Just to let you all know about an event going on in Arnold in November. I had the pleasure to meet Julie, the talented artist behind the Artisans Studio, a couple of months ago when I took some of my artwork in for framing. As well as her framing business, she has her own studio on the premises, where you can see a wide range of her work, and also work in progress, but she also has a fantastic shop, full of local art, craft, jewellery, textiles and bags. It’s definitely worth a look for some Christmas presents!! Plus there is also the prospect of mulled wine and mince pies!! There is also a website which will tell you more, find it here.

Last night I went to the opening of Design Circus Pop-Up Shop in West Bridgford.  I saw one or two familiar faces and an amazing selection of local artwork, design, jewelery and clothing. If you are in the area you should definitely pop along, it’s on Albert Road, just opposite Marks and Spencer Food, and is open all week except Monday 9-6. I’ll be going back there to get some Christmas Presents. 

This free exhibition ‘Make Do and Mend’ (13 June – 8 Noember 2009) at the V&A Museum of Childhood was really inspiring as artists and school children turned old items into beautiful objects anyone would love in their home. I found the lampshades above really interesting because of the amount of lamps, placement and the bright clashing colours.

I was really interested in the beetle chairs and crockery called ‘Bugged’ 2009 by Lou Rota. They were really fun, quirky and play with what you would normally consider grotesque and especially not want to find on your plate. I have found her work for sale on http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/lourota with plates from only £25.

This was a really lovely exhibition again at V&A Museum of Childhood (2 May – 6 September 2009) showing many of Quentin Blake’s illustrations for Roald Dahl’s stories. They were so simple yet so beautiful and playful. The way he uses ink and water colour really creates a a good representation of Dahls stories and shows their collaboration worked well. There were several illustrations for each story which brought back memories of reading his books as a child.

Mixed Media artist and Nottingham Craft Mafia member Gillian Lee Smith is teaching a selection of workshops at the Debbie Bryan Shop & Studio.  The next up-coming workshop is Lace Market Legacy – a journal making workshop to be held on Saturday 12th September. Inspired by the history and atmosphere of the beautiful Nottingham Lace Market this will be a fun relaxing day where the only goal is to immerse yourself in an indulgent day of creating! The result will be a unique and personal hand bound book.

Places are still available and you can find out more details on Gillian’s website as well as finding out about future dates.

You can also meet Gillian and see her at work at a Sunday Tea Party at the Debbie Bryan Shop & Studio in a ‘Meet the artist’ day to celebrate her collaboration with Debbie and to chat to the artist as well as partake in some tea and cake!! 11am till 5 pm with tea and cake served 2 till 3pm.

This Is Bazaar
Friday 31 July 2009 10am – 5pm
“The Gallery Balcony” (front entrance 3rd floor)
Derby City Hospital
Uttoxeter Rd, Derby, DE22 3DT (Map)

Entrance is free and open to the public!

This is Bazaar is a unique event bringing emerging contemporary designers in the East Midlands under one tent. With a burgeoning craft and design community in the region we provide a fresh venue for designers and shoppers alike.

The bazaar gives you a chance to meet the designers and buy one of a kind pieces. Come out and support your local crafter’s market!

WWKiP is coming this weekend! Folks all over the globe will be getting together to knit, purl and crochet in public spaces, parks, pubs and other lots of other places on the 13th and 14th of June. Started on in 2005, it began as a way for knitters to come together and enjoy other’s company. Usually a solitary act, friends and neighbours could spend all their lives never knowing they share a hobby!

WWKiP Day is unique, in that it’s the largest knitter run event in the world. Each local event is put together by a volunteer or a group of volunteers and you’ll be glad to know that Knit in Notts are putting on one in Nottingham!

Knitting at the Lions!
Old Market Square, Nottingham
13th June 11am onwards

Meet Knit in Notts at the steps of the Council House, by the left lion (of course). Knitting will kick off at around 11, and keep going until we’re bored! Bonus points if you knit something for the lions! Please bring your knitting or crochet projects, anything you might need for the weather and your amusement! If it rains, the meeting will move upstairs in the Joseph Else (the Wetherspoons pub opposite).

Head on over to the WWKiP website for more information and events happening in your area.

Candyfloss Summer Craft Fair
Saturday 18th July 09
10-4pm
Millennium Gallery, Sheffield

Sheffield’s Craft Candy are proud to present Candyfloss – a superb summer craft fair!

Building on the success of the Spring Fling craft fair they are now taking bookings for Candyfloss which will feature over 30 stalls of art and craft, showcasing the best of Sheffield and beyond.

Held at Sheffield’s gorgeous Millennium Gallery, the heart of art and craft in the city.

All Craft Candy fairs sell only handmade items and feature a fantastic range of high quality contemporary craft from a variety of UK makers and artists.

Visit their website for further details and to book a stall online.

(Via Indie Quarter)

Thanks to a nice person on our mailing list, I was told about Bicycle Basket Bazaars. They’re craft fayres.. of sorts, but all the products have to be sold out of bicycle baskets!

They want you to load up your bicycle basket with the finest produce, whimsical curiosities or handmade goods. Stock must be either: handmade, vintage or home grown by the seller. This presents a unique opportunity to clear out your drawers or empty your pockets and sell your unwanted junk, beautiful handmade treasures or surplus home grown produce whilst remaning carbon neutral.

The whole thing kicked off last year at Northampton’s Fishmarket, and due to their successful scheming – the BBB crew are now appearing in other locations (maybe even near you!). The next is at Artworks in Milton Keynes on the 16th May. Please check out their website www.bicyclebasketbazaar.com for further details.

Maybe one day we could have one in Nottingham… What do you think?