CrAftermath

Merry Christmas...

2007-12-22T09:48:00.000Z

Hope you all have a great Christmas and Crafty New Year!

Go see a mafia...

2007-11-13T22:55:00.000Z

The lovely people from the Glasgow Craft Mafia have these upcoming events.

18th November - Mono - 1pm-late, free entry

29th November - The Universal - 5-9pm, free entry

9th December - Mono 1pm-late, free entry

Why not go along to see a selection of Glasgow's best independent designers and crafters selling a range of textiles, homewares, art, stationery, handmade soaps, jewellery, glassware, photography, and fashion & interior accessories.

For more information on our events and members please visit http://www.glasgowcraftmafia.com/

We say hello to laurafallulah!

2007-10-10T22:54:00.000+01:00

In another of our crafty interviews we meet Laura from laurafallulah.

Tell us a bit about yourself…who are you and what do you do?
I am Laura Harris and I run laurafallulah, my range is very kitsch, cute and girly. I design and make tote bags, purses, brooches and other accessories. I specialise in appliquéd design and hand stitching over the top of patterned fabrics. Although I do make some designs with a plainer more natural feel. I am inspired by vintage fashion, nature and colour so I always try to put this across in my work.

What first got you into crafting and making things?
I have always been a very hands on kind of person and loved drawing and collages when I was little but was never very good at traditional art like painting so I naturally turned to crafting. I have always knitted since junior school and followed my love of textiles throughout my education to a degree, which I finished in 2004.

What/who are your inspirations?
As I said above I am inspired by many things mainly nature and nature. I like to surround myself which things that I love so I can often find inspiration through the things in my home. One of my favourite things to do when I am in a design rut is to look through magazines, old and new, pulling out pictures to make scrapbooks. Also you can’t beat a day at your local fabric shop in my opinion.

As to who are my inspirations, really anyone who takes the massive step to try and make a living through their own work. It is scary and it helps to know other people who are going through the same things. Also people like, without trying to suck up, the girls at CrAftermath inspire me as they are trying to help others with their work rather than helping themselves, which is always a great thing to do.

What do you think the difference is between art and craft?
This is always a tricky one to answer. I don’t really know is the answer, I think that people tend to see art as techniques such as painting, drawing and sculpture where as craft as things like knitting and sewing. I think that the worlds of art, craft and design are so blurred and overlapped that you can’t always say what is what. I like it that way as I think I am a bit of each, I design, I craft and the finished product is art that you can wear.

Any crafty tips to share?
I usually scout all over for supplies; if you are lucky enough to live in London there are many great fabric shops and markets, like Sheppards Bush and Brixton. Also if you like old fabric and haberdasheries then boot sales and Ebay are always good. There are so many great blogs and site that I don’t know where to begin, have a browse around myspace and you will always find someone that makes things. Etsy is great for both selling and inspiration, the forum is always full of people spreading advice and just looking through the amazing array of items for sale.

What do you think about the current UK craft scene?
I think that it is encouraging but it could go a lot further. There are some amazing people making amazing things and slowly we are growing bigger. Groups like this as well as more craft mafias spreading the word helps and there are more fairs and web shops now than ever which is great.

The biggest job is to get the general public to appreciate the work and time that goes into the making of something handmade. Also to get people to pay that little but extra to get something individual, well made and special and we would be a lot closer to something like the scene that they have in the USA.

So thanks to Laura for telling us a bit about herself and inspiration, and again for the CrAftermath plug :). Please support your fellow crafters and visit laurafallulah!

Charming Armley Cake Competition

2007-10-02T19:07:00.000+01:00

This may be of interest to you....

Come and take part in our kitschy village fete on 6th October at Charlie Cake Park in Armley. In addition to the fabulous Charming Armley Cake Competition itself we are looking for people who sell homewares or anything with a cake, sweetie or food related motif in their work to come and have a stall! Your table will be provided and all we ask is that you make either a £10 cash donation or donate goods to at least an equal value.

This event is being held to raise funds for Armley Helping Hands (Registered Charity No 1076692).

This event has already been featured in the regional press including the Yorkshire Evening Post ( http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/Charlie39s-Angels-in-great-cake.3186995.jp) and on BBC Radio Leeds as we are fortunate to have some top Leeds PR ladies on the organising committee.

You can find out more information about the event at http://www.thearmleytouristboard.com/ – if you are interested in cake making then you have the opportunity to get your cake sold in the Tiled Café in Leeds Art Gallery!

If you do not think you can attend but would like to have your work on a stall anyway drop me a line to discuss the possibilities We are also looking for all makers and crafty folk to make or decorate an apron to donate (we will link to you or your business on the website in return!).

Aprons will take part in our unique 'Cakewalk' (that's a cakey catwalk for those wondering) and will be auctioned/raffled off to raise money for the charity. Aprons will need to be submitted by 3rd October 2007!

"Zoom" Hat

2007-09-27T13:31:00.000+01:00

I made up a hat! It's named after the Zoom lollies because of the similar colours. The pattern is here.

We say hello to This Charming Girl

2007-09-17T21:01:00.000+01:00

The second of our interviews meets This Charming Girl.

A fellow CrAftermath-ter This Charming Girl has recently had a new look website and specialises in handmade and vintage jewellery.

