Handmade Nation & Etsy Craft Party updates

As I mentioned before, I've got a fair bit of blogging to catch up with! The screening of Handmade Nation was excellent last Wednesday. (Poster above by hellojenuine) I felt that I really connected with a lot of the folks interviewed in the film- not only sharing a love for the DIY ethic, but also the fantastic community that seemed to be the centre of those who's work the film documented.

One of the things which I really enjoy about visual arts occassions- whether they be exhibition openings, craft sales or indeed film screenings- is the opportunity to meet up with other creatives, from old friends to new faces.

The director of the film, Faythe Levine even gave us a shout-out for our Etsy Craft Party- which Jen and I have been working so hard to prepare for. We've got a few DIY mini projects for you to try out, while you grab a cuppa, some Etsy birthday cake and have a natter. If you've got your own craft projects you'd like to bring along to keep you busy then we'd love to see them too. Check out the Dundee Jamboree Blog for more information- RSVP via our Facebook event or just come along to the DCA this Friday the 18th of June at 7.30pm. It's free!

Dundee Etsy Craft Party

If you havn't heard, it's Etsy's fifth birthday this June 18th- and to celebrate there are Etsy Craft Parties springing up all over the world- bringing together Etsy shop-holders and crafty folks alike!

And the really fanstastic news is that Jen and I at Dundee Jamboree are hosting Dundee's very own Etsy Craft Party! We're so pleased to be hosting our Craft Party at the amazing Dundee Contemporary Arts on Friday the 18th of June at 7.30pm.

Bring along your own crafts to keep you busy, or try one of our DIY mini-projects whilst enjoying good cake and plenty of tea. Whether you're a beginner in the world of handmade or a seasoned craft fanatic we'd love you to come along- learn some new skills, or just get together with other like-minded folks.

If we're amongst the the top 50 Craft Parties in the world (and we're currently number 15!) we'll receive loads of Etsy party goodies for us to enjoy on the night- but we can't do this without your help. We need you to confirm that you're coming along by RSVPing here.

All welcome- if you're under 16 please bring along a responsible adult to join in the craft fun!

Jumpers and Jamboree: A Success!

After only a few very busy days of organisation, Jumpers and Jamboree kicked off on Tuesday night with 20 fabulous exhibitors and hoardes of excited visitors! A huge thank-you to all of our exhibitors who showed such an eclectic variety of beautiful and well-made work, and everyone who came along for a peep! My personal highlights included the musical banjo interludes, presenting Jen Collins with her surprise birthday cake and Lauren McCorkindale and Jenni Mackenzie's hilarious beardy banter!




Thank you also to Kokomo's who stopped at nothing to help us in hosting our night and Paddy Stevenson, our photographer for the night, who did a brilliant job capturing the atmosphere of the night. For all of the photos, join the J&J Flickr group.

Jen, Lauren and I were so chuffed with the whole night that we've already talked about having another...so stay tuned for more info!

If you missed Jumpers and Jamboree and would like to read more about the night and how it came about, click here for our illustrated PDF.