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 | | by BBC South Yorkshire
contributor Ali Davies | |
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Is your purse feeling the pinch as you go about your Christmas shopping, are you bored of mass-produced gifts or looking for a fun experience that doesn't involve queuing in a department store?  | | Children buying balloons |
If any of the above apply to you, why don't you check out one of the Christmas craft markets in South Yorkshire? For those people that flinch when they hear the word craft, take heed, Christmas craft markets have an overabundance of quality wares, slightly more up market than your average WI white-elephant stall. Putting the class back into craft In short, Christmas craft markets put class back into craft. Over the next few weekends you can be whisked back in time to the days of Victorian England, with people dressed in period costume that wouldn't look out of place on a Dickensian BBC2 Boxing Day drama. There are fat jolly faces all answering to the name of Fezziwig with more mop caps than hair... [We think Ali's been on the mulled wine already- Ed] As you potter round the stalls looking for that unique Christmas present, get yourself in a festive frame of mind. I find sipping warm mulled wine, nibbling on chestnuts or a buttery home-made mince pie gets me in the mood. Get a rosy glow  | | Colourful wrapping paper and gifts. |
It's the only time of year when you can have a drink at 10.30 am and walk round with a rosy glow. For the rest of the year, that would give cause for AA concern, but in December it's all part of Christmas cheer. At the Kelham Island craft market, you may have to pay an entrance fee, but there is some festive fun thrown in. In addition to the wares on sale there is family entertainment in the form of traditional music and dance and the all-important Santa's Grotto. There are also be craft demonstrations by Lacemakers, Hallamshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, Quilters in Sheffield, Handsworth Cross-stitch, woodturning, pottery and for the adult shopper, leatherwork.
Crafty buys to look out for:
- Jewellery: Trendy unique jewellery, with interesting stones and designs.
- Household: Pottery, painted plates, wine glasses.
- Food: Jars of preserves, mincemeat, pies, chutney, shortbread, gingerbread, mince pies and Christmas puddings.
- Wine: Mulled wine or the heavenly Sloe Gin.
- Decorations: Garlands, flower arrangements
- Advent: Candles, calendars and cards (countdown to Christmas in style).
- Traditional Stockings: (fishnet? A pleasant surprise for Santa and maybe an extra present for you!)
- Knitted Garments: mittens, gloves, hats and scarves. But beware, lurking around in this section are the initially charming but ultimately sinister knitted toys. Remember they're not just for Christmas, they're for life
you have been warned.
 | When? Throughout December
| | Where? Victorian Themed Christmas Market 2003
Kelham Island Museum,
Alma Street, Sheffield, S3 8RY
Friday 5th - Sunday 7th December (10-4)
Traditional Christmas Market
Fargate, Sheffield
Thursday 11th - Sunday 14th December Barnsley Christmas Craft Fair
Cannon Hall Museum
Cawthorn S75
Tel 01226 790 270
Dec 7th 11am - 4pm
| | How much?
Entrance fee for Kelham Island Adults - £3.50 Concessions - £2.50
Children - £2 (under 5's free) Family (up to 4) - £8 Otherwise, as much as you're willing to spend on presents.
| | | Suits Families and anyone who fancies a rosy glow!
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Got a favourite activity or pastime that costs less than a tenner? Tell us about it! |
