made in newcastle

The Canny Comic Con : Saturday 10th December 2011

2011-12-06T05:22:00.000-08:00

The Canny Comic Con is a free little festival of comics and sequential art. It will be held at Newcastle City Library all day on Saturday 10th December 2011.

Comics, comic strips, comic books, graphic novels, manga, sequential art - however you want to refer to it, the CCC wants to celebrate everything about telling stories in pictures. Whilst it won't be on the same scale as some of the bigger UK comic conventions, we're going to have a full range of activities, including: talks and panel discussions, workshops, and a hall of stalls where you can meet some of the finest comic-creating talent from the region and beyond.

Whatever your age or experience, whether you read comics, make comics, or are just interested to know a little more, we hope to have something to interest you.

Entry to the CCC will be FREE. That's right, no charge. You don't need to book tickets, you don't need to pay us anything. Come along and support the biggest comic event to be held in the North East for over fifteen years.

Guests include:

Bryan Talbot

Nigel Auchterlounie, Doug Braithwaite
Alex Collier, Paul Davidson
Simon Donald, Gary Erskine
Al Ewing, Steven Finch
Mary M Talbot, Suzy Varty

Made in Newcastle Christmas Market

2011-11-16T11:22:00.001-08:00

Woo Hoo!! The MiNies are hosting a Christmas Fair on Sunday 4th Dec from 10am in the Royal Station Hotel, Neville Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5DH. If you don't already know the hotel is next to the train station. Its a beautiful Victorian listed building and we'll be in the big function room.

We'll be offering a range of affordable, high quality, handmade Christmas gifts not available on the high street. There will be around 25 stalls offering textiles, clothing, jewellery, art, stationery and homeware designed and made by established and emerging design talent.
We want this to be an alternative and fun Christmas shopping experience where you can come browse stalls and meet local artisans, crafters and designers.

You'll find one off unique pieces and limited edition items ideal if you're looking for something a bit different and special. Prices will range from £2 to £60+ so there is something for everyone.

Proceeds from the £1 entry fee will go towards future Made In Newcastle projects, workshops, exhibitions and events.

We would really appreciate it you would RSVP our event on Facebook and help us spread the word: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142991705793393

Button's Boutique Craft Shop Grand Opening.

2011-09-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

Our friend Amanda, owner of the wonderful Buttons Boutique is opening a real life bricks and mortar shop!

Why not come and celebrate with her at her opening day on Oct. 29th, Buttons Boutique is in Stanley, just opposite Asda.

Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161137307307817

New fabric, craft, haberdashery and handmade shop opening opposite Asda in Stanley.
Grand Opening day with some sweeties and biscuits to celebrate :)

Base Event

2011-09-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

This very worthy cause is after some lovely artists and crafters to have stalls at their event.

A percentage of all takings from the day will go to the charity. If you aren't having a stall seriously consider coming along to have a shop. Some of our MiNnies will be there including Susan Heaford - pHzzz who sent us the info for this post.

For further info on the event or to book a stall contact Amy at TRCC.base.event@live.co.uk or call her on the number in the poster below.

Made in Newcastle @ Grainger Market Enterprise Event hosted by PNE Group

2011-06-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

Missing MiN? Then fear not….

From 11am till 3pm on Tuesday 28th June we will be selling our many and wondrous things at the “Grainger Market Enterprise Event” hosted by PNE Group

Come and support us at our inaugural outing since the end of our 6 month pop up adventure at 79 Grainger Street.

We will have lots of lovely things on offer, from sensational homewares, cards, illustrations, photography, jewellery, textiles, unique handmade gifts, fashion and accessories to name but a few. So pop down and say “Hello” we have missed you all xxx

Goodbye 79 Grainger Street and thanks for all the fun.

2011-06-14T04:19:00.001-07:00

Way back in December of 2010 we looked around an empty shell of a shop on Grainger Street, trying to find a new home for Made in Newcastle. We had peered into its windows many times, having fallen in love with the staircase and the large space at the back, not to mention great location.

Potential sparked and crackled off the walls. The weather was cold but a warm glow came from within 79 Grainger Street as we got to work transforming it into our new home.

It was a miraculous transformation, in as little as 10 days we brought the shop into being. We tamed the horror of the fridge on the first floor, found new ways to make floors and ended up with a cosy spot to hide and make during the long Winter months.

It's been a whirlwind ride. There's always been something going on at 79 Grainger Street, a regular hive of activity for all involved. Spring brought a nice fresh look to the shop, it was so nice to see that we picked a spot that the sun would sit on for most of the day.

During Spring we got many visitors to the shop, some new friends, some old. Some fury, some frilly.

It's hard to believe we were in there a whole six months. It went by so quickly. It felt even faster than when we were in 22 Nun Street for those short three months. Time is a funny thing. We've come a long way, we've all grown a bit in our own way.

Goodbye 79 Grainger Street. I will miss you, you crazy, messed up, brilliant shop. We will all miss you. Thanks.

Nearing the end

2011-05-21T03:48:00.000-07:00

Today sees the last day of the inaugural Newcastle Fashion Week. Its been a MEGA event with lots of exciting things going on all around the city and will hopefully go some way to putting Newcastle on the Fashion map. I guess what we really hope is that this event will help encourage independent designers to start/keep their business in Newcastle and help indy shops (the few that there are in the city) thrive.

As we say goodbye to Fashion Week, we also say "so long" to 79 Grainger Street. On the 31st May, in only 10 days time, Made In Newcastle will be shutting up shop at 79 Grainger street. We've been there for 6 MONTHS and can scarce believe it, the time has gone so quickly.
Those of you who have been following the MiN project since its birth last year, will know that foremost it is an empty shop project and we can only be based in a premises for a temporary period. Ideally we would love to stay in a place on a permanent basis and have a space which offers affordable workshops as well as the gallery and shop. The reality is though that the price is too high and we just can't afford it. This city needs more independent shops though and its something that the MiN collective feel strongly about.

We will be looking for a new base and in the meantime we'll continue to do stuff online and run events around the city, just not from the Grainger St property. You can keep up to date with all our antics on the blog and on our website.

Over the last 6 months at the 79 Grainger premises, its been a pleasure having your support and we're very grateful to Thomas Cook for letting the space to us & giving us the opportunity to showcase the city's artistic talent. We also must thank Newcastle City Council for the financial support they have given us.

Just one last thing to say, before we shut the shop on close of play 31st May - our advise is:
"H'way and geet yourself doon there, quick like"!

Ncstl Fashion Week Guest Designer

2011-05-20T02:38:00.000-07:00

Yippee its Friday!!

The guest maker post today is about Rochelle Laine. A recent graduate from Norwich University College of the Arts, Rochelle is now the proud owner of a first class BA Honors Degree in Textiles.
Through the years at University Rochelle has grown into her own style of working, which involves using a lot of mixed media including C.A.D embroidery, laser cutting and weaving. Recently she has been using real fur and leather to create heavy textured pieces.

Rochelle loves to be innovative and push the boundaries of current textile practice. She has developed an in depth knowledge of colour and fabric structure and the use of smart materials in her developmental work helps her to accomplish her design ideas.

Rochelle tells us that throughout education she strived to make an impact with her practical work which has helped her become more aware of the textile design industry and enable her to engage in a sustained and focused period of creative work.
To find out more info about this talented graduate designer visit her blog: http://rochellelaine.blogspot.com/ or the East Durham Artists Network website: http://www.edan.org.uk/

At the moment you can view her work on the walls of the shop gallery space and Rochelle has also included some of her outfits in the showcase.

Ncstl Fashion Week Guest Designer

2011-05-19T00:54:00.000-07:00

Another fashiony day is upon us, which means another delightful post about one of our wonderful guest makers. Today its the turn of Kathryn McKelvey, who's work is currently adorning the walls of the MiN gallery space.

Kathryn did a fashion degree at Newcastle Polytechnic and after graduating began work in the fashion forecasting industry in New York city as a designer/illustrator.
Nowadays she makes her living as a lecturer at Northumbria university and a writer, or rather creator of fashion books for publishers John Wiley & Sons. Some of her works include 'Fashion Source Book', 'Illustrating Fashion', 'Fashion Design: Process, Innovation & Practice and Fashion Forecasting'.

