Talk about my work within woven textiles, Swansea, 20th Jan

Tomorrow evening (20th Jan) I'm giving a free talk about my work to the Friends of the Glynn Vivian Gallery in Swansea. It starts at 7pm and is in the Swansea Metropolitan University Dynevor Road Campus. Visitors are welcome to come to the talk (a donation towards the gallery is welcomed). Hope to see you there....

Open studio & sale, 21/22 Jan

Happy New Year!

To celebrate moving into my wonderful new studio in the Model House Craft and Design Centre in Llantrisant, I'll be throwing open the doors to welcome visitors to come see me weaving and find out more about my work. It'll also be the perfect opportunity to get yourself a rather lovely January bargain: for that weekend only, all purchases will have a 20% discount, and some archive works will be reduced by even more.  Many of the other resident makers and artists will be there that weekend too, so it'll be a wonderful opportunity to visit. Very much hope to see you there :-)

Smiths Row at Christmas, Bury St Edmunds

Elan Valley, 2011. Jacquard woven silk and cotton.

Pembrokeshire Grasses, 2011. Jacquard woven silk and cotton.

Opening this Friday 11th Nov is the Christmas exhibition at Smiths Row in Bury St Edmunds. Its quite a roll call of makers and artists who have been invited to show work, and I'm delighted to have a number of my jacquard woven works included.

'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.

Press coverage for Heals Collection

A bit more press coverage for the Symmetree throw and cushion for the Heals Discovers collection :-)

Etc magazine, September 2011



Observer Magazine, 7th July 2011



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!

Press coverage for the Heals Discovers collection

The Circle Line and Symmetree designs for the Heals Discovers collection are cropping up in lots of the press. As I catch up with myself I'll scan and upload all the images, but in the meantime, here are two from this months Living etc and July/August issue of House Beautiful.


Living Etc, Nov 2011



House Beautiful



Cardiff Design Festival Awards 2011

For the third year running, I was delighted to be commissioned to design and make the awards for the Cardiff Design Festival. Two layers of taut cotton threads were composed in a bright cerise and emerald green, with a fine dividing line in sunshine yellow.

Below are some pictures of the awards at the ceremony on Friday night (a top night at the Cardiff Coal Exchange). They aren't the best quality as they were taken on my phone. But the awards were lit by a changing spectrum of coloured light shining through them, and I couldn't believe the extraordinary effect - they were literally glowing when the red light shone through.

Oh, and I should add, I did actually win one of my own awards for the designs I produced for the Heals Discovers collection! Am delighted to say that the collection seems to be selling well for Heals as I've had my first reorder for the Symmetree throw. If you're asking Santa for a Laura Thomas Heals throw this Christmas - tell him to buy sooner rather than later!



Origin

Oh dear..... my blogging recently has somewhat fallen by the wayside as I've been frenetically busy. Last month I took part in Origin, the contemporary craft fair which is part of the London Design Festival. I had a great week meeting lots of customers, new galleries and fellow makers. Below are some pictures of my stand and some of the new work, including some of my jacquards of the Welsh landscape. Enjoy :-)

....and after a stand shuffle around on the weekend.....

New work - Aqua Circle



another new piece

and another new piece - finger knitted yellow threads



'Elan Valley I', jacquard woven silk and cotton

'Elan Valley II', jacquard woven silk and cotton

An introduction to weaving, 14th August, Craft in the Bay

Want to learn to weave? Well, I'm running an introductory one day workshop for novices weavers at Craft in the Bay, Cardiff, on the 14th August. Using pre-prepared 4 shaft table looms, you will learn the basic weave structures including plain weave, twill, basket, rib and hopsack...... and some more! There'll be lots of colourful and tactile yarns to experiment with.

If you're keen, then contact Craft in the Bay directly to book. (Tis a bargain £50).

Hope to see you there!

Heal's Discovers



Symmetree Cushion

 

Symmetree Throw

 

Circle Line Cushion

Circle Line Throw

 I'm VERY excited to tell you that I'm part of the 2011 Heal's Discovers Collection. I created two exclusive designs, Circle Line and Symmetree which have been made into throws and cushions. The double cloth fabrics were woven at Melin Tregwynt in 100% lambswool. I actually worked on site at Tregwynt to thread up the looms: not a quick job!  It's been wonderful to take a design idea from a sketch all the way through to seeing it for sale in Heal's.

Selling Craft: two CPD workshops at Craft in the Bay

Got my CPD @ Craft in the Bay Coordinator hat on again today. There are a couple of spaces left on two brilliant workshops taking place next week. They are both looking at different aspects of selling craft.  As they are linked topics, we have a special offer where you can book a place on both the listed workshops for £80. Otherwise each workshop is £45 (10% discount for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales). To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611.



