Beth Millner is a silversmith and jewelry artist from Marquette, Michigan. Much of her jewellery is inspired by her surroundings, from the shoreline of Lake Superior to the robin that built its nest outside her window this spring.

Adopting traditional metalsmithing techniques, Beth uses sterling silver, brass, copper, gemstones and materials that are native to her surroundings. The result is a an unusual range of nature inspired jewellery with warm earthy tones and rich textures.

Visit Beth’s website at www.bethmillner.com.
Shop at www.bethmillner.etsy.com.
Read more at www.bethmillner.wordpress.com.

This Christmas BUST magazine is bringing its unique, alternative take on a craft fair to London and we are currently looking for the hottest UK makers to take part in this exciting event taking place on December 6 at St Aloysius Social Club.

Yep, so it’s a Craftacular! That’s a shopping bonanza running from 12pm until 11pm at St Aloysius Social Club in Euston, London, featuring crafters, classes, DJs, drinks and dancing. Down a pint as you learn to cross-stitch and work through your Christmas shopping list as you browse through hundreds of the best in handmade gifts and winter wares, from handbags and ornaments to jewelry and cards.

We have just opened the call for vendors and the deadline for applications is November 14, so get on it! Stalls cost £45 for a table approx. 150cm by 75cm.

To apply and for further info, see: www.bust.com/Craftacular/Apply-London.html.

Or contact Victoria on craftacular-uk@bust.com.

Oh yes - Christmas is a comin’. And yes, I know it’s only October. But Christmas cards and chocolates are already in the shops and it’s meant to snow in Manchester today - yay! So I’m not holding back.

This year the Manchester Craft Mafia is holding its Christmas Markets at The Whitworth Art Gallery. You will find lots of unique, handmade Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. The theme is textiles and paper and you can expect to find bags, purses, jewellery, kitchen wares, corsets, clothing, paper cut art and seasonal cards and decorations.

What: Manchester Craft Mafia Christmas Markets
When: Saturday 13 December (10 - 4) / Sunday 14 December (12 - 4)
Where: The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
More Info: www.manchestercraftmafia.com

‘All Power to the People’ and ‘Revolution in our Lifetime’ are terms which have become part of our everyday language. They originally appeared in posters, cartoons and campaign pamphlets created by US artist and first and only Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party, Emory Douglas. Douglas created a compelling, motivational graphic style which documented the growing civil unrest and rapid changes that were taking place in the US 40 years ago.

Previously unseen in the UK, Douglas’ work will shortly be appearing in a major new exhibition at Urbis, Manchester. Coinciding with Barak Obama’s historic White House challenge, the exhibition in Manchester is a timely reminder of just how much the political and social climate has changed since 1968.

What: Black Panther Emory Douglas & the Art of Revolution
When: 30 Oct 08 – March 09
Where: Urbis, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG
More info: www.urbis.org.uk

3 rooms, 130 cutting edge designers, 1 exciting event! Last night saw the preview of the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. The event was officially opened by Thomas Heatherwick (designer of the B of the Bang - the inspiration behind Great Northern’s logo).

We arrived early to judge the award for Best Stand and had a very difficult task in picking out a winner. The standard was particularly high as we made our way through row after row of creative and imaginative displays. After three laps, we finally decided on Susan Kane of Calico Angel. We loved her ‘nature meets shabby chic’ theme and the way this had been developed. Her stand was transformed into a woodland hideaway, complete with bird house, wooden panel walls and matching bunting. Susan was presented with a certificate and a £250 cash prize.

More Pics of the Night

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is open until 5pm on Sunday (26th). It’s definitely worth a visit, whether you’re looking for early Christmas gifts, an indulgent treat or inspiration. The venue is The Manchester Grammar School, Old Hall Lane, Manchester, M13 0XT. For more information visit www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk.

I miss receiving letters. I mean real ones written with a good pen, that don’t contain statements and demands for money. Hand written cards and letters are so much more personal than text messages and emails. And I know I’m not alone. Claire Tsang feels so strongly about the dying art of letter writing that she has designed her own range of cards.

So whether you’re sending birthday wishes or dashing off a quick missive, check out www.clairesmile.com.

A quick reminder that Made in the Shade is taking place this weekend. Bringing the crème of Glasgow’s creatives together, the vision is to showcase young design talent and offer discerning shoppers exclusive, handmade and vintage products.

And if that isn’t enough, free goody bags worth up to £30 and containing handmade treats will be available for early birds.

What: Made In The Shade
When: Saturday 25 October 2008, 10.30am
Where: The Lighthouse, 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU
More Info: http://wearemadeintheshade.com

Paper N Stitch is an online exhibition space for talented designers, artists and makers. The exhibits change each month, ensuring that shoppers have something fresh and new to browse. The idea is that exhibitors purchase a space (priced at $45 per month and this price will remain for the first 3 months of exhibitions) and their products are then linked directly to their own online shop, Etsy / Dawanda shop etc.

Though it only launched last week, the exhibition space is already thriving. Here are a few of my favourite pics.

For more information go to www.papernstitch.com.