A real increase in buying locally has been an unexpected positive from this extraordinary time of national crisis. Fear, kindness, community and hope have gripped us all at some point.

Despite these extremely challenging times, birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations are still going on – and so they should – we all need some hope and smiles at this time. So we thought it would be nice to create a directory of local artists, jewellers and other creatives.

Who better to help us put together a guide than the irrepressible Melissa Dawkins from Made in Ashford, the community craft collective.

My Tiny Little Studio creators or beautiful fairy doors to surpise and delight all members of your locked-down family, available to buy on Etsy

Jenni Rogers Jewellery creates a gorgeous range of nacklaces, braclets, bangles and earrings, do visit her website, it’s well worth the trip.

Stereohype creators of buttons, badges, graphic art, gift boxes, books, mags and clothing, head to their website for a virtual browse.

Soapy Willow is another vendor who has switched to online sales. This range is stunning, do take a look.

Kate Baker Moasic who creator of utterly stunning unusual mosaic art pieces, including jewellery. Check out the link, seeing is believing. 

So that’s all for now folks, even when you’re perusing online please do think local when you’re shopping, it really makes a difference to these businesses owners and our community as a whole.