Tell us a bit about yourself…who are you and what do you do?
My name is Jackie and I'm a 22 year old jewellery addict from Scotland. By day I work as a Project Administrator and every other spare minute is spent designing, making, packaging and posting jewellery for my online jewellery boutique, This Charming Girl.

What first got you into crafting and making things?
As a kid I wasn't very crafty, I was always more into reading and writing stories. As I grew up I became interested in fashion and accessories like most teenage girls but I didn't get further than pouring over the pages of glossy magazines.

About two years ago I became aware of the number of independent designers on the net making lovely, different jewellery but most of them were US based. I found some supplies and started to make some jewellery for myself and friends and family which went down well then wondered if jewellery like this would appeal to other people like me in the UK. I took a leap of faith and launched This Charming Girl in October 2006 and haven't looked back!

What/who are your inspirations?
Lots of things - my friends, girls I pass in the street, films, vintage jewellery, trends over the years, music (after all my site was named after a Smiths song!) and especially my customers.

Sometimes I'll make a necklace and think "would anyone apart from me like this?!" and when it sells it's the biggest inspiration.

What do you think the difference is between art and craft?
I think they tend to overlap but generally craft is more functional as opposed to being for display. Personally I feel art and craft are one and the same as they both involve being creative, using skill and producing something from your imagination.

Any crafty tips to share?
I have to recommend the Craftermath forum! It's a great place to seek and share advice with fellow crafters and was a great help to me when I started.

For supplies I recommend the internet (I use it for practically everything), particularly eBay. There are many dedicated sellers there stocking everything you could ever need for your chosen craft, all you have to do is take a bit of time to search.

For inspiration, look at Etsy.com - it's similar to eBay but for handmade goods and there are some wonderful crafters selling their wares.

What do you think about the current UK craft scene?
It's certainly growing all the time, more and more people are turning to indie designers instead of the highstreet because they want to look more individual. I've seen a lot of talented young girls opening their own online shops recently selling everything from handmade jewellery like myself to lingerie, bags, stationery etc.

The UK scene isn't as developed as the US scene but it is getting there!

To check out all that This Charming Girl has to offer visit http://www.thischarminggirl.com/

Also be sure to look at the Happy Customers! page to see some of the gorgeous jewellery modelled by real customers!

I just want to say a big thank you to Jackie - as a previous customer and now delighted owner of 'Secret Garden' and also for the forum plug (which wasn't even hinted at by me!).

Who's got wood?

2007-09-09T20:34:00.000+01:00

So, this weekend has involved lots of gardening/building walls/moving slabs so I am a little exhausted. This has now extended to my brain, so for this evenings selection we have to be thankful to Mat (the ever patient, fiance)!

Let me introduce you to wood...

This is a great hairslide by Numpty from Scotland who has a selection of quirky items, including a similar slide to the one below, spelling Ditzy (which actually is probably better suited to me, and has a higher Scrabble score!)

This mini print by Askey from Cheshire is of her 'Fairytale' digital illustration. Her Etsy shop features some great illustration prints and greeting cards.

The final piece of wood is from beadeliciousbaby in the form of this great chunky necklace.

Happy Sunday!

Jump on the Zine Train!

2007-08-23T06:22:00.000+01:00

Self publishing is the ultimate crafty way to rock the world, Publish and be Damned held it’s 4^th Annual fair in July, showcasing talent from all manner of artists, writers and musicians producing everything from DIY fanzines to video compendiums and critical journals.

To check out a whole news rack of fabulous mags, see; Indy and Ink

If you just can't wait for the post, All the Rage is a PDF zine you can download here:

Share the zines/ mags that are doing it for you in our comments box

Crafty high street?

2007-08-19T09:54:00.000+01:00

I was stumbling around Topshop the other day and came across one of their new brands; Crafty Couture.

It seems to be a range of 'crafty' style tshirts - some just printed but some with applique and button details.

My first reaction was "pah! high street cashing in on the craft trend again" but then thought "well, why not" and then thought "well I'm sure we (as in the UK craft community) can beat that and come up with something much better".

So I came home and started an Internet search - and couldn't find any. Lots of American offerings but no UK ones! I am quite disillusioned and want you guys to point me in the direction of any UK based cool, independent tshirt designers...! oh and what do you think about craft on the high street?

Feeling Mellow Yellow...

2007-08-08T21:51:00.001+01:00

...well almost! :)

I spent some time on etsy this evening and have a selection of yellow delights for you all.

First up is an illustration print from an excerpt of Christina Rossetti's 'Goblin Market' poem by
heidiburton from Cambridge.

Next are some very cool retro rings from handmadeliving from Windsor.

And if you want some more retro kitsch what about this amazing Sunny Plastic Fantastic Charm Bracelet from Raindbow Mermaid

Alternatively get some Mario Power from this cool necklace by spugmeistress.

Second but last are some I love fruit salad chews gloves from knithappens in Reading! And why not, perfect for the upcoming Autumn these are the coolest you'll see.

Finally, slightly away from the yellow theme is the cutest boiled egg cosy, by memake in London which would certainly brighten up my morning!

We say hello to Plastic Bat!

2007-08-02T19:59:00.000+01:00

So in order to spread the UK 'craft' word we hope to introduce you to some of our favourite UK crafters over the next few months.

First up is Tracy... who you might know better as Plastic Bat. Featured in French Cosmo, NEET, numerous blogs, Channel 4's Ideasfactory Scotland and most recently in Fred Flare's Next Best Thing things are looking good...