Developing a Retail Strategy for Craft, Michelle Bowen


Monday 25th July 2011, 11am - 4.30pm

We are delighted to welcome Michelle Bowen to Craft in the Bay to deliver this insightful workshop specifically aimed at craft galleries and retail outlets, although individuals who regularly sell at craft fairs will also benefit.

In these challenging economic times the need to have a coherent retail strategy is critical. The workshop will cover the following points

• What does your gallery / brand stand for and what are the unique selling points? How does it differ from the high street? What are you really offering?

• Developing a retail mission statement, encapsulating what you are about and use it to focus on the purpose of the work you are doing

• Understanding who your customers are? Why do they visit? What are they looking for? How to provide quality of service, telling stories and the human factor, up- selling… delivering a unique experience

• Improving your sales environment & point of sale information. Are you presenting work in a fresh way? Understanding the influence of fashion and lifestyle, referencing magazines and media.

• Developing a community of interest: using your friends scheme / mailing list, developing collectors, using social marketing and web site etc. How do you get your customers to come back and keep buying?

Michelle Bowen has a wealth of experience in the creative industries having not only managed a gallery, but also worked for the Crafts Council as the Professional Development Officer, and for the Arts Council of England as Visual Arts Officer with specific remit for the strategic development of craft and design. Since establishing her independent creative consultancy in 2010, Michelle has delivered strategic & retail development and project management for organisations including Brighton Pavilions, Harley Gallery, New Art Exchange and Northamptonshire County Council.

Cost: £45 for non members, £40.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales
 

Sales Techniques for selling craft, Anne Derbyshire MA Sales, Cert Ed, MIBC, FInSMM
Thursday 28th July 2011, 10.30am - 4pm

The primary aim of this workshop will be to develop knowledge and expertise in professional sales techniques, but tailored towards the unique craft market. Led by Anne Derbyshire, a finalist BESMA Sales Trainer of the Year 2011, the day will be highly interactive and enjoyable with discussion and practical activities. Based at Model House Craft and Design Centre, Anne has a tangible understanding of the craft and design sector, as well as delivering training to clients such as The Oxford University Press, The Maltese Government, Procter Brothers, UK Steel Enterprise and Chapter Arts Centre.

Workshop Benefits:

• To be able to develop excellent customer relationships and understand each client’s

specific buying needs.

• Understand how to structure a sale so that the customer moves from interest, to desire and then to action (purchase)

• Learn to competently sell the benefits of different craft products.

Key Topics

• What makes a successful salesperson- the key ingredients

• Understanding why people buy- the decision making process and how we can help this process to happen. (people like to buy but they don’t like to be “sold” to)

• Communication skills. Body Language

• How to project the desired image.

• The 8 steps to a successful sale

• The art of questioning and listening

• How to offer craft work as a benefit to the customer

• Understanding buying signals

• Handling objections (for example “it’s too expensive”)

• Closing- achieving the business


Cost: £45 for non members, £40.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales

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

For queries please contact me!

START education project exhibition at Ruthin Craft Centre

You might remember a blog earlier this year where I wrote about an education project I'd been involved in at Ruthin Craft Centre. Well the fruits of the project which involved over 300 children responding to exhibitions and working with lots of different makers, has now gone on display at Ruthin Craft Centre.  Many thanks to Elen Bonner the RCC Education Officer, for designing a brilliant project which I'm sure has had a profoundly inspiring effect on the children.  I haven't yet seen the show, but Elen sent through the following pictures, and I think she has done a fantastic job displaying the work.

The woven samples en masse



Lots of wonderful woven samples with name tags

 

The info about my part of the project inspired by the Anni Albers exhibition



View of the complete exhibition with work made under the guidance of other makers



Work made under the guidance of Louise Bird

Work made under the guidance of Sarah Kelly (Saloukee)

And work made with Cathy Miles



The Western Mail, 20th June 2011

A rather lovely article in the Western Mail last week, about Melin Tregwynt, Solva Woollen Mill and me :-)

Shortlisted for an Inspire Wales Award from the Institute of Welsh Affairs in association with The Western Mail

I'm rather humbled to announce that I've been shortlisted for an Inspire Wales Award from the Institute of Welsh Affairs in association with The Western Mail. This is the piece about some of the shortlisted individuals in todays paper.  Having read about my fellow nominees in the Arts, Media and Creative Industries category I don't think I've got a hope in hell of winning, but I'm just extremely chuffed to have been nominated. Awards ceremony next Friday.......

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