East London Craft Guerrilla

A new year and a new venture!

2012-01-25T03:48:00.000-08:00

We're absolutely chuffed to have been awarded the opportunity to set up shop in the Wood Street Indoor Market in Walthamstow.
We won our space through a competition and out of 140 applicants we managed to bag ourselves a very nice little space. Actually it's a very nice large space!

Craft Guerrilla will open its shop in early February with the grand opening on the 11th of February which also coincides with the Valentine's fair. It's a short hop and a skip from Vestry House so pop by and see what the new space looks like!

We'll be offering a workshop space which will hold numerous classes and drop in sessions including a weekly "Knit & Natter" afternoon with tea and cake. All weekly events will be listed on our events page soon so keep your peepers peeled!

As well as that you'll find sewing machine rental by the hour (we're still awaiting to hear from our sponsors but we hope to offer that real soon!) and a little boutique area with a selection of illustrations, zines, craft packs and designer maker items which will be available to purchase.

Lots of fab new designers and indie businesses are joining the already established market traders so it's a very cool and contemporary mix ranging from second hand bric a brack and clothing shops, a 78 gramophone records shop, illustrator and artist galleries, vintage vinyl, cafés, cake shops, a restaurant, a few dress makers, framers, florists, antiques and collectables, a revolving exhibition space and many more!

The Craft Guerrilla shop is situated through the side entrance and we're in unit 37. Direct trains from London Liverpool Street and a short walk from Walthamstow Central Tube station (Victoria Line).
We're so excited about our plans and we hope to see you soon!

Etsy Labs...Make your Own Valentine!

2012-01-25T03:30:00.000-08:00

The Etsy crew are joining us on the 11th of February at the Vestry House Museum. Get your valentine the perfect gift and if you haven't one to call your own well then I think we can help by getting you to join in the crafty fun!!!

"Don’t have a Valentine this year? Fear not! Come make your very own plush boy/girlfriend and customise 'till your heart's content. As an exception, the ones in love are also welcome! Why not customise your doll to look like you or your sweetheart? All materials provided!

The workshop is taking place at Craft Guerrilla's Love Handmade Fair, where you can peruse heaps of romantically-inspired goodies for the object of your affection. The fair is open from 11am - 4pm, and our workshop kicks off at 12."

These are too cute!!! Get your self your own sweet little lady or a honey bunny!

Hope to see ya there!

A Beautiuful Mess...

2012-01-20T10:18:00.000-08:00

We are swooning over "A beautiful mess"! No, no... it's not the state of our kitchen...that is truly a mess but I wouldn't call it beautiful.
This web publication is everything and more I'd expect from an all girl team of sassy, fashion loving, craft making blog writers.
Packed with posts, interviews, fashion tips, step by step tutorials (like these pretty floral suitcases) and some great recipes too. The Nutella cookies look amazing! I had to stop myself from licking the computer screen. *cough cough* I didn't by the way but it was a close one!

Tutorial link here

Elsie Larson is the brain child behind "A Beautiful Mess" and we absolutely love her blog! Go check it out and keep it in your book mark tab...I for one will visit it again and again.
I will definitely be making the lace design table very soon. Thanks ladies, keep up the fabulous work!

Blog address: http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Tutorial link here

Have you Zine the news?

2012-01-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

After almost three years in publication we've taken the difficult decision to call it a day regarding our tri monthly zine...well we're ceasing to offer it in the printed form.

I can still remember the beginning of this long lived love affair which started in secondary school and led me to produce my first ever Fanzine. "The scholastic scream" was filled with teenage angst and rebellion. I was a very angry little 14 year old in red patent leather doc martins, purple mohican and heavy coaled panda eyes. Back then we all wore too much eye liner!

With so much happening at Craft Guerrilla it's just another project which we can't commit to entirely and if you're familiar with what we do you'll know by now that when we do things... we like to give it our all!

We'll still be producing it in a PDF format which means we're kinder to trees and it's cheaper to run. The new version will still be packed with craft projects, interviews, recipes and lots of new illustrating talent.

Look out for our "special limited edition zines" which occasionally will be printed in short runs and available to buy as a hard copy ...
because believe it or not our love of zines will not allow us to give it up completely!

*Summer edition 2011 illustrated by Isobel Kho
If you'd like to get your mitts on the copies we still have available then visit the Guerrilla shop.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it: Craft Guerrilla Valentine's Fair!

2012-01-10T08:35:00.001-08:00

That's right my sweet bundles of craft loving joy this February we're back to the Vestry House Museum for another filled to the brim designer maker fair... AND best of all it's just in time for Valentine's!

Because we know how important it is to show the LOVE we've selected a few designers which will set your hearts racing and swooning for all things hand made.
So bring yer fella (or good lady) give him a gentle nudge (a hammer might be deployed if he is anything like mine...he does not do subtlety!) and he might just buy you that special Valentine's love token you've been longing for!
There will be tons of love filled hand made items both for boys and girls so if you fancy showing them just how much you care then get your little sweet patooties to the best Designer Maker Fair in the Walthamstow Village Quarter.

Also if you haven't that special someone to call your own don't worry because ETSY are hosting a very special workshop for us at the fair: "No Valentine's? Make your own!"
Remember ETSY workshops are free so come bright and early as spaces are limited (starting at 12 noon).

The Craft Guerrilla "LOVE HAND MADE Valentine's Fair" (Sponsored by Etsy)
Saturday 11th of February 11am to 4pm
Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH
Entry is free!

First 50 visitors get an Etsy goodie bag...

*Please note that this event is a fund raiser organized by Craft Guerrilla in aid of the William Morris Gallery Refurbishment fund so if you are feeling generous and would like to help us make a larger donation then there are "donation boxes" in the museum shop. Show your <3 LOVE <3 and give generously!

Crafty New Year!

2012-01-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

Hi there my little crafty chums...we do hope you've had a very restful and creative holiday season! We've had a nice little rest but as usual we're chomping at the bit to get back into it.
Check out our events page and see what we have lined up... I can feel it's going to be a very CRAFTY NEW YEAR!!!!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

That's it my craft loving kittens... only 5 days to go before Christmas! I hope you have a fabulous holiday and that olde Saint Nick brings you all you wish for!!!
I've had a blast this year...made lots of new friends, learned lots of new crafty skills, participated in all sorts of great events and will now be embarking on a few exciting adventures in the new year.There have also been a few changes regarding the collective and due to life it is now run solely by me. It's still a collective but it's now all down to one woman with a nack for spinning a dozen plates at once, a love for quality hand made designer goods and a belief that CRAFT is the answer to so many questions! Of course it goes without saying that many hands have helped Craft Guerrilla get to where it is today and that they are still lending us a knitted mitten when needed. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Also a huge thank you to everyone (shoppers, designer makers, crafters and all) for your support and enthusiasm... I absolutely love the craft community and am so proud to be part of such a vibrant and growing scene.
I hope to come back in 2012 bright eyed, bushy tailed and raring to go on his fantastic voyage with you!!!Craft Guerrilla will be sailing back in February with a few new ventures and an all new monthly night in Archway, North London. That's right, "The Craftivista Social Club" will now happen at the Hideaway Bar every second Tuesday of each month. I'm very,very excited about this and can't wait to start!Stay well, stay crafty and remember... there's still time to make, bake and shop HAND MADE!!!
X
Deborah
Founding member of Craft Guerrilla

Not one but two!!!!

2011-12-06T14:21:00.001-08:00

OH YES...we know how to treat you craft loving people, we've organized two mini workshops for you so you can get into the Christmas crafting spirit!
Book your spot now but don't hesitate as places are going fast...
For work shop info, details and bookings please have a look here:
http://eastlondoncraftguerrilla.blogspot.com/p/events-diary.html

Who loves ya baby?!

*P.S. Don't forget we're taking January off but we'll be back all bright eyed and bushy tailed on the 9th of February. Same time same place.

What a Christmas hellaballoo!

2011-12-06T14:02:00.001-08:00

Thank you to everyone that made last Saturday's market such a winner! It was so busy...I think there wasn't one single quiet moment during the whole day...
We've had a record breaking 700 + visitors to the Vestry House Museum and they were all super lovely.
Having so many visitors to the gallery is wonderful as they need people to keep it going!!! Otherwise local council will take away funding because they say that there's not enough foot fall to keep it open.
We love our local galleries and we're blessed with not one but two plus we like to see our community thriving with great art and cultural events so it's imperative that these galleries remain open.
The William Morris Gallery is currently under refurb hence why we were at Vestry House instead so If you've missed it smack yourself on the hand...you naughty, naughty person...here are a few photos so you can see exactly what you've missed! And if you're really clever you can pop in and check out the Craft Guerrilla display case which has a few items for sale...

Get your self into Ship Shape...

2011-11-28T15:06:00.001-08:00

Shipshape Studio is a new creative venue and boutique in Northwood, NW London near Harrow, founded by Emily and her partner Adam. They are also our Christmas fair sponsors so if you'd like to know a bit more about them read on!

"Adam's a musician and I'm a writer and designer-maker so craft and creativity are things that have always been a part of our daily lives. We'd always dreamt of one day doing something in the creative world but didn't quite know what. Just over a year ago we were all set to leave the tiny, cute cottage that we were renting in Brighton and head to the big smoke but Adam, the tall and clumsy one, fell and fractured his head a week before we were set to move. Our plans were tossed out of the window however, over the months that it took him to properly recover, we talked and dreamt and had a brand new creative plan. After months of working and planning, we launched Shipshape Studio on 19th November 2011.

Shipshape Studio is an engaging and friendly space where new skills can be learnt and ideas swapped. We know that making things for yourself is very empowering and you can make things the way you like them rather than what's on offer in the shops. We've got some of the best designer-makers in London teaching creative and crafty workshops in a fun and friendly atmosphere, which we think is the perfect environment for learning new skills. Complimentary drinks from indie companies and homemade cakes are served in every class too because, well, everyone loves tea and cake, right?!
Our upcoming classes are available to book through our website and you can email us if you'd like to book a class starting in 2012. We're always open to new ideas so please don't be shy and get in touch if you have an idea for a class you'd like to take, or if you're a designer-maker and have an idea for a new class. We also host events like exhibitions, parties and film screenings so get in touch as we'd be happy to hear from you! As well as hosting art, craft and creative workshops, and events and parties with a difference, Shipshape Studio also has a quirky online and in-store shop full of vintage, handmade and design-led lifestyle products and craft supplies. We stock lots of wonderful talented folk, including Sandra Dieckmann, Abby Wright, Fritha Strickland and Hannah Latham, as well as my personal creations under the name of Handmade by Emily and our own-brand range of design-led homeware. Our online shop isn't up and running just yet but pop instore to shop our products, or take a look at our online shop when it's open in a couple of weeks.

Community is very important to us at Shipshape Studio and we run craft nights every 2nd and 4th Thursday evening of the month, 7pm - 9pm. Entry is free and you can bring along the latest project you are working on or purchase some supplies, have a cup of tea and a slice of cake, and meet other local crafty types. All ages (over 18s), abilities and disciplines are welcome – artists, illustrators, designers, knitters, sewers, crafters – come along! We look forward to meeting you!

You can find our bricks-and-mortar shop and venue in a little yard accessed between Ellie's Hair Salon and Just Sew on High Street, Northwood, Greater London, HA6 1BN. It is a 10 minute walk from Northwood Tube Station or you can catch the H11 or 282 bus from the tube station to us. There is free on-street parking nearby, and the area is easily accessible from London, Middlesex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. You can relax in our courtyard walled with plant-filled 1950s and 1960s apple crates and enjoy a coffee after your journey.

Our regular opening hours are 10am – 6pm Tuesday to Saturday but we're open at other times for classes and private hire. Just see our What's On page or email us at hello@shipshapestudio.co.uk for more information! Drop us a line by post or email, or give us a call on 01923 828987 if you have any questions or queries. We're always happy to hear from you!

We're very pleased to be sponsoring the Craft Guerrilla Christmas Market this year. If you haven't visited one of their events yet, you're in for a treat! Head on down at 11am and be sure to come and visit us afterwards too!

Places you can find us
Shop and Venue ::

Unit A, Albert Yard,

Rear of 18 High Street,

Northwood,

Middlesex

HA6 1BN
01923 - 828987
hello@shipshapestudio.co.uk"

Website :: www.shipshapestudio.co.uk
Twitter :: www.twitter.com/ShipshapeStudio
Facebook :: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shipshape-Studio/124354117671937
Flickr :: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shipshapestudio

Christmas Fair Designers. Lets take a sneaky peek....

2011-11-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

I so wish I had a furry little mutt to lavish with gifts this Christmas but unfortunately my two cats wouldn't appreciate the edition to the house hold so for now...I'm content with buying gifts for my family and friends who are lucky enough to have a pooch!

Cute hand printed key chain!

Edwyn UK is lovely pet oriented hand made company but it's not all for fashionable doggies or cute little kittens as Louise Brooker makes gorgeous home wares too! Sturdy, handsome and pet proof so in my book that's pretty good!!!

Dog shield cushion...what a great idea for a family crest!

Dog bone cushion...super cute!

So if you know any pet lovers who pine for a little furry friend then maybe this could be a perfect gift! Not every land lord welcomes animals so maybe a beautiful doggy inspired cushion could help fill that pet shaped void...

Dog collar neckerchief! Handsome and cool for any stylish dog about town!

Drought excluder...very useful for draft UK homes!

Make your own wrapping paper...

2011-11-23T06:05:00.001-08:00

It may seem like one of those mad ideas, especially when you have already so much to do but I promise you that it's well worth it. Furoshiki wrapping is a Japanese technique which is both easy and beautiful so no printing, painting,stamping, carving up potatoes or cutting out of any sort. You'll be using fabric and the best way to do this is with a neckerchief which can cost pence in any charity shop. You'll have quite a choice ranging from silk, cotton as well as pretty vintage ones too. My local PDSA has quite a few which will be perfect for this!

So make your gifts the best looking ones under the Christmas tree! Furoshiki wrap itself can be a gift too...once they've opened their lovely gift they can use it as a neckerchief or shawl...

For instructions and tutorials visit:
http://www.squidoo.com/furoshiki

Christmas Fair Designers. Lets take a sneaky peek....

2011-11-19T11:00:00.000-08:00

Ho ho ho...

Hand printed cards from Biba's Tea Party!

Ho ho ho...we know just how much you craft loving people LOVE Chrimbo cheer so what better way is there of spreading some holiday joy then by sending some hand made greeting?!

London City Scape Chrimbo card...

