#IMAPiece: The Craftivist Jigsaw Project for Save The Children

I stitched this on Tuesday night. 

People often ask me why I'm so positive and it's because this is my motto. 

Every single person on the planet has dreams, ambitions and hopes...and holding on to them is what makes life pleasurable. 

No matter how big or small, every second we put into thinking we shouldn't give up, is a second towards 'achieving.'

The Craftivist Jigsaw Project is also about not giving up...its aim is to support Save The Children's Race Against Hunger Campaign to put an end to the fact that millions of people, including children still go to bed hungry every night : (

The charity have invited 4 of the UK's leading Crafty ambassadors to front the campaign which is asking crafters all over the country to stitch a piece of a fabric jigsaw to show that they are 'A Piece' of the change that will make the world a better place.

Next year is the G8 Summit and Save The Children and The Campaign are asking world leaders to put eradicating hunger at the top of their list. Their method is to present thousands of stitched jigsaw pieces to show that UK Crafters care, and want to make a difference. 

Every single person can get involved. All you need to do is download a template of the jigsaw, stitch on your message and send it to The Craftivists where Sarah will collate them.

There are NO EXCUSES not to do this as the closing date is March so it's the perfect Christmas crafting activity.

Next month Sarah, Jamie, Lauren and Hilary as going to Indonesia with Save The Children to experience some of their projects and report back. This may sound bizarre, but like celebs often go on charity trips, bloggers too can have a positive impact on spreading awareness of campaigns and while they are away they'll be keeping blogs and diaries of their discoveries, inspiring us back home to get involved.

The launch of the campaign took place at a special Save The Children charity shop in Primrose Hill and was attended by a host of bloggers (including mysefl!)

We were all given a pack to help us create a piece of the jigsaw.

Inside were fabric, instructions, a needle and thread.

I stitched my message at the event but will glitter it up at home (obviously!) before giving it to The Craftivists.

I have never liked being told what to do and I dislike it when people insist on what you should and shouldn't do. But this campaign is different.

It's the first time the UK Craft Community have been given an actual voice - it takes us seriously, appreciates us as people whose opinions matters - not just mad hobbyists!

That's why I think it's an opportunity we should not miss out on.
You don't need to spend any money - you just need to stitch a jigsaw piece or two, either on your own or with friends.

The satisfaction afterwards is something you can really be proud of.

Find out more about how to get involved:

Deadly Knitshade (Lauren O'Farrell)'s blog

Hilary Pullen's blog

Mr X Stitch (Jamie Chalmers) blog:

Sarah Corbett (The Craftivists) (you can download the jigsaw template from this link.)

 

101+ Things To Do With Glitter Book Launch

The photos from my book launch are finally up!  

Please check them out here

(All images taken by Swani.com)

101+ Things To Do With Glitter Book Launch, Blogs & Publicity

My new book 101+ Things To Do With Glitter is published on 23rd October, and was launched in style on September 25th at The Hackney Attic as part of a super sparkling Glitter Festival. Around 100 people got sprinkled in shimmer as they made bow ties crafted hair accessories, tried their hand at scrapbooking and had glitter make overs. There were glittering prizes, an exhibition, special guests, live music and even twinkling drinks. 
I have some amazing photographs of the event taken by SwaniDotCom...but as he took over 300, I'm still sorting through them!! 
I will post a link soon.
In the mean time, here are some blogs of the event and some other glitter publicity worth checking out! 

 Asian City
There's an exclusive extract of the book in the current issue of Asian City newspaper.
View it online. (got to page 25)

Jennifer Grace
Came all the way from Devon to enjoy the night.
Here's her account: JennifersJumbles

Perri Lewis
Got together with one of the speakers Deadlyknitshade and did some scrapbooking.
Here's what she made: Make and Do With Perri.

Kareem Short
Was the first girl to win a raffles prize (6 of the 8 went to boys!)
Here's what she got up to. Tea and Blankets

Victoria Bell aka Plum
Invited me to speak about glitter at The Dalston Darlings WI
She wrote about what happened.
And she interviewed me too.

The Asian World
Interviewed me and called me the Asian Kristy Allsopp, though I expect they meant Kirsty!
Read it online here. (page 19)

Bollyspice
Meera Sharma did a pre-launch article and then came along and interviewed me on the night. 

I also took some glitter into the BBC Asian Nework Studio and got DJ Nihal to make a glitter keyring for his wife in my own version of Ready Steady Make (based on the TV show Ready Steady Cook where you have 20 minutes to cook something) though this time it was 'make something', live on air, and I also chatted about crafts on Hayes FM.

Still to come an article in Eastern Eye newspaper and the book will also be appearing in Bliss Magazine's Christmas Gift suggestions!

Thank you to everyone who's written about more book or are going to! Please send me a link so I can share it too!

