Meet the Makers, who will be visiting Lancaster’s St. Nicholas Arcades over the weekends of 13th-15th and 20th-23rd December, are a group of talented, like-minded individuals who live in the city and the surrounding towns and villages promoting handmade goods and crafts.

The Makers all create and craft their own designs and have devised an event in the centre of town to give local people a chance to buy handmade goods this Christmas without having to travel further afield to find original and unusual gifts.

Teaming up with St Nicholas Arcade and raising funds to support the St John’s Hospice appeal, Jan Towlson (who makes quirky jewellery) and Colette Halstead (a successful glass artist) have brought together a wide range of artists and their unique products including quality cushions, cake pops, driftwood art, exquisite felt products, ceramic gifts, woodcraft, candles, material gifts, paintings, handcrafted soaps, stained glass, decoupage, unique jewellery and artwork.

There will be up to 15 different artists and makers attending over the two weekends in the busy run up to Christmas, selling a lovely range of gifts and below are just a selection.

Joining will be Alex from Cushy Heaven, selling lovely quality cushions, Amy from Polka Pops with her very cute cake pops, Emma and Jo from Beachpurl selling beautiful driftwood art. Also on hand will be Carolyn from CarolynJane with her exquisite felt productions, Mark and Lisa, a great duo selling ceramic gifts, Lou from Lakeland Wood who is very creative with wood, Becky and the Wonky Fox duo who make candles, candle holders and cute material gifts.

John Ellis is a painter from Lancaster who also exhibits with the Town House Gallery, while Dianne from Bare Village soaps handcrafts quality soaps. Debbie from Debbie’s Shed will be selling lovely items made using stained glass techniques, while Heather from Heathers Bespoke Crafts does lots of amazing things with decoupage – and John Driskel, whose artwork captures scenes from the Lakes and surrounding areas.

So think local this christmas and support handmade – and the Hospice!

• More info: www.sjhospice.org.uk/news/367/250/Meet-the-Makers-are-coming-to-town/