Why not make a few creative resolutions you can easily keep? Here’s a links line up to get you creatively connected in 2012.

Firstly make sure you’re signed up to get info from us  http://www.creativenottingham.com/contact-us/ and let us know what you’re up to so we can tell the world!

Then take your pick from my quick list below and get subscribing! Or better still add some that you know in the comments and let’s build a bigger better list together!

Arts Council England’s Arts News/Arts Jobs http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/ does what it says on the tin!

Need  resources, offers and events for an enterprise you run or want to set up? http://www.startupbritain.org/

Running a creative business in Notts? Join The Creative Greenhouse Network  http://www.creativegreenhouse.org.uk/

You’ve heard of Antenna by now? If you aren’t a member make sure to join up in 2012 for access to great events plus fab food and drinks  http://www.antenna.uk.com

Designer? You need to know what the designer forum are up to http://www.emtex.org.uk

Designer/Maker? http://www.designfactory.org.uk/

Sign up to professional network linkedin http://www.linkedin.com there’s loads of groups and discussions going on from Open Studios to Business Barometers … or start your own

If you are running a creative business join

Canning Circus Christmas Tree image credit Steve Decipher-Shot- follow the star to Primary?

More crafty gifts available from Molly Queen’s markets in the run up to Christmas.  Starting this Saturday 17 December the host venue is the aptly named Good Elf on Market Square.   http://mollyqueencollective.blogspot.com/

EMVAN East Midlands Visual Arts Network http://www.emvan.net/ celebrates Christmas with host Bruce Asbestos On Wednesday 14 December, 6.00-8.00pm At new artists space PRIMARY http://www.weareprimary.org/

Got 2 minutes? Take a look at Sarah Dale’s festive guide to keeping your spirits up on her blog post http://www.creatingfocus.org/?p=1146

Who are you?
I’m Sali Jones, I’m a freelance make-up artist from Wales living in Nottingham, going by the name of Ms Moo Make Up. I’m also one half of Flashes and Lashes, a make-over team producing high quality pin-up and vintage photoshoots for all. I’m also a stepmum to a little boy of 6, and complaint handler for a well known energy provider based in the city… busy is not the word!

What brought you to Nottingham?
I moved here in 2006 to get away from my hometown and get some life experience (read ‘I fell for a boy but it didn’t work out’) and couldn’t be happier to still be here. My home town didn’t have much going for it, and after a taste of life at university in Coventry (too much of a taste of life, in came in pints and distracted me from seminars!) I needed to get away from home again. So I saved, and moved in March 2006!

What keeps you in Nottingham?
Bloody lovely people; mostly my wonderful little family and secondly, my super awesome business partner, Emma aka Miss Rain. I made her move to Nottingham from Newcastle a few years ago so it’d be rude to leave her now! It’s also full of really lovely people, and central to everyone else in the UK. Got to love the Midlands!

What makes you different to other creative people in Nottingham?
It’s hard to miss that there’s a lot of creativity in Nottingham, especially in my areas of modelling and photography, but I believe I’m one of the only established make-up artists on the alternative scene in the area. I’ve done a lot of fashion and beauty work, working with some fab local talent and further afield, as well as recently taking on more bridal work too. We’ve also now got Flashes and Lashes, giving the personal touch that a lot of the makeover photostudios in Nottingham and the surrounding areas lack.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Running Flashes and Lashes full time with Emma would be pretty special for me, and having gone and attended a full time make-up course at a specialist creative school in London. I also want to take on more bridal work, but keep my hand in fashion and beauty make-up. Basically, everything that I’m doing right now but full time!

What do you wish you had more time for?

Lisa by Flashes and Lashes - Make Up by Sali Jones Photo by Miss Rain

Watching football and being by the sea – I’m usually at shoots/weddings on Saturdays so I don’t get to watch Sky Sports News and my chap doesn’t like football so I don’t always get to catch up with Match of the Day either! I also really love the seaside, and being by water. Kind of shot myself in the foot moving to somewhere called ‘The Midlands’ but until I can retire and live by the sea, Attenborough Nature Reserve will have to do for now.

What keeps you awake at night?
Very little! I can sleep anywhere and everywhere, and will do given any opportunity or not fed energy drinks/tea at regular intervals.  No, really; I love my sleep!

