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!