Kathryn's illustration process begins as a hand drawn image created using an unforgiving fine-liner or ballpoint pen. She scans the drawings, creates her own textile designs and adds colour to the the drawings digitally, utilising backdrops from her own photographs and creating special effects using illustration applications.
The prints are then hand finished using techniques such as gilding to give the illustration a slightly more hand made feel and unique effect.

Come into the shop & feast your eyes on Kathryn's gorgeous work which is on sale at a very reasonable price and will be on show for the rest of Fashion Week.

To keep up to date with all her ventures why not follow her blog: www.kathrynmckelvey.tumblr.com

Ncstl Fashion Week Guest Designer

2011-05-18T01:20:00.000-07:00

Today's spotlight is on two emerging design talents Amelia-Jane Friend and Dean Blair.

Amelia is a first year fashion student at Northumbria University who at a young age is already developing a unique style of her own.
She has always had passion for fashion and believes there is more to it than the appearance created by the clothing and accessories, but that its all about identity and how fashion helps you to express individualism and your personality.

Amelia's quirky designs are ultimately about having fun. She enjoys using bright prints with a variety of colours and including quirky details to each garment resulting in a vibrant collection. Amelia also likes to use classical shapes usually inspired by past fashions and she often references the 60s and 70s in her designs. She describes her current collection as bright, fun and easy to wear whether it be for a festival or to a party.

Amelia is currently showcasing several of her pieces in the shop, one of our personal favourite pieces is her cute & summery butterfly print dress - gorgeous!

The second of our guest makers to highlight today is Dean Blair. A self taught designer born and bred in Newcastle.
Since an early age he has loved fashion and been determined to get ahead in this competitive industry. He began making things as a teenager when he used to customize jeans for his family and up-cycle old clothes to give them a new lease of life and revamp them. Dean still enjoys the challenge of customising unwanted second hand clothing into a new desirable piece as he can get really creative and experimental.

Truly a self-made designer, Dean grew up on a council estate in an area where opportunities are not in abundance - far from it. He never studied fashion, mainly because of funding and understands how hard it can be to find your feet and get the support you need in a lower socio-economic environment. His family have really supported Dean throughout the years in following his dreams and are always there for guidance.

Today Dean's designs and makes his own range of clothes, costume wear and accessories under the brand name 'BUJU'.

Over the last 10 years he has worked as a freelance designer on many different projects including designing and styling girl bands for tours and video shoots and making costumes for dancers in the uk and abroad.

He hopes one day he can achieve his dream and work alongside some of the top designers and maybe becoming a big name in the fashion industry.

Ncstl Fashion Week Guest Designer

2011-05-17T01:20:00.000-07:00

Morning everyone. Today's guest maker post is on Gradley Thirkle of Subtle Clothing. As well as showcasing work in MiN, Subtle Clothing will also be featured on the 'Fashion Front Row' catwalk this evening at As you Like It in Jesmond, Newcastle.

So heres what its all about:
Subtle Clothing is an emerging ethically aware British fashion label based in Tyneside. Run by Gradley along with members of his family the ethos is about being understated yet stylish.
The concept for the brand originated when watching British Style Genius on BBC2 in the autumn of 2008. Gradley was inspired and came up with the idea of creating his own ethically aware fashion label. With previous experience of working in retail in Britain and Canada and working as part of the Diamond and Rings Merchandising team for two major Jewellers in London, Gradley already had a background in fashion. At the dawn of 2011 Subtle Clothing was brought into the world.

Each design is created to be stylish, fashionable and underpinned throughout by SC's understated viewpoint and the world’s penchant for acting like a peacock. The theme for their first design is the weather, executed in a quirky and subtle way. This was inspired by the British passion for talking about the weather, whilst making small talk with friends, family and/or strangers.
The summer design has been screen printed using the CMYK process onto a white organic cotton t-shirt, certified organic by the Soil Association. The print will be limited to 700 organic cotton t-shirts by t-shirt colour and is the inspiration for the range name – “700” by Subtle Clothing. Each t-shirt will contain a label stating 'This t-shirt is one of 700 lovingly created by Peacocks, for Peacocks. Be part of the Muster' and will display a Subtle Clothing logo on the nape of the neck on the back of the t-shirt.

The t-shirt is available from the subtleclothing.com, https://marketplace.asos.com and is of course available at Made In Newcastle during Fashion week - 14th to the 21st May.
Whats more if you buy a Subtle Clothing tee from the Made In Newcastle shop each customer will get a free black, organic cotton Subtle Clothing bag (normally RRP £15).
You can contact Gradley for more information via email: info@subtleclothing.com’ or drop him a line on tel: 07933844196.

Needle felting at Newcastle City Library as part of Newcastle Fashion week

2011-05-16T02:49:00.001-07:00

Well to kick off our links with Newcastle Fashion week workshop ventures, Made in Newcastle provided a array of felting fun at Newcastle City Library.

We had an array of visitors to our workshop, young and old and old and fun was had by all. We made felted necklaces, rings, as seen by one of our wonderful Newcastle Fashion week team, brooches using the wonderful medium of felt.

To learn more about the art of felt, I would thoroughly recommend one of my favourite informative sites - Sara's Texture Crafts.

Made in Newcastle would like to thank Sitting on the wall and Threadspider Textiles for delivering this workshop.

Ncstl Fashion Week Guest Designer

2011-05-16T01:17:00.000-07:00

The next guest maker who we would like to highlight for this special event is Laura Rutter who creates unique & limited edition pieces with a gorgeous vintage style under the moniker 'Vintage Princess Jewellery'.

Each creation mixes the old with the new. Reworking broken, unused and unwanted jewellery in with new materials, resulting in a vintage style piece at an affordable price.
Her most popular items are the custom made charm bracelets and statement necklaces.
She also works with customers to develop their own ideas, creating something amazing just for them.

Laura began making jewellery for herself as a teenager. She was fed up with seeing people wearing the same pieces as her and decided to get inventive and start making her own.

Now the tender age of 23, she has customers all over the UK and the Vintage Princess love is spreading, with new customers popping up from overseas.
We are pleased to say she has now opened her first shop in the centre of Durham. This little haven of gorgeousness can be found on the 1st floor of the City Attic shop on North Rd, Durham. You can also get your hands on some of Laura's designs on her website: www.vintageprincessjewellery.co.uk
For more details please contact Laura, vintageprincessjewellery@gmail.com, pop into the shop, or give her a call on 0191 384 9129.

Made in Felt: Felt Taster Workshop as part of Newcastle Fashion week

2011-05-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

As part of Newcastle Fashion Week Made in Newcastle invite you to join some of our tallented MiN-ies at:-

Made in Felt: Felt Taster Workshop
Time: 1-2:30pm - Sun 15th May

Price: Free

Newcastle City Library

A basic level felt making workshop experience allowing you to experiment with the therapeutic craft of needle felting. A short demonstration on how to Needle felt will be given to attendees who can the experience the world of needle felting; meet fellow craft enthusiasts, and discover how to make a needle felted fashion accessory and get some great ideas for future needle felting projects.

Children under 14 to be accompanied by an adult.

Drop in session

Fashion Week Guest Maker Special

2011-05-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you're all well aware by now that the first Newcastle Fashion Week begins on the 14th May and that we, you're beloved MiN crew are taking part in the fashiony festivities.

As part of our involvement we will be transforming the shop into a fashion boutique, with a particular focus on the gallery space which will be showcasing beautiful wares from local designers and fashion students. These are our Fashion week guest makers and in the lead up to the BIG event & during the week itself we'll be blogging about each individual guest maker so you can find out more about each one.

So who's first?

Suzanne Porter
Ever since Suzanne was young she always loved art & making things. Once she started studying Art & Design at college it became apparent to her that Fashion was the main focus of her attentions. After completing college Suzanne attended a three year ‘Fashion Enterprise' degree course and soon after finishing made the move to set up a clothing label - which has now been going two years & growing ever more popular.

Based in Darlington and trading under the name Suzanne Porter Boutique, this talented lady loves to create pieces which are feminine and elegant. She has a particular interest in era's gone by such as the 1940's and 50's, from which she takes inspiration when designing her garments.

Suzanne has just started stocking a new concept store in ’Paloni’ Helsinki, Finland. We're sure this lady will go far.

