WHEN the Homfrays of Forage Farm advertised for local artists and traders to join their outdoor Christmas market, little did they know how great the response would be.

Just 24 hours after posting on local Facebook groups, they received over 150 applications for a stall inside their marquee.

Nub News visited the market to meet the makers and explore what unique gifts and stocking-fillers they had on offer.

Tom Homfray said the response on social media was "heartening".

"It's been a pretty bleak time, and creators might not have been able to attend the usual fairs throughout the year," said Tom.

"A couple of months ago we just thought how nice it would be to do something for local artisan craftspeople and hold a Christmas market.

"We're not charging for any of the stalls. We can put these events on safely, so why not do something for the local community?

"We've got a really diverse range of local craftsmen and women: stone carvers, jewellery makers, painters, it's a real hodgepodge.

"It makes you realise how much talent is hidden away on your doorstep, and it's a pleasure to see them getting a bit of exposure and for our customers to feel the Christmas spirit," he said.

Many of the traders saw the Facebook adverts themselves, or were sent them by family and friends.

Stone sculptor Lewis Harrison-Kemp of KempsyArt said he was initially unsure whether people would make the trip to the market.

"I didn't know how many people would come to a place like this, whether they'd feel uneasy shopping in person. But the fact it's all open air and there's plenty space is good," said Lewis.

"I've done a pretty good trade. The main thing is that people can put a face to the name, as a little artisan like myself that's important.

"People like to make contact rather than just viewing on social media," he said.

Lewis also felt that the pandemic has made people look at local crafters more than they did before.

Jewellery-maker Nicola Butler agreed that the environment was comfortable given the current situation.

"It's absolutely been hard this year. It's just lovely to have the opportunity really. It's such a pleasant, safe environment to exhibit. It's nice to see everyone's face as they come round to browse.

Eva Leslie, a needle-felt crafter originally from Hamburg, had been at the market for two days.

"When they offered for me to come, it was like a Christmas present!," she said.

"I run a lot of workshops which all failed because of Covid, so this was a lifesaver.

"It was much better trade yesterday than I expected."

Elena Conti, set up her business Wear Not Waste , turning unwanted knitwear into hats during lockdown.

"I had lots of material ready to repurpose at home, waiting for when I had time. In lockdown, I got the chance to experiment. I turned a negative into a positive," said Elena.

"I knew I had to get ready for the winter months. It's been slow and steady here.

"Not a huge amount of people has come through here, but that makes it perfect for social distancing," she said.

Jewellery-maker Sharon McKinley, of Sharon McKinley Designs , has also tried to use the pandemic to her advantage.

"I'm a positive person, so I'll always take any challenge and work towards the good aspects of it," said Sharon.

"I've been able to expand the business model. It's made us grow in areas we hadn't before, so now we have a well-being range.

"It's obviously been difficult. What I've found is that each month you have to reidentify and diversify the business, depending on where we're at with restrictions.

"I supply to boutique shops, and that line of business just dropped. The markets have been a saviour," she said.

Adrian Llewellyn Jones, of The Mouse House which supports Cystic FIbrosis Warriors International Charity, said he'd been able to sell plenty of the iconic wooden mice and scaffold board shelves.

"People are interested in what we do and supporting the charity," he told Nub News.

Angharad Reed owns pottery business Crock-A-Shwt. During the pandemic, her job in musical theatre came to a halt, so she could put all her time into trading as a crafter.

"It's a really nice vibe here," said Angharad.

"You don't have to worry about being too close to anyone. It's very chilled and not overwhelming.

"This is how I would love to do business normally, so I feel really happy and lucky to be able to do this. It's also nice to be able to sell so close to the holiday.

"It's been amazing to focus on my business completely.

People have really got behind me as a local business and come out in support," she said.

Textile artist Caroline Beddard agreed that being able to sell in-person made a huge difference.

"It's a great opportunity to engage with locals, to speak to people. You can't beat real contact with people," she said.

"I think maybe the rain put people off yesterday, but it's lovely now the sunshine is out. People appreciate being able to buy in person."

The Christmas Market at Forage Farm is open until Sunday evening.