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

Emma is pretty handy with hairstyling but we needed specialists in for the open day, and called upon our friends Heebie Gee Bees, from Newcastle. Having been long time friends of Emma’s and super talented and enthusiastic ladies, we couldn’t wait to have them on board with us for the day. What’s even better is that as both of them have vast knowledge and experience of modelling and performing, they could also bring their skills to the dressing table in regards to styling, posing and general confidence. All round win, I’d say!

We also brought in Aislinn from BooBooKitty Couture,. She set herself up a rail of gorgeous dresses, her dolly Doris and brought her sewing along to make some last minute bits and pieces for a craft fair later in the evening; she really never stops working!

We had some early starts and late nights (including a craft fare/Speedkings gig to attend on Saturday night!), some tears from girls who couldn’t believe their makeovers, cuddles, lots of high fives, energy drinks, cookies, snuggies on radiators, cupcakes from Amy (hell yeah!), endless cups of tea (Hannah is brilliant), goodie bags, ratties, girls celebrating birthdays and divorces, and some that just wanted to feel good about themselves! Here’s a little selection of the behind the scenes photos we gathered.

So to a few thank yous; BooBooKitty Couture, Heebie Gee Bees, Toby Kennedy, Make Up Academy, Arcanum Accessories, Synergy Therapies, Rampant Ink, Deadly is the Female, Rockalily, Hoocie Coochie Club, Miss Fortune and Snitches Get Stitches!

Days like that are a precious rarity to me; when you’re going flat out but smiling and laughing the whole while, each person bringing their own special technique, style and brilliance to the table. Your back might ache, your shoulder might be creaking and your feet’ll be on fire but nothing compares to the smile (and sometime, tears!) of a girl who beams from ear to ear when they see themselves made up. It’s my dream to do this full time, and weekends like this motivate me to work harder to make it real…

This Saturday, 12 November, the Crowne Plaza hosts some nostalgic treats for fans of eclectic chic as  Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair, Britain’s biggest vintage marketplace, take 40 stalls of vintage, trend lead traders from all over the UK. This is their first visit in almost a year and we are promised price checked stalls of fashion, homeware and furniture from the last 60 years.

Featured in Elle, Asos magazine, Vogue and Stylist, the fair offers fantastic retro stock for the modern wardrobe, to knock your socks off and it is easy to see why the likes of Daisy & Pearl Lowe, Chloe Sevigny & Florence Welch have popped in for a peruse in recent weeks.

The fun kicks off at 11am so head to the city if you fancy an afternoon of pseudo-time-travel, all under one roof!

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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…

Previous Sellers at Curiosity Haus Contemporary Craft and Design Fair: Stitches and Stars, Lucie Pockets, Owl Loves Panda, Penelope Ruth, Jessica Hayes Gill, Ruth Singer, Lesley Nason

I thought I would start my guest blogging experience with a little bit more about the projects I am working on and Craft in Nottingham.  However, you will be pleased to hear that over the next week I am going to talk less about myself and more about the wider world of Contemporary Craft, including a review of Origin Craft Fair in London, and hopefully a little insight into why Contemporary Craft practice is a just as thought provoking as it is beautiful!

Nottingham might be noted in the region for it’s great high street shopping, but dig a little deeper and you may be surprised to find an an even more impressive shopping experience from the city’s highly rated creative community.

I’ve been lucky enough to work with many of these creatives over the past few years of running Craft and Design Fairs in the city.  Forget your traditional church hall Craft Fairs, these contemporary crafters and designers make the highest quality, unique products which should far over shadow the goods to be found regularly on the high street.  Dismiss those preconceptions of Granny’s pastel drawings (sorry granny!) and crocheted loo roll covers, the craft and design fairs I’m talking about give customers the chance to find intelligence, skill, beauty, and quirky designed products, all rolled into one!

Previous Sellers: Ultra Horse Zines, Steve Booton Ceramics, Katie Stainer Contemporary papercrafts, Loree Bologna, Alys Power, Alison Peacock Leather Artist, Julia Church Pyrography Jewellery, Ruth Singer

Through Curiosity Haus I organise regular events throughout the year. It has become, what may be best described as, a ‘roving’ market over the past year, having held craft fairs all over Nottingham.  In October Curiosity Haus will be working with Bunkers Hill in Hockley to hold an Indie Market.  This first event for the winter season will coincide with the pub’s very own Beer Festival held on Saturday 29th October.  There will be live acoustic sets in association with Notts about Music, an array of real ales, treats for customers and most importantly, a host of handmade wares from local designer makers, vintage clothes, accessories and homewares as well as tasty cakes! We are pleased to have the Oxfam Boutique selling top quality vintage pieces, with all their proceeds going to oxfam’s current projects.

Once you dig a little deeper, Nottingham has many creative events to be found.  If you read my intoduction interview, you may have heard mention of Craft Map.  It is a new group on facebook specifically for designers and craftspeople.

