After Work Club!

Are you in need of some mid week creative de-stressing?
We know fully well that all work and no play is bad for you so we've decided to launch the Craft Guerrilla, After Work Club which are bite sized workshops featuring a whole host of creative disciplines run by some awesome guest workshop leaders and artists. It's the perfect antidote to the mid week work slump!!!

From botany, illustration/journal making, calligraphy, crochet, needle punch embroidery, up-cycling, life drawing to make a clutch bag to messing around with clay and other crafty shenanigans yet to be announced!

Each workshop is run by a professional designer maker/arts educator under the Craft Guerrilla collective and these 2.5 hour sessions have been specially designed to help people reach flow which is similar to a state of meditation achieved through craft work, plus you'll be able take away a skill you can resort to when in times of  need... yep it's been proven that making and using your hands is beneficial to your mind, body and soul!

We'll also be running a few well being sessions and quirky one off events at our new central London home so sign up to our mailing list to be kept in the loop: hello@craftguerrilla.com

Tickets available via ticket lab here, just click on the link: AfterWorkClub

Happy new year!

Phew, finally all the Christmas and New Year's Eve shenanigans are over and done with so it's time we get our stuff together and re-focus on our craft work!
It's also come to our attention that this January is our 10th anniversary! Yes can you believe it that Craft Guerrilla has officially been going since 2008?!

In fairness a lot of time has been taken off recently due to personal reasons -mainly health and family!- so it has been a bit of a long exhausting road with many bumps and hoops which have been suitably jumped through but it's also been one where many new friendships and new partnerships have been forged plus we've been part of lots of amazing projects too!

By focusing again on the initial manifesto it's taken me back to the "workshops for the masses" idea and to the belief that craft is something powerful and should be available to all. Plus exploring craft as therapy was something I'd still like to work on.  
You've probably heard the expression "Flow" and that's how we wanna roll!
It's a state similar to meditation which can usually be experienced when performing a repetitive action, like in knitting, crochet and embroidery for example and that promotes mindful reflection. And also because we are a bit of a raucous bunch we wanted to sink our teeth back into subversive crafting and getting involved with a few more guerrilla style activities.

Although we're currently focused on craft therapy through the creation of flow workshops to promote wellbeing we know that craft workshops are also a great way to start your very own making adventure by learning new skills so it's open to anyone and everyone not just to those who are looking for a wellness fix!
More and more I see how important the role of making has become, how it connects us to others and to our environment so yes... 2018 is going to be chockablock full of creativity and awesomeness!

Plus we're also looking into possibly of reintroducing our highly popular and successful Designer Maker Markets... we hope you can join us on our adventure! For now it's all in motion and we promise to tell you more as soon as we can...

So in brief 2018 sees Craft Guerrilla teaming up with an exciting new venture so keep those peepers peeled as we'll be announcing our workshop diary and more very soon!

If you wish to be kept in the loop sign up to our mailing list via our website.

Oh yes and before I forget Happy New Year!!!

Decorate for a party! Stylish and simple ideas for meaningful gatherings...

Well hell yeah, it's party season so what we all need is a book that will help us come up with the perfect holiday party decor theme!
We all need a bit of a helping hand sometimes and as December is a busy month it can be über stressful but it doesn't have to be... it's also a great month filled with celebrations so even though throwing a party might be the last thing you want to do personally I think it'll be worth it and
this new book by Holly Becker & Leslie Shewring might be just what you need!
"Decorate for a party! Stylish and simple ideas for meaningful gatherings" is the latest title from Jacqui Small and it's packed with amazing ideas and projects to help you get that perfect party look. And organising a memorable get-together should be easy and fun too so Decorate for a party is the perfect how to guide and resources book for any hostess or host.
Basically with such a great guide it can take out all the craziness behind the organising because a party is a wonderful chance to gather, eat and enjoy, show your creativity and to have a wonderful time filled with love, laughter, friendship and great memories.... so this book will be the perfect companion to get you hosting and decorating like a true party pro!

But it's not all just for the holiday season; it just so happens that the timing is perfect; it's for all year round partying!
With over 100 practical ideas including ten step-by-step projects, the book is split into ten sections covering a range of different set ups using specific colour palettes and styles, from Brights to Moody, Evening Sparkle to Forest Picnic and all themes can be used for a wide variety of gatherings and events... basically for any occasion that's worthy of a celebration!

There’s no need to spend a fortune either, Holly and Leslie will show you how to make the most of what you already have by using what you already have in your home, garden, craft room or
in your pantry to create show stopping creative decorations.
With this amazing book you'll learn how to create  a variety of looks that feel luxurious and special with very little effort! OK, by "very little effort" I don't mean just throwing a few green bits in a corner and saying "That's it, job done, and doesn't that look great?" but as in easy, stress free and not very expensive projects that look lush and give the impression that you've spent days setting up!

