Don’t forget about the We Make London Summer Spectacular Art and Craft Summer Fair this Saturday (26th) at Chelsea Town Hall. It’s open from 11 ’till 5 and there will be over 80 wonderful designers in attendance. Their main sponsors, Etsy, will also be there to run a special raffle.

We Make London was formed by a group of like-minded designer makers with a can do attitude, united by the lack of affordable places to sell their products. A year and half and five successful events later, We Make is now the showcase for the talents and crafts of the most exciting UK designers.

Lose yourself in the glorious surroundings of Chelsea Town Hall, one of London’s most beautiful building interiors.

And, the first 20 people to email Mary at We Make London quoting ‘Indie Quarter’ will receive free entry to the fair!

For more information, visit www.wemakelondon.blogspot.com

By Joe

Here’s a great little idea for a half-time treat during the World Cup – Doodle Bread! Doodle Bread is a cool ‘make your own bread that doesn’t look like anyone else’s in the world, ever’ kit. It makes bread with shapes running through every slice.

The colour from Doodle Bread mixes come from powdered vegetables, seeds and grains. Rose Kane from Belfast came up with the idea one day whilst she was messing about in the kitchen with some dough . . . instead of going to lectures!

Buying the kit includes a ’squisher’, a ‘doodle shaper’ and a ‘doodle bread baking tin’.

For the full range, click here: http://doodlebread.com/buy.html

By Joe

I say old chap, do you know where I can find a totally spiffing greetings card? Yes actually, www.papercuts.org.uk

If you’re ever short of ideas or time on getting a card, make sure you have a look at Paper Cuts. They have a card for virtually every occasion – if your friend’s mother’s sister’s dog just died, I reckon there’d be a card for that too!

If you manage to find a card that you want but they don’t have it, they’ll personalise it just for you. As Papercuts handmade cards are individually designed and crafted, they’re the perfect way of sending that special message, no matter what it is.

And if you have a memory like a sieve, they also offer a reminder service. Sign up for it and you’ll receive a card in time for every occasion you need one for.

For the full range, visit: www.papercuts.org.uk

By Joe

Do you have one of those wardrobes that is full of plain, bland shirts and t-shirts? Black, grey, brown, s’all a bit boring isn’t it? If you do, you should really have a look at Shirted Ape. They have a vast range of quirky, funky apparel that is certain to brighten up anyone’s shirt cupboard.

Of course, if you see a shirt that you think is nice, you’d expect it to be expensive. Not in this case. Shirts start at just £5 and go up to a mere £18!

For the whole range, click here: www.shirtedape.com/collections/men/

By Joe

The World Cup. The most famous quadrennial event in sporting history. 42 days to go and counting.

The bookmakers have us as 3rd favourite to win but if you think we could use some help, put on this great little lucky charm and then tune in to watch England beat the mighty footballing nations. Jacky from Jupiter Rocks has mounted an England flag onto a 1966 sixpence under a glass dome. For the uninitiated 1966 was the last, and only, time England won the World Cup. The pendant is available on a 30 inch steel ball chain or on a keyring.

Buy here: www.folksy.com/shops/JupiterRocks

Come on England!

By Joe

Origin 68’s website, however, would strongly tempt me to change my mind.

With quirky and innovative designs, Origin 68 really is worth a look at.

Origin 68 print their designs on ‘Continental Earth Positive’ shirts meaning they’re good for the environment and their shipping is a flat rate of just £2, regardless of where you are in the world.

Their website

By Joe

The only type of eggs I like are Easter Eggs. But even they can get a bit samey after a few years. I think it’d be nice to receive something with a bit more permanence and fewer calories!

Here are some great little suggestions, all for under £20.

This brilliant egg cosy kit (above) will suit children, as well as the more discerning crafter. It comes beautifully packaged and is only £7.00.

On the other hand, these great feltcraft cushion kits with their pre-cut pieces and guided sewing holes are designed to make craft easy for kids. Plus they’re only £8.95 each.

And for adults take a look at this range of mugs and teapots.

All from Hunkydory Home.

Remember, these won’t damage your teeth!

By Joe

Knitting is rapidly becoming more and more popular, and more and more fashionable. Even some celebrities knit nowadays. Uma Thurman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts and Madonna have all revealed recently that they like knitting.

In the Loop shows the different aspects of contemporary knitting practice and transforms our understanding of knitting away from retro hobby to mainstream craft and artform.

The book features essays and images that show the progression of knitting and discusses the topics of knitting in art, international knitting traditions, knitting as social activism, the oral history of knitting, and knitting technology. The book include case studies on knitting clubs, artists using knitting in their work and provides an attractive and informative review of the subject. The illustrations provide a fresh look at this subject and ensure this is an essential book for anyone with an interest in contemporary crafts.

Now, thanks to Jessica from Black Dog Publishing, this great book is now 40% to all Indie Quarter readers.

To redeem this offer, e-mail Jessica at jess@blackdogonline.com and put as the subject ‘Indie Quarter Offer’ they’ll send it out with an invoice.

To have a look at some of the other products on their website, visit www.blackdogonline.com/index.html

By Joe

The Lock Gallery is an independent open studio and art gallery. It is located amongst picturesque scenery within the hub of Coventry’s art scene.

Founded in 2008, sculptor and artist Emma O’Brien works on her own art. She also hosts a number of local, established and emerging artists in their own exhibitions.

The Lock Gallery runs an art fair four times a year and would like to invite people to come along.

Affordable, local arts and crafts, boat trips, activities, music, food, drink and more!

What: Coventry Art Fair – Summer Edition
When: Sunday 6th June 2010 – 11 ’til 4
Where: Coventry Canal Basin, CV1 4LY
More Info: Stalls are still available! www.thelockgallery.co.uk

By Joe

A nice, crisp shirt. Any bloke will tell you that a good shirt makes a suit.
So why bother wasting your time looking around the supermarkets’ shirt section when you can just log on to http://www.whtshirtmakers.com/index.aspx and get yourself a real good’un.

WHT Shirtmakers produce quality hand-finished shirts, and if you prefer something a bit different, they’ll make you a shirt tailored to your needs/wants.

They come in a range of designs, colours and sizes and ship to the UK for just £4.95. If you buy a few items and spend over £200, they’ll ship for free.

WHT also sell ties and cufflinks if you decide you want to buy the complete package while you’re there.

By Joe