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From Studio to Stand: My debut at the “Great Northern contemporary craft and art fair”

Earlier this month, I took part in the 'Great Northern Contemporary Craft and Art Fair' at the sports central Newcastle for the very first time — and what a beautiful whirlwind it was!

This was my first time presenting my work in such a well-established, thoughtfully curated setting, and I’m still feeling both exhilarated and grateful. To be surrounded by so many skilled makers and thoughtful visitors was a real privilege — and to have my work received with such warmth and curiosity was something I won’t forget.

Over the weekend, I had the chance to speak with people who were drawn in by detail, colour, or story. Some were long-time supporters of contemporary craft; others stumbled upon the fair and found something unexpected that resonated. Every conversation and smile was a reminder of why I do this.

It’s one thing to create alone in the studio, and another entirely to step out into the world and share that work face-to-face. This experience felt like a gentle but powerful step forward — and I’m truly hoping it won’t be my last time at Great Northern.

To everyone who stopped by, made a purchase, asked a question, or simply paused to take in the work — thank you. Your encouragement means more than I can say.

Here’s to new beginnings — and hopefully to returning in future years.

With gratitude,

Julie

It’s been too long.... part 1

Oh my days it’s been a whole year since I last posted something on my journal. It’s not that there hasn’t been any news to shout about, there's been so much happening that I just haven’t gotten around to writing it down to let you all know!

Where do I start?

Part 1 - Recap of the missing year

Ok... so my daughter decided to have a pumpkin festival (a little one she said) she never does anything on a small scale True to form off we went, first job was cleaning a pathway through our woods. Many hands makes light work was the mantra. Ages 4-74 years old were recruited with various tools and motorised vehicles, this was the summer job. 

That completed next came the bale maze and pumpkin patch, this was altogether an easier job allocated to my son and farm staff. Harvesting came and went, providing us with lovely big bales for said bale maze etc

Daughter set forth organising a LITTLE bit of entertainment to run along side the P picking (remember small scale she said) Happy with her day’s work rounding up... half of the entire Slaters Family FunFair! Burger van!! Local coffee van!!! Mobile toilets!!!! And the purchase of a very large marquee!!!!! (for the face painting-children’s crafts- gift stall-etc etc) Hope you're all getting the SMALL point.

My personal job in all of this was to come up with around 24 scary installations for the haunted woodland walk (keeping it small of course) and 8 not very small!! photo opportunities boards, hand painted - this was my job as apparently I’m “the artist”.

With help from an amazing workforce team we completed the walk with hours to spare. 

Oh, did I mention the Bedford Vintage horse box that was sprayed bright orange as the reception area and 9 very large scarecrows for the pumpkin patch?

Needless to say it wasn’t the one weekend festival originally talked about, oh no… every weekend in October we welcome lots of families through the gates. 

Happy Halloween ...please not again next year though. 

Have a peek on instagram @Springhillpumpkinfestival to see the fun videos and pics of the event

Part 2 Recap of the missing year

It was with great surprise and immense pleasure that I was excepted to take part in “Borders Art Fair” held in march annually at Kelso, displaying many talented artists from across Scotland, the Borders and Northumberland.

I had applied in July with fingers and toes crossed, but when the email arrived in early October I was blown away with excitement which soon turned into outright panic!!! WHAT HAVE I DONE?? 5 months to prepare for something as professional as this art fair…HELP.

Needless to say I was transported into a frenzied artistic meditative universe, nothing else existed or mattered…OK…so in the real world I juggle day to day life alongside many hour of painting!

I’ve realised I paint my best in the winter months when there’s no distractions that the summer months bring, like gardening, long sunny walks with the dogs etc etc. I’m at my happiest hibernating in my garden studio with some good music and a scented candle while the weather outside does what it does best in winter… dreek dark days... wet and windy weeks and miserable cold months.

March came around soon enough and the three day art fair was a great success, what a learning curve and super experience it was. So many people to talk art to, new friends made amongst the exhibitors and to my delight paintings sold! 

Phew.. can I go on holiday now please???