Search no more- for a brilliant craft publisher!

So, as you know I have been working on the goodie bags for the do, trying to get a really good mixture of relevant items I haven't phoned loads of big companies, I wasn't sure I'd have any joy and the ethos for the event is very much local and handmade. I did however contact Search Press. Their brochure dropped out of a magazine and whilst I was flicking through it getting all excited I remembered that they are a Kent company. Anyway I bit the bullet and picked up the phone; Would they like to send me 60 brochures- Yes, would I like a coupon in them-Yes please! Would I like to send them more details of the event?-Sure thing. Would I like some books to have as maybe a raffle prize?-Ummmm YES!!! Would I like them to put the word out amongst their authors and see if anyone wants to do a demo/book signing-Ummm Yes please, thank you very much, that would be lovely, gush, gush, giggle, gush!

Honestly they have been amazing and just look at what we now have prizes for our colouring competition; I will be printing off sheets with an outline of the Makey 'do' logo for adults and children to colour, decorate, draw a background for, generally go wild all over. The best from each category will then be the logo for the next Makey 'do' summer event. The colouring competition will be free to enter and I would encourage anyone in the area to drop in and have a go. If you have time on your hands I really would highly recommend a visit to the Search Press website. The books are excellent and the site also has a forum, competition and free monthly projects and printable designs. I think it's a fantastic resource. This months printable is from a book of Aboriginal designs so anyone doing school projects (groan!!!) might want to keep an eye on this page!

Flower fairytales

It may not be immediately clear from the photo but the lovely Hatastic has sent the sweetest floral hair clips for the goodie bags! These really are darling and I have a lovely mental image of big and little girls running around East Kent sporting these on July 11th. If you have a summer wedding and a good dose of panache do check out Hatastic fascinators, they are really special!

The other contribution comes from a Misi seller. Photo fairytales get creative with your photos and can put your children in new and exciting settings, (not literally un fortunately!) and your friends and families on the front of magazines. These would be lovely gifts so if you have a 40th or a 4th birthday that you are struggling to find something unique for do check out their website.

Thanks so much for these lovely contributions. I have lots more going on behind the scenes here, and a substantial 'to do' list. I am expecting a very exciting parcel next week and then can reveal more loveliness. Meanwhile watch this space over the next couple of days for another Maker profile.

Bagfulls

Yet more lovelies for the goodie bags? Yep! It just keeps coming- what an excited 60 we will have on the big day! First off Nifty is offering free P&P with her flier. Get your very own Meerkat delivered for free?-sounds like a deal to me!


Next up Jolicious has sent these dear little bags with a gorgeous bag/phone charm inside, what a treat!

Looby crafts has been hard at work too. These labels are very very classy and all packaged up with a coupon. Very nice.

Another Misi seller up next, bookmarks from nspired stores. These are such a good idea, hopefully people will use them for a long time to come, and buy up some really lovely and unusual stone and wire jewelery

lauren ceramics has contributed a mystery! The beautiful business cards give a hint to what might be hiding inside.....I don't want to spoil the surprise for those lucky 60 but I would be thrilled to pin one of these to a jacket or hold something on the fridge door with something from a different envelope.

If you love handmade all of these artisans shops are well worth a visit.

In case any one is thinking...."but why give it away, surely the point is that people will buy things on the day?" For me the goodie bags serve several purposes;

'Free' advertising for any crafters who want it

Showcasing an even greater variety of work than we could fit in the hall on the day

To create a buzz on the day, making people feel really warm towards the event

Getting those bags with the Makey 'do' brand out into town to bring more people in

To encourage people to come to future events

There, that's why! I am always up for more contributions, just send them along before the end of June. Then I shall be opening a bottle of wine and putting those bags together and feeling like a cross between the Easter Bunny and Father Christmas!

Freebies!

Progress continues on the plans for the 'do'. I had a meeting last week with the local charity B.A.S.H who are supporting the event and they have now given me a copy of their logo which needs to go on the advertising material- after that?-all systems go. I will add the logo to the sign-up forms which should make them ready next week. I have been thinking more about creative ways to promote the event and have contacted the local Adult Education marketing department. I have offered to display their September prospectus at the event in return for them displaying posters advertising the 'do' at all their centre across Kent, which is nice!

I have also been thinking about goodie bags. Lots of people have kindly expressed an interest in this event who cannot actually make it in person, well I plan to make up 60 goodie bags to give out at the event and if anyone would like to send cards, products, fliers, anything really, in any number, I would ensure they were shared out across the bags. It would be a good way to get your name into the minds of people who are already hand-made fans. If you are interested, please leave a comment with your e-mail and I'll be in touch.

On the subject of giveaways I am having a little one on my own personal blog so pop over if you'd like a chance to win the hair ties!