Biba's Tea Party is an amazing little Hand made card company fronted by the talented Rebecca Moyster.


Deer paper chains...

I absolutely love her illustrations and clean modern lines...plus she has some awesome paper chains... with deers!

Selection of Biba's beautiful Christmas cards!

OOOH, you know me, I love deer so you know that these beauties will be hanging up in my flat. Fact! ACTUALLY I might just keep them up all year!

Behind the red door...

2011-11-16T06:04:00.001-08:00

No,
it's not a new version of the Shakin' Stevens classic but a brand spanking new Art and Craft gallery in the bowels of East Ham!

(Sorry...now that I've added that tune to your brain like a rock n roll loving earwig here's Shakin' Stevens for you though clicking on the video is optional...)

Situated near Central Park on the South Side of the High Street this beautifully formed ex medical glass components factory is the home of a very special place fronted by the lovely Canadian born Dolores.
Once I got over the one hour bus journey ( from Walthamstow on the 58 bus) I approached a cute little side street. On there is a small brick fronted Victorian factory with peaked roof tops, first floor stable doors like the ones you get in Amsterdam houses lined with hanging baskets and a big double door which is painted the brightest RED... hence the name "RED Door Studios".
I stepped through and entered a narrow outdoor corridor come café come indoor walled garden. As you continue down the skinny corridor you arrive into the main entrance of the building where I was greeted by an upright piano, a few comfy sofas, DJ decks and lots of space to sit and make.
I love the communal feel and I'm told many parties have just sporadically happened due to the nature of the space. I think it will keep happening because it is a very special place. It's not just an "Arty" space but what Dolores hopes it to be is a space where things happen and where people meet to make things happen!
Dolores took me on the grand tour and though still in the "renovation" stage it looks like it has a lot of potential. She truly is a lady with vision and determination!
She took me through a few rooms one of them to be the Café, the small but perfect studio office then to where a ceramics and multi discipline studio will be set up. As a ceramicist I was very impressed as not many spaces apart from schools have pottery studios so I am very pleased indeed that she will be offering this facility.
Upstairs there are a couple of tidy bright rooms, one of them being an artists studio and a jewellery studio which is still in the planning stage. It will have benches and will be adaptable to other similar disciplines for people to rent out and/or drop in to use tools, benches and all other facilities.
It really is a fantastic space and we hope that you'll be able to visit one day... though the bus trip may have seemed long the moment I walked through the door and was met by the welcoming and warm Dolores...well, the journey just seemed to be worth the slog! I definitely will be going back again and again!

If you fancy going there for some Christmas crafty cheer then have a look at their Face Book Page...there are a few craft workshops to choose from so go and make merry! Otherwise contact them via email: reddoorstudios@ymail.com or call: 07515378548

Christmas Fair Designers. Lets take a sneaky peek...

2011-11-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

This lady is a one woman fashion brand! Chloe is the brain child behind "Dot your teas" a fresh, sassy hand made label made for modern, eclectic gals with an ethical conscience.

Her accessories are not just fun but also classy...I so can see myself wearing this! Ha ha ha...I'm not calling myself classy but I do like FUN beautiful accessories.
I really want to buy everything and I adore her fabulous pom pom head band.

If you're after a bit of East London design magic then come and peruse her stall...I promise that you won't be disappointed!

Please note that the images are from Dot Your Teas website and we can't promise these exact items will be on sale on the 3rd of December. If there's a particular item that you like please contact the designer: http://www.dotyourteas.com/port1.html

Got Craft?

2011-11-14T07:30:00.001-08:00

Be it a "yes" or a "no" answer to that question we think you really should go and get some of Got Craft's fabulous Christmas fair magic!
Andrea and Rob are fresh over from Canada where they run a very successful events company and highly regarded Craft Fairs. Given time and with your support I think that they will also achieve that over here. I'm so pleased that they've decided to bring their project to London and I welcome them with open arms!

Come on down on Sunday the 27th of November to the Tooting Tram & Social for their first offering and have a look at what all the fuss is about...you will not be disappointed!
Support your local crafts people, designer makers and lets make this Christmas a hand made one!

P.S. And I'll be DJ-ing at the Got Craft fair too! My DJ alter ego Frida Black-Heart will be on the wheels of steel spinning some crafty vintage beats...lots of Deco Jazz, Rag time, 1950's Rock n Roll, Rock a billy, Blues, Latino, 1960's Psychedelia and some good old Chrimbo tunes! Ohhh don't forget to bring those dancing shoes!!!

10 minute project...

2011-11-12T16:23:00.000-08:00

This cute pincushion ring can be made in about 10 minutes flat. It's sweet, quick and an easy project to make when you're felling crafty but are pressed for time.
Also you can make it entirely out of recycled materials!!!

You'll need: a scrap of fabric (outer circle)
a piece of felt or denim (inner circle)
thread
stuffing
a plastic top from a drinks bottle
elastic
ribbon
drill or dibber
a needle and a pin
a glue gun
scissors

So come one...get your bits and bobs together and lets start making:

Before we start : plug in your glue gun (if you haven't one use a strong adhesive and leave to dry overnight)

Step 1: cut a circle out of some fabric and a smaller circle out of a stiffer material like denim or felt.

Step 2: centre and pin the inner circle into place. Sew a running stitch on the outer fabric just short of the inner circle. I've used red thread so you can see but I would have used white cotton thread otherwise.

Step 3: pull the stitches together to form a ruff and so your circle becomes a little pouch...

Step 4: fill with stuffing or roving (wool for needle felting), pull tight and stitch into place so it doesn't undo. You should have a tight little bundle.

Step 5: drill a hole with a craft drill or use a dibber to make two holes in your plastic bottle top.
Step 6: cut a piece of elastic and place through the holes to make the base of your pin cushion ring.

Step 7: once you pulled through your elastic, place on your finger and tie a knot on each end so it fits perfectly. Snip any surplus elastic.

Step 8: place a dab of glue under the knot so to keep it in place and a large dab over the elastic plus around the inner rim of the bottle cap. Place your stuffed pincushion top into the glued cap and press down firmly into place. Leave to dry for a minute.

Step 9: place a few dabs of glue and add the ribbon on the outside and tie both ends into a bow. Stitch a small tack stitch to keep the bow secure.

Step 10: Et Voila, C'est fini!!!!

Help us get the word out...

2011-11-11T16:33:00.001-08:00

Post it on your Face Book page, on Twitter and where ever you can...yup people, I'm talking about our gorgeous poster which was designed by the talented illustrator Rebecca aka "One Sugar Please"!

A big thank you to our lovely sponsor Ship Shape Studio for being so awesome and generous plus we also need to say TA VERY MUCH to Sanna Panda for screen printing a cute limited edition tote which will be given to the first 25 people to visit the Craft Guerrilla table on the 3rd of December.

Christymas fair designers. Lets take a sneaky peek...

2011-11-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Miwary

I love Miwa and her absolutely bonkers but totally wearable stylish creations. She'll be at the Craft Guerrilla Christmas Fair on December 3rd at Vestry House Museum so pop in and see what gorgeously fab, inspired by nana's attic creations she's ll be showcasing!

I love her 3D fabric tea cups and I'm hoping she'll be bringing a few. I know someone who'll be very pleased if she gets one of those for Christmas!!!!

BUT...If you can't wait...have a peep here: http://www.miwary.com/

Remember that it's free to get in... and the first 25 people get a special edition printed tote courtesy of Sanna Panda & Friends!!!

Decorations a go go!

2011-11-07T15:43:00.000-08:00

OK I'm maybe asking too much of myself but I really like the idea of making my own Christmas decorations...even though I realistically don't need the extra work this is something which I know would give me immense pleasure.

I'm fed up of shop bought, loud, glitter & tinsel overloaded decorations and as much as I love a bit of "bling" sometimes I crave a little bit of visual quiet.

So could paper/felt decorations be the answer? Personally I'd say yes.
Simple non fussy and pretty decorations that you can make and enjoy at the fraction of the price plus come the end of the season you can recycle as next year you'll be able to make some fresh ones out of scraps from your December recycling box or out of any pretty wrapping paper you've kept from the previous year.

I have so many Christmas baubles and decorations at the back of the cupboard that I fear one day that it'll come to life and will start giving out advice like "the trash heap" in Fraggle Rock!

There are so many types of on line paper decoration tutorials and by far this blog has been one of the favourite ones : http://www.curbly.com/chrisjob/posts/9452-how-to-make-modern-paper-ornaments

Not just one tutorial but a whole selection of really lovely
projects...which is rare.
Have a look at the gorgeous yet simple tutorials and get making!

These paper baubles are great and I've made some similar ones with recycled high quality paper magazines.
I'm definitely going to try making the paper trees...and the paper strip decoration...and the wreath...and...Oh darn...I think I'm going to try to make them all!

Sushi anyone?

2011-11-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Because this Christmas I will be surrounded by 6 children all under the age of 10 I think this will be the perfect gift for them. This way we can sit down, make and keep ourselves occupied for a while...

I love this tutorial and the best thing is that it's both perfect for little girls for dolly play time as for cookery obsessed little boys. I think I'll be making some for myself too as it's too cute to resist!!!

For full instruction and pattern please visit this awesome blog : http://taoofcraft.typepad.com/taoofcraft/2010/08/felt-sushi-tutorial-and-pattern.html

Christmas fair designers. Lets take a sneaky peek...

2011-11-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

Its with great pleasure that we welcome back to our fair James Ward aka Jimbob Ceramics! I must confess that I simply love animals in clothing so...obviously Jim has struck a cord in my little animal lovers heart.

His beautiful and quirky ceramic home wares are adorned with hand drawn illustrations. Tea pots, cake plates, mugs and stacking coffee cup sets as well as some very lovely prints...so come on, treat the animal in you to some mighty fine shopping!!!

Bliss...

2011-11-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

After yesterday's inspirational talk by the knitting queen Debbie Bliss I threw my hand at a little bit of woolie crafting. I'm not a natural knitter or crocheter come to that...which is odd because as I child I loved sitting with my gran on the terrace crocheting dresses for my dollies. I seem to remember that I was quite good too but I think that when it comes to these types of crafts that the old saying "you never forget, it's like riding a bike" doesn't apply. Well not in my case anyway.
However I can do the basics so I picked up a crochet needle, a nice chunky size 12 hook and made a multi strand neck piece. It's actually quite cozy and soft so it also functions as a scarf thingy...not sure it would classify as a snood or scarf but "thingy" will do for now.

It was really easy to make. Crochet a few different lengths 2 row crochet strands, lay them out on a flat surface, place them in decreasing size order then attach ends with a piece of your yarn or stitch together so you're left with what could look like a multi chain open ended necklace. So you're attaching the strand onto the last strand then onto the next. You should still have two ends and not a continuous loop.
Form a small loop with the biggest strand on one end and sew a chunky bead on to the other to fasten shut. Et voila!

Now that I've reignited the passion for all things wool I'm pretty sure that my main problem is deciphering patterns. The actual process of knitting and crocheting is straight forward and simple and what I find scary are the abbreviations, terms, the variation of terms between US and UK patterns and so forth.It's like a language in itself!
I guess if explained and if my attention span wasn't so short then I would be able to master the knit!
Hum, maybe in the new year we can get a tutor in to run a knitting workshop for A.D.D. knitters.
I'm sure a lot of you would like to learn to read patterns...non?!

Christmas stress buster...

2011-11-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

With almost two whole months to get through until the big day and I'm already starting to feel the stress!
Head pounding, palm sweating, back aching not to mention the gammy pirate leg aches and pains all due to STRESS and all that comes from trying to find those elusive bits & bobs we all crave for in order to host a splendorous and perfect Christmas. Why do we keep doing this to ourselves? Friends and family will love us regardless...even if you served a paper plate full of cheesy wotsits they'd still love you!
Seems that we're not just content with making the perfect presents, decoupaging beautiful decorations, baking scrumptious cakes, mixing gorgeous yule tide cocktails as well as printing our own gift wrap it also looks like we're ready to embark on the voyage of discovery where you WILL finding that perfect "It's a Wonderful Life" kissing under the mistletoe frock... no matter what!
So my little crafty chums let me help you a tiny bit...here are a few links to some pretty cool designer makers, fashion providers, tutorials and "gift ideas"that will surely make your life a little bit easier in the run up to the festive season.
The links feature a few of my favourite things...Some you'll be able to purchase and because I always find making relaxing I've added a few links to fab tutorials and workshops for you to MAKE your own too!
What about the " Family Guy" Clip? Ha, that's just because apart from a very large cocktail you'll also need a good pinch of humour to keep you going.... the Peter Griffith Christmas Album snippet always makes me laugh!

*Tattoo tights... all the fun of tattoos without the pain. Make your own: http://www.urbanthreads.com/pages?id=736

*Gorgeous Vintage clothing by Frillseekers. Visit them in Portobello Market or at their pop up boutique at our monthly Make do & Mend D.I.Y. craft night... http://www.frillseekersvintage.com/

*Hand made and totally lush accessories: http://the-aviary.co.uk/
For more online hand made shopping visit: http://www.etsy.com/

*Take a little tea break or go get some tasty treats to adorn your festive table. Sometimes you just don't have the time so get some gorgeous cup cakes to treat yourself, friends and family: http://www.beasofbloomsbury.com/

*Making your own truffles can be the best stress buster around...mmmm...the smell of chocolate is quite soothing! Make some to give or book a spot in the workshop as a gift: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=239057232816367

*Check for events close to where you live and buy hand made! Don't forget we're in Vestry House Museum, Walthamstow on the 3rd of December! http://ukhandmade.co.uk/

*A Classic but still a great read and a great companion to the modern household. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Do-Mend-Official-Reproductns/dp/1843172658

*Beautiful, understated Christmas decorations. A great step by step tutorial and a top blog too: http://lorajeansmagazine.blogspot.com/2008/04/paper-bag-flower-from-scratch.html

*Give your gifts a certain "Je nes sais quoi" with I Heart Zenna's gorgeous tape: http://heartzeena.bigcartel.com/product/harriet-heart-print-sticky-tape

*Inspirational illustrations...love this printed wrapping paper by Layla Amber: http://www.layla-amber.co.uk/1/post/2010/12/my-very-own-christmas-wrapping-paper.html
Visit her on line shop for perfect little gifts: http://www.layla-amber.co.uk/shop.html

*The ultimate pre Christmas relaxer...Drink, shop and do! OOH I also hear they're opening a Club Night downstairs in the former "Sex Shop"... wowzer now it's Drink, Shop, Do & Dance!!!
http://drinkshopdo.com/Drink,_Shop_%26_Do/Drink,_Shop_%26_Do_%E2%80%94_Do.html

Movember!!!