Here's a little visual taster of what she has to offer:

To view Suzanne's stunning outfits you can visit her website HERE

If you like what you see and you fancy some of that for yourself then please drop her a line on 07931836719 or email: suzanneporterboutique@live.co.uk

And don't forget you can get your hands on a Suzanne Porter original at MiN from the 14th May!

Made in Newcastle's 'Crafternoon' team deliver a 'Crafty Hen Party'

2011-05-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

Made in Newcastle's 'Crafternoon' team deliver a 'Crafty Hen Party'

Made in Newcastle's 'Crafternoon' team deliver a 'Crafty Hen Party'

A lovely Saturday afternoon, the wonderful Central bar in Gatehead and 15 'Hens' set the scene for a wonderful crafty event held by 'Pearce and Lowe' . The Crafternoon team delivered a fun packed Craft workshop for the lovely Laura and her team of hens....

Three hours later, and a range of beautiful personalised wedding buntings were made to adorn the wedding venue for the bride and groom and hopefully keep as a 'memoir' of their very special day, as well as a fantastic range of individual and very creative needle felted jewellery pieces for all the hens to keep as their own personal keepsake....

The BIG MiN Fabric Swap 14th May

2011-04-28T01:06:00.000-07:00

Newcastle fashion week is quickly approaching and there are lots of exciting things happening in the shop as well as around Newcastle City Centre.

Fashion week kicks off at MiN on the 14th May with our swishing event with a difference - The Fabric Swap. This event is aimed at 'haberdashery hoarders' and 'fabric fetishists' (of which i know there are plenty of you out there). It will offer the chance to exchange fabrics sitting aimlessly in the back of your wardrobe for something fresh for you to create your next fashion masterpiece with.
As well as being a great opportunity to swap crafty items with fellow enthusiasts it will also be a fund-raising event for Made in Newcastle so all the money made from the event will go directly towards keeping the MiN project alive. ***Due to space in the shop this event will be limited to 25 people on a 1st come 1st get in basis - so it will not be a ticketed event.***

So how does it work? Read on...
1. Swappers will need to arrive between 12noon to 12.30 with their swag.
Once 25 people are reached further swappers will be declined. However we may have a further event if this proves to be popular.

2. Cost: Entry is £2 this includes a 1 *bag allowance to swap. After entry price it will be an additional £1 per extra bag - each swapper can bring and take away up to 4 bags each.

*Bag = an average sized carrier bag to be provided by MIN on the day.

3. Swappers items will be taken by the MiNions and divied up into the MiN provided *bags to ensure quantities are equal and that people take away the same amount as they bring, so it is fair for everyone. 1 bag is worth 1 token and the equivalent amount of tokens will be given to each swapper.

4. Swappers are then asked to return at 1.00pm to allow MiNnies time to organise the items into categories- i.e. fabric, buttons etc.

5. The fun bit. On return at 1pm each swapper is given empty *bag(s) in exchange for their token(s). Swappers are then all allowed into the 'swap zone' (gallery space) at same time & can fill their bags. NO FIGHTING PLEASE!! :)

Allowed swap items:

Fabric any type (cotton, etc). Fabric scraps -bundle together & no smaller than 7 x 7ins
Felt
Lace
Ribbon
Buttons
Zips
Threads (embroidery, sewing)
Wool

If you have any further questions about this event please contact: info@madeinnewcastle.org

Made in Newcastle's 'Crafternoon' team deliver a 'Crafty Hen Party'

2011-04-17T21:40:00.000-07:00

Made in Newcastle's 'Crafternoon' team deliver a 'Crafty Hen Party'

A lovely Saturday afternoon, the wonderful Central bar in Gatehead and 15 'Hens' set the scene for a wonderful crafty event held by 'Pearce and Lowe' . The Crafternoon team delivered a fun packed Craft workshop for the lovely Laura and her team of hens....

Three hours later, and a range of beautiful personalised wedding buntings were made to adorn the wedding venue for the bride and groom and hopefully keep as a 'memoir' of their very special day, as well as a fantastic range of individual and very creative needle felted jewellery pieces for all the hens to keep as their own personal keepsake....

Made in Newcastle and Newcastle Fashion week

2011-04-15T02:52:00.001-07:00

Made In Newcastle is delighted to be supporting the first Newcastle Fashion week. As a hub for all things handmade, MiN will be showcasing the work of local fashion designers and fashion students with a specially themed fashion week shop.

As well as all the usual creative offerings the shop will be transforming their gallery space into an indy fashion boutique, where you will be able to purchase the work of some of the region's hottest emerging talent. The shop will also be hosting a number of events and workshops as well as free talks from the city Library.

As well as all this during the week there will be limited edition goody bags to get your hands on (as part of indy shop crawl), special offers and discounts.

click here for more infomation

Tales of the Hollow Earth : Cosmology

2011-04-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

An exhibition of ten mysterious images by writer/artist Paul Thompson have apparently been nailed to the walls of Made in Newcastle's gallery space until at least Friday. He still hasn't put titles on them, but has at least attempted some kind of explanation, which you can read on his blog : talesofthehollowearth.blogspot.com

At home with MIN

2011-04-11T06:25:00.000-07:00

A celebration of New and Make do and mend homeware live at the MiN gallery...pop along and see what the best creative in the North East have to offer for the home.

Paper Jam Exhibition at Made in Newcastle

2011-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Paper Jam Exhibition at Made in Newcastle

Written by Brittany Coxon

What have I been up to? Lots.
Recently with the Paper Jam Comics Collective I've been busy exhibiting my illustration work at Made in Newcastle. I did one brand new piece for the exhibition as well as showing my page from Art and That, the rather blurry photo courtesy of my phone.

The theme for the exhibition was loosely based around our History and That anthology which we first unveiled at Thought Bubble. There was a rather delayed launch party of said anthology on the Friday which doubled as the closing party for the exhibition. Many were in attendance and there was much fun had.

We also left some blank comic panels and a box of words on the table in the gallery for the week so that people could take part in our "famous" 24 minute comic challenge. Two words, one comic, 24 minutes. I have managed to rescue all the ones that we left for us to see and will be scanning them and uploading them to the Paper Jam Comic Jams blog very soon.

What else have we got. Ah yes... view the exhibition closing/History launch party in photographic glory. It's like being there... only without sound, movement or the majority of the senses.

Mothers Day at MiN

2011-03-26T07:52:00.001-07:00

Monthly Newsletter

2011-03-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

With the help of the ever faithful MiNions and MiNies will now be producing a monthly newsletter to keep you, our lovely supporters and fans updated.

The newsletter will inform y'all of all the forthcoming MiN events, exhibitions, workshops as well as any other exciting creative ventures outside of Made In Newcastle.
Alongside this you will also be some of the first to find out about any sales, special offers and promotions in the shop and opportunities to get involved in MiN activities.

To entice you further we will also be doing the occasional 'newsletter giveaway' exclusive to those who are on the mailing list, which will allow you to enter into a prize draw and win a goody or two from one of our makers.
You gotta be in it to win it so sign up for the newsletter now by sending an email to: info@madeinnewcastle.org with the subject header 'NEWSLETTER MAILING LIST', include your full name (1st name and surname) and your email address.

Paper Jam Comics Collective party!

2011-03-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder, that the

Wonderful Paper Jam Comics Collective are having their launch party for the comic, and closing party for the exhibition, runs from 7pm till 9pm on Friday 25th, after which we'll be wandering up to the Bodega. Do join us

MADE IN NEWCASTLE & INTERCULTURAL ARTS PRESENTS AN EXHIBITION BY MEHRANGIZ MODARESS TABATABAEI

2011-03-24T02:18:00.000-07:00

MADE IN NEWCASTLE & INTERCULTURAL ARTS PRESENTS AN EXHIBITION BY MEHRANGIZ MODARESS TABATABAEI

26 March – 02 April 2011

Made in Newcastle and Intercultural Arts presents an exhibition by Mehrangiz Modaress Tabatabaei, a new show by one of the region's most talented female artists whose works reveals influences from her Iranian heritage and follows her artistic training from Shanghai, Persia and China, to sunny Newcastle. Opening on Sat 26 March, 10am – 6pm, the exhibition held at Newcastle's volunteer-run Made in Newcastle, a centre for art, craft and creativity, incorporates new works and works not yet seen in the region. These include oil paintings, calligraphy and banner pieces which utilise traditional techniques learned from master artists around the world and presented in a modern context. Common motifs in Mehrangiz's work range from Persian and Arabic calligraphy, through to botanical floral imagery.

