MORE than a hundred people attended the opening day for a new collective space for local artists in Haltwhistle over the weekend.
Ruth Murray, 43, is from Haltwhistle and established the Haltwhistle Makers' Market and Craft Emporium, to give local artists the chance to exhibit their work.
She also owns the business Blissful Bee Designs, which sells various bespoke craft items.
The craft emporium opened on Saturday, October 14 at Westbourne House next to the Post Office, which Ruth said more than a hundred people attended.
"It's a collective of local artists and makers," Ruth said. "We're renting out space to different artists.
"I do decoupage art so I've been doing craft fairs throughout summer and we have a lot of local talent. I was inspired by The Forge at Allendale as they run something similar, so I thought it would be really good for the community in Haltwhistle."
Ruth said the opening was a big success. "We had over a hundred people through the door on opening day and lots of amazing feedback from the local community. Lots of people were asking if we were just a pop-up shop but we are definitely here to stay."
More than 20 local makers are involved in the emporium so far.
The Craft Emporium will be open seven days a week from 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday.
"We've got a vast variety of products, from local honey to handmade cosmetics, needlefelt, painters and photographers.
"It's going to be a real mix of everything. Going forward, we're going to stock craft supplies," Ruth added.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here