2011-11-01T05:45:00.000-07:00

Ned Flanders

If you're anything like me you'll have an inexplicable fondness for facial hair. If Freud had sat me down on his couch he'd point out that it was possibly due to my father and his and Ned Flanders shared admiration of 1970's moustachio styling!

Salvador Dali

Ah yes Moustaches...lovely hairy caterpillars that only males can grow and wear with such panache and grace!
From the thin pre war pencil tache, the handle bar, full on eighteenth century mutton chops, a Magnum P. I. bushy pleasure seeker, tamed and coiffed goth goatees, curly wirly Daliesque works of art to full on Grizzly Adams woolie face warmers. All sexy and very much wanted for this charity grow-a-thon!
I'm aware that though I have a deep seeded wish to have one grace my chops that unless I become a circus bearded lady that it won't happen... well not any time soon!

Alas because of that love we've come up with a craft kit which we'll sell throughout November at our Craft Events and we'll donate £2 of each sale to MOVEMBER. This way even if you can't grow your own you'll be able to be part of the club! So if you too love woolie face furniture come along and get your Needle Felted Moustache brooch kit and do something charitable too. Perfect for baby faced chaps and for moustache loving ladies!

However if you'd like to sponsor a chap to grow his own or would like to know more about this charity please visit the web site: http://uk.movember.com/

There are lots of great ideas on the Movember site to get your creativity going so if you'd like to be involved by throwing your own Movember event get in touch with the charity...I think they'd be very pleased!
So wax and twiddle those hairy babies and get raising some funds!

BUT before I leave you to your hairy endeavors here are a few images of some of my favourite facially hirsute gentlemen. Please note the bear is pretty cool too:

Grizzly Adams with his bear (d)

Johnny Depp

Sigmund Freud

Tom Selleck aka Magnum P.I.

Nick Cave

Brad Pitt

The Dude, The Big Lebowski

Karl Marx

Get into the Festive groove...

2011-10-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

With Halloween "dead and buried" we quickly approach the big C word...tut, tut, tut...you get your mind out of the gutter you crafty minx, I'm referring to Christmas!!!
Only 54 days of making left before Papa Nicolas makes an appearance.
YES It really is that close!
As the night draws in, thoughts of must have presents enter our slumber, letters to Father Christmas invade our thoughts, we "pinterest" and "bookmark" items which we love
but purposely leave on the computer desk top in a vain attempt to drop hints to partners...and so on.
While all this dreaming and scheming gets us in the festive mood it also allows us to forget a very important piece of the modern craft makers kit: the making list. Be it on a post it note, on a raggedy dog eared piece of paper torn off the back of an envelope, on a document on your computer or scrolled on to your favourite note book.
The Christmas making list is an account of ideas and projects of what you'll be making to give others. Beautiful, awesome, heart filled, hand made items which you have made to besiege your loved one with creativity and love.
As the old saying goes "Christmas, it's not all about receiving" so now is the time to sit down, organize your projects, tidy up any unfinished bits and pieces and make to give!

Top tips:
Don't bite off more then you can chew! If you can't knit don't start making those cute but intricate cashmere socks you've seen in the pattern book. Leave the knitting to the new year where you have time to learn without the potentially stressful deadline.

Be realistic... make something which your craft skills will allow you to produce in order to achieve an item your friend/family will love and want to use.

Give hand made items to the ones that will appreciate such gifts...not everyone does especially young girls like my niece for example, she definitely wont. Gah, teenagers...if it isn't H&M or Justin Bieber then it is, in her own words, "pants!" Spare the heartache, yours in particular as if they don't appreciate it today don't fret... one day they'll come around!

Most of all enjoy it and MAKE your Christmas a HAND MADE one!

Crafteramma Swaperamma!

2011-10-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

This November and December bring along to our d.i.y craft nights any unwanted craft materials which include fabrics,threads,wool,tools,vintage finds, jewellery bits,books,paper goods, etc.

November: Thursday 11th 9.00pm - swap 9.30 pm
December: Thursday 8th 9.00pm - swap 9.30 pm

Ye Olde Rose & Crown

53-55 Hoe street E17 4SA

Because everyone's on a tight budget and if you're anything like me I'm sure you have hoards of left over bits which you don't use anymore so your trash can be "another man's treasure"!

Because I'm in the middle of cleaning my workshop I've found that there is a lot, and I mean A LOT, of odds and ends which I will not be using and are just taking up space.
The chances are that you also have some Crafty loot in your home and probably will never use so this is the perfect opportunity to swap and get your mittens on some useful bits for any last minute Chrimbo or even NEW YEAR projects.
Remember to wash and iron any materials and all bits and bobs should be in fairly good re usable condition and clean.

Please package your "Swaperamma" loot in groups in clear bags or jars. For example fabrics in one bag, buttons in another. For wool please bag these in groups of 4 ( bundles or balls of wool) so it's nice and fair when it comes to swapping.

How will it work?
We'll get everyone to lay down their loot on a table and you'll be issued with tickets for what you have brought to exchange.
From 9.00 pm you'll have 30 minutes to go through the bounty and spot anything you like.

At 9.30 pm we'll officially open the "Swaperamma" and you can grab what you want according to the number of tickets you have.

SO...If you have 5 tickets you can take 5 bags of CRAFT SWAG no matter what type of stuff you've brought in! If you've brought in buttons but need wool...swap it!
We know that there might be a few choice bits which a couple or more people will want but...NO BUN FIGHTS PLEASE!!! If this is the case we'll do our best to be fair and split it between everyone or toss a coin if needed!
We'd also like to remind you that any unwanted swag bags need to be taken back by their rightful owners please... though you might want to hang on to them for the next spate of Crafteramma Swapperamma events in 2012.

We'll be asking for a £1 donation per "CRAFTY SWAG BAG" and all money raised goes to "The Brooke" (http://www.thebrooke.org/)

A Horse and Donkey welfare charity which work closely with farmers, animal handlers in poor countries to educate people and treat working animals.

Be inspired, make something original?!

2011-10-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

To say that everything is original would be as true as to say that the sky was coloured in pink and green polka dots!
Nothing is truly original but what is important is that we as designers search out inspiration by looking at the world around us, look at the trends and even agree that it's perfectly OK to look at other people's creations in order to find a source of ideas but what we can not do is copy someone's work.
I've seen so many cases where lazy designers trace other people's work, change a few colours then pass it off as their own original... like it's alright now, that changing a few minor details absolves them of any wrong doing. Selling it to big international chain shops as their own original art work when they haven't even broken into a sweat is embarrassing to say the least and not to mention shows a lack of belief in their own creative talents!
One that comes to mind is the "Pugs not Drugs" printed Tote bag by Gemma Correll and a chain shop which copied the illustration almost line for line. It's just shocking how they thought no one would notice especially when by being a "chain shop ' it means that inevitably they'll be selling that design on almost every high street including the one where the plagiarised artist might shop at.

But it's not just on the High Street. Though we've seen how Paper Chase with their shabby track record on not checking up on their designers and how that has come back to bite them there are still lots of other culprits guilty of doing the same. Can we just point the finger at the big boys or is it also down to individuals?
Laziness is everywhere and there's an increasing number of people who take free patterns and make from these to sell.
OK so there is some degree of "universal use", it's understood that by giving free patterns that you are allowing people to make for personal use and then there's the grey area where it is alright to make to sell but with a little nod to the pattern maker. It's expected but what I wasn't expecting was the lack of creativity.
What you then get are 100 sellers all selling crocheted Apple Cozies. All made with the same wooden button, same dusty pink cotton yarn and all because there was a freebie tutorial in a craft magazine. That's how they've seen them done on the sample picture and that's how they're making them! And when I say Apple Cozies I'm just using it as an example as all of a sudden after it appeared on a cover of a well known craft mag...there was an influx of listings on hand made selling/buying web sites of these items. Is there really such a high demand for crocheted fruit cozies?
It's fine to be inspired by other people's work and yeah due to social references, to our experiences, shared global events and even down to your age that we will at some point over lap each other creatively but your work needs to be done in your style. Your own inimitable style which will allow people to identify it by just glancing at it...and that is original!

We're recruiting!!!

2011-10-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

Do you fancy dipping your toes into the tutoring and craft event assistant world? Well then...if you're a designer maker and fancy getting a taste of what it's like being a Craft Guerrilla then get in touch as we're on the hunt for helpers.
We won't be expecting you to type nor will we ask you to perform boring admin tasks...this is a purely creative opportunity! Promise.
If you're a dab hand at knitting, crochet, sewing, stitching and/or printing we'd like to hear from you.
We need new craft packs to sell at our events and if you can supply and attend then you're the guy or gal for us. However you'll need to be LONDON based or willing to travel to the capital once a month in the evening.
All monies you make form sales of your packs are yours to keep. As we're unable to pay a wage,we take no commission... so that's the dealio!!!
There are a few new events in the new year so we're "Desperately Seeking Crafty Susan"!
Send us a brief introduction email and "Creative CV" plus a few images of your work (can be a blog or website which stocks your creations) to: craftguerrilla@yahoo.com

Also we need a few bands and DJ's for January and beyond so if you fancy laying down some crafty beats then give us a shout. Perfect for DJ's who'd like to cut their teeth on the wheels of steal or bands which are starting out!!!
DJ's please let us know what type of music you play and bands...please send us your link or a demo.
*Please note that we're unable to pay DJ's and bands for now but hopefully we will be able to in the near future!

Advertise with us and get your crafty business seen!

2011-10-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

Help is at hand as we know just how difficult and expensive advertising can be! Because our readers are craft aficionados and lovers of all things hand made we might be just what you're looking for...plus we're not going to charge you a fortune!!!
As part of what we do we are also in the business of helping independent creatives with PR and advertising. We serve not just as a public creative platform but also as a valuable resource for all designer makers and other talented folk. We are happy to share our space with like minded people!
In the last 2 years we've had a huge growth in visitors and are also now selling our blog on Kindle as a subscription so a whole lot of new peepers are glancing at us!!!

If you'd like to add a small banner to our web site here are the fees:
£35 for 6 months
£60 for 12 months

The only stipulation is that you need to be a small, independent hand made company, a designer maker, a supplier of craft materials, a band/musician, an artist and or run a creative company. Your project needs to be something we're happy to associate with! SO....
Before we say "yeah or nah" we need to see if your company fits with our ethos so please apply by email to us: craftguerrilla@yahoo.com

Poesie Grenadine...

2011-10-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

A lovely blog by a very talented lady and she's featured us!

http://poesiegrenadine.blogspot.com/2011/10/interview-with-debbie-of-east-london.html

Calling all designer makers...

2011-10-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

If you're a designer maker and would like to sell your wares at a fab little ceramics café in South Woodford then you really should read on.

Creative Biscuit is a family run ceramics café which is co-run by a fellow designer maker Karen Dunn, aka Créme Anglaise, and her partner/fabulous baker Tim.
They took over less then a year ago and apart from offering the whole ceramic café experience they also host our monthly "Crafternoon" and are now also offering craft workshops with designer maker tutors.

So part of the new look and new management, Karen and Tim are very keen to open the café to designer makers and have a Gallery Shop area selling high quality hand made products.
If you're interested and would like to sell your products get in touch...
web site: www.creativebiscuit.co.uk
or call Karen/Tim directly: 020 85322824

Autumn Vintage fun...

2011-10-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

Autumn is firmly here and we're gearing up for some cozy crafting!
Last spring there was the very good intention that fell to the way side, like most of them do in my case, of sorting out my winter wardrobe. Lots of moth action ensued during the last few years and though I had plenty of time to darn and sort out all my woolens but...well I'm sure you can work out what happened! So I will be bringing my holey jumpers to mend (better late then never!) and will be looking through the "Frill Seekers" boutique for some seasonal inspiration.
The beret has been bought and the knitted snood has been started... woo hee it's gonna be a cold winter so get crafting!

This month's mini workshop details to be announced soon but it's a very good make do & mend themed project! Let's just say Suffolk Puffs...yum lots of recycling!

Also don't forget that Claire Hair will be there this month as unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances she couldn't make it last craft night. But she's got her hair pins on stand by for the 10th!

So get your selves down to the Rose & Crown, have a snifter of sherry, get a cute retro hair do, pick up a few crafty tips and a new "old" frock! With such fashionable offerings...We're going to rock these Autumn blues away!!!

HAVE A LOOK AT OUR OTHER EVENTS: HERE

Knitting & Stitching review...

2011-10-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

Phew...
4 solid days of CRAFT are now over! I must confess that even though I was shattered come Monday morning I got up and realized that I wasn't going to Ally Pally which did leave me wishing it was a week long show. BUT those 4 days were packed solid with crafty fun!
So...I'll leave you with a few images of what we've seen at Ally Pally and if you haven't been...make sure you do next year!
A big thank you to all our HELPERS and Volunteers that gave their free time to help us spread the word and also to the fantastic tutors that came to demo a few skills!
Also to our designer makers...Thank you for bringing your lovely selves and your beautifully made hand made items. We hope you had some great sales and made some great contacts too. It was an absolute pleasure having you as part of Craft Guerrilla!!!

Why is it important to price your hand made items appropriately?

2011-10-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

As a designer maker and a self employed business person you'll soon learn the importance of getting a few basics right!
It may take more then one go and they might be the hardest lessons you learn but I hope that through my experience that you'll be able to hop, skip and fly over those little hard life lessons!
When I first started selling my hand made products I fell into the trap so many other designer makers fall into. Pricing! Yep, it's an art in itself.

My first day at Sunday Up-Market on London's Brick Lane was filled with excitement and also with a lack of self confidence. Once I set out my stall I went around to see what everyone else was doing and began to let the doubt creep in. Bad idea. Don't compare your work to anyone else's! So the questions began: "Was I charging too much for something which is very similar to that over there which is half the price?", "Will anyone buy them…they might be too pricey?" , "Are they even any good to sell?" ETC. and I did the "newbie" mistake of lowering my prices. Prices which I had worked out and agreed on.
In reality they were well priced. Actually once I had the same products stocked in Benetton in Lisbon they priced them up three times more then what I was asking for them and they sold. Like hot cakes!

Because I wasn't confident and felt pressured into making sales in order to pay for my pitch I sold my items for way less then they actually were worth. It wasn't even enough to cover materials! It was a struggle and I spent any free time mostly after a full time job making up stock to just about break even. Lots of people got really good bargains that year!

