Shower curtain tutorial...

It's not a surprise that IKEA are the leader in home wares & furniture as it's also no secret that I have a long standing love affair with the Scandi flat pack giants! So in my never ending quest to find the perfect shower curtain I headed off to the large blue and yellow box off the A12. Yes I do have a thing about shower curtains and take finding the "perfect one" very seriously!
Usually I have no problem in finding things I like and easily deviate from my carefully written list...oh yes, you know what I'm talking about! No list means coming away with boxes of tea lights, arms full of photo frames and trollies filled with that stuff you sigh and mutter about at the check out with "I don't really need this but...." statements but still place them on the conveyor belt!
After many years of buying at IKEA and always finding the "perfect" shower curtain I was disillusioned with their current choices. Bland, functional and very austere... and just because we're in the age of austerity it doesn't mean I want a grey, plain, boring shower curtain in my bathroom Ikea designers!!! It is after all the first thing most of see in the morning!!! So I picked up a plain white £3.99 plastic "Eggegrund" curtain with the intention of adding something of my own onto it.
And so I did and here is my simple shower curtain tutorial...

step 1: Lay out your curtain onto a large table and wipe the curtain with some hot soapy water to remove any grease or dust. Leave to dry.

step 2: Choose a design. I opted to draw it first on paper and I'm glad I did so. I had an idea where I was going with it though I did slightly change the composition.
With a soft nib pencil draw your design onto the curtain.

this is what you need: Shower curtain (plain white) a design, a pencil and some permanent markers!

step 3: When you're ready and happy with your design use a permanent market and trace your drawing. I used Sharpies* though others are available. I got mine form Amazon and they were a really good price for a pack of 12!!!
I also chose to use a simple black outline for my design because I think it adds extra Kawaii cuteness to it.
*Please note: other brands are available...

step 4: colour in your design... I used simple vertical strokes for the look I was after... but it's up to you what you do! I also left a few "rain drops" plain IE without colouring them in.

 step 5: That's it. Hang it on your shower rail and enjoy a happy shower in the morning!!! Hope you enjoy making your own and please do share your photos of your creations!

And here's a very apt tune for your shower...

Summer Swisherama for vintage lovin mamas!!!

After a hectic year we thought we'd take July off and return in August to the Rose & Crown pub with a brand spanking new format for our DIY Craft nights!

Still based on the "Make Do & Mend" ethos, up cycling, recycling and self sufficiency but with a bit more added glamour! Also we'll be in the back of the pub in the Red Room and pool table area because we think a change of scenery is just what we need.

We'll still host mini monthly workshops with a guest tutor as well as introduce a few little extras like Swishing!
Yup, you've heard right, this is your chance to remodel your wardrobe and get rid of any unwanted frocks, separates, shoes etc in exchange for another pretty item of clothing!
It's a great way to recycle your wears plus we'll have Kirstie from "just can't help it" retro boutique showing you how to hem, alter and transform your new treasures to fit into your new retro loving wardrobe! BUT if you fancy the real deal the Frill Seekers Vintage boutique will be open as usual!!!

So how does the Swish work?
Everyone brings in unwanted clothing, handbags, hats, gloves, belts, accessories, etc. and shoes.  They must be clean and in good condition.
You will then receive a ticket so you can then swap for a similar category item during the swish. For example if you bring in shoes you can then swap them for a pair of someone else's shoes, if you bring in a vintage dress you can exchange it for another vintage dress, if you bring in a high street item of clothing you will be able to swap it for another high street item and so on...
You will have 30 minutes to look through, try and drool over the items and at 8.45pm on the dot we'll blow the whistle so you can go through the rails and grab your chosen item.
(Please note that bun fights will not be tolerated and in case more then one person wants an item we'll flip a coin or get you to arm wrestle!)
A small fee will be charged per item.

Vintage Pop Up Beautifying Station:
The gorgeous and perfectly coiffed Ginger & Greene will also be on hand at their pop up Beautifying Station where the Vintage Beauty Train will roll up to remake you lovelies into glamorous starlets!
No booking required but please ask the ladies for their coiffure/ Make up menu and pricing.

