BUST Summer Craftacular 2017

Last weekend the kind people at BUST Craftacular invited me along to their summer shindig at York Hall, Bethnal Green. I’m a huge fan of Craftacular (dubbed ‘London’s coolest craft fair’), which brings together over 70 unique designer-makers, DIY workshops, tea and cake, and fun-loving DJs.

Photo credit: Shelley Makes®. Maker: Kinska 

If you’re looking for quirky handmade gifts, or just presents for yourself, Craftacular is the place to go. Last year I bought a gorgeous white trinket dish with a tiny leaf imprint from madebymememe (a humble #ceramicsmum), and the time before I bought a moon pin-cushion from Oh No Rachio (onr).

Photo credit: Shelley Makes®. Maker: Tea Party at the Zoo

This year, my sister bought some beautiful trinket dishes stamped with gold bees from potter Elizabeth of Limehouse Ceramics (who was also super friendly and chatty). Another favourite stall was Sparkle Child, who made fun sparkly crowns, garlands and wands for children – perfect for play-time.

Photo credit: Shelley Makes®. Maker: Sparkle Child

Finalist in the UK Blog Awards 2016

I’m delighted to announce that I am officially an Arts & Culture Finalist in the UK Blog Awards 2016! Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. The awards received 73,000+ votes in total!

Over the years, I’ve seen the awards recognise some exceptional UK blogging talent; when I wrote my blog post In it to win it, I never imagined that I’d end up as a finalist, and I’m thrilled.

Introducing the 2016 Arts and Culture Finalists…

There are ten finalists in the Arts & Culture category, including Aditi’s Pen (personal, fictional, and travel tales), Blazing Minds (film, theatre and event reviews), Film Doctor (a script and film consultancy), HCMOVIEREVIEWS (film reviews), Hello Emma Kay (theatre reviews), Hookedblog (street art blog), Making A Scene (community arts project), SLM Pickings (cultural events and entertainment), Shelley Makes (me!), and Urban Kultur Blog (street art, underground dance music, and urban culture).

If anyone needed any more proof that the blogging community is the best, I found out that I was a finalist via some awesome blogger friends (and previous winners) on Twitter – what sweethearts!

So excited to see that @Shelley_George is an Arts & Culture finalist in the @UKBlogAwards 2016 – well done lady!!! 🙂

— Natasha Nuttall (@natashanuttall) January 29, 2016

Congrats @Shelley_George and @notlamb on your #UKBA16 short listings! Two of our faves! 🎉🍾

— Felicity & Lauren (@PrettyPoshOMG) January 29, 2016

Thank you once again to everyone who voted for me. I’m thrilled to be waving the flag for UK arts and crafts, designer-makers, and creators, and am honoured to be a finalist in this category.

The overall winners will be selected by a panel of judges over the next few weeks, and announced at an awards ceremony on the 29th April. I can’t wait to attend, and meet the other finalists!

Until then, stay tuned for #BlogHour which runs on Tuesdays at 9pm. The next chat (2nd Feb) is co-hosted by Hills Balfour, and we’ll be discussing press trips, social media and periscope!

Renegade Craft Fair London 2014

You might remember back in September, I told you about the upcoming Renegade Craft Fair at London’s Old Truman Brewery, just a stone’s throw from Old Spitalfields Market.

After waiting patiently, I was excited to attend the fair today. Packed full of talented stall holders, the Old Truman Brewery was the perfect venue to showcase an array of festive crafts.

From jewellery to cards, there was the opportunity to buy a range of wares in different styles. My favourite stalls were Mister Peebles, Peggy & Kate, Hello Harriet, and Blank Inside.

Blank Inside Design:

Blank Inside was the first stall I fell in love with – feat. gorgeous wrapping paper, gift tags and cards.

Mister Peebles:

Mister Peebles had some truly gorgeous illustrations which he’d adorned on a range of stationery.

Peggy & Kate:

I was constantly drawn back to Peggy & Kate’s stall, as they use such a beautiful deep blue pallet.

To conclude, Renegade Craft Fair was a blast. As well as browsing stalls, there was the opportunity to take part in some workshops such as pom pom making and letterpress printing, for a small fee.

I was also pleased to receive a complimentary ‘geometric neon mug cosy’ kit from Mollie Makes. The fair is open tomorrow (Sunday 23rd Nov) for the final day, so do check it out if you can!