Workshops: In addition to her week long exhibition, the artist will be holding Persian and Chinese painting and calligraphy workshops on Sunday 27 March, 11am – 1pm / 2pm – 5pm, and on Saturday 2 April, 11am – 1pm / 2pm – 4pm. Workshop participants will be assisted by a Made in Newcastle artist and a volunteer. Workshop costs are adults: £3, Children: £2, and there will be refreshments available to attendees.

MEHRANGIZ MODARESS TABATABAEI BIOGRAPHY

MEHRANGIZ MODARESS TABATABAEI was born in Tehran, Iran in 1967 and lives and works in Newcastle Upon Tyne. She has exhibited throughout Tehran and has worked with Zendeh Theatre Company, Intercultural Arts, Pakistan Cultural Society and as delivered workshops for Hatton gallery in collaboration with the British Museum.

Mehrengiz is interested in the strong inter-relation between Persian art and literature
and has studied under Chinese master artists for two years in Shanghi, learning two methods of Chinese painting known as “Gong bi” and “xie yi”.

The two core inspirations in Mehrangiz's work are the Iranian revolution, and the subsequent eight years of war, and travelling around the world for the last 18 years to understand the diversity of cultures and arts.

INTERCULTURAL ARTS

Intercultural Arts is a development agency for culturally diverse arts in the North East of England. It’s website is an information resource for cultural professionals.

Intercultural Arts is a charity set up to help people from other cultures who are looking to work in ‘the Arts’ in the North East of England. This could be people creating art, people who want to develop as arts professionals, or people who want help setting up a group to support and promote artists within their community.

Intercultural Arts gives support to large organisations in the North East of England who want to understand the needs of minority communities, and programme artists and performers that these communities would enjoy.

Intercultural Arts gives priority to those from minority communities but are happy to work with artists who practice culturally diverse art forms regardless of their nationality or ethnicity.

Web: http://www.interculturalarts.co.uk

2011-03-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

A great article announcing our involvement in Newcastle Fashion week this year from The Journal live:

CELEBRATING the cream of fashion talent in the region, this May will see the first ever Newcastle Fashion Week

From May 14-21 there will be a host of events at locations across the city including a catwalk show, celebrity fashion auction, workshops and fashion prizes and promotions.

Celebrity fashion designer Scott Henshall, who has dressed Madonna, Kylie and Victoria Beckham, is an ambassador for Fashion Week and Red or Dead founder Wayne Hemingway will also give a lecture.

Scott, famed for creating the world’s most expensive dress, says: “Newcastle is a beautiful and vibrant city with a wealth of culture and diversity at its core from the Baltic to the Sage to the architecture and its world-class universities.

“Having studied fashion at Northumbria University I am very proud to be an ambassador for Newcastle Fashion Week where emerging and recognised talent will showcase their collections and Newcastle will take centre stage as the perfect backdrop to any catwalk.”

Newcastle Fashion Week has been organised by NE1 Ltd, which represents businesses across the city.

Wayne Hemingway will deliver a lecture on May 16 and said: “I enjoy the creativity and vibrancy of Newcastle. I am very happy to take part in the inaugural Newcastle Fashion Week. On Tuesday, May 17, a catwalk fashion show showcasing Newcastle’s homegrown talent will take place in As You Like It in Jesmond and on May 19 Fashion Week will support Northumbria University’s BA (Hons) Fashion Show at the Baltic.

Our photographs from last year’s event at the art gallery highlight the standard of work produced by students who go on to gain jobs with some of the world’s leading fashion houses.

Pop-up shop Made in Newcastle, on Grainger Street, is creating a themed Fashion Week boutique to showcase city-based designers. Krista Puranen, stylist and founder of the Make ’n’ Mend market, will host a Make ’n’ Mend Your Style event on May 14 at the Star & Shadow Cinema in Stepney Bank. There will be a fashion show featuring local designers, workshops and a fashion-themed market.

Sandra Tang of NE1 Ltd said: “Launching Newcastle’s first Fashion Week is so exciting. The programme is coming together and there’s so much going to be happening during the eight fashion-filled days in May.

“It’s fantastic to be working with the University of Northumbria and supporting their graduate fashion show as part of Newcastle Fashion Week.”

The public will also be able to get involved with have-a-go fashion workshops, personal shopper sessions, makeovers, a shop crawl and tour of independent stores and VIP evenings. There will also be a host of retail fashion promotions and offers throughout the city centre.

Details of the catwalk shows, fashion makeovers, shop crawls, make ’n’ mend events and other activities available on www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/nfw

Paper Jam Comics Collective Exhibition!

2011-03-19T03:45:00.000-07:00

The Paper Jam Comics Collective have set up camp in the gallery space at Made In Newcastle for one week only: 19th to 25th of March.

The exhibition features art by North East Comics Creators, based (loosely) on the subject of their most recent '...and That' anthology: "History ... and That".

The launch party for the comic, and closing party for the exhibition, runs from 7pm till 9pm on Friday 25th, after which we'll be wandering up to the Bodega. Do join us!

So if you like your speech in bubbles and obscure historical troubles, and prefer your art sequential featuring events most consequential ...um... you'll find a visit to this show essential. Yes.

Art and Comics can be found by:

Zines and Comics by Made In Newcastle Members feature: Tales of the Hollow Earth, Not Mushroom for Thought (a 24 hour comic), Opinionated Geordie Monsters and Things (a 24 hour comic)

Get your tweet on at @min_tweets and @paperjamcc

Many of these artists and writers can also be found in the brand spanking new Sugar Glider Stories anthology. Get in on the ground floor with this one, folks, it's going places. Also, do check out the selection of comics done and dusted in under 24 hours, especially Giga and The Device.

These artists suffered for your entertainment folks!

Maker Faire day 2

2011-03-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

The second day at the Maker Faire was equally as busy and fun. There are a lot of creative chrildren and adults around .

The Tyne Twestival at MiN

2011-03-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

and Tyne Twestival 2011

Supporting The Calvert Trust, Kielder

Ballot-Box Auction

A selection of local handmade, unique items are up for auction, all you have to do to win is fill in a ballot slip with the highest bid.

Winners to be announced at:

The Tyne Twestival, on 24th March

venue: The Tyne Bar, from 6.30pm

Tickets available from http://tyne.twestival.com now.

Winners will also be announced online via Made in Newcastle’s Facebook page, Twitter (@min_tweets) and the Tyne Twestival Twitter (@tynetwestival).

The last ballot slip will be accepted right up until 2pm on the 24th March

at which point we will be finding the highest bids ready for the evenings events.

Don’t worry if you aren’t on Twitter, you can still take part, this is all about raising money for a fantastic cause, we don’t want anybody being left out.

The auction is on now and until the 24th March, good luck to everyone taking part.

Maker Faire Day 1

2011-03-12T11:38:00.001-08:00

Well, the first day of the Maker Faire is over and what a day we have all had...

The Newcastle Craft Mafia and Made in Newcastle collaborated on supporting the Maker Faire public make use of the everyday things that we discard to create a wonderful array of arm bands, bracelets and neck pieces with the odd great idea of recycled knitted cuffs and bag charms thrown in for good measure!

Leeanne Lowe from Sitting on the wall, Brittania Douglas from Rule Brittania, Christine White from Threadspider Textiles, Lucy Farfort from Lucy's happy place , Joanna Sullivan and Brigid Campbell from Irish Granny all lent a hand to make the day as creative and exiting as possible for all the wonderful visitors we had to our stand...and as you can see by the pictures below, there were many.....

Newcastle Fashion week

2011-03-07T14:46:00.001-08:00

Made in Newcastle are looking for people currently not involved in MiN & fashion students/graduates to showcase & sell their handmade fashion etc in the gallery space for Newcastle fashion week 14-21 May. We are now mainly looking for fashion designers (with particular focus on clothing) and fashion illustrators.

The shop will be heavily promoted during this time by organisers of Fashion Wk & MiN and each guest designer will have a feature on blog.

