MARKET managers Julia Burrows, 52, and Amaka Olateju, 34, take matters into their own hands at their crafty Christmas fair.

The resourceful pair set up the Cinnamon and Silk Crafts Market after struggling to find anywhere in Islington to sell their own handmade wares.

Their latest event took place on Saturday afternoon, at Christ Church, in Highbury Grove, Highbury.

Ms Burrows, a clothing designer, said: “I started making my own jewellery as a hobby originally. About a year ago I began trying to sell, but I found there was nowhere in Islington where I could have a stall. There’s farmers markets and street food markets – but you don’t want to be selling beautiful knitwear next to someone who sells sausages.”

She began looking for like-minded creative types who were also searching for an outlet for their work. Ms Olateju was in the same boat – and together they decided to do it themselves and founded their own market.

Ms Burrows added: “It’s growing – we’re getting a big list of designers and crafters who want to take part. We have people who make cards, jewellery, ceramics, hand bags – anyone who makes their own beautiful things and sells them.”