Bye bye little town of Sleaford with a big heart..The National Centre for Craft and Design is…read morelocated here. It is really a smart art and educational experience located in the open fens. There is a well appointed gift shop and several galleries located throughout the building. Talked with an artist in residence who was from the north of UK but was using the local landscape and leavings from the fields to create a work of art. Our conversation revealed her thoughtfulness and adept ability to connect with her temporary community in quick reply. The residents change frequently and I look forward to another visit. The artwork is fresh and vibrant and while obviously a school and not the work of mature artists in the later stages of careers is exactly why this is so engaging.

We ended up in the centre for coffee as all the other places were busy. Previously it was called…read morethe "Hub". The interior is vast for a coffee shop. It is connected to a little shop where you can buy arty gifts. Lots of space for children to run around and their parents to watch. One cup of a hot drink and cake are enough before or after to start an exhibition tour upstairs. The hot drinks are nothing special. My hot chocolate was too sweet, much to sweet to drink. The current exhibition is on the last floor, called the roof room. Lovely views onto the landscape surroundings You can take the lift and/or stairs. If taking the stairs you might notice all the little historical items along the window frames, like an old commodore 64 keyboard, Heinz bean can and many more. Finally managing the top floor you enter a room with low lights. The reason being that the current single displays are working its brilliance in darkness with some light reflections conjuring water dynamics. Its the miracle of endless time and space twinned with human spirituality. There is lots for you to ponder about and you might be confused. Still, a short visit does not harm. Alexis Rago is the current artist showing off his clay forms until the 17th November. Not long to go! I like to go back there for another exhibition soon.

Stumbled across this little hidden gem whilst out with my local walking group.. We just managed to…read moreget our group of 16 in the conservatory where they serve delicious cakes and tea/coffee etc. (The fresh cream Victoria sandwich was to die for).This is a newish business still developing (Nov '15) but they have some lovely craft items for sale as well as refreshments. Highly recommend.

Brilliant little shop will personalise almost everything. Ive had cards, bears, bibs, towels,…read moreflannels ect from this shop. Lovely staff family run. Very recomended. They dont open on thursdays, And somtimes you will have to leave your order and pick it up later, also do padded personalised cards which are lovely. Theres some nice gifts for newborns or christening like towel bales, bibs ect. You can get flannels or robes personalised with a picture and name for children and draw string bags personalised with a name ideal for school.

From the owner: We specialize in Machine Embroidery, Sewing, Haberdashery. Offering a wide range of products from…read moreGifts, Personalised Cards and Printed Cards for all occasions, Personalised Towels and Face Cloths, Fabric, Company Logos, Workwear, Uniforms, Fat Quarters, Personalised Baby Clothing/Gifts,Personalised Baby Blankets and Comforters, Childrens Clothing, Cushions, Personalised Gifts, Buttons, Sewing and Patchwork accessories, Hats Teddy Bears, Dolls, Bunting and lots more. Have Names/Messages of your choice added to our Products. Add your own personal touch. All enjoyed with our Helpful and Friendly service.

This shop offers goods of ghe highest quality. A little on the expensive side but you only get what…read moreyou pay for. Definitely no tat here. Extremely helpful staff who go the extra mile to assist in their customers requests

This is the shop that you go in when you havent got a clue what to buy someone as they have some…read moregreat gifts. They have loads of cards too some handmade. Buy your wrapping paper here aswell and youve done it all in one shop. I could spend hours in here and the shop staff are lovely.

Evolution is a fabulous place to shop for unusual gifts. Everyone has friends and relatives that…read moreare hard to shop for and this is the perfect place to get gifts for them. The atmosphere is really relaxed and peaceful. It is full of Buddhas and Incense sticks and scented candles and novelty candles. They have little sets of candles that spell out I LOVE YOU and HAPPY BIRTHDAY as well as for the festive season candles that spelt out HAPPY NEW YEAR and MERRY CHRISTMAS. They also have a large selection of hand made jewellery as well as ethical begs and accessories. I bought Christmas presents for my best friend there - A glas wall plaque saying PEACE and a gorgeous incense stick holder in the shape of the Buddha. Another great accolade to this store is the friendliness of the staff. They are helpful but not intrusive. They say Hi to you as you enter but in a pleasant polite and friendly way as opposed to being in your face. As the asistant carefully wraped my gifts, we chatted about the holidays and the weather and as I left she wished me farewell and welcomed me back again. I can't wait to visit again - even if it is just to browse.

This gift shop - selling hand-made high quality crafts - looks quite compact from the outside, but…read morethe inside goes on forever (well almost!) There are rooms with potters, jewellers, fabrics, kids stuff, art galleries, and an antiques section a great place to find individual christmas gifts.

le strange arms is a lovely place and the gift shop is great :) will be going again!read more