Guest Mini Workshop:
This month we're making knickers made from recycled silk scarves! Sarah Kerry will be on hand to show you how to make a pair of pretty knick knocks.
£30 per student though you must be proficient on a sewing machine. All materials provided.  6 spaces available. Pre booking required. More details including booking info to be announced.


Craft Guerrilla Craft Packs:
We're still offering ready to make craft packs but working on bringing you a new selection of glam projects! As usual we'll be on hand to help and guide you though for a small £3 fee you are welcome to bring your own projects.

And finally...
There will also be home baked cakes available to purchase...booze and cake? Well why not?!

Independents Day...

Celebrate "Independents Day" and shop local!

As part of Wood Street market we've joined forces with other retailers to bring shoppers the best in indie shopping offering a variety of special events, street food stalls, workshops (for kids and adults too), shopping discounts and live music from the 4th to the 7th of July.

Held through out the indoor market and in association with other local businesses we'll be showcasing why it's imperative to support local independents.
Look out for the campaign posters in local participating shops, restaurants and businesses! Wood Street Indoor Market 98-100 Wood Street E17 3HX From 10 am to 5.30 pm.

If you'd like to know more about our Shop Local campaign visit the official site: http://shoplocale17.weebly.com/

Stitch...Wanstead

Stitch: M.Rosenberg & Son, Fabric Merchant 
10 Woodbine Place Wanstead
E11 2RH

There's a gorgeous little fabric shop which has recently opened in Wanstead, East London. Just a few skips from the tube station and nestled behind the high street you'll find this cute family run shop. I went there to meet the owner Jenny who owns this business with her dad who's been in the trade for over 60 years. She tells me her grandparents started life as traders selling fabrics at various London markets. Their portrait hangs in pride of place in the upstairs room which they are looking into transforming into a creative space.

Jenny's a really warm, friendly gal and I can see she is brimming with pride and genuine love for her stock. When you come through the door you're greeted by friendly smiling faces and both Jenny and her assistant are quick to make you at ease.
Her knowledge about cutting fabrics so you get the repeat pattern was amazing. I ear-wigged on the conversation between them and a costumer and I was amazed at the attention to detail and just how great their advice was. Though I suspect that if she could she'd be sitting behind a sewing machine making dresses from all that pretty fabric rather then just cutting it for her customers! When she talks about the shop I can see that she is so enthused with it and can't wait until it's established in Wanstead.

Jenny and her assistant look after costumers with expert advice and knowledge...

Designer Roberto Cavalli fabric...

Fat quarter bundles and beautiful dress making patterns are also available to buy...

 The former builders merchants is characterful building and I'm so happy that it hasn't been knocked down or turned into flats after the previous business ceased trading. I for one think it looks better now but I am bias...how could I not love the endless shelves of beautiful fabrics???!!!

I promise you that if you go there that you won't be disappointed. You'll probably come out with a few more meters of fabric then you intended buying even though you promised yourself you wouldn't add to your stash! The variety is awesome and yes it is a lot of temptation but I managed to buy only the one meter of a really beautiful cherry cotton print which I will use for a dirndl skirt... now lets just hope the good weather arrives so I can wear it!

Alexander Hendry Fabrics at £7 a meter!

The shop is stocked high with bales of pretty Liberty cottons, Alexander Hendry prints and even designer fabrics at very good prices! Plus they also have a few shelves of wool, patterns and haberdashery....just enough to get you imagining what you could make with all that lovely stuff.
There was also the prettiest collection of oil cloth and cotton canvas with girly spots and soft ice cream stripes...perfect for kitting out your garden seating area!
I wish them all the luck and I look forward to visiting again...

Queen's Jubilee...

Queen front man Freddie Mercury looks fetching in a crown! We heart you!!!

Join us on Saturday the 2nd of June for our very royal workshop! As part of the Wood Street indoor market Jubilee party we'll be hosting a FREE workshop in homage to the grandest Queen of them all: Freddie Mercury!

Come and make your very own moustache so you can rock out during the long bank holiday!!! (from noon to 3pm and while materials last. All children must be supervised by guardian or parent.)

June Work shop... join in the Jubilations!

This June it's all about the Jubilee and we're bringing you a selection of "themed" workshops to get you in the mood! From PUNK fueled paper crafting to jewellery making and mustache making!

