Shop in
Streatham is a new local campaign and set of fun, free events to
encourage the folks of Streatham to shop local and in particular to buy from
our brilliant range of independent shops.
Streatham has over
700 shops, was home to the UK's first ever supermarket and is reputed to have
the longest shopping High street in Europe.
But what does this
have to do with crafters and those keen on craft?
Well, I remember
meeting a local designer-maker Gail Florio in 'All Aboard', a
charity shop earlier this year and having a great conversation about the joys
of finding stuff for making in Streatham. She makes lovely tiaras and sources
her vintage gems and materials from the wonderful range of charity shops
Streatham has to offer. I happened to find myself in the same shop as her while
sourcing materials for my mini mosaic hearts. Sadly I haven't had much making
time in recent months but this was then in the hazy days of early summer and I
had plenty of diary space to experiment and make things. We agreed there
are loads of fabulous charity shops in Streatham - Oxfam, Trinity Hospice,
British Heart Foundation and Give a Little to name a few - the place is just an
adventure playground for anyone who loves making and upcyling.
Streatham High Rd is
also good for the basics bought new. The 99p Store and WH Smith are of course
handy but its also really worth supporting our smaller shops such as Unikob, a reliable stationers also on the High
Rd and also their sister shop a few doors down which sells arts materials
specifically. These are two shops that I often spend time browsing and
imagining all the things I could make. You can find all kinds of items in there
that you won't see in the bigger shops plus all the usual basics. I ran an arts
workshop in Streatham Library last Christmas for young children - a hilarious
and brilliant experience and my goodness they were genius little creators that
knew no bounds. We made Christmas decorations out of found materials such
as the usual yoghurt pots, bottle lids and cereal packets and I also found some
very handy new materials at the Unikob shop such as glue sticks, sparkles and
table covers.
Sadly we don't yet
have a designated art gallery on the High Rd (although check out Sprout Community
Arts based in the Furzedown area) but you could create a pop-up shop,
maybe in one of the empty shops on the High Rd, but please let's pledge to shop
local to prevent any more sad, empty spots. Also many venues are happy to host
an exhibition to boost their footfall and profile. I ran an artists collective
in Streatham called Yellow Bowl for several years and bars, cafes, pubs and the
library were only too happy to exhibit our work. We both brought new customers
to each other and we made good sales too. This kind of project makes for a good
partnership and that's what we need now to keep our community strong and
sustainable in these tough times.
There has also been a
recent and welcome upsurge in the visibility of arts and crafts makers lately
in Streatham. I've listed a few that spring to mind below. And before I sign
off, lets' not forget the furtive and anarchic group, Streatham Ninja Knitters! You can
catch this guerilla group on YouTube covering drab grey bicycle racks in the
street with knitted coverings and then running off with faces hidden by scarves
to maintain their anonymity. Wonder where these crazy ladies will pop up next?
Crafters to watch:
Streatham is full of
great makers, far too many to list here but here's a few:
Earl Grey
& Rose Cafe sell gorgeous contemporary jewellery at
affordable prices. They also run sewing groups and rent sewing machines out by
the hour
MooCat- Kirtsy makes funny and quirky things
for kids such as sock monkeys and bedroom decorations.
Steve Glynn makes
stunning mosaics - a must see.
Your Corsage -
Anna makes, guess what? And she says she is 'corsage crazy'!
Nazareth
Gifts - Yvonne offers sumptuous handmade soaps, candles and
more.
Have I missed any of
your favorite people and shops out? Probably. Its my guess that there are
probably thousands of unknown crafters in Streatham. I would love to hear
your feedback. Please leave your comments here and I invite you also to follow
@shopinstreatham on twitter to join in the conversation with fellow
Streathamite crafters and shoppers about the shops and places we love in
Streatham.
Please also get out
on the High Rd and buy your Christmas presents from the small, local shops. For
some great local ideas suggested by Personal Stylist & Fashion Editor, Zoe
Robinson have a look at her Gifts on a Budget Guide. I promise
you, you will find some great gifts out there on our High Rd and you'll also be
helping to preserve the heart and soul of our community.
Mel Larsen, www.ShopinStreatham.com
No comments:
Post a Comment