see you tomorrow? reetsweet's big fair @ the corn exchange, leeds

I just thought I'd post a last minute blog with a few more pictures to tempt you into our fair at the corn exchange tomorrow.

We have a few new stallholders I want to give you a sneaky peek of, from meadowlarks - woodwork and textile wonder (middle pictures), prints and textiles by kathleen tea drinker (top picture) (see her blog at http://kathleenteadrinker.blogspot.com/) and not forgetting the gorgeous drawings and stuffed toys by jenna alldread! Go to http://jennaleealldread.blogspot.com/ to preview more of her works on sale tomorrow!


Remember it's free to visit - we do not charge! And we will be there from 11am and there are cupcakes by the marvellous tea dance co ladies once again!

hot about cushions!

I love a nice cushion I do, I love a little pile of them on a sofa, or on the bed, nestled in a little corner preferable they must be vintage style and all mis-match! So, you can imagine how much I love Heather Linnitt's work at Eclectic Chair...Heather will be at the next event on feb 6th and was featured in the photos that Guardian ran in their Leeds blog about reetsweet...one two three...ahh!!!

i've never felt like this before...

Pardon the terrible pun, I couldn't resist! I suppose for many craft enthusiasts handmade is comforting, it takes us back to our past - simpler things we liked as children, handmade always seems s bit more lovable. Especially felt work..it evokes an innocence and cuteness just by way of it's soft texture. Lucy Bowring introduces us to her work today, which will be showing at the feb fair and is aimed at adults and children...

"My name is Lucy Bowring and I have been running my craft company George & Lilly Crafts and Gifts for the past three years. Though a trained graphic designer, I've always been interested in textiles, arts and crafts.

The George & Lilly range consists of a large collection of handmade felt gifts and accessories including decorated purses, felt brooches, baby booties and book covers. Accompanying these is a variety of special one off felt framed pictures which are completely original in both design and concept.

I have always be interested in designing and making textile products and really enjoy selling my items to the public as it's nice to hear first hand feedback and see people enjoy what I have made. I get the influence for my pictures from stories, nursery rhymes and fairy tales. Ideas for badges, purses, booties and book covers come from things around me and experimenting with different techniques and materials.

I sell my items through my website shop and in several shops around Yorkshire including a group venture called the Plum tree in the historic Kirkgate market. I regularly attend craft fairs and run a weekly and a monthly felting workshop."

reetsweet says hello to stephsayshello!

I think I would like to stake a claim as being Steph Baxter's no 1 fan (aka stephsayshello), I first stumbled accross some of her work in the fab 'oh comely' magazine and noticed she lived nearby. Never in a million did I think she would want to take part in reetsweet and come have a stall (woop!), so I was even more delighted when Steph agreed to design our next few flyers - frame them guys, and collect each one as one day I promise, this girl will be very very famous...here's Steph telling us a bit more about herself! See her at reetsweet on sunday!...

Whats the name of your stall and how did you choose it?
Aw, I'm quite boring really - Steph Says Hello is just the name of my Illustration business, I wanted to keep some continuity so I stuck with the same name. I can't actually remember the reason why I decided "Steph Says Hello" was a good idea. I think I just wanted something simple and happy. Like me, pretty much!



How did you start out making handmade?
I've always been into making things. I think its just my creative nature. I remember when I was about 6 making everyone painted flower pots for Christmas. I mean literally everyone. They were pretty terrible, looking back.. But I've always loved making things. I'm really getting into it now and would love to have a business doing it alongside my illustration work.

What keeps you inspired?
I've found the internet to be my biggest source of inspiration. You can find so many lovely, pretty things to look at - I have to limit my time on here because I could easily get nothing done at all. I particularly like looking through Flickr, Folksy & Etsy. You can find some really, really beautiful things to buy and be inspired by!

What kind of customer do you find enjoys your work? I actually don't think I could answer that! I always think that I have an idea of who would typically buy my things (female, 20's, into arts & crafts.. So me really!) But I'll continually surprised and get a complete mix of customers, which is really nice. Generally everyone is who buys from me though, is pretty playful and maybe has a childish sense of humour and fun :)

Imogen's Imagination will be at reetsweet 2 dec 5th...

Come down on Dec 5th to the corn exchange to see first hand the beautiful millinery of Sophie Cooke who owns 'Imogen's imagination'. Here are just a few pictures of her recent works, Sophie uses indulgent velvet, felt and netting to produce pretty one off hats, fascinators and hair clips to suit any taste. The perfect gift for any vintage lovers or burlesque queens!

I've always loved velvet...

Reetsweet is proud to introduce yet another fine stallholder for the event at The Corn Exchange on Nov 7th...'Velvet Noir' aka designer Jeweller Luke Anthony has been crafting fine luxurious jewellery in Hatton Garden, London for the past seven years. Frustrated at the absence of quality found in today’s accessory jewellery, he conceived Velvet Noir - a collection of affordable, unique and modern jewellery per diem. Fusing meticulous design with dedicated craftsmanship, Luke Anthony has created a fresh and original range of handcrafted accessory jewellery. Taking it's inspiration from symbols, nature and imagination the Velvet Noir collection is the ultimate, individual style statement for the modern woman...

Velvet Noir will be making its first visit to Leeds at the Corn Exchange on November 7th and to celebrate this will be introducing some new and exciting additions to the collection... including ‘love is in the air’ themed pendants and rings, lightning – star – feather drop earrings and floral pendants inspired by the wonderful British countryside...

Charley and her dreams...

Before I hit the hay I wanted to share this image from Charley @ Charley Dreams (geddit?) who will be appearing at reetsweet's event at the corn exchange nov 7th...

I will be interviewing Charley very soon for the blog about her handmade products but meanwhile....just enjoy this picture of some of her work! It just makes me smile. Sleep tight!