Forthcoming weave workshops...

I have a couple of workshops in the pipeline for this coming year which might of interest to some of you.  Please follow the web links to book directly with the host organisations.

 

2nd-4th April 2016 RULE-BREAKING WEAVING, Devon Weavers Workshop, Totnes

 

A workshop that is designed to encourage participants to break the rules of weaving and push themselves outside their comfort zones. The workshop will begin with a discussion and exploration of what the definition of weaving is and what the 'rules' are. Participants will discuss what their preferred yarns, colour palettes and usual outcomes are. They will then be encouraged to do the opposite! As many samples as possible will be woven, many of which could then be further processed exploring finishing techniques such as devore, discharge dyeing, melting, pleating, burning etc. Weavers will be encouraged to explore ideas unencumbered by the restraints of functionality. Laura will bring a range of weft yarns for students to experiment with, detailed handouts, tools/materials to explore some finishing techniques, plus a portfolio of samples to look at.

£240

 

http://www.devonweaversworkshop.org/courses2016.htm

 

 

 

19-20th March 2016 INTRODUCTION TO TABLE LOOM WEAVING, Craft in the Bay, Cardiff

Using prepared 4-shaft table looms, you will be introduced to the basics of table loom weaving.  On day 1, you will be taught basic weave structures, hand manipulation techniques and encouraged to experiment with a variety weft yarns in many fibres, textures and colours, in order to create a collection of technical and creative woven samples.  Detailed handouts will be provided.
On day 2, you can either undertake further sampling or alternatively weave a longer length of cloth to make a scarf, table runner or wall hanging.
Suitable for: complete novices with good manual dexterity
Please bring: a notebook and pen, fabric scissors and if desired, your own yarns.

£110 (10% reduction if you are a member or Friend of the Makers Guild in Wales)

http://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/whats-on/workshop/event/501-introduction-to-table-loom-weaving

 

 

 

21st May 2016 Weaving: Explore weft floats, Craft in the Bay, Cardiff

An exciting workshop exploring the design potential of various structures which encompass weft floats to create design detail.  Working on a pointed draft on at least 8 shafts, you will explore brocade pattern weaving, corduroy, distorted weft, and other ‘extra weft’ float structures. As well as weaving some brocade patterns given to you, you will be taught how to draft your own unique brocade motifs to weave. You will be encouraged to use unusual weft yarns to create untypical fabric samples.

What to bring: Participants are asked to bring a prepared handloom – you must have at least 8 shafts for this workshop.  Please prepare a balanced sett, pointed draft warp in a yarn of your choosing.  A plain coloured warp would preferable to stripes in order to fully appreciate the structures you’ll be trialling. The warp width and length are at your discretion, depending on how industrious you feel! Please also bring at least 2 shuttles, a notebook, point paper / graph paper, pencil, rubber, black felt pen, fabric scissors, dress makers pins, your warp yarns and your own weft yarns.
Laura will bring: detailed handouts, a range of weft yarns for you to experiment with and a portfolio of samples for you to look at.

Cost: £65 (10% reduction if you are a member or Friend of the Makers Guild in Wales)

http://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/whats-on/workshop/event/502-explore-weft-floats



4th June 2016, Taking plain weave one step further, Craft in the Bay, Cardiff

        

A workshop for rigid heddle weavers as well as shaft loom weavers to enjoy alike. Plain weave, the most basic and fundamental weave structure is often overlooked for its ‘first step’ simplicity. However, great things can be achieved through exploring hand manipulation techniques to take plain weave into the realms of the untypical and unexpected.
The workshop will begin with looking at a wide variety of ‘plain weave’ samples, discussing how they are made.  Participants will be given a range of hand manipulation techniques and processes to explore as per individual preference.  Techniques will include tufting, knotting, discontinuous weft, leno, soumac, loops etc. Consideration will also be given to colour mixing, beat and finishing possibilities.
What to bring: Participants will be asked to bring a loom prepared with a smooth fine or medium weight cotton, silk, viscose, polyester or similar warp (not wool and no slubs or knops).  Please choose a balanced sett. Could either be a single plain colour or a multiple colour stripy warp depending of your individual preference. Likewise, warp width and length is for you decide depending on how industrious you feel! Please also bring shuttles, a notebook and pen, fabric scissors, dress makers pins, your warp yarn and if desired, your own weft yarns.
Laura will bring: detailed handouts, a range of weft yarns for you to experiment with and a portfolio of samples for you to look at.

