Friday, 8 February 2013
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Good things come in awesome packaging...
As part of the service we provide we work together with designer makers to achieve the best look for their products through branding and packaging. So in this little post we'll be briefly showing you how to achieve that hand made look through a professional, premium outer skin which will make your product sell and be an instant recognisable hit!
We think packaging is very important and personally I am a sucker for it having in the past bought a specific product not for the actual item inside but because of the pretty box which enveloped it! I know...dumb right? Well no... bear with me because I'll explain. When it comes to selling a product it's imperative that you not only sell the item itself but that you also sell a life style, tell a story or promote a look. And all this without loosing your product/company identity?
Larger companies do this through packaging. I'm sure you've all seen the 1950's Pin Up type packaging which certain cosmetic companies use for their beauty products. Well how many of you have picked them up just because you have a fondness for vintage style?
They've been really clever because as you know the glamorous vintage look is very much in vogue so it's no longer hitting just a niche market but hitting the mass consumer "BAM" right in the middle of their buying noggin!
The average high street shopper has picked up on this fashion trend through film, the cat walk, music etc. and you can see plenty of school girls with up dos, victory rolls and bandanas! Even mainstream pop singers are at it!
It's all about going with the popular culture and let's face it... people like to follow what's popular!
Back in school who had the most friends? The popular girl!
You might think it's superficial but lets face it...we are all superficial to some extent! In this case it's not always what's on the inside that counts. That my friends really should be kept for when referring to people, treasure chests or chocolate covered raisins!
But we don't want you to sell your soul over to mass consumerism or to Fashion (unless you really want to!) but we want to help you get your products looking as amazing as they can without losing their hand made integrity! Fashion comes and goes,that's true, but your products should always be stead fast in the quality stakes and though you can tap into fashion, tweak your labels accordingly to what's of the moment you should always have a solid base which shouts it's made by YOU! This my lovelies is branding!
So how do you get the professional look without resembling another High Street, Mass Produced product?
Look at your product and figure out what type of shopper you are targeting.
Make your packaging stand out, looking professional and looking like it's personal to you and your brand's ethos.
Don't just use an old bit of recycled brown paper nor spend a fortune on boxes or fancy paper either. You really don't need to spend thousands on it for your product to look awesome. You can achieve a great inspirational look on a shoe string budget...all you need is a bit of imagination and some clever crafting!
Though we totally believe in recycling and up cycling if you are charging a premium price then it needs to look the part. Use recycled or green made packaging instead of just ironing a bit of naff, faded old brown paper! You are competing with a sea of other products both on mass produced and on the hand made side so make it as enticing as possible. You really won't sell a gorgeous product, no matter how great it is if it's wrapped in an old tatty plastic bag!
Use the best possible raw ingredients/materials for your products because even though we are talking about packaging the product itself needs to be good! Without the quality product inside the outside will be only a fad and what you want is return buyers and a loyal following!!!
Keep your over all look streamlined, timeless and cohesive. Have your logo, your company colours on everything from your business cards, web site, to your packaging. An overall "look" which is adaptable will help people identify your brand visually so next time they see it they'll know exactly what it is that you are selling be it a lifestyle product or an awesome hand made soap.
So how do you keep that hand made look?
Long gone are the days where knitted loo roll dollies and painted pasta shapes on card classified as CRAFT. It's an expanding, designer led, competitive market so your product needs to stand out and sell itself at a glance and that's where packaging comes in.
Today's designer maker is not only the producer of quality products but also the sales person, PR intern, the accountant, etc. etc. etc.
The modern designer maker has to wear many hats so if you feel like you can't quite grasp the packaging and branding side then that's where we come in.
We love packaging and we know the hand made market very well. With over 10 years of selling experience and 5 years of Craft Market management we feel we might just be the help you need to get your products noticed.
Get in touch! Our fees are competitive and we believe we can get you thinking of your packaging as an integral part of making your hand made company a successful business with a minimal outlay and without losing your hand made identity.
For this post we've chosen mainly SOAP and cosmetics because we thought they are a perfect example of successful packaging as many use it to great effect. I mean soap is soap right, they all pretty much use the same process and ingredients? Not exactly or "not just" should be the correct reply hence why we've chosen it as an example. Though quality varies there are so many brands out there so it's pretty much down to product and packaging and how that plays a huge part in it's success or failure. It is after all an everyday product which we all use and with so much choice out there...something has to set them apart.