Please contact lucyfarfort@yahoo.com if you're interested in more info. Please note at the moment this opportunity is only for the fashion week.

Made in Newcastle are video stars.

2011-03-01T03:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Tim's great friend Sam Dibb for making this lovely documentary short of us.
The video really captures the eclectic, creative atmosphere that is Made in Newcastle! Great work.

Emerging talents Textiles Exhibition

2011-02-26T04:59:00.000-08:00

Come along and see a range of Emerging Textile Talents from St Bede's RC school who are currently studying Textiles Design.

Nicole Dixon

Jessica Mckay

Jessica Mckay

Jessica Mckay

Daniel Bowes

Emily Davison

Erin Smith
Kat Anderson

As I See It Exhibition by Emerging Artist Ruth Bolam

2011-02-23T10:34:00.000-08:00

Made in Newcastle is VERY proud to present “As I See It”
An exhibit by our youngest aspiring talent Ruth Bolam

Premièring on Saturday 19th February

This creative young artist has a keen eye and a varied style which will appeal to audiences of all ages and tastes. Catching images of idyllic scenery, natural portrait shots, amazing architecture and unusual angles which make the most mundane of objects into something fascinating to look at.

Made in Newcastle, 79 Grainger Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

www.madeinnewcastle.org

Come dine with me

2011-02-19T08:57:00.001-08:00

This is your invite to the 1st Come Dine with MIN dinner date.

The theme is 'Warhol' - so interpret as you see fit.

The price of £15 includes food and drink and the best company money can't buy.

Tickets are limited so get yours asap - as there's 26 diners max.

The evening will include hot chat and inane gossip about the rich and infamous, posing and social intercourse.

Veggies - please let yourself be known so we can accommodate all...

All you have to do is buy your place in advance at Made In Newcastle Shop or you can pay via Paypal using the email ngoogle@live.co.uk.

Dress to impress and make sure you're on time as being fashionably late is soooooo last year. Bring your camera too.. we would like to post footage of this fabulous event on You Tube!

Look forward to seeing you on Friday 4th March at 7.30pm, Made In Newcastle, 79 Grainger Street, Newcastle.

2011-02-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

Made in Newcastle is proud to host the latest temporary artwork by the incredibly talented Harriet Rollitt:

A growing work that takes inspiration from the colours and textures she observes from within the walls of MiN. Splashing colour from place to place, Harriet is a multi-faceted artist constantly exploring the boundaries of her talent. Painting is her primary passion; with brush in hand she creates scintillating works of art.

Come down to 79 Grainger Street this week to see how her piece takes shape. For more information go to www. harrietrollitt.com

Inspiration Thursday - The Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-09T22:34:00.000-08:00

I found this great video from Benji Davies and Jim Field.

Year of the Rabbit from Frater on Vimeo.

Maybe it can get all our 'creative' MiN designers and supporters thinking of Rabbit themed products to bring along to the MiN store on 79 Grainger Street? Any ideas?

Handmade Valentine

2011-01-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

Want to show that someone special just how much you care? Well handmade is the way to go.

Sample a few of our wonderful sellers items below that are brought to you especially for valentines day:

Bathe in style with these bath fizzes

Want to proclaim your love through an artistic medium?

A necklace with love?

And who could resist cuddling up tight with these...no partner needed for this one....

I love you, you love me, that's the way that it should be.....

Want to say it with a scarf?

These two are for the female of the species

And most definatley for the male...

Proclaim your love to that someone special in your life in the only way - HANDMADE with your favourite MiNNies. Pop into the Made in Newcastle shop for an array of lovely Handmade gifts...

How to price your handmade items?

2011-01-27T13:03:00.000-08:00

A great article produced by our friends at UK handmade. Larissa Robinson-Joice of www.giggleicious-photography.co.uk covers that age old topic of "pricing"!

Some points she makes are:

You ARE a business person, no matter what your craft and should organise yourself as such.
You should pay yourself NO LESS than the minimum wage and this should be factored into the prices of your goods.
Factor in the WHOLE cost of making your goods; both waste and used materials (such as off-cuts), shipping (to you), your tools and equipment costs, rent, repairs, phone, internet, website costs, electricity, advertising and office equipment. (You will need to make educated guesses with regard to utilities, especially if you work from home.)

To see more information on this blogpost, visit:

What else is happening in the North East?

2011-01-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

An exhibition from our friends at the Empty Shop in Durham.

'The 3rd annual Empty Shop Open opens with a hell of an opening night at Empty Shop HQ. Featuring work by artists from across the North East of England the exhibition marks the 3rd Birthday of Empty Shop.

Time: Friday, January 28 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Location: Empty Shop HQ, 35C Framwellgate Bridge, The Gates Shopping Centre, Durham

Also taking place that evening you will have the chance to see the installation in the Stairwell Gallery by Cardiff based Spike Dennis and a whole host of other exciting art activites.'

Visit their Facebook page to confirm your attendance or visit them at emptyshop.org for more information on this great creative venture.

Spring is in the air...

2011-01-14T13:26:00.001-08:00

Have you popped into the MIN shop at 79 Grainer Street recently?

We have a wonderful array of Spring (yes, spring!) lovely handmade items for you to browse, appreciate, and hopefully, buy that you could not find anywhere else in the North East. All items are one off lovelys that need to be seen by an appreciative handmade buyer and took home to love and cherish...

Is that you? Well get your socks to 79 Grainer Street now!

Heres a sneak preview of some of the lovely things we currently have for sale...

A lovely blog post

2011-01-13T01:22:00.000-08:00

This is a blog post about another blog post ;)

Just a little note to say a BIG THANKS to Linsey for writing about MIN in her 9th Jan 'Lets get creative' post on her fab blog BoomBangBlam. If you get a mo please take a look about what she has to say about our humble shop and read about the fantabulous Make and Mend market which all of us MINies love. Click here to read all about it.

Keep the rocking and spread the love
MIN x

Great Blog mention

2011-01-05T14:34:00.000-08:00

Great Blog mention

Thanks to Karen Jinks

for promoting Made in Newcastle on this blog:

http://ukhandmade.co.uk/content/scene-made-newcastle

Lucie Harris at Made in Newcastle

2010-12-30T02:12:00.001-08:00

Made in Newcastle welcomes Lucie Harris to our Exhibition space...

In her own words, Lucie explains her creative process:

I studied Painting at the Slade School of Fine Art (1990-1994) and then completed an MA at the University of Northumbria. (1995-1997)

This work is inspired by celebrities and fed by my addiction to magazines. I am fascinated by the surface of these images and what lies behind the carefully made up faces. I went through an especially intense Grazia period. I picked out iconic images of women we love to look at and who intrigue me about their interior lives. I use a range of materials including oil paints, watercolours and felt tip pens. I am inspired by artists Elizabeth Peyton, Stella Vine, Alice Neel, Lucian Freud and Chaim Soutine.

Grand opening at Made in Newcastle

2010-12-19T01:20:00.000-08:00

The first day nerves of the new Empty Shop project from the Made in Newcastle Team is over! A fun packed days was had by all and the shop was busy, busy busy!

Remember our current empty shop will be a month long project so come and get your wonderful array of handmade goods form the MiN team whilst you can and do your bit for the handmade industry whilst you can.

Thanks to the lovely Brittany Coxon for taking the first of our new product photographs.

Grand Opening Dec 2010

2010-12-14T08:20:00.002-08:00

Made in Newcastle will be opening to the public this weekend!!! YAY!!! Come and get your last minute christmas presents from the new store...

Made in Newcastle will be at 79 Grainger Street for the holiday season.

Visit Facebook for more information

Good News Everyone!

2010-12-10T03:18:00.000-08:00

We at MiN HQ have been working our little (and big) socks off and have managed to sort out a new location for the shop.

Made in Newcastle will be at 79 Grainger Street for the holiday season.

That's next door to Greggs and across from the Bigg Market. We have a bit of work to do before we are ready to go but we aim to be open for next Saturday. We've already had a few MiN helpers in to transform this empty box of potential into our wonderful new home.

There is plenty of big, empty space to be used, the back area (below) will make an excellent space for workshops, exhibitions and guest makers as well as MiN members.

Oh look, we can see our old home from one of the back windows! Wave everybody, wave.

