Handm@de Oxford Fair - A steep learning curve by MomentsbyMartha

Having had much trouble finding a craft fair locally that was both within my budget and in a central location, I was inspired to arrange one myself by the first We Make craft fair. A small group of etsy sellers, including myself, decided to go ahead and arrange a fair in Oxford... for artists and crafters, to sell items made by their own hands... a fair where the price reflects the costs involved and which supports independent artists in their own right.

Our first task was to find a location. Oxford Town Hall was available for just 1 weekend date this side of Christmas – November the 9^th – we snapped it up!

The Town Hall, built in 1893, has stunning architecture and beautiful decor making it the perfect setting for us to sell our wares. The Hall is in a very central location, just about 50 metres from the main shopping area (map). Sue, who takes the bookings, has been very helpful (and patient) – giving me suggestions about places to advertise as well as an idea of a floor plan for 60 tables.

Having booked the space we realised the enormity of the task in front of us – would we be able to find 60 people to take stalls? Would we be able to get a decent mix of crafts? The answer in both cases is yes.

This week I took the booking for the last remaining table... an enormous relief. We advertised for sellers anywhere that was free. Forums, chat rooms, and as many postings on websites as we could manage! Many of these will remain until the event itself and will serve to direct visitors too.

As for the mix. Its amazing. We have a great variety of jewellery; classic, chunky, retro, funky; as well as bags (both fabric and leather) and toys, scarves and clothing... Stained and fused glass, a stonemason as well as a potter and several painters – not to mention handmade chocolates and delicious looking cupcakes and cookies!

We had an unprecedented response to our request for promotional items – I believe that we're well on our way to 2000 items with more arriving every day. These will be popped into bags and handed out, gratis, to visitors on the day helping them to choose to buy handmade this Christmas.

And so, with just 6 weeks until the "handm@de" Craft Fair takes place, the next step is advertising! A massive undertaking in itself with the objective of getting as many feet through the door as we possibly can. Flyers arrived today, posters have been ordered - and one of those 'Golf Sale' type signs is also on the books...

I just hope the fair is as much of a success as it truly deserves to be.

Check out the handm@made blog for more details and to see some of the fabulous artists/designers/crafters that will be there! http://handmadeoxford.blogspot.com

Article by momentsbymartha

Autumnal Treats from UK Street Team

Top row left to right we have:
Golden Flowers Moleskin Notebook by Pinkangel
Hanne - Navy Blue Corduroy Skirt by Abibansaldesign
The Age of Man Archival Giclee Print by Gilfling
Grey Wool Neck Warmer by Urbanknit

Second row left to right:
Sock Monkey Paulie by Siansburys
Calendula Flower Ring by GillyflowerJewellery
Lost Mini Print by Askey
Sculptural Bowl - Ceramic - Eroded Sandstone by Seaurchin

Third row left to right:
Sundance Earrings by Myaphrodite
Scruff a Pooch Brooch by Debsmuddle
Wooden Lizard Decoration by Halfanacre
Doily Necklace by Lostintheforest

Bottom row left to right:
Textile Art - Tracks by Limegreenjelly
Autumn Nectar Earrings by lazygiraffe
Knit 5x5 print by Nonsuch
Bramble gemstone earrings by Sakurajewellery

New Logo - Its here!!

This past week, the Team has (a la Lloyd Grossman) "ruminated, cogitated and digested" the various new team logo entries and we are happy to unveil the winner!

Challenge Results for August's Theme Magic !

The UK design challenge theme for the month of August was "MAGIC" :) The entries this month were as always of immensely high quality.

Here are the winners and you can check out all the entries here ---> [link].

THE WINNER - The Magicians Assistant by CorsetUs
"Silver silk velvet corset embossed with pointed stars, sequins, boning in the shape of magician's wands and is finished with tassels with tiny velvet top hats."


















Second place - White Rabbit Magic Paperweight by pennydogaccessories
"Resin paper weight with top hat and white rabbits"













Third place - Mermaid Wand by Seaurchin
"porcelain wand with crystals at the tip, cords, silver plated wire, glass beads, agate, tigers eye, sterling silver beads and tiny shells"

New Logo - Team its time to vote!!

UK Street Teamers - the submission deadline for new team logo is nigh so its time for you to go place your ---> VOTE

Voting closes at midnight on Friday 5th September and the new logo will be announced on Saturday 6th September :)