Workshops Past


About Me

There's no craft revival in this family, as it never left... thrift and creative enterprise have been a way of life for these working class, feisty women for generations. Borne from an inclination to make and create, Grandmother Violet & daughters Violet, Iris and June (with little Coral as a young onlooker, watching & learning) spent the '50s & '60s making everything from knitted-beaded bags which had a flow of local cockneys knocking on the door to buy to rejuvenated ballgowns, redesigned and rebuilt from the same fabric to be worn at many masonic gala dinners and family parties. The charismatic husbands played their part in making life safe, enjoyable and full of laughter, but it was the women who took the lead role in making sure that every piece of fabric, wool or thread went to use making everyone look beautifully turned out, despite a less than affluent background... the art of turning something into nothing and making beautiful things with inspiration rather than money.. An art which I plan to continue, the next generation of crafters, remembering the '50s and always learning from the skills we've been lucky enough to inherit from our sisters and mothers... ♥

Monday 13 December 2010

Christmas Markets and Workshops ahoy!

Well the Christmas season is well underway and I should have shares in the mulled wine companies for the amount I've consumed already! :)

Some amazing markets have happened already, if you missed them where were you...?! The Can't Buy Me Love market at the Star of Bethnal Green last weekend was absolutely brilliant - loads of gorgeous stalls and a brilliant dj playing some retro and festive classics... picked up this beeootiful sparrow hairband from a stall known only as 'L' and who don't yet have a website or anything... so I will be looking out for their gorgeous bits and bobs again...








So it has become apparent that all of the Violet Iris Marmite Candles have sold out, thanks to the lovely people of Walthamstow at the Craft Guerrilla Weekend Emporium Xmas market two weekends ago, any donated empty Marmite jars always welcome (with labels intact please!), and you will receive a 10% off any purchase at the Violet Iris stall voucher personally from me to you!

We ♥ recycling jars!


 

Another Craft Guerrilla night I really must recommend is their monthly craft night at Ye Olde Rose & Crown in Walthamstow. The last one was Thursday 9th December... ten lovely participants spent a crafty evening grouped round the pub table next to a lovely big Christmas tree learning the names of jewellery tools and techniques, they created some gorgeous necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and made packaging to present their gorgeous trinkets ♥ Fun was had by all. Watch this space for more workshop dates in the new year!

Here are some pics of the lovely jewellery that participants crafted...

        

Don't fear - if you think you have missed out on the alternative christmas shopping market experience it's not too late! This Saturday at The Boogaloo by Highgate tube will be one final Can't Buy Me Love Market - a festive special! It's on from 12-5 and I will be there peddling my wares... come and stock up on cheeky handmade cards, fabulous charm necklaces and hand-made baubles!





Also... due to the overwhelming demand for Dot Cotton and Pat & Frank cards and badges over the last few weeks and the number of times I have left lovely customers disappointed after selling out, they are also now available on Etsy! http://www.etsy.com/shop/violetiris at the same price as the stalls with very reasonable postage costs. Check out the lovely kitschy goodness and send a random 'Enders character to someone you love this festive season :)

Happy Festive Thrifting Lovelies ♥




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