A photo from last night just before we packed up, as you can see plenty has already changed from those very dusty first few pictures. Lots of cleaning has been done and we've painted the back area a lovely shade of white. You might also notice the floor in the back area is different, we must say a huge thanks to Jamie for recycling some heavy duty shelving into a wonderful raised floor, a quick coat of paint and that will look super classy (it really already does).

Even Emily and Elise could feel the creative potential in this shop and got to work on colouring some lovely pictures. Good work girls.

Stay tuned for more news on the new shop and for details of our opening day!

Made in Newcastle Metro Centre fair

2010-12-02T11:44:00.001-08:00

The North East is 'thigh High' in snow, but despite this many of our lovely MiNNies and Artistic creatives of the North east turned out to present their wares at the Made In Newcastle Chrsitmas Fair at The Metro centre yesterday.

Should you have some spare time to pop along today, it would be great to see you there! If not, watch this space for the soon to be lauched 'phase 2' retail space for Made in Newcastle...

2010-11-25T04:57:00.001-08:00

Made In Newcastle Christmas Fair

2010-11-16T01:38:00.000-08:00

Hello there! Long time no speak.
Well we have some news for y'all. Although we've not quite yet got the new premises sorted for the shop, the We Make North East collective are still beavering away with projects.
Last month we ran a bauble decorating workshop for charity at the Metro Centre. In return for all our grafting the lovely peeps at the shopping mall are allowing us to use the central space of Exhibition Square to host a Christmas fair.

The fair will be on the 1st and 2nd December and we have lots of lovely artists designers involved selling all sorts of gorgeous lovingly made gifts, at very reasonable prices.
We will be in the Metro Centre from 10am - 10pm so please come by and say howdy, tell us that you miss us and make us feel all warm and cosy :) ha ha.

Also there are still some spaces left so if you want a stall on either or both days. Spaces are £30 for one day or £50 for both. Please note you will need public liability insurance and you will need to provide your own table (chairs we already have). All money generated from the stall hire will be put into setting up the new MIN shop which we are now in sniffing distance of sorting out.
If you would like to know more contact lucyfarfort@yahoo.com for details.

What Now? (A tale of two MINs)

2010-10-14T01:40:00.000-07:00

The last trading day of MIN at 22 Nun street was on Sunday just gone - a lovely day with lots of lovely people.
The yard sale raised an unexpected £102 for the new project, which is ace! So a BIG thanks to all those who contributed as this will go towards funding our new endeavor. Which brings me nicely round to the question ‘What Now?’ ....

So here is a little tale:
Once upon a time a lovely lady called Rachael lived in a city called Newcastle Upon Tyne. She walked around the city one day and felt uninspired by all the empty shop spaces she saw, once inhabited by the good people of the city selling their wares.
At that moment it occurred to her - ‘I will take an empty shop and transform it in to something wonderful’.
With a little help from the friendly Newcastle City Council genies and a lot of searching, the perfect shop was found. Rachael quickly used the power of the ‘Magic Makers Horn’ (oo er Mrs). This enchanted item was bequeathed to her at a magical craft market some months ago. She blew on the horn and summoned forth creative people from every corner of the city. Together they used their skills and powers of making and formed the mighty ‘Made In Newcastle’.....

Okay, okay this is going on a bit, so we’ll skip the next bit of the story and we’ll just cut to the present day -

Over the time in 22 Nun Street the makers and artists involved have grown, which has resulted in a really great network of creative people keen to add an independent stamp to the face of Newcastle’s High Street . This group of makers & artists created from the sea of MIN have now formed as a collective. To make this bit as dramatic and exciting as possible - this group shall hence forth be known as the ‘We Make North East’ collective.

We are happy to announce that this Tuesday we received the very happy news that we’ve been successful in securing some further funding to get us set up in a new premises.
Now it gets a little confusing, but here goes - We Make North East will be continuing the project at a different location and guess what? That shop, gallery come workshop space will still be known as ‘Made In Newcastle’. Yayy! Its back.

Thats right, just like a phoenix MIN has risen from the flames of our beloved 22 Nun Street which we expect is now coated in tinsel & baubles ; )

At the moment we don’t exactly know where the new property will be. Although, we do have a very good idea, but don’t want to tempt fate by telling you where it is likely to be until we know for sure.
Anyway it is expected that in a few weeks time we will have everything sorted and we can rebuild a fresh & very tasty Made In Newcastle (MK II).

In the words of the Terminator...’I’ll be back!’

Newcastle Craft Mafia fair at Made in Newcastle

2010-10-04T03:50:00.001-07:00

The Newcastle Craft Mafia fair at Made in Newcastle on saturday was a great success.

Showing upstairs in the gallery and Sewing cafe for the day were:

Irish Granny

Thread Spider Textiles

Rule Britannia

Sitting on the wall

And a few other crafts people showed up to make the event a truly fun packed day! thanks to all craft people and visitors!

This was the first market for Peggy Day.

Josie Clementine and her uniquely gorgeous knitted pieces

Claire Wilsher's Fabulous socks monkeys

Sally Cinnamon shows of her quirky resin products

Last Exhibition this week

2010-10-04T01:38:00.000-07:00

Bye Bye 22 Nun St Closing Event

2010-09-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

Come and join our farewell to 22 Nun Street closing celebration on Sunday 10th October from 12noon - 5pm.

The current inhabitants of 22 Nun Street, Newcastle, otherwise known as MINnies will be leaving for pastures new to form fresh projects & empty-shop endeavors. The last trading day will be Sunday 10th Oct and to celebrate we will be offering some tasty nibbly treats and refreshments to entice you in. We'll also be holding a special YARD SALE to raise funds for a new project coming out of MIN - so drop by and see what bargain oddities you might find.

After closing the MINnies will be having a goodbye drink at Lord Leigh Park & Lady K's Funky Butt Club at the Cumberland Arms in Ouseburn if you would like to join us.

22 Nun street may soon be a distant memory but there is exciting news on the horizon, so watch this space!

Its for charity folks...

2010-09-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

Newcastle Craft Mafia - MIN craft Market

2010-09-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

If you would like a stall at this event, there is a few paces left, please contact:

mial@newcastlecraftmafia.com

charity auction success

2010-09-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

A fantastic Auction was held today by the lovely Miss Pearce for Crisis Skylight...thank you all who attended and a bigger thank you to those who purchased!

The bidding auction commences...

Thanks to Reluctant Hero for their kind donation to our Auction tomorrow

2010-09-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

Crisis Skylight Charity art auction artwork up for grabs on Sat @ 3pm

2010-09-23T04:47:00.001-07:00

So Long, Farewell, Auf wie-der-sehen, Good-by-ee!!

2010-09-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Our time is up...

Made In Newcastle is closing on 10th October because the landlords of 22 Nun Street have found a commercial tenant. No Moaning Minnies please. This is the deal with pop-up shops - we embrace the temporary and make the most of what we are given, for the short period we have it.

I set up Made In Newcastle as an anti-capitalist project, offering Newcastle people free use of city centre space within which their creative ideas could be developed. It was built on my belief that encouraging creativity is a powerful way of resisting the cloning of our city and the stereotyping of local people solely as consumers.

Made In Newcastle has been a multi-use space that encouraged all creativity. Anybody was welcome to be involved if they were willing to contribute to the running of the project. Because of this policy we’ve had poetry, dance, political discussions and public meetings, we’ve had meditation, graffiti, sewing, massage, chess, book groups, comic making and visual arts such as sculpture, photography and painting, there’s been music, crafts, skills-sharing and retail. And as everyone’s involvement is based on their own creativity nobody has made financial profit from other peoples work.

Being a ‘pop-up shop’ has been intrinsic to our success. Having limited time and budget has meant that people have been energetic, resourceful and committed to working together. My hope was that in using this temporary free space everybody would feel inspired, extend their networks and develop skills which could lead to some people setting up their own projects.

Setting up a pop-up shop is easy, it’s exciting and it can be a radical response to the branding of our city by shit fashion chains and bland coffee shops. I’m going to set up another pop-up Made In Newcastle – it won’t be exactly the same because doing this has helped me develop new ideas about creativity and I’ve made mistakes that will help me do better next time. I’m also happy to give advice and support to others who want to resist the branding of our city.

So bloody well done everyone who’s been involved...now get out there and do-it-yourself.

