New craft shed set to open in South Mainland
A DEDICATED shed showcasing Shetland’s independent crafting creatives is set to open in the South Mainland next month.
Da Craft Shed will look to plug the gap left by the closure of The Annex in Gulberwick earlier this year, offering a retail space for small local makers to showcase their wares.
The idea is the brainchild of keen crafter Lucinda Winks, who thinks the quality of the arts and crafts scene in Shetland is worth shouting about.
Da Craft Shed will be based next to Mainland’s Minimarket in Dunrossness after Winks’ initial plans to build a craft shed fell foul of council planners.
It is hoped the new space will give visitors a “unique experience rooted in the talent and creativity of our islands”.
Winks said it was “something I’ve been wanting to do for ages”.
“It’s really difficult for crafters to find a space,” she told Shetland News.
“I’ve been thinking about this for maybe three years, so it will be nice to be able to give people a space to go.”
Shelves in the shed will be rented out to crafters who want to display their creations, and Winks said she had already been overwhelmed by the interest.
“We already have 23 who will be renting shelves, which is quite a lot.
“I’ve had to make extra space and we have a waiting list of people too.
“It’s their shelves to rent, so they can have it until they don’t want it anymore.”
Winks also runs Jade Crafts Shetland, which focuses on handcrafted textile art and embroidery inspired by the landscapes and wildlife around the isles.
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“I’m probably the only embroidery artist in Shetland,” she said.
“I draw my pictures by hand and then stitch it in.”
She described Da Craft Shed – which she will be using as her own workshop – as “an extension of my passion for Shetland’s craft scene and a space where other makers can thrive”.
Da Craft Shed is set to be open from 10.30am to 2.30pm every Wednesday to Friday, and then from 1-5pm on Saturday’s.
Winks said she would hope to be open “a little bit more” at times, depending on the help of her one-year-old son – described as her “little business partner”.
The Annex offered online ordering as well as in-person shopping, and owner Robin Jones said in January she felt they had become “too big too quickly” for her.
Winks said she was “not wanting to overdo it” herself, and added she “didn’t think” Da Craft Shed will be able to do online sales for now.
However, she said they could look to advertise online the sellers who were showcasing at Da Craft Shed to encourage people to go along.
And those crafters waiting to secure a shelf at the Dunrossness shed will be able to advertise themselves through it too, Winks added.
She said it would be “really nice to have a place down the South Mainland” for tourists and locals alike to be able to go to.
Da Craft Shed will have its official opening on Wednesday 16 April from 10.30am, with all welcome to attend.
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