What do you think is Nottingham’s best kept secret?
Flashes and Lashes; we’re going to sweep you off your feet! *wink* That and the pockets of hard working alternative groups and individuals; it’s encouraging and inspiring to see so many people working so hard for what they want, helping others out along the way and looking after each other. That’s valuable beyond measure.

What would you like to see more of in Nottingham?

More nights out! When I moved here, there were nights near enough every night of the week (Nightmare, Assault, Obsession, Magenta, Damage, Kryogenics etc) and even though I couldn’t keep up with going out each night, it’d be lovely to have more than one offer of a club night at the weekend. I also want to do some more touristy things in Nottingham; I’ve still not been to the Castle, having lived here 5 years. Sad.

What Big thing (project or event) are you currently working on?
Super massive promotion for Flashes and Lashes! We’ve literally just (as from 1 November!) took on a city centre studio in Hockley, with our great friend Toby Kennedy. So we’ll be working hard in there, and we’ve our studio open days on 19^th and 20^th (which I’ll be blogging about too!) and we’re looking to do some more around the country in 2012 when we’ve worked out the logistics of getting us there. Anyone wanting to come to us in the mean time is more than welcome though, we’ll get the kettle on and the cupcakes out!

You can find out more about Sali and Flashes and Lashes at :-

Website: http://www.msmoomakeup.com

Facebook: Ms Moo Make Up on Facebook

Facebook: Flashes and Lashes on Facebook

Less than a decade ago digital fabrication was an impossible dream for the hobbyist. Only large companies, Universities and government research agencies had access to tools that could interpret information from a data file and make that into a real touchable thing. Digital fabrication is likely to be as empowering to user as desktop publishing was in the 1990’s, desktop fabrication is set to revolutionise the way we think about what a computer can be used for.

All over the world places like the Nottingham Hackspace are starting to provide anyone who wants it, access to these sorts of tools.

Tony Shannon works on the Hackspace CNC Machine

Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Mill
If you can draw a graphical file on an ordinary desktop computer, the CNC machine and it’s software can interpret that file in the physical word, using a router or drill bit to create cuts and pockets on metal and wood. Shapes and holes are made in the material by very precisely controlling the position of the router head and the position of the workpiece in three dimensions, X, Y and Z or left to right, forward and back up and down. By controlling the Z access very thick materials can be cut layer by layer.

In early 2011 the Nottingham Hackspace invested in a project to develop a small CNC machine. A fabrication tool that was cheap and could be easily built by an a maker in their shed. My DIY CNC started shipping their home invented and developed CNC machines in August 2011. The small machine is available at the Nottingham Hackspace along with 2 much larger milling machine capable of cutting tougher and larger workpieces.

Laser Engraver/Cutter

By positioning mirrors and lenses you can direct the beam of a powerful laser. By mounting those lenses on a similar mechanism to the CNC machine you can control where that beam of laser goes very precisely. A laser beam from a 40w laser is capable of vaporising plywood up to 6mm thick. As the laser can move very quickly and precisely and because the strength and speed can be controlled, very intricate designs can be cut in paper, card, felt and leather not to mention plywood, MDF and acrylic. We’ve even used the laser at Nottingham Hackspace to cut rice-paper for decorating a cake!

the Nottingham Hackspace Laser cuts 3mm ply

My favorite project on the laser cutter has been the creation of a tactile braille birthday card for the wife of one of the Hackers. The laser can make deep letter shapes and braille, Rocio, who is blind, will be able to feel the shapes in the plywood making it a perfect personal gift. The design was by Hackspace member Martin Raynesford

3D Printer

Perhaps the most futuristic and unimaginable new fabricating machine is the 3D printer. It works by using software to slice up a 3D graphic. To make that it then heats ABS plastic, squirting it out and building the object layer by layer.

Matt Lloyds’ RepRap Mendle is the unofficial 3D printer of the Nottingham Hackspace. Most of the parts of this home built machine were printed on another RepRap machine or printed as replacements on this same machine. When you start to talk about a machine that can replicate itself you can see a whole load of geeks go weak at the knee and get misty eyed at the prospect. The Nottingham Hackspace is in the process of printing parts for a new 3D printer called a RepRap Prusa named for it’s inventor.

RepRap 3D Printer makes Barcamp Nottingham Logos out of ABS plastic

These tools are very empowering and easy to use. With practice and a little software knowledge the ability to prototype almost anything is with in grasp of almost any boffin. Sites like THINGYVERSE.COM are a superb resource for the sharing of open source fabrication projects. Hackers love to share their intellectual property and let their designs have a life beyond that of their makers imagining.

It’s an exciting time. I can only imagine the tools that will be available in the next decade. Perhaps Star Trek like replicators are not so far in the distant future!

(1) Atoms are the new bits by Chris Anderson
Wired Magazine UK March 2010

Who are you?
I have a full time day job that I love, I work to help protect our environment, though I prefer to say “I’m saving the planet!” At the Hackspace I’m a member like everyone else though I’ve been voted in as a trustee. It’s great that we can all help each other create such an inspirational workspace!
Nottingham Hackspace is the largest UK Maker or Hackerspace. A Hackerspace is a workshop filled with the tools and infrastructure needed to be able to make or build pretty much anything you can imagine. We have 70 members who share their knowledge and experience or just enjoy hanging out or making things. Anyone can become a member and you can work on your own or collaborate with others on a larger project.

What brought you to Nottingham?
I was born in Grantham and later lived in Lincoln. After University I worked in Lincoln for a very large and well know electricals company in a warehouse checking computer parts for faults. In 2000 they put me through the CompTIA A+ certification and I passed it. I asked them for a pay rise pointing out that colleagues at the Nottingham call centre with A+ were on a higher grade. They told me I’d better go to Nottingham if I wanted that rise. So I did and 10 years later I’m still here.

What keeps you in Nottingham?
It’s big enough a city to have a buzz, it’s own culture and that cosmopolitan feel without being so big you get lost in it and don’t know anyone. The city can still surprise me after 10 years here. It really is a very beautiful place… besides didn’tyou know it has the UK’s largest Hackerspace?

What makes you different to other creative people in Nottingham?
I think we aren’t that different to some of the shared spaces in Nottingham though I think we have a different background. The Nottingham Hackspace is about infrastructure rather than projects. I have no idea about funding nor the will or time to look into it. The Nottingham Hackspace is entirely run on the membership payments, meaning every member has bought into the space, there are no handouts or subsidies, and because people “pay-what-they-like” they have to think about what to pay and know they can afford it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In five years time we’ll have a bigger Hackerspace with a very wide range of tools and equipment. In five years the space will include experimental kitchens, a
laboratory for biohacking and chemistry as well as a loading bay and garage area where you’ll be able to build your open source car. Young Hackspace (a
proposed program for younsters) will already have been a success bring in a new  generation of enthusiastic young hackers to take the space into it’s next 5 to 50
years.

What do you wish you had more time for?
I’d like more time to learn skills, I’d like to be really good at wood work and metal work in particular and will try and put more time aside to learn in the future.

What keeps you awake at night?
Nothing.

What do you think is Nottingham’s best kept secret?
I dislike this question.

What would you like to see more of in Nottingham?
More promotion of science and engineering and it’s possibilities as both an educational, social and not to mention creative force.

What Big thing are you currently working on?
We are in the process of setting up one of the rooms at the space as a co-working room.

You can see more about Nottingham Hackspace at:
Website: nottinghack.org.uk

Twitter @HSNOTTS
Facebook/Nottinghack

The Golden Compass by George Boyce, www.flickr.com/photos/geebee2007/3516653918/

Our Links Round-up today starts in the centre of Nottingham.  The programme of events at the New Art Exchange includes talks, workshops, tours, and more.  Full details are on their website, but I would just like to point out two:

• this afternoon, 18 October, 5 – 7 pm, there is a Visual Arts workshop for Young People aged 11 – 25 that uses the speech ‘Aint I a women’ by women rights activist Sojourn Truth as a stimulus to create visual responses. Sojourn Truth was born a slave in New York about 200 years ago, but escaped to freedom.
• A Pinhole Camera workshop, this Saturday, 22 October, 2 – 4 pm. Described as family friendly, participants will “will turn old drinks cans into working pinhole cameras”, it leaves ambiguous whether the adults bring full drinks cans and make them empty first (but I suspect not). Photos on the day are developed in the darkroom – who needs an Iphone or a Canon to be a photographer?

If you need to get out more, I would recommend a trip or two to Lincoln which is about to enjoy its first ever Digital Culture Festival from 21 to 29 October.  Going under the name of Frequency Festival 2011, there are displays, performances, debates, networking opportunities and more. There nicely laid out website provides a mailing list option and they even have their own ringtone, entitled White Noise in the Key of F, in both MP3 and md4 format.

