Review: The Creative Craft Show at the NEC

by Sarah - Craft Invaders

I was recently invited to be an ambassador for The Creative Craft Show, so earlier this month, my daughter and I visited for the day to find out what the show has to offer.

Disclaimer: As a Creative Craft Show ambassador, I receive free entry into the shows.

The Creative Craft Show promises to inspire creativity through new product launches, demonstrations and workshops as well as lots of shopping. And I’d say it does all these things. I have never seen so many Crafters and craft supplies in one place.

 

The Creative Craft Show promises to inspire creativity through new product launches, demonstrations and workshops as well as lots of shopping.

 

What is there to do at the Creative Craft Show?

There are two sorts of workshops available at the Creative Craft Show.

Bookable Workshops.

These workshops are bookable and payable on the website before the event. They typically last 60-90 minutes and are limited to small groups. The cost varies, but most seemed to range from £12-£20 which I feel is good value for what was on offer.

Some of the workshops on offer when we visited included Ceramics, Mixed Media, Jewellery Making and Needle-felting. I have to say the classes looked havens of tranquillity and I’d undoubtedly consider booking one for a future show.

 

The Creative Craft Show promises to inspire creativity through new product launches, demonstrations and workshops as well as lots of shopping.

 

Make and Takes

Make and Takes are craft sessions that take place on various stands around the shows. Some are free to take part in while others have a small cost to cover materials. You may still need to book a time if the show is busy, so it’s worth visiting the appropriate stand early in the day to reserve your slot.

 

The Creative Craft Show promises to inspire creativity through new product launches, demonstrations and workshops as well as lots of shopping.

 

Demonstrations at the Creative Craft Show

As well as lots of independent craft businesses, there were many big brands at the show demonstrating their products and sharing tips. These demonstrations and the opportunity to talk to the demonstrators was the aspect of the show I found most useful. I picked up a few tips and ideas to use in future projects of my own.

 

The Creative Craft Show promises to inspire creativity through new product launches, demonstrations and workshops as well as lots of shopping.

 

Industry Experts and Craft TV

If you are a fan of Craft TV and craft personalities, there were lots to spot on the day we visited. As well as Create and Craft’s huge stand with their lovely presenters, there were authors and brand personalities all happy to chat.

Shopping

And finally, there was lots and lots of shopping.

I don’t buy a great many craft supplies, focusing as I do on nature and recycled craft. But there was a vast range of craft equipment for sale. There were plenty of show discounts in evidence, which combined with the opportunity to see products demonstrated and try them yourself, makes the show a great place to pick up your craft wish list. My daughter certainly managed to find a few items that she had to have!

 

The Creative Craft Show promises to inspire creativity through new product launches, demonstrations and workshops as well as lots of shopping.

 

Is there things for kids to do at the Creative Craft Show?

My daughter is 12, and she loved the show. The Make and Take workshops were perfect for her, she enjoyed having a go at flower arranging as well as a couple of other activities. The show did get jam-packed as the day went on, so I’d imagine it could be quite hard work with a fractious toddler or two.

Children under 16 get free entry into the show, so I think a visit is good value for a parent-child day out.

 

The Creative Craft Show promises to inspire creativity through new product launches, demonstrations and workshops as well as lots of shopping.

 

The Creative Craft Show takes place at several locations across the country throughout the year. Here is the schedule for the 2020 ICHF Craft Shows, if you fancy visiting one yourself.

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