Tell us a bit about yourself…who are you and what do you do?
Well, my name’s Tracy Romaszkiewicz (above), I live in Dundee, Scotland & I run my own online accessories store called Plastic Bat which sells all manner of brightly coloured, handmade plastic goodies to add colour to the drabbest of wardrobes & best of all - I love every minute of it!

What first got you into crafting and making things?
As far back as I can remember I’ve been fascinated with jewellery & small objects. I used to make trinkets (usually household objects wrapped in foil) and sell them to the neighbours as a child & naturally this lead to my current career with the obvious exception of the foil!

I took a bizarre turn briefly at Art College where I studied Fine Art & ended up producing massive paintings but swiftly came back to jewellery & smaller artwork upon graduating.

What/who are your inspirations?
Anything & everything! For instance my current line of tooth themed pieces came from a nasty bout of toothache I had for a few months.

Generally though my work has a theme of nostalgia - childrens picture books, old movies, vintage toys, old postcards, greeting cards - as well as a healthy dose of current trends to ensure my pieces will co-ordinate with the seasons wardrobes.

What do you think the difference is between art and craft?
To be honest – its usually the price tag!! Apart from that there is no real difference, the same amount of passion, talent and hours could be put into either a beautiful handmade bag or a gallery exhibited canvas but in the end the “artwork” label will fetch the higher price 9 times out of 10.

Any crafty tips to share?

Ebay! Its a virtual treasure trove of supplies for both professional & hobby crafters. I’ve never found a brick & mortar bead shop yet which offers the choice & value you get on ebay.

It means you have access to fabulous supplies from the closeout warehouses in America, candy coloured cuteness from Chinese wholesalers and all the standard findings you could wish for without leaving home! You will find yourself in the situation where several other people have the same items as you but its what you do with them that counts in the end.

What do you think about the current UK craft scene?
Its definetly come a long way from loo roll covers & pressed flower displays but still has a looooooong way to go till it has the same credibility as the USA scene.

When people hear “handmade” its often still associated with the older traditional crafts (which there is nothing wrong with) but its about time things were shaken up & the new talents break through. To do this though, we need more Craft Mafia cities and more indie craft fairs like Miso Funky & Pretty Crafty Things throughout the country, all raising awareness of the alternative to the mass produced crap on the High Street.

Maybe someday the UK will have its own DIY network style channel. We can but hope!

We certainly share that hope! To make this happen we really need to support our UK indie crafters so why not go and have a look over at http://www.plastic-bat.co.uk/

Watch this space for the next crafty interview...coming soon

Crochet-a-Pacman

2007-07-18T21:46:00.000+01:00

Aaaaah, Look at the little Pacman and his wee ghostie friends!

These little beauties have been online and in demand ever since Cary Huffman posted a free tutorial on her blog, click the image to get the tute.

Naked - Lady parties reach the UK......

2007-07-18T21:02:00.000+01:00

.... well London anyway, Let us know if you're planning one where you live and we'll help spread it.

hybird invite you to swap 'til you drop at Feather Duster – the clothing swap!

A fab afternoon of free clothes for Ladies and Gents who knows that green is definitely the new black! Clean out your closets and bring your old clothes to swap for a new-to-you wardrobe!

Saturday 21st July 2:00–6:00pm

Bring at least one item to swap, any items left at the end of the swap will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Spaces are limited so please mail us to reserve yours at info@hybird.co.uk. For more information please visit myspace.com/hybirdproductions.

The New Rose, 84-86 Essex Road, London, N1 8LU. £5 on the door.

Going to the Chapel.....?

2007-07-18T11:42:00.001+01:00

Going to the Chapel.....?

Oh yes, wedding season is once more upon us and what's worse the rains are still coming down! Never fear all you need are a few beautiful accessories to brighten you up,
We LOVE this vintage style 1940's hat from Bellapacella

This hat is soo yummy, why not go the whole hog and create your own vintage outfit to set it off?

New look craftster?

2007-06-27T21:51:00.000+01:00

I used to be a frequent visitor to Craftster having discovered it in February 2004 but I don't go there much anymore. It has got too big for my liking :)

But I did visitor the other day and was welcomed with a new layout and I was just wondering what everyone thinks about it?

Change again

2007-06-26T23:44:00.000+01:00

Just to let you know we are working on replacing the website with the blog - this way we hope that everyone can contribute easily to the CrAftermath website.

If you need it the old website is still viewable here...

I was hoping to get it finished tonight but it hasn't quite happened and I'm tired now :)

Want to contribute to CrAftermath?

2007-04-16T22:03:00.000+01:00

We are always keen to hear from CrAftermath-ters with information and views on the UK Craft scene. If you would like to get involved and write an article for us, please get in touch through the forum or the blog.

We have just started gathering guides to UK cities to include all your favourite crafty hotspots. Please visit the forum and add to existing guides, or even better write your own!

Weddings anyone?

2007-02-20T19:08:00.000Z

I went to a wedding fair last week and stumbled across these gorgeous bespoke bouquets made with sparkling crystals and vintage jewellery!

See Vintage Magpie

I thought any fellow pre-wedding crafters might find them of interest. My favourites include these

I am in Love!! :)

The forum

2007-01-11T22:41:00.000Z

I have had a few emails from people not receiving their registration emails when trying to join the forum.

