Christmas market madness

Today saw my annual visit to the Arts Market in Liverpool. Undoubtedly, one of the best handcrafted markets you will find, a far cry away from naff tombolas and bottled toiletries which are often rudely described as a Christmas Fayre. This is a collection of real artisans sharing their hand crafted goods. I much prefer to select my gifts from the maker rejecting mass production in favour of a more considered gift. Today's haul included, earrings, vintage broaches, bracelets, a bag and believe it or not magical wands. Indeed there were many magical things to find if you do get chance to visit, you'll have to hurry its only on till 7 this evening I recommend Marandadesigns.com. Beautiful handcrafted sterling silver jewellery. For two years now I've found quality affordable pieces with a friendly smile. Based in a cathedral this can only add to the festive atmosphere. All this got me thinking of how long us artists actually spend making and I know when I create my paintings I seem to enter a world of my own and loose complete track of time. Questioning how all this hustle and bustle came about? Springing up in Germany signalling the beginning of Advent linking bank to regular seasonal markets adding a bit of light to dark seasonal nights. the earliest Christmas markets were formed from cosy stands in the streets and alleyways where only locals could share their artefacts and goods encompassing traditional products and delicacies. Traditional handcrafted from wooden figurines, nutcrackers, tree ornaments still remain today. Despite recent belief that Christmas has developed into a whirl of consumerism, it maybe surprising to know gift buying had become a ore Christmas activity as early as the seventeenth century, with usually markets held around the the church to attract church goers. Today the activities and excitement was well and truly inside the warm glow of liverpool cathedral.