I personally love the Bright Mexican inspired theme and even though it doesn't necessarily come under the "holiday season" theme I'm taking my queue from these ladies and just making it work for me and my party! This year we're staying in London and we've decided to invite a few friends over for a fun and easy going Christmas party!
I've started working on my "Feliz Navidad" theme by going for accessories which are both bright and happy!
I'll be making the paper flowers, paper bunting (or Papel cortado/ papel picado), garlands and using rich coloured blousy flowers for a centrepiece plus lots of fairy lights, church candles, recycled brightly illustrated food tins, cactus and giant confetti to adorn the table. Adding a hint of rich golds and deep hues will make it even more special so I really can't wait to get started.
For example I love the white paper bunting which is still beautiful but not as bright and zingy so that'll calm down the whole scheme but the rest will be a colourful fiesta for the eyes!

That's the thing, you really don't have to stick rigidly to the theme or to the type of event it was initially created for, you can mix and match and either go all out or just use some elements which fit in with your lifestyle and your home as well as party type.
There is definitely room to explore and add your very own twist to it too but as a starting point this book offers a wealth of ideas and inspiration!

So with great advice on choosing themes, setting the scene, how to host a stress free dinner party and even down to choosing your play list to create an inviting ambiance I know that many of you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
I am  hopeful that 2017 will become a year of celebrations and good times (cue the high kicks!) and with these two creative women showing us how to set the perfect scene... well, it'll be a doddle! Whether you buy this book for yourself or as a gift for the ultimate party girl (or boy) this will definitely be one of those titles that will prove to be of great use and not just a coffee table book.

That's it, all that's left to say is that we hope you have a very Happy Christmas and may the new year be kind and FUN but for now lets go party!!!

Crochet therapy... 20 mindful, relaxing and energising projects!

Crochet and craft have in general been perceived as nothing more than a twee pursuit, hobbies for housewives, the domain of nans or past times for expectant mothers but thanks to a new generation of makers and health practitioners it is also being regarded as a viable therapy!

To say that Craft saved my life would not be an exaggeration. You see, let me explain, during the mid 1990's I went through something quite difficult in my life, some sort of P.T.S.D. which left me with agoraphobia, anxiety and debilitating panic attacks.
It was tough and though I tried lots of things the one thing which helped me more then any pharmaceutical was crafting!
Not that I am by any means advocating that drugs don't work -they can be a life saver for many people with mental health issues so please don't stop if you are being treated!- but for me it happened to be a mixture of meditation, counselling and making that pulled me out of the abyss.
Though it was predominantly crafting that helped me through a dark time I encourage anyone facing similar issues to see their GP for help and advice. Everyone is different so please seek help from a health professional!

The basic idea of this book is that you work on one of twenty suggested projects whilst employing mindfulness-based meditative techniques.

Projects and exercises are grouped according to a different outcome. There are projects for relaxation, focus, refreshment, perseverance, and even for crocheting with others to celebrate friendship and the support of a community group!
I love the Friendship Quilt made up of tiny individual flowers (pictured below) and I think it's a fantastic symbol of just how important and lovely individual friends can be and how together their help and love becomes even more powerful!
Looking at this quilt knowing that your friends helped to make it must transpose a feeling of love which is pretty awesome especially at times when you're not feeling great so this will serve as a gentle but powerful reminder. I really love this and hope to make my own too!

Funnily enough this was what prompted me to start the craft nights back in 2008. Crafting with others in a group gave me back my confidence and pretty much helped me get rid of the agoraphobia. Though it's something which never entirely goes away when I feel the mega stress monster knocking at the door I turn to crafting! It's something I've been advocating for years so this book just confirms that Craft Does Work!!!

So why crochet in particular and not just craft?
Well the idea of bringing together mindful meditation and crochet makes sense. Personally I love the repetitive and hypnotic nature of movements in crocheting. It's something which I find calming and centring. Plus working on one discipline can be better than dipping in and out of several crafts so allowing your mind to easily follow and flow withing one basic skill and movement.

And there’s been a lot of credible evidence on the benefits of mindfulness based therapies for a variety of problems including depression and anxiety.
If you'd like to read more about this follow this link...

The overall consensus on the project variety is that it's good.
From stress-balls to shawls as well as basic mandalas and other simple projects like friendship bracelets which are great for absolute beginners!
I can confirm that the patterns are clear and well laid-out so not scary at all and as a basic crocheter you'll have to take my word on that! I might not attempt the other more advanced projects just yet but I'm planning on having a look on line for a couple of refresh tutorials before I continue.
The book design is fresh and friendly too so even if you're feeling a bit out of your comfort zone the book in itself will calm you right down...
actually it's a bright and friendly looking book so it also works on the visual part of the brain which can make you feel happy. And calm!
Well looking at pretty, colourful things always makes me happy!

