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.

Lovely Leonie- what a pro!!

Do you remember that I said that Search Press were being all amazingly helpful with the do? They've sent prizes, brochures and they also put the word out amongst their authors and asked if any of them wanted to come along. Leonie said 'yes!' and I am really looking forward to meeting Leonie as I get the impression that apart from being very talented she might just be a bit cheeky-silly!

1) If you were a cake, what kind of cake would you be? Well, I’d like to think I’d be a little fruity number, but I’d probably end up being a massive chocolate fudge cake, with the fudge bits missing.

2) What will you be doing at “A Makey ‘do’”? I will be signing my book and demonstrating some card making and stamping techniques (probably talking to much and eating cake)

3) Fish and Chips or Curry? Chips n curry please, on a bap!

4) Where else can your wares usually be found? My book can be found in good book shops and crafty venue’s, and I can be found demonstrating on QVC from time to time (or hiding in the background every Tuesday when I’m in helping my boss Dawn Bibby, set up her weekly craft shows)

5) Do you usually hang out in Sandwich, or are you a visitor? I love Sandwich. We have recently moved to Canterbury, so it’s now somewhere we like to nip for a visit.

6) Who is your all-time hero? I think Joy Adams, Born Free lady. There are lots of people who are truly amazing though, so it’d be a long list

7) Who got you started on your crafty journey? When I was a wee one I always crafted with my parents, so they were my inspiration. My journey became my occupation when I left my “proper” job for a life of beans on toast and craft fairs!

8) What colour draws you most? Blue, brown, purple, green…….It’s mood dependant.

9) Where do you go for inspiration? On a day to day basis I get craft kits to work on, so get inspired from them. I’ve also started an Art and Design course so that’s helping keeping new idea’s flowing. I think my main inspirational time is when I’m walking the dogs – it must be their happy faces and the fresh air.

10) Do you dunk? Absolutely and generally plop then fish.

Thanks so much Leonie for doing the interview. I hve had even more stunning loveliness for the goodie bags so photos will be here in a couple of days. I have also placed a very pricey newspaper ad to go in the KM What's on the week before the event. This insert goes out all over Kent and apart from posters and fliers will be my main advertising. I still have some budget left so lots of opportunity to spread the word.