Join to share your crafty projects and creative happenings with other like minded creatives.   I have set up Craft Map as an area for people to shout about and map out all the amazing creative, design and craft based events and business.

With so many new exciting events coming up, it is a good way to keep track of the multitude of creative things going on just below the radar.  So please feel free to make use of this group as a platform to tell lots of other creative folk your news; get posting!

Help spread the word and bring the creative underground to the surface!

Above: Curiosity haus Contemporary Craft and Design Fairs, L-R: Sneinton Market- Dec 2010; Delightfully Delectable- Orange Tree, May 2011; Hello Sunshine- Orange Tree May 2011; Night Owl- Sneinton Market Dec 2011.

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.

Who are you?
Laura Morgan from Curiosity Haus, based in Nottingham

What brought you to Nottingham?
I grew up in Bangor, Northern Ireland, but came here to study Textile Design at Nottingham Trent and have lived here ever since.

What keeps you in Nottingham?
I ask myself that question frequently! I have thought about leaving Nottingham many times. I spent a year in New Zealand, came back. I spent 3 months (ish) in Italy, came back. There is something great about this small city; it is large enough for there to always be something going on; and small enough for a sense of community. I really like that about Nottingham. There is always a project, job or something else that keeps my interest here and keeps me enjoying life in this city.

What makes you different to other creative people in Nottingham?
I specialise in providing a platform for independent designers, artists, craftspeople and small creative businesses to showcase and sell their wares. I encourage promotion of independent and quality handmade goods by increasing the profile of contemporary craft and design in the area.

I started running indie markets in 2009 with two friends, when we set up ‘Apples and Pears and Crafty Wares’ at Sneinton Market. The aim was to emulate a Spitalfields vibe on that run-down space. (The area is now being redeveloped)

Curiosity Haus now offers an online shop as well as regular events across Nottingham throughout the year. People can buy from an array of independent sellers who create and design their own wares as a refreshing shopping experience, alternative to that of the high street.

What do you wish you had more time for?
I wish I had more time to create my own work, drawing, painting, sewing, and printing. But as I also work part time as a designer for another company, most of my spare time is spent on Curiosity Haus- building my website felt like having a child to look after!

What keeps you awake at night?
I am a real night owl. I find late evenings my most productive time of day, so I often stay up late anytime I have a project to complete. When I go to bed at a reasonable hour, I am kept awake thinking that I am wasting the best time of day!

What do you think is Nottingham’s best kept secret?
Don’t I have to say Curiosity Haus Craft and Design Fairs? Although I hope it is not a secret! Nottingham has a brilliant creative scene, with so many artist groups, one off events and exhibitions happening. Artnot is a great listing well worth picking up for this. I also recently started a facebook group called Craft Map which is specifically aimed at mapping out all the craft and design based goings on in Nottingham and beyond. If you want to keep up or shout about your crafty happenings, please join!

What would you like to see more of in Nottingham?
More independent business! More people supporting independent business! More pop up shops, galleries and creative collaborations. There can never be too many!

What Big thing, project or event are you currently working on?
I have all three; a big thing, a project and an event worthy of mention, so it is going to be a very busy autumn!

Big Thing:
I recently launched an online shop as part of the Curiosity Haus website, as another way to promote and sell the work of designers in and around Nottingham. I am adding lots of new sellers in the run up to Christmas; so do check out curiosityhaus.co.uk perfect for unique gifts and presents!

Event:
The next Curiosity Haus event is an indoor “indie market” at Bunkers Hill on Saturday 29th October, 12-5pm.
Facebook Event details here

As well as the usual eclectic mix of Craft, Design, Art and Vintage wares, the event is coinciding with the pub’s very own beer festival and there will be live music, food and tricks and treats for customers!

Applications are still being accepted for stall holders and any musicians or bands who would be interested in performing an acoustic set please get in touch.

Project:
Another exciting project is INK screen printing. I am currently working with Hopkinson Gallery (formally the Art Organisation) to set up a brand new screen printing facility. INK will be a screen printing ‘club’ and an accessible way for members and non-members to get printing! I am currently working on the branding and website, for this, so keep an eye out for inknottingham.co.uk, coming soon. The launch date for the facility is set for 14-15th Oct, and I can’t wait to get started!

Finally I also have a Christmas market in the pipeline and details will be confirmed shortly. Keep in touch with Curiosity Haus on facebook, twitter or emailing list if you would like to be amongst the first to hear about it!
You can see more about Laura and Curiosity Haus at:-

curiosityhaus.co.uk
Twitter  www.twitter.com/curiosityhaus
www.facebook.com/curiosityhaus
Craft Map
inknottingham.co.uk

Few designs in the degree shows feature designs for children and, if we’re honest, it’s something we rarely cover ourselves at Creative Nottingham. Yet there are so many possibilities for being creative for and with children, and it’s one reason why Emma Pyrah’s stand at the degree show leapt out at me as we walked round.

