YORK Minister in beautiful hues of lilacs and blues takes pride of place in Naomi Whittaker's lounge.

Made from stained glass, it is the latest work by the South Bank artist.

"I didn't want to use traditional colours and was inspired by what I'd seen at Illuminating York," said Naomi, who works from a studio in her large family home, a stone's throw from Rowntree Park.

That oasis of greenery on her doorstep has led to several other pieces, again on display in the rambling Victorian end terrace, where she lives with husband David, and children Lily, eight and Sam, 11.

There's a circular design featuring the dovecote and lake hanging in a side window. In the dining room is a larger piece depicting a similar scene, but with a hot air balloon in the sky, framed inside a door panel.

"That came from our previous house. We left two pieces of stained glass in that house, but decided to take this one," said Naomi, who has been working with glass for 14 years after learning the ropes at evening class.

Naomi loves the technical side of the process. She was a research scientist working in the steel industry before she had a family.

"I have always liked crafts, but I also like the science-y bit. I couldn't sit in front of the TV and knit," says Naomi as she shows me around her upstairs studio.

There's a kiln on the floor, which she uses for her fused glass pieces, and in which temperatures reach a terrifying 830C. On a workbench are cutting, grinding and soldering tools, deployed in her stained-glass work.

There are several projects in progress. It's a busy time of year, as Naomi puts in the hours to complete Christmas orders and prepare for the York Makers festive fair.

Naomi will be one of 20 local crafts folk – all but one of whom are women – taking part in the event on Saturday, December 6, from 12.30-4.30pm at Clements Hall on Nunthorpe Road.The group was set up earlier this year for local arts and crafts people to meet and share ideas. The Christmas Fair is their first event.

Naomi's stall will feature stained and fused glass pieces such as plates, serving dishes, decorative bowls and jewellery.

Naomi has made some colourful glass Christmas decorations too, including glass robins, Christmas wreaths, gingerbread men and stockings. One of her favourite pieces is a holly pendant, two little green leaves with three tiny red berries.

An eclectic range of gift ideas will be on sale from other York Makers at the fair, including ceramics, silver jewellery, vintage-style dresses, handmade cushions and hand illustrated greetings cards.

A café offering refreshments and cake will be open, and Foxy Chocolates from Haxby will be selling their products.

Fellow York Maker Alyson Cowen, who sells vintage clothing, said: “York is home to fantastic creative talent and the fair will showcase the skills of some of our many artists."

Alyson said a lovely aspect of the fair was that people could meet the makers and purchase directly from them. Several offer a bespoke service and some, including Naomi, also run workshops and courses that will be promoted on the day.

HERE is a snap-shot of some other stallholders at the fair:

Carolyn Thorpe Ceramics: Carolyn is a ceramic artist making hand-coiled Raku fired pots, as well as tiles and other small items. She often decorates her pots with symbols from Zen art.

Sally Stone – Hippystitch: Inspired by colour and texture, Sally creates contemporary jewellery and textiles making use of constructed fabric, buttons and anything else that takes her fancy.

Lucy Monkman: Lucy is a freelance illustrator working in design, editorial and publishing and will be selling her colourful and contemporary greeting cards and social stationery.

Emma Farley – Little Silver Hedgehog: Emma makes silver jewellery and handmade cards inspired by wildlife and nature. All sales help support her York rescue centre for poorly and injured wild hedgehogs.

For info about the event and the work of the York Makers follow @yorkmakers on Twitter.