Crafty News Desk

Deepavali (Diwali) Market in Little India Arcade, Singapore

Greetings from lovely Singapore! I've had a great day of shopping here, exploring the special Deepavali market and the Little India Arcade, and getting lost in the textiles and trimmings heaven that is Arab Street! My suitcase is now rather full!! (There may be more about my shopping adventure in Singapore in another post...stay tuned!)

Meanwhile, here's the weekly update of upcoming crafty events back home in Ireland:

Marlay Craft Fair is on Friday 25th November (6-9pm), Saturday 26th November (10-5pm) and Sunday 27th November (10-5pm) in Rathfarnham, Dublin.
Details and application forms for stalls on the website HERE.

Stallholders wanted for a Craft Fair in Athy, Co Kildare on Saturday 10th December.
Mount St. Mary’s Resource Centre located behind Perry’s supermarket, Athy will be holding a craft fair on the Saturday 10th December and are currently looking for potential stallholders to sell their crafts and produce. The fair will be held inside and tables are provided.
A pitch costs €25 and this money will go directly to the centre which runs a number of activities that are available to the local community.
For more information or to book a stall contact Bernie on 087 203 2487 or Nicky on 086 807 6365

Two Christmas Fairs in Wicklow in December:
Christmas at Killruddery, Killruddery House (The Orangery)Bray, Co. Wicklow. 100% Artisan Crafts & Food stalls from County Wicklow. All crafts will be represented. Fri, Sat & Sun - 17th, 18th & 20th November. 26 stalls in total with 8 stalls left. Price between €140-165 per space for the whole weekend! (+table hire if needed - €10)]
Christmas at The Gaol (Santa will be returning again this year!)Wicklow Gaol, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow. Mostly Artisan Crafts & Food stalls (or unusual and not found on the high street items)and mostly from County Wicklow and surrounding counties.
Fri, Sat & Sun - 2nd, 3rd & 4th December
Fri, Sat & Sun - 9th, 10th & 11th December
Fri, Sat & Sun - 16th, 17th & 18th December.
30 stalls in the hall of the Gaol decorated in Christmas Theme in keeping with old style Christmas Santa Experience. Price between €140-165 per space for the whole weekend! (+table hire if needed - €10)
Contact: Sinead Quinn, CFL Events, 0872707496, cfleventsww@gmail.com

Swoop.ie - A Haven For All Things Handmade in Ireland
Calling all Crafters/Designer/Makers.... Fantastic new site coming online for selling Irish Handcrafted Products and Design. www.swoop.ie
A Haven for all things Handmade in Ireland! Contact Tanya@swoop.ie for further details!

I'm hoping over to Hong Kong tomorrow on a work trip for the next week, so next time I check in for the crafty news I'll be just back and I hope you will forgive me if I am a little jet-lagged!! If anyone has any crafty news that would be of interest to our team members, please convo me through my Etsy shop TheBlueSylph.etsy.com before next Monday.

Crafty News Desk

It's nearly time to get out your winter coat!! This lovely coat is made by Spiral Gypsy Creations.

Anne-Marie from byAMOR told me that a few team members are getting together for another 'Inspirational Day Out' to attend the Festival of Light in the RDS on 22nd October. If anyone is interested in joining in, there's more details HERE.

The Belfast Creative Crafts Show is on from 13 - 15 October 2011 in The Kings Hall, Belfast. This show covers all aspects of quality stitchcraft including cross stitch, sewing, card making, embroidery, knitting, patchwork, quilting, scrapbooking, ribboncraft, papercraft, stamping, beading, painting, dressmaking, tapestry, decoupage, crochet and many more popular stitch and creative crafts. More details HERE.

