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Circle Craft kicks off the Christmas shopping season

It’s one of the first signs that the holiday season is approaching: the annual Circle Craft Christmas Market. Back for its 45th year, the market takes place Nov.
treats design

It’s one of the first signs that the holiday season is approaching: the annual Circle Craft Christmas Market.

Back for its 45th year, the market takes place Nov. 8 to 12 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West where more than 300 jury-selected artisans from coast to coast will be selling their clothing, pottery, wood and metal work, blown glass, jewelry, toys and more.

As always, North Shore artisans are well represented among the long list of participants and many familiar faces are returning for another season.

Artisans hailing from North Vancouver include: Honey Canada needle and wet felting creations; Kenfolks handcrafted ornaments; Dahlia Drive recycled and dyed apparel; Moojoes Outdoor Gear; Treats Designs tagua jewelry; P.S. Designs kiln-fired functional art glass; Lorna Moffat Design stitched collaged textiles; Rain Goose Textiles; MiMi traditional toys; Iori Kokotailo paintings; Reclaimed Print Co. wood prints; and Billy Would Designs reclaimed wood jewelry and accessories.

West Vancouver artisans making a repeat appearance at the market include K-O.ME Clothing; Chi’s Creations silver and gold jewelry; Chef Ann Kirsebom’s Gourmet Sauces; and Ratatouille Designs fine linen items.

Artisans from Lions Bay include MG Designs mixed-media painting and sculptural jewelry and The Old Island Stamp Company original handcrafted rubber art stamps. And representing Bowen Island are Russell Hackney Ceramics, Vancouver Playing Cards, and Gnome Homes felted characters, buildings and lamps. 

In addition to crafters’ booths, visitors to the market will also find entertainment by local performers, craft technique demonstrations, contests, and the Budding Artists area where emerging artists will introduce new work.

For the first time, senior Canadian fibre artist Sola Fiedler will demonstrate and teach the craft of macramé. Also new this year, Circle Craft Market is partnering with Vancouver Community College’s fashion program to produce a runway show.

Some 40,000 people visit the Circle Craft Christmas Market each year. The first market took place in 1973 at The Cultch in East Vancouver and the event has grown significantly over the last four decades.

The Vancouver Convention Centre West is located at 1055 Canada Place. Market hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $15 adults; $12 seniors and students; $11 each for groups of 10 or more.

Advance tickets and more information is available online at circlecraft.net.