From the beginning . . .

Here is our first contribution from one of our exhibitors, Celia Atkins, who is one VERY talented lady! She paints beautifully, in a range of styles (that's really clever) and makes jewellery too!

I  have been at Bylocal from the very beginning in July 2009. I received an email from lovely Trudi Hayden, who does the most beautiful paintings of trees, woodland and landscapes of the Tewkesbury area  (they are so realistic that we get Customers having friendly arguments about whether they are paintings or photographs). I went along to have a look at the old Young World toy shop that we were planning to use and was a bit uncertain as to how it could be transformed, as it was pretty ugly - garishprimary colours everywhere, not ideal to hang paintings on.

Anyway, Rosie and Helen were so fab and were unbelievably patient as all the potential exhibitors vied for which space they wanted, that I signed up there and then. I couldn't believe my eyes when I arrived with my stock as the whole shop had been completely transformed and looked wonderful. Rosie and Kez, who joined very soon afterwards have continued to work so hard and have made every shop look amazing, despite them looking pretty grim at the outset. Everyone pitches in and it really is a team effort. The thing I love most about ByLocal is that it is like a big family, everyone is so hardworking and supportive of each other, through all of life's up and downs.

The current shop is GORGEOUS! I love the way the double fronted windows show all te stock inside and it looks so inviting when you come up the escalators. The vibrant colours really sing and it's likethey are saying, come and see, come and see! (Mad artist writing this, obviously).

I love all the different things on sale at ByLocal. there really is something for everyone and if you are looking for gifts then there really is something for the tiniest tot to Great Aunt Ethel and it is brilliant that the makers are bringing in new things in all the time.

I hope we'll see you in the shop soon - everyone does shifts on the rota, so you can chat to the different makers and quite a few of us are happy to make things that you fancy that aren't already on sale. Whether you are selling, buying or just enjoying the visual feast of all the lovely things on display, coming  into ByLocal is a real treat!

Celia - sells Paintings sketches, Jewellery and handpainted loony cards :O)