By pricing your products correctly you do two things:
one - you pay your self a fair wage and keep funding your hand made company. This can be after all your career!
two - you don't diminish your work and everyone else's by underselling a hand made item. It makes it so much harder to sell your items which have been made with lots of love and care if the person next to you is selling a "just as beautifully hand made" product for next to nothing!

One of my bug bears is seeing gorgeously designed hand crafted items which are undervalued because there's this lack of belief in hand made products, their importance, place in the economy, sustainability and their value.
It's perfectly fine to make because you like making but please don't sell your products for "pound shop" prices.
If you are crafting because you find it is a release and/or a curative pastime then there's always the option of setting up a workshop where you can teach and share your passion. Lots of craft cafés, craft markets and collectives are paying for tutors as are local charities. Working with the community might just be as rewarding if not even more so keep an eye out as there might be a creative projects you can volunteer your time and skills to.

So OK why are you going to sell your items at a premium price?
To say that you really needn't the money and are just happy to make is an inexcusable,selfish action as many talented and struggling designer makers need to make their money by selling their craft. Not everyone has a husband or partner that can sustain a household and your hobbies on just one wage.

With the creation of market spaces like Etsy and Folksy, to name but a few, which work both as a platform for creatives to sell their goods and a buying space for craft lovers it has also successfully highlighted a popular alternative to High Street shopping. BUT in all honesty it's also a double edged sword.
For example as a company Etsy does just that: provides a vibrant, attractive, creative buying and selling space. It's a an all singing all dancing shop front for everything and anything hand made, promoting it heavily as something special and that cool kids will want to buy... and they do that very well too... but there's little or no pre vetting so anyone can add anything to it. Needless to say that just because someone makes something that it doesn't mean it's worthy of being called a CRAFT item.
The trouble with pulling all this creativity under the hand made banner is that it fortifies the misconception that it's not a serious business...that it's all about glitter,sparkles and macaroni stuck on card with PVA glue! Hey I love a bit of nursery crafting as much as the next but these types of crafts need to be kept in their rightful place. In the home. I've just seen too many items on these sites that are absolutely substandard,badly designed and badly conceived.

Hand Made needs to be perceived as serious industry and a luxury product . If people want a cheap gift then mass production fills that brief.
We need to treat hand made goods unlike mass produced goods and start pricing products fairly and realistically. It is after all a premium product because of the nature of it. Hand made means it will take longer to make there fore the the manufacture rate will be higher.
It doesn't mean that everything you make needs to be expensive and exclusive. It's all about working out exactly what is realistic to make to sell, what is viable for you as a maker to produce, what the demand is and what will earn a fair profit for you.

So how do you price your products correctly?
First you'll need to set your self a rate or a wage IE what you are paying yourself per hour or per item. Then you'll need to factor in your materials and this goes from the actual materials used (fabrics, silver, wool etc) down to your electricity for your lighting, your computer, the time you spend trawling the internet for these materials or the train tickets you've paid to go into town to buy that button you desperately need for that item, use of tools, the use of your sewing machine and even the thread you used on that sewing machine!
Personally I work out all the material costs and multiply that by three. I can factor in the time and everything individually but I've found that it works out pretty close. You'll find your own formula. How you work it out is up to you and there are quite a few web sites with great advice which can help you make sense so have a look.

It's not all about hard nosed business practices and I do believe there's enjoyment too even if you are aiming to create a successful hand made company...but it is a business after all (if you want it to be of course!).

Creative Biscuit...Crafternoons with the Craft Guerrilla!

2011-09-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hooray lovely crafting people we'll be at Creative Biscuit Ceramics Café this coming Friday to get you in the weekend mood!
So many of you requested a weekend date so here you go! We like to help you with your busy life and totally understand that sometimes you can't fit everything into the week. BUT Friday...that's the end of the struggle and the beginning of your freedom and what better way is there then kicking it off with a bit of creativity.
Join us from 6pm, make, sip tea and eat cake. Come and relax your way into Friday night and get rid of that hard working week feeling!!! We'll be finished by 9.30 pm so if you fancy carrying on South Woodford has quite a few nice pubs so why not make a night of it...

£5 entry includes free tea and a slice of cake!
No booking required.

Shhhhhhhhh...don't mention the C word!

2011-09-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

*Heart Zeena item. Zeena Shah is a fouvorite Designer makers and has participated at many of our fairs!

You know how it is and we really don't want to freak you out by saying there are how ever many shopping days until Christmas but ... it is just around the corner!
We've booked our date and are pleased to announce that we will be at the Vestery House Museum in the gorgeous Walthamstow Village on Saturday the 3rd of December.
Hooray!!! Because the William Morris Gallery is undergoing major work we're unable to host our annual Christmas fair in our usual venue but fear not...we're still raising money for the gallery!
You can expect the usual crafty goodness from our guys and gals and I hear we're having mulled wine this year!
Craft Guerrilla has quickly achieved a bit of a name fro itself for hand picking the best deisgner maker talent and offering high quality, premium hand made goods! So if you're looking for a very special gift for a very special friend or family member do come and shop with us.
More details to be announced soon.

Designer makers...her's what you need to know aka "the nitty gritty" if you'd like to sell with CG...
If you'd like to be considered for a stall please send us a photo of your stock or a website/blog which showcases your hand made items to: craftguerrilla@yahoo.com
If you are successful we'll then put you on our designer maker list and once bookings open in mid October you'll be able to apply for a space.

Please note that if you have been excepted to go onto our Designer Maker list that it does not mean you automatically have a space.

We will curate the event by choosing what we deem to think works in a sympathetic way with other stock and with the Craft Guerrilla overall "look" and hand made, indie craft ethos.
All designer makers are chosen in order to offer shoppers an array of interesting.original items and selection of all types of hand made goods from jewellery, home wares, children's clothing, toys, fashion, accessories and so on.

All items must be hand made and sold by the maker. We do not accept "agents" or over seas craft. Though we think overseas cooperatives are great we like to keep our craft miles down therefore showcasing local (London based/UK) makers.

**We'll also be giving special preference for Designer Makers who haven't exhibited at our last fair and also to makers which DO NOT already exhibit in the area.

New events added!

2011-09-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

New events added to our events diary...

Take a peep at our web site: www.craftguerrilla.com

our our events page on this blog!

Make do & mend craft night...Next Thursday!

2011-09-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

This is just one of the cuties you can make at our diy craft night! Isn't it just adorable?Available to buy as a craft pack in a selection of colour combinations.As you know we're very much into recycling and up-cycling so where ever possible we re use materials or at least show you creative ways which you can make at home with a little bit of time, your crafting left overs and some imagination.This little necklace is made using small scraps of fabric, a re used necklace chain and the only "new" thing I've used are the jump rings which by the way you can harvest butI didn't have available at this time.So if you fancy learning how to make the most of what you have around the house and rather then spending a fortune or chucking it in the bin...come and make with us!!!Plus it's in a pub so...have a drink too!

Love Craft? Get yourself on the Trail!

2011-09-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's almost here...only a few days to go and we'll be settling down on the river side near City Hall in order to bring you a very special event part of the Thames Festival.Take a look at our Craft Trail page (check out the page list under blog header) and have a look at the beautiful map. You can print a copy on your home printer or get down to the South Bank and pick up your free copy on the day.Hope to see you there!For further info on the Craft Trail visit: http://www.crafttrail.co.uk/index.html

Forest Arts & Crafts...New DATE!

2011-09-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Craft Guerrilla proudly introduces there neighbours and friends: FOREST ART AND CRAFTS!
These Chingford lads and ladies will be once more offering some delectable hand made goodies to the good people of London! SO...go check them out on Saturday 24th September. Doors open at 10.00am and the craftiness continues until 3.30pm.
Where?
United Reformed Church Halls, Buxton Road, off Station Road, North Chingford, E4.
It's a two hall crafty affair with a selection of new designers and firm favourites!
Admission Free
*Café: Open All Day

For further info visit: www.forestartandcraftse4.blogspot.com

September's mini workshop...

2011-08-31T04:30:00.000-07:00

Make beautiful cross stitch buttons to add an extra va va voom to your wardrobe!
Because we all know that accessories change an outfit what better way is there then adding some personalized buttons to recycle an old favourite frock, a boy friend shirt or even to funk up a hand bag! Get to grips with basic cross stitching in this fun 2 hour work shop.
To book your place please contact the tutor directly.
Tutor: Charlotte Brown.
E mail : charlotte@craftymonster.co.uk
Price per student: £9.00* includes all material and use of tools.
Workshop time: 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm

Sample image.* Workshop fees non refundable. Please pay via pay pal before the event. Some places will be available on the night though we recommend pre booking!To check out Charlotte's work please visit: www.craftymonster.co.uk

Craft Trail workshops....

2011-08-30T03:35:00.000-07:00

Only a week and a half to go and we're raring to set down our knitting needles to craft with some fine people.
As part of the Thames Festival,The Craft Trail has been created to offer visitors the complete LONDON hand made experience!
We have a selection of designer makers selling directly to the public with Crafty Fox and We make London. They'll be dotted around the trail in two specific areas...just follow the map!
Craft Guerrilla will set up near City Hall with Sanna Panda, Cabbages & Kings, Creative Biscuit and a few other crafty people. You'll be able to see the best talent in printing, design, buy craft materials and supplies to sipping tea in the "Alice in Wonderland" café shop.
Craft Guerrilla will be offering two days of work shops hosted by guest tutors. Learn to make Dorset Buttons, Recycled Note Books, make your own wristie pin cushion, print your own little bird, learn to knit and much more!
Below is a schedule of workshops with more to be added on the day. To find out what we'll be doing follow us on twitter. We'll be popping up for a couple of GUERRILLA KNITTING sessions so keep your peepers firmly on Twitter!!!!
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for helping us make the Work shop areas into a reality:
Etsy UK
Coats

Saturday 10th:
1pm - 3pm Dorset Buttons with Louise Batten (Price per craft pack tba)
1pm - 3pm Recycled Note books with Tatiana Woolrych (Price per craft pack tba)
3pm - 5pm Birdie Printing workshop with Zeena Shah (Price per craft pack tba)
3pm - 5pm Babushka Brooch with Debbie Daniel (Price per craft pack tba)

Sunday 11th:
1pm - 3pm Patchwork beginners with Louise Batten (Price per craft pack tba)
1pm - 3pm Paper Party Work shop with Rebecca Moyster (Price tba)
3pm - 5pm Recycled Note Books with Tatiana Woolrych (Price per craft pack tba)
3pm - 5pm Wristie Pin Cushion with Debbie Daniel (Price per craft pack tba)
*6pm onwards "CHECK TWITTER" (@craftguerrilla) NUDGE NUDGE, WINK WINK!

Links:
www.crafttrail.co.uk
Zeena Shah: www.zeenashah.com
Debbie Daniel: www.munano.co.uk
Tatiana Woolrych: www.facebook.com/thenewjumble
Louise Batten: www.etsy.com/shop/hellobattenberg
Rebecca Moyster: www.bibasteaparty.com

Tech fail...now who can help?

2011-08-23T08:33:00.001-07:00

Besides myself I think there are quite a few people experiencing the same Blogger issue. We're in need of assistance over one simple little thing which seems to have no easy or straight forward answer.
You'd think the solution was obvious as Blogger is normally easy and friendly to use. BUT...no not on this occasion!
I've come across this particular question time and time again and it's exactly what I have been asking:
How do you add the "pages" bar under the blog banner so you have all your info neatly organized on blogger?
It doesn't seem to allow more then one page.
Yep, I've found a few forums, I've followed Bloggers instructions when adding the gadget to "drag down to change order of pages"...DRAG DOWN??? Drag down to where exactly??? And it's only the one page...I need at least 4!!!
I'm confused and normally I'm what I think a bit of a whiz when it comes to Blogger but this...heck this has got me stumped! Plus the annoying bit is that we had a web designer staying over for a few days and I completely forgot to ask him to fix it. Does anyone know?
HELP!!!

The CRAFT TRAIL at the Thames Festival

2011-08-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Time:
10 September at 11:00 - 11 September at 20:00
Location:
City hall between Tower Bridge and London Bridge

Craft Guerrilla will be setting down their knitting needles next to City Hall on the South Bank to bring you crafty folk a selection of workshops.
We'll be nestled amongst the trees in this little creative enclave with other talented creatures.

There will be lots to do through out the weekend and maps will be available on the Craft Trail website, on the day from helpers and from each Craft Trail area.
www.crafttrail.co.uk

Follow our Twitter account to get up to the minute "special" info...we'll be offering a few "guerrilla" sessions through out the festival for a little bit of subversive crafting!
Twitter: @craftguerrilla
Also visit our web site's event page to download your free "Guerrilla crafter" disguise!
http://www.craftguerrilla.com/page6.htm

In the City Hall area Craft Guerrilla will be joined by a selection of other designer makers, Cabbages & Kings, Creative Biscuit, Sanna Panda & Friends plus a few more yet to be announced.

But there is more... Crafty Fox and We Make London will also be there with a selection of designer maker stalls so plenty of shopping to be done too...
Wowzers now tell me there isn't enough CRAFT in the Capital!
We'll have you full up to the brim with crafty loveliness by the end of the weekend.

Craft Guerrilla be hosting workshops through out the weekend and we''ll be posting the full schedule asap. If you'd like to find out more on the day be sure to follow us on Twitter (@craftguerrilla) or visit or web site: www.craftguerrilla.com

CRAFT TRAIL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Craft-Trail-at-Thames-Festival/184274978303187

September's D.I.Y. Carft Night....

2011-08-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

Times are tough and we're not the type to add to landfill so pop in and have a truly "Make Do & Mend" craftacular experience!
Craft Guerrilla will be sharing their MD&M knowledge through a selection of ready to make craft packs. These showcase a variety of transferable skills that you can use on other projects around the home and for personal use.
We'll be on hand to help and advise anyone that needs it.
Also Frill Seekers Vintage will be there with their monthly boutique. By buying vintage clothing you are giving garments and apparel a second lease of life plus you'll have a quality one off item that you won't find in every High Street shop!
Plus Claire Hair will be in residence with her pop up "Hair Booth". Get your locks into that ultimate retro do or go for a special hair and make up make over!
So if you fancy a bit of vintage fun join us on for a drink, great creative company and a very sociable crafting affair!!!

Thursday 8th August 2011
Ye Olde Rose & Crown
53-55 Hoe Street E17 4SR

8pm - 11 pm
Free entry!

Craft Guerrilla now available on KINDLE!

2011-08-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

That's right craft lovers... You'll never need to be without Craft Guerrilla! You can subscribe to our blog on your Kindle for a small monthly fee and we think that's pretty cool!
For only 99p a month you can enjoy reading about our crafty shenanigans even when your sitting by the pool sipping a Piña Colada.
It's a win win situation...this way you can read your novels and our blog on one handy device plus you won't feel guilty that you're again on the lap top when you should be relaxing!
We know how easy it is to pick up the computer then lose hours because we get sidetracked on ebay!
Available from Amazon: Click on the link here.

Craft Guerrilla curates Finamore...Little Shop of Crafty Splendors!

2011-08-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

This August Craft Guerrilla are curating a very special weekend event.
We've hand selected a few designer makers to showcase in this tiny but perfectly formed shop in Walthamstow Village.
"Finamore" is a purveyor of fine antiques, collectables and quirky memorabilia serving as not just a restorer but also one of the first shops in the area to feature designer maker items.
Craft Guerrilla are known for selecting high quality hand made goods so we see this as a perfect and splendiferous chance to showcase so you can come and buy some mighty gorgeous craft and delicious curios!

Featured designers so far:
Honksville
Katie Dunne
Munano
Nursey Bang Bang
Zosienka & Rosie Illustrations
Ellen Mair
NC Jewellery
Tugba Kop
Neeskie
Made by Louise
Jimbob Art
Bobbins & Bows
and more tbc

*Open both days from 11am to 5.30 pm

August's Make Do & Mend Craft Night...

2011-08-09T06:29:00.000-07:00

Yet again we're feeling the vintage love and due to popular demand we'll be continuing with the "Make do & mend" theme!
This month we'll be making the most of the theme by showing you how to use bits of pieces that you'd otherwise chuck into the landfill.
Tusk, tusk, tusk...we waver our skinny index fingers at people who do! We believe that everything (well almost everything) can be either recycled, re used and reloved!
Choose from the fab selection of ready to make craft packsor book your spot with the ever so talented Louise Batten of "Hello Battenberg". She'll be hosting this month's mini workshop.
Louise will show you how to make a cute and useful item using traditional paper pieced honeycomb patchwork techniques which you can then use on other projects at home. Louise will teach you exactly what you'll need to make throws, cushions and quilts.
Using those left over fabric pieces which you can't throw away this is a perfect project to "re use" and recycle. In these hard times you can't afford not to!
PLUS...You'll leave the workshop with your own pincushion!
£7 per person, all materials included.
Suitable for beginners.
To book please e mail Louise directly on:
louisebatten@gmail.com

Summer Zine!

2011-07-29T03:34:00.001-07:00

*Cover by Isobel Kho

You can now get your crafty summer mitts on our Summer Zine.
Available as a hard copy and for those green crafters as a PDF file.
Check out our Guerrilla shop on our web site and order yourself a copy!

Summer loving...

2011-07-29T03:23:00.000-07:00

*Photo: Honksville...The lovely Honsville ladies will be at the summer fair!

This is it craft loving people...tomorrow is the Craft Guerrilla Summer Fair and we're absolutely stoked to be back in Orford House Social Club. This beautiful venue had been sitting there unloved and unused for a number of years (well it was in use but not to its full potential) until we took it on in last years Art Trail. Not wishing to sound big headed but that's the truth! We love this grand old building and the people who run and use it...it's a pivotal and important venue in the local community and we wish more people would use and even join the club. So if you fancy having a peek at the lovely interior and have browse through the gorgeous hand made goods then do pop in and say hello!

Saturday 30th of July
Craft Guerrilla Summer Fair
12 noon to 5.30 pm
£1 entry (under 16's free with parent/adult)

Venue:
Orford House Social Club, Orford Rd
Walthamstow Village E17 9QR
Click here for map

And hip hip hooray the Victoria line is running this weekend!!!
For transport info please visit the TFL web site.

A sneaky peek...

2011-07-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Wowzers...it's only 5 days away and the anticipation is almost too much to take!
As part of our "sneaky peek" series where we showcase a few of our favourite designer makers we'll be introducing you to the lovely ladies of "Sasha & Elisabeth".
Blog readers meet Sasha & Elisabeth, ladies meet our blog readers.
Please introduce yourselves,chat,buy and discover the joy of buying quality,original hand made items! I promise you'll make a friend forever! Hand made is so much more then just glitter and glue...today's modern designer maker is all about offering premium products that you,yes you,sassy shoppers will enjoy,want and most of all will last you a life time.
See it's a great friendship already!

For further products please visit: www.sashaandelisabeth.co.uk

A sneaky peek...

2011-07-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

9 days to go and the excitement is almost too much! As a little taster and to wet your appetite here's a little preview of what's to come...
Superfumi is a very gorgeous and lovely hand made company offering accessories, paper goods and a whole lotta cuteness!
Come and check out Superfumi and other talented designer maker folk on Saturday the 30th of July at the Orford House Social Club!

Threads & Yarns....

2011-07-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Our lovely friend Zeena Shah (of I heart Zeena) is currently working on a very interesting project which its subject we hold very near to our heart.

Zeena will be there as an artist by facilitated a craft workshop for this intergenerational project bringing together young people, the elderly and craft generating personal accounts of health and well being from the last 75 years.

She says:
"It was a great project to be involved with and I'm really looking forward to showing off all our hard work at the V&A Museum this coming Monday.
Do come along, there will be a host of workshops, fascinating and funny stories and interesting seminars and lectures too!"

You can find out more about the project and the Wellcome Trust here

Everybody loves BUNTING!!!

2011-07-08T02:41:00.000-07:00

Fancy a bit of a village fete in the heart of London? Help Ruby Shoes Rocks create bunting in aid of charity and beautify the area in some summery bunting flags.
There's so much happening and it's a real knees up... it's pretty much a traditional style summer fair!
AND it's not just about bunting but there's a whole load of activities including cycle rides, tea & cake and craft stalls.
But if making bunting is the thing you're after then come on the morning of the 31st to the Look Mum No Hands cafe on Old Street. You can even try to decorate the actual street with it! The public & passers-by will judge the event & then at the end there will be prizes! Wowzers...I bet it'll look pretty awesome!!!
It's a really great day out and perfect excuse to be creative, do a little shopping and enjoy the summer in the city.
For further info visit:
http://1ookmumnohands.wordpress.com/summer-fete/

A sneaky peek...

2011-07-07T04:07:00.000-07:00

Our next maker in the spot light is "Biba's tea party". With super cut and whimsical stationary this lovely range of paper goods will have you cooing and dreaming of cake and endless summers! Beautiful candy coloured cards,eye catching paper bunting, sweet paper chains and gorgeously personal invitations which can all be bespoke to you and your event!
Check out Biba's range at the web site: www.bibasteaparty.com

A sneaky peek...

2011-06-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

This is my favourite part,when I can sit down and go through the list of talented designer makers that will be present at our fair...
Choosing a varied selection of goods is something both difficult and fun!

Let's start with a taster of the type of quality, beautifully made products that will be on sale at the fair.

Our first maker in the spot light is Neeskie. These gorgeous pieces are to die for.... so if you fancy looking like a sexy vixen or a sweet little crumpet you know where to visit to buy these.

Neeskie will be at the Craft Guerrilla Summer Fair on Saturday the 30th of July!

Craft Guerrilla Summer Fair...

2011-06-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

A selection of beautifully stonking hand made designer maker urban craft, illustration, art, a "Make Easy" table, fully licensed bar, parking, fully functioning mirror ball and we've even ordered some sunshine!
Who loves ya baby? (thank you Kojak)

Saturday 30th of July
Orford House Social Club, Orford Rd. E17 9QR
noon - 5.30 pm
£1 entry (under 16's free)

Victoria Line Walthamstow Central Underground Station
Walthamstow Central Train station from Liverpool Street Rail Station
Buses...230,48,55,56,123 W15,W19 etc (visit TFL web site for further info)

*thank you to the lovely one sugar please aka Rebecca for her beautiful poster!

Please click on the link for directions...

July's mini work shop...

2011-06-21T02:37:00.000-07:00

It's with great pleasure that we announce our next mini work shop tutor...The lovely Shellac Sister and knitter extraordinaire Theo Burrow!
This month the talented Theo will be hosting a fab knitting based workshop for us remaining on the "Make do & mend" theme.
She'll be showing us how to make a beautiful vintage look accessory to beautify your garments.
Make a sweet button hole corsage based on Theo's own vintage inspired patterns. A selection of designs (depending on knitting know how) will be on offer.
Come and click clack away your knitting needles and learn to make a simple yet stylish addition to your vintage wardrobe!
All tools and materials supplied.
10 spaces available, £15 per person, pre booking and prepayment required. Please email the tutor directly: rburrowuk@googlemail.com

Work shop starts at 8.30 pm on the dot!
Thursday 14th of July
D.I.Y. Craft Night Ye Olde Rose and Crown
53-55 Hoe st. E17 4SA

Crafting in the sun...

2011-06-17T03:39:00.001-07:00

If you're anything like me and the idea of holidaying in the middle of no where or with just a lot of sunbathing on a overcrowded beach fills you with dread then this will appeal.
Because I can't still for very long the prospect of going somewhere sunny and warm filled with lots of activities and creativity is something I think I could enjoy and eventually relax in...that's what I call paradise!

San Colorea is just that type of place! Surrounded by mountains this retreat aims to be a meeting space and a source of inspiration...

Situated in a beautiful little village in sunny southern Spain San Colorea is an international illustrators and crafters residence aimed to inspire you thanks to it's charming location, the contact with other artists and the activities on offer.
There's also a few workshops to help you learn new things!

For further details and bookings please visit: http://sancoloreaeng.blogspot.com

Make do & Mend...Summer Vintage FUN!

2011-06-16T03:39:00.000-07:00

Our love of craft,vintage and fashion have spurred us on into hosting another "Make do & mend" inspired event.
We love the ethos,the original war time up-cycling and recycling movement born out of need. Times are tough and though 70 years on this movement is making a return and we're hoping to share a few nifty tricks with you so you can save some cash and a few frocks on the way.

Craft Guerrilla have created a few vintage "Make do & mend" inspired craft packs for you to buy and make on the night plus the lovely Theo (of the Shellac Sisters and a genius knitter) will be hosting the mini workshop for us. Make a cute knitted button hole corsage to wear with your vintage finds. Details tba soon!

Joining us is Frill Seekers Vintage with their beautiful wares...from the roaring 1920's to the electric 1980's...rails upon rails of quality vintage apparel!
It's the perfect way to recycle as these frocks have still a whole life of ware to give!

And to finish off the look the talented Claire Cross of Claire Hair will be transforming your locks into gorgeous vintage dos. No need to book just pop in and make an appointment on the night!

Thursday 14th of July
8pm - 11.30 pm
Ye Olde Rose & Crown E17 4SA
Walthamstow

*free entry*

In the spot light...

2011-06-15T02:31:00.000-07:00

Part of the many "services" Craft Guerrilla offer is the introduction of new designer makers to the craft loving public! We meet a lot of talented people and see lots of hand made goodies so when we find items we like we want to share it with you...

"Microbio is a project born out of creative longing, a love of colour and a passion for crafting!
Helena is a Portuguese Designer Maker and as she herself puts it is an 'addictive crafter'!

'I started quite early, as a little girl making stuff for my dolls then clothes for myself from Burda patterns which was tricky. Because I could only find them in German I had to figure out the instructions and I can't speak German at all.
I was taught by my grandmother using a Singer machine and this is how I found my passion for fabric.
I did a degree in International Relations (political branch). Though I don't regret my choice of studies I soon found that a whole working life confined to "a box" isn't what drives me in life!

I had a few full time jobs, met some nice people too but 'COLOUR' was definitely always missing from my life.
From the moment I wake I'm always in search of COLOUR...I need to see colourful buttons, fabrics, blogs...then I have breakfast which follows by making things,lots of colourful things.
I really don't need a colourless life in an "office box"!

So to keep my craftsanity it was while I was working full time that I decided to brand my craft work.
"Microbio" (Microbe) sounded perfect to me as it implies the spread of things, good things as mine are begnine, cute, made with love and care! I even started a blog and discovered I love making bags, all sorts of bags and OH yes rings to match! Like most crafters I can make many things but it's bags that drive all my attention! I try to keep my blog up to date and I've even opened up a little shop in 'Dawanda'(address link below) to test the waters but I hope in future to have my own web site.
What really drives me in life is being able to make beautiful things by my own hands, run a small business and have a simple life with perhaps less money but much happier and fulfilled. What fascinates me most? People who are already doing this!"

Thank you Helena!!!

If you'd like to buy Microbio's beautiful hand made bags please visit: en.dawanda.com/shop/microbio
Or read more about Helena's crafty adventures on her blog:
microbio-noar.blogspot.com
follow on twitter:@microbionoar

Make Do & Mend...

2011-06-14T04:04:00.000-07:00

*photos by Esmuto

Due to popular demand next month's diy craft night will be another Vintage inspired affair...And we're sooooo happy about it because we LOVED hosting it!!!

Make Do & Mend is so much of the moment and we're ready to share our crafty know how and teach all you lovely people how to look stylish without breaking the bank.
These are lean times and we know just how difficult it is to get by...but fear not...we'll be there with a few craft kits which you can make and will make your outfit that little bit cuter or cover up a hole on that favourite shirt so you're mending that garment and giving it new life!

And just because times are tough it doesn't mean that you can't invest in a killer frock!
Look through "Frillseekers" stunning clothing and bag yourself a beautiful dress which you can wear time and time again!

Claire Hair will also be there styling those lush locks so you get a new look to go with your new frock!

Also we have a very special guest work shop tutor...lets just say that she's a dab hand at knitting and spinning shellac! Details of work shop to be announced soon.

Plus we might be joined by some very special people or should that be "des gens très importants...Célébrités"?

AWESOME!!!

*photos by CG

Thursday 14th of JULY, 8 pm - 11.30pm
Free entry
*small fee per craft pack and for workshop place

Ye old Rose and Crown
55 Hoe Street
E178 4SA
Walthamstow London

A few of our favourite things...

2011-06-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

Wowzers now this is what I call upcycling and recycling....such a beautiful and fun idea.
Check out this nifty ladie's web site:http://www.recreate.za.net

Make something that counts...

