If you’ve got some free time this weekend check out CraftBits.com. It’s full of crafty projects split into handy sections.

Discover how to make bath cookies, ice candles and vintage flower power pins all on one site. As well as written step-by-steps there is a good selection of video tutorials, as well as articles to read and competitions to enter.

Browse, read, make and do at www.craftbits.com.

I’m always drawn to things that have a story to tell and this is what attracted me to Diana Fayt’s work. Her ceramics are often narratives with marks of time, events and images drawn onto the surface.

Diana has developed a unique process in which she combines all of her loves: drawing, painting, printmaking and clay and refers to it as ‘etchings in clay’.

Browse and buy at www.oneblackbird.etsy.com.

It’s all about the events at the moment.

If anyone’s heading over to Manchester this Bank Holiday, check out the Futuresonic Festival.

In particular, take a look at MySpace - OurSpace - YourSpace.

‘Inspired by the assemblages of Joseph Cornell, the vitrines of Marcel Duchamp, Pollock’s Toy Theatres and Victorian shadow boxes, plan b launch their analogue, literal cut-and-paste alternative to MySpace.’

This is how it works. An empty shop window in Piccadilly Gardens will be dressed like an internet site, offering the ability to create your own space. plan b will be acting as the API (application programming interface or operating system) and customising the space based on users’ requests.

‘Armed with an array of real objects, paper, cardboard, glue, they work on behalf of remote users or with live users who come into the disused shop to realise their desires of self expression within a roughly A5 by 5cm deep space.’

To create your space you can either go along to the event or alternatively, register online at www.futuresonic.com/08/art/myspaceourspaceyourspace.

When: 1 – 5 May 2008 - 11am til 6pm
Where: Piccadilly Gardens plan b at Futuresonic 2008
More Info: www.futuresonic.com / www.planbperformance.net

This September sees the welcome return of FaCshion. The exhibition will target both trade buyers and the general public, with a selection of work from outstanding designers. It will host four catwalk shows, a champagne brunch for press and buyers and 50 selected exhibitors. The event will be held at ‘the creative hub of London’s East End’, the Old Truman Brewery.

Organisers are still accepting exhibitor applications but places are going fast. Go to www.facshion.co.uk/exhibitfacshion.aspx to apply online.

Well spring in Manchester has not yet fully sprung. The shops are full of Lily Allen-esque dresses and pretty floral skirts, but it’s still too chilly to wear them.

Or maybe not. Tickled Pink Knits has produced a beautiful range of handmade knitwear and accessories that will take you right through spring and into the summer. Pick up scarves, hats, fingerless gloves, shawls, wrist cuffs, and shoulderettes. The designs are stylish, the materials luxurious (alpaca, merino wool, fine cottons, cashmere blends) and they’ll keep you toasty warm.

Shop at www.tickledpinkknits.etsy.com.