The Delightful 'Ditzy Rose Makery' – An Artisan Hub

Like me, you have doubtless seen the oversized red button outside of Century House on the High Street but have you yet entered this Aladdin's Cave?

Nikki Barraclough, absolutely brimming with enthusiasm and energy, is a refreshing addition to our village nucleus with the 'Ditzy Rose Makery'. Nikki both studied and originally worked in London. Her degree in 'Fashion and Business', was immediately followed by working for Kurt Geiger in the buying team of the Harrods group. On returning to the North West, Nikki worked in product development and management for Umbro and Adidas, prior to starting her family. A career change to tie in with family life, led to Nikki starting her own craft and sewing business, originally known as 'Ditzy Rose', designing and making gifts, running craft workshops and selling at craft fairs and online. Nikki then began to organise after school clubs and really enjoyed inspiring children. This then led to teaching sewing and running successful sewing and craft parties for children and adults. Over the last 4 years 'Ditzy Rose' has operated from a country cottage garden studio on the outskirts of Tattenhall and so the 'Ditzy Rose Makery' is the next step on her crafting journey.

When this member of the Webteam dropped in for a chat earlier this week, there was a lovely group of women (yes, all women on this occasion) who were participating in one of Nikki's varied workshops. With input from both Nikki and Suzy Huxley, the latter a textile artist and tutor, there was a real sense of vibrant creativity.

What doesn't Nikki offer me thinks! The diversity and range of quite beautiful local ceramics, jewellery, artwork, gifts and cards is staggering. Ditzy Rose Makery without doubt offers an inspiring environment in which to find your inner creativity or simply provides a unique space in which to browse and shop. With Christmas so near, this is a 'must visit' artisan hub!

Nikki is running a multiplicity of workshops and classes during November and December – all events are listed on her Ditzy Rose Facebook page.

And a sample of what's coming up in November ... felting, an introduction to jewellery making, crocheting (how you reminisce for those granny squares), Christmas wreath making and a Christmas Shopping Event at the end of the month too with Prosecco and Mince Pies.

There is also a kids sewing school every Friday after school (in term time) and one to really look out for in December is a 'Kids Christmas Tree Decoration Workshop' be to be held on 9 December 2-4pm.

'Purely Local' – the 'Ditzy Rose Makery' – click on each image to enlarge