And if you've never crocheted before there's lots of help at the back where the author has added the basics including how to hold the hook and yarn to find the perfect tension to get you going. Plus I must reiterate that the benefit also comes from the actual physical making so don't get too hung up on how precise or accurate it is. It might be the perfect excuse to join a class or even get a few crocheting friends around for an evening!

The meditation exercises are simple and well explained but as the author suggest recording them on your phone might be a good idea as it'll help keeping a natural flow instead of stop starting to read what you need to do next.

If meditation isn't your thing then I'd stick to doing the projects with an open mind and an end goal of achieving them so to feel the sense of completion.
Quiet contemplation will naturally happen as you proceed so don't get in a tangle if you think it's not your scene because you will reap the benefits no matter what!
Besides you'll make some lovely things too so... win win!

Crochet Therapy was written by Betsan Corkhill a physio turned well-being coach, who’s made it her life mission of bringing the holistic benefits of crafting to the public psyche.
Her background as a physical therapist is perfect for understanding the effects of the small physical movements involved in knitting/crochet.
She's also the founder of Stitchlinks, an organisation created to bring creative therapy and yarn based crafts to a wide range of people.


If you'd like to order your very own copy with a special Craft Guerrilla blog reader discount then here's your chance to nab a copy...

To order 9781845436421 Crochet Therapy for £10.00* including p&p, telephone 01903 828503 and quote offer code QPG442. 
Or send  a cheque made payable to : Littlehampton Book Services Mail Order Department, Littlehampton Book Services, PO Box 4264, Worthing, West Sussex BN13 3TG. 

Please quote the offer code QPG442 and include your name and address details. 

*UK ONLY - Please add £2.50 if ordering from overseas."

Craftacular mid term entertainment for your little angels!

The mid term holidays are swiftly creeping up and we know just how hard it can be to keep kids busy and entertained especially with the cooler and wetter weather on the horizon!
Though the truth is that when you're a kid you don't really care that it's raining outside and no matter how hard it buckets down you look forward to jumping in the puddles!
BUT sometimes it's the grown ups that for whatever reason need to be kept in doors so finding something which will keep those little bundles of joy entertained while mum and/or dad get to work is sometimes not that easy to find.
But there is something we think might just help and we'd like to share it with you...

We were invited to look at and review two new books from Quarto Publishing Group (UK) by author Miri Flower, "The Pencil book" and "The Paint Book".  Miri is a prolific craft blogger and has won awards for her online publication including the Sainsbury's Bank "Best family blog" award.  You can visit her craft blog which features many more ideas and projects.

The first title is "The Pencil Book" which features lots of great projects which as the name implies can be done by using pencils.
The great thing is that it can be achieved by anyone though I would say that I felt the projects were aimed at younger kids rather then teenagers. All projects are well explained and photographed nicely leaving the maker and the parent(s) happy and confident to just go for it.

Ranging from ideas like recreate your own masterpiece, making paper mosaic to making an actual pencil holder out of coloured pencils!

The second book is "The Paint Book".
Again it's a book which requires little crafty expertise so anyone can learn without feeling uneasy or overwhelmed. As you can guess by the title it's exploring projects mainly through the medium of paint.
All projects are well explained and I do like the way the author has chosen projects that are suitable for both sexes.
I get the feeling that she's tried and tested these projects quite a few times on her own kids and that both she and they really do enjoy making them! 

I also love that all the materials and tools are either inexpensive to buy, easily available or things you can find at home.
Funnily enough most of the projects on both books are things I remember making as a child.
I remember the times I used to sit at my little desk in my bedroom painting with my fingers or the afternoons spent with my cousin over summer holidays at my granny's stamping potatoes to make patterns or writing secret letters with lemon juice to the cute boy next door! It was all good fun!!!

Basically these two books are packed with lots of interesting projects and I think it will keep your wee ones happy plus there are also a few projects like "make your own leaf bunting" which will require some outdoor fun too!

I have to say that though at the moment no kids were involved in this review I look forward to taking these with me over Christmas to France and using the nieces and nephews as guinea pigs. I'm sure my mother in law will be super excited too at the prospect of having all six of them quietly making for at least an hour!!! It's tough and I admire all mums and dads who can get their kids away from the telly or the PlayStation and happily making some creative crafts!

Well done Miri... we give these two books a very big paint smeared thumbs up!

 

To order The Paint Book and The Pencil Book together at the special offer price of £16 including UK P&P, telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk, quoting the offer code APG227 and the book ISBNs 9780711235830 and 9780711235847.