Have you got something to say on the subject of independent designers, makers, artists and crafters?

Is there a forthcoming craft fair or design show that you would like to promote? Would you like to have your say on a particular hot topic? Did you attend a recent event and would like to share your experience? If you work for a PR company or magazine, would you like to share tips / advice with our readers? Shop / gallery owners, are you looking for products or artwork to sell / exhibit?

If the answer is yes, we would love to hear from you. We are introducing a brand new ‘Guest Blogger’ section to run aongside our regular features. Our readers can now write their own articles and upload images on subjects that interest them.

Please note that this is not about openly promoting your own shop / products. If you wish to do this, please contact us in the usual way and we will review your website. This section is more about sharing your ideas, advice and experiences with our readers. Though we will of course include a link through to your website.

To find out more and to submit articles, please visit our Write for Indie Quarter page. Over to you.

For Julianna Grove Presents the past couple of weeks have been rather surreal. In a warm, sunny Scotland Julie and the team have been busy preparing their Christmas stock lists. To remind themselves that it is still summer - in the midst of hats, scarves and Christmas gifts - they have put together a summer playlist. And they’re inviting you to join in and leave a comment on their blog. There’s a little treat in it for the person who sends in their favourite suggestion.

To join in go to www.juliannagrove.com/blog/.

28 Crash! specialises in superstar vintage clothes with a special focus on styles inspired by rock ‘n’ roll and pop culture icons. Their retro frocks, tops and flares have been thoughtfully reconstructed to fit the modern figure and to appeal to today’s fashion conscious fashionistas.

Check them out at www.28crash.com.

Anyone in Manchester tomorrow?

Check out Frock and Roll – a fashion and music fusion. Katy Goy from My Little Empire will be launching her Spring / Summer collection, with music from The Bangs and CLC. This is an exclusive opportunity to buy off the rail pieces, exhibition-sized prints and order made-to-measure garments.

My Little Empire creates beautiful hand-made pieces fusing musical influences with vintage silhouettes to produce pieces with a sense of fun and nostalgia.

What: Frock ‘n’ Roll
When: Wednesday 4th June 2008
Where: Bay Horse Pub, Thomas Street, Manchester

Oh, I almost forgot, entry is free.

The Best of Manchester is back. The annual competition that celebrates innovation in art, music and fashion is now open for entries.

Organised by Urbis, led by Peter Saville and judged by a panel of industry experts, the Best of Manchester spotlights the work of Manchester’s creative professionals. There is no age limit, no hype and no rules: just the best creative thinking by the best creatives working in Manchester today.

Anyone working in music, art and fashion – and who lives or works in Manchester - can enter. The prize? The chance to have work judged by a panel of industry experts, long-term professional development, a one-off cash prize and an exclusive exhibition at Urbis.

Deadline for entries: 30 June
Exhibition at Urbis: 8 August – 28 September

For more information visit www.urbis.org.uk/thebestofmanchester and http://bestofmanchester.wordpress.com

The company name, Mysterious Cats, was enough to draw me to this quirky little DaWanda store.

After receiving a gift of crochet hooks and yarn, designer Ana Yogui began creating her own bags and accessories. She now sells them, along with sparkly jewellery and cute plushies at http://mysteriouscats.dawanda.com.

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.