I am not quite sure why this is happening, until I have time to look into it, if you have not received your email within a day please email me. I can then activate your account manually.

Thanks!

Good shirt tutorial

2007-01-02T20:50:00.000Z

Stumbled over this cool shirt reconstruction tutorial today.

It's from good old Craftster :)

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=134335.msg1315557;topicseen#msg1315557

Enjoy

Happy New Year!

2006-12-31T15:47:00.000Z

Well I have just spent some time posting Happy New Year messages to all CrAftermath's MySpace friends - over 140 of them!

So those of you that have missed it, had html turned off (pah!) or don't have a MySpace...

New look blog

2006-12-31T12:57:00.000Z

Well the website has had a makeover, the forum a mini-makeover and all that was left was the blog!

So here it is, the new look blog that should fit in with the rest of the CrAftermath world :)

As usual we vow to update it more! But New Year is the perfect time for such resolutions.

There should be lots of CrAftermath happenings in the first half of 2007 with Sally and I meeting with Sam from Hoolala next week to get it all sorted - we will share more soon!

Have a great new year.

in the CrAftermath world

2006-11-24T20:10:00.000Z

Well, as usual there haven't been many posts on the blog so I thought I would update everyone as to what has been happening in the CrAftermath world.

You will have *hopefully* have seen the new CrAftermath website by now, and if not, why not! Here it is www.craftermath.co.uk

So, that has taken up quite a bit of time, but we are now trying to promote it as much as we can to get the forum really busy and help spread the CrAftermath word.

One of these promotion ideas included me making 250 badges for some goody bags down in Bristol! See the lovely pictures below.

We have also had some glossy postcards printed, so keep your eyes out for those.

The event that the badges are for is called Thread and it is an independant shopping event, for more information see www.threadshow.com.

Thrifting in the UK

2006-07-21T23:06:00.000+01:00

Thrifting and crafting seem to go hand in hand, these are some of my favorite places to get a bargain:

Charity Shops - Although far more expensive than they used to be (daytime antique/ bargain TV shows have a lot to answer for!) you can still unearth some real treasures..
As a rule of thumb, the smellier the better! Back in the day, charity shops never seemed to worry too much about washing or ironing the stuff before they put it out and now many seem to have realised that the better presented the shop, the greater price they can command - great for the charity, not so great for the thrifter - so, in my experience, the more disorganised the shop is the more chance of a bargain.

GOLDEN RULE WHEN CHARITY SHOPPING - never haggle, they have set prices and besides all the money goes to charity so you're just being tight!

Jumble/Car-Boot sales
A proper jumble sale is, indeed, a mighty thing to behold! What you need to find is a village hall out in the sticks, raising money for a new church roof or village bench etc, you'll know it's good if there is an army of large old women jostling for first place at the door before it's even opened and once you get inside there should be trestle tables piled high with clothing that hasn't seen light of day since 1982. Make sure you're there early and once you have a space infront of the jumble - don't move! Hold tight onto anything that takes your fancy, regardless of sizing (You won't pay more than 20p for it,so it's worth the risk)instead look out for funky fabrics, retro t-shirts and bags, old costume jewellery and vintage curtains bedsheets.

GOLDEN RULE OF JUMBLE SALES - Never, ever put down your jacket, bag, scarf.. It won't be there when you next look!

Car-booting again has been scarred by daytime TV, avoid the one's that are advertised every week as they tend to be stuffed with dealers, instead lookout for the small locally organised ones, on the school playing field etc where you're much more likely to have genuine people clearing out their attics. Good things you often find are, old records, 70's lamp bases, pottery and glass, dress-making/ knitting patterns.

GOLDEN RULE OF CAR-BOOTING - ALWAYS haggle! just because you can afford £1, dosent mean you shouldn't offer 50p , a good tip is to keep a 20 pound note in your pocket along with the change you'd be willing to pay then ask if they can break the 20 cos youv'e only got x amount in change.

The Tip
This is one of my favorite places to get stuff from.
The key with buying from a tip is to only go to the posh bits of town - the one I go to is in the middle of the country sandwiched between some posh villages these are where you'll find the good stuff, and also, to make friends with the people who work there - a few months ago I was in a tip where there was a whole 1950's kitchen in immaculate condition ( just like a sindy one ) and the owner told me that he puts them aside for an American buyer who comes by every few months buys this type of stuff at an incredible price then ships it home and sells it at an even higher one, so if you make friends with the people who work there and you become a regular they'll probably put crafty stuff aside for you.Also don't go on a Friday cos they bin loads of the stuff they have for sale in readiness for the w/end Mon pm is probably the best time.
Good things to get from your local tip are: paint - you never need to buy paint from B&Q again if you keep your eye out, often you can get it in mad colours cos people have impulse brought but there's always good old white which you can adapt with a bit of careful colour mixing, Furniture - if you fancy your hand at furniture restoration this is the place to go, I seem to collect laundrey boxes, they're really easy to make over with a bit of paint, some nice fabric, foam and a staple gun, Outside toys for kids - not strictly crafty but this summer I've brought a Little Tykes car and slide, a tricyle and a bmx, less than £5 for all four.

Other ways to thrift:
Freecycle
Ebay
Scrap-Stores
Skips
Swap parties

Happy Hunting!
Sally

Something for the weekend

2006-07-21T22:04:00.000+01:00

Many of you may know of these websites but just in case....