Here are some more upcoming craft markets (including Christmas fairs) which may be of interest to team members looking to sell their wares:


The Affordable Gift Fair - Sunday 20th November 2011 - 10am - 5pm - Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Weekly craft fair at old barn market Carlingford 12-6pm
special Christmas fair 26th and 27th November.
Contact in south Ireland Eileen 087 2030301
or in northern Ireland Frances 0799 9849607

St Davids School, Greystones, Co Wicklow - Christmas Fair - Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December 2011

More local craft fairs around the country:

DERRY JOURNAL GIFT & CRAFT FAIR
13 November 2011: Everglades Hotel, Derry

AN TAISCE CRAFT FAIR
20 November 2011: Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

PEACOG CRAFT FAIR
27 November 2011: Gortahork, Co. Donegal

LETTERKENNY CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
27 November 2011: Radisson Blue Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
27 November 2011: Ballinrobe Community School, Co. Mayo

And don't forget the Buttons and Bows Halloween Fancy Dress Market - 23rd October 2011 - Crumlin Road, Dublin 12. Sounds like fun!!

If anyone has any crafty news that would be of interest to our team members, please convo me through my Etsy shop TheBlueSylph.etsy.com before next Monday.

Next week's Crafty News will be brought to you from... Singapore!!! I'll be hoping to pick up some gorgeous fabrics in Arab Street for making lovely things like tribal belly dance costumes. I'll let you know how I get on, so watch this space next Monday!!
Natalie

Crafty News Desk

Hi Everyone!

Just a few tidbits of crafty news this week. Let me know if I am missing something important!

Craft Markets of Ireland Meet Up
Wednesday, October 5 · 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Exchange Dublin, corner of Exchange St. Upper and Essex St. West.
Craft stall holders and Market organisers are all invited and welcome to this Meet up. We are going to meet, chat and discuss topics relevant to how Craft Markets happen and work in Ireland at the moment. Whether you've been doing this for years or are a newcomer your thoughts are all welcome.The agenda will be decided on the day by those taking part. Come and meet other crafters, network and make friends.
This is a Meet up of the members of the Facebook group "Craft Markets of Ireland: Becoming Selective", that is open to all involved in craft markets. Crafters and Market Organisers are welcome to join the group, just look us up and ask to join. The group's aims include discussion and shared learning about how to make craft markets better. This is an open event, please pass on the invite to interested friends. If you cannot make it for the very start don't worry - come along when you can.
To find Exchange Dublin Collective Arts Centre on Google Maps click this LINK.

For anyone who is on Facebook, team member LolaDee Handmade is running a competition! You could win a custom zipper hair clip / brooch and matching pair of earrings. Details on the Facebook page here:
www.facebook.com/loladeehandmade

Buttons and Bows Market are will be holding a special Fancy Dress Halloween market on 23rd October in the Iveagh Grounds on the Crumlin Road, Dublin 12. Stalls will include jewellery, cards, candles, Face painting and crafts for the children. Stalls will cost €25. For further information on taking a stall please email buttonsandbowscraftmarket@hotmail.com

That's all from me for this week. If you have some crafty news please email me at thebluesylph@gmail.com or send me a convo through my Etsy shop The Blue Sylph before next Monday!

Natalie

Crafty News Desk

Hmm, it's not easy to get your work done when your cats seem to think your box of crafty scraps is their new bed when they're feeling poorly...

Hi Everyone! I'm Natalie aka The Blue Sylph and I am your new Crafty News Reporter! Those are my cats, but since that photo I have managed to keep them out of my crafty supplies, except for the bag of feathers they got hold of...

Apologies for the lack of Crafty News during the last few weeks, but I am here to report now! Thanks to Mo's aka Huggleknits hard work as my predecessor I have big shoes to fill, so here goes...

Crafts people wanted for a new craft shop in Mallow Co. Cork called Truly Gifted. They only sell handmade Irish goods and will run workshops for adults and children alike.
They are also looking for people to give workshops in their craft as well.
For more information please contact Majella on 083 4123737 or e-mail info@trulygifted.ie or click HERE.

Wicklow Christmas Gift and Craft Fair Sunday, 27th November 2011 now taking bookings for stalls. Information HERE.

Crafters Ireland (craft & food fairs) have upcoming Halloween & Christmas fairs/events. Check out their website for details HERE.