Emma uses hand drawn illustrations digitally printed onto cotton and embroidered to make a series of educational and fun accessories for children’s bedrooms. Her theme is food and has made a range of cushions, bean bags, prints and quilts in the shape of different foodstuffs ranging from packets of icing sugar to frozen peas. Emma’s range even includes a mini fabric shopping basket and food items for children to learn through fun role play. The majority of the range covers fruit and vegetables (with nutritional label attached) promoting the current trend in eating a healthy balanced diet and getting your five a day. The entire stand is bright and exciting to look at and Emma’s products also caught the eye many young adults who showed great interest in accessorizing their homes with a huge peas beanbag or strawberry cushion. One little girl passing in the arms of her father gasped with joy to see the giant quilt with detachable strawberries so Emma’s clearly got her market down pat.

Emma is based in Nottinghamshire and is exhibiting her new range at New Designers, Earls Court London from 29th June – 2nd July and already has exciting ideas for new additions to the her collection. She is also available for freelance and commissioned work, as well as selling her fruit and vegetables through her online shop.

Three Fashion Communication and Promotion undergraduates from Nottingham Trent University won the UK Finals to the L’Oréal Brandstorm competition in London last month, and will be competing in the world finals in Paris today and tomorrow.

As a student at NTU myself, I do experience a sort of vicarious satisfaction when I find out that fellow students are doing well for themselves.  And they really are doing well – NTU students have come either first or second place in the UK finals for this competition seven times since 2005, taking both the first and second place prizes this year, alongside a separate award for innovation.

The students – Abigail Frieslander, Angel Nicholls and Rachael Plowright, under the brand name PAUSE – won the brief for ‘creatively revolutionising the male experience of hair salons’ with a product range consisting of a three-step shaving system and two haircare products.  Their unique selling point was to pause facial hair regrowth, pause hair loss, and pause the effects of ageing with the use of multi-action products, including Slow Growth Shave Gel which apparently features a plant extract which targets enzymes responsible for regulating hair growth.

In Paris the three students will be defending their approach face-to-face with top L’Oréal executives for a chance to win €10,000 and a trip to the city of their choice.  Best of luck to them!

Helen Crump's beautiful and witty pottery sewing tray - on sale at Da3

So you may have seen earlier this week that the government has called in celebrity retail expert and queen of glam Mary Portas to examine our drab and half empty high streets. But I’m not sure that we need her in Nottingham. Consider, if you will, the evidence…

First up, our friends at Curiosity Haus are holding one of their fantastic craft fairs on Saturday, featuring a whole host of very talented types and their delicious wares. This month it’s being held at The Orange Tree Pub, on  Shakespeare Street from 12noon till 5pm. Here at Creative Nottingham we all have our favourites and mine is the work of my erstwhile colleague Kate Broughton so make sure you check our her new range of garden themed cards and gifts. The Curiosity Haus fair is a birthday celebration as Curiosity Haus have been bringing crafty talents to Nottingham for two years now! Happy Birthday Curiosity Haus!

Slap bang in the city centre sits pop up shop Da3. What’s a pop up shop, I hear you say? Well, in this case, Nottingham Trent University students have taken over an empty city centre retail space as part of their final year module on live trading. It’s full of a whole host of crafty items, including many made by the students as part of their Decorative Arts degree. I popped in this week to have a look round and a chat and was really impressed and jealous! The shop features work by students, graduates and local crafters and offers students a taste of trading in the “real world”.

“It’s been a really positive experience,” they told me. (They were Sophie Whittle, Kat James and Stacey Lapper

Sophie, Kat & Stacey at work in Da3 as reflected in Chloe Blount's reclaimed vintage mirror

) “We’ve had a lot of footfall and some people have come in specially. Even if people haven’t bought anything, they’ve really liked the work out on display and we’ve learnt so much.”

The shop has attracted visits from local traders looking to stock their goods and is only open until 6th June. I’d venture so far as to say there’s something for everyone – textiles, ceramics, furnishings, clothing. A strong vintage and recycling theme runs through much of the work which does perhaps reflect the current vogue but also gives the pieces a timeless feel. The shop is on Lower Parliament Street, near the Victoria Centre entrance and is open Wednesday-Saturday. Get down there and have a good look round!

Finally, Kathleen and Lily’s are having a final *sniff* clearance everything must go type sale this weekend. Fill carrier bags for just £3! I know! But please save something for those of us who can’t get there till Sunday. Kathleen and Liily’s can be found at 205 Mansfield Road.

So there you have it! Get to Nottingham, Ms Portas, and we’ll show you a thing or two about good shopping. In the meantime have a good weekend all…