Cost: £65 (10% reduction if you are a member or Friend of the Makers Guild in Wales)

http://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/whats-on/workshop/event/503-taking-plain-weave-one-step-further-with-laura-thomas

Second Chance, Craft in the Bay, Easter weekend

A chance to bag a bargain at Craft in the Bay this coming weekend: resin sculptures and miniatures half price, and handwoven stretched silk canvas' and scarves are amongst the treats available. I'll be manning the sale on Sunday: hope to see you there....

'Utility', Craft in the Bay, Cardiff, 12 Jan - 3 March 2013

Amongst the various 'hats' I wear, I sit on the Education and Exhibitions Committee at the Makers Guild in Wales. A year or so ago I proposed an idea for an exhibition..... and this is the result.  'Utility' opens next Friday, and quite frankly I want to buy all the exhibits. (Alas, my bank balance doesn't quite allow for this, so feel free to visit and buy.)

Claire Cawte

Enya Moore

Stuart Cairns

Cathy Miles

Sharon Adams

Kathryn Campbell-Dodd

Jennifer Collier

Lynda Shell

Ann Nazareth

Ann Catrin Evans

This is my introductory text for the exhibition catalogue:

The making of tools is regarded as one of the key milestones in human evolution. The development of more complex tools and utensils paved the way for new social behaviours, dietary change, greater dexterity and indeed the making of other objects.  Tools are fundamental to being human.

Craftspeople have a particularly profound relationship with tools and utensils for obvious reasons. The tools of the trade are treasured objects in their own right as they mould to the makers hand revealing their years of servitude and the unique demands they are faced with.  A weaver would intimately know the intricacies and differences of all their weaving shuttles, scissors and hooks, whilst the distinctive dents and worn patina of a jewellers’ hammer, pincers, pliers and files might hint at what they've been used to make.

This exhibition presents some of the UKs finest makers’ curiosity and reverence for tools and utensils. Whilst everything can be used for something, these aren’t functional objects in the traditional sense: they are aesthetic celebrations of the tools of making. They are designed to raise a smile, evoke a sense of familiarity and encourage a fresh look at a maker’s transformation of basic materials into something new, regardless of ‘what it is for’.


With thanks (as always) to Charlotte Kingston, Education & Exhibitions Officer at Craft in the Bay.

Flourish: Continuing Professional Development for craftspeople’ at Craft in the Bay.

Below are the details of the final 3 professional development workshops and seminars for crafts that I've organised for Craft in the Bay, Cardiff. Hope to see you at one (or more) of the events....


Make craft pay! Jules Mallory Skinner

30^th May 2012, 11-4.30pm

Jules Mallory Skinner will present a one day workshop covering all aspects of managing a sustainable craft business. He will present ideas and methodologies for creating a sales package; creating sales platforms and relationships; market research; targeting key customers; pitching via the phone or in person; pricing; closing deals and getting paid; range building; and online sales as well as in person sales.  Be prepared for an energetic and inspiring day which will ask you the hard questions about your business and leave you full of ideas for moving forward.

Jules Mallory Skinner has been actively engaged in the Cultural Industries as a creative practitioner and entrepreneur since 1977 and as a creative industries educator and mentor since 1983 when he started an innovative advisory service for musicians and creative entrepreneurs in London. He set up Creative Enterprise Consulting in 1994 becoming an independent advisor to creative businesses, universities, colleges, professional associations and industry initiatives working in this capacity alongside his own creative and business projects to the present day.

Jules will also be joined by Tom Beardshaw who is a social media expert and who owns Native HQ based in Cardiff.

Cost: £55 for non members, £49.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales

NB: lunch is not included, but there is an on-site cafe where you can buy food and drinks should you wish. 

 To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611

‘Thinking Big – exploring the opportunities for craft in public art’

15^th June 2012, 1-5.15pm

Are you curious to find out more about how you could scale up your craft practice to work to commission in the public art arena? Need some inspiration / information / confidence to apply for large scale projects that could stretch your practice into exciting new areas both in terms of scale and concept?

Five high-profile speakers will make inspirational presentations about the various facets of craft in public art.

·         Sue Lawty is an internationally renowned tapestry artist who also works with lead, stone and other materials. She will discuss the many and varied public art projects she has undertaken, as well her major residency at the Victoria and Albert Museum.  (NB Sue will be running a 2-day tapestry master class at Craft in the Bay on the 16-17^th June – please see the Craft in the Bay website for further details.)