If you are looking for an outlet to sell your work, there are a few spaces available in Design Shed Ireland. They showcase up to 14 artists and crafts people every week in Blackrock. They have a purpose built shop which has 5 wall spaces and 9 tables spaces.
So if you hand make jewelry, are a potter, weave baskets, make candles, are an artist or photographer, or even a wood turner this could be for you. And the beauty of it all is you don’t even have to be there and they advertise you all week on our website blog facebook and twitter!
With only 12 weekends left until Christmas and spaces filling up fast now is the time to get your space secured in time for the Christmas market.
The Market opens every Saturday and Sunday from 10.30 to 5.30, every Bank holiday Monday and the week building up to Christmas.
To get involved simply send a few sample images of your work to designshedireland@gmail.com for more information on how it all works.
Check out our website to view who is in the shop and see the shop layout. www.designshedireland.com

THE CREATIVE COLLECTION - Craft Fair at The Mall, 1st Floor GOREY SHOPPING CENTRES Sat 8th Oct 10am-6pm More than 24 stands of high standard crafts. This event is the first of three, the other two are 12th Nov. and 10th Dec. The venue is a wonderful bright airy space. It's very accessible from the main shopping area by lift and lift from free car park too, also on foot from Gorey Main Street-through the Civic Centre and its opposite the library. All enquiries to carolfcarr@yahoo.co.uk Phone 0876263463

Don't forget it's still the Year of Craft, so check out all the events on the website:
www.craftinireland.com

An interesting upcoming event is in Athlone this weekend, Great Big Craft Extravaganza
3 Days of Shopping, Classes and Demos - Crafts include cardmaking, jewellery, scrapbooking, felting, photography and more. Check out their blog HERE.
And there's more in this post HERE.

That's all from me for this week. If you have any other crafty news please add it in a comment here, or convo me through my Etsy shop The Blue Sylph.
Natalie

Crafty Ireland News + UPDATES.....

Greetings from the Crafty News Desk
I have just popped back to say hello.

Natalie from thebluesylph is taking on the job but wont be here until September, so in the meantime she has asked me to do one more report, a sort of round up on whats on in August and any relevant news for the coming months.

August is a very busy month on the craft front with loads of events and market opportunities happening all around the country.

• All the main events are listed on the Year of Craft website - craftinireland
• For a full roundup of events in Northern Ireland see - augustcraftmonth
• The main Craft Council of Ireland have listings on market opportunities, events for sellers, resources etc. and it is a great resource to use - ccoi
• Crafters Ireland organise craft fairs and events around the country - craftersireland
• August is craft month in Cork - cork
• Exhibition of the RDS National Craft Competition winners is on in the Westmeath Civic Offices 23rd August - 23rd September
• Outdoor painting workshop in in Avoca next Saturday - avocapaintingschool
• Glass Fusing course in Westport on 10-11 September - blueglasshouse

NEWS EXTRA::::

A very special Craft Day in aid of the Famine in Africa will be held in Dublin on 3rd September next in the Damer Hall, St. Stephens Green.  Loads of Craft Classes (I will be taking a beginners knitting and demonstrating wool spinning on my trusty spinning wheel) and lots of crafts to buy as well as coffee and cakes......  It would be great to see you there.  Information here ---- handmaidcraftday

If you have any events that you would like to highlight and add to the list either add them to the end of this report as a comment or contact me through my shop and I will add them to the main list.

That's about it for now.  I am looking forward to what Natalie brings to the News Reports and know that she will do a great job.  Best of luck Natalie.

Cheers
Mo
HUGGLEKNITS

Dublin Meet Up, March 2011

Hi Anne-Marie here with the promised write up on the goings on at the Dublin meeting last Saturday, 5th March 2011. Mo and I have pooled notes. Please convo me if anything important has been left out or is incorrect.

(Apologies for purloining this photo from a previous post)

12 team members met up at the super funky, Cafe and Gallery, Foam. Some of us got so excited by the natter, we forgot to take photos. By 'we' I mean moi, sorry!