For example a small Portuguese Soap company like "Arc Brito" who was on the verge of death suddenly after reviewing their packaging went on to become one of the worlds premium soap brands mainly through the beautifully designed art work which encapsulates their gorgeous soaps. They now sell their soap all over the world and in shops like Selfridge's, Liberty of London and Heal's. So it goes to prove that it's not just what's on the inside but on the outside too!!!
We think packaging is very important and personally I am a sucker for it having in the past bought a specific product not for the actual item inside but because of the pretty box which enveloped it! I know...dumb right? Well no... bear with me because I'll explain. When it comes to selling a product it's imperative that you not only sell the item itself but that you also sell a life style, tell a story or promote a look. And all this without loosing your product/company identity?
Larger companies do this through packaging. I'm sure you've all seen the 1950's Pin Up type packaging which certain cosmetic companies use for their beauty products. Well how many of you have picked them up just because you have a fondness for vintage style?
They've been really clever because as you know the glamorous vintage look is very much in vogue so it's no longer hitting just a niche market but hitting the mass consumer "BAM" right in the middle of their buying noggin!
The average high street shopper has picked up on this fashion trend through film, the cat walk, music etc. and you can see plenty of school girls with up dos, victory rolls and bandanas! Even mainstream pop singers are at it!
 |
| Beyoncé rocking the war time Bandana look! |
 |
| Rihanna looking stunning with scarlet Victory Rolls! |
It's all about going with the popular culture and let's face it... people like to follow what's popular!
Back in school who had the most friends? The popular girl!
You might think it's superficial but lets face it...we are all superficial to some extent! In this case it's not always what's on the inside that counts. That my friends really should be kept for when referring to people, treasure chests or chocolate covered raisins!
 |
| Benefit Cosmetics (High Street) |
 |
| Haydria Perfumery(hand made) |
But we don't want you to sell your soul over to mass consumerism or to Fashion (unless you really want to!) but we want to help you get your products looking as amazing as they can without losing their hand made integrity! Fashion comes and goes,that's true, but your products should always be stead fast in the quality stakes and though you can tap into fashion, tweak your labels accordingly to what's of the moment you should always have a solid base which shouts it's made by YOU! This my lovelies is branding!
So how do you get the professional look without resembling another High Street, Mass Produced product?
Look at your product and figure out what type of shopper you are targeting.
Make your packaging stand out, looking professional and looking like it's personal to you and your brand's ethos.
Don't just use an old bit of recycled brown paper nor spend a fortune on boxes or fancy paper either. You really don't need to spend thousands on it for your product to look awesome. You can achieve a great inspirational look on a shoe string budget...all you need is a bit of imagination and some clever crafting!
 |
| Printed paper bags and twine add a vintage touch to your hand made packaging. By using this type of packaging what does it say about the product? Old fashioned traditional methods? A love of green recycled materials? Or speciality product? All of the above and not a scrunched up pre used paper bag in sight... though these bags are made from recycled paper! |
 |
| Printed Wax paper and black string has been used to make these products original and beautiful. |
Though we totally believe in recycling and up cycling if you are charging a premium price then it needs to look the part. Use recycled or green made packaging instead of just ironing a bit of naff, faded old brown paper! You are competing with a sea of other products both on mass produced and on the hand made side so make it as enticing as possible. You really won't sell a gorgeous product, no matter how great it is if it's wrapped in an old tatty plastic bag!
Use the best possible raw ingredients/materials for your products because even though we are talking about packaging the product itself needs to be good! Without the quality product inside the outside will be only a fad and what you want is return buyers and a loyal following!!!
Keep your over all look streamlined, timeless and cohesive. Have your logo, your company colours on everything from your business cards, web site, to your packaging. An overall "look" which is adaptable will help people identify your brand visually so next time they see it they'll know exactly what it is that you are selling be it a lifestyle product or an awesome hand made soap.
 |
| A selection of High Street soaps Savon de Marseille and Arc Brito |
 |
| Berylune soaps...hand made and made in the UK. Lovely Graphic packaging not unlike the Arc Brito but definitely with it's own identifiable modern look! |
So how do you keep that hand made look?
