It’s now only 3 days to the June Mini fair at Bungalows and Bears, this will be our biggest event yet with a great combination of craft and cake and your chance to join in with our illustration project.
Here is one more stall holder, Claryce Design who will be appearing on Saturday, remember we have 9 stalls in total full of handmade crafts and art so this is just a snippet of what to expect…
It was the closing date for the Craft Candy summer fair on Sunday, closely followed by the fair application choosing meeting on Monday night. It’s always a really hard decision to make and takes quite a long time to go through all the applications, it took 6 of us 4 hours to choose this time and we want to say a huge thank to everyone who applied. We’re just sorry to disappoint those of you who weren’t given a stall.
We’ll start announcing the makers who will be joining us at the fair soon, it’s 8 weeks to the event so we’ll make sure we fit in all 35 makers before then.
Toodlepip!
Do you get bored of the same shopping on a Saturday in Sheffield? Are you looking for a unique handmade gift or are you just addicted to craft? I can’t resist any craft fair within a 20 mile radius and I certainly wont be missing the Craft Candy mini fair tomorrow.
Bungalows and Bears is a great venue, with great music, great food and now great handmade craft. The fair is on from 1-5pm, entry is free and with the weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon looking nice and sunny it should be a great afternoon for a fair.
See you there
Our poor neglected blog, how we’ve missed you! Do you ever find yourself pulled in so many directions that something has to give? Well unfortunately that has been our blog of late, our three resident bloggers (Janine, Sarah and Kay) are Craft Candy volunteers, makers running their own business and all have ‘day jobs’ and our poor blog has suffered. We’re all determined to change that though and get this lovely blog back to it’s former glory.
So what has Craft Candy been up to? What haven’t we been up to should be the question!
- We’ve launched the new subscriber scheme which now has over 120 subscribers
- We put on another wonderful main fair at the Millennium which was attended by over 2000 lovely folk
- We’ve also been super busy with our re-brand and of course the monthly Mini fairs
We’re now busy advertising our Summer Fair, applications are now open but there are only 7 days until the deadline so get your application in quick if you’re thinking of applying.
Hey everyone! Sorry things have been a little quiet on the Craft candy blog lately…everybody has been very busy preparing for the next Craft Candy Spring Fling! And just incase it’s escaped your memory, tomorrow is the big day!
All the essential info
Come along to the Millennium Gallery, from 10am until 4pm, where there will be over 30 stalls of beautiful handmade wares. And don’t forget, in addition to all the usual arts and craft stalls, Craft Candy have teamed up with the annual Galvanise metal festival for this fair, to bring you a selection of the very best metalwork in the city.
Galvanise Sheffield
The Galvanise festival has started today and runs until the 24th April. For more information on the exhibitions, tours and events taking place over the next month, visit the Galvanise Sheffield website.
As always, entry to the Spring Fling will be FREE! It’s an ideal opportunity to buy something unique for your Mum – it’s Mothers day on the 3rd of April, which is only a week away! Or, just treat yourself to something nice. You can never have too many nice things you know!
If you haven’t been to one of our fairs before and would like to get a better idea of what to expect, have a little look through our photos on Flickr from last years Spring Fling.
Outside the Millennium Gallery at last years fair
It was a beautiful sunny day last year…let’s hope this lovely weather holds out for this years fair too. See you all tomorrow! Xx
Hey everyone! One final reminder about the Spring Fling applications deadline, which is now looming very near! You’ve got until midnight tonight to fill in the online form, so if you haven’t done it yet and would like to, then please hurry!
As always, the fair will be held at the Millennium Gallery, and this time Craft Candy will be teaming up with the Galvanise metal festival (which is running from 25th March to 24th April 2011) to bring you not only the usual array of contemporary arts and crafts, but also a fine selection of cutting edge metalwork too.
The date for your diary is Saturday 26th March 2011. And so you don’t forget, here’s our lovely new poster and flyer design to remind you!
Artwork by Paul Williams
Paul Williams has designed the artwork for the event. Check out Paul’s website to see more of his work - www.halftonesandheadphones.com
*If you would like to apply for a stall at the fair, click HERE to go straight to the application form, and don’t forget to attach some pictures of your work, or a link to your website/online shop.
