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 Made In Stroud provides a shop window for over 100 local crafts makers |
The Made in Stroud Shop is run as a co-operative to provide a shop window for crafts makers living and working in the Stroud District. Opened on 1st December 2000, the shop serves as an information point for the farmers’ market whilst also displaying the work of over eighty local craft makers. Opening the shop, Stroud’s Mayor John Marjoram commented, “A lot of talented crafts people are hidden away in the hills around Stroud. This shop provides a dynamic centre and gives us all better access to their beautiful work”.
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| Hand woven textiles by Tony Martin in the local tradition of artisan weavers. |
The shop stocks everything from textiles to ceramics, greetings cards, aromatherapy products, locally made jams and preserves, apple juice, wooden toys, candles, and jewellery, all handmade in the Stroud District. In addition to the wide range of items in stock the shop also takes commissions. If you would like anything made for your home or for a special gift, the shop can find a local person to make it for you. Recent orders taken include stained glass windows, a child’s wooden high chair, book ends, a tie rack, wooden animals, ceramic table-ware, an extra large water feature, and a wooden calligraphy box.
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| Display with wooden dolls house, ceramics and basketry work |
David Ireland writing in
Gloucestershire Today says, “The shop is full of wonderful things. A child’s vision of how shops used to be. Dolls houses, candles, cards and clothes.”
Although it’s not been open long the shop is thriving with more local makers bringing in good for sale almost every day. “There are strict selection criteria, crafts must be as land-based as possible. They must be professional quality and be made by people who live and work in Stroud District,“ shop manager Kardien Gerbrands said.
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| The shop stocks a huge range of crafts from over 100 local makers |
The policy seems to be paying off. “Customers really love the fact that everything is made locally, and often comment on the fantastic quality of the goods on sale,” he added.
Visit the Made In Stroud Shop on Kendrick Street for a unique glimpse of the creative energy of Stroud’s local craftmakers. With the shop, farmers’ market and its own website, “Made In Stroud” is set to become a quality brand for guaranteed Gloucestershire-made countryside crafts.
For more information see: www.MadeInStroud.org
