Here are a few photos I took at the weekend, at Frugal Cool’s eco market in Musselburgh. This was my stall, with my new banner and doll’s house shelves put into action for the first time.

These are just some of the wonderful goodies which were available; all Frugal Cool’s designers are chosen for their commitment to sustainable style, and all work within 35 miles of Musselburgh.

Above is the lovely Blackbird Alley stall, with a great selection of pretty cards, bunting, teacup candles and many other handmade treasures all made by Joanna Reid.

Lots of great gift ideas from the frugal Cool collection, and furniture given a new lease of life from Caroline Key of TRASH furnishings. The record cabinet in the corner was fabulous, and like all the other pieces was restored to a very high finish.

Picture by Joanna Reid

And Here I am making my ‘OMG I’m getting my picture taken’ face.

The fair was loads of fun – there were lots of nice folk to chat to and I was glad the new cats proved quite popular…looking forward to the next one already…

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After an  extended absence I’m feeling the urge to dust the cobwebs from my blog, start writing again, and see what happens…

I’ve been playing around with the templates, which always a good distraction when there’s work needing done, and I’m not sure where to start. No doubt, I’ll be playing around a lot more so it could look weird from time to time as I dive in and change the code (without making a back-up), which isn’t always the best policy if you don’t have any actual computer knowledge apart from what you’ve gleaned along the way…and that could fit on the back of a postage stamp…but, it’s fun, especially when things go strangely right.

Spring is growing up all around. I’m savouring every tulip and daffodil that appears, after the long, seemingly endless Winter we’ve had. The glowing mass of orange/red above was spotted in the park this morning.

I’m full of schemes and plans…but my head still needs more spring-cleaning, so I can make them actually doable.

There are a few things I’ve already started working on. This clutch was a new pattern, quite a simple shape, but bigger than the pouches I’ve made before, so it could be used as a make up bag, or for a night out. I’ll be making more of these and will be updating my shop with more new items sometime next week.

Until then, well this weekend in fact, some of my artworks, textile creatures, dress brooches and purses are available at Frugal Cool’s Spring Eco Crafts Market, at the Loretto Gallery in Musselburgh. This wonderful event is returning to the Loretto gallery after a highly successful and popular fair before Christmas…It’s a pop-up shop full of beautiful hand picked jewellery, fashion, vintage, handmade, recycled, art, fair trade and organic – definitely a great place to find original handmade gifts. Well worth a visit if you’re in the area.

©2012 materialised. All Rights Reserved.

This weekend was the eagerly awaited Eco Crafts Market in Musselburgh, hosted by Frugal Cool . It turned out to be a really wonderful event, which ran over three days, showcasing  many local artists and craft makers. The woman behind Frugal Cool is Nicky Orr ; she’s  on a mission to promote local ethical handmade crafts  and she has worked really hard in organising and promoting the market. I’m so pleased for her and everyone else involved that a lot of people came along …and really liked what they saw! Thank you Nicky  for inviting me to showcase my work ,  and for selling on My behalf.   You can see pictures of  just some of what was on offer here

I also managed to do a little Christmas shopping there -  sorry I can’t show  pictures  of the pressies but I don’t want to give the game away!

©2012 materialised. All Rights Reserved.

eco craft market

I’m delighted that my work has been selected by Frugal Cool to be exhibited at their Christmas Eco Crafts market next month. Repurposing and reusing is something I strive for wherever possible, and I think the standards Frugal Cool has set out are  very admirable. I’m really looking forward to seeing the work from all the featured designers and makers, all of whom live within  a 35 mile radius.  Here are a few of the purses I’ve been making for the event – all made from ‘found’ fabrics, including off-cuts from my sister’s silk wedding dress!

So what’s Frugal Cool all about?

Frugal Cool promotes and sells inventive and unique craft that is also sustainable.  By seeking a green way of life
and work, and sharing their aspirations, they hope to inspire wider change. They also believe that supporting local
makers, artists and designers will contribute towards a sustainable community.

At the Eco Market…

Everything is a one-off, upcycled from found objects and textiles or made from natural materials. All products – from 14 makers and designers – are for sale with prices ranging from £3 to £300. Original artworks and handmade textiles will also offer visitors a glimpse of the creative talent within our community and the value of ethical design.

Free prize draw!

In a free prize draw, a fabulous Christmas Hamper of Eco Gifts – worth £100 – will be given away. There will also be spot gifts for our 50th, 100th, 200th and 500th visitor

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The Eco Crafts Market takes place at the Loretto Gallery, High Street, Musselburgh from Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November, 10am-4pm and Sunday 15 November 2009, 12noon-4pm. Please come along we’d love to see you there!  Find out more at www.Frugalcool.co.uk

©2012 materialised. All Rights Reserved.