Festival of trees

Unfortunately due to lack of interest the decoration making workshops didn't go ahead, which may have been a good thing in the end as the day I had planned them for was thoroughly wet and miserable! There is, however, still a tree in the festival of trees with entirely hand made adornments. If you are in Sandwich this weekend do pop in to St Peters Church to have a look at this magical display and vote for the tree you like best. All funds raised from the festival are going on work on a very old church in the town, I am not a believer but simply from the an aesthetic point of view this church is very important with the most fabulous floor tiles. (The 'handmade' tree which I decorated is number 29- but don't feel obliged to vote for mine- all of the trees are special.)

Call for (work) shoppers!

I am now ready to book the venue for the Christmas tree decoration workshop day! (how exciting) The deal is this; I am looking to have six workshops running all day- 10-4- on Sunday the 22 of November. I will be taking pre-bookings for the workshops. If you would like to run one of these six day workshops I will be asking for;
£20 up front.
A picture of what you will be making.
An age guide for your activity.
A price for your activity.
An estimate of how long the activity will take.
In return I will;
Provide two 6ft tables, one to run your workshop from and one to sell your own products from.
A lovely venue with free parking for you.
Advertise the event.
Organise the pre-booking of the workshops.
You will keep the money from the workshops and any money taken from selling your work.

If you would like to run a workshop please e-mail me or leave a comment on this post. I will be offering a felt Christmas tree workshop (as pictured above) and can offer suffolk puff/yo-yo Christmas trees/dangles as a second option. It would be great to have a total range of crafts. If anyone else would like to send any handmade decs to be hung on the tree in the festival of trees I would be more than happy to receive donations. Feel free to add your business name etc. If you wold like your decoration returned please send an S.A.E- if not I will use the for future festive events or donate them to a local residential home for the elderly.

As with all Makey do events this will be run on a not-for-profit basis by myself.

Festival of trees.

I have received information today about the 4th Sandwich Festival of Trees. I only asked for the information today which gives a good idea of just ow well organised the event is. The festival is actually a scalp tinglingly beautiful fund raiser, local charities groups and businesses pay for the privilege of putting up a tree in a gorgeous disused church, (well disused as a church, but used an awful lot for other great events!) these trees are decorated by the businesses, often along a theme, e.g the shoe shop hung theirs with little boots etc. The public pay to come in and get all watery eyed at the sight of so many trees against the backdrop of the church and with the addition of some festive music, they then vote on the one they like best in each category, senior and under 18's. There are prizes of £100 for senior and £50 for under 18's. But it's not about the money,or the advertising, it's about the taking part.

So shall we, take part? I propose that Makey 'do' have a tree. I propose that we make decorations for the tree at a day of crafting workshops in November, I propose that we have a date for next summers 'do' all sorted out so we can put 'save the date' cards out for people to take. I would like the tree to be a real community handmade type tree, fun and individual.

If you think you might like to be involved there are several ways that you might be a part of the Makey 'do' tree;

* You could run a workshop, paying a small fee to cover hall costs and charging the public a few pounds to make a seasonal decoration.

* You could help steward the workshop day, being on hand to help out and have fun.

* You could come along and take part in the workshops, paying a small fee to make something and either taking it home with you or lending it to us to display on the tree.

* You could provide a tree (maximum 6ft!)

* You could provide some lighting for the tree.

* You could help advertise the event.

* You could visit the festival of trees and support the event. You might even like to vote for the Makey 'do' tree!

Perhaps there are other ways you might like to get involved, let me know, register your interest here, or mail me direct. I think this will be a really lovely way to keep the Makey 'do' -I don't want to say alive but I guess that's what I mean- through the winter months all ready for next year!!

Kent Crafters Picnic

I am planning a picnic! I thought it would be really nice for a few Kent crafty types to hook up, eat, drink and be merry! If you are free next Sunday 30th of August the plan is to converge on St Augustines, an English Heritage site, at 11am bringing our own picnics and families. Let me know if you fancy it....or just turn up!

(this picture has been pinched from the English heritage website)

Winner!

