2011 New Zealand Christmas Craft Shopping Guide

What better time of the year to give a unique, individual and personalised gift than Christmas? A number of people have asked Craft Aotearoa where to buy craft this Christmas and we have shortlisted a few options here. Don't forget, children love to make items, especially for the Christmas tree and to eat!

For that special someone, you may like to pop into a gallery and buy a beautiful object that they will always treasure! Craft Aotearoa recommends a visit to Objectspace in Auckland who are currently hosting their first exhibition focused on making from the Pacific. Nimamea'a: The fine arts of Tongan embroidery and crochet features a selection of crocheted Ta'ovala (waist mats), Kiekie (waist ornaments), and hand embroidered bed linen and clothing made in the Tefisi tradition, all from Tongan family collections.These embroidered and crocheted works have a completely different, and high, status within the fine arts of Tonga compared with the status of embroidery and crochet within the contemporary arts of New Zealand. Find out more at an upcoming floor talk with curators Kolokesa Uafa Mahina-Tuai and Manuesina 'Ofa-ki-Hautolo Mahina on Saturday 3rd Decemeber at 11am.


Where to go craft shopping this Christmas: 

Anywhere in New Zealand:
For a full list of upcoming craft events around the country and to buy online, check out the NZ Handmade website.

You can also buy online from Felt, New Zealand's online marketplace for buying handmade craft. Check out their brand new Christmas Craft Guide with options for buying gifts for guys, music lovers, postage, stocking fillers, secret Santa and more.

Auckland: 
Organised by The Auckland Craft Collective, December 10th promises to be a busy day at the Aotea Centre with the Auckland Art and Craft Fair opening from 11am - 3pm. Entry is by gold coin donation, and a selection of work from independent and contemporary designers, artists and crafters will be shown. Read up
on who will be going and interviews with craft makers at http://www.aucklandfair.blogspot.com

Hastings:
On Decemeber 3rd, head to the Hawkes Bay Opera House for Starry Starry Craft Hastings between 5-9pm for a night craft market. The next day,  The Morning (Cr)after from 10am - 2pm takes place at the same venue. Free admission to both events. 

Wellington:
Craft2 Trunk Show - a suitcase sized event just for Christmas on December 9th, 16th, and 23rd from 6-9pm. Join their mailing list for more information.

Christchurch:
Organised by The Craft Collective, the 'All I Want for Christmas' craft market takes place on December 10th from 10am - 4pm at Shirley Intermediate School Hall, in Eastern Christchurch.

The market promises to be an exciting mix of crafts, gifts, vintage wares, homewares, food and coffee - get all your Christmas shopping day in one place in one day!


Know of an upcoming craft event in your area that isn't listed here? Please post a comment and let us know so we can update our list.