Long gone are the days where knitted loo roll dollies and painted pasta shapes on card classified as CRAFT. It's an expanding, designer led, competitive market so your product needs to stand out and sell itself at a glance and that's where packaging comes in.
Today's designer maker is not only the producer of quality products but also the sales person, PR intern, the accountant, etc. etc. etc.
The modern designer maker has to wear many hats so if you feel like you can't quite grasp the packaging and branding side then that's where we come in.
We love packaging and we know the hand made market very well. With over 10 years of selling experience and 5 years of Craft Market management we feel we might just be the help you need to get your products noticed.
Get in touch! Our fees are competitive and we believe we can get you thinking of your packaging as an integral part of making your hand made company a successful business with a minimal outlay and without losing your hand made identity.
For this post we've chosen mainly SOAP and cosmetics because we thought they are a perfect example of successful packaging as many use it to great effect. I mean soap is soap right, they all pretty much use the same process and ingredients? Not exactly or "not just" should be the correct reply hence why we've chosen it as an example. Though quality varies there are so many brands out there so it's pretty much down to product and packaging and how that plays a huge part in it's success or failure. It is after all an everyday product which we all use and with so much choice out there...something has to set them apart.
For example a small Portuguese Soap company like "Arc Brito" who was on the verge of death suddenly after reviewing their packaging went on to become one of the worlds premium soap brands mainly through the beautifully designed art work which encapsulates their gorgeous soaps. They now sell their soap all over the world and in shops like Selfridge's, Liberty of London and Heal's. So it goes to prove that it's not just what's on the inside but on the outside too!!!
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Calling all animal loving designer makers!
We love Celia Hammond and that's not just because she is a fashion icon of the 1960's!
Celia has been a staunch animal activist since her early days when she was a super model. Horrified by the seal cull in Canada she vowed to never wear fur again and so her campaign work began.
We love kind people and we think that we can all make a difference hence why we are talking about Celia and her organisation.
She's an inspiration and after reading posts on the Celia Hammond Animal Trust Face Book page we were moved by stories of how they are dealing with huge numbers of abandoned animals in their London centres.
Since Christmas there has been a massive influx and they are having trouble dealing with all the new residents. Mainly these pets have been felines and some dogs too but mainly cats.
For what ever reason people have for giving up their pets it's not up to us to judge we are just happy to be able to put an idea forward to help this amazing charity!
AND so we've come up with the idea of doing an online TOMBOLA. Each ticket will cost £1 and all funds will go to the trust. We will have a first, second and third prize and every single item will be hand made because that's our other LOVE.
So if you fancy donating a hand made item then please get in touch. We'll add your link to the Tombola post as a thank you and if you can please add a link back to the TOMBOLA post that would be dandy too because we want to raise as much money as possible!!!
However if you are not able to donate an actual item to the tombola then maybe you can use your craft work. The Trust has requested toys for their animals like simple catnip mice.
A simple and soft catnip mouse for playful but shy cats might just be what they require to help them get back into tip top shape. Play is fun and we think these little kitties need some too!
Here's an easy pattern and when you're finished please send to the main centre in East London. Address details and other info available here.... Celia Hammond Animal Trust.
BUT if you can help even further then they are also looking for foster homes so get in touch with the trust if you are able and willing to take a little ball of fur into your home while he or she awaits a new loving family!
Also there's a handy list of items you can buy which is delivered directly to the trust via Amazon...
Deadline for receipt of donated items: Saturday the 9th of February. Please email us for our postal address via email craftguerrilla@yahoo.com
The Celia Hammond fund raiser Tombola will then be receiving donations by way of ticket sales from the 11th of February until the prize draw which will be on the 31st of March!
Please note that the Celia Hammond Trust are no way involved in this fundraiser...we, Craft Guerrilla, are running it to present a donation to them after the draw.
Lets use the power of craft and help make the world a better place!
Celia has been a staunch animal activist since her early days when she was a super model. Horrified by the seal cull in Canada she vowed to never wear fur again and so her campaign work began.
We love kind people and we think that we can all make a difference hence why we are talking about Celia and her organisation.
