Crafts directory
A range of small local businesses are represented here, anything from wood products, jewellery, pottery and clothing. All are producing a range of goods that will keep traditional crafts and skills alive.
Anna Conti Stained Glass|
39 Grove Road
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire
LU7 1SF
Telephone: (01525) 373326
Email address: amcglass@supanet.com|
Genuine stained glass windows and panels made in traditional and contemporary designs for homes and businesses. Wide range of designs available. Renovation work (including lampshades, etc) also undertaken. They also run workshops and birthday parties in your chosen venue (home/hall/school) teaching from a one to one basis to small and large groups of children and adults. Talks on the subject of stained glass are also available. Please visit www.travellingworkshopcompany.co.uk| for further information.
Open: 24 hours, 7 days a week only by telephone/email
Artifex Creations|
11c Rothsay Road
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK40 3PP
Telephone:(01234) 351984
Email address: marianda@artifexcreations.com|
Marianda makes stained glass panels for homes, businesses and gardens to commission. Contemporary, or in keeping with the property, using traditional craftsmanship. Fused glass can be included in stained glass panels or as individual artworks. Glass looks gorgeous and can make a beautiful feature; to discuss your ideas please phone Marianda on 01234 351984 or visit her website www.artifexcreations.com|
Asterby & Chalkcroft Nursery|
The Ridgeway
Blunham
Bedfordshire
MK44 3PH
Telephone: (01767) 640148
Email address: sales@asterbyplants.co.uk|
We are a nursery that specialises in growing and selling a wide range of ornamental garden plants, including shrubs, climbers, pereninals & trees as well as summer and autumn bedding.
Open: Daily 10.00 am - 5.00 pm, closed 18th December, January & 1st week in February.
Beadwork Jewellery|
12 Irthing Close
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK41 7TP
Telephone:(01234) 211532
Fax: (01234) 353777
Email address: gillian@beadworkjewellery.co.uk|
Gillian carries on the ancient and myriad techniques of bead threading and weaving, working predominantly with tiny beads to create intricate designs and patterns. These result in unique and stunning pieces of jewellery and adornment, mainly for special occasion wear. Commissions welcomed. Bridal pieces made to order.
Repairs and re-threading.
Open: By appointment only - please telephone first
Bedford Bears|
Church Farm
Eyeworth
Bedfordshire
SG19 2HH
Telephone: (01767) 318626
Mobile: 07971 573934
Fax: (01767) 318626
Email address: ann@bedfordbears.co.uk|
Anne-Marie's beautiful range of highly collectable handmade limited edition bears are made from the finest mohair to her own traditional designs. All bears can be supplied to mark unique occassions:christenings, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries…. Ann is a member of the British Toymakers Guild and a teddybear designer since 1985.
Open: 9.30 am - 7:30 pm Mondays - Sundays, January - December. Visits by appointment only.
Bedfordshire Basketmakers|
22 Tilsworth Road
Stanbridge
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire
LU7 9JA
Telephone: (01525) 210834
Email address: basketmaker@homecall.co.uk|
The baskets are traditionally handmade to the highest standard using the best quality English willow grown on the Somerset Levels. The wide variety includes stair baskets to traditional cribs, shoppers shopping trolleys, pet baskets, hampers, fishing and log baskets. They specialise in custom-made items, e.g. dove baskets for weddings, vintage car, storage and kitchen baskets. Willow coffins are becoming very popular. They make plant supports, obelisks and garden trugs. Hand twisted willow and straight bundles all for home decoration. Basket repairs undertaken. They give talks/ demonstrations to various organisations in the Beds, Bucks, and Herts areas.
Open: Visitors welcome day or evening. Please ring in advance to ensure we are available.
Bijou Flower Jewellery|
Southwood
23 Church Road
Aspley Heath
Woburn Sands
MK17 8TE
Telephone:(01908) 582973
Email address: sally@bijouflower.co.uk|
Online shop selling handmade one-off piece of jewellery created using antique finds and rare beads. Also offers a bespoke custom made service to tailor a piece for a special occasion or to match an outfit.
Open: Christmas fairs in Beds and Bucks
Black & White Revival|
Magpie Cottage
Moor End Road
Radwell
MK43 7HX
Telephone: (01234) 782265
Email address: helen.dawkins@tiscali.co.uk|
Traditional photograph restoration and conservation and the Black and White Revival Collection of old photographs of Bedfordshire.
Open: Customers invited to home based studio. Available Monday to Friday and Saturday morning but please telephone to arrange appointment at your convenience.
Cleverlys Horticultural Enterprises|
Woodlands Nurseries
Biggleswade Road
Upper Caldecote
Bedfordshire
SG18 9BJ
Telephone:(01525) 405739
Mobile: 07788 920501/07799 060153
Email address: info@cleverlyhorticultural.co.uk|
Family run horticultural nursery specialising in quality bedding and patio plants, traditional underplanted hanging baskets, troughs and patio planters. They can be found at the following farmers markets; Ampthill, Letchworth and St Neots or why not visit them at the nursery.
