales at Cardigan Castle.

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    Craft Festival Bovey Tracey Image
    Why Do You Love Craft Festival

    Latest News

    Why Do You Love Craft Festival

    W H Y  D O  Y O U  L O V E  C R A F T  F E S T I V A L? ⁠ A little while back, we asked you why you love Craft Festival and we received some lovely messages. Thank you so much. A tear or two may have been shed. ⁠⁠Here are the thoughs of the lovely Liz Barlett, who has been a long-time supporter. ⁠⁠"It was love at first sight for me!  I first went in 2009 with my daughter who was literally 3 months old. I expected to be there for an hour max, how wrong could I be. Sarah was actually closing the gates as I realised I had been there for over 5 hours. ⁠⁠Fast forward 14 years, I have it on my calendar and I am on count down. My diary is blocked out so that I can just enjoy the 3 magical days.⁠⁠I think that these amazing makers are unsung heroes. Their dedication to their craft is humbling and I truly marvel at their creativity, style, talent and dedication. I love Craft Festival, it’s my favourite event in a year-long calendar. May it continue FOREVER!" ⁠⁠Thanks Millions Liz ❤️  ⁠

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