·         Brigid Howarth is an established art strategy consultant with extensive experience across the cultural industries. Brigid will discuss her role as the Co-Project Director of the Museumaker programme managing a £1 million programme connecting contemporary crafts with museums and heritage centres across England resulting in 18 major craft public art commissions. Brigid will discuss the diverse Museumaker projects in detail along with the associated community engagement events. She will also highlight what makes a good application for commissions such as Museumaker.

·         Rodney Bender, iGP (Innovative Glass Products) has produced inventive architectural glass artworks and interventions to major buildings and sites across the UK and further afield. iGP also offers a unique service working with artists and other developers to realise their designs in glass. Rodney will discuss his own practice in the public art and architectural field alongside the services and processes he can offer to makers to help them realise their own projects.

·         Nathalie Camus, is the Senior Officer for Applied Arts with the Arts Council Wales (ACW). Following a major strategic review of the Arts Council of Wales, Nathalie will present the new public art strategy for Wales highlighting its key priorities, partnerships and the opportunities for makers based in Wales.

 Cost: £35 for non members, £31.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales

 To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611

Internet Strategy, Pete Moseley

12^th July 2012, 11-4.30pm

Want to learn how to take advantage of the internet to promote you and your business using no-cost or low-cost options?  Are you somewhat bewildered by Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, RSS Feeds, Flickr, LinkedIn, etc?  This workshop will demystify these topics in clear and accessible language, examining the various pros and cons, and how these online tools can be put into practice as part of your marketing strategy.

·            Arts websites – the good, the bad and the ugly!

·            The use of directory and ‘aggregator’ sites – how the ‘long tail’ works

·            Blogging – and how Blogs and websites work together synergistically

·            RSS and  social bookmarking

·            The use of Google Analytics to measure traffic

·            Keyword testing techniques

·            Getting visible on Google and other search engines.

·            Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and social sharing

·            Flickr, YouTube, Behance, Pinterest – and other useful social sites.

·            Email applications e.g. Constant Contact and MailChimp

·            How to set up an email database and use it effectively

·            A/B email testing, subject lines and CTA’s (calls to action)

·            Email etiquette

Pete Mosley works exclusively with artists and arts organisations. His primary focus is providing bespoke coaching and mentoring to artists and makers, either face to face or through training sessions and seminars.

Pete is a strong advocate of the internet as a powerful tool for artists and makers to market their work using traditional media such as websites and email newsletters or through social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

Pete is also Business Editor for craft&design magazine, writing regular articles and features for the printed magazine, website and e-newsletters. He also maintains the magazine’s Facebook and Twitter presence and has grown the Twitter fanbase to over 4000 in the space of 12 months.

What to bring: a laptop, although it is fine to share one with another delegate.  Pete will bring the workshop presentation on a CD which you can take home with you.  This will enable you to follow up elements of the workshop on your own computer.  Also bring a pen and paper to make any further notes. 

Cost: £55 for non members, £49.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales

 NB: lunch is not included, but there is an on-site cafe where you can buy food and drinks should you wish. 

 To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611

‘Flourish: Continuing Professional Development for craftspeople’ at Craft in the Bay.

Below are the latest CPD workshops, talks, and seminars I've coordinated for the Makers Guild in Wales. Hope they might be of interest.......
How to cost your time & your craft work, Laura Thomas

1^st March 2012, 11-1pm

 
New to the craft business and need some guidance on how to price your work? Laura Thomas will take you through the basics of working out your cost and retail price of your handmade products. She will also cover working out your daily rate for freelance projects or commissions.

What to bring: a calculator! Handouts will be given, but bring a pen so can make extra notes if you wish.

Cost: £20 for non members, £18 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales

To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611

Exhibiting at Craft Fairs, Sarah James

1^st March 2012, 2-3pm

Sarah James, Director of Made by Hand (Newport), The Contemporary Craft Fair (Bovey Tracey) and Co-Director of www.madebyhandonline.com will present a short session about selling at craft fairs. With the impending deadline to apply to exhibit at Made by Hand at Tredegar House in Newport, Sarah will introduce the craft fair to you along with how to compose a successful application. She will discuss good photography, effective stand design and ideas for promotion.

