Category: Art

Hosted by Printer of Dreams, this evening promises to be a showcase for the new, the weird and the wonderful. Head down to discover the beautifully surreal photographic duo Newshine, the positively absurdist illustrations of Tony Johnson, the bold constellations of photographer Charlie Morgan Smith and the Dune-esque sci-fi cool of designer Joseph Melhuish. Also expect to find the classy pulp fiction illustrations of Edward Tuckwell and the desolate landscapes of photographer Luke Banks. 

Play Hard by Tony Johnson.

The aim of the evening is to bring new talent to as wide an audience as possible. The chosen artists showcase the incredible variety of art currently being produced on the printing press, and the event promises to be a celebration of great affordable art, with prints for both the experienced collector and those buying their first piece.

Floating Pyramids by Joseph Melhuish.

Alongside giclee prints there will be Limited Edition T-shirts by artist Harry Bix, hand-stitched books and plenty of mulled cider to wash it all down. The Amwell Print Fair runs in conjunction with the Amwell Late Night Shopping evening. 

Category: Fashion

Christmas baubles by Reiko Kaneko.

Dalston Christmas Market will take place in Dalston Square and surrounding streets on Sunday 1st December 2013 and offers a vibrant, contemporary alternative to more traditional ‘German style’ Christmas markets. The one day event, featuring artisans, artists, fashion and jewellery designers, leather designers, ceramicists, and card makers, will include a live stage featuring music, comedy and performances by local choirs – see full details below. Food and drink stalls – with and without a Christmas twist – will also feature.

Jessica Russell Flint bear cushion.

Lucy Loves This, Hackney print.

Participants include a vast array of creative talent with more than half of the stallholders being from the local area. This includes celebrated ceramicist Reiko Kaneko with specially designed Christmas ornaments, Fee Fee La Fou’s curiosities and confectionary from Dalston, typographical printed goods from Lucy Loves This, and skateboards upcycled into serving platters from Chubba Art & Design. There is also a strong children’s presence with cool sustainable clothing from The Fableists, illustrated mugs, prints & books by Eight Bear and Swiss-themed cards, small gifts & height charts from Madame Chalet. There will also be a food and drink area including gourmet sandwiches from Franchini & Friends, iconic British fayre from What The Dickens, Southern American street food from Anna Mae’s Mac & Cheese and the family run Big Tree Cider company.

Youchka, Swans in Silver & Gold.

There will also be a stage organised by City Showcase, the year round not-for-profit festival of new music. Up and coming bands and artists will be interspersed with local school and community choirs. Performers include up and coming singer/songwriters, Akayzia, Tom Tyler and Felix Pallas, breaking band The Worry Dolls and pop act Class A. Choirs include London Fields Choir, Lauriston School Choir, Rushmore Choir and Millfields Choir performing their charity single.

Monster Threads, cat melamine plate.

Businesses in the local area supporting Dalston Christmas Market include sponsor Cafe Route, art studios The Chocolate Factory, and Dalston Eastern Curve Gardens. CLR James Library will be hosting free workshops including ‘Make your own Christmas’ cards and join a choir and perform on stage at the event. The market presents the perfect trading platform for innovative goods, food and crafts made by the next generation of designers and artists for which the London borough of Hackney including Dalston and the surrounding areas of Hoxton, Shoreditch and Stoke Newington are heralded. This family day out will appeal to anyone wanting to enjoy an alternative Christmas shopping experience in Dalston.

Category: Art

The infamous Cockpit Arts Open Studio events are a great chance to meet talented designer-makers and to pick up unique or event bespoke gifts. You can peek into the studios of fashion designers, printmakers, leatherworkers, weavers, glass artists, ceramicsts, jewellers and many more. Prices range from £5 – £5,000. This year there will be special showcases of gifts chosen picked by Paul Smith, a free Christmas Sheep workshop for kids, prize draw to win amazing one off decorations, making demonstrations, live music as well as plenty of mulled wine and festive fare at the Hand Made Food café. Here's just a few examples of the kind of designers you will discover:
 

Rings by Maud Traon, Cockpit Arts in Deptford
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Maud Traon combines an explosive mix of colour and form to create imaginative and unpredictable works of wearable art. Her pop-culture inspired colours and challenging mix of luxurious precious metals and gemstones create striking contrasts of precious and non-precious materials.
 

Chunky cups by Annette Bugansky, Cockpit Arts Holborn.
Annette Bugansky started out as a fashion and costume designer. She took that passion for texture, surface pattern and beautiful tactile forms on to her work with porcelain like these chunky cups with knitted textures. Annette embroiders, knits or crochets every texture that she then transfers to the moulds for her porcelain pieces. 
 