I often need some encouragement when it comes to 'creating' so these projects/ideas are perfect for me!

For the photographers out there (or those that just like taking pics!) check out http://www.photofriday.com who post a weekly topic for you to capture in a photograph. This week it is "Common" which leaves plenty of room for interpretation! Although I particularly like this one: http://www.johnsimpson.ca/index.php/image/anglesey.jpg/

For those of you that like to use a peice of paper then http://www.illustrationfriday.com might be more up your street. Their topic this week is "Opposites". The idea with this one is (obviously) that you illustrate something whether it's on the computer, with collage, pencil crayon or other method. This one made me smile http://www.flickr.com/photos/sixmoonnight/194768105/

Even if it doesn't spur you on to create something yourself, it is always good just to browse!

Enjoy, Lx

Up and running again...

2006-07-21T11:12:00.000+01:00

.... panic over :) i was worrying that i wasn't going to get my mid-morning fix!

Forum Down :(

2006-07-21T10:02:00.000+01:00

Just been on to look at the forum and it seems to be down.

I have checked all the other forumup websites and they seem to be the same so must be a problem their end.

Just have to wait I guess?!

RSI and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2006-07-07T17:22:00.000+01:00

I spend a good amount of my time on the PC or knitting, and I've started to develop aches in my hands, fingers, and wrists. I did a bit of searching and came across this brilliant site with instructions for RSI exercises from a Yoga and T'ai Chi Chu'an teacher, Ellen Serber.

The most important thing to remember is to take regular breaks. I tend to forget breaks, I don't watch the time and can find I've spent several hours knitting or surfing, but I only realise when it starts to hurt. So i found this brilliant PC timer. It's a tiny free download, and it's going to be extremely handy for me to time my daughter's computer time too. It comes with a horn sound, but can easily be changed to play music or any other soundfile.

Change is afoot!

2006-06-27T21:43:00.000+01:00

Many of you will have already read that there are going to be some changes happening around here!

There is lots of cool stuff planned for the website (www.craftermath.co.uk) to help spread the CrAftermath word! We are designing new and improved sections, with information on how to get involved, the travelling CrAftermath fair, a page for free links, more “How To’s” and much more :)

Along with the changes to the website, the forum will remain (obviously!) and we hope to promote it more and more to get as many members as possible.

The virtual fair at www.craftyarmy.co.uk is also still happening and we are receiving quite a bit of interest so we will keep you all posted about progress!

Finally, thank you to all you CrAftermath-ters for making the forum worth visiting and for all the encouragement. We know you are all very creative so if you have any ideas for the new website then please let us know! :)

Problems with the forum

2006-04-26T11:04:00.000+01:00

:( The forums down, I've been onto the forum-up site and all their forums appear to be down as well - including the community help board - So i guess we just have to wait, sorry folks.. dosent help that craftsters awol as well!

Virtual Fair

2006-03-15T13:52:00.000Z

As you can see there is a new link on the home-page to the virtual fair. This page is *obviously* still under construction ( ie ignore the HUGE hands! ) But as it developes this should be a great addition to our little community, basically- if you haven't read the forum post - The idea is you buy a page ( £20 per year ) to showcase your work, provide information about yourselves and contact details, or website links and allow sales or commissions to be done direct with yourselves, getting rid of middleman fees, as the site grows to be a bigger and better resource for alternative craft in the UK, so to will more people get to see your stuff and there's the added bonus that people visting a CrAftermath fair or event will be able to look you up aswell.
If you want a page email me ( sally@craftermath.co.uk ) and let me know what you want and how you want it to look and we'll take it from there.
Love Sally

2006-03-15T13:47:00.000Z

If anyones been experiencing problems with the site over the last couple of days I am totally responsible... I've just got hold of Dreamweaver and had a few problems with transfering the site, Should all be sorted now but look out for some changes in the next few weeks :)

2006-02-02T14:40:00.000Z

This month’s featured crafter is Zoë, a well known voice on the CrAftermath forum Zoë spin’s her own delicious yarn which she sells through her website www.hellomango.co.uk

*Who are you and what do you do? I am Zoë Ashton-Worsnop, 30 years old and from Hull. I spin yarn and crochet.

* What is the difference between an 'art' and a 'craft'? I see art as something that has a message behind it and is trying to convey that message through a multitude of different mediums. Craft in my eyes is a means to an end. You need to keep warm? You knit a jumper, although you do it in a beautiful fashion. I see what I and other likeminded people do as a cross between art and craft. I design my yarns and although I maybe don't have a message to convey with them there is a lot of thought there.

*What's your earliest crafting memory? Learning how to french knit with my Gran, she was very much hands on and never kept her hands still. I feel very proud to think I am carrying on that tradition.

*What was your best crafting moment? Finally understanding how to make the wool stick together and spin instead of just falling apart as soon as I let go.

* What was your worst crafting moment? I have to say that I haven’t ever had a horrible mess as I always find a use for most things that don't turn out how I expected. Even my first yarns, that were terrible really I used them in another way. I am sure I will have a disaster at some point, but I do tend to look on the bright side of everything and therefore find a use for most things.

*What is your favourite craft you've ever seen? Spinning, without a doubt. I love it.

*What are your crafting goals? To be able to make enough money out of my craft so I can stay at home for my son. I would love to teach other people the crafts I have mastered and help others find something they enjoy, the same way I enjoy them. I would also love to be able to open my own shop one day.

