Here’s some new products from our members:

Sheila Fleet Jewellery have just launched their Shoreline Pebble collection shown here in silver with pearl grey enamel. Also available in blue, green and amethyst grey enamel to order. See the full collection in their Kirkwall gallery or on their website!

Available from the Britt Harcus store are her bestselling ‘Rural Committee’ Gift mug sets and NEW White Pony placemats (available in pairs or boxed sets of 6).

Jane Glue from Shorelines Gallery has a 2010 Orkney calendar available from her site featuring a range of images from taken from her watercolour paintings of Orkney.

In Stromness
The Quernstone (Knitwear) - Extra festive opening hours - late night shopping on Wednesday till 8pm and open on Sundays 12-4pm

Northlight Studio (Tapestry) - In the run up to Christmas, Ros Bryant will be opening her gallery on Wednesdays 5-8pm, Fridays, 2-5pm, Saturdays 10-1pm & 2-5pm and Sundays 12-4pm

In Kirkwall
Sheila Fleet Jewellery are having a 10% festive discount day at both the Kirkwall gallery and workshop in Tankerness on Sat 5th December. They will also be open every Sunday between now and Christmas in Kirkwall from 2 - 5pm and the last Sunday 12 - 5pm.

Britt Harcus artist & illustrator, located at Wellpark Garden Centre is open till 8pm each Thursday now till Christmas (apart from Christmas eve!)

At Judith Glue’s shop from now til Christmas Eve every customer will be entered in to raffle to win either an Orkney hamper or a £50 Judith Glue gift voucher. Open Thursday evenings until 8pm on 3rd, 10th and 17th December. Mulled Christmas punch, Westray Christmas cake and music from Stronsay Silver Darlings on Thursday evenings and on the weekend of 5-6th December.

In Birsay
Fluke Jewellery are holding a special shopping weekend with wine and nibbles. This will take place on the weekend of 12 - 13 December from 11am. Roger will also be launching a new necklet incorporating a Groatie Buckie and two Venus Shells.

Orkneyinga Silversmiths are open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 5th and 12th December. Visit Kevin and Liz who have over 20 different ranges of jewellery.

In Sandwick
Pam Farmer’s Photo Gallery and Tearoom is open from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 5th and 12th December.

In Harray
On the weekend of the 12-13th December, Andrew Appleby from Fursbreck Pottery will be having smoked salmon tasting followed by Netta’s clootie dumpling.

In St Margaret’s Hope
The Workshop - The very best in Orcadian and Scottish Crafts and Fair Trade Gifts for Christmas. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Front Rd St Margaret’s Hope

Local artist & illustrator, Britt Harcus has recently moved from her studio at the Old Academy in Stromness to a new space in Kirkwall. Find her unique artwork now at the Wellpark Garden Centre, Mill Street, Kirkwall - open from Monday to Saturday 10 till 4pm. From originals, prints & placemats to mugs, cards and coasters there’s something for everyone. Treat yourself or another. Also now available - Britt Harcus is offering Gift Vouchers.

Fluke Jewellery have recently released a new collection called Fire & Ice. In a departure from Roger’s usual range of marine and wildlife inspired jewellery, the Fire & Ice collection was inspired by the early morning sun passing across a field held in the grip of haw frost. The Sun’s rays as they melt the frost leave the field wet, lush green and vibrant with the sparkle of water droplets.

The 9ct gold curved band depicts the heat of the sun. The engraved surface depicts haw frost and the polished surface the reflection of water. The drop pendant & drop earrings will be made as a limited edition of only 50 pieces. The collection is available now on the Fluke Jewellery website.

Jan from Recycled by Design has an exciting new product range of freshly felted flowers from Orkney. The flowers are unique & handmade in softest, wet felted, merino wool. Choose from exotic and vibrant single stem blooms, delicate or bold flower lariats, neck-wraps and brooches. Beautiful gifts to give and receive!

This just shows that real craftsmanship lasts. Yes, this September see the 33 and a 1/3rd anniversary of Fursbreck Pottery! A grand event is to be held at The Harray Hall, just along from the famous Harray Potter’s workshop. This will take the form of a weekend retro exhibition over the weekend of 26th and 27th September.

Andrew Appleby and his team will be there to welcome you. Please bring ANY of your old pottery Fursbreck Pottery or Orkney Porcelain for identification. Each piece will be photographed and recorded for the Orkney Archive. There will be raffles and other events too. The Harray Vintage Club will be showing off their valuable collections of machinery. There will be soup, sandwiches, teas and coffee.

Do come along.

If you’re visiting Orkney, you can now visit our Orkney Crafts Summer shop at 2 Bridge Street in Kirkwall.  We are open Monday to Saturday 9.30 - 5.30pm from June to September 2009.  If you’re only in Orkney on a short visit, come to our shop to see the largest selection of crafts in Orkney including jewellery, pottery, knitwear, art and furniture!  Alternatively for those here on longer trips, come and view a taste of the range that Orkney Crafts Association’s members have to offer before visiting individual member’s workshops throughout Orkney on the craft trail.

With over 12 years experience gained working within the local jewellery trade, Celina has mastered the intricate skills required to create her beautiful hand crafted jewellery. The breathtaking landscape and rich heritage of the Orkney Islands give her the inspiration for her unique collections. She has just launched her new web site where customers can view and purchase her handmade jewellery.

Ros Bryant has recently opened her tapestry studio and gallery in Graham Place in the historic town of Stromness. Having been drawn back to Orkney many times over the last 20 years, Ros has moved to Stromness and renovated former shop premises in Graham Place to create her working studio and shop where she makes and exhibits her tapestries. Opening hours vary so call 01856 850671 to check.