Current Projects (of the non-making variety)

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to let you in on a few of the projects I've been working on so far this year! It started, of course, with a brand new look for the website, which has had some lovely comments so far. All feedback is useful though, so if you've had a mosey and found any problems with the navigation, or design, or if you think there's anything vital missing, then I'd really like to hear from you. It definitely needs to be made a bit more mobile-friendly, so that's what I'll be working on next.

Ok, so number 1: the FICKLE CRAFTERS Facebook group... part of the original dream for Fickle Craftroom was to build a supportive, interactive crafting community. We've only just really got off the ground, but are making a good start - meaningful content is the order of the day, including tutorials, chat, inspiration, and fun challenges. I would love for you to join, and invite your friends too!

Number 2: At the beginning of the month, we introduced Stitched by Sisters to the Craftroom (more about them soon, in another post!), but I'm also very much hoping to bring on board some more Fickle Crafters, to sell their own handmade designs on FC. If you are a UK-based designer/maker, with something original to offer then please get in touch, by emailing me at hello@ficklecraftroom.com!

Number 3: I've got looooads of amazing ideas for a series of events, including workshops, craft fairs and more, and I cannot wait to get these diarised for you! A successful fundraising Crafternoon for Comic Relief will kick things off next month (click the link to find out more about how you can support us or get involved)

Thank you for reading, I honestly would love to hear from you, whether it be a blog comment, or a natter in the Facebook group, or if you have an idea that we could work on together!

xxx

Mollie Makes & The Big Comic Relief Crafternoon!

It's no secret that I love a bit of event planning. Therefore as soon as I saw that Mollie Makes magazine were repeating their Big Comic Relief Crafternoon, it was just a no-brainer that I would go for it! Planning (and the associated lists upon lists), crafting, and cake, all in the knowledge that it's all for a truly great cause - what's not to love?

My copy of the magazine is already thick with folded-over corners - projects that I can't wait to get my teeth into: pompoms, amigurumi, shibori-dyeing, to name but a few...

The idea is that you get a few friends together and have a few making sessions together, and then hold a mini craft fair to sell your wares. All proceeds will go straight to Comic Relief, helping to fund projects worldwide.

I have decided to hold two weekend 'crafternoons', in the run-up to the event, plus one weekday morning. If you are in Hertfordshire and fancy joining us for a crafting session, we'd love to have you! There are other ways in which you can help, however:

• Donate wool for pompom making (or indeed, pompoms!)! Email me if this is something you may be able to help with :-)
• Sponsor us on the Red Nose Day Giving Page
• Join our Fickle Crafters Facebook group, to sign up for the events
• Come to the Big Crafternoon Sale on Saturday 18th March! I'm still to finalise the venue, so keep an eye on our Instagram, Facebook page, website, or this blog to stay up to date.
• Buy a copy of the Crafternoon magazine and hold your own event! You can get yours from Sainsburys or online, with at least £5 from every purchase going to Comic Relief.

Tell me, are you holding a Crafternoon? I'd love to hear which projects from the magazine are your favourite?

Valentine's Day... for men...

I've written before about my many dismal failures when it comes to buying the men in my life gifts. I always aim for thoughtful and unique, but either end up with something I'd actually like for myself, or give up on the idea, get lazy and offer up a lion bar. Or a takeaway if I'm feeling fancy.

We've never really done Valentines gifts, thankfully, but having spoken to my friends, it seems we're in the minority? I do think that going the whole romantic shebang is a bit dated and cringey, but you can never go wrong with something small, humourous and quirky.

Without further ado, here's my roundup - all of them small indie businesses based in the UK:

1. Pens by Jez. Pleasingly chunky hand-turned wooden pens, made in Yorkshire.
2. Ditz and Bobs. Louise adds fun embroidered details to your own photos.
3. Hello DODO. Bright colours, quirky puns, what's not to love?
4. Copper and Blonde. If this won't make him refill the loo roll, what will?!
5. Snowbird Artworks. A romantic piece of wall art for an outdoorsy couple!
6. Paper Pipe Dreams. Who else bought a Nokia in the 90's solely to play Snake?! Nostalgic enamel pin based on original illustration by Claire Spake.


Do you do Valentines gifts, or have any other traditions for the day of luuuurve?