Below is the info for the next D.I.Y. Craft Night mini workshop which is on Thursday the 14th. We love a bit of bling and in order for us to be right royal guerrilla gals we totes need some of these and we hope you do to!

"Fancy learning to make your own rings with added bling? Then look no further! In this fun and relaxed class, I’ll be taking you through the steps to make 2 styles of cocktail rings that you can adapt to make your own. The first,  a ‘cluster’ ring, is made up several small beads and crystals that are woven round a wire ring band and the second, a ‘single stone’ ring is a simpler design that can make a great statement piece to accessorise any outfit.

Each student will go home with approximately 2–3 pieces of jewellery, new skill and with lots of ideas! The equipment used in all of my classes is easily available and affordable so that you can continue at home"

Katie is an experienced jewellery maker and  tutor. Her emphasis is always on enjoyment and inspiring creativity ...plus with a few beers...woop BLINGARAMMA!!!

£20 per student

Pre payment/pre booking required

Please e mail tutor directly to book your spot!

smileykate100@aol.com

 

Do you have the craft factor?

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
― William Morris

Craft Guerrilla are happy to announce that The William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow has invited us to curate their gift shop for a selected period with one of a kind, quality hand made items!
On offer is the chance for a selection of designer makers, illustrators and makers of hand made goods to sell their wares in the home of the grand daddy of the arts & crafts movement!!!

Once re launched in late July after a massive regeneration the brand spanking, sparkling gallery will introduce designer maker items to it's product range in their gorgeous gift shop.
This means that visitors will be able to purchase high quality hand made goods and go away experiencing first hand just what the great man was on about!
Oh yes, we know Mr. Morris would certainly love what we do and what we stand for plus he'd love the new generation of crafts people that we have working in our fair city.
We're looking for products which reflect Morris' philosophy and not necessarily his existing works. We're not looking for copies but mainly products which reflect today's modern urban craft makers and his philosophy. 
Also we'd like to give you the opportunity to get your thinking caps on and come up with a few products you can offer exclusively to the gallery as well as existing products you already make and sell.

The criteria is simple:
You need to be either from the borough of Waltham Forest or London and all goods need to be hand made and designed/made by you. At this stage we are not accepting "group" applications or representatives/agents on behalf of a designer maker.
Please apply via email including photos of your best selling products (or specific items you'd like to offer as exclusives for gallery) with a retail price point and your web site or blog so we can have a look at your body of work.
Please note that not all entries will be accepted and please do not be offended if your work is not chosen...not everything will fit in with the museum's criteria or look we are after.
Craft Guerrilla are curating and showcasing entries under the collective's umbrella so you'll also need to be prepared to associate with us and work with us to offer a highly professional and quality service as well as product presentation!
We'll also be on hand to advise or discuss with you any questions regarding packaging and branding to help you successfully showcase your products to the museum selection panel.

What we're looking for:
Hand printed goods including wall paper and fabric (* can be silk screen, lino or hand printed)
Paper Goods and stationary including screen printed illustration & Books/note books
Cards (greetings and post cards)
Home Wares
Jewellery (gold smith and silver smith work preferred but not essential)
Accessories
Leather work
Metal work
Wood work
Ceramics
Glass ware
Soft Furnishings including printed fabrics which you have designed
Craft Packs (ready to take away and make especially for novices and younger visitors)
small keep sake, mementos or "tourist" pieces
quirky and fun items but mainly original and of very high quality finish...
and so on...
 
If you make other things which aren't listed above please do apply anyway as it might have exactly THAT "Craft Factor" thang we are searching for!!!

What happens next:
If your work is accepted we will then send you the application form and move on to the second round which means we'll need to see your products in the flesh, but more on that later!

Apply via e-mail to: craftguerrilla@yahoo.com

Deadline:
June the 3rd 2012


* Craft Guerrilla will not be in charge of any payments derived from sales or commissions set nor do we receive any form of payment or commission from either the designer or the gallery. Each designer will be contracted to the gallery and any fees/charges/payments are to be discussed between the two parties. 
Craft Guerrilla are only serving as a "middle man". Designers hold all copyright for their designs and products. Designers provide any and all of their stock at their own expense unless commissioned by a third party. We strongly advise you to seek any clarification with the WMG concerning payment dates, payment method, insurance issues, VAT payment and invoicing and so forth.