I f you need to get out more, but want to go north rather than east, our former guest bloggers the Harley Gallery are always worth a visit.  Particularly between 29 October and 24 December, for the exhibition of 20th Century British Art from Welbeck Abbey.  This is the first public exhibition of the collection built up by William Parente who will be giving a talk about it on 3 December (talk tickets £7). Among the artists shown are John Napper, Dame Elizabeth Frink, Paul Nash and LS Lowry.

And if you would rather work on your entry for their Open Exhibition next January, and a possible place in William Parente’s exhibition thirty years hence, you have until the first week in December. The theme is “H is for …..”. Details and the entry form on their website.  I look forward to seeing the results, in 2012 if not 2041.

Zincwhite: Why has no one thought of this before? Zincwhite’s genius touch of upcycling is surely the best gift for any creative friends. On Saturday 29th, they will be bringing their jewellery and accessories made from recycled Derwent colouring pencils, knitting needles, old typewriters, broken camera lenses and artist’s paint brushes to join us at Bunkers Hill in Nottingham!

Hannah Stevens is a very talented lady! She will be with us at Bunkers Hill selling her range of hand screen printed textiles, such as cushions, lampshades, tea towels, hand bags, purses and pencil cases, all made from her own fab print designs!

Dirtyface creates limited edition apparel in collaboration with many talented artists and designers. The dirtyface range represents an underground movement of artists, generating a unique brand that exudes creativity and originality. We’re excited to welcome them along to show off their graphic skills on the 29th!

Hello Sunshine by Jo Want features unique and quirky jewellery, accessories, greetings cards & illustrations. Inspiration comes from the playful nature of animals, people and everyday life, sprinkled with humour. With the intention of bringing a smile to the world’s face, these collections of work include laser cut necklaces, brooches, drop and stud earrings, pin badges, and greeting cards.

Jo Clarke: As a recent graduate from the Children’s Book Illustration MA at Cambridge School of Art, Jo has developed her visual language as an artist, designer, painter, illustrator and writer to bring together this beautiful ever growing, gift range. Jo’s designs emerge from organic shapes with a sensitive use of line and sophisticated colour palette creating a unique and contemporary identity. Jo will be selling her Greetings cards, original illustrations and art prints, also a range of gift wares featuring her own hand painted designs and printed illustrations.

Delish specialise in making cake pops. Cake whats, I hear you say? …A cake pop is an irresistibly yummy, moist cake covered in candy melt. It’s the perfect size and it comes on a stick – what’s there not to like? Sifting through the pictures of these tasty looking treats has been difficult, knowing I have to wait 14 more days before I can get my teeth around one! Meanwhile all I can do is tantalise you with the same temptations… see you on the 29th- the cake pops are calling you….

Awesome Pillows Awesome Pillows creates hand made decorative pillow shaped characters stuffed within an inch of their life. On Saturday 29th, she promises us, “plump pirates, undead upholstery and backrest bats as well as more pillowsaurus’s and squishamajigs!” …Awesome!

SparkleCat: If, while reading this post, you have only just realised how close we are to Halloween… Don’t panic! We have your fancy dress all wrapped up. Sparklecat create handmade feather headdresses, headbands, jewellery & accessories. How amazing will you look wearing one of these to a fancy dress party?

…and many more! Hope you enjoyed that little taster of what’s to come on Saturday 29th October at Bunkers Hill and looking forward to seeing you there!

(The content of all images are credited to their designers)

Written by Guest Blogger, Laura Morgan of Curiosity Haus: A house for Contemporary Craft and Design. Curiosity Haus has an ‘online craft fair‘ and runs regular indie-markets in Nottingham, showcasing and promoting independent designers and quality handmade goods. You can follow Curiosity Haus on facebook or twitter.

The insects and arachnids are invading Nottingham Castle as well as my little house. Starting this weekend, the Castle will be infested with 10,000 ceramic beetles. Stirring the Swarm is by the winner of Nottingham Castle’s Annual Open Solo Show Prize, Anna Collette Hunt, using displays from Wollaton Hall as her inspiration. The beetles have been constructed with a team of Nottingham-based helpers including Trent students and potters from Sherwood.

Those nice folk at Hopkinson’s Gallery are hosting Nottingham’s vintage, antique and arts weekend, starting today and ending on Sunday. What does this offer? I hear you say. Well, over 20 open studios, vintage traders, music, a licensed bar (serving vintage cocktails no less) and all kinds of shenanigans ranging all over Hopkinson’s four floors.

