Ever wished all your most fave bloggers, makers and biscuit bakers were under one glorious roof for you to visit at once? Well, then this one’s for you. The Handmade Fair is back for another year, hosted by the Queen of Craft Kirstie Allsopp and is being held at the fantabulous Hampton Court on 18th – 20th September. The line up boasts some of THE hottest names in the craft industry; Will Taylor of Bright Bazar, Annie Sloane, Zeena Shah – and Kirstie of course, to name but a VERY few. There will be talks, workshops and loads of exciting happenings – all at this amazing venue!

We caught up with Kirstie to find out why she wanted to host this years Fair, and to find out what it is about craft that keeps her coming back for more…

1. The line up for the fair looks fantastic this year. What are your top picks for this years event?

The gorgeous Eddie Glew in the Skills Workshops is one for the girls.  Emma Bridgewater for her incredible empire and Sarah Haywood for the ultimate guide to wedding planning.

2. We live in such a mass-produced, buy-it-now society where everything is either a click or a short drive away. Why should people continue to make things by hand?

We are in danger of old skills disappearing and our children and children’s children not knowing the value and beauty of our heritage.  This is a TERRIBLE thought.  Using our hands to make and create is good for the soul as well as the mind.  We have an incredible crafting heritage in the UK that we should continue to support and grow.

3. Who’s your favourite male crafter?

I have many male makers that I admire – Kaffe Fassett is one of my ultimate quilting heroes, someone who’s work I’ve always been besotted by.

4. What’s your motto?

Everyone has a craft they can do.

5. Which designer-maker or handmade technique is inspiring you right now?

I’m really into crochet – I’ve not mastered it yet, but I’d love to learn and do more.

6. What was your last handmade purchase?

A vintage Indian quilt that I made into a curtain for my son’s bedroom.

7. What is your favourite room in your home and why?

My Bathroom, because it’s the only room in the house that is absolutely mine, and I can demand all the boys in my life stay out of.

8. When are you happiest?

When I’m laughing with my family.  A happy place is on the beach at Welcome Mouth in Devon.

9. It wasn’t until the Homemade Home series that you first seriously tried your hand at crafting. Since being in possession of a host of new skills, what’s the last thing you made yourself?

The vintage Indian quilt curtain for my son’s new bedroom!

10. Last year you achieved ‘world pomination’, and beat the Guinness World Record for the longest chain of pom poms for Sense! Will there be any record breaking attempts this year?

The highest number of laps in a golf buggy around Hampton court?!?

Wanna go? Yeah, we thought so. So lets throw in an entry ticket discount code for all you lovely readers to make this truly irresistible!

Simply use the discount code BIBELOT12 on the Handmade Fair website to get entry to the fair for just £12** (usually £15) or BIBELOT27 to get a Full Experience ticket for £27** (usually £29).

Please see the full details below and snap up those tickets and workshop spaces before they’re all gone!

Be sure to follow us during the event @BibelotMagazine, and you can keep up with the Fair on Twitter and Instagram (@handmadefair), and on Facebook and Pinterest.

We Bibelovers cannot contain our excitement! Hope to see you there!

T&Cs

Exclusive discount code for Bibelot readers!

* Ticket does not include travel to and from the event or accommodation.

Additional workshop sessions are bookable on the day, subject to availability – please arrive early to avoid disappointment. ** Booking fees apply

Chloë Owens and Sarika Thakorlal