Rachael Streather

Founder of Made In Newcastle

Well we have some sad news. Unfortunately a few days ago Made In Newcastle was given notice to vacate the premises at 22 Nun Street.
As is the temporary nature of empty shop projects we knew it was coming at some point, although we had hoped it wouldn’t be quite so soon. However a tenant has come along and our last day of trading will be on Sunday 10th October in order that we can be cleared out by 13th October.

But wait this is not the end! Like a phoenix we rise from the MIN creative ashes and even now as you read this, we are beavering away to find ourselves another space and other ways to continue a similar project.
Although Made In Newcastle in its current form will be no more, the group of makers & artists formed out of MIN will be re-christened with a brand spanking new name to fit in with the collective spirit of the project which we are taking forward. A bit like the artist formerly known as Prince, only not a squiggly symbol. Anyway squiggle or no squiggle it will be amazing, so watch this space.

We hope to have some kind of bitter-sweet celebratory event to wish 22 Nun Street goodbye and thank everyone for their support, so we will keep you updated.

There are now 18 days left until we close and this is the start of a count down to new things, but while you still have a fleeting chance, get yourselves down to Made In Newcastle at 22 Nun Street before it transforms into a Halloween/Fireworks/Christmas shop type thing (which it will inevitably be).

18 days to go and counting

Thank you to photographer, Magali Pettier for her kind donation to our charity auction

2010-09-20T02:03:00.000-07:00

Magali Pettier is a freelance filmmaker and photographer who graduated in 2005 in Photography, Video and Digital Imaging from the University of Sunderland. Nominated the same year for The Guardian Student Media Award as Student Photographer of The Year, Magali went on to being commissioned by the IPRN (Sunderland) to undertake a two-month photographic research on migrant workers in Singapore. Since then, Magali has worked on multimedia projects including the publication of the book ‘I see, you don’t, see’, a sound and photography project with women sex workers based in Newcastle upon Tyne. In 2010, Magali was commissioned by Darlington Arts Centre to direct, film and edit a series of five short documentaries about 5 community groups. Following this, Magali has been working with the theatre director and filmmaker Alan Lyddiard to produce ‘Virginia House’, a film looking at the progression of homeless people over six months, as well as an installation called 100 faces, 100 stories. Finally, Magali is now working on a documentary film with Veto Films looking at the lives of farmers in England and France (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbvqiPY8x04). For more information on her work visit www.magalipettier.com.

Made in Felt - Neelde Felt workshop at Made in newcastle

2010-09-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of the attendees of the Felt workshop on Thursday evening. A good evening was had by all and some wonderful pieces of work were produced as you can see by the array of photographs below:

Should you be interested in more felt making activities, drop me a line at mail@sittingonthewall.com and i will add you to our mailing list.

In the news!

2010-09-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

Evening Chronicle 28 August

Mono-printing workshop

2010-09-17T04:43:00.000-07:00

Yippee!! The multi-talented Becky of Rawfish Designs will be holding a mono-printing workshop for all you budding creatives on Saturday 9th October at 10.30am - 2pm.

Over the course of the day you will be shown how to produce these effective one-of-a-kind prints using different coloured inks to create a series of mono-prints. From these you will select your favourite image and frame the result.

This will be held at Made in Newcastle, 22 Nun Street, City Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

The cost of the workshop is £20. If you would like to take part please register at the shop. A £5 deposit will be needed to confirm your place.

Thanks you artist Christine Charlton for donating to our auction

2010-09-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

Christine Charlton is Charlie’s Missus.
She loves stepping out with her vintage and toy film cameras and capturing the world in a slightly obscure but thoroughly beautiful manner.
Christine also paints, draws, pastels, sketches and digitally photographs lots of other nice things too, so contact her to commission something a bit special.
Visit her website www.charliesmissus.co.uk and find something nice to hang on your wall.

BoBu Couture Autumn Collection of Ridiculously Desirable Things!

2010-09-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

Oh Yes! BoBu has been beavering away at her ‘Tinkers Mantle’, creating a range of new-to-you customised shoes and accessories.
Now on sale at Made in Newcastle - a delicious selection of one-off designs using new and vintage materials.

The shoes are nearly new or once worn, sourced from all over! They are then revamped, reworked, restyled and revitalised using my treasure trove of embellishments and fabrics. I use industry standard adhesive and hand sewing – ensuring the finished product is not only a work of art, but can withstand normal wear, as would any embellished fashion shoe.

The shoes may have the odd minor wear from previous owner or storage, however, I would not sell anything I would not wear myself, and they are sold in near mint condition unless stated.

If you own a pair of shoes that you would like customising, do get in contact, ngoogle@live.co.uk as I may just have the finishing touch you are looking for. Prices on request.

Enjoy life. Enjoy shoes!

2010-09-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the kind donation from textile artist Mandy Pattullo to our charity auction

2010-09-13T11:49:00.001-07:00

Mandy Pattullo re-cycles and re-uses old textiles to create contemporary heirlooms and garments. Her current body of work relates to the thrift and ‘make-do and mend- culture of past times, in particular needlecraft created by women in domestic settings. The work evokes an era when scraps of fabric were saved for making quilts, linen was repaired and buttons were kept. Evocative compositions force us to re-examine fabrics that have become flawed through wear and tear, to find in them a new beauty.

More of Mandy’s work can be seen at http://threadandthrift.blogspot.com

Beading workshop anyone?

2010-09-10T02:33:00.000-07:00

Crafternoon Back again...woo hoo

2010-09-08T00:50:00.000-07:00

Sea Glass Jewellery Workshop

2010-09-07T01:18:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful first round Emma's fab sea glass workshop is back by popular demand.

On Saturday 11th Sept at 10am to 5pm (approx) you can discover how to drill your very own piece of sea glass and all the different techniques you can use in your jewellery making.

The group will start the day off by meeting in the shop, then together you will take a trip to the beautiful Seaham where you'll be able to find a collect some sea glass treasures of your own. The group will then re-fuel with the aid of a cuppa and cream scone and after which you will head back to the Made In Newcastle shop where you will be given a demonstration and tutorial on drilling the sea glass.

The workshop is £27.00 - this includes your train fare to the beach, refreshments (tea & scone) and the tutorial at the shop.

If you would like to register your interest for this workshop please contact Emma on either: 07765937521 or email emylou@live.co.uk
A £5.00 deposit will be required to secure your place.
Don't miss out as there are limited places!

Ben Lawson Free science for artist talk

2010-09-06T04:26:00.001-07:00

Kirsten Murray-Borjerg coming soon

2010-09-06T04:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you Theresa Easton for her contribution to the Charity Art Auction

2010-09-06T04:14:00.000-07:00

Theresa Easton uses printmaking techniques in a variety of media including glass, paper, brick clay and metal. She is interested in pushing the boundaries of printmaking, creating unique printed glass, paper and artist’s books. Easton’s area of work spans commissioned public art, such as the Metro Centre’s 2009 hand printed glass cubes, located in the Yellow Quadrant to international exhibitions such as the 5^th International Artist’s Book Triennial in Vilnius 2009. Easton’s practice centres on museum, heritage and social history interpretation. For a number of years, Easton has worked closely with Newcastle’s Literary & Philosophical Society, initiating projects connected with identity, artist’s books as well as completing a year long residency in the library.

Charity art auction for Crisis Skylight @ MIN

2010-09-06T03:47:00.001-07:00

Needle Felting workshop

2010-09-04T16:57:00.001-07:00

Roll up, roll up!

Following the success of the felt workshop delivered at The Shipley lates a few weeks ago, we have decided to offer a dedicated evening to the art of needle felting at Made in Newcastle:

Leeanne Lowe, from Sitting on the wall will host a fabulous evening of creating a range of wares with needle felting, provide you with the opportunity to consider activities to do in the comfort of your own home with you as well as providing a list of useful contacts to source materials, should you wish to invest in this therapeutic craft in the future...

Should you wish to book a place, contact:
leeannelowe@btopenworld.com
or book a place with the MIN team at the shop

The Shipley Late Show

2010-09-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

Fun was had by all at the Shipley late shows on Friday evening. The workshop on needle felting was a huge success as can be seen in the photos below!