 Cost: £8 for non members, £7.20 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales

To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611

An introduction to Adobe Illustrator, Ray Nicklin

22^nd March 2012 10.00 – 4.30pm

A one-day course introducing the principles of the Adobe Illustrator CAD programme, specifically focused on the needs of craftspeople.  The emphasis will be on creating imagery for patterns to be either digitally printed (i.e. onto fabric) or laser cut. (NB, the workshop does not actual include doing laser cutting or digital printing, just preparing the artwork). This workshop will be hosted at Cardiff Metropolitan University (Llandaff Campus, UWIC) and led by Ray Nicklin one of their highly experienced members of staff. This workshop is suitable for complete novices to the Illustrator programme, but requires reasonable computer literacy. We will be working on Macs.

What to bring to the workshop: notebook and pen, memory stick. You could also bring drawings/images (max size A3) which you would like to modify/adapt using the programme. Other source images will be provided too.

There is parking on site - pay and display £2 per day.

IMPORTANT: please arrive by 9.50am at the latest and meet at the entrance to the N-Block, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus.

Cost: £85 for non members, £76.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales

NB: lunch is not included, but there is an on-site cafe where you can buy food and drinks should you wish. 

To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611

Sell Yourself! The art of effective communication, Noleen Mathias & Erin Martin

24^th March 2012, 10 - 4pm

Applied for lots of grants, exhibition opportunities, commissions, residencies or projects haven’t been successful? Are you not getting leads from your website or from your speculative letters and emails?  Whilst your creative work might be strong, if you’re not presenting yourself well in the written form, you’re likely to fall at the first hurdle. For many artists and makers, getting your CV and Artists Statement right can be real challenge. Likewise many struggle with making formal applications, attending interviews and having the confidence to talk clearly and confidently about their practice to a variety of audiences.

This workshop is designed to increase your skills and self-confidence in the areas of presenting yourself and your work, in a variety of contexts. Alongside analysing successful written communication whether it be digital or print, you will also learn how to become a more confident communicator using both verbal and non-verbal language to help achieve positive outcomes.

This will be a lively workshop designed to encourage real self reflection and to reinvigorate your confidence and enthusiasm. It will interactive and allows for plenty of opportunity for individual and group advice.

This one day seminar forms part of the M+M ‘Professional Development for Artist Programme “The Art of Success | Making Creativity Pay” which is a collaboration between Noleen Mathias and Erin Martin.

Noleen Mathias has over twenty years experience in Arts and Business Management. Prior to setting up the Mathias Agency, Noleen was Co-Director of Artworks Wales the National Organisation for Public Art in Wales and Director of Finance and Operations for Public Art Agency, Safle. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a Trustee of the National Federation of Artist Studio Providers (NFASP).

Erin Martin is an experienced education professional and an Accredited Personal and Business Coach with many years experience of coaching for success in a wide variety of contexts. She has a particular interest in Creativity Coaching and in the issues of aspiration, motivation and self-belief as they relate to artists and writers. Erin recently returned from China where she was an education adviser with VSO.

Before the workshop, you will be sent a questionnaire by Noleen and Erin which will help them understand your background and needs, as well as encouraging you to evaluate your current strengths and weaknesses.

Cost: £55 for non members, £49.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales

NB: lunch is not included, but there is an on-site cafe where you can buy food and drinks should you wish. 

To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611

Make craft pay! Jules Mallory Skinner

30^th May 2012, 11-4.30pm

Jules Mallory Skinner will present a one day workshop covering all aspects of managing a sustainable craft business. He will present ideas and methodologies for creating a sales package; creating sales platforms and relationships; market research; targeting key customers; pitching via the phone or in person; pricing; closing deals and getting paid; range building; and online sales as well as in person sales.  Be prepared for an energetic and inspiring day which will ask you the hard questions about your business and leave you full of ideas for moving forward.

Jules Mallory Skinner has been actively engaged in the Cultural Industries as a creative practitioner and entrepreneur since 1977 and as a creative industries educator and mentor since 1983 when he started an innovative advisory service for musicians and creative entrepreneurs in London. He set up Creative Enterprise Consulting in 1994 becoming an independent advisor to creative businesses, universities, colleges, professional associations and industry initiatives working in this capacity alongside his own creative and business projects to the present day.

Cost: £55 for non members, £49.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales

NB: lunch is not included, but there is an on-site cafe where you can buy food and drinks should you wish. 