My Vintage Shopping Spree At Old Spitalfields Market

Three weeks ago I won a £200 shopping spree at the new Pop Up Vintage Fair, which is held at Old Spitalfields Market, London, on the 3rd Saturday of the month.

All I had to do was send a Tweet and answer the question: Why do I love Vintage?
Mine had something to do with the fact each piece is full of stories...and that it looks good on me! I was given a challenge - to spend all £200 in one day on what can only be described as one of the most exciting days of my life!!! I felt like a VIP the moment I arrived, until I left laden down with shopping four hours later.

 

First stall to catch my eye was the incredible Spark Of Vintage. The owner Nadine  (pictured) blings up vintage bags & hats with Swarovski crystals. The second I laid eyes on this case (which has the words 'Sexy Women') painted on the top, it was love at first sight and it was my first snap up of the day for £30.

I did four circuits o the market before deciding what I wanted to try on. Thankfully, unlike some markets there was a curtained changing room. The patterns on these two dresses were gorgeous but sadly they didn't fit me - vintage clothes can sometimes be made for tiny frames : (

So I opted for this fabulous felted fascinator instead (£3)

An incredible pleated collar jacket (£38) from Gin Lane Vintage

A seriously cute sweater (£20)

A fabulous printed dress that I wore last weekend (£20)

 This amazing Harris Tweed satchel (£30)

and a hippy chic printed cotton top (£12)...I know I know. I've had 3 different hairdos in the last 3 weeks....I can't explain it other than my hair has it's own life. It does what it wants when it wants!

The market also has a fabulous collection of homewares and collectables. This huge pink crocheted blanket was bought from Rare and Racy who sold the most stunning vintage cups and saucers but sadly I didn't need any. So I stuck to this prety blanket; a steal at just £10.

I've always wanted an ice-cube pineapple - it's the ultimate in kitschyness. So I decided to give this one (£18) a home after eyeing it up for a good couple of hours. I lost their card but I know these two ladies go around to fairs in a camper van selling cool stuff so look out for them!

This lady was lovely and from her stall I also bought a long red St Michaels button up top/jacket which I haven't worn yet hence the lack of pictures, a snuggly woolley hat and a couple of metres of stunning retro print fabric which she pointed out, I could make a couple of cushions from.

 

Vintage vixens won't just be spoilt for choice by the impressive range of fashion, accessories, jewellery, collectables and homewares at Pop Up Vintage. They can also get their hair done by Candy Pout. Perfect if you've got a night out ahead. Sadly my hair is too short at the mo for up-dos.

Here are my buys laid out at home, I spent every last penny and have been using nearly all of what I bought (minus the red belted dress and the fabric but that will happen soon.) I can't stop wearing my new patterned dress and have worn the jacket twice at two glamorous events, my book launch and my guest appearance at a WI meeting earlier this week.
So glad I found it, it's fitted into my life perfectly.

Here are the Need To Know dates for your diary. 

Old Spitalfields is amazing enough as it is, and regularly hosts special events. 
Pop Up Vintage Fairs is one of them. 

I know there's alot of vintage markets & fairs in the capital and it's hard knowing which ones to go to but here's why I liked this one in particular:

1. Location: Spitalfields is buzzing on a Saturday so it's not just Pop Up Vintage you can enjoy - there's all the other stalls and shops and Brick Lane is mere minutes away which makes for a perfect weekend trip.

2. Size: It's a comfortable size - sometimes vintage markets are so huge halls they feel too overwhelming. This one is compact and is not just about clothes. It's the perfect intro to Vintage for newbies.

3. Choice: Despite the size there's a good collection of stalls covering clothes, jewellery and homeware. I did feel that there was too much emphasis on garments from the 1980s rather than true vintage but I guess that was bound to happen sooner or later.

4. Stall holders: They were genuinely friendly, chatty and open to talking about their products. I didn't see a single sign which said 'No Photos' which I always find so ridiculous and off putting. In that sense it's great for bloggers!

5. Prices: I know I had vouchers so I was lucky, but it was a very affordable market - lots of brooches for £5 and plenty of bargains £10 or under. Shopping is far more pleasurable knowing you're not breaking the bank. Oh and it's free entry too!

www.OldSpitalfieldsMarket,com

On a different note it's been so nice blogging again! It's been over a month since my last post but this year as has been a tough one where time has been concerned. I finished one book and am gearing up to hand the next one in.
I miss blogging so much but several things had to go and blogging was one of them. So it's been an extra pleasure doing this one : )

10 Things My Dad Taught Me

Today marks three years of loosing my daddy. Every year I write something about him so that I can remember him. Today, I'm focusing on 10 of his regular habits which have all in some way inspired me to follow his lead.

