little starr

'After struggling with the boredom of seeing the same styles, colours and shapes adorning the arm of every woman around Leone embarked on a new venture. She combined strong, bold fabrics with contrasting textures, finishes and patterns to create bags with a difference. These bags don’t just serve a purpose; they are a statement of design. More than anything, they are fun!

The range is ever evolving as bags are made in really small quantities (quite often only 1!) She has recently added matching accessories to the story in the shape of funky hair clips and key rings so there’s something for everyone'

Leone Starr is a reetsweet virgin so is really looking forward to this sunday! We are on from 11am at the corn exchange, Leeds for come craft shopping!

whiter than white!

Not only are zinc white two super super nice people, but they do amazing things with all the stuff we throw away! Specialising in eco friendly upcycling, they came to our Nov/Dec events and rocked, and their pencil pieces do amazingly well...now they return on sunday, and so here's a taster of what zinc white have to offer!

pocket locket!

'My jewellery making obsession started when I was a student and I started selling at the weekly union market. From then on I have continued to develop my jewellery style and have become obsessed with all things vintage and now produce a range of vintage inspired charm necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and hair accessories. The name Laura’s Locket came from my favourite charm!...

Each piece of jewellery is designed and handmade by myself using all sorts of charms, flowers, pearls and bows and anything that I can find that’s pretty and a little bit quirky! I’m always on the look out for new and interesting charms and try to ensure that all my jewellery is as unique and individual as possible. I love designing as I go along and find this makes the prettiest items by finding colours and charms which work well together...

I am a Sheffield based maker having lived here for the last 5 years and have regularly attended craft fairs and markets. I also have an online shop on my website www.lauraslocket.co.uk and an Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/lauraslocketshop) which are updated regularly with new items and my whereabouts at craft fairs. Attending craft fairs has been a great way to find out which items people like and I really enjoy the feeling of giving my jewellery a new home!'

Laura's Lockets will make their first reetsweet appearance this coming sunday april 3rd!

get down and dirty...

'A Manchester based soapmaking double-team, city lawyer Kate (the love) and freelance music journalist come musician Dan (the science). Together they dreamed up BarSoap, cocktail inspired handmade masterpieces using the finest ingredients and a passion for soap.


Their bars are adorned with hand picked works of art of 19th Century Parisian Artist Jules Cheret for a delightful burlesque style and classical vintage feel. BarSoap will debut their new lip balm range at ReetSweet Leeds on 3rd April in the first step of their expansion in indulgent skincare for the decadent!'

They first came to reetsweet in feb and they did really well, we welcome them back and love having them on board again!

made by lolly x

Working mainly in felt, made by lolly makes colourful collections of accessories and gifts for you and your home. Current items include brooches, hairbands, cushions, bookmarks and notebooks.


New items are always being added to the range and Laura is happy to take custom orders if there is something you would like to challenge her with! This is made by lolly's first reetsweet, and this being mother's day - the perfect kind of gifts for the lady of the day!

Come see on sunday 3rd april at reetsweet in the corn exchange x

Visit our friends!

Craft Candy's next event is coming up people...an excellent fair, very well established and just over in sunny sheff!

The Craft Candy Spring Fair 2011 is THIS SATURDAY!

10-4pm

Millennium Gallery, Sheffield

FREE ENTRY - ALL WELCOME

This March, the Craft Candy team is out to Galvanize their reputation as most capable hosts of contemporary craft fairs. Now in their third year of producing highly successful maker fairs and showcasing cutting edge crafts, Craft Candy have teamed up with the Galvanize metalwork festival to bring you their biggest fair ever!


Spring Fair 2011 is to be held at the Millennium Gallery, Sheffield on the 26^th March, and more than 50 hand-selected exhibitors will represent the cream of the UK craft and metalwork scenes, cramming two galleries with on-trend, one-of-a-kind pieces. The guest experience is very important to Craft Candy and as always their fairs are completely free to attend. You are most welcome to browse the stalls, enjoy a coffee in the cafes, and soak up the creative atmosphere. Choose from a huge selection of jewellery, bags & accessories, stationery, home-wares and ceramics!