To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611

‘Thinking Big – exploring the opportunities for craft in public art’

15^th June 2012, 1-5.15pm

Are you curious to find out more about how you could scale up your craft practice to work to commission in the public art arena? Need some inspiration / information / confidence to apply for large scale projects that could stretch your practice into exciting new areas both in terms of scale and concept?

Five high-profile speakers will make inspirational presentations about the various facets of craft in public art. 

·         Sue Lawty is an internationally renowned tapestry artist who also works with lead, stone and other materials. She will discuss the many and varied public art projects she has undertaken, as well her major residency at the Victoria and Albert Museum.  (NB Sue will be running a 2-day tapestry master class at Craft in the Bay on the 16-17^th June – please see the Craft in the Bay website for further details.)

·         Brigid Howarth is an established art strategy consultant with extensive experience across the cultural industries. Brigid will discuss her role as the Co-Project Director of the Museumaker programme managing a £1 million programme connecting contemporary crafts with museums and heritage centres across England resulting in 18 major craft public art commissions. Brigid will discuss the diverse Museumaker projects in detail along with the associated community engagement events. She will also highlight what makes a good application for commissions such as Museumaker.

·         Ann Catrin Evans is an established metalsmith based in North Wales. As well as making jewellery and domestic ironwork for interiors, a key aspect of Ann Catrin’s practice has been working on significant public art projects from large scale sculptures through to metal door furniture for the Wales Millennium Centre. Ann Catrin will discuss her various commissions and the associated design challenges and considerations for craftspeople scaling up their practice.

·         Rodney Bender, iGP (Innovative Glass Products) has produced inventive architectural glass artworks and interventions to major buildings and sites across the UK and further afield. iGP also offers a unique service working with artists and other developers to realise their designs in glass. Rodney will discuss his own practice in the public art and architectural field alongside the services and processes he can offer to makers to help them realise their own projects.

·         Nathalie Camus, is the Senior Officer for Applied Arts with the Arts Council Wales (ACW). Following a major strategic review of the Arts Council of Wales, Nathalie will present the new public art strategy for Wales highlighting its key priorities, partnerships and the opportunities for makers based in Wales.

Cost: £35 for non members, £31.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales

To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611

Internet Strategy, Pete Moseley

12^th July 2012, 11-4.30pm

Want to learn how to take advantage of the internet to promote you and your business using no-cost or low-cost options?  Are you somewhat bewildered by Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, RSS Feeds, Flickr, LinkedIn, etc?  This workshop will demystify these topics in clear and accessible language, examining the various pros and cons, and how these online tools can be put into practice as part of your marketing strategy.

·            Arts websites – the good, the bad and the ugly!

·            The use of directory and ‘aggregator’ sites – how the ‘long tail’ works

·            Blogging – and how Blogs and websites work together synergistically

·            RSS and  social bookmarking

·            The use of Google Analytics to measure traffic

·            Keyword testing techniques

·            Getting visible on Google and other search engines.

·            Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and social sharing

·            Flickr, YouTube, Behance, Pinterest – and other useful social sites.

·            Email applications e.g. Constant Contact and MailChimp

·            How to set up an email database and use it effectively

·            A/B email testing, subject lines and CTA’s (calls to action)

·            Email etiquette

Pete Mosley works exclusively with artists and arts organisations. His primary focus is providing bespoke coaching and mentoring to artists and makers, either face to face or through training sessions and seminars.

Pete is a strong advocate of the internet as a powerful tool for artists and makers to market their work using traditional media such as websites and email newsletters or through social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

Pete is also Business Editor for craft&design magazine, writing regular articles and features for the printed magazine, website and e-newsletters. He also maintains the magazine’s Facebook and Twitter presence and has grown the Twitter fanbase to over 4000 in the space of 12 months.

What to bring: a laptop, although it is fine to share one with another delegate.  Pete will bring the workshop presentation on a CD which you can take home with you.  This will enable you to follow up elements of the workshop on your own computer.  Also bring a pen and paper to make any further notes. 

Cost: £55 for non members, £49.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales

NB: lunch is not included, but there is an on-site cafe where you can buy food and drinks should you wish.  

