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.

Good to go

The goodie bags have been assembled! I have one last contribution to show you with these brochures from the fabulous Clothkits. Making these bags has certainly put my budgeting at risk! Clothkits produce pre-printed fabric from which clothing, dolls accessories can all be cut with no need for a pattern, all the markings are on the fabric. What could be better for a new sewer or a quick and very stylish project? So with all the goodies in, well maybe there will be a couple more bits to pop in on the day it seemed a good idea to cross 'make up bags' off my list. Two friends helped and we were very well organized, except that I hadn't really reckoned on how much space 60 big juicy goodie bags would take up. Here they all are on my breakfast bar, just waiting, waiting for the first through the door next Saturday.
Here is a picture of the typical contents but I had to crop it, all the goodies just wouldn't fit into one little picture!

I'm still to confirm the final stallholders list and am looking for a face painter to come along, and hopefully an ice cream vendor. The long range weather forecast is good, so fingers crossed for a calm week followed by a busy weekend!

Let's meet Jennyflowerblue

That's me!! Yep, here I am, and here is a VERY rare photo of me.

1) If you were a cake, what kind of cake would you be?

I’d be a cookie- so you could dunk me!!

2) What will you be doing at “A Makey ‘do’”?

I will have my own stall selling my work and giving people chance to pay a pound to make a button ring. I will also be setting up the event and ‘running’ it.

3) Fish and Chips or Curry?

Fish and chips, and beer!

4) Where else can your wares usually be found?

I have a Folksy shop; and sell through a couple of lovely shops including Tamarisk in Deal.

5) Do you usually hang out in Sandwich, or are you a visitor?

I have lived in Sandwich for about twelve years, but am from Dorset and still feel like a West Country girl- my love.

6) Who is your all-time hero?

Marilyn Monroe- just for being a bit curvy and glamorous. On a less shallow level all those who fight oppression

7) Who got you started on your crafty journey?

I come from a long line of makers and do-ers. I have always been surrounded by the opportunity to create but I particularly value the input of my Mum and Dad, the creative sparks just seem to fly when I am around them.

8) What colour draws you most?

I store my materials sorted into colours, purple is the box which is hardest to close but I am a great lover of all things bright and a tiny bit clash-y.

9) Where do you go for inspiration?

Like I said Mum and Dad seem to get the new ideas going but really the materials lead me- a new ball of wool or a few buttons and I’m off!

10) Do you dunk?

Oh yes…..I dunk…..a lot!

If you get a KM newspaper check out the What's On section for the advert for the do. More goodies to show you on the next post and maybe a peek at the finished goodie bags!

It just keeps coming!

I have spent the last few weeks in an almost constant state of pleasant surprise at all the lovely goodies I have received and there has been a final flurry of loveliness. I managed to get my own contribution finished in the shape of 60 bookmarks/coupons. I am primarily a fabric floozy but do like my paper crafts so had a ball making these. If you'd like to see my other work I have a Folksy shop. I had a parcel from the U.S too which is pretty cool. A Rats Pyjamas is my swap partner for A seaside swap and Wanda very sweetly decided to send me snowman buttons and cards and three sets of the most gorgeous Pink persimmon stamps.
My next package was from Nifty Thrifty, a very talented lady who makes rosettes from reclaimed fabric and also works in ceramic to make jewellery. Nifty Thrifty is based in Devon and her work carries the calm that I aassociate with that part of the world, just lovely.
I have two friends that operate as Phoenix card traders, even if you hand make all your own cards their tissue paper, organza ribbon and wrapping paper are excellent materials. Helen has kindly donated these colour in mask packs as part of the children's colouring competition prize. I have so far resisted colouring them myself, good job I won't be bored between now and the big day!
Finally, contributions from Original Minnie, these cards so appeal to me, obviously I love my fabric, but I love the ethos too; vintage fabric, a one off item, well made.
The paper with the main advert is out tomorrow so word should really start to spread and I may well be able to offer some more pitches for the 'do', they would be outdoors but if you are following this wishing that you hadn't missed the boat, do drop me a line, you might not have!

Simply cosie

Can you see in this picture what 'Simply H' as sent for the goodie bags? The sweetest little beach hut key rings! I am really excited about Helen's stall at the 'do'- especially the mermaids! (although if there are more cute beach huts I may be torn!) Unfortunately Leaf Trading Post heard about the do when all the tables had already been taken, I would have loved to have them along and hope that if there is another 'Makey' event they can make it. They have sent some fliers for the goodie bags which will hopefully whet the appetite for any future appearances.