We are in the press...again

2010-08-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

This time Culture Magazine for the journal

100 faces, 100 stories

2010-08-31T03:40:00.001-07:00

Creative and Dsylexic...

2010-08-31T02:28:00.001-07:00

Are you a dyslexic entrepreneurs?

People into Enterprise (PIE) is currently undertaking a piece of research in to the links between entrepreneurship and dyslexia. Research has found that 20% of entrepreneurs are dyslexic compared to just 4% of employed managers and PIE is interested in finding out whether people with dyslexia have a special talent for business or simply have a narrow range of career options - or perhaps something else that we don’t yet know about is driving their choices, and PIE is trying to identify dyslexic entrepreneurs who might be happy to get involved. Research has shown those in the creative industry creative are disproportionately likely to be dyslexic than in other sectors of the economy - If you do know anyone, could you let them know we are carrying out this activity.

You can find out more from the following website www.blueskythink.com

Please get in touch with Jane@peopleintoenterprise.com

www.peopleintoenterprise.com

Shipley Lates

2010-08-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

MiNnies are contributing to the Shipley Late Show this friday evening 6-10

Alsorts of crafting going on from book making to buying beautiful things...go on get yourself down there

Felting workshop anyone?

2010-08-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

Check out Adam Main product photographer

2010-08-20T04:58:00.001-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adammain

CREATIVITY IS ENDLESS...

2010-08-18T09:39:00.001-07:00

Calling all artist/crafters

2010-08-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

Motivation breeds motivation... FACT

2010-08-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

We have a wonderfully creative workshop space at MiN please use it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7AWnfFRc7g&feature=channel

BUY HANDMADE - Support your local Artisans and Crafts people

2010-08-14T04:33:00.001-07:00

If you havent already popped in, now is the time to do so. Remember by supporting this venture, you are supporting the Handmade artisans and crafts people of the North East area. Buy Handmade! As well as pledging your support to the MIN space, add you name to this site to show you are a true supporter of the handmade movement! Click on the link below:

Winter wonderland at Made in Newcastle

2010-08-14T04:10:00.003-07:00

The Elves and the M.I.N. team....

Well, one cold winter (no way is it still summer!!!!) morning we at M.I.N. woke up to see two little elves running from the retail space...all they left behind was some miniature footprints and a re-merchandised store....

Welcome to our 'Winter wonderland' retail space where we have a large array of goodies to take you into the colder seasons ahead of us. We will be hosting a sale starting on saturday to kick start our winter retail season at MIN.

See the pics below for a sneak preview of what is on offer:

Writers - Train your inner critic.

2010-08-14T01:48:00.001-07:00

Lucille Valentine, Writer in Residence at Made in Newcastle. I will coach you with gentle and supportive critique on your writing.

Send me up to 2000 words which I will read, and then write on with ink of varying colours. We will meet for ¾ of an hour - this could be at Made in Newcastle in Nun Street, which has a 1-2-1 room that we can book - and we will discuss your work in detail. I will look at the story, the shape, the pace, the characters... and the grammar where it interferes with Story.

I am a story teller, a story writer and a poet. A couple of my stories have been published, a short play has been performed at the Live Theatre and I have an MA in Creative Writing. I write a monthly magazine column and I spent many years writing technical, IT stuff, where creativity is not advisable. As a continuous member of two high quality writers' groups for the past nine years (my youngest son was three months old when I started) I have gained lots of experience in giving really useful writing feedback.

This service will cost £20.

lucille.valentine@gmail.com

SUMMER SALE

2010-08-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

WE ARE HAVING OUR FIRST SALE...STARTS THIS SATURDAY, DONT MISS OUT.

Roll Up Roll Up

2010-08-08T04:49:00.001-07:00

Words and Cake anyone?

2010-08-08T04:30:00.000-07:00

DORA FRANKEL DANCE PRESENTS

2010-08-08T04:20:00.000-07:00

DORA FRANKEL DANCE PRESENTS
DANCING DIFFERENTLY
An intimate dance piece for an intimate space
Join Cellist- Penny Callow
and
Dancer Dora Frankel
for an impromptu dialogue between music and movement on the mezzanine
level at Made in Newcastle
Saturday 4th Sept 2.30, 3.30 and 4.15

WE NEED CHAIRS

2010-08-05T05:29:00.000-07:00

Dear all

MiN is on the look out for a few more chairs

Anyone feeling generous contact the store...

Chairs Big Ears

Here are a Few of my Favourite things

2010-08-01T01:59:00.001-07:00

Featured Designer Makers: Christine White AKA Thread Spider Textiles

Today we are with Christine White aka Thread Spider Textiles
www.threadspidertextiles.co.uk

1. Fabrics and threads and fibres . I just love creating fabrics from scratch using combinations of wool, threads and hand dyed natural fabrics.

2. Colour There is nothing better than spending the morning surrounded by dye baths, turning plain white fabric into a myriad of rainbows colours. Working with colour is something I adore and am influenced by the stunning combination of colours in the world around us.

3. My wonderful Bernina sewing machine. It copes very well with the abuse I put it through and very rarely complains.

4. Bonda web - Where would I be without this fabulous substance .Of course I very rarely use it to hold fabric together. I’m much more likely to paint it, add glitter to it and melt it.

5. My backroom staff, in other words my daughter who advises me and my husband who is always there for me, taxi’s me around ,stewards exhibitions and generally puts up with me. Both used to having thread spiders all around the house.

6. Wine and chocolate . Both help when things are not going so well and after a glass or two of red wine my work appears to look better !

Made In Newcastle is SEW hot right now!

2010-07-30T02:36:00.000-07:00

The Made in Newcastle Sewing Cafe is ready to accept 'Spinsters' .. The term "spinster" originally identified girls and women who spun wool. In mediaeval times, this was one of the few livelihoods available to a woman in order to live independently of a male wage.
Of course we will also welcome men and any other gender that wishes to use the machines!

What's more, we now have a new machine. A brand new lovely all singing all dancing zig-zagging machine !!

The sewing cafe is under a bit of a make-over , that being Yve Ngoo, Maureen Gallagher and Jo Brossman will be the needle mistresses who will programme sewing events, sewing machine rotas (when applicable), keeping the area inviting and tidy and being general busy bods in the vicinity. Thanks to Karina for the lovely new sign directing people to the Sewing Cafe.
Please encourage (responsible) sewing activity!

Jo has an idea for a sewing/textile group to meet on a regular basis to exchange skills and tips, if anyone is interested. Sounds like a plan to me - and she already has would be corsetieres clambering for a master class.

Apart from sewing cafe related news - the first art opening really brought the building alive, demonstrating it's full potential.
Geez.. we are soooooooooooo London!!! ( just better)

Great Article on the 4 o 5 Blogspot!

2010-07-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to http://thefourohfive.com for their article on Urban Crafts: Newcastle Upon -Tyne.

Newcastle Craft Mafia and Made in Newcastle were both deemed as worthy of a mention - Wohoo!!

Clock below to view article:
http://thefourohfive.com/articles/3374

I do like to be beside the seaside

2010-07-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

Get your buckets and spades ready for Emma's (Surf and Silver Jewellery) trip to the beach combined with a sea glass jewellery workshop on the 21st August.

Emma will be taking us along to a lovely local beach for a spot of sea glass hunting followed by a much needed chip break.

Once bellies are full the group will all head back to Made In Newcastle with their sea glass treasures to transform them into a beautiful 'one of a kind' necklace, to wow your friends and family with.

25 of your British pounds will get you to the seaside and back, some tasty chips (plus wooden chip fork if you're lucky) and a workshop on how to make your very own sea glass necklace which you can then take back & treasure.

This will be from 10am - 6pm, Sat 21st August and there are only 19 places so get in quick.

To book or find out more contact Emma: emylou@live.co.uk or pop into or ring the Made In Newcastle shop on 07765 937521.

Happy sea glass hunting x

As seen on Indie Quarter

2010-07-28T05:02:00.000-07:00

The wonderful Jenny Hudson of the fantabulous cult craft/design blog Indie Quarter has done a little write up of yours truly - MIN.

Indie Quarter was established in 2005 and features designers from a wide variety of disciplines, with everything from up and coming fashion labels, ceramics and textile designers to contemporary art, photography and jewellery.
Its a great way to find out all the latest in the craft, designer-maker and creative world