Next Monday is Mental Health Awareness Day and as part of this, there’ll be a talk in the Lord Roberts pub, 24 Broad Street, 8pm. Sarah Dale, occupational psychologist, will be talking through her book about keeping your spirits up. There’s strong evidence suggesting creative activities can help alleviate mental health problems so perhaps you’re all in good shape (I hope so) but just in case. It’s good to get a new perspective.

And finally! Next Wednesday sees the latest venture from those lovely types from the Creative Twinning partnership.If you’re near the Broadway or Lace Market Gallery next Wednesday I recommend dropping in as there’ll be a wide range of beautiful wares on display and creative folk to chat to? What more do you need?

And with that, I’m off to huddle under a blanket with a book and some hot chocolate. Brrr…

Friday night at Broadway

HANG THE VJ!

A Collaborative Night of DJ’s & VJ’s – a visual and musical spectacle in Association with Mimm and Ashes 57 Exhibition. Broadway Media Arts have teamed up with friends Mimm to present a special collaboration of live art, dj’s and visuals.

Variety is the spice of life – and here you have it at Broadway… while DJs from Mimm Recordings spin their diverse repertoire – Artist Nick Wright will be creating visuals on the glass screen outside. In addition, over at the Mimm shop, there is a solo exhibition and live art from Ashes57, AKA Delphine Ettinger. An illustrator and a street photographer, she has worked with many groundbreaking labels and is well recognized on the club scene. (Fabulous Illustration shown copyright Ashes)…. So, get over to Broadway this evening for a BBQ and beer on the terrace.

Where: Broadway Cinema and Media Centre, Nottingham

When: Friday 30^th September, 4pm to 8pm

There’s also a Notts Creative Culture event organised by Mimm at Nottingham Contemporary from 8pm onwards.

SHOW & TELL

Starting Thursday 6th October, @6pm

Broadway are proud to host ‘Show & Tell’ – a monthly community-curated platform for anyone to share their latest projects, creations or things that inspire them. New music, independent film previews, artists talking about what they do, designers testing out new ideas, the list goes on!

‘Show & Tell’ is a great idea, and what a great way to join in with interesting projects…so, the instructions are simple, just turn up, bring friends, show & tell or listen, watch or play.

Where: Mezz Bar, Broadway Cinema and Media Centre, Nottingham

When: 6.00pm, 1st Thursday of every month

To Show & Tell: If you have something you’d like to shout about – contact Broadway’s Show & Tell team showtell@broadway.org.uk

Visit the blog for regular updates to forthcoming Show & Tell listed projects http://showtell.posterous.com

On at Surface:

‘EIGHT’

A collaborative exhibition by the Surface artists – “EIGHT” is set to be a diverse showcase. The artists will platform their current practices of fine art, installation, illustration and more, with the aim of showcasing the strength of collaboration and the quality of great works created by its resident artists.

Where: Surface Gallery, 16 Southwell Road, Nottingham NG1 1DL

When: 4^th October – 15^th October, 2011

Private view: Thursday 6^th October, 6pm – 8pm

For more information, visit the Surface website.

Celebrating Black history

October is Black History Month. Celebrated in Britain for nearly quarter of a century, Black History Month is an opportunity for people and groups all over the country to promote knowledge of Black history and experience. Sharing in positive cultural contributions to British society and increasing Black people’s awareness of their cultural heritage.

Each year Nottingham hosts a diverse collective of events engaging through cultural organisations and community groups, local broadcasters and community centres, clubs, museums and arts venues. This includes African music to club nights, exhibitions and plays, concerts, dance, Gospel choirs and community events and much more.

Visit Nottingham City Council website for further information and the full programme of events taking place around the city.

Big news for Nottingham young creatives

Launched on 27 September, the Young Creative Awards are for Young people aged 13 – 24 across Nottingham who would like to put themselves on the creative map.

We know that Nottingham is the place to be seen for creative people, businesses, learning, culture and design excellence – and the Young Creative Awards will provide young creatives with a fantastic opportunity to tap in to this creative spirit, and make their mark in what is to be an exciting year for the arts.

Supported by One Nottingham, Nottingham City Council, Confetti Media Group, Fastgraphics, Fourmost Films, New College Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, South Nottingham College, Nusic and Skeleton Productions. They offer young people the opportunity to take part in a citywide creative competition, win some fantastic prices and recognition from Nottingham city’s creative elite.

Visit the City Council website for further details how to enter.