I posted a while back about the knitted stunt cakes that Search Press had lent me for a display I am planning. Well along with the cakes they also sent these amazing tea cosies! They are the models from a book by Loani Prior called 'Wild Tea Cosies'. I have just bought a pretty pink tea pot and so have been able to get some decent pics to show you. These will look so ace all displayed nicely on a table, directing people to the real tea and cake.

Yet more packages have arrived today and I have spent the evening making up the bags with a couple of pals. They are fantastic and I have a felling there maybe even more bits and bobs to go in before the day itself. Pictures of my stacked breakfast bar to follow!

Charming ceramics

Let's meet Theresa Fox, the third ceramicist to sign up for the 'do'

1) If you were a cake, what kind of cake would you be?
Angel – not because I think I am one.


2) What will you be doing at “A Makey ‘do’”?
Ceramics – ranging from buttons, cupcakes, cake stands and nursery lamps


3) Fish and Chips or Curry?
Fish and chips – not very good with spicy food


4) Where else can your wares usually be found?
Etsy and Misi


5) Do you usually hang out in Sandwich, or are you a visitor?
Just a visitor to Sandwich although born and grew up in Kent

6) Who is your all-time hero?
I don’t have one.


7) Who got you started on your crafty journey?
I suppose it must have been my mother – she was a dress making, so I must have inherited her craft skills and more.


8) What colour draws you most?
Red

9) Where do you go for inspiration?
No where in particular ideas just seem to pop into my mind


10) Do you dunk?
Only certain biscuits like rich tea and digestives.

Thanks Theresa! Those ceramic buttons look really tempting.

I had a goodie bag package all the way from America today, and I will show you in my next post. I'll also show you the mad-brilliant tea cosies I have for display at the 'do'.

Card trick

Pick a card, any card! Mels Hadmade has sent something for everyone in a pack of gorgeous cars for the goodie bags. These really show case the breadth of Mels skill. See more at her Folksy shop.

I have had another lovely stallholder send for the goodie bags, Neroli was one of the first to sign up and complete a profile quiz. Her photos of her work are gorgeous but now I see these bag dangles in the flesh I can really see how Nerolis table will shimmer and shine! Neroli is also planning to have an hourly demo from her table to let people see how it's done and have a go themselves! This 'have-a-go' vibe is such an exciting part of the event, and for me will be what makes people stay a while, pick up ideas, chat, mooch and get inspired.

I will be introducing you to another stall holder in the next post. Theresa is a ceramicist whose work is really charming, come and have a look (and see whether or not she's a dunker).

The main newspaper advert is going in soon for the Makey 'do'- the photographer is calling on Wednesday, I am not keen, see what I am doing for the 'do? Is there really no such thing as bad publicity even if she has greying hair and three chins?!

Woop woop for Woobarb

***UNFORTUNATLY WOOBARB WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO ATTEND*****1) If you were a cake, what kind of cake would you be?

Woo - GingerBarb - A Luscious Cherry Cake

2) What will you be doing at “A Makey ‘do’”?

We will be meeting like-minded people, having a good time and (hopefully) selling!

3) Fish and Chips or Curry?

Curry (both of us)

4) Where else can your wares usually be found?

Via our website www.woobarb.co.uk and at 'Made' in Hastings, High Street, Old Town, Hastings (www.madeinhastings.co.uk)

5) Do you usually hang out in Sandwich, or are you a visitor?

We will be visitors to Sandwich although Woo has just moved to Ramsgate so will be hanging out there more often!

6) Who is your all-time hero?

Woo - Elizabeth IBarb - Anyone that faces adversity on a daily basis and manages to keep a positive attitude.

7) Who got you started on your crafty journey?

My Auntie Jean and also my Nan NancyBarb - My Grandma.

8) What colour draws you most?

Woo - Turquoise although funnily enough, I actually dislike blue.Barb - 'Murky' colours.

9) Where do you go for inspiration?

Woo - The beach and inside my own crazy head.Barb - My surroundings and 'boodie'

10) Do you dunk?

Woo - Only if it's a digestiveBarb - yes.