*What is your favourite craft supplier? EBAY! It has enabled me to do so much more than I could have done without it. I have access to international items such as crochet hooks and spinning equipment and it is easy to use, and fun!

2006-01-31T21:35:00.000Z

Crafters guide to.... West Yorkshire
Heather Ross

Imagine my joy when ScallyB asked me to contribute a short article on the crafty outlets in my neck of the woods, after all I can always use an excuse to go out and haunt more boutiques and shops! I’ll be covering the places that spring to mind that I have visited, but feel free to comment with any little gems any of you have found, I intend to do ‘further’ research, such is my dedication to job…

Bradford itself is a bit thin on the ground when it comes to craft shops. My first stop would be Bombay Stores; an Indian department store close to the University. This is a fab place to go shopping for fabric, though it does have henna, bodyart, clothing and jewellery on sale too. You could quite easily spend hours in there, the fabric range is luxurious but reasonably priced, and you’ll find the most intricately embroidered bridal fabrics right down to the more ‘everyday’ but still vibrant coloured fabrics. One of the nice touches is the way that the Indian people shop, they tend to wander around selecting items as the helpful staff put them aside, so you can browse to your hearts content, picking out whatever you like, without having to carry it around with you. The perfect shopping spree!

There are several pound shops in Bradford, which can hold surprising discoveries such as bargainous beads, cheap paper supplies and the like, but you do have to wade through the tat to find them and it’s a bit hit and miss. A far better day out would be Halifax. Halifax is a small town accessible by bus and rail, easy to get around in a few hours but it has enough to keep a seasoned crafter occupied. My favourite place in Halifax has always been the Piece Hall, an old 18th Century arcade where fabric was originally traded, that has been colonised by small independent shops. Most days there is a market too, so you can always find some cheap bits to inspire you.
There are any numbers of shops to get your creative juices flowing, from handmade soap to authentic jade jewellery, the entire place is craft heaven.
I always like to call in at Jackdaw Jewels, the shopowner has lots of baskets full of strings of beads, broaches and other bits of jewellery, all of which can be restrung and modified to suit your tastes. She also does a good trade in handbags and shoes. If clothing is needed to customise, call in at Ace Clothing, their prices are dirt cheap and they’re willing to buy clothing too, so you can take along your old or never worn glad-rags and invest in some new stuff. At their prices you can afford to modify!

You might want to stop at Millie Moo’s Paint a pot café, where you can pick out an item of bisque pottery to paint at your leisure, while you enjoy a hot drink and a chit chat. They can usually fire items for you within the next few days, I am not sure if they do a postal service but I have an email contact if anyone is curious. I made Christmas presents here and found the quality of the paint and the bisque to be excellent.

If jewellery making is your vice, head for Mermaid jewellery for some inspiration, they will set stones in silver settings for you within the hour, I have a jade ring which I still get compliments on now. For those who prefer to D.I.Y, Black Market Minerals sells all manner of gemstones, some of which are beads and some are cabouchons or larger pieces, but all are decently priced, with plenty of guides to inform you of the properties of each stone.

Worth a peek if Gina B’s stained glass grotto, ‘grotto’ being the right word! It’s a tiny shop that, upon entering, could be forgiven for being a Tim Burton style sweet shop creation, it’s so full of colour and light and tinkling glass objects! Gina B does excellent jewellery, platters and mirrors, and she has dishes full of multicoloured glass stones, perfect for setting in jewellery, or gluing on picture frames, or creating mosaics with, in fact I have to put my wallet away the minute I enter!

For a vintage retro feel, you might want to head to Maria’s stamps, a little nook full of old stamps, coins, postcards and other items that are perfect for scrapbooking and decoupaging, not to mention making wicked old coin charm bracelets.

If all that has got your genius flowing, then head to the Sewing and Craft Shop, where you can pick up anything from embroidery kits, beads, card making accessories, a selection of fashion wools and anything else that you might be wanting to start your masterpiece. It is a little biased to the knitting and stitching amongst us, but it does have to paper arts side basically covered too.

Outside the Piece Hall you might want to head for the market, where there are two good knitting stalls; Knitters corner, and Sewfast, where a ball of luxury wool will only set you back £2.00. Both owners are keen to advise and help their customers with needle sizes and techniques, and stock a wide range of wool. The Sewing Box contains some good stuff too, an impressive selection of feathers and ribbons, all of which made me inner magpie emerge!

Across the road from the market is the Art Centre, a large craft shop dealing with glass paint, jewellery making, speciality papers and embossing and other things, definitely a place for the non stitch and knitters among us. They do a range of craft materials and one day workshops (only ten pounds, materials included) one of which I am attending in March so I will keep you posted on how that goes. Halifax has my usual stops, The Works to see if I can luck out on any rogue craft materials on the cheap, and New Look/Mark One for cheap T shirts and clothes to modify.

Embsay Crafts Ltd is a good place to go in Skipton. It has a large section devoted to embroidery and knitting, and tends to sell kits rather than individual materials. However it does have a large selection of paper based craft materials too, and the cutest teashop, so you can quite easily spend the day browsing and make a day out of it all.

