From ‘OMG You Should Sell It!’ to My First Christmas Market

OMG, You Should Sell It!

If you have any sort of creative, crafty skill, you’ve probably been told this before. I know I have. For the longest time, I never really took it seriously. The same way I would never have started this blog if it weren’t for the gentle (and persistent) encouragement of my partner.

What we make is often personal, so we share it only with those closest to us. For me, compliments felt like tokens of affection rather than genuine interest. And like many creatives, I have wrestled with perfectionism and imposter syndrome. Creativity can feel like something only “genius” people are allowed to pursue which makes it so hard to take your own work seriously.

But since starting this blog, I have realised that putting myself out there, simply sharing what I make and enjoy, has helped me feel more confident, more productive, and more connected.

I have always believed in the value of a beautiful, everyday life. Not the Instagram-perfect version, but the kind that grows from small joys: a thrifted antique coffee grinder, dark green kitchen cabinets, or the blanket you made and curl up in every night. For me, beauty in daily rituals is the foundation of happiness.

So, in an effort to extend that little bubble of mine and for everyone who has ever told me “OMG you should sell it!”, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be at a Christmas Artisan Market this year!

• Where : St George’s Church Hall, Beckenham, BR3 5HZ

• When: Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 10am-5pm

I will be joining a lovely group of artists and makers, just in time for Christmas gift hunting. Here’s what you’ll find at my stall:

• Prints & Photography: framed and unframed paintings, illustrations and travel photography in various sizes, including postcards and even testing some baby bodysuits!

• Handmade Bags: including versions of the white bamboo-handled bag I took on my summer trips, mini loaf shaped bags and the kids backpack I am writing a pattern for!

• Crochet Plushies: cuddly bears, bunnies, elephants, standard sizes or tiny, and a simple colouring book inspired by them.

• Homemade Soap: a few fragrant little experiments I’m excited to share.

• A Christmas Storybook : written and illustrated by me (I really hope I can finish the illustrations on time!)

• Commissions : I would absolutely love to be trusted with some Christmas bespoke projects and will be open to your ideas (your pet or grandma as a crochet plushie, a custom bag, baby clothes, illustrations for your Christmas cards, etc). Get creative with me :)

I want my handmade items to all feel cohesive but unique so each plushie will be the only one exactly like it, same for the bags. Whether the difference lies in colour, size or details, each item will not be created identical twice for this market.

And it doesn’t stop there. The market is also supporting the community with:

• Cake Sale: 100% of proceeds to Living Well.

• Donation Drive: non-perishable food and toiletries will be collected for those in need.

• Charity Raffle: with wonderful prizes from local Beckenham favourites like Beckenham Bookshop, Hisar Meze Bar, and Cutting Remarks.

If you’re nearby, I would love for you to come say hi, browse, chat, snack on cake, and maybe take home something handmade. Even more than that, come and be part of a day filled with creativity, community, and festive cheer.

PS: This will be my very first experience as a vendor at a market, and I’ll be documenting it. If you have ever thought about trying one yourself, keep an eye out for an article at the end of November where I’ll share the behind-the-scenes of how it all went and my recommendations for next time!

PPS: Sorry for the amount of '!' but I'm super excited!!!