The unique creations of Finnish designers as well as the crafts industry from its past to the present will be showcased at the Finnish Handicrafts Fair, the number one event for the handicrafts and applied arts industry. The event, which will take place at the Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre from 13 to 15 November, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The weekend will be full of shopping opportunities, exhibitions, demos and workshops. The fourth Taito-Finlandia Award will also be presented during the opening ceremony. The recipient will be selected by designer Harri Koskinen who will also open the fair.
– Finnish design has always drawn inspiration from traditional shapes and they have been further simplified in an interesting way. Over the years I have been inspired by national costumes and the stripes and colours in the fabrics, old photographs, Ostrobothnian wedding traditions, wall rugs, embroidery and traditional knitwear as well as decorative spinning wheel distaffs and painted furniture. Many things have disappeared and the world has changed in terms of traditions, but craft skills and enthusiasm have stayed alive in Finland, says fashion designer Noora Niinikoski.
The Novita + Noora Niinikoski exhibition as well as the Finnish Design fashion show will showcase knitwear by fashion designer Noora Niinikoski together with shoes by footwear and accessory designer Terhi Pölkki. The fair will also feature designer Anne Mustarastas’ dress collection entitled Helsinki Dresses. The collection inspired by buildings is now on display in Tampere for the first time. Fashion designer Jukka Rintala’s Romantiikan taikaa (The Magic of Romance) exhibition will delight the visitors with incredible dresses and atmospheric pictures from the yards of Finnish castles. The Wetterhoff since 1885 exhibition will showcase the vocational education and training provided by Tavastia Vocational College and the designer studies available at the Häme University of Applied Sciences as well as the Wetterhoff brand. Visitors will also have a chance to explore craft competition entries and winning works during the fair.
Craft masters charm with their skills – visitors use their arms as knitting needles
The demos on the Idea Stage will show, for example, how to make dollhouse-sized Reino slippers and a new version of an old Martta doll. Crafts specialists will also turn old jeans into new outfits, shape clay with a potter’s wheel and make blown glass beads using a lampworking technique. Crochet expert Molla Mills will also appear on the stage. Masters and new talents will be interviewed by Minna Särelä, Aija Rouhiainen and Pia Temisevä. The workshops will allow the visitors to try arm knitting and making ecological decorative items. In addition to the variety of activities, the three large exhibition halls will be filled with gifts and everyday items, clothes, accessories and jewellery as well as home decoration products ranging from traditional crafts to Finnish design.
Old treasures get new owners at Antique Autumn
Antique Autumn, an event for the sellers and buyers of collectibles, will be held in Hall D simultaneously with the Finnish Handicrafts Fair. The group of over 70 exhibitors includes both private enthusiasts and second-hand stores. The event will now be held for the 47th time.
The Finnish Handicrafts Fair is the biggest handicrafts and applied arts fair in Europe, attracting over 600 exhibitors and 37,000 visitors to Tampere every year. The fair is organized by Tampere Trade Fairs Ltd and Taito Pirkanmaa ry. The Antique Autumn fair is organized by Tampere Trade Fairs Ltd.
Finnish Handicrafts and Antique Autumn, 13–15 November 2015, Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre (Halls A, C, D & E). Open: Friday 10 am – 6 pm, Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, and Sunday 10 am – 5 pm. Tickets: 3-day ticket €20, 1-day ticket Fri or Sun €12, Sat €14. Visitors can access both fairs with the same ticket during the same day.
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Mervi Oksanen, Product Group Manager, tel. +358 400 760 877
Tanja Järvensivu, Event and Communications Manager, tel. +358 50 536 8133
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