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AFTER more than three weeks a full lockdown during what should be the busiest time for traders, we recognise how difficult it is for independent producers.
Earlier this month we sent out an appeal for small businesses and sole traders in Northwich, Winsford, Middlewich, Knutsford and Wilmslow to get in touch.
Now, we have created a virtual Christmas market to give them a boost in the run up to the big day.
We also hope readers find plenty of festive shopping inspiration with many of the unique gift ideas below.
The list will be updated over the next month so please email stephen.topping@nqnw.co.uk if you would like to be considered.
Traders must have a local connection and a Christmas related product or something that would make a great present, and should not be linked to national or international firms.
Rose Williams
Winsford entrepreneur Rose sells hand-knitted toys, fabric toys and cushions that are perfect for youngsters this Christmas.
She usually sells items at the Makers Market but has been unable to attend them this year after recovering from a heart attack.
Shown above are characters from Mr Men and Beano, as well as a large hand-knitted dragon which sells for £15.
Email Rose on rosew52@sky.com to find out more.
Ethical Joseph
Jo Whitby, Frank Wadsworth and Craig Hollingworth are all parents of Over Peover Primary schoolchildren who were frustrated at the throw-away culture of fashion.
Ethical Joseph specialises in sustainable and organic t-shirts, hoodies and accessories, and has pledged to give 10 per cent of profits to the Holmes Chapel Hurricanes this year.
Customers can order online and the products will be hand-delivered locally, and in a Covid-secure way, or posted in time for Christmas.
See ethicaljoseph.co.uk and take advantage of an exclusive 10 per cent discount for the Guardian virtual market by using the code FESTIVECHEER.
Katy’s Jewellery and Accessories
Katy Broadhurst, from Kingsmead, sells hypoallergenic fashion jewellery and silver jewellery – including solid silver spin and fidget rings – as well as hats, scarves, gloves, hair accessories and vegan bags.
She normally sells products at local events and Christmas fairs, but Covid-19 has scuppered this in 2020.
Products cost from £5 to £40, with most coming gift-wrapped, while local delivery and door-step collections are available.
Email broadhurstkaty5@gmail.com
Seren Kay-Spruce
Northwich resident Seren owns a small earring business which she runs from her home.
This Christmas she is selling festive themed earrings, as well as Christmas Eve boxes and gift bundles.
Pictured above are hand-painted wooden earrings and handmade dinosaur earrings.
Email seren.kspruce@gmail.com
Angemade
Angela Roberts, from Middlewich, set up Angemade just a few weeks before the first coronavirus lockdown.
She creates craft kits and bespoke art, which would both make great gifts, including some Christmas inspired offerings.
Pictured above are some of the Angemade range, including a Christmas cross stitch, an embroidered sunflower and a Liberty of London heart.
Email hello@angemadeart.co.uk
EvelynMayFlower
Eveleyn Green is a 19-year-old artist who went to school in Holmes Chapel and college in Northwich.
She runs EvelynMayFlower, which sells hand-painted botanical watercolours, pet portraits, hand-painted cards and digital illustrations.
Evelyn has launched a Christmas range and posts goods twice a week, while people in the area surrounding Sandbach can enjoy a drop-off service.
Email emayg18@yahoo.com or see EvelynMayFlower on Etsy.
V-Eco Food Wraps
Jan Greatbanks is normally a regular at markets in Wilmslow, Northwich and Holmes Chapel, where she sells handmade vegan waxed food wraps – the eco alternative to cling film and plastic sandwich bags.
Her range is entirely plant-based, using the ingredients of candelilla wax, cold-pressed jojoba and food-grade pine resin, and they are secured using natural coconut buttons and cotton cord.
Each wrap is made by Jan, with different sized products available, and there are Christmas gift packages on sale.
Visit ecofoodwraps.co.uk
KiwiLemon Art and Design
Holmes Chapel mum Kayleigh Parsons launched KiwiLemon this year, specialising in mandala artwork, children’s art prints and handmade jewellery using the paua shell found only in New Zealand.
She also has decorative quote art prints, framed paua shell quote prints and unique Christmas cards.
All items have free UK delivery, while Kayleigh can deliver to local doorsteps.
See KiwiLemon Art and Design on Etsy, Facebook and Instagram.
Botanical Wax Melts
Louise Rosson, from Sandiway, launched Botanical Wax Melts in May after her income as a wedding photographer stopped abruptly in the pandemic.
She makes vegan friendly, cruelty-free eco soy wax melts, with more than 80 scents available and all containing real botanicals for a pretty effect when they melt.
Louise sells melts, scoopable wax tins and wax melt warmer gift sets, making them the perfect stocking fillers.
Email lou.rosson@icloud.com
White Dog Jewellery
Kate Baldry, from Knutsford, crochets with silver wire and seeks out ethically sourced gemstones for pendants.
She usually sells her modern chainmail jewellery on the Makers Market, and at Christmas she makes festive earrings, as well as angels with a donation going to Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home for each sale.
Delivery is free in Knutsford, as Kate will hop on her bike and bring the gifts to your door, and all pieces are sanitised ready for contactless delivery.
See White Dog Jewellery on Facebook.
Purcell-Green Studios
Chelsea Purcell, from Barnton, runs Purcell-Green Studios – selling concrete homewares, trinket dishes, cards and more.
This Christmas the business is selling its popular, plantable Christmas cards, along with ceramic hanging decorations and gifts.
Gifts can be delivered by Royal Mail or are available to collect from Barnton.
See etsy.com/uk/shop/purcellgreen
Julija Taberner
Julija, from Knutsford, makes jewellery, home accessories and handmade cards that could make the perfect Christmas gift.
Pictured above are a bracelet, a wine caddy and a handmade card for wine lovers.
See Julija Taberner on Facebook or Instagram.
Brownlow Bouquet
Brownlow Bouquet sells handmade, premium home fragrance made on an east Cheshire farm, and can usually be found at markets across the county.
The candles are only made using vegan ingredients, and are made to last longer and smell stronger than other products.
Brownlow has eliminated single-use plastic from its products and packaging, and the gifts can be shipped across the UK with free delivery.
See brownlowbouquet.co.uk