To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611

If you are a maker based in Wales you may be eligible to apply for a small training grant from the Arts Council of Wales to support your attendance at one or more of these CPD sessions. Contact your local Arts Officer to discuss further. http://www.artswales.org/what-we-do/funding/funding-advice-and-guidelines/individuals

Continuing Professional Development for craftspeople at Craft in the Bay, 26th Jan 2012

These are the latest CPD sessions I've organised at Craft in the Bay for makers, artists and designers based in Wales. There are a few places left for both the morning and afternoon sessions - please call Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611 asap to book



Membership of the Makers Guild in Wales

Thursday 26th January 2012, 11.30am -12.15pm

Want to find out more about becoming a member of the Makers Guild in Wales? Want the chance to exhibit and sell at the Guilds prestigious gallery Craft in the Bay in Cardiff? Want to get involved with the largest maker-led craft organisation in Wales?

Laura Thomas Makers Guild in Wales member and trustee, will give a presentation on the benefits of joining the Guild. Current exciting developments at Craft in the Bay as well as the history of the Guild will be covered alongside the specifics of the new application procedure and what membership actually entails.

Cost: Free. Limited spaces, so booking is still absolutely essential.

Support for makers and designers in Wales

Thursday 26th January 2012, 1.30pm – 5.00pm

Six of Wales’ leading arts and design support organisations will each give a short presentation on the services and support they offer makers and designers in Wales. Where relevant, membership benefits will be explained; practical support and/or facilities outlined; and grant opportunities highlighted.

• 1.30pm Harry McIver, Wales Arts International

• 2.00pm Robyn Tomos will discuss the application process and benefits of having work selected as part of the annual Art & Craft exhibition at the Eisteddfod

• 2.30pm Lesley Lillywhite, Swansea Print Workshop

• 3.00pm Break

• 3.30pm Cleeve Jenkins, from the Cardiff School of Creative & Cultural Industries, will be talking about The Creative & Cultural Workforce Development Scheme which offers continuing professional development opportunities for freelancers, small and medium sized businesses in the creative and cultural industries in the Welsh convergence area.

• 4.00pm Anne Morgan, Association of Contemporary Jewellers in Wales

• 4.30pm Michael Goode and Cerys Thomas, Arts Council of Wales

Cost: Free, but a donation of £3.00 to cover afternoon refreshments would be appreciated. Limited spaces, so booking is still absolutely essential.

'Cwtch' The Christmas Exhibition at Craft in the Bay, opening on the 11th November.

'Lattice' blankets & cushions

'Lattice' blankets & cushions

'Dot to Dot' blankets & cushions

'Dot to Dot' blankets & cushions

Beaded xmas garland made with 100% lambswool blanket offcuts

Xmas garland made with 100% lambswool blanket offcuts

Am busily getting ready for the forthcoming Christmas Exhibition at Craft in the Bay. Whilst you will be able to see pieces from my Resonate and Jacquard Sketch collections in the retail area, in the Gallery will be some new blankets and cushions woven in 100% lambswool. They are part of my new venture 'Made With Colour' a brand of exclusive 'Made in Wales' gifts and homewares. There will also be some of the ever popular Xmas garlands made from my blanket off cuts.

Craft in the Bay is the gallery owned and run by The Makers Guild in Wales, an organisation very close to my heart. I've been a member for around 7 years, and a Trustee for for about 18months. I also coordinate the CPD programme. It may surprise you to know that we get very little in the way of public funding, and so in the current economic climate our income from sales is ever more critical. As we approach the festive season can I urge you all to support your local galleries, makers and artists. Buy thoughtfully: please try and buy handmade as far as possible :-)  Thank you.

Flourish: Continuing Professional Development for Craftspeople at Craft in the Bay, Cardiff

Got my CPD Coordinators hat on again today! Just want to share with you the forthcoming seminars and workshops that I've booked for Craft in the Bay, Cardiff.
To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611. If you've got any queries, drop me a line: cpd@makersguildinwales.org.uk




October 28th 2011 – Craft Photography with Toril Brancher

11am – 4.30pm

Are you aware that your photographs are not showing your work to its very best potential? Want to create more eye catching photographs to attract press coverage? Want to learn how to get the very best out of your digital camera?

Following the great success of the oversubscribed workshop with notable photographer Toril Brancher led last year, we are delighted to welcome her back by popular demand. This one day workshop with begin with an analysis of what makes a successful photograph, what the common errors are and how to take striking photographs with minimal periphery equipment. This will lead into a practical photography session where you will apply the theory to photographing one of your craft objects.

Toril Brancher is an established documentary and craft photographer, as well as a regular photography tutor with Ffotogallery in Cardiff. Recent significant commissions in the craft sector include photographs for the Resonant Colour exhibition catalogue at Llantarnam Grange and catalogue photography for Warp + Weft, a major touring exhibition of contemporary woven textiles.

