Reetsweet

Every time I take part in an event for makers I learn something new and valuable. Most of the time I find craft and makers markets are about much more than selling - which is a bloody good job since I didn't sell a thing at the last event I went too.

On the 6th April I took part in the Reetsweet Makers Market in Leeds Corn Exchange. I began the day with high hopes for sales, this was my first event in a major city and I was convinced a city audience would be interested in my work. They were very interested, I had a lot of great comments and handed out all of my business cards, but no one was buying anything. It seems that I wasn't alone but even so it was quite disheartening. On reflection I gained a lot more than a few quid in sales, much of what I gained is unquantifiable but the experience has certainly made me think about the purpose of attending these events and how I can prepare appropriately in the future.

I met some fabulous makers at the Reetsweet Makers Market, Lou and Roddy from Pinegrove Leather kept me sane most of the day, if you haven't seen their work before make sure you check out their website .. their things are beyond beautiful. Good luck with your GNCCF application guys. I also met Lois from Punto Belle, such an inspiring lady ... I really loved her approach to scavenging and collecting bits and pieces to make her bags.

Meeting new makers, sharing knowledge, and having the opportunity to speak face to face with customers is so valuable, and for me the most enjoyable part of attending these events. Looking back at the images of my stall I think there are changes I need to make, and I think I will be approaching my work slightly differently from now on.

Over the next few month I am quite busy, as a result I am being more cautious and realistic about how much I can take on. For a start we are selling our house, a lot of my time is spent keeping it tidy for the waves of interested viewers. I am organising The Handmade & Vintage SUMMER Market which will take place on Sat 22 June at The Storey in Lancaster and I have a few exhibitions locally later in the year: 'Mum's that Make' in May, a show of Multiples in June and a winter exhibition in December/ January. I also secured a stockist when I attended the Reetsweet Makers Market so I have a few bits and pieces to get together for them - all this on top of being a full time Mummy.

My aim is to make some beautiful new things for each of the exhibitions above and concentrate on a cohesive collection of new work for next year. I feel like this is realistic and achievable. I am quite literally going back to the drawing board which if I am honest is where I feel most comfortable.

Kawaii

I love this ladies work .. what could be better than shoes and Kawaii!!

When I was younger I read a lot of graphic novels and almost convinced myself I was Japanese (this is a bit of an exaggeration but my fascination was verging on weird). One of my favourite comics was Urusei Yatsura so much so that smallest Jones has taken her name from one of the characters. Just for info there is also a great band with the same name...

Chantel from Pony Chops seems to like Kawaii characters, and fashion as much as me, and she has brilliantly combined the two. I met Chantel at last years Handmade & Vintage Festive Market in Lancaster .. her stall was beautiful and really refreshing. Take a look at her shoes, she has an online shop here and a fabulous blog here ...

Some other Kawaii thing here on Etsy .. a soot sprite brooch by Jasmin Bauer, owner of A couple of smiles. I am totally into shrink plastic at the moment .. I have just uploaded a few of my own brooches to the shop.

Completely not Kawaii in anyway but would go fabulously with a pair of Pony Chops hand painted shoes .. great outfit from Cos below.

Festive countdown

In our house winter celebrations are underway, marked by the annual Christmas Pudding preparations. I have to say I don't really like Christmas Pudding, but a few years ago found this great recipe by Rachel Allen .. I am a convert!!

Here it is waiting for its 3 hour soak in simmering water :)

I have also been making last minute preparations for the Handmade & Vintage Festive Market at The Storey in Lancaster. It takes place on 8 December from 11 - 5. I organise this event every year but this is the first time I am taking a space myself. I join 45 other designers, makers, artists and vintage enthusiasts in providing the city of Lancaster with an alternative high street.

Here is a little glimpse of what I will have to offer.

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

I was lucky enough to be asked to be the guest curator at this years Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in manchester. To be honest I hadn't been to this event before but it is a regular feature in Manchester's cultural calendar and attended by over 6000 people. As you can imagine I was very excited about taking part.

My role was to curate The Great Northern Graduate showcase (GNG 2012) and I was keen to stamp my curatorial mark.

(A small rant - for me being a curator is not about 'picking things and putting them together', nor is it about being some kind of trend maker... a read in a blog once that someone had 'curated their window sill' ... madness. Being a curator is about standing between an artists work, or an object or idea, and an audience and providing avenues for that audience to investigate the work. It is much more than selecting it is about ideas and about thinking and being curious.)

I selected nine graduates all with work I fell in love with. I centred the thematics of the showcase around ethics, the ethics of making and of collecting, quoting the fabulous Vivienne Westwood 'Buy less, choose well...'

New Designers - Part One

I was at New Designers in London last Thursday for the first part of this epic graduate showcase. If I am honest I wasn't blown away, but there were a few interesting people. I fell in love with these pieces of furniture by Kay Rudge.

.... and in stark contrast, Joseph Hartley's ceramics stood out a mile. Joe didn't include this in his showcase, but I love his baguette holder, every French man should have one.

I will be back at New Designers this Thursday - then have the awesome task of putting together something outstanding for GNG in Manchester. This event has been curated by Kelda Savage for the past few years so I have some pretty fabulous shoes to fill.