She's an inspiration and after reading posts on the Celia Hammond Animal Trust Face Book page we were moved by stories of how they are dealing with huge numbers of abandoned animals in their London centres.
Since Christmas there has been a massive influx and they are having trouble dealing with all the new residents. Mainly these pets have been felines and some dogs too but mainly cats.
For what ever reason people have for giving up their pets it's not up to us to judge we are just happy to be able to put an idea forward to help this amazing charity!
AND so we've come up with the idea of doing an online TOMBOLA. Each ticket will cost £1 and all funds will go to the trust. We will have a first, second and third prize and every single item will be hand made because that's our other LOVE.
So if you fancy donating a hand made item then please get in touch. We'll add your link to the Tombola post as a thank you and if you can please add a link back to the TOMBOLA post that would be dandy too because we want to raise as much money as possible!!!
However if you are not able to donate an actual item to the tombola then maybe you can use your craft work. The Trust has requested toys for their animals like simple catnip mice.
A simple and soft catnip mouse for playful but shy cats might just be what they require to help them get back into tip top shape. Play is fun and we think these little kitties need some too!
Here's an easy pattern and when you're finished please send to the main centre in East London. Address details and other info available here.... Celia Hammond Animal Trust.
BUT if you can help even further then they are also looking for foster homes so get in touch with the trust if you are able and willing to take a little ball of fur into your home while he or she awaits a new loving family!
Also there's a handy list of items you can buy which is delivered directly to the trust via Amazon...
Deadline for receipt of donated items: Saturday the 9th of February. Please email us for our postal address via email craftguerrilla@yahoo.com
The Celia Hammond fund raiser Tombola will then be receiving donations by way of ticket sales from the 11th of February until the prize draw which will be on the 31st of March!
Please note that the Celia Hammond Trust are no way involved in this fundraiser...we, Craft Guerrilla, are running it to present a donation to them after the draw.
Lets use the power of craft and help make the world a better place!
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Baby I Love you! Valentine's Special!
If you're seeking a quirky, off the peg gift for your loved one then have a look at our hand made romantic directory:
Miss Cakehead's Anatomical Heart Pop up shop...
When - 8th - 10th February
Where - 133 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DG
For a truly wonderful selection of curated Valentine inspired treats by the fabulous "lady of gore cakes" Miss Cake Head come along to this East End pop up boutique.
You'll find everything you'll need to make your lover's heart skip a beat from gorgeous illustrated greeting cards, hand made designer mementos to having the opportunity of offering them your heart on a plate! Yup edible hearts....don't panic they are in fact made of cake!
Open for two days only so don't miss it!
Wonderhill Market Valentine's Edition...
When: 10th February 12-5pm
Where: Tooting Tram and Social
46-48 Mitcham Road, SW17 9NA
This has to be one of our favourite markets in London. Not only are the organizers amazing people but the venue is also quite special too. Choose from a selection of goods from London's top designers right up to ethically sourced Vintage Clothing plus there is cake...and cocktails...and live music! Amazing!!!
Or if you fancy making it your self then have a look at these tutorials:
Love heart Cheese cake... Click on the link for the recipe... "HERE"
Fabric heart garland... Tutorial "Here"
Fortune Cookies added to the breakfast in bed tray will make a nice surprise...
Recipe "here"...
And a selection of ready made smooch inducing gifts....
Miniature heart by Kivaford
A Diamond Ring by MOKOSHOP...
Leather Wallet for your fella by DNA Creations...
And some cufflinks too by Gwen Delicious...
Ceramic anatomical heart by Carolyn Wass
AND finally here are some kittens just for the hell of it and because...we LOVE kittens!
*Please don't buy kittens...but if you intend to make your lover a pet owner check with him or her before you go out and get one. If he or she is happy about it then please do but preferably find one from a cat/animal rescue.We love cats but we also LOVE responsible pet owners!*
Miss Cakehead's Anatomical Heart Pop up shop...
When - 8th - 10th February
Where - 133 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DG
For a truly wonderful selection of curated Valentine inspired treats by the fabulous "lady of gore cakes" Miss Cake Head come along to this East End pop up boutique.