2011-06-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

On a sadder note then usual,and I can't say sad really because this young gal is such an inspiration! BUT Sad because she is ill with cancer and has learned that it's not going to get any better but as she fights on I can't help but to be moved.
This lovely little lady has made a bucket list...a list of dreams she'd like to fulfill! Maybe you can help?
Alice is 15 and I so wish that at her age I had the guts and determination she clearly has. Despite everything she's keen on leaving a useful and lasting mark on our world by getting people to sign up for bone marrow registration,bringing awareness about her condition and she's managed to raise a stonking amount for charity.
You've probably heard of her,she's been trending on Twitter and I believe she liked that as she got loads of celebrity followers and has even been mentioned on "This Morning"!
Alice we salute you!

To read Alice's blog please visit: http://alicepyne.blogspot.com/

If you'd like to register for bone marrow donation: http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/bonemarrow

Finally if you'd like to raise funds to donate to Alice's chosen charity and you'd like to do it in a Crafty way or even a cake sale then get in touch with us!

a few of our favourite things...

2011-06-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

You'd be forgiven for thinking that I had a lot of time on my hands due to the large amount of time I spend on the internet but...it is part of my "job" as chief craft guerrilla to find things which I can post on here! Besides I know just how much you lovely people adore all things craft!
Looking through the vast amount of designer hand made items I find lots and lots of items which I love!
So let me share a few bits and pieces which have caught my eye.
Finding special, interesting, contemporary artisan made products which are made using traditional techniques but with a solid design and modern twist is what we're after so... here...are a few of our favourite things:

Paper sculptures:

by David Farrer
Please email for details and orders:info@davidfarrer.com

Knitted home wares:

by Janie Knitted Textiles. For further info and items please visit: www.janiewithers.co.uk

Soft toys:

by Nanette Regan. For further information and to order please email: nanetteregan@gmail.com

Creative Biscuit + Craft Guerrilla = Crafternoon!

2011-06-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

That's right,because we had such a smashing time in South Woodfrod Both Craft Guerrilla and Creative Biscuit thought that the good people of this sweet little east London enclave needed a bit more crafty fun!

Starting this month we'll be at Creative biscuit every last Friday of the month for a rip roaring "Crafternoon"! Craft packs,craft tutors,lashings of tea and cake plus some mighty fine company.

OH yes and it's still the same deal £5 entry (on the door) which entitles you to free tea and cake!

We'll also be adding to the Crafternoon as we go along by inviting guest collaborators so craft lovin ladies and gents...Keep those peepers pealed!

Upcoming dates*:
June 24th
July 29th
August 26th

*please note that dates are subject to chang

Retro fascinator mini workshop...

2011-06-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hurry,hurry...there are only a few spaces left!
I'll be sharing my vintage inspired designs and ideas with you so you can create a fab wearable head piece. Because we're celebrating the 1940's this little cutie is very much an homage to the RAF Ladies auxiliary!
Maybe the military look isn't for you and you'd prefer a more feminine composition....fear not... I have other cute ideas for you!
For something a bit more girly I can show you how to make the perfect fabric flower or a beautiful yet understated "Chanel" bow....and there's plenty of other ideas based on that much loved and elegant vintage look of the 1940's!!!
£18 per person. All materials included and use of tools.
Please pre book and pre payment essential by emailing munano@yahoo.com

Thursday 9Th June 8.30 pm
Ye Olde Rose & Crown
55 Hoe St.
E17 4SR
London

Vintage D.I.Y. Craft Night... and Vintage Frolicks!!!

2011-05-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

To coincide with the new production of "Girlfriends" a WW2 play we'll be hosting a 1940's inspired craft night!
Join us on Thursday the 9th of June at Ye Olde Rose & Crown for vintage fun and crafty frolics...

‘Make Do and Mend’
EAST LONDON CRAFT GUERRILLA will be offering a retro fascinator workshop* and there will be limited edition vintage inspired craft packs to buy and make on the night. Enjoy the company of fellow creative comrades!
*Please pre-book the fascinator workshop by emailing: munano@yahoo.com,
or for further details visit www.craftguerrilla.com

‘Beauty is your Duty’
CLAIRE HAIR will be there to transform you into a '40s starlet, with a Victory Roll or two. Have your eyes and lips made up to complement your new 'do' and complete the vintage look.
Limited spaces available so first come, first served!
Find ‘ClAIRE HAIR’ on Facebook

‘Go Through Your Wardrobe’
FRILLSEEKERS VINTAGE, Walthamstow’s specialists in wearable vintage clothing, will be tempting you ladies with a fresh collection of individually sourced day and evening wear from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.
www.frillseekersvintage.com

The Rose & Crown Theater pub presents:
Set in England during WW2, Girlfriends explores the lives of two best friends and celebrates the members of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as they struggle to survive and fight to win.
Girlfriends :: 7th June – 1st July :: more info at www.allstarproductions.co.uk

Aurevoir Craft Month...

2011-05-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

This Friday the 27th of May we'll be at Creative Biscuit in South Woodford to bid a fond good bye to our gorgeous hosts and collaborators. Without them we wouldn't had been able to host this month's CRAFTAVAGANZA!
Craft Guerrilla would also like to say THANK YOU to all the lovely tutors that shared their skills helping and teaching people make beautiful things in their workshops. We've had great feed back from bothg tutors and punters...Aw, you talented people are just too darn good!!!
So if you're feeling the LURVE just as much as we are get your pretty little self onto the Central Line and join us from 6pm for our Crafternoon party.
Tim's been baking (and I've seen his millionaire shortbread...ladies you will be wanting to snatch this man away from Karen and keep him in your kitchens!), Karen's making cocktails and we've been creating a few new craft packs for you to purchase and make!

Where?
Creative Biscuit
61 George Lane
South Woodfored, London E18 1JJ
T:020 8532 2824

When?
Friday 27th of May
6 pm to 9.30 pm

Entry?
£5.00 on the door includes tea and cake or cocktail and cake,
small charge per craft pack.

Getting there:
Central Line
W12 From Walthamstow

Forest Arts & Crafts...

2011-05-24T01:23:00.000-07:00

Our good friends over in Chingford are planning a very busy summer! The Forest Art & Crafts group have quite a busy diary so no excuses...you really must pop in to see just what they are up to!

"A Summer of Art Exhibitions on Chingford Green
June 4, July 2, August 6,
September 3....
Between 10am and 4pm on North Chingford Green outside the Library

As well as fantastic artists we are hoping to have some of our makers and crafters along as well this Summer..........
For further information please go to www.forestartandcraftse4.blogspot.com"

I knit Guernsey Competition!

2011-05-16T03:23:00.000-07:00

Guernsey knitting competition to revive tradition of family patterns

Visit Guernsey has joined together with knitting shop and community group I Knit London to launch the 2011 "iKnit_Guernsey competition". The winner will receive an idyllic break for two to Guernsey courtesy of Fly Guernsey, with £50 iKnit London vouchers available for four runners up. The winning pattern will also be published in a leading UK knitting magazine.

The contest seeks to revive the tradition for families on the island having their own, unique pattern for the iconic maritime sweater. Patterns that re-interpret this tradition should be submitted via pdf upload on the VisitGuernsey facebook page by July 4, 2011.

Gillian Lenfestey, costume curator for the National Trust Guernsey Folk & Costume Museum advised on the project: “The traditional guernsey has evolved from one of Europe’s oldest knitted garments, out of a community knitting tradition on the island that pre-dates the Middle Ages.

“Originally, each Guernsey family had is own distinctive pattern variation which would also indicate which parish they were from. The designs were passed down through the generations orally," Gillian explains.

During the German occupation of the Second World War the community on Guernsey suffered huge upheaval, and even once the younger generation of evacuees returned, many local traditions - such as the local Guernsey-French patois language and the family knitting patterns - were affected: "The guernsey pattern was saved and written down by the Federation of Guernsey Women’s institutes in 1945,” explains Gillian.

According to guernsey manufacturer Guernsey Woollens, patterns on the traditional guernsey, which developed as practical work wear for sailors, are significant: The rib at the top of the sleeve represents a sailing ship’s rope ladder in the rigging, the raised seam across the shoulder a rope, and the garter stitch panel; waves breaking upon the beach.

Those entering the competition are encouraged to creatively re-interpret the original garment, imagining how the family patterns might have looked, or would look today if the tradition had continued and evolved. However, to maintain the guernsey tradition they should attempt to incorporate the following features:
• Inclusion of the traditional box shape
• Using British [or Guernsey!] wool with four or five ply
• Pattern designs for size 10-12

The competition first prize is only available to knitters and designers able to travel from UK daily departure points to Guernsey, however anyone inspired by the idea is welcome to take part on a non-competitive basis.

Gerard Allt owner of I Knit London said:
“The fact that these jumpers went on to influence traditional “Gansy” designs all round the UK coastline is fascinating. We also loved the fact that the guernsey comes from a culture of community based knitting, which is the very thing that we are nurturing with our iknit links local knitting groups initiative.”

Competition guidelines:

The competition will be judged in two rounds. Round one will comprise a paper pattern design and accompanying notes via pdf file upload. Those taking part will need to enter via the VisitGuernsey Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/VisitGuernsey. The deadline for first round entry is July 4, 2011.

Five finalists will then be selected to knit their designs by a panel of experts including Gerard Allt of I Knit London, historian Gillian Lenfestey, Arthur Eldridge co-owner of Guernsey Wollens, and Guernsey knitter, craft teacher and iMake blogger Martine Ellis.

The final garments will be judged during UK national knitting week and announced on October 10, 2011.

What makes a guernsey a guernsey?
• Guernseys are made of single colour worsted yarn, usually four or five ply, tightly knit using fine needles [as small as size 13 or 14].
• The guernsey was originally knitted in the round, with a purl stitch to mark the side seam.
• Patterns are made up of simple knit/ purl combinations, the most elaborate of which would have covered the top half of the body and arms. Patterns on Tudor knitted stockings produced in Guernsey had names such as Turk’s Head, and Peacock’s Tail, which may have also been used on jumper designs.
• Jumpers have a boxy shape which means that they can be worn both ways; front and back (originally to prolong life-span).
• Other common features include a funnel neck, triangular inserts under the arms and at the neck edge, and side splits in the hem for ease of movement.

Crafting it the vintage way!

2011-05-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

As you know we love making,crafting,creating,wearing and salvaging vintage clothing,vintage style,snazzy hair do's and doing lots of general girlie things! OK but not sickly, pink hued, flowery infused type of girlie things...Not that there's anything wrong with that but it's just not us!
And lets not be sexist neither,all the above are not exclusively for girls we welcome blokes with a dapper sense of style and appreciation for good old fashioned crafty fun plus we love guys who can use their hands! (now,now ladies!)
And so we thought:"Hum, JUNE, lots of summer weddings coming up, festivals, pic nics, parties...What can we do to mark the beginning of the warm,sunny season and the launch of the play "girlfriend" at the rose & crown theater pub (our lovely host venue)?"
Alas the idea of doing a 1940's VINTAGE INSPIRED D.I.Y. CRAFT NIGHT was born!
We'll have a selection of very lovely guests Frill Seekers Vintage and Claire Hair to help us host this event plus you'll be able to make a lovely vintage inspired fascinator in our mini workshop. Keep those peepers pealed as we'll be announcing details very soon.

Serra Vista Studios...

2011-04-30T03:37:00.000-07:00

Calling all hep cats, dolly rockers and all good old rocking rollers...If you're wanting to record your album in the gorgeous sunshine then really you need to visit Lyn and Boz at the Serra Vista Studios up in the Monchique mountains in the Algarve.
Nestled up in the hills this fab music studio has played host to the likes of Murdering Tripping Blues, Richard Dutton and other talented musicians!
For further info take a peep at the Serra Vista Studios blog.

May is Craft Month!!!

2011-04-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

As we get closer to the end of month we look forward to the lovely,shiny and very creative new month that is MAY!
After the very rowcus and festivias shinnanigans of April we think that this is positively the best wedding/Bank Holiday(s) hangover cure...

Printing card and fabric work shop
5th of May 7.30pm - 9.30pm
To kick it all off we have a fab workshop featuring the splendidly talented Sarah Butler.
A 2 hour introduction to relief printmaking, learn to make your own unique stamp to be printed on card and fabrics. A skill you can continue at home!
Number of places available: 12
Cost: £15 [includes all tools and materials and you can make two stamps, two cards and some fabric prints to take home with you] Pre-booking advisable.

Felted Flowers work shop
13th May 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Ever fancied trying your hand at needle felting? I can honestly say, needle on heart, that it is so very addictive! Here's your chance to get started with a fab workshop by Gai. Make your own needle felted Flower Brooch/Pin in this fun and creative workshop. She's an amazing needle felting artist and she'll have you hooked in no time. Because May is Craft Month Craft Guerrilla have teamed up with our lovely friends at Creative Biscuit and so get on down and make something!
Learn easy one step free form needle felting. No applique moulds used to create your very own original piece of wearable art.
If you have never tried needle felting this is a good workshop to get started. Your kit will contain everything you need, foam pad to work on, instructions, wool, needles etc.
Number of places available: 12
Cost: £15 [includes all tools and materials and two cards to take home with you]
Pre booking advised.

Make your own owl work shop
19th May 7.30pm-9.30pm
We're very pleased to announce that Zeena Shah is hosting a very special and very cute workshop for craft month! I absolutely love her textile designs and here's your chance to make a gorgeous little owl to take home with you!
Print your owl, stitch & stuff and hey presto you now have your very own little plushie!
Number of places available: 10
Cost: £18 [includes all tools and materials and a very cute hand sewn owl to take home with you]

Jewellery Making/Wire Wrap work shop
26th May 7.30pm - 9.30pm
This is the last Craft Month work shop but it's a good one.
Learn a new skill or brush up on your technique at this fun and
very useful workshop with Jeweller extraordinaire Ellen Jones!
Students will learn the basic technique of wire-wrapping for jewellery making as well as an introduction to the tools and their usage.
The wire and components used will be either silver-plated or gunmetal, and there will be a variety of crystals, pearls etc. freely available to create your own personal piece of jewellery. By learning the wire-wrapping technique, students will be able to make charm drops and continuous chains.
All abilities welcome!
Number of places available: 10
Cost: £28 [includes all tools and materials and at least one piece of jewellery to take home with you]

East London Craft Guerrilla Crafternoon!
27th May 6pm - 9.30pm
Come celebrate the end of Craft Month with a fabulous "Craftea Party". As we bid a fond farewell to our lovely hosts Creative Biscuit we definitely leave with a full heart and so we'd like you to come and share the LOVE!
We'll be offering a selection of quirky and cool Craft Guerrilla signature craft packs which can all be done quickly and easily. Or you can take them home to do in your own time. In house tutors will be on hand should you need some help or some crafty tips.
It's what it says in the title: Craft,Tea and Party with a cocktail thrown in into the mix! There's a great selection of tea, coffee and delicious cake.
Cost: £5 - includes tea and cake
Small charge per craft pack.

