The Supermercado Christmas Specials - Parts I & II

Now, we love to crack on with our very best Bing Crosby impersonations as much as the next person around this time, and, in theory, I guess I am dreaming of a White Christmas - but if it could just be white on Christmas Day then nice and dry and clear on Boxing Day - that'd be great. As things stand though, we have a white-run-up-to-Christmas and the darned weather is causing havoc up and down the country. Spare a thought for your friendly crafty types during this bitter cold, won't you? There are troupes of hardy indie business owners setting up shop in the courtyard of The Barras Centre every Saturday until Christmas and they are downright chilly willy! We can feed them cup-a-soup, we can ply them with tea, but really, what will surely warm their hearts is having some customers to talk to. Give them a reason to get up from their icy cold stools and show you round their fabulous array of handmade wares! Don your long johns, your wellies and your fur lined coat and shop local, shop indie this Christmas!

Last week marked the first in a series of Supermercado Christmas Specials. It was flippin' freezing in the courtyard even with the indoor heating (goes without saying) and while the snow lay thick on the pavements, customers were thin on the ground. Despite the crazy conditions though, our ever-cheery vendors kept themselves perky, enjoying home roasted coffee from Alastair Moodie, delectable sweet treats from Flamingo Bakery and live music from Julias' Daughters (we particularly LOVED the gals' cover of Made in the Shade shopping soundtrack favourite 'A Teenager In Love'!). Sadly, many a rock'n'roll cowgirl was left disappointed as The Meat Men had to call off at the last minute. The ol' red Meat Machine (aka Richard's van) did not cope well with the cold and left the fellas stranded on the other side of town :(

This week, despite the snow, we're gonna give it our best shot and go for round two of the Christmas Specials. Weather/engine permitting, we WILL be joined by The Meat Men and we'll be breaking open our stock of mince pies and offering y'all a little treat or two as you browse a selection of work by fabulous designer makers! Setting up shop in the courtyard this week we have... mavens of vintage style, Hot Tam-Ali plus jewellery and accessories makers t-boo, We Are The Robots, Suzy Loves, Dazed Dorothy, Canary Yellow, Sydney's Studio Works and Fantoosherie. 'Lil Bubba Things show off their latest collection of handmade gorgeousness for little 'uns, Purple Herb returns with a glorious selection of handmade bath and body products and Ula & Lucy join us for the first time to debut their beautiful printed products. Fresh from the Country Living Fair at Glasgow's SECC, the fabulous Leah Halliday will be in residence at Supermercado too - selling a whole host of wonderful vintage homewares, accessories and hand stitched gifts. Our favourite man maker Kevin Morris - will wow y'all with his super-stunning handmade bird houses, home accessories and gifts. To top it all off? We do, of course, have the BEST group of foodie DIYers you ever did see. Zoe Makes Cakes is back with us and she'll be bringing a stonking spread of pie, loaves, preserves (and cake). Cupcake-tastic residents Flamingo Bakery will have their barrow choc-full of takeaway and eat-now treats, Venues to Menus will provide the French macaroons (I cannot WAIT) and Sprinkle Happiness will tempt you with tasty homemade tablet and other irresistible sweeties!

The Supermercado sellers need you. Keep your crafters cosy this Christmas and come visit us at The Barras!