Open: Tuesday - Sunday 10.00 am - 3.30 pm April - mid July and September - November. Products are seasonal. Please phone 07799060153 on Sundays to ensure we are at the nursery
The Community Tree Trust Ltd
68 Fir Tree Close
Flitwick
Bedfordshire
MK45 1NZ
Telephone: (01525) 716371
Mobile: 07751 356094
Fax: (01525) 716371
Email address: colincarpenter@btinternet.com|
The Community Tree Trust is involved in collecting nature/local provenance wildflower, trees and shrub seed from ancient woodlands and hedgerows throughout Bedfordshire. The seed is sown into seed trays and onto seed beds at the Community Tree Nursery and the plants are grown on in (40-60cms) (1-2ft). Chips and also larger trees and shrubs. All are for sale in the autumn and winter every year.
Open all hours during the week and weekends but please telephone before visiting
Dennodesigns
18 Dunsmore Road
Luton
LU1 5JY
Mobile: 07932 644607
Email address: neil.dennis@ntlworld.com|
Denno Designs offers a large selection of handcrafted cards, invitations and ACID FREE scrapbook embellishments all at affordable prices. For that personal touch add a name, age or special date to a beautifully crafted card. Design service also available.
Open: Monday to Saturday 9.30 am - 6.30
Flit Bonsai
68 Fir Tree Close
Flitwick
Bedfordshire
MK45 1NZ
Telephone:(01525) 716371
Mobile No: 07751 356094
Fax: (01525) 716371
Email address: colincarpenter@btinternet.com|
A large selection of outdoor bonsai of many styles and stages of training and some indoor bonsai, pots and wire for sale. Bonsai include seedlings, small partially trained trees and larger bonsai for training including raw material. Bonsai workshops to cater for beginners and experienced bonsai artists. Full advisory and doctor service including bonsai tree maintenance while you are on holiday. Native bonsai from trees and woodlands in Bedfordshire.
Open: Open all hours during the week and weekends but please telephone first before visiting
The Gallery Cardington Workshops|
Cardington Workshops
Harrowden Lane
Cardington
Bedfordshire
MK42 0TD
Telephone: (01234) 741677
Email: bmadthegallery@aol.com|
Set in old farm buildings The Gallery houses the studios of 2 potters, 2 artists, 1 sculptor and a musical instrument maker. Their on-site shop and exhibition space offers for sale the results of their labours at very reasonable prices. Commission and trade enquiries are always welcome.
Open: Monday to Friday 10.00 am - 4.30 pm. Weekends please telephone first
Gillian Gianni
18 Sutton Mill Road
Potton
Bedfordshire
SG19 2QB
Telephone: (01767) 262356
Email: gaia9@hotmail.co.uk|
Booklets on herbs and some with recipes.
Open: 24/7 by mail and phone.
HatMagik
65 Broad Street
Clifton
Bedfordshire
SG17 5RL
Telephone No: (01462) 850860
Fax No: (01462) 850860
Mobile No: 07843 340456
Email address: bea@hatmagik.com|
Handmade hats and headpieces for your special occasion made by Couture Milliner Bea Brown. Men’s and Women’s hats made to commission. Large and Small head sizes catered for.
Open: Hats available to order. Call for an appointment.
Inspire|
27 Ryton Close
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 5SR
Mobile No: 07739 006685
Email address: chelle_2002_@hotmail.com|
Inspire creates contemporary designs that are suitable for all women who desire that special piece of jewellery to accompany an outfit or even something extra special for the big day. Inspire hold consultations for people who desire something specific to match their colourings and also pamper-parties for a real girly night.
Open: Evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday, please call to arrange a consultation.
John F Lingings
10 Irthing Close
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK41 7TP
Telephone: (01234) 306676
Email: j.lingings@ntlworld.com|
John, a retired teacher of woodwork, is a craftsman of distinction. He produces woodturning and hand made artefacts to a high standard of finish. Whenever possible the wood used in his creations is recycled from old furniture thus saving depleting forests and ensuring well seasoned material.
Open: Viewing by appointment please - 24 hour answerphone.
Kate Radford Pottery
560A Lowther Road
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
LU6 3LL
Telephone: (01582) 750165
Mobile: 07766 601356
They make hand made functional and sculptural pottery. They also hold pottery classes for adults and children, birthday parties and are open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays.
Open: Thursday and Friday 10.00 am - 3.00 pm and
Saturday 10.00 am - 1.00 pm.