You'll find everything you'll need to make your lover's heart skip a beat from gorgeous illustrated greeting cards, hand made designer mementos to having the opportunity of offering them your heart on a plate! Yup edible hearts....don't panic they are in fact made of cake!
Open for two days only so don't miss it!
Wonderhill Market Valentine's Edition...
 |
| Cards by Sew Smitten |
When: 10th February 12-5pm
Where: Tooting Tram and Social
46-48 Mitcham Road, SW17 9NA
This has to be one of our favourite markets in London. Not only are the organizers amazing people but the venue is also quite special too. Choose from a selection of goods from London's top designers right up to ethically sourced Vintage Clothing plus there is cake...and cocktails...and live music! Amazing!!!
Or if you fancy making it your self then have a look at these tutorials:
Love heart Cheese cake... Click on the link for the recipe... "HERE"
Fabric heart garland... Tutorial "Here"
Fortune Cookies added to the breakfast in bed tray will make a nice surprise...
Recipe "here"...
And a selection of ready made smooch inducing gifts....
Miniature heart by Kivaford
A Diamond Ring by MOKOSHOP...
Leather Wallet for your fella by DNA Creations...
And some cufflinks too by Gwen Delicious...
Ceramic anatomical heart by Carolyn Wass
AND finally here are some kittens just for the hell of it and because...we LOVE kittens!
*Please don't buy kittens...but if you intend to make your lover a pet owner check with him or her before you go out and get one. If he or she is happy about it then please do but preferably find one from a cat/animal rescue.We love cats but we also LOVE responsible pet owners!*
 |
| image found on http://parisapartment.wordpress.com/category/valentines-day/ |
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Happy birthday...to us!
That's right my little crafting kittens this year Craft Guerrilla is 5 years old! We're a little bit like the queen as far as celebrating Birthdays go because we do have 2 dates... our official BIRTHDAY which is in January and our PARTY DAY which is in March. Sorry Queenie but we can't let you have all the fun!
Don't worry though, we've already celebrated a little bit just to mark the occasion but we're saving ourselves for March when we will be throwing a CRAFTACULAR BIRTHDAY PARTY which you can all attend!
So keep them peepers peeled and don't forget...Crafting is awesome so lets celebrate!!!
**SIGN UP to our mailing list so you can get a personal invite!
E mail us: craftguerrilla@yahoo.com **
Don't worry though, we've already celebrated a little bit just to mark the occasion but we're saving ourselves for March when we will be throwing a CRAFTACULAR BIRTHDAY PARTY which you can all attend!
So keep them peepers peeled and don't forget...Crafting is awesome so lets celebrate!!!
**SIGN UP to our mailing list so you can get a personal invite!
E mail us: craftguerrilla@yahoo.com **
Monday, 14 January 2013
Who fancies a cuppa?
NEW to the Craft Guerrilla shop "My Rosie Lee" contemporary homewares!
Beautifully designed in the UK on English bone china these gorgeous mugs will have you reaching for the kettle with a smile on your face... what a wonderful way to make your tea break that little bit more stylish!!!
Available at our concession space at Black Duke & Cashman, 83 Grove Road, Walthamstow, London E17.
You know we also sell cakes in the shop on weekends don't you? Oooooh tea and cake...now we're talking!!!
Beautifully designed in the UK on English bone china these gorgeous mugs will have you reaching for the kettle with a smile on your face... what a wonderful way to make your tea break that little bit more stylish!!!
Available at our concession space at Black Duke & Cashman, 83 Grove Road, Walthamstow, London E17.
You know we also sell cakes in the shop on weekends don't you? Oooooh tea and cake...now we're talking!!!
 |
| new gorgeous black & white design available in our shop! |
Thursday, 3 January 2013
In the new year make a difference!
Last NYE after midnight and after the fireworks plus the obligatory sing along to "Auld lang syne" died down I was asked what resolutions I had for the new year.
Normally I don't participate as I think change should be something we partake in on a daily basis and not only once a year!
So when we were approached by The Craftivist Collective to help promote their "I'm a piece" project it was without hesitation that we readied our selves to tell you all about them and this wonderful project...
As a fellow crafter I’m calling on you to start 2013 by using what you do - craft - to help end world hunger! By partaking in the "I'm a piece" campaign you'll be joining others and we believe in strength in numbers so this project is right up our street!