Firstly, I apologise for the little break in updates here, but I'm afraid after a hectic few weeks it's just what I needed! I thought it was about time I shared with you the winners from the poster design competition from the do. There were three age categories so we have three ace logos for any Makey 'do' events next summer. I really think these reflect the join in and have a go vibe of the Makey 'do' ethos!
The reception of the first event was very positive and I looked into the possibility of a Christmas fair. There is loads going on in the town for the festive season and unfortunately the hall is pretty much fully booked. I will be planning a 'do' for next summer and have some thoughts about setting up a little differently. It is all a learning process for me.
There is one Christmas event that happens in Sandwich which I am hoping to get involved in. For the last few years there has been a festival of trees in a local now-unused-as-a-church-church. (if that makes sense!) The effect is magical and local businesses and schools etc all take part. What I have in mind is a Makey 'do' tree. I think t would work with a workshop for people to pay a small fee (£3 ish) to come and make a decoration which we would encourage them to allow us to use to decorate the tree and then collect of have posted on to them. I would be interested to hear if anyone would be interested in running such a workshop ad would be looking for as many different craft disciplines as possible- knitting, beading, baking, sewing, paper craft........whatever you think really. I will need to look at venues, and maybe even try for a little funding.......what do you think? I would also look at the possibility of selling refreshments so again let me know if you'd be interested!

Makey-done!

What a lovely day! With over forty stall holders and 700 visitors it was busy all day. We had changeable weather but even those outside generally did well. (I had written a massive block of text here and blogger has eaten it so here's the abridged version!) There was a queue of stallholders outside at 8.50 and a queue of visitors at 10a.m who were thrilled with their goodie bags. I had several queries through the day about the samples so hopefully those who sent contributions will get some extra business from it!
We had so many crafts represented with knitters wood workers, stitchers, photographers, artists, jewellers, bakers, sculptors, felters...the list goes on. The tea and cake went down really well, I saw big plates of three layer chocolate cake wafting past so no one faded away! I was pleased to see lots of visitors doing as well as buying. We had lots of entries to the colouring competition and people making bracelets, brooches, softies, windmills, ATCs and button rings.
I did see lots of shopping taking place too and I'd have done more myself if I'd have found the time! There seemed to be a constant 'buzz' through out the day with no real drop offs.
Lots of visitors asked when there would be another event....I'm not ready to answer that yet! I need a little more time for recovery and to mull over the ideas and comments made about this event. All in all I though the first 'Makey 'do' was a good thing and if I can find away of spreading the work I would be glad to have another day like yesterday- new friends, gorgeous work, smiley faces, friendly chat, sausage and chips, big bits of cake....all good! A huge thanks to all of you who made it what it was. xxxx

Artist trading card swap

Leonie has had a brilliant idea for the 'do' on Saturday and I am really excited! I have shamelessly ripped the text and pictures from her blog as she has explained her idea so beautifully and anyway I am quite busy- especially as I have just added- 'make ATC' to my list of jobs! 'I've also decided we should have an ATC Trading Post. There will be a table were I will start the ball rolling with a selection of ATCs ready to be traded. Bring along your ATCs and then you can either swap one of yours for one on the table, or see if a fellow ATCer is around, so you can trade face to face. Bring your trades in a bag with a big sign on it that displays proudly you are looking to trade your art work. If you are not familiar with ATC's then the basic rules are:* ATCs should be 2.5" x 3.5"* On the back of your ATC you should have your name and some kind of contact details (address, email, blog or phone number)* Your ATC can be decorated using anything - the world is your oyster! Be as adventurous or safe as you please, all ATCs of all levels are welcome And why would you do an ATC? What's the point? Well..........ATCs are for trading only, not selling. When you start collecting ATCs you build up a fantastic range of inspiration and idea's - the beauty of these little works of art are you can contact the artist, so if you would like to know how something has been made, or what has been used then you can. You can also ask people to trade with you if you particularly like their work. Trading can be done face to face, via clubs or through the various ATC groups on the net. You meet some lovely people, who already share your creative passion, what better way to spark a friendship. Also, if you are already a card addict, then this is the perfect excuse for you to craft until your hearts content!'

How cool is that? Leonie and I will be putting out some bits and bobs on the colouring table so if you won't have chance to make an ATC to swap before Saturday you'll be able to do one on the day! Swaps will run from around Leonies stand in the main hall.

I have heard from the guildhall that we will indeed be able to use the forecourt to extend the event outside. I am really pleased about this, it makes the 'do' very visible in the town and everyone who drives around the one way system will come straight past! I have five confirmed stall holders for the forecourt and an ice cream seller. I have room for one more so if you fancy a day in the sunshine do let me know.

I am so excited about Saturday and am just making sure everything is in place for a brilliant day. I still have some slots un-filled for supervising the colouring/ATC table and also for meeting and greeting at the information station. Do let me know if you can spare an hour.