Ms Smith returns

what gave you the idea for your brand?


Coming from a print background, I've tried my hands at many concepts and developed my own style. So I guess my brand comes from all the things I love, enjoy making and want people to see. I get to choose and illustrate the images from my imagination and convey them into unique items. The idea was to create something fun, narrative and almost childlike to get in touch with my 'audience1! I wanted to create complete one offs - with 'Jil Made This' no item is the same as another!

where can people buy your craft?

My crafts are currently availbale on etsy and folksy and I'm looking into wholesale, so watch this space! I also take commisions too!


what keeps you motivated?

Everything around me inspires me and my general love for crafts keeps me going. I print everyday at work, so it all comes naturally. To know that people like my products and want to see new things helps me keep making. I get lots of suggestions and take them seriously! I hoard and collect and my organised chaos and coloufrul work place helps me pickup a pen and start the process allover again!

Jil Smith will be at reetsweet in the corn exchange leeds on april 3rd x

carla's haus...

How long have you been making handmade?

I've been making Handmade for about 7 years or so but I've only been selling it seriously since September last year.

What's the best part of running a business like this?

The best part is meeting people face to face and watching them fall in love with something you've designed and crafted yourself. Seeing them ponder between two or three things, trying desperately to decide which to take home with them and hearing their stories of their own creative escapades.



What inspires you?
All sorts of things inspire me. Books, film and theater are a great source of inspiration. Then there's little snippets of conversation where in the uttering of one or two words a light bulb flicks on and everything just slots into place. A lot of my inspiration comes from passing little bits of ephemera and seeing colours or textures combined in an interesting way. I'm currently infatuated with the photography of Tim Walker and the set design of Shona Heath and Simon Costin.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

In five years I want to have my own boutique in the center of Leeds, selling my own wares and those of local designer makers that I admire. I also want to incorporate a gallery space for Illustration and Photography. I'd like the shop to be as mad and fun as possible, somewhere where you say 'wow' everytime your eye wanders in a new direction and leaves you feeling inspired and grinning like an idiot!



See Maus Haus at reetsweet at leeds corn exchange on april 3rd!

Beky's jewellery box...

The Vintage Jewellery box aka Beky Hasnip, creates wonderful easy to wear pieces of jewellery, very girly, very sweet, and a lot more original than your run of the mill overpriced high street stock. Beky always has a huge selection of bits to tickle everyone's taste...



'I’ve been making jewellery for myself for as long as I remember but it was only a few years ago that I started to think other people might like it too! I love the idea of creating something unique and the pleasure that comes from having other people choose to wear my pieces as well just doesn’t wear off!

All of my pieces revolve around vintage and vintage-inspired charms and I’m mostly inspired by vintage buttons, lockets, cameos and cabochons. In fact, my current obsession with vintage buttons is in danger of getting out of control – the trouble is I want to keep them all!

But I satisfy myself with making them into beautiful things that I hope you love as much as me!'

animals to the rescue!

When times are hard, it's weeks til payday, your relationship is on the rocks and work's a stress, there are so many little things that can make you feel better...a nice cup of tea, a chat with a friend, fresh cookies, watching a bit of trash tv or reading a book, these things save us! One thing that always cheers me up and makes me fall back in love with the world a bit is an original craft idea and Ryanimals is certainly that...





'I'm Ryan and I make Ryanimals. The idea was born when I saw my grandma Margaret dressed in a slug costume. She looked cute, yet utterly bizarre and I decided this was something I would try to emulate in my work. Each doll is unique and lovingly handcrafted, with a handpainted fimo face and a cuddly, plush body. The dolls have varying functions, from simple furry mascots to quirky photograph displays; all of which can be personalised to make that gift extra special.'



They are funny, totally one of a kind, and this is Ryan's first reetsweet...we cannot wait!

paper girl leeds!!

