Our Christmas makers' pop-up shop has been a massive success and we want to thank everyone that's taken part: both artists, makers and you, our amazing customers. You've supported small businesses, you've bought unique and hand made gifts and you've made Christmas just that little bit more special - we know that whoever you've bought presents for, they'll be delighted! Here's a little reminder of who's been exhibiting with us over the festive period, courtesy of fantastic local photographer Tazzy Bro:
Last few days...
We're open right through until Saturday (Christmas eve), when we'll be closing at 3pm, simply because we do need to get our own Christmas sorted!
You've still got late night shopping today, you've got until 5pm tomorrow, and then until 3pm on Saturday to get those all important gifts ticked off on your Christmas list (and to buy yourself something just for being great and ticking off your Christmas list!)
See our opening times between Christmas and the New Year too, and note that our shop will be closed between 8th and 20th January as we just need a little time to rest and recuperate before we tackle the New Year head on in 2023.
A huge thank you...
... has to go to Fenwick in Colchester for hosting my pop-up shop. All of the Fenwick team were so helpful and supportive and were an absolute pleasure to work with. I have had lovely feedback from the Fenwick customers especially those that remember me from my previous pop-ups in the store, and I'm absolutely over the moon with the number of pieces of my work that are finding their way to new homes this Christmas. I was asked in for one week and ended up being asked to stay for another ... honoured and delighted.
In Other NaviStitch News
Don't forget that there are other places that you'll find my own nautical stitched art over the festive season, if you can't make it to Manningtree:
In Maldon, at the Salty Dogs Christmas Show. Having seen some of the other work that features in the shop I think it's going to be a fantastic exhibition! Get on over and take a look if you can - they're open until 31st December
The Alma in Harwich, and the Lord Nelson in Ipswich both display pieces of my work for sale - obviously both places serve fantastic food and drinks so that's always a massive bonus!
Last but not least...
Have you seen the 'Window Wanderland' in Manningtree? As if you need another reason to visit, it's a live advent calendar event of 24 local shops and homes transformed with multi-coloured illuminated seasonal images - our window was transformed on Sunday (11th), at dusk and a new window is being revealed each day until Saturday 24th... we love our community - it's going to be a great Christmas!
If you visited Manningtree last Saturday for the Light Festival, I think you'll agree that the smallest town in England certainly has one of the loudest voices.
We had an illuminated band, a lantern parade, mulled wine and fabulous food, market stalls, late night opening from High Street Shops, music and fairground rides - it really was the best night, all organised (and photographs courtesy of), the Lemmings Theatre company based right in the heart of our town. A fantastic end to an incredible year for the town that just keeps growing and growing in stature. If you've not made it to see us this year, there's always 2023....
Looking forwards...
We have some great exhibitions in the planning stages for next year. We are looking forward to welcoming back some previous exhibitors and looking forward to seeing some new exhibitors too.
If you're an artist or maker and want to host an exhibition or pop-up event in our Sail Loft, we have two rooms and lots of display equipment; you can man the exhibition yourself, or we can do that for you. We're really keen to encourage first-time exhibitors and students to get involved and, if you'd like to be a part of a collaborative / joint exhibition, we can put you in touch with other artists too. Take a look at the way it works here and get in touch if you'd like to chat about other ideas that you have for our creative space.
We're also planning a pre-loved art sale in the new year with the idea that, if you've got a piece/s of art, you can submit it to be sold on to someone else if you've fallen out of love with it, haven't got room for it or just want to let someone else enjoy it after you. More details coming soon - keep your eyes peeled!
Until next time, I wish you calm waters and plain sailing... all with jingle bells and Christmas wishes
Sam
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