A new hub providing a home for creative talent has opened in Burton upon Trent.
Helen Wheat has launched The Crafty Attic, an independent haberdashery and makers market full of local, handmade gifts, confectionary and homeware.
Located above her business Helen’s Bake House and Tearoom, Helen hopes the new venture will help creatives thrive by benefitting from prime town centre location selling space at a fraction of the usual cost.
She said: “There won’t be anything else like it in the area where independent sellers can rent a small space to showcase their gifts and homeware. We want The Crafty Attic to be a community hub which brings people together and helps support creativity.”
Helen has created 320 sq ft of space where crafters can rent room to display their designs, starting from £10 a month.
There are plans to showcase more than 30 independent sellers and even introduce workshops and specialist events.
Demand has already been strong with a variety of sewers, floristry and handmade gifts taking the first slots.
Helen added: “I started out working on a market stall selling cakes, so I know how hard it is for small businesses to take that leap from kitchen table ideas to fulltime business.
“There are so many talented creatives in the town, and I just want The Crafty Attic to become the go to place for sellers to showcase their talent as well as for individuals looking to buy unique, locally made gifts and cards.”
Helen has been based at Market Square for over 13 years.
The Crafty Attic is the latest extension to town centre tea rooms after Helen’s Bake House was extended last year adding a new snug area in the former key cutters and shoe repair shop next door.
The extension has enabled the café to create five new tables to keep up with demand after the popular eatery was finding itself turning people away due to a lack of space.
For more information about The Crafty Attic, email thecraftyattic16@gmail.com