Apart from Mo and Myself, present were:Margaret of Irish Sea Glass, Carla of Ava Rose Designs, Eimear of Ella Green Jewellery, Fi of Patchwork Delights, Elisa of Elimare, Mary of both Queen of Cuffs and A Wish for You, Natalie of The Blue Sylph, Irina of both Kaftan.Sarafan and Project Sarafan, Diana of Diana Marshall Fine Art and Driven to Abstraction and Gionvanna of Tirabaralla. Everyone was buzzing with ideas and a lot of useful hints for selling were shared. Here are the hightlights:

PROBLEMS PHOTOGRAPHING
Most of us fessed up to having difficulties with our photos. A previous post about photography by Ruth of Nice Day Designs was sited as invaluable. It was suggested that a link to this post be more visible on the blog. Our Blog Editor, Brigitte of Purls of Colour, has suggested including the article in the link 'New to Etsy' over in the Category list, found on the left hand side of the blog home page. Any comments/feedback on this would be most welcome.

TREASURY VIEWS
I'm on a mission to discover why some treasuries get 100s of views. If you know the secret please do spill the beans!!! Fi suggested we set up a treasury team to make and promote our treasuries. This treasury game seems to be working for the European Street Team and others. It was also mentioned that everyone ought to promote our own and each other's treasuries by using the provided links to Facebook, Twitter, Kaboodle, etc, regardless of whether you are feautured or not. We are on a mission to get our treasuries on the front page and get our wee team noticed! Perhaps these ideas could be developed by commenting on the existing treasury discussion thread.

SKILLS SWAPSHOP
Elisa suggested we get together to trade skills, something she has done successfully with friends. She has followed up on this fab idea with this Skillz Swap thread. Why not pop over and check it out!

THE YEAR OF CRAFT
Everyone is keen to do something to link in with the Year of Craft 2011 and to promote Etsy in Ireland. Again, please post ideas in this Year of Craft discussion thread.

I suggested we link our current St Patrick's Day Treasure Hunt in as a good starting point. I followed up with the Craft Council who were very helpful and have added a listing on their site as well as tweeting our link etc. We hope to be able to add more events to their calandar, though we would appeal for anyone with experience writing press releases to lend assistance please????

Several of the group are keen to organise either an Etsy-only market event this year and/or take up a corner of an existing market under an Etsy banner. The topic of a pop-up shop also came up again. Interested parties are looking into possibilities. It was suggested that plenty of time be awarded this, ie looking at the run up to Christmas as the target. Again, perhaps this is something that can be followed up with a private discussion thread to enable those who can be and wish to be involved to find each other and to develop the ideas.

We discovered that both Natalie and Mary are skilled graphic designers. They discussed designing a funky postcard together to promote the team, one that could be left in places such as Dublin Tourism, hotels, craft markets etc. Ideas as to the purpose and distribution of such a postcard are sought, again via the discussion thread for the Year of Craft. (eg a competition/blog giveaway - eg send this card to x address to be entered in a draw?)

THINK TANK
The team still needs a 'think tank' to pull promotional ideas together and to write press releases etc. I don't wish to put anyone on the spot but there was some exciting potential among the attendees. Anyone with experience in Marketing, Pr, Press releases, Event Management etc who would like to be part of a Think Tank can please comment below or convo our Team Captain, Letizia of ooak.ie.

SUPPLIES
Box Displays were recommended as another supplier to add to our growing list of recommended suppliers

BLOG CONTRIBUTIONS
Mo asked for any craft event news from your area to be sent to her by covo please. Crafty News is posted every Monday. I also reminded everyone that your contributions to the blog (How Tos, Trade Secrets, Eyes Open Ireland or anything related and relevant) will be welcomed by Brigitte with open arms. Contributing to the blog is great exposure for your shop too!!!

Treasury of Attendees

After much natter and coffee the highlight of the meeting was the show and tell. Everyone agreed how cool it was to actually see and touch each other's beautiful handwork, having seen the photos. We really are a talented bunch!!! Some of us couldn't resist making a purchase.

The above treasury is my way of making up for the sorry lack of photos.

We agreed that we need to meet up more frequently to follow up on these ideas or just to share hints and tips. By the way, any team member is invited to the Dublin meetings or perhaps you would like to call a meeting in your own area.

The Ferocious Mingle Market, A Unique Experience

It’s Halloween all year round at Dublin’s only fancy dress market, the Ferocious Mingle Market! With flea markets and craft fairs enjoying a resurge in popularity, the FMM stands out from the rest as a quirky and fun event.

