Here's what's happening in our creative space, the Sail Loft, the NaviStitch shop, and on Manningtree High Street over the coming weeks...
In the Sail Loft...
As you'll know (unless you really have't met us or followed us before, we have around 40 fabulous artists and makers who are sharing their work with you over the festive season and there will be opportunities throughout the coming weeks to meet most of them as they join us to help man the Christmas Pop-up - follow us on social media to find out who's in the shop each day.
Some of our creatives have exhibited in our Sail Loft Gallery previously. Others are exciting newcomers and they're bringing fabulous things that we know will fit even the most awkward of stockings!
We're now open 7 days a week until Christmas eve:
10am-5pm Monday-Saturday and
11am-3pm on Sundays
On the High Street
Our creative little High Street is putting on its Winter Wanderland again this year (it's a tradition!), with lots of shops each revealing a window each night. Our night is tonight... we're glad this newsletter goes out later on in the day as we can do the full reveal. Our inspiration is taken from Rod Kessler's winning Manningtree Christmas Card Competition design - we loved the idea that the name of our town comes from the phrase 'Many Trees' - fantastic!
In the NaviStitch shop
I'd love you to take a look at my own new artwork whilst you're with us: painted on cotton rag paper and float-mounted, each one has a hand stitched boat. There are 3 different sizes, and they also have some metallic paints in them so that they sparkle... and we all love a bit of sparkle at Christmas!
Here's a reminder about NaviStitch Gift Vouchers - they're redeemable against products in the NaviStitch shop - even commissions.
The only thing you can't use them for is Sail Loft exhibitions and pop-up shops (because material belongs to the artist).
Just ask and we'll be all too happy to help.
When you visit our shop, don't forget that for just £2 you could win this incredible farewell gift to Manningtree that was painted by William Huntingdon just two weeks before his wedding day, as he prepared to leave the town for a new adventure in New York.
The painting, a tribute to his deep affection for his hometown, has now been left behind as a gift for the community, so it may continue to bring joy and benefit to those who call it home, whilst raising money for local youth group My Blue Pass.
Framed by Nick Holyman Framing "Swan Song" is being raffled here at NaviStitch and the lucky winner will be drawn at 3pm on Saturday, 28th December in our shop.
Last Christmas Dates...
For Nick Holyman Framing (our bespoke in-house framing service), here are the Christmas cut offs for any picture framing this year:
If you drop off before noon on 7th December, your framed piece will be available to collect on 22nd December. Any items dropped off after 7th December will be ready to collect after our January break: 22nd January. See our calendar for dates that we're open over the next couple of months.
For lots of other great Christmas gift ideas, if you can't make it into our fabulous shop on Manningtree High Street, there's still plenty to choose from online:
Unframed original nautical stitched art pieces, lots of cards and coasters as well as various Manningtree branded giftware - all perfect for anyone's stocking!
Last ordering/posting date is 16th December so make haste!
It's this Saturday!
The Manningtree Christmas Market is full of things to do for the whole family - there are stalls, food and drinks, choirs, attractions - plus a Santa's grotto.
And that's without what's going on in our 40-shops-within-one, one-stop-Christmas-shop.
If you're in town for the market, we'd love to see you ... open from 10am-7pm along with most of the High Street!
And finally
We know that getting to Manningtree isn't always possible. If you fancy something nautical but extremely nice this Christmas as a special gift (or just for yourself!), you'll find some of my nautical stitched work in both The Alma in Harwich, or in The Lord Nelson in Ipswich...
Until next time...
If you're an artist or maker, we've now got our calendar open for 2025 bookings. Take a look at details of how to book
Think creatively too - our space is not just for individual exhibitions, consider collaborations - If you're a fledgling artist or maker and want to enter the world of exhibiting, let us know and we can help you with introductions, with display materials and with advice.
Until next time, I wish you calm waters and plain sailing
Sam
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