Opening Times:
Thursday/Friday/Saturday: 09.30 - 17.30
Sunday: 09.30 - 17.00
Whoever you’re buying for and whatever your budget, you’ll be sure to find something different at Crafts for Christmas and Hobbycrafts at The NEC, Birmingham from Thursday 5 – Sunday 8 November! You can step into the shoes of famous artists and get creative at the UK’s liveliest and biggest Art Materials show – Art Materials Live. Three shows for the price of one!
Whether shopping for a loved one, child, parent or that ‘hard to buy for’ friend, Crafts for Christmas offers a huge selection of different crafts. Browse the aisles and find offerings from over 200 craftspeople including beautiful lamps, personalised jewellery, picture frames, paintings, clothes, ceramics, clocks – and even more!
At the Prima Craft Theatre sponsored by Canon, join the FREE demonstrations and add a personal touch to your Christmas decorations, cards, gift tags and calendars using the SELPHY Compact Photo Printers. No need to book - pick up your timetable on the day, or before at www.allaboutyou.com.
Members of the British Toymakers Guild will be at the show again this year. Find treats for young ones and adults alike, from dominoes as stocking fillers to sought-after items for adult collectors! The Guild has been promoting excellence in the design and manufacture of toys since its formation in l956 and their members represent some of the very best independent Toy Makers working in this country – come and meet some of them in person!
The way to every man (or every person’s heart) is through their stomach! Visit the Specialist Food & Drink Aisle and find festive goodies which will bring the wow factor to your Christmas table – if they last that long!
The popular Hobbycrafts show, 5 times winner of UK’s Best Show Award, is bigger than ever this year with over 200 exhibitors at The NEC. Stay ahead of the game with new product launches, be inspired by craft experts and find hundreds of supplies for every hobby and every occasion! Learn how to make some festive cards or presents yourself this year to impress family and friends – from lovely bejewelled picture frames to unique Christmas coasters - plus dozens of ideas in between!
Brand new to Hobbycrafts at Birmingham NEC is the Demonstration Forum, with UK’s top manufacturers offering advice and a chance to get hands on. Find many on-stand demonstrations at Glasgow and Birmingham, plus ‘Have a go’ mini workshops on Stamping Techniques, Beading, Jewellery Making, Parchment Craft and Pyrography.
Join the Quick Cards Made Easy and Card Making & Papercraft teams on Stand H25, have a break from shopping, create a beautiful card and help raise money for the BBC's Children in Need Appeal. For anyone who enjoys chatting online, you can also join www.craftbubble.com the fastest growing crafting community.
If you’re just starting out or have been painting for years; you enjoy painting or drawing, with chalk, charcoal, paint or pencil, Art Materials Live is the show for you. With art materials from leading suppliers, entertaining and informative theatre demonstrations, a chance to win a painting holiday to the French Alps, hands-on workshops, talks and competitions, everyone will leave fully equipped and truly inspired!
Join a 3-hour hands-on workshop organised by Leisure Painter and The Artist. Discover how to get the best out of pastels, watercolours and acrylics with professional artists and experienced tutors.
Be inspired by the ‘Simply the Best’ painting and drawing competition entries exhibited at the show. Sponsored by the Leisure Painter & The Artist magazines, the 30 finalists will also have their work featured in the Leisure Painter magazine in 2010. Visitors to the show can vote for a ‘People’s Winner’ who will win a £150 voucher.
Visit the Guilds and Societies including the UK Coloured Pencil Society, B A D F A, The Guild of Silk Painters and Art Aid who will provide ‘Hands-on’ mini workshops and share their top tips and ideas.
For shopping, creative thinking and active, crafty fun, visit Crafts for Christmas, Hobbycrafts and Art Materials Live! Enjoy a dynamic, interactive and inspirational day out and leave laden with Christmas presents and loaded with ideas!
