If you are a lover of high quality, handmade craft, you may be interested to learn about Vale Makers, a group of skilled craftspeople who live and work in the rural Vale of Glamorgan.
Based in the small market town of Cowbridge, Vale Makers was formed in 2019 with the purpose of promoting the work of makers based in more rural parts of the county and providing them with opportunities to sell their fantastic creations.
Its members work in a wide range of media from wood and ceramics to textiles and glass, striving for high standards in everything they produce. Examples of their work can be seen online at www.valemakers.org.
If you are looking for a special gift or focal piece for your home, Makers Markets are held regularly throughout the year, primarily in Cowbridge but also in the nearby towns of Llantwit Major and Penarth. Customers are drawn to the beautiful work on display and are particularly pleased that their purchases are supporting small, local businesses.
Upcoming markets
- Saturday, 1 November at Llantonian Hall, Llantwit Major
- Saturday, 15 November at Parish Hall, Dinas Powys
- Saturday, 22 November at Cowbridge Town Hall
- Saturday, 29 November at Llantonian Hall, Llantwit Major
- Friday, 5 (3:30pm-7:30pm) and Saturday, 6 December (10am-4pm) at Holy Cross Church, Cowbridge
The final event – at the 13th-century Holy Cross Church in Cowbridge – will be Vale Makers’ first-ever Christmas market, complete with mulled wine, mince pies, and a local school choir performing carols. Surrounded by the glow of candlelight and creativity, it’s set to be a truly magical way to celebrate the season.
The close-knit group is run on a not-for-profit basis by a small, dedicated team of members who all understand the pressures of trying to sell their pieces. Money raised from membership subscriptions and stall fess is ploughed back into advertising and venue hire, helping to bring the Vale Makers to a wider audience.
You can also find out more about Vale Makers and their upcoming events at www.valemakers.org.