Welcome back to Candy Conversations…the first one of 2011! Read on to find out all about one of the newest members of the group, Debbie Carlisle. Debbie creates the most amazing wedding bouquets and accessories, the sort that make me really wish I was getting married!
Candy Stats
Debbie Carlisle
Candy Conversation
I live in Sheffield with my husband and work from my spare room – my little haven of vintage loveliness!
I’ve always enjoyed making and creating things – although I have no official training in anything craft-related, only what my Mum and Grandma taught me when I was little! Some things stuck, like being able to sew and my attention to detail, others didn’t – I never really got the hang of knitting!
I make bespoke wedding bouquets and accessories using vintage jewellery and buttons, diamantes, crystal and pearl beads and luxe materials like satin, silk, lace and velvet.
Ivory satin corsage posy bouquet
I made my first vintage jewellery bouquet for my own wedding in September 2009. I had never done anything like it before and, after a few false starts, I came up with the teardrop shower jewellery design. For my bridesmaids I created satin rose corsage posies – I made the roses by hand to match the dark ivory sashes on their black dresses and added vintage buttons along with pearls and tiny satin flowers. I am completely self-taught and just came up with the designs through trial and error. The teardrop style started as a round posy and just kind of grew of its own accord into what has become my favourite – and my most popular – bouquet shape!
After my wedding I still had all these other ideas for bouquets swirling around in my head that I really wanted to make – and so I decided to see if I could make some more. Once I had a good selection of bouquets I set up a store on Etsy selling pre-made designs and also offering to make bespoke designs. Soon after I set up my own website and Debbie Carlisle Bouquets was born!
As I make my bouquets to order, every design is a bespoke one-off creation so my work is constantly evolving. I moved into making headpieces and buttonholes after a number of brides asked me to design matching pieces to go with their bouquets. Now I have a specific range of accessories which brides can order – or they can ask me to create a bespoke piece specifically to match their bouquet, dress or other accessories.
Teardrop shower jewellery bouquet
I make most of my sales through my website www.dcbouquets.co.uk and I also have Folksy and Etsy stores – both called dcbouquets, and a selection of my headpieces are stocked by Choola bridal boutique on Ecclesall Road, Sheffield.
I have promoted my work through wedding and craft fairs – including Craft Candy – and already have a really busy diary of events for next year:
I have a Facebook fan page which is great way of quickly updating people about what I’m up to or sharing links that my followers might be interested in. I also have a Twitter account which was probably the best thing I have done since setting up Debbie Carlisle Bouquets. I decided to get a Twitter account because it is a quick and easy alternative to blogging – and within 24 hours of signing up, my work was featured on a blog for the first time. Since then I have had lots of publicity – in wedding blogs and magazines – that I would never have got without it. It has also been an invaluable source of advice, support and friendship – I have met many talented people through Twitter who I now consider to be very good friends.
I work entirely on commission, working closely with brides to come up with a bespoke design in a style, theme and colour that perfectly mirrors their taste and personality as well as their look on the day. To do this I suggest they send me photographs of their dress, as well as anything else that sums up their theme. I can design their bouquet or headpiece to suit embellishment on their dress, shoes or an item of jewellery they plan to wear.
'Ava' vintage dress clip brooch and button beaded feather headpiece
I source my own materials and I can also wire in sentimental items of the bride’s own to create a personalised memory bouquet so they can carry a reminder of a lost loved one with them on their wedding day. I can also work ‘something blue’ into a bouquet.
'Grace' diamante headband
People can contact me by emailing debbie@dcbouquets.co.uk or by using the contact form on my website which allows them to attach photographs.
While I am happy to take last minute orders if I have availability, to be sure of a booking, I recommend that clients contact me at least six months before their wedding – sooner if possible – so I have plenty of time to source the perfect vintage pieces to use in their bespoke design.
'Bijoux' medium diamante vintage brooch headpiece
My main influence and source of inspiration is the bride I am designing for. I usually work from a photograph of the bride’s wedding dress as well as any accessories, bridesmaid dresses, and other themes that they think sum up the look of their day, to come up with a design idea.
I also keep an eye on bridal and current catwalk fashion trends for inspiration. For example, feather headpieces have been popular on the High Street – so I’ve translated that into my own collection, using ivory feather bases topped with vintage jewellery, crystals, pearls and diamante beading. The headpieces are really popular with brides who don’t want to wear a traditional tiara and veil, and especially those choosing a vintage or old-style Hollywood glamour theme for their wedding.
