Handmade in Ayr: A Look Inside One of Ayrshire’s Most Loved Craft Fairs
Handmade in Ayr is one of the creative highlights of the Ayrshire calendar — a carefully curated craft fair held several times a year at the beautiful Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. It brings together an evolving mix of artists, designers, jewellers, ceramicists, textile makers, woodworkers, and independent Scottish brands.
I’ve taken part in this fair multiple times now, and it’s become one of my favourite events to return to as a maker. Each fair has its own energy, but the atmosphere is always warm, welcoming, and full of people who genuinely care about local craftsmanship.
A Fair with Its Own Character
Handmade in Ayr isn’t a generic marketplace; it’s curated, friendly, and thoughtfully run. The organiser, Leona Stewart, prioritises quality, meaning every table features work created with intention and skill — from intricate ceramics to small-batch candles, textiles, prints, and contemporary jewellery. She also exhibits her own glass work, and as an independent artist herself, she understands exactly what makers need to feel supported.
The setting adds to the experience. The bright exhibition halls at the Burns Museum give makers plenty of space, and visitors often make a day of it by exploring the museum, its grounds, and the café.
Why I Love Being a Stallholder
For me, the fair offers something you can’t replicate online: watching people encounter my work in person. My jewellery makes more sense when held.
It’s also a chance to reconnect with returning customers, meet new ones, and spend time with other makers from Ayrshire and beyond. The creative community here is open, encouraging, and very down-to-earth — everyone wants each other to do well.
What You’ll Find on My Table
When I attend Handmade in Ayr, I usually bring a mix of:
pieces from my Core Collection
conceptual jewellery from the Spent Collection, including the Struck and Cast Dout pendants
earrings and smaller silver pieces that are exclusive to markets or made in limited batches
It’s a great opportunity for visitors to try pieces on, ask about commissions, or handle designs they’ve only seen online.
Why You Should Visit
Whether you’re local to Ayrshire or travelling from further afield, the fair is a brilliant way to support independent makers and discover original work. It’s intimate, varied, and thoughtfully curated — with plenty of modern, design-led pieces alongside more traditional crafts.
If you enjoy handmade work, thoughtful design, or simply browsing stalls with a coffee in hand, Handmade in Ayr is well worth adding to your calendar.
Want to Know When I’m There Next?
I announce upcoming fair dates on Instagram and through my newsletter, and I’ll always share when my next Handmade in Ayr event is coming up.
You can also browse my work online anytime through the Shop All page.