The market is held the second Sunday each month in the Co-op Building, Newmarket Square, Dublin 8. Stall holders and customers are encouraged to dress up in ‘mild to over-the-top’ fancy dress. Shoppers also have the opportunity to win a cash prize should they unwittingly purchase a pre-selected item, know as ‘The Mingle’. Live music is provided by the fabulous Truly DiVine & Burl Esquire. A Buskers' Corner also provides a stage for musicians, poets, magicians, storytellers, and dancers (performers keep 100% of their hat money.)

If anyone is equipped to make a success of it it’s the organiser, Rainey J Dillon. She has an impressive background in art and business. An artist who studied marketing and finance, she’s done everything from portraiture artist to working on the restoration of a mediaeval town in France, while selling hand crafts in the local brocantes. She also makes OOAK steam punk jewellery.

Not a great fan of outdoor markets, especially with Irish weather, Rainey decided to open an indoor one with a twist. ‘I also really wanted to guarantee myself a regular inside pitch!’ she jokes. There was a free Sunday available at the Co-op building so she seized the opportunity.

Yours truly, aka Handmade by Amo'r

‘But why fancy dress? ‘ I ask, joining in whole-heartedly each month but not fully sure why.

‘’As a child I remember my Da taking me to the markets to see my aunts and uncles who sold at Moore St and at Mother Redcaps ‘’ Rainey replies. ‘’ My Granny was a marketeer and my Great Grandfather sold silks & inks at Dublin's markets. Back then you’d always find CHARACTERS either buying or selling... the woman with the 'big lip', Johnny forty Coats, Bang Bang with his imaginary gun, Snakeman, Wild Hair Harry. These personalities led to stories and chat and a feeling of a community, a comradery. Fancy Dress lends a confidence, diluting shyness to a degree. People tend to chat and laugh more when costume is at play. ‘’

As a new stall holder myself, I tend to agree. It can be a struggle finding the balance between starting a conversation and scaring the browser away. People can’t help but smile or comment on the fancy dress, making it easier to engage without putting the customer on the spot.

Natalie

Several members of the Crafty Ireland Team have taken stalls at the market. Natalie of the Blue Sylph has even entertained with her graceful, tribal-style belly dancing. ‘There's a great vibe’ she says. ‘I love the mix of handcrafted goods and vintage items for sale. ‘

(Camera shy) Judith

Judith of A box for my Treasure comments ‘the effort that some people go to is quite amazing (stall holders AND shoppers) and creates a great atmosphere. The market attracts a pretty diverse group of shoppers - probably more diverse than I’ve seen at other markets where I sell - you’ll find young families; teenagers; college students; women in their 20’s, 30’s and beyond, and even the odd male! As it’s a relatively new market I haven’t found it to be super busy yet, but it has lots of potential.'

Tanya of The Happy Heart Place (TanyaMac)and Mary of A Wish for You sporting angel wings.

Only 5 months old, the market is gradually building momentum and has had some exposure in the media. ‘The market will be what it will be.' says Rainey. 'It will evolve the way it is meant to. As a stall holder I can see it getting busier each month. As a 'seasoned' stall holder and retailer I expect the 'lulls' and so this does not shake my confidence in the market. ‘

The next fantastical Ferocious Mingle Market will be taking place on 14th November. Fabulous fun is planned and there is always something new! With 45 stalls, free parking and a scrummy coffee shop, there's something for everyone. For more info and /or to apply for a stall visit the website.

CRAFTY NEWS DESK.....

News just in .......

2 items of interest have just come in to the Crafty News Desk....

• Andrea stopped by to tell me about a new Show and Tell starting on her blog this Friday 25th. Full details here: http://lushstuffstore.blogspot.com/p/lush-friday.html


• Geraldine from STITCH, that great little craft spot in Santry, has news of a tempting workshop on Saturday next 26th on making cute crochet tea cosies . . . Full details here: http://www.stitch.ie/crochet-tea-cosy/

Thanks to Natalie from http://www.etsy.com/shop/thebluesylph I am working on a calendar of upcoming events and will be bringing you a weekly update. If there is anything of interst happening please let me know. We would also like to hear how the events went. Use the button on the side to get in touch.

Cheers

Mo http://www.huggleknits.etsy.com