Jo Hayes Ward, Flat Oval Hex Ring, Cockpit Arts in Deptford
Jo Hayes Ward makes sculptural pieces of jewellery constructed by building blocks of Yellow Gold and Silver and three-dimensional modelling.

Above, all made by Cockpit Arts designers:
Shona Marsh, Salt Dish, £300; Ute Decker, Curvature Wide sculptural cuff, £1800; Rentaro Nishimura, Dove Mobile, £30; Jennifer Conroy, Intertwine Porcelain Sculpture, £420; sjm*, Porcelain Snowflake Decoration x3, £9; Emma Yeo, Luna Under Wing headpiece, £855; Shona Marsh, Salad Servers, £300; Laura Adburgham, Lilac and Indigo Circle Scarf, £198; Ian Scott Kettle, Green Bow Tie, £55.

Holborn: 29 November – 1 December
Cockpit Yard, Northington Street, London, WC1N 2NP
Transport Links: Holborn, Chancery Lane, Russell Square
 
Deptford: 6 – 8 December
18-22 Creekside, London, SE8 3DZ
Transport Links: Deptford Bridge, Deptford (One stop from London Bridge)
 
Opening times: Friday 11am-9pm, Sat & Sun, 11am-6pm
Tickets: £5 both venues / £3 Deptford only. Free Friday 6 Dec. Free under 15s.
Ticket includes entry all weekend and Prize Draw! Find out more information here.

Category: Fashion

Everyone loves a bit of Nostalgia, especially at Christmas. If you are looking for something different to buy the loved ones for Christmas this year, then look no further than the Mid Century Christmas Market this year, because Bettina Scarlett is bringing her brand new retro market to London. Having had a love for the 1950s since she was a small girl, Bettina Scarlett has grown up with a passion for all things retro and is now looking to share it with the public.

The Mid Century Christmas Market is a 1950s inspired fair showcasing glamorous companies from all over England including vintage and reproduction clothing, crafts, jewellery, records and much more. Whether you are after a cute and kitsch necklace or you want a retro rocking record to have you jiving the night away, the Mid Century Christmas Market is perfect if you are shopping for those last minute Christmas gifts or a treat for yourself.

Reapfolio's photobooth who will be creating retro inspired photobooth images for every customer.

If you are looking for something to warm you up there will be Calamitea Jane’s vintage tea room serving hot drinks and sweet treats all day. Or if you fancy getting your hair done for a night out on the town, the Vanity Box will be pin curling away in the vintage hair and makeup parlour to make you look like a perfect pin up. Or if you are feeling a bit silly then head to Reapfolio’s pop up photo booth where you can pull all the face’s you want with friends and take away a reminder of the Mid Century Christmas Market.

Lady K Loves is a 50s inspired clothing company selling a mixture of glamorous day and evening wear perfect for every lady to create the famous pin up look.

Rosie Alia Hair accessories, selling unique hand made hair accessories perfect stocking fillers for ladies out there who want to spruce up their hair do.

The market is being held just a short walk from Hammersmith tube stations, and entry costs just £2.

Category: Art

This Christmas, for the very first time, Kew Gardens opens after hours with a one-mile illuminated trail through its enchanting winter landscape. As part of the Christmas village which kicks off the illuminated trail, We Make London are pleased to be collaborating with the Kew team to put on a boutique Christmas market and a special We Make London popup boutique, filled with an assortment of hand-picked products many of which are handmade in the UK.

Visitors begin their adventure at the Christmas village located at Victoria Gate where entry is FREE. There you will find designers showcased in Tudor style traditional wooden chalets alongside a special We Make London pop-up Christmas boutique selling distinctive works by a range of designers from around the UK. With everything from Ceramics, Textiles, Prints, Fine Art and Fashion to Home wares, Jewellery, Children's Toys, Stationary, Bags and Needlework, visitors are sure to find some unique gifts this Christmas! The Christmas Village is a veritable wonderland with something fun for the whole family from Santa to festive nibbles, Christmas shopping and nightly live Christmas carols. Here's a small taster of the designers taking part:

Victoria Eggs: 
Victoria is a Fine Art Graduate from Birmingham Institute of Art & Design, where she specialised in film and photography, many of her designs are based on photos she has taken, capturing true Britishness at it’s best. Since graduating she has gained experience within the creative industries; designing greeting cards, working for a branding company, Brandculture and designing T-Shirt graphics in Sydney. Whilst working Down Under for fashion label Ben Sherman, she realised how something as simple as a teacup and saucer can tug at your heartstrings and make you feel right at home. She came back to the UK and began working on her own designs. Victoria Eggs’ designs are fun and playful, cultural and nostalgic and evoke fond memories whilst celebrating a love for all things British. Founded in March 2011, it wasn't long before Victoria was awarded ‘Gift of the Year 2012’ for ‘Made in the UK‘, she was also short-listed for the ‘Heart Home Design Awards 2012′ and 'Gift of the Year 2013, Made in UK'. She is currently a finalist for Startups Awards, 'Home-based Business of the year 2013'.