1. Never be afraid to rescue things from skips
If he saw something useful like a plank of wood he'd bring it home and put it to use.

2. Always keep a comb by the front door
My dad's comb lived on the bottom of the staircase, near a mirror so he could do a quick smarten up before he went out.

3. Read the dictionary
This was a popular time pass, to keep learning new words.

4. Keep the kitchen sink clean

A blocked sink was one of his worst nightmares so he'd polish the kitchen sink a couple of times a day.

5. Support trainee hairdressers

He'd get his hair cut at the local college by students to save money, a tip I have been following for over a decade!

6. Save plastic bottles

He would place these upside down on sticks all around his allotment....the truth is on this one that I have no idea why...does anyone know what the philosophy behind it could be? Regardless, one day I shall get an allotment and do the same thing.

7. Keep sandwiches in cereal bags

You know those plastic inserts inside a box of cereal? That's how he'd transport his sandwiches.

8. Take empty tupperware on holiday

Fill it with food from the destination, i.e. biscuits to bring home.

9. Mix cereals

His fave combination with Crunchy Nut Cornflakes mixed with muesli - to this day I never eat one cereal at a time, it needs to be several, it's so much more satisfying!

10. Visit sick people

He went out of his way to visit friends in hospital, or anyone else that was unwell - he always said it was a good thing to do. Luckily I haven't had many sick friends but if I did I would look to do the same.

A totally random list and order and of course there are many huge things he taught me about life, religion, family etc but these every day details that are the ones that really made him who he was. 

Miss you Ubba.

101+ Things To Do With Glitter Book Lauch

I'm very excited to announce that my new book will be launched one month today at a sparkling event in London called Glitter Fest 2012.

In short, it's a mini festival that celebrates the shiny stuff and features craft workshops, live music, DJs, glittery snacks, beauty makeovers and a host of special guests. 

They'll also be an exhibition of projects, a raffle and the chance to buy a signed copy of the book at a discount!

Date: Tuesday 25th September 2012 Time: 7.30pm Place: Hackney Attic

To see all the details please click here.

It's free to attend and everyone is welcome. So please do come!

Art In The Olympic Park

I was extremely lucky to be invited to go on a special Art Tour of the Olympic Park, led by Adriana Marques, one of the curators who have been working on designing the park, and its legacy over the last few years.

There are approximately 25 art installations in the park - all but one of them are permanent, though the generally public won't be able to see them until the park opens - the first phase of which is next year. I was stunned from the moment I entered the grounds to when I left. Being there is so exciting, it's buzzing with positive energy and is beautiful.

As well as the purpose built events venues there is a huge double-sided screen in the middle called Park Live where ticket holders can enjoy the events. There's also a live music stage, lots of places to eat and shop, plenty of spots to relax in and art to enjoy - which is what I was there to see.

First up the one most people (certainly Londoners!) already know about. Anish Kapoor's Orbit is a vast tower that on London's skyline looks like red scaffolding. Close up however it is stunning. I'm one of those locals who was skeptical, but up close it's so different and so much more likable. Unfortunately I didn't get to go inside. Tickets cost £15 and are hard to get hold of but I'm told it's full of mirrors that reflects the city which sounds amazing.

You wouldn't think flowers were an installation, but Fantasticology is just that. Designed by the Klassnik Corporation, this stunning wild flower meadow is planted to create a huge pattern which you can view if you're inside Orbit. But to people who aren't up there it still looks pretty just blowing in the breeze.

Ifo Spectrum by Carsten Nicolai is a digitally printed fence. Technically I don't understand how that works as it's living and is made of plants - however look closely and you can see intricate planting arrangements. 

History Trees by Ackroyd & Harvey are just that, something that will change and grow over time - literally, making history. Three trees have already been planted which have a stainless steel ring in them and an additional seven will go up later as part of the legacy.

If you look closely you'll spot poetry throughout the park, one of which is The Fun Palace by Caroline Bird.

Art is integral to every element of the park. It's not an after thought, but was integrated into the initial stages. Steles by Keith Waterson, may look like giant crayons, but they are in fact colourful sleeves on the pillars where boats can park - designed simply so they aren't boring or grey. I like that kind of thinking. Look closely under all the brides, they aren't ordinary either.

Monica Bonvicini's RUN is situated outside the Copper Box building where I'm going to be watching the fencing element of the Modern Pentathlon on Saturday. Remarkably it looks different in the day and night. By day it's made up of mirrors and at night it's lit up by LEDS.

 Another one of my faves is Fantastic Factology where facts have been supplied by experts and placed on 57 benches throughout the park - spotting them all is a day trip in itself. 

The park is a 25 year project but it will look very different when it opens to how it does now. If you do get a chance to go now or during the Paralympic Games, take it! 

See more about my visit on my video diary of the tour