Kit 4 Kidz|
10 Meadway
Harrold
Bedfordshire
MK43 7DP
Telephone No: (01234) 720210
Email: mail@kit4kidz.com|
A range of individual hand crafted clothes for children 3 months to 5 years.The garments are bright, practical and are made to order in your choice of fabrics from their stock or from own stock of ready made garments. Commissions are welcome.
Open: By appointment - please telephone. A small selection is available from Tudor Rose Patchwork in Oakley.
Never Forget|
21 Abbey Road
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK41 9LG
Telephone: (01234) 216535
Fax: (01234) 363766
Email: never.forget@ntlworld.com|
Never Forget specialises in personalised embroided items for home and family. We specialise in gifts for babies, weddings, christenings, etc. We also make handmade items for the home and are happy to take commissions. Personalised sacks and stockings for Christmas time - We can embroider any name or message!
Open: Via website: www.neverforget.co.uk| (open all day and night).
At the craft room - by appointment only 9.30 am - 3.00 pm or pre made appointment at other times.
The Nude Ewe|
c/o The Wildlife Trust
Priory Country Park
Barkers Lane
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK41 9SH
Telephone: (01234) 3622776
Email: laura.downton@wildlifebcnp.org|
100% wool knitting yarn spun from local conservation grazing flocks. Current stock includes wool from Hebridean (chocolate brown) and North Ronaldsay (grey) sheep. Profits from Nude Ewe are returned to the grazier to help offset shearing, fence repair and veterinary costs.
Open: Products are available online at www.bedslife.org.uk/nude-ewe|, or by calling Laura Downton on (01234) 362776 or Heather Webb on (01234) 228063. Stocks fluctuate seasonally, are lower in summer, please enquire.
Peter Cuthbertson
The Design Centre
Park Farm
Riseley Road
Bletsoe
MK44 1QU
Mobile: 07885 789102
Email address: peter.cuthbertson@phonecoop.com|
Handmade pots for house and garden made in earthenware and stoneware clays. Some woodfired, some slip decorated and some with more colour. Commissions undertaken and teaches pottery. Classes run at the studio both at weekends and some evenings.
Open: Normal working hours approx 9.00 am - 5.00 pm Monday to Friday but please telephone first.
Prettydifferent|
The Gables
Old Harrowden Road
Bedfordshire
MK42 0TB
Telephone: (01234) 743381
Email address: julie@prettydifferent.co.uk|
Individual handcrafted country style items for the home, from hand painted furniture and flower pots to patchwork quilts and laundry bags, often using vintage and recycled materials for a truly authentic “cottage” feel.
Open: Available via website, www.buy-local.net| and visits by appointment.
Stables Christian Centre|
The Old Rectory
Kimbolton Road
Bolnhurst
Bedfordshire
MK44 2ES
Telephone: (01234) 376237
Email address: stables@oldrectory.me.uk|
Herbs and wild flowers: over 140 varieties. Large selection of homemade preserves. Crafts.
Open: See website, telephone us for opening hours or visit by appointment.
Streatley Crafts|
2 Stanley Road
Streatley
Bedfordshire
LU3 3PW
Telephone:(01582) 881662
Email: info@streatleycrafts.co.uk|
They offer a friendly, and affordable approach to your furniture restoration, repair and upholstery requirements and use only the finest materials and traditional methods for all our work. Their bespoke picture framing for photographs, embroidery etc. allows you to select frames and mount-board to suit your decor.
Open: By appointment or at various Craft Fairs.
The Stitch Shop
Hallworth Drive
Stotfold
Bedfordshire
SG5 4HR
Telephone: (01234) 276855
Mobile: 07795 257423
Email address: biggleswadecentre@bedscc.gov.uk|
The stitch shop produces exclusive goods in fabric such as handbags, toys, cushions & curtains. We do also general repairs and accept work on commission. The workshop is run by people who have learning diffculties who chose to have a work experience. (The stitch shop attends local craft markets in Stotfold, Shefford and the Victorian christmas market in Bedford). Come and visit us them they are near the Bistro and Stotfold Council office.
Open: Wednesday and Thursday 10.00 am - 3.00 pm,
Friday 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Wassledine|
Guy & Jane Lambourne (partners)
45 Clophill Road
Gravenhurst
Bedfordshire
MK45 4JH
Telephone: (01462) 711815
Mobile: 07794 013876
Email address: info@wassledine.co.uk|
Wassledine is a small farm business involved with willow growing,Red Poll beef, hazel coppice, storytelling and environmental education. They grow a wide variety of willow for basket & hurdle making, living sculptures, hedge binders, etc. Also on sale: hazel pea sticks and other plant supports, exceptional and unusual willow baskets (commissions welcome) and finest rare breed beef.
Open: No specific opening hours but callers always welcome - please telephone in advance. They can be found at Woburn Farmers Market and please check web site for other market dates.