Cecily Vessey: 
Cecily Vessey is based in London, England. Since graduating in 2009 she has worked to build a successful retail and wholesale business as well as working on a variety of freelance projects such as illustrations, wedding invitations, orders of service, and special editions of cards, mugs, tote bags etc. Cecily's stockists include Design Museum, Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern and Magma. Her drawings and prints have been sent all over the world to a far away as Australia, Singapore and America. Cecily is all about British manufacturing. Her ceramics are hand decorated in Stoke-on-Trent. Her cards are printed by a family run business in Clapham, London. Her sticky is tape made in Lancashire and tea towels in Lincolnshire!

Hokolo: 
Hokolo is a London based design-led brand founded by Jen, an architect turned surface pattern designer with a love of bold colours, patterns and beautifully designed everyday objects. Hokolo is an amalgamation of Hong Kong and London. Originally from Hong Kong, Jen’s designs celebrate some of the most novel aspects of her adopted Great Britain.

Join the Facebook Event Page here or news.
The We Make London boutique Christmas market runs on the following dates:
November 28-30 – December 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-23, 26-31 – January 1-4
Opening times: 4:30pm to 10pm daily

Category: Art

The East London Design Show is TWENTY this year and in celebration of the huge success of the show, it is moving to a much bigger and better location at the Truman Brewery off Brick Lane in East London. The East London Design Show (ELDS) is an annual shopping event that brings together 140 of the best of the UK's independent product, interior and jewellery designers, all under one roof, just before Christmas. ELDS is ‘the’ event to discover tomorrow’s talent today, with over 38 brand new designers joining us this year – many launching products, alongside superb design from established and respected designer makers – in glass, ceramics, jewellery, women’s and men’s fashion and accessories, children’s clothing and toys, stationery, home-wares and furniture. So why not join them and take advantage of special show offers and make a day of it! In addition to the designer maker stands we have an extensive food hall and a fabulous workshops for kids and adults. The 'Design your own Christmas' workshops and demonstrations will be presented by a selection of designers and supporters from this year's show, in our newly expanded Crafthouse area. The creative 'drop-in' workshops will run throughout the weekend and will include; screen-printing your own Christmas cards, hosted by textiles & homewares queen Zeena Shah. Up-cycle your junk into beautiful Christmas decorations and gifts with the inspirational (Re)design team. And last but not least, Story-telling and drawing sessions with leading authors and illustrators from independent children's publisher, Walker Books.

Fox by Molly Meg.

Cushions by Lulu and Luca.

Volpe & Volpe Wolf Plate.

Tickets: £5 per person. Concessions: £3 / Accompanied children under 16 get in free.
Opening times: Thur – 12-6, Fri – 12-9, Sat – 10-6, Sun – 10-6

Category: Art

Curated by the Barbican and Louise Kamara (renowned creator of design events including Duckie’s Christmas market), no two days will be the same at the Barbican Design Market. Offering a handpicked selection of UK-based designers and makers showcasing their work, this is an ideal opportunity to source imaginative gifts, everything from jewellery and accessories to decorations and covetable homewares.

Christmas Toy Shop.

Soft toys by Justina Dewhurst-Richens.

Sharon Wymark hand made chocolates.

Opening times: Wed – Fri 5pm – 8.30pm / Sat – Sun 12pm – 8.30pm, Exhibitors vary day to day

Category: Art

If you go down to York Hall for the Bust Magazine Christmas Craftacular this Sunday you're in for a nice surprise. In addition to aisles and asiles of handmade gifts galore, there'll also be top London fashion designer talent setting up shop in the new 'BOOBTIQUE' area of the side bar. Look out for award-winning LFW and Esthetica designers, Lu Flux and Goodone labels both of whom will be bringing along sample sale items for the day.

Lu Flux is the queen of thrifty craft couture. Since establishing her eponymous label in 2009 Lu has presented collections at London and Tokyo Fashion Week and has won awards for her collections that showcase reclaimed textiles and traditional techniques. The Lu Flux signature style is very British, eccentric and high on charm. Items such as the Boo Boo bear apron dress – a favourite of Tatty Devine's Harriet Vine, and her trademark Machiavellian knitted fox scarf will be on sale on Dec 8 as well as rare items from the Lu Flux archive.