The Venue:
Creative Biscuit
61 George Lane South Woodford, London E18 1JJ

Please contact and book your place on the workshop with Creative Biscuit directly on: 020 8532 2824

Are you the next Crafty Super Star?

2011-04-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

Once again we're launching the Craft Guerrilla NEW* Designer Makers Competition! We'll be working with Twisted Thread the organizers of the Knitting & Stitching shows to showcase the best new talent in British and Irish Arts & Crafts!
We're looking for talented Designer Makers who are passionate about all things hand made, have a high level of craftsmanship and make beautiful, modern, high quality, hand made Designer Maker items!
We have 6 stall spaces up for grabs in each "Knitting & Stitching" shows in London, Harrogate and Dublin.

If you're looking to start your own creative hand made business then this might be the launch pad you need!
One of last year's winners Lindsey O'Harrow of BooBou Designs said:
"Good luck to anyone who enters, I won a place last year and my business is thriving! I'm going back this year so I'll see you there!"

What do you need to do?
To apply simply e mail Louise (louise@craftguerrilla.com) a short description of your hand made business, send a few images of that work (or a web site address which stocks your wares) and a brief covering letter on how this opportunity would help you.
*note: When photographing your work please take clear images, do not use fussy backgrounds and use good lighting. I can't stress enough how important it is to have good shots of your work! Don't send in anything which you wouldn't be happy being used as a representation of your work.

Criteria,who's eligible?
We're excepting applications from British and Irish based Designer makers and also you must work with in the area of the show or near. For example for the London show we're excepting people from London and the South East.
If you've applied last year and weren't successful you are welcome to reapply.

What's on offer?
You'll get a highly coveted stall at the Knitting & Stitching show. With so many visitors we expect you to sell and promote your creative company to thousands of people!

How much will it cost me?
Nothing! All you need to pay for is your own transport (getting to and from the show), your own expenses (like hotels, parking,meals etc), any stall decoration, stall staffing and any personal promotional materials like posters,business cards etc.
Please note that if you were paying for this stall it would cost you over £600 for the four days!

How do we chose the winners?
We'll chose 6 successful applicants to exhibit from all entries for each show. We will choose only designer maker items which we deem to be of outstanding quality and originality. Please do not be offended if you're not chosen. We get lots of applications so we're choosing only items which we think fulfill the brief and represent the ethos of Craft Guerrilla.

What are we looking for?
Though it's called the "Knitting & Stitching" shows Twisted Thread is very keen for us to introduce other craft disciplines like ceramics but all your work must be hand made! No mass produced tat thank you!
Indie crafters, designer makers and artisans this is your chance to take your work from a hobby to a business!

When will we let you know?
The deadline is the 30th of June but...you can start applying now. A full schedule for the competition will be announced soon and winners will be announced mid to late July.

Good Luck!

Also please pass the opportunity onto your friends and fellow crafty colleagues as we want to spread the word far and wide!

*NEW as in non established,in the process of taking your craft business into the next level or even if you've been making for years but you've never taken the step!

POM POM necklace work shop...

2011-04-20T02:39:00.000-07:00

Our lovely East London Craft Guerrilla member A Alicia is a very talented designer maker and she'll show you how to make a fab necklace which you can wear with pride...after all it will be your handy work!

"Ever fancied making your own jewellery? Well here's your chance to design and make a gorgeous, on trend, pom pom necklace to add to your summer wardrobe, at this A Alicia workshop!
I'll be running the workshop on Saturday 30th April from 1pm-3.30pm, at Create Boutique's lovely central London space: http://create-boutique.co.uk/
The lovely ladies at Create Boutique have let me offer you a special discount so you can book the workshop for £35 instead of the usual £40 - just mention this email when you book.
Places are limited, and booking is essential - to book or for more info email: info@create-boutique.co.uk

In the workshop you'll get to design your own pom pom necklace using a range of fairtrade organic wool, vintage ribbon and vintage or handmade beads. Once you've chosen your colours and materials, you'll learn how to make wool pom poms and how to assemble your finished necklace - then it's yours to wear and enjoy!

Hope to see you there, and feel free to pass this email (and the discount) on!"

MAY is...CRAFT MONTH!

2011-04-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

Well we knew that this was something we just had to get involved with and celebrate and so we teamed up with our gorgeous friends at Creative Biscuit to do a little bit of a shindig!
On offer are: weekly workshops by Craft Guerrilla tutors ranging from needle felting,printing,sewing based crafts and jewellery plus to top it all off we're hosting a very special CRAFTERNOON!
So there...no excuses...pop in and get making!
For all event details visit: www.craftguerrilla.com

Camden Crawl...Craftivista Social Club UPDATE

2011-04-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

It's with a heavy heart that e announce the cancellation of the Obscuritones at the May the 1st event at the Camden Crawl!
Due to a massive miscommunication we're unable to offer you what is the main attraction of the "Craftivista Social Club" the live music! You'd think people,especially ones in the music business would get the pun...but anyway...let's just say that it's very frustrating when you write a proposal,talk and the phone,email over all the details and then at the last minute someone tells you it's not possible to have a band. Unfortunately the band have given up their time and where expecting to play so that kind of leaves us...the middle person...in the "bad guy" position. Never fear though...we know the Obscuritones pretty well so they will be playing with us again at a later date at our own event.
BUT we do have two very fine DJ's *cough cough* one being myself or my disc spinning alter ego Handsome Betty and Jerome Anderson...or as I like to call him "The Bomber". We'll be spinning some good old vintage tunes with a few trashy tracks thrown in for good measure...it is after all Camden so our eclectic choice of music will fit right in!
We'll also be making a very cute special edition Cassette Badge pin celebrating the right for bands to make a living by a) not paying venues to be able to pay and b)receiving a fair whack of the ticket sales money.
Hasta lo primeiro de Maio! Viva la revolucion!!!

A Right Royal hoohah...with bunting!

2011-04-05T03:05:00.000-07:00

OK ,OK so I'm being sucked in to all this Will & Kate royal wedding hoo-hah... which is a bit scary as I am not a Monarchist at all!
I guess it's the whole "Street Party", "Charles & Di',"Queen's Jubilee" vibe which is so attractive. Everybody loves a party and more so when it's associated with childhood and "better times".
And though every bone in my body says "NOOOOOOO, it's all a plan to get the masses to take their eyes off the ball so the Torries can get their evil way"!
I've decided to let go of those sentiments and just look at it in a simplistic way: MAKE BUNTING, PRETTY PRETTY, BUNTING!!!
I'm also a sucker for coloured paper flags so here you go...a mini printing workshop which you can just drop in,sit and print. It's £3 per person and we'll be making some Union Jack,Wills & Kate themed banners. Expect some safety pins as I don't want to loose all my street cred... that's why I'm calling it Punk Rock Bunting as it's a homage to the Sex Pistols and their "God Save the Queen" artwork.

Thursday 14th of April
From 8pm
Free entry
£3 per person

Ye Old Rose & Crown Pub
53-55 Hoes St.
Walthamstow E17

TUBE: Victoria Line Walthamstow Central
Rail: From Liverpool Street Station towards Chingford
Buses: 48,55,230,123,W15,69,ETC

It's your WRITE!

2011-04-05T02:42:00.000-07:00

IT'S YOUR WRITE! A CELEBRATION OF THE SELF-PUBLISHED
Thursday 07 April 2011, 6 - 9pm
V&A Museum of Childhood
FREE EVENT

Lindsey German will be talking about her career as the UK’s most prominent female activist.
Cool indie band Planet Earth will lead a workshop on protest song writing.
The Women’s Library will share highlights from their collection of women’s zines dating back to Riot Grrrl.
Illustrator and designer David Janes will discuss his political portrait series, 650 Gargoyles.
AND Publishing discuss the wave of book piracy hitting emerging countries and explore text manipulation.
Interventions from The University for Strategic Optimism and Climate Rush.
Plus the It’s Your Write Book Swap and The World’s Largest Knitted Poem courtesy of The Poetry Society.
Craft Guerrilla will also be there with our lovely and talented friend Zeena Shah from "I heart Zeena". She will be captaining the Craft Guerrilla work shop for us.
This event is part of the "Papered Parlour" series at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green.
It's such a great venue and I'm so glad it continues to open its doors in the evening for such great interactive events.
Come down and have a peep and a print!

Tombola winner announced!

2011-04-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone that supported our Virtual Tombola. It was fun though we didn't make that much money but it all goes into the pot and has been added to the auction takings to send over to the Japan Animal relief and rescue charity. We sent in total over £100.
We thank you all!
And so to announce the lovely winner...DRUM ROLL PLEASE....
Miss Nelly Barbara.
Please check your in box as we have contacted you via e-mail. Your prizes will be posted to you as soon as we have confirmation of your address. You are a very lucky,lucky lady!!!

*image taken from tattoos for girls

New glorious,beautiful members!

2011-04-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

Craft Guerrilla proudly introduce a selection of new guys and gals...oooh yes,didn't you know that we select only the finest most beautacious products and their makers to join? We've been doing it for 3 years now and we can honestly say that it just gets better and better! Membership is only open to designer makers of high quality,hand made art & craft.
Basically if you've got the "Craft Factor" then...you're in!
We pride ourselves in selecting only original,premium, hand made products to offer to you to purchase and enjoy for years to come.
Craft Guerrilla believes that using traditional craft techniques to produce updated and modern hand made premium products is just what's expected...and we encourage our army of artisans to fulfill shopper's expectations.
There's just so much top quality stuff out there being lovingly made by a troop of talented designers....
So if you're looking for a fantastic gift or just fancy a treat for yourself...shhhh we wont tell,everyone deserves a bit of self indulgence now and then...visit our East London Members page and prepare to drool!

*If you think your the next crafty super star get in touch. Please e-mail a few images or a web site address which stocks your creations.

Camden Crawl...Craftivista Social Club and more!

2011-03-24T03:53:00.000-07:00

Craft Guerrilla are very happy to have been invited to host an all singing,all dancing,all crafting event for the good people of The Camden Crawl Festival.
The Craftivista Social Club is our homage to the musical Cuban collective so if you like great music, making craft and urban festivals go get your tickets and join us on the 1st of May in the Black Heart pub.

Here are the Festival Details and Line UP:
THE LEMONHEADS, RAZORLIGHT, GUILLEMOTS, MILES KANE, SLOW CLUB & MORE ANNOUNCED AS FULL 2011 CRAWL LINE UP REVEALED

Scheduled to take place in less than six weeks time, the 10th edition of the annual Gaymers Camden Crawl is set to launch the 2011 festival season with an eclectic line up studded with the forthcoming year’s best new artists and a huge stable of special guests. Joining the bill which already includes such names as Saint Etienne, Simian Mobile Disco, The King Blues, Villagers and Toddla T, the new additions promise to make the 2011 event the most talent packed to date.

Although still holding back a few major names and sneaky surprise guests, the Crawl is excited to reveal the full line up of evening live artists is as follows.

Full Line Up Includes:

SATURDAY 30TH APRIL
SAINT ETIENNE * THE KING BLUES * MILES KANE * TODDLA T * VILLAGERS
AHAB * THE AGITATOR * ALICE GOLD * ANGE BOXALL & THE WAGON BAND * BEAR DRIVER * BEAR'S DEN * BENJAMIN FOLKE THOMAS BAND * BIG DEAL * BO NINGEN * CIVIL CIVIC * COMANECHI * CREEP * CROWNS * D/R/U/G/S * DANANANANAYKROYD * DRY THE RIVER * EAGULLS * ENGINE EARZ EXPERIMENT * FRANKIE & THE HEARTSTRINGS * GALLOPS * GHOSTPOET * THE GOOD NATURED * HAWK EYES * HIGH RANKIN * KING CHARLES * MARTYNA BAKER * MERCEDES * THE MOUNTAINS & THE TREES * MUMS OF DEATH * MZ BRATT * THE QEMISTS * RAINBOW ARABIA * RANDOM IMPULSE * THE RUSSIAN FUTURISTS * SARABETH TUCEK * SBTRKT * TEETH * THOSE DANCING DAYS * TOM FARRER AND THE PHARAOHS * TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS * TRANSFER * TURBOGEIST * TURBOWOLF * TWO WOUNDED BIRDS * ULTRASOUND * VARIOUS CRUELTIES * VERONICA FALLS * WARRIOR ONE * WILD PALMS * THE YOUNG EMPIRES

SUNDAY 1ST MAY
BRITISH SEA POWER * GUILLEMOTS * HADOUKEN! * THE LEMONHEADS
RAZORLIGHT * SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO
2:54 * BANJO OR FREAKOUT * BETH JEANS HOUGHTON * BONES * BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT * THE CHAPMAN FAMILY * CITY SHANTY BAND * COCKNBULLKID * THE COMPUTERS * DAM MANTLE * DINOSAUR PILE UP * FILMS OF COLOUR * FOREIGN OFFICE * GIGGS * HEDONIACS * THE HISTORY OF APPLE PIE * HOUSSE DE RACKET * HUDSON MOHAWKE * JAMIE SMITH'S MABON * JOHNNY FOREIGNER * JONQUIL * LET'S BUY HAPPINESS * LETHAL BIZZLE * THE LINES * MAZES * MIRRORS * MOSS * P MONEY * PARIS SUIT YOURSELF * PEGGY SUE * PETE & THE PIRATES * PINEY GIR * POLARBEAR * PVT * ROMANCE * SICK OF SARAH * SISSY & THE BLISTERS * SLOW CLUB * SOUND OF RUM * STAR SLINGER * TOM WILLIAMS AND THE BOAT * TREETOP FLYERS * VAULTS * VOXHAUL BROADCAST * WE ARE ANIMAL * WOLF GANG * YASMIN * YOUNG DREAMS * YOUNG LEGIONNAIRE

APPEARING BOTH DATES: BECOMING REAL * BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH * CATE LE BON * CEREBRAL BALLZY * CLOUD CONTROL * DELS * DIVORCE * FEVER FEVER * FICTION * FLATS * HOLY STATE * JAPANESE VOYEURS * JOHN & JEHN * KONG * LITTLE COMETS * LU LU & THE LAMPSHADES * MARQUES TOLIVER * MAVERICK SABRE * MNDR * THE PHANTOM BAND * RD * S.C.U.M * SPECTRALS * THE STAVES * TEAM GHOST * VISIONS OF TREES
PLUS VERY SPECIAL GUESTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

Full listings and up-to-date announcements available from: www.thecamdencrawl.com/line-up

I Want My Craft TV!!!