I did venture into Leeds to scout out a few places but didn’t have the time to explore, and am sure that the Leeds craftermath natives will know far more than I do. But I recommend the Corn Exchange, if not for inspiration and to get talking to the various stall owners as to how they got off the ground. You’ll find clothing, jewellery, art, shoes, kitsch items and various bits of art around. Worth a trip is the huge Oxfam shop around the corner, it has loads of vintage and label clothes on the cheap, never underestimate the value of a charity shop! Next time I am off to the Granary Wharf Craft arcade, just the word arcade promises great things… Over and out for this installment!

2006-01-28T19:05:00.000Z

Yes, we definitely do need to keep this updated! I've been meaning to post for ages but with one thing and another, just haven't got round to it.

What have been up to then? Well...

I've made one of my new years resolution to learn to crochet, and when I saw Carla in Rowan Magazine 39 I decided that I want to stick to that resolution!

The other day I bought Stitch N Bitch: A Knitters Design Journal by Debbie Stoller. If you are a knitter I can definitely recommend this book! I've marked off all the needles I have and written down all the details of my stash (and included 1 inch snippets). All that's left is to actually design something (this is the part where I get a bit stuck).

Is anyone planning on going to Stitch and Craft 2006 at London Olympia? I was thinking about it, but it appears to mainly involve cross stitching, scrapbooking and papercraft. I don't really partake in any of those so not sure if will be worth it!

Laura x

2006-01-26T17:08:00.001Z

Hello girlies,

What have you been up to recently?

nush
(Yes, NEED to keep this updated!)

2006-01-13T20:03:00.000Z

I just have this huge, unexplainable need to update this blog since it hasn't been updated for ever! Or at least two weeks.

How is the new year faring? Have you kept any crafty resolutions? Mine were:

To knit with a better posture (so I don't get RSI again)
Make more jewelery
Not be so stingy when buying jewelery finding and so on.
Sew more

What were yours? I have kepy number 2 & 4 so far. I can't believe it's only been 13 days since New Year! So weird!

<3
nush

Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T21:34:00.000Z

Happy New Year to the entire CrAftermath family, and to everyone who is anxiously waiting for CrAftermath to come to a city near them. 2006 will definitely be the year of the crafter!

Knitting and Stitching Fair

2005-11-30T19:25:00.000Z

I fully intended to write this up sooner, so apologies all round - to be honest this fair was so much better than I thought it would be and I met so many interesting people, I've spent the last few days looking at the collection of business cards and flyers that I squashed in to the bottom of my bag just trying to remember who I saw, what I did and -very possibly - who I am!

For a start, the warm response I got from people when we chatted about the site and the whole fair idea has been really inspiring - people tend to feel the same way we do, with regard to the way we view craft in this country and many expressed an interest in getting involved further.

I chatted with people from:

www.buttoncompany.co.uk
www.thehouseofhemp.co.uk
www.spellboundbead.co.uk
www.clicketyknits.com
www.bombaystoresonline.com
www.craftynotions.com
www.mulberrydyer.co.uk
www.ctdg.co.uk
www.thepmcstudio.com

I was also really taken with my fabric from Fabrics Galore, their site isn't up and running yet but guys if you see this please let me know when it is cos I'd love to have you on the site.
Another company who isnt yet on the net is Art from the Heart - based in Harrogate they sell the best scrapbook stuff I've seen, loads of funky stamps and stickers - they also run loads of different crafting classes and promise that when their website is finished it'll be a real alternative to the usual scrap-booking stuff you've seen.
And on the subject of classes - Cumbria Institute of the Arts are planning to hold workshops and lectures in ceramics, textiles and multimedia. The work that is being produce from their students is so creative and exciting that this promises to be a really good idea, to register your interest email makingit@cumbria.ac.uk.
These pics are from the Knit To Go Exhibition organised by the Crafts Council http://www.craftscouncil.org.uk

2005-11-21T14:30:00.000Z

Hello, This is the first blog I've ever written, consider yourself chosen!
I'm visiting the knitting and stitching fair in Harrowgate on Sunday, essentially a birthday present from my mother, this trip is now also going to be a chance to get the CrAftermath message across! I'm having some cards printed with the site address to give to stallholders and I'm considering custo'ing a shirt with the address on it as well so I'll probably look like a right plum! If I remember I'll take my camera and post some pics. speak soon, love Sally

Links to Craftermath-ters

2001-01-01T00:00:00.003Z

Please feel free to add your own links...

Shop Crafty (UK)
http://www.bettyjoy.co.uk/
http://www.bfnt.co.uk/
http://www.blackcatcraft.co.uk/
http://www.blossom-design.co.uk/
http://www.bogoh.co.uk/
http://www.butterflybluejewellery.co.uk/
http://www.carnage.cc/
http://www.cassielee.co.uk/
http://www.coastjewellery.co.uk/
http://www.curiousyarns.co.uk/
http://www.debbie-hill.co.uk/
http://www.dollydimplesparkles.co.uk/
http://www.eldondesigns.co.uk/
http://www.gillysjewels.co.uk/
http://www.hannahzakari.co.uk/
http://www.hellomango.co.uk/
http://www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk/
http://www.icecreamandcigarettes.com/
http://www.iloveknitting.net/
http://www.incessantfad.co.uk/
http://www.jivewire.co.uk/
http://www.kitschkitty.co.uk/
http://www.kitsch-tique.co.uk/
http://www.laurafallulah.com/
http://www.madewithhands.co.uk/
http://www.marmalade-ho.co.uk/
http://www.misofunky.com/
http://www.missbell.co.uk/
http://www.misskerryturner.com/
http://www.moodshine.co.uk/
http://www.moondoglovesyou.com/
http://www.morena-boutique.co.uk/
http://www.oohshiny.co.uk/
http://www.plasticbat.co.uk/
http://www.pookledo.com/
http://www.punkypins.com/
http://www.redragwork.co.uk/
http://www.rock-n-retro.co.uk/
http://www.ruby-rouge.co.uk/
http://www.singinginthebath.co.uk/
http://www.soapandstuff.com/
http://www.socherry.co.uk/
http://www.stellamystar.co.uk/
http://www.sweetpeadesigns.co.uk/
http://www.tallulahtank.co.uk/
http://www.thefashionproject.co.uk/
http://www.velvetmutineer.com/
http://www.vibrantglassart.com/
http://www.vintageamethyst.co.uk/
http://www.xampx.co.uk/

