A CRAFT ‘revolution’ is taking place in the Washburn Valley.

Timble has been attracting a growing number of creative artisans over the past few years.

Now a group of local craftswomen are preparing to showcase their talents at a ‘Christmas Fair with a difference’.

The festive event takes place at The Robinson Library on Sunday, December 8 when jewellery, candles, soaps and Christmas wreaths will be among the items on sale.

Aileen Brindle, whose f.o.a.k - few of a kind - collections feature products that have been made working with, and taking inspiration from, craft communities around the world is one of those taking part.

Aileen, whose most recent project has involved working with alpaca textiles from Peru, said: “Timble is a tiny village but seems to have attracted a number of creative, resourceful women.

“A number of us have a connection with Ilkley and Burley-in-Wharfedale and have moved here. This year a group of us, all women in small business, are putting together a Christmas Fair with a difference.

“The craft sector in developing countries has always been an important economic sector, in particular for women in rural areas. However in the current economic climate in the UK women are also looking to innovative ways to diversify their businesses - combining professional roles with more creative work and often choosing to work from home.”

Candle and soap maker Tracie Johnson will be another of the stallholders. She said: “I had spent years living in the city where I had my own business designing and building exhibition stands.

“It was a tough, stressful but often rewarding job, however the satisfaction from doing it had begun to wane. That loss of enthusiasm, coupled with an ongoing struggle with ME led me to look for something different.

“A move to the country gave me a new lease of life and kickstarted a passion for creating soaps, candles and other crafts. This has developed into a small business which, as it has grown, has made me increasingly interested in the environmental aspects of what I do.

“It is the most satisfying thing I have done and I don’t think it would have happened without the move to a small, friendly village.”

Ilkley-based jeweller Libby Jubb will also be holding a stall. She said: “I love working with silver - wire or flat metal - using traditional silver smithing techniques to turn it into something beautiful to be worn, and adding birthstones and hand stamping pieces so they are meaningful to the wearer.”

The Christmas Fair runs from 11am to 4pm and will also feature seasonal refreshments including mulled wine and mince pies.