2011-03-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Dear crafty folk. We've been contacted by the makers of "Scrimpers" an Endemol programme for Chanel 4. It's a call for any thrifters, make do and menders so if that's you and you'd like to get your 15 minutes of fame read the info below.
Please contact them directly.

"Remarkable television is looking for scrimpers for a new Channel 4 series! Are you fantastically thrifty? Do you have top tips on how to save money? Do you make do and mend and use skills passed down the family? Or have you lived through real austerity and rationing?
We’re looking for people who don’t waste anything, are cleverly resourceful and willing to share their tricks of the trade. We are looking for people from all backgrounds.
To take part, email scrimpers@endemoluk.com for an application form.

Endemol UK will use any information provided by you for the purposes of selecting participants for the programme and will only share information with Channel 4 and any independent contractors involved in the programme.

"The Hive"...Introducing the Robin Collective.

2011-03-20T05:07:00.000-07:00

Craft Guerrilla and Violet Iris invite you to check out an absolutely bee-autiful event next week called "The Hive", an experiential pop-up to be held in a derelict shop on Leather Lane in the city.
We're absolutely stoked to be able to collaborate with the Robin Collective to bring you some ace workshops.

Our very own power house of craft Violet Iris will be providing the Bee-balm and Candle making part of the Craft Guerrilla workshops on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Plus there are some many other wonderful things happening...Venom cocktails, an indoor garden -bees included-, honey tasting and honey based booze.
Open til 10pm every evening next week...Bee there!!!

When?
Opening 20th March, 2011
10:00am to 8:00pm daily

Where?
56-58 Leather Lane Market, London, EC1N 7TJ

Sponsors: Etsy UK

*interested crafters and tutors please contact the Robin Collective directly.

Pre order your Craft Guerrilla book now...

2011-03-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hello my cute little craft kittens...now's you're chance to get your knitted mittens on the Craft Guerrilla book before anyone else does! Be amongst the first to see just what all the fuss is about. We're so stocked that our baby is almost ready. It's been a long time coming and we hope you enjoy reading it and making all the projects.
Visit Amazon and get delivered once it's released!

Japan needs crafty folk like you!

2011-03-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

The tragic events that recently unfolded in Japan have prompted me to do something...I am both knitting squares for blankets project as well as attending tomorrows Bake For Japan event in Shoreditch but usually animals are the forgotten victims in such horrific times. Both man and beast have been affected and I feel like I must help.
So...
I've put up one of my paintings for auction in aid of the charity "Japan Earth Quake Animal Rescue & Support".
All money made from the auction will be sent directly to the charity. What you need to do?
Visit our face book page and BID!Also you can place a bid here on the blog post as a comment. We've started with a bid of £10 by Claire C.
Otherwise visit the other two fore mentioned events/projects and do your bit.
Thank you!!!

April's mini work shop...

2011-03-15T09:50:00.001-07:00

Join Julie Vermeille and Craft Guerrilla for a truly quirky and genius mini workshop! Create a splendid wearable piece of art. This little brooch has been designed by the artist inspired by her love of nature, by fairy tales, everyday life and people.

Julie an illustrator and keen crafter bases her work on the world and her surroundings. Acquaintance and coincidences. The odd and the curious behind the seemingly naive pictures. She uses patterned fabric,vintage lace and buttons. Textures,colours and history in these objects fascinate and inspire her.

Work-shop includes materials and use of tools.
Maximum number of students:10
Fee: £6.00* per person,payable by Pay Pal and in advance.

Please contact the tutor directly. To book your place e mail:
julievermeille@hotmail.com

To view Julie's work please visit: www.julievermeille.com

*refunds not available.

Thursday 14th of April.
From 8 pm.
Free entry.
*Mini workshop £6.00
Ye Olde Rose & Crown 55 Hoe Street E17 4SR Walthamstow

Workshops galore...

2011-03-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

Join the good people at The Create Place in Bethnal Green on Friday 25th March for a 'Posh Card making' workshop...and it's just in time for Mother's Day!
Make 2-3 cards, sip tea and nibble on cake... or bring a bottle... what better way to start the weekend...?

Learn to heat emboss and iris fold (and other posh titles to impress your friends!)
Details of workshop and images of what you could make here:
http://violetiris.weebly.com/workshops.html
Bookings at www.backtobasicsartsandcrafts.blogspot.com

change of address...

2011-03-06T04:51:00.000-08:00

Due to a high volume of spam mail our web site contact email has change.
Please do not use:
mail@craftguerrilla.com as it is now redundant until we sort out the glitch.
If you need to contact us either visit the web site
or click here!
Also we still have the yahoo address...which is temperamental but functioning!

The Craft Guerrilla Virtual TOMBOLA!!!

2011-02-25T10:31:00.000-08:00

Hey craft lovin peeps...this March Craft Guerrilla will be 3 years old!
To celebrate we'll be offering everyone the chance to win a booty of hand made goodies in our virtual tombola! All prize items are hand made and have been donated by our lovely designer maker friends.
You can buy a ticket by simply emailing us. Tickets are £1 via Pay Pal.
Once you've purchased a ticket(s) your name and contact will be allocated to a random numbered tombola stub.

A name will then be pulled out of the striped box of twirling wonder AKA our very own hand made TOMBOLA and in the words of AbbA...the winner takes it all!

Email us:craftguerrilla@yahoo.com or come and buy your ticket on Thursday 10th of March at our D.I.Y. craft night at Ye Olde Rose & Crown (53-55 Hoe Street. Walthamstow E17 4SA)
Good luck!!!

Closing date: April 1st 2011. Winner will be announced evening of April 1st via email. Prizes will be posted between 5 - 7 days after winner is contacted.

summer craft lovin....

2011-02-19T15:39:00.000-08:00

We'll be announcing our Summer dates soon...lots of exciting new projects and events are lined up to make this years summer...a very crafty one!

Come on...we know you're dieing to sing along....Hit it Sandy and Danny....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpJUrt0O7uY

Ethical Fashion....

2011-02-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

Join Craft Guerrilla and Zeena Shah for an up-cycled work shop at this fab fashion event curated by the "Papered Parlour".
Create a cute little plushie from recycled and upcycled materials...Print, sew and stuff your very own little fox! A lovely accessory or toy hand made by you with our help.

£5 per craft pack including all materials and the use of tools.

V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, London
6pm - 9pm Thursday 3rd of March

FREE ENTRY!

NEXT Mini workshop...Thursday 10th of March!

2011-02-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

Join us on Thursday the 10th of March for our 3rd Birthday...yes that's right...Craft Guerrilla is 3 yours old this year!!!
On offer apart from the usual crafty fun and creative company is some cake and a fab mini workshop!
Ellen Jones will be teaching basic wire wrapping techniques for jewellery making including how to make a continuous chain and charm drop earrings.
Work-shop will also include an introduction to the tools and their usage.
Wire and components used will be either silver plated or gunmetal plus you will be able to use a selection of crystals,pearls and more! All materials are included in the workshop fee. Maximum number of students:8
£15* per person,payable by Pay Pal and in advance.

Please contact the tutor directly to book your place: ellenmjones@btinternet.com

*refunds not available.
From 8pm - 11pm
Ye Olde Rose & Crown
55 Hoe Street
Walthamstow London

LOVE EASY...photos!

2011-02-13T10:29:00.001-08:00

Thank you to Victoria at The Aviary for her photos.
Check out our Face Book page to see all the other photos from the Love Easy!

sneaky peek...LOVE EASY VALENTINES FAIR!

2011-02-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

www.etsy.com/shop/forgottenstitches

www.ncjewellery.bigcartel.com

www.ellenmair.com

www.catboy.co.uk

Feeling unsure when it comes to getting the purrfect gift for your love kitten?
Fret not my little craft loving bunnies because when it comes to gifts our lovely guys and gals are truly the best people to buy from.Have a look at some of the goodies we'll have on offer on Friday 11th of February.
But we're not just content with offering you a fab hand made shopping event we're also making it a night for you to get your hands a'making! We're setting up our MAKE EASY table at the SPEAK EASY BAR where you can sit,sip on a cocktail and make your sweetie pie a hand made card! And if you're finding it hard to find the right words take inspiration from the smoochy gramophonic tunes courtesy of the SHELLAC SISTERS. Also if you're in the mood for giving yourself a little treat why not visit the WEAR EASY area? Vintage clothing to make your hearts flutter,vintage inspired jewellery and accessories and beautiful vintage inspired home accesories.
Remember it's also the last fund raiser event at the home of one of our idols,William Morris,the daddy of the Arts and Crafts movent. They'll be closing for a massive refurb so your £2 entry goes directly to the gallery!

William Morris Gallery
Forest Rd.
E17 4PP
Walthamstow London

6pm - 9pm
£2 entry

TOMBOLA £1 a spin and win a hand made prize!!!

For further info visit: www.craftguerrilla.com

www.the-aviary.co.uk

www.sannapanda.co.uk

mc kenzie gardens

www.bobanglesbrides.co.uk

*click on the link below photos to be redirected to the designer makers web sites!

Love Notes...

2011-02-02T05:10:00.000-08:00

Artist and Craft Guerrilla Deborah Daniel has already started working on next September's Art Trail piece. Because of the proximity of Valentine's day and the LOVE EASY fair she's found inspiration for her project and would love for you to be included.

"For the next Art Trail I'm compiling a participative public art project where people are invited to write a LOVE NOTE completely anonymously. This can be to your first love, present partner, pet, granny or to the "one that got away".
It's a great way to get it off your chest or to finally let go or come to terms with an unrequited love!"

Messages will be on display as part of the Beautiful Interiors Valentine's window then later on the collection of notes will be compiled into a lovely hand bound book illustrated by guest artists and sold at several outlets. The profits of the book will go to charity which has yet to be decided.

If you want to include your entry please comment anonymously at the end of this post and all submissions will be transcribed.

Illustrators: If you'd like to submit work please contact me via email: craftguerrilla@yahoo.com

Creative Biscuit...workshops gallore!

2011-01-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

We're very pleased to say that our lovely friends at Creative Biscuit have started to offer workshops at their premises in South Woodford, East London. Our very own Ellen Jones will be tutoring the jewellery workshop and I hear she's really excited! Also if jewellery making isn't your thing fear not as apart from offering a ceramics studio they'll also be offering other work shops through out the year...

Date: Thursday 3th February
Time: 7.00pm - 9.30pm
Where: Creative Biscuit Ceramics Café, 61 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1JJ [free parking available / close to central line station]
Cost per student: £28 [includes earrings / bracelet]
Number of places available: 10
...
Learn a new skill or brush up on your technique with this fun and informative jewellery making workshop!

Students will learn the basic technique of wire-wrapping for jewellery making. This will also include an introduction to the tools and their usage.

The wire and components used will be either silver-plated or gunmetal, and there will be a variety of crystals, pearls etc. freely available to create your own personal piece of jewellery. By learning the wire-wrapping technique, students will be able to make charm drops and continuous chains.

Depending on ability, students will make and take home at least a pair of earrings, if not a pair of earrings and a bracelet.

All tools and materials will be supplied.

Come with friends or make some new ones. All abilities welcome!

For further info visit their face book page

Vintage Cabaroake...

2011-01-25T02:32:00.000-08:00

Yes,that's right, they're back on Friday 4th of March for another fling! Join the lovely guys and gals at the Vintage Cabaraoke for another fun filled evening at one of our favourite venues! Orford House Social Club is a little gem situated in the Village quarter of Walthamstow rich in old time glamour and pure jollity!!!

Check out the Vintage Cabaroke Face Book page: http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Vintage-Cabaraoke/161169487237431

If you'd like to buy tickets visit:http://www.wegottickets.com/searchresults/location

East London Craft Guerrilla

A new year and a new venture!

Etsy Labs...Make your Own Valentine!

A Beautiuful Mess...

Have you Zine the news?

Extra! Extra! Read all about it: Craft Guerrilla Valentine's Fair!

Crafty New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Not one but two!!!!

What a Christmas hellaballoo!

Get your self into Ship Shape...

Christmas Fair Designers. Lets take a sneaky peek....

Make your own wrapping paper...

Christmas Fair Designers. Lets take a sneaky peek....

Behind the red door...

Christmas Fair Designers. Lets take a sneaky peek...

Got Craft?

10 minute project...

Help us get the word out...

Christymas fair designers. Lets take a sneaky peek...

Decorations a go go!

Sushi anyone?

Christmas fair designers. Lets take a sneaky peek...

Bliss...

Christmas stress buster...

Movember!!!

Get into the Festive groove...

Crafteramma Swaperamma!

Be inspired, make something original?!

We're recruiting!!!

Advertise with us and get your crafty business seen!

Poesie Grenadine...

Calling all designer makers...

Autumn Vintage fun...

Knitting & Stitching review...

Why is it important to price your hand made items appropriately?

Creative Biscuit...Crafternoons with the Craft Guerrilla!

Shhhhhhhhh...don't mention the C word!

New events added!

Make do & mend craft night...Next Thursday!

Love Craft? Get yourself on the Trail!

Forest Arts & Crafts...New DATE!

September's mini workshop...

Craft Trail workshops....

Tech fail...now who can help?

The CRAFT TRAIL at the Thames Festival

September's D.I.Y. Carft Night....

Craft Guerrilla now available on KINDLE!

Craft Guerrilla curates Finamore...Little Shop of Crafty Splendors!

August's Make Do & Mend Craft Night...

Summer Zine!

Summer loving...

A sneaky peek...

A sneaky peek...

Threads & Yarns....

Everybody loves BUNTING!!!

A sneaky peek...

A sneaky peek...

Craft Guerrilla Summer Fair...

July's mini work shop...

Crafting in the sun...

Make do & Mend...Summer Vintage FUN!

In the spot light...

Make Do & Mend...

A few of our favourite things...

Make something that counts...

a few of our favourite things...

Creative Biscuit + Craft Guerrilla = Crafternoon!

Retro fascinator mini workshop...

Vintage D.I.Y. Craft Night... and Vintage Frolicks!!!

Aurevoir Craft Month...

Forest Arts & Crafts...

I knit Guernsey Competition!

Crafting it the vintage way!

Serra Vista Studios...

May is Craft Month!!!

Are you the next Crafty Super Star?

POM POM necklace work shop...

MAY is...CRAFT MONTH!

Camden Crawl...Craftivista Social Club *UPDATE*

Camden Crawl...Craftivista Social Club UPDATE