Fancy buying beautiful, handmade (and locally made) gifts this Christmas?
It’s been quite the year, and this has put a bit of a crimp in everyone’s festive shopping.

But in Sturminster Newton, the Workhouse Chapel is opening up again, offering people the chance to boost local artists and bag lovely gifts you’d never usually find on the high street, to boot. For just two months each year an unassuming little Victorian Workhouse Chapel in Sturminster Newton metamorphoses into a glowing beacon of hope for all those who dread the annual Christmas shopping trip, and this year especially, keeping away from the crowds and keeping it local is more important and appealing than ever before.

Despair no more – as the Workhouse is covid-ready to welcome shoppers in. Not only will you be able to book an hour’s browse round the many original, unique and handcrafted items, you’ll be safe as houses in doing so.
The place is bristling with original, handcrafted, quirky and local, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, leatherwork and paintings.
Here you’ll find garden sculptures, wood, cards, stocking fillers, gifts for him, gifts for her, things for the garden, child friendly puzzles, decorations for your tree, cards for every occasion, and such a lot more – all lovingly made by hand.

Workhouse Chapel in Sturminster Newton is offering people the chance to boost local artists and bag lovely gifts

Dozens of highly skilled makers and artists from Dorset and surrounding counties have work for sale here – it would be hard to find a more glorious mix of unique and beautiful gifts anywhere. The makers and artists who are included in Handmade are carefully selected, based on the quality of their craftsmanship, originality of design, eco- credentials and where they live and work. Keeping it local, recycling and perpetuating real craft skills are at the heart of what the Workhouse Chapel is all about.

Handmade’s organiser Rose Hatcher and fellow maker Kate Osman have also set up Handmade for Christmas Online, a sparkling cloud-cornucopia of Christmas Cheer (for those who prefer to shop wearing their slippers), and now that we’re out of lockdown again, they will be offering hour-long real life shopping appointments during December.

Only four visitors at a time will be allowed in the Chapel, so you are assured a safe, relaxed and socially-distanced browsing experience. If you would like to book a shopping appointment, please note that Covid-compliant practices will be implemented and that no children are
allowed.

Ring 07900580716 or email handmade@workhousechapel.co.uk to make your appointment. Or visit workhousechapel.co.uk

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