Why Handmade?

Why do people buy handmade? There are so many reasons, really.

Why I buy Handmade: because it has so much more meaning than buying something mass-produced and because as a designer/maker myself, I value the skills, time, work, thought and energy which has gone into making something by hand.


Image via DaWanda
I love the uniqueness of something which has been crafted with care by someone creative. The fact that every object (and for that matter, maker or designer) has a rich story behind it, something that gives pieces 'life,' as it were. I enjoy finding out what inspired the person who made a particular handmade piece.


Something else I delight in is going to local markets and independent shops to see beautiful things made by passionate people living in my own city (or further afield!) and forging a connection with them, their creative process and their creations.

This post was sparked off by the UK Handmade "Buy Handmade" Campaign in support of Designer Makers. I'd love to know: what are your reasons for buying handmade?

Magpie July

Coming very soon... another crafty extravaganza, brought to you by Magpie!


This will be the second Magpie Market held upstairs at The Hub on Castlehill, and if the last one was anything to go by, it'll be fab - featuring vintage clothing, handmade goodies and naturally there will be cake too!


I'll also be showing off my WildCat Designs & WildKittens wares, if you want to see 'em in person, this your opportunity! I plan to showcase a few new designs, so this is a rare chance for a little sneak peek :)

Birthday-ness!

Just for fun, because it's my birthday today, and I happen to adore Miffy...



Enjoy!

Handmade Birthday

It's my birthday next week, so I decided to make an etsy treasury wishlist :)

Creature Comforts

I just came across these wonderfully squishy-looking comfy things of loveliness via Deirdre Nelson's twitter feed. Don't they look deliciously soft?






The pouffe is called Slumber (appropriate, no?), designed by Aleksandra Gaca and it's available from Casalis.

Show us yer Knitting!

It's Worldwide Knitting in Public Day! Not forgetting International Yarn Bombing Day too. (I don't think this is a coincidence somehow...!)

My suggestion is to get together with friends and kill two birds with one stone - make some knitted graffiti and decorate your local neighbourhood!

...for those about to CRAFT...

...we salute you! :D


Yup, it's that time of year again - time to get your *crafty* on! I am getting pretty excited about the Edinburgh Etsy Craft Party, I can tell you. (see the facebook event page for more info) I'm very much looking forward to crafting en plein air in the Meadows on Friday 10th June - here's hoping the weather is as lovely and sunny as it is today for the picnic party! Hope to see a few familliar faces and make some new crafty friends on the day too.

There's even a fun, downloadable party kit from etsy to get you started if you're looking for ideas. Find out if there's an event in your town here.

*Edit: I should add that you don't have to be an etsy member to come along - it's totally free on the day and all are welcome :)

May is Craft & Design Month!

Yep, that's right. It's Craft and Design Month during May here in the UK. I know I'm a little late, but there are still a whole load of events happening, check out their events page for more details about what's going on near you.



Some highlights...

- A Passion for Glass at the National Museums Scotland, which opened on Friday and runs until September this year.

- Craft Festival Scotland 2011, which also takes place during the month of May

- Support UK Handmade's national Buy Handmade Campaign!

- Jupiter Artland on the outskirts of Edinburgh, which has just re-opened, and features sculptural works by Ian Hamilton Finlay and Andy Goldsworthy.

- The Borders Textile Towerhouse in Hawick is also worth a visit with its textile treasures and currently has an exhibition entitled "The Women who wore Pringle"!

- Colour - Quilts - Collage: an exhibition featuring the work of award-winning quilt artist Frieda Oxenham at the Tweeddale Museum and Gallery in Peebles.

- and last but most certainly not least, don't forget to check out the work of up-and-coming young creatives at the art college degree shows, such as Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee!