Wire scorpions, body scrubs and beeswax candles – small businesses from across Ashburton filled the Tinwald War Memorial Hall to support the CanBead market last Saturday.

Around 30 stalls were set up in the hall, and the selection ranged from dog jackets to home-made lip balms.

CanBead is a charity that runs jewellery crafting sessions for people experiencing trauma or loss. The pieces are recycled from old bling that people have donated.

But not all gems get a second life, according to Daphne Hinton, regional coordinator for Mid and South Canterbury.

“We have a group meet every Friday to break up the jewellery that’s donated to us. What we can’t [break up] is what we’re selling today.”

Bangles, gold necklaces and funky rings covered the table, and the cost was up to the buyer – whatever people wanted to donate.

Hinton, who spent three months organising the market, made an effort to curate vendors with homemade or local products.

“Most of those markets are over the summer time, and I wanted something in the winter for store holders.

“I go to a lot of big fetes and things, so thought ‘I have the skills to organise a market like this’.”

Hinton has been with CanBead since 2018, but stepped into the role of coordinator to commit more time to the cause.

“It was to give back to the people here.”

Hinton said CanBead needs volunteers, who help break down gifted jewellery for crafting sessions, as much as donors.

“Everything that is given to us goes back into the local community.”

CanBead was set up in Ashburton in 2010 by Sarah Clifford, who began making jewellery while undergoing cancer treatments.

By Anisha Satya