Vintage brooch feather headpiece, and small jewellery bouquet
As I’m deeply immersed in all things wedding, my list of admired contemporaries is quite bridal and also rather vintage!
I love the work of wedding stationer Lucy Ledger, she’s a Sheffield-based designer who makes beautiful bespoke vintage scrapbook-inspired stationary. She’s always coming up with wonderful new designs – each better than the one before!
I also love Vintage Twee, a lovely little company which makes gorgeous vintage-inspired favours and decorations which are ideal for a vintage bride.
I’m also a fan of Imogen’s Imagination, another Sheffield-based company and occasional collaborative partner. Sophie from Imogen’s Imagination makes fabulous headpieces, hats and fascinators and has a real eye for burlesque style. We have worked together on a number of occasions with Sophie creating the perfect birdcage veil for my bespoke bridal headpieces.
I love the act of physically creating something new – and I especially love giving new life to ‘forgotten’ pieces of jewellery with their own history and old style glamour. I get a real buzz when I’ve completed a piece – and an even bigger buzz when I hear back from an excited bride who loves their bouquet! After the wedding my brides often send me wedding photos – and I love scrolling through their pictures and seeing my work in action.
It’s also good to go to fairs or shows with your work – I love it when someone is heading towards my stand and I see their face light up when they see my bouquets sparkling, it makes all the late nights and sore fingers worthwhile!
'Vivian' headpiece
It would probably be my Teardrop Shower Jewellery Bouquet design, which is the bouquet style I made for my own wedding and is also my most popular design. My absolute favourite bouquet is the Jewel Brights Bouquet – but I haven’t sold it. I did put it up in my Etsy store briefly but I quickly took it down again when I realised I was too attached to it to sell it!
Jewel Brights teardrop jewellery bouquet
Instead I keep it to take to shows and fairs. it has also been on a couple of photo shoots, and has even had pride of place in a window display at the Choola bridal boutique on Ecclesall Road. While the original Jewel Brights Bouquet may not be for sale I am happy to make similar bouquets to order – which I promise I will hand over!
I have a full time (day) job and so making my bouquets and accessories takes up almost all of my spare time which means I have to make a real effort to do anything else. To relax away from the world of weddings I like watching films and reading – although I don’t get to do the latter very often as it’s such a solitary occupation and I like to try and spend time with family and friends when I’m not working. I also love scuba diving – but I don’t get to do that as often as I’d like either as I have no wish to brave the cold and dark UK waters. I confine myself to holidays abroad where the sea is blue and as warm as bath water!
I love being a part of Craft Candy because it’s packed with friendly and talented people – which makes me feel very proud to have been accepted as a member. It’s great to be part of a group of people facing similar challenges and experiencing the highs and lows of running their own business, however big or small.
I would like Debbie Carlisle Bouquets to be bigger and better this year – and I’ve got lots of plans and projects on the go to try and make it happen – including joining some incredible suppliers and bloggers at the Designer Vintage Bridal show in Birmingham and also having a stand at the UK’s largest wedding event, the National Wedding Show at Birmingham NEC in March. I would also love to have my pieces stocked in more bridal boutiques.
Vintage shower bouquet and jewelled headpiece
Large ivory vintage button posy bouquet
Hey everyone!
Hope you all had a good Christmas? So, 2011 is here…lets hope its a happy and successful year for everybody in the world of craft-land! I wonder what it will bring? Well, I know of two things for sure. The first is an interview with the lovely Debbie Carlisle of DCBouquets, which will be right here on the blog for you to read this very Friday coming. Debbie is one of the newest members of Craft Candy. She creates beautiful one-off vintage-themed jewelled wedding bouquets and other accessories. Perfect if you are planning a wedding this year, or know of anybody who is. Debbie is definitely the girl you need to know – so don’t forget to come back on Friday to read all about her work!
And the second thing is the Spring Fling, which is taking place on Saturday 26th March. We are accepting applications right now, so if you are a maker of beautiful handmade things and would like the chance to sell your stuff at our next fair, then please visit the fairs page on the website, and get your application in as soon as possible.
CLOSING DATE IS 16th JANUARY! So hurry!