What to bring: your digital camera and card reader (or connecting lead to view your images on a PC); a laptop if you have one (so you can download your images and view them on screen); some pieces of your work that you’d like to photograph; notebook and pen.

Cost: £50 for non members, £45 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales



14th November 2011, What Buyers Want, Sara Gatoff and Maureen Cook, Buying Vision Ltd.

10.30 - 4.30pm

Do you want to wholesale your handmade products into the retail sector? Does the idea of approaching commercial buyers make you feel apprehensive? Want to know how to get your foot in the door? Have you had unsuccessful dealings with buyers thus far, and feel the need for some insider’s knowledge?

The Makers Guild in Wales is delighted to welcome Sara Gatoff and Maureen Cook of Buying Vision Ltd to share their unique and high level experience of the retail buying sector. Sara and Maureen have a combined background of over 40 years experience of working in UK buying offices up to senior levels at retailers such as Harrods Plc and Tesco’s as well as the independent sector.

This is a rare opportunity to glean valuable advice and guidance on how to effectively approach and impress buyers. The workshop will be divided into two sessions as follows:

Session 1 – “Preparing to meet Retail Buyers”

• Understanding yourself and your business, what kind of business you are looking to have and why. Here we would look at the values and motivations behind the business decisions we make.

• PS! Product Strategy. What is it? Do you need one? How to develop one?

• Defining a plan of markets and customers to approach, we call this “developing a route to market plan.”

• Starting to determine how you are different from your competition and why a Buyer may want to buy from you.

• Understanding Retail Buyers, what they may be looking for and why.


Session 2 – “Selling and Driving Sales”

• Building a Sales Pitch – what to say, in what order and why?

• Making a good Presentation – and handling a sales meeting, keeping control of it even when you are the seller.

• Combating nerves and learning when to talk and when to present your product.

• Communication, getting it right for your audience and projecting the right message to the Buyer.

• Different Ways of meeting Buyers.

• Cold calling, how to do it.


What to bring: notebook & pen.

What to think about before the seminar: what shops and boutiques (both multinational and independents) would be your dream retailer of your products?

Cost: £55 for non members, £49.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales



14th December 2011- Develop A Marketing Strategy That Works & Select The Right Tools! Kelly Monroe from The Concept Club

1.30 – 5pm
Aimed specifically at craftspeople, designer-makers and other creative businesses, this workshop will introduce you to the basic elements of creating a manageable marketing strategy for your business and to select with confidence marketing tools that will bring a return on investment or objective for your business.
You will be encouraged to think about the specific goals you want to achieve for your personal marketing strategy, whether it be to increase sales, develop a new service or launch a new craft retail space. The seminar will give you a structure and framework to use day in day out to ensure you turn your plans into reality thus demystifying the art of marketing.

During the seminar we will also look at the variety of marketing tools you can use to develop your profile from traditional print media through to online social marketing websites. The seminar will give you an over view of the array of tools you can utilise and how to select the right tools.

Kelly Monroe is an experienced business & marketing consultant and training professional with over 10 years industry experience. Kelly has spent many years supporting SMEs in Wales to become productive and profitable. Kelly has trained with seasoned professionals and believes in inspiring people with confidence.

What to bring: notebook & pen.

What to think about before the seminar: your marketing goals.

Cost: £35 for non members, £31.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales


Coming next year:

26th January – 11.30am. Membership of the Makers Guild in Wales.

26th January 1.30pm. Arts and business organisations that support makers in Wales. Confirmed speakers include representatives from Wales Arts International, Association of Contemporary Jewellers – Wales and the Arts Council of Wales. Further speakers to be announced very soon.

February – Stretching your practice. Speakers confirmed so far include textile artist Debbie Smyth and jeweller / stylist Anna Lewis.

March – Sell Yourself! The art of effective communication, with Noleen Mathias and Erin Martin

April – An introduction to Adobe Illustrator.

30th May – ‘Make Craft Pay’, Jules Mallory Skinner

June – ‘Thinking Big’, a number of guest speakers will discuss crafts in the public art sector. Confirmed speakers so far include tapestry artist Sue Lawty, blacksmith Ann Catrin Evans and Brigid Howarth who will discuss the successful Museumaker programme.

12th July – ‘Internet Strategy’ Pete Moseley. Again back by popular demand following his successful workshop in 2010.

Further details and dates to be confirmed very soon!