A new shop has opened in Preston city centre stocking the work of a host of local makers and artists. Creations Gifts and Crafts is a new addition to the thriving Cannon Street community and as well as supporting and showcasing the work of local creatives, owner Louise McGuiness is planning a number of workshops and events for the coming months, as we went to find out.

After retiring from nursing in 2019, Louise McGuiness began working in retail.

“I saw a gap in the market in Preston,” she explains. “There are so many makers in the local area but not a lot of places to buy unique gifts. I wanted to support local and provide a platform for local creatives to sell their work.”

And so, Creations Gifts and Crafts was born. The shop stocks a range of beautiful products, from the vibrant designs of surface pattern designer Fawziyah Raja on mini backpacks, art prints, and journals to the delicate handmade jewellery featuring homegrown pressed flowers from Third Eye of Newt.

The shops also stocks leather keyrings, purses, bracelets, and earrings in an array of colours from DD Practical, cushions and lampshades created by Penwortham-based upholsterer Louise from Chairs by Louise, unique bottle and glass holders created from copper piping, as well as tablet and mobile phone holders and copper hearts from Copper Up Design, handmade 3D greetings cards from the Lytham based Niki’s 3D cards and cushions, magnets, Preston themed glass chopping boards and coasters from Larch Tree Crafts.

As well as selling the work of local makers, Louise stocks environmentally friendly cards from One Tree Cards, for each card purchased a tree is planted, as well as Dirty Cow’s vegan chocolate, artisan chocolate from The Gourmet Chocolate Pizza Company, and the work of artists and photographers Francesca Aikman, Secret Industries and Sam Hughes.

Since opening at the beginning of September, the reception has been very positive, with a lot of makers keen to sell their work.

“Not everyone can have a shop or even afford to sell at markets, so this is a good way for makers to get known. I’ll soon be stocking a skincare range, a lovely range of crocheted baby items, and an eco-friendly range of products. A lot more people want products that are plastic free and I think it’s up to local retailers to pave the way.”

“Local makers may wish to rent a small or large shelf, tablespace, or there is space in the card rack. They can rent on a weekly or monthly basis, there is no maximum or minimum term, it’s up to them, but some of the makers have already chosen to rent a space until after Christmas at least, which is fantastic.”

As well as selling products, Louise is running two craft groups in the shop. On Sunday mornings, parents and children are welcome to drop in and make crafts together. On Wednesday mornings, Louise has set up a Knit and Natter, Stitch, and Chatter group for crafters to stop by, enjoy a cup of coffee, and make crafts. Louise stocks a range of craft kits or she has her own card-making supplies available to purchase. Refreshments are also available to buy during the craft sessions. She will soon have a range of spooky Halloween craft kits available in the shop.

“I’ve got plans to run other workshops and events at the shop,” said Louise. “Dani from DD Practical will be running some leathercraft workshops, starting on Saturday 24 September with a workshop on making leather earrings. I’m also planning some evening events, I will post all the details on our social media channels. If any local makers would like to run a workshop in the evening or afternoon, please get in touch.”

As we talk in the September sunshine, it’s clear how hard Louise and her family have worked to get the shop up and running. From painting the shop front a beautiful eggshell blue to working on the signs, it really has been a family affair. Cannon Street is buzzing, and it’s great to see another independent opening on a street that supports small local businesses.

“Everyone down here has been really supportive, from the local businesses to the residents, they’ve all made me feel really welcome. It feels like there is a real buzz in Preston at the moment.”

Follow Creations Gifts and Crafts on Instagram and Facebook.

The Knit and Natter, Stitch and Chatter session runs every Wednesday morning from 10.30am to 12pm, and the parent and child craft sessions run every Sunday morning from 10.30am to 12pm.

DD Practical will be holding leather earring workshops at Creation Gifts and Crafts on Saturday 24 September. To book on, click here.

Creations Gifts and Crafts is located at 40 Cannon Street in Preston City Centre, and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

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