Crafted at The Art House – Inspiration Through Encounter
This spring, i decided to visit Crafted, a vibrant craft market hosted by The Art House in Wakefield. The event brought together a mix of local artists and makers, each offering a glimpse into their creative practices through handmade products.
I found myself drawn to the work of Emily Kate Henshall, whose illustrations are inspired by nature. Her pieces combine storytelling with whimsy, capturing animals and dreamlike scenes that feel both playful and symbolic. As someone who also draws from nature in my own work, I found her approach both relatable and motivating. The colourful crochet work from Robins and Rainbows also stood out, with its joyful colours and textures. Seeing how other artists combine functionality with creativity reminded me of what my own handmade work could be.
Markets like Crafted are not just spaces to browse or shop, they are environments for conversation and connection. I enjoyed speaking with artists about their processes and inspirations. The informal chats spark new ideas and offer insights into the realities of maintaining a creative practice. It was valuable to me to learn how artists price their work and present their stalls, something that feels crucial when you’re beginning to promote and sell your own pieces.
Markets like this are a reminder of how important it is to support one another as makers. It was encouraging to see so many others navigating similar paths, building community through craft.