Etsy Shops (UK)
http://clishclash.etsy.com/
http://hoolala.etsy.com/
http://kalicat.etsy.com/
http://knithappens.etsy.com/
http://ohgoshmassacre.etsy.com/
http://phizzychick.etsy.com/
http://sugarcrane.etsy.com/
http://solorn.etsy.com/
http://swank.etsy.com/
http://wildsummerpie.etsy.com/

Ebay Shops (UK)
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Samsara-Designs
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Soap-and-Stuff

Communities
http://www.creativeco-op.co.uk/

Crafty Suppliers
http://www.beadenvy.co.uk/
http://www.littlebeader.com/
http://www.prettycreativeathawthornelane.com/
http://www.u-handbag.com/

Magazines
http://www.gutterglitter.co.uk/
http://www.neet.com/
http://shockpaperscissors.blogspot.com/

Crafty Inspiration
http://www.craftster.org/
http://www.indiequarter.com/
http://freewebs.com/ukbeaders

Fairs and Markets

2001-01-01T00:00:00.002Z

The perfect way for CrAftermath to spread the word is to 'tour' the UK putting on our own 'craft' fairs.

This is something that we plan to do some point in the future, however it is involving more red tape and organising than we had anticipated! We also don't want to rush anything and not do CrAftermath the justice it deserves.

If you would be interested in having a stall at a future CrAftermath fair, or even just want to express an interest then please contact us.

In the meantime, some of our fellow CrAftermath-ters have already started organising their own fairs, hopefully there is one in your area!

Bristol
Here Shop crafty markets - For more information see www.thingsfromhere.co.uk or email

Glasgow
Miso Funky Market - For more information see http://www.misofunky.com/

Leeds
Prettycraftythings - For more information see http://www.prettycraftythings.co.uk/

Northampton
Hip Hip Handmade - For more information http://www.myspace.com/hip_hip_handmade

There may also be other fairs listed on the CrAftermath Forum here.
Please feel free to add your own 'alternative craft' fairs and markets!

Get Involved!

2001-01-01T00:00:00.001Z

If you like what you have read so far and share the CrAftermath ethos and would like to get involved to spread the CrAftermath word then you'll be glad to know that there are a number of ways you can help out!

Tell everyone you know!
Quite an easy one this one! Please tell everyone you know (family, friends and that cool looking girl you walk past every morning) about CrAftermath. Give them the URL (http://www.craftermath.co.uk/) and get them to come along and join us - even better, get them to join the forum and say hi!

Link to CrAftermath
Why not add a link to CrAftermath from your website, blog or myspace page. If you have got a Myspace page then you can add CrAftermath to that too, find us at www.myspace.com/renegadecrafters

Tag something...
Now we don't condone grafitti of course but you could join in with the CrAftermath tagging craze across the UK. Why not draw something, paint something or knit something and tie a CrAftermath 'tag' to it. Then attach it to a lamp post, leave it on a bench or put it somewhere amusing for others to find and discover CrAftermath. For more info and to see what fellow CrAftermath-ters have been up to see the forum...

Join a CrAftermath Street Team
We are in the process of setting up a Street Team for those who want to 'officially' spread the CrAftermath word. We are looking for members from around the UK so please let us know if you would like to help out.

Support other CrAfermath-ters
Many CrAftermath-ters have their own small businesses selling their handmade wares that they will have spent time lovingly creating. Please support them by visiting their websites and shops to keep the CrAftermath spirit alive. For a list of websites have a look at the Links Page. Some CrAftermath-ters are also setting up their own 'alternative' craft fairs so check out the forum for new events in your area.

About

2001-01-01T00:00:00.000Z

CrAftermath is a community designed with the alternative UK crafter in mind.

Partly through a jealousy of what our fellow US crafters have over the pond and partly to create a community us crafty UK folk can be proud of, CrAftermath was born.

Here in the UK we live in a hub of creativity, individualism and style and yet the words 'craft fair' only really appeal to British OAP's. CrAftermath is here to change all that and to provide a place that ‘alternative' and ‘renegade' crafters, who are dismayed with the current craft scene within the UK can call home.

We encourage creativity in whatever form, however the recent advance of the twee craft magazines and gold peel offs have got us a little p****d off. So CrAftermath is here to provide an alternative image of craft within the UK.

There are a few ways we are working on our aim to update the old stereotypes of craft and crafters within the UK, why not have a look around the blog.