Why?
* Because in a world were we know how to solve hunger we still have 2.3 million children across the world die because of hunger every year
* If world leaders invest in life saving interventions that work (like supporting small-scale farmers, teaching people about healthy eating etc) it could save 1 million lives each year
Why now?
The UK and our Prime Minister David Cameron are hosting the G8 Summit in 2013 where world leaders meet to discuss international issues
Cameron, has already said that he will put hunger at the top of the agenda of world leaders - we just need to make sure he sticks to his word & commits to the UK giving more international aid (a tiny 0.7% of our GDP) and championing the small and brilliant projects across the word already tackling hunger so more projects like them can be created and sustained.
Our deadline for getting all the jigsaw pieces in is 28 February which gives you time to do a few minutes a week or complete a piece one evening or weekend but will go in a blink of an eye too if we aren’t careful.
How can little-old-me be a piece of the solution?
You can stitch messages onto material jigsaw pieces which will be put together to make a HUGE creative, crafty installation alternative to a petition that Save the Children will show off to our Government, the public and World Leaders showing that hundreds, even thousands of us, want, with world leaders, to be a part of the solution to hunger, not the problem. You can also give a jigsaw piece to your local MP to remind them to be a part of the solution too or at least tell them about the piece you made for the installation.
For further information, templates and other ways you can help visit: http://imapiece.craftivist-collective.com/
A bit about the Craftivist Collective...
Craftivist Collective is a group of individuals who believe in the power of craft to make a difference. They are known for their mini-banners and public stitch-ins, and aim to expose and tackle injustice and poverty through provocative, non-violent action. Fin out more here: http://craftivist-collecive.com
Save The Children works in more than 20 countries, saving the lives of children, fighting for their rights and helping them fulfill their potential. You can find out more about the "Race Against Hunger" campaign here: http://www.savethechildren.org.uk
Normally I don't participate as I think change should be something we partake in on a daily basis and not only once a year!
So when we were approached by The Craftivist Collective to help promote their "I'm a piece" project it was without hesitation that we readied our selves to tell you all about them and this wonderful project...
As a fellow crafter I’m calling on you to start 2013 by using what you do - craft - to help end world hunger! By partaking in the "I'm a piece" campaign you'll be joining others and we believe in strength in numbers so this project is right up our street!
Why?
* Because in a world were we know how to solve hunger we still have 2.3 million children across the world die because of hunger every year
* If world leaders invest in life saving interventions that work (like supporting small-scale farmers, teaching people about healthy eating etc) it could save 1 million lives each year
Why now?
The UK and our Prime Minister David Cameron are hosting the G8 Summit in 2013 where world leaders meet to discuss international issues
Cameron, has already said that he will put hunger at the top of the agenda of world leaders - we just need to make sure he sticks to his word & commits to the UK giving more international aid (a tiny 0.7% of our GDP) and championing the small and brilliant projects across the word already tackling hunger so more projects like them can be created and sustained.
Our deadline for getting all the jigsaw pieces in is 28 February which gives you time to do a few minutes a week or complete a piece one evening or weekend but will go in a blink of an eye too if we aren’t careful.
How can little-old-me be a piece of the solution?
You can stitch messages onto material jigsaw pieces which will be put together to make a HUGE creative, crafty installation alternative to a petition that Save the Children will show off to our Government, the public and World Leaders showing that hundreds, even thousands of us, want, with world leaders, to be a part of the solution to hunger, not the problem. You can also give a jigsaw piece to your local MP to remind them to be a part of the solution too or at least tell them about the piece you made for the installation.
 |
| This our piece that we presented to our MP Stella Creasy |
For further information, templates and other ways you can help visit: http://imapiece.craftivist-collective.com/
A bit about the Craftivist Collective...
Craftivist Collective is a group of individuals who believe in the power of craft to make a difference. They are known for their mini-banners and public stitch-ins, and aim to expose and tackle injustice and poverty through provocative, non-violent action. Fin out more here: http://craftivist-collecive.com
Save The Children works in more than 20 countries, saving the lives of children, fighting for their rights and helping them fulfill their potential. You can find out more about the "Race Against Hunger" campaign here: http://www.savethechildren.org.uk
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