Debbie hard at work on her stall at a Barnsley craft fair in 2010
Happy New Year to everyone! Xx
Howdy! Just wanted to remind everyone that the December Craft Candy mini fair is tomorrow, Saturday 11th December, from 1pm – 5pm.
Poster design by Paul Williams
Mini fairs are just like the big fairs, but smaller, and are held in the perfect Saturday afternoon setting of Bungalows & Bears on Division Street. There will be nine stalls in all, featuring a well selected range of handmade crafts. This is the perfect opportunity for catching up on your Christmas shopping. Just think of all those stocking fillers and gift ideas! Here are some photos from last years December mini fair to get you in the mood…
Last years mini fair at Bungalows & Bears
Browsing the stalls
And, guess what! The mini fairs are going to be a monthly fixture at Bungalows & Bears from the new year onwards. So look out for them!
Heather Dewick bookbinding stall
Charley Dreams...at last years December mini
Bungalows & Bears
Due to the kindness of the lovely people at B&Bs, the stalls at the mini fairs are totally free. If you are interested in applying to sell your stuff at the next mini, you need to email Leah at minis@craft-candy.org. Remember to send her a link to your website, or some photos of your work.
See you Saturday! x
For more info on mini fairs, click HERE!
Hello! Hope you’re all keeping warm and well in these arctic conditions. Thank goodness the BIG snow didn’t arrive on the day of Candy Cane eh?!
Snowy morning...but there's not THAT much snow is there?
Craft Fair today!
Big thanks to everybody who came along last Saturday. The weather was already chilly, with snow on the ground (athough it was nothing compared with what was to come!) Luckily it didn’t seem to keep anyone away, and we had over 1500 visitors to the Millennium Galleries on the day.
This way please!
I helped out on the welcome desk all day with Leah and Kelda (and Sophy who popped in at lunch) which was great fun. We sold lots of raffle tickets between us!
Welcome desk ladies!
Thank you to all the stall holders who kindly donated an item to the raffle prizes. Your generosity was much appreciated.
1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes - all generously donated by the stall holders
Just to clarify (as a number of people enquired on the day) Craft Candy is a not-for-profit organisation, and therefore all the proceeds of the raffle get ploughed back into helping to cover the cost of the event, thus ensuring Craft Candy can continue to keep these craft fairs running three times a year at the Millennium Galleries.
Sian's monkey mascot 'Lady Candice'
As always, we had a great mix of crafts on offer, including some familiar faces, and some newcomers to the fair. Resident photographer Owen took loads of photos on the day, too many to include here, so make sure you check out the Candy Cane 2010 set on Flickr. If you had a stall on the day, your photo should be there!
In the meantime, here’s a little selection of photos, starting off with stalls located on the Avenue (the main walkway through the upper level of the Millenium Galleries)…
The Ernest Wright & Son scissor stall
Kettle of Fish stall
Gillian Lee Smith
Katy Holmes Illustration
Joey's Dream Garden stall
Here are some photos of the Long Gallery…
The Long Gallery, James Green Printworks stall on the left
The Long Gallery
The Long Gallery looking back from the opposite end of the room
And here are some of the stalls which were located in the Long Gallery…
Darrell Milnes Ceramics
Molly's Mum
The Hello Sunshine stall
Sabine Little - Little Castle Designs
Gemma Nemer - Vintage textile jewellery
Brian Clarke woodturner
Sarah Waterhouse textiles
Wit Shop
JayGo Touchy Feely Textiles
Veridian Stone Ceramics
The imagination of Ladysnail
As usual, there was a competition for the best dressed stall, and this time the prize went to the lovely Sian of Strawberry Kitten. Sian makes beautiful plushies…check out her Etsy shop which is stocked up with lots of different animals from bears and racoons, to foxes and reindeer!
Best dressed stall winner - Sian of Strawberry Kitten
And we were also treated to some beautiful festive song from Singsoc – The Sheffield University Choral Society. They are amazing and drew quite a crowd!
Singsoc
Singsoc sing their hearts out!
Thanks to everyone who came along on the day, we hope everybody enjoyed themselves. If you are interested in applying for a stall at the next fair, applications are now open for the Spring Fling which takes place at the end of March 2011. Click on the link below to go to the application form.
Apply for the next Craft Candy fair
Stay warm and safe!
ttfn, X