The weekend of 4th and 5th July 2020 saw the first Creative Craft Show Live aired via Facebook. Like many craft shows at this time, this event which is usually held in April in London (as well as other cities at different times of the year) was changed to a virtual version in order to try and bring at least some of what we all love about craft shows to us in the safety of our own homes.

The show was presented on Saturday by Lynette Jasper of Pretty Gets Gritty and by sewing legend Debbie Shore on the Sunday. Each day had a packed schedule of demonstrations as you can see…

As this was hosted via Facebook Live, but with prerecorded video demonstrations, the artists and makers were available in the live chat to put questions to there and then. I thought this gave the event a real interactive feel and was a nice touch.

In particular, I was really fascinated by Tracey Spurgin’s silver clay demonstration (www.craftworx.co.uk) as it was a craft that I’d never seen before. Whilst this was obviously also a platform for the demonstrators to sell their products, classes etc., none that I saw did so intrusively. I also really enjoyed Kirsten Burke’s modern calligraphy demonstration (www.themoderncalligraphyco.com), to the point that after it had finished, I went ahead and purchased her beginners kit that she was offering at a special ‘show’ price! I’d always wanted to give this ago and can’t wait to get started with it.

Whilst this experience was of course nothing like attending the real thing, it was an enjoyable diversion. I expect to see more and more similar events to this before we can fully return to the shows in person.

UPDATE: A second Creative Crafting Show Live is now scheduled for the beginning of September 2020! 🙂