Thoughtful gifts made from sustainable materials are one way to share your ethical values with friends and family. And Crossan Creations’ decorative macrame pieces, which they sell in a variety of earthy colours at Harpenden Sustainability Market, certainly fit the bill. They’ll be back at the next market on the 16th of November, adding festive decorations to their well-loved wall hangings, plant hangers, coasters, napkin holders, keyrings, coasters and centrepieces.
Crossan Creations is run by Kelsey, who discovered the joy of macrame during lockdown. She says, ‘I hadn’t done anything particularly crafty before — this was totally new to me. It started with dreamcatchers and just escalated from there.’
A greener way to craft
Sustainability is woven into every piece. Kelsey uses exclusively recycled cotton and turns offcuts from her larger pieces into smaller items like keyrings. Even the smallest offcuts can be reused in creative ways, whether as stuffing or small pieces. When they reach the end of their life, the pieces made from white cotton can be home composted.
Kelsey has also found a way to recycle other items — some of the centrepieces incorporate recycled glass bottles as vases. The driftwood hangers are brought back by a friend from Scotland.
If you’d like to take a more mindful approach to crafting, Kelsey’s suggests, ‘just try to reuse things as much as you can. Before you throw something away, think: could I use this again in another way? It’s a small mindset shift that can make a big difference.’
A vibrant market atmosphere
Kelsey recently moved to Harpenden from London and appreciates how community-focused and family-friendly it is. She loves how the countryside is on the doorstep, but there’s still the benefit of amenities.
But when it comes to the Harpenden Sustainability Market, it’s the atmosphere and people who make it a success. Kelsey says, ‘even if I don’t make a lot of sales on a particular day, the connections I make are so valuable. Sometimes customers don’t buy on the day but reach out afterwards. It’s all about being visible and making those connections.’
Crossan Creations welcomes commissions too. If you see anything you like or have an idea about a special project then Kelsey is all ears. You can contact her on contact@kelsocrossan.co.uk.
Macrame is a fun craft, but it can be tricky to get started. It helps to have someone there to guide you through it, and many of Kelsey’s customers have asked her whether she’ll run workshops. Keep an eye on her Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know when this is. You can also catch Crossan Creations regularly at Harpenden Farmers’ Market.
Join us at the next Sustainability Market on Sunday the 16th of November to discover Crossan Creations and other local eco and food stalls that promote a more sustainable lifestyle. It’ll be the perfect opportunity to source sustainable stocking fillers as you enjoy the festive atmosphere. Visit our markets page for the full schedule of dates.