Goodone specialises in innovative ‘up-cycling’, combining new sustainable British fabrics with reclaimed textiles. Known for its bold, colour-blocked styles, the label has gone from strength to strength since it was set it up in 2006, winning awards for its intelligent approach to design which addresses the environmental impact of the fashion industry. The label will be selling items from the current Autumn Winter 2013 collection on Dec 8 at sample sale prices.

Another first for BUST Craftacular is their raffle going online with the help of supermarketsarah.com. The 35 prizes donated by vendors and supporters will help raise money for women's charity, Women for Women Interational and include Tatty Devine jewellery and a beginners shoemaking course at Prescott & Mackay worth £394, can be browsed online at Supermarket Sarah.

Item highlights from Craftacular vendors include:

Anna Wiscombe Wall Birds: A lovely pair of handcrafted and painted wooden birds made of oak – perfect to hang on your wall. Link

Racoon Macaroon Dish: A charming illustrated ceramic side plate by Jimbob Art.

Tea towels by Hazel Nicholls, who in the past assisted paper cut designer, Rob Ryan.

If you need to take a break from shopping, there is plenty on offer if you want to get crafty. Join Art Macabre for an hour-long tasters of their unique life drawing events in the secret Murder Mystery Drawing Room, or drop in at one of the back-to-back DIY workshops on offer all day from bow-tie making, to 'Christmassy' tie dying!

As usual early birds with their skates on can snag one of the free goodie bags which this time includes a tote bag by Hey! Holla made especially for Craftacular, plus for 10 lucky guests there will be a piece of Tatty Devine Jewellery.

Follow Craftacular on Twitter.
Facebook Event here.

Category: Art

The Secret Emporium team returns once again with another edition of their famed Christmas Market. Expect to find over 50 independent designers under one roof at the Nicholls & Clarke Building in Shoreditch, just moments from Liverpool Street station.

Who will be taking part? Hackney based Strange-Loop (above) make body adornments, &WRK are two illustrators who met in the set design industry and now make accessories. Jewellery Designer of the Year finalist Jessica de Lotz will be joining Rosita Bonita & EA Burns (both favourites of Amelia's Magazine) and other jewellery designers including Alexa De Castilho, Coops, Tessa Metcalfe Jewellery, Diane Turner & Kate Gilliland.

Margaux Clavel & Tawn are both emerging designers to watch and Magnetic Zeros makes decidedly cosmic apparel. For the men Workhouse & Sir Plus create structured tailoring. There will be a macabre but beautiful collection from Kim Zoe Wagner Custom Taxidermy and knitwear from Giannina Capitani. And of course, expect Secret Emporium eccentricity from Lady Gonzalez. Whet your appetite by watching this promotional video.

Beyond the shopping, enjoy food and drink curated by Wilderness Festival. Think Bloody Marys and eggs from The Breakfast Club, gourmet burgers from Bleecker St Burger and a mulled cider bar hosted by Smokey Tails. Interactive performance comes from Son & Sons, and the Black Cab Photobooth will be parked outside so you can give everyone a picture of yourself this Christmas. As usual there will be a Grand Christmas Tree Raffle, for which each of the designers has kindly created and donated a unique, handmade tree decoration. One very lucky raffle ticket winner will get to take home over 50 one-off designs. It will certainly be the best dressed Christmas tree in London this winter and all raffle proceeds go to the homeless charity, Shelter.

Join the Secret Emporium Christmas Market facebook event here to keep up to date.

Category: Fashion

Not another craft market! This year Brick Lane based fashion designer Meihui Liu (of Victim Fashion St) hosts Secret Rendezvous. The event promises to be an exciting alternative shopping destination for exciting last minute presents, featuring a great selection of high-end designer goods, including accessories, jewellery, fashion and homeware. You will find this all conveniently in one place, and with a chance to chat to the designers themselves and savour organic home made cakes by Chloe Timms.

Here is a selection of the designers who are confirmed so far:

Dress by Victim Fashion St.

Accessory by YOxUWANG.

Claire English: little matchstick collection.

Jumper by Sibling.

Scarf by Arlette Fearless Ess.

Kaleidoscope necklace by Wolf & Moon.

Join the facebook event to keep up to date, here.
Opening times: 1pm – 7pm Monday, 11am -7pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 11am – 8pm Friday & Saturday, 10am – 7pm Sunday