What a lovely pair of ladies! Thanks for doing the interview. I have yet more goodie bag items to show you tomorrow. I am planning an evening of packing the bags up on Tuesday and have a photgrapher coming round from the local paper on Wednesday ready for a feature....argh! I do loathe cameras!! Still all good publicity!

The sweet smell of freebies

I'm so glad 'Pants and Paper' are having a stall at the 'do'. Sam has been so friendly and supportive , but I was still taken aback to receive a big box stuffed with goodies for the bags. These beautiful beach huts smell delicious, check out more of Sam's gorgeous work in her Folksy shop.

Another Folksy shop keeper has also been kind enough to send a package this week. WOLLIES makes the coolest softies, quirky and individual. I love them and am so pleased to have some vouchers, cards ad some very intriguing little envelopes which I have used all my will power to resist opening! If you are looking for an unusual gift do check of Wollies shop

In other Makey 'do' news, I have a proof to approve for the KM 'What's On' and a 6ft x 3ft vinyl banner on order for the outside of the Guildhall. I have sent a second mailing to all stallholders, so if you think your name is down and you don't get any post this week do let me know. There is still time for more profiles if anyone fancies having a go. Must get on--lots to do!!

Locus Arts- down to earth strawberry dunkers!

I thought I'd check what 'locus' means and although I don't know if this is the definition the group uses I really like this;

'A center or focus of great activity or intense concentration:'

For me this is creating- intense concentration, which banishes all other worries or concerns! Let's find out more about the group and their work.

Answered as ‘Locus Arts’ art group, not as individuals.

1) If you were a cake, what kind of cake would you be?
We’d be a fruit cake, because it includes lots of different elements, working together to make one fabulous whole.

2) What will you be doing at “A Makey ‘do’”?
We will be bringing out range of Butterfly Cottage ceramics. These are bought-in ceramics decorated by hand that we sell as a sort of ‘side line’ to help boost our funds. This means we can put on bigger and better exhibitions each year. This year, we have been able to book The Horsebridge Somerset Maugham Gallery for two weeks in August. If anyone would like to come along, our exhibition runs from 5th –18th August, and is open daily

3) Fish and Chips or Curry?
I think we’d all be fish and chips – we’re rather down-to-earth!

4) Where else can your wares usually be found?
We don’t have a permanent home, but we exhibit regularly at venues across East Kent. If anyone wants any pieces in particular, we can be contacted through our website www.locusarts.co.uk.
5) Do you usually hang out in Sandwich, or are you a visitor?
We don’t actually live in Sandwich, but it’s our spiritual home! We have been running arts event here for almost a decade now, and we love it here.
6) Who is your all-time hero?
We like Picasso, because he did what he wanted, how he wanted, against public taste and opinion. We also like his ability to create in many different media – he was never shy of having a go!
7) Who got you started on your crafty journey?
We love colour, shape and form wherever it pops up. Craft shows are full of creative people working in diverse media with a range of highly developed skills. We love to browse, wonder, and take inspiration from other people’s work.
8) What colour draws you most?
Blue – the colour of the seas and the skies.
9) Where do you go for inspiration?
We find inspiration anywhere and everywhere. It might be a face, a landscape, a piece of fabric or a magazine photo, or even a film on the television.
10) Do you dunk?
We dunk strawberries into chocolate ……………

Right I'm definitely sitting with you lot at dunking time!

I am now getting interviews back every day which is so exciting! I am trying to blog daily now, but am balancing this against other preparations for the big day. I have also received some more amazing contributions for the goodie bags, all I can say for now is that the bags are going to smell fantastic! I also am expecting a parcel from over seas. I can't quite believe a friend from the U.S has felt able to contribute to the goodie bags. I am so excited!

Miss makes buttons?

I promised I'd show you what Clover crafts had sent for the goodie bags didn't I? Well each of her fliers has a little pack of buttons attached- very nice! I promise I haven't pinched any out but I'll just say the little fish are very tempting! Don't forget you can tempt yourself at Sheilas E-bay shop.

I got another parcel this morning. This one came from Kent, which is always nice. 'Miss Makes Stuff' will becoming to the 'do' as a guest, maybe next time (if I can manage a next time!) she will come and sell her lovely wares. I love these shrink plastic badges and Angela was kind enough to pop a button brooch in for me. Visit her Folksy shop for more accessories heaven.

Another stall holder profile coming along next. A group of ceramicists this time and some very tempting images of their work.