Originally created by Aisha Ronniger in 2006 in Berlin, Leeds will be the fourth UK city for Papergirl. 2011 is Papergirl Leeds' UK debut and hopefully the first of many. Laura, the Leeds organiser has been in touch with all the details on how YOU can get involved in this fantastic event!....

'We need artists of all shapes and sizes. Printers and illustrators. Mixed media artists and photographers. Whatever it is that you love to do!

We need your submissions of artwork :)

The art of giving art!

Every single piece of work submitted will be shown in the Papergirl Leeds Exhibition from the 8th to the 17th of April 2011. The venue is a new art space - Unit 2, Melbourne Street, Leeds (behind the Reliance Bar - North Street).

After the Papergirl Leeds Exhibition, all submitted work will be rolled up and distributed to the unsuspecting public by Papergirls (and boys!) on bicycles at the Papergirl Leeds Ride Event in May.

All submitted work needs to be between A4 and A1 in size and must be able to be rolled up. Please write Papergirl Leeds and any contact details you would like for the lucky person to receive your work (perhaps a lovely message too?)

There is no limit to how how many pieces of art you want to submit. The more the merrier!

By submitting your work you are consenting for it to be shown in the Papergirl Leeds Exhibition and to be given away to the general public for free in the Papergirl Leeds Ride Event. Submissions may be shown on the Papergirl Leeds and Papergirl World Blog (credited where URL details are included of course)

The address for submission can be found on the facebook page and the blog.

We also need cyclists to join in with the art of giving art and helpers throughout.

YOU need to get involved!

Help create a creative community!'

Closing date is 31st March, so please get in touch with Laura and support this great event asap!x

panda-monium!

Amy Mcdonald is a craft wizardess and the genuis behind 'handmade' the brudenell's craft events (which I highly recommend you see as well as reetsweet!)...april 3rd will be Amy's first reetsweet and we are proud to have her on board...





'I have been hand-sewing little felt friends under the name "amypanda" for around 4 years now. Sewing is only a hobby at the moment, but I think like most crafters I cling onto the dream that one day I could make a living from my creations. I'm heavily influenced by my ever growing list of obsessions; buttons, cats, pandas, hand stitching, tea; and a love of children's books has led me to move more into items for children...I'd love to produce a children's book one day to accompany my finger puppets. The sense of pride I get from someone picking up one of my brooches and coo-ing over it makes all the hard work more than worth it, I love it!'

foxy ladies!

I love to rummage around Leeds, in and out of shops, markets and craft fairs, trawling for new stallholders and finding gems! Fox Bunting are a regular fixture on Leeds' craft scene, a team of two, creating heartbreakingly funny, cute and original prints, paper craft and felt pieces. I have a few peices of theirs and they raise a smile on everyone's face when they see them - I think you'll love them and they will finally be working with us at the april fair showing us their latest works on a reetsweet stall!





Fox Bunting is Lucy and Brionny, they have been working together as a team since they began to give their crafts to friends and family as gifts. Living together, Lucy's illustrations seemed to perfectly compliment Brinonny's felt work and their brand was created.

They've done a couple of the Mini Craft Candy Fairs in Sheffield and last summer did the Craft Candy Candy Floss fair, they've also exhibited in Bradford and Armley.

Come down and meet Fox Bunting at the corn exchange, sunday 3rd april 11am onwards!

Wrestle with finest imaginary!!

Kim Lawler is the genius behind 'Finest Imaginary' - a brand of fun, eyecatching, conversation piece jewellery. Appearing regularly at reetsweet, Kim has a brand new necklace I wanted to share with you. If any of you, like me, loves the mexican wrestler outfits...you'll enjoy this, her latest necklace called 'Luchador'!

Well hard, and well fun I think you'll agree, and certainly a fun way to brighten up anyday...who's ready for a fight!? See Kim's collection at reetsweet's craft fair, at leeds corn exchange april 3rd...

She's the one....

I first fell in love with Steph whilst reading the excellent 'Oh Comely' maagazine, a magazine for women full of creativity and fun, recipes and intelligent writing, rather than rubbish quizzes on 'should you dump him?' or 'how do lose 6lbs in a week'. Steph's work was a main feature. Steph aka Steph Says Hello will be appearing at reetsweet again, as she continues to design for us and is, and always will be our little vip!



See you april 3rd @reetsweet Steph! And thank you for everything x

Anchors away!

Fresh new reetsweeter Bee Anchor will appear at the april fair...

'I create hair accessories and jewellery out of wool and textiles. I am interested in taking traditional and everyday techniques and applying them in a non-traditional way, such as making necklaces out of wool and manipulating material to make origami cranes. I love colour, patterns and textures and I think this shows in my work. All my accessories are made using locally sourced materials. I have been making accessories for the last six years, but only started to sell them last summer at the Granary Wharf Pannier Market, and now at the corn exchange with reetsweet!'



There's a real buzz surrounding these and all the girls I have spoken too can't wait - get down to the next reetsweet april 3rd!

Bonjour miss o'mara!

Kayleigh O'Mara introduces her homely illustrations and gifts...

'I have a strong, and simple illustration style which is mostly hand drawn outlines and digital colouring. I enjoy making greetings cards, button badges, magnets, children's books, and zines.




I am currently selling my crafts to fund a course in screen printing to take my images and put them on anything and everything . I am hoping to print on to notebooks tote bags and t-shirts.

But for now i am creating new badges and magnets, cards and zines. '

Kayleigh has attended a few reetsweet's now, and her stall is always popular so please get down early to pick up some of her top treats!

Big bear hug!

Although I'm a grown woman, I still have a few plushes hanging around...I'm not a bunny boiler but I just can't let go of a few! Sian, shares my passion, creating 'Strawberry Kitten' her range of toys, sketches and homewares...

'I'm a self taught crafter with a love for anything cute! I currently sell handmade plush animals and have recently added my new range of bear cushions, including a baby blue and baby pink one, perfect for the babies nursery! I also sell prints of my illustration work, all of which is based on my plush creatures. I am currently really trying to push my illustration and drawing work as my dream is to create my childrens picture book'





Her range sells very well at reetsweet..so get down fast to catch her new collection!

Just the tipple...

Reetsweet is delighted to announce yet another new stallholder for the April fair - Truly Scrumpy aka Holly Hulse...



'I am the founder of my own brand of handmade accessories and homeware, 'Truly Scrumpy'. I started making things in 2009, hand-crafting friend's birthday presents and token gifts for loved ones. This turned into an all consuming passion and I truly caught the crafting bug. Now, if I see something I like, I have to try my hand at making it. I can't resist. I like to think of myself as a 'Jill of All Trades'. For the past two years, I have been attending craft fairs and markets in the North, selling my wares to people from all walks of life. I love the reaction I get from people: it's the nicest thing in the world to make someone smile because of something you've made. I find it incredibly rewarding. I see my work as quirky, colourful and full of life'



Come and meet Holly at reetsweet April 3rd at Leeds Corn Exchange...

Introducing Maneggi!

Recently featured in both Elle and Look magazine, Maneggi aka Nikki Ainscow, tells us a bit about what to expect from her stall at april's reetsweet... 'As an embroiderer I strive to achieve the unconventional, creating unusual pieces combining contemporary with traditional techniques.

Maneggi accessories concentrate predominately on embellishment wether that be the embellishment of a fabric or a jewellery piece that embellishes the body. I aim to create unusual statement pieces through the use of manipulating and origami techniques as well as embroidery and decoration.

The concept behind my art necklace range is to distort the conventional appearance of a necklace and create an entirely new shape to reside against the body, embellishing a humble outfit. '

All the pieces are either one-off or limited edition, and you will be able to see Maneggi on April 3rd at the Corn Exchange....this fair should be really special!