10/07/2025
Since leaving the shop ive been asked soo many times if I know of any GOOD artisan shops for selling in and shopping in as ive had some customers message asking if im going to be setting up on my own. So let's answer some questions.
Firstly, Am I setting up on my own. Well....... Because of putting over £10,000 cash into the shop its left my bank dry, and the likely hood of getting any of that back is slim unless I go small claims, which is still not ruled out. So, im not saying yes, and im not saying no, im just saying maybe.
Artisan shops. What is an artisan shop. Firstly, its not a shop that fills itself with wholesale stock that is NOT handmade. An artisan shop is a shop full of handmade items that peoole have put their heart and souls into. A shop where the staff and owners can tell you the story behind the pieces on the shelves. When a shop starts putting in wholesale items its nothing more than a gift shop and the Artisans are then in direct competition with those wholesale items as they have been paid for by the owners who then need their items to sell to make the money back to pay bills and overheads, so therefore, priority is taken away from the handmade items as as long as the shelf rental is being paid, it matters not to the shop if they sell anyone's items. So when looking for an outlet for your beautiful makes, always check yo make sure it is 100% handmade because you deserve the full attention of having your items sold.
Ive been watching and listening carefully to pages and sellers and have found some lovely shops which I think are on parr with my views.
Firstly the The Artisan Cave in Leek. Shop looks beautiful, socials are amazing and the owner sounds really lovely. I give them a big thumbs up.
And then a new one to the scene is Collective Dreams. Can't seem to tag them. But I know some of the amazing sellers who was with me has joined them and are really happy. So a thumbs up again from me.
Also one in Bournemouth and they have a Christchurch shop The Trove. Bournemouth has proven to be a great success for Phoenix Designs Malachaite designs Shelden Glass and more. So another thumbs up from me.
Now for the shopping, where I highly recommend Artisan shops for customers, all of the above of course and a few more.
The Courtyard Centre in Lytchett Minster. There are a couple of lovely little artisan shops there. Cockatoo Make and Doo in the pink shed off the carpark is a must, and if your looking for specialised cremation pieces, this is the place to go to. Then you have Buttons and Bows in the main courtyard along with The Pantry and Lytchett Bay soaps and The cowshed for amazing food. Definitely worth a visit.
The Barn at Lytchett is becoming more and more popular for artisans. Quirky little barn shops full of beautiful handmade items, plus Buddy and Me will be opening up shortly there too.
Absolute Artisans in Wimborne. Lovely barn filled with lots of handmade items. Has an amazing cafe next door which I highly recommend the cream teas.
Wimborne itself has some really lovely artisan shops by the river, plus every week at the Allendale on a Friday there is an artisan market.
Weymouth has their artisan market once a month a believe which ive heard is always busy and in this weather, a great day out, plus you have Artisan Island in Weymouth that has some amazing sellers that was with me so you can still pop in there and pick up some of their beautiful makes.
I will keep looking out for great shops for sellers and customers and will happily continue to support all you amazing crafters and answer any questions you may have or if you want advice about selling in shops, just drop me a message and I will do the research for you.
