FIVE Tynedale artists are deserting their garrets to open a shop for just 12 days this December with a view to tempting in those Christmas shoppers in search of that special something.

Textile artist and quilter Kate Jackson; wood turner Oran Villiers-Stuart; clothing designer Becca Losh; ceramicist Lisa Armour-Brown; and jewellery maker Louise Hick call themselves the Closet Crafters.

“Usually we’re sitting in our workshops or round our kitchen tables making exquisite stuff yet rarely get the chance to showcase it,” said Kate, who lives at Langley.

“So when we found out about this empty shop in St Mary’s Chare, which has an arty feel to it, we decided it was a great opportunity to demonstrate what we do.”

The shop, below Buongiorno’s Italian restaurant, will open its doors on Friday, December 11 to coincide with Hexham Abbey Fair and Christmas Market weekend and run until Tuesday, December 22.

Opening times will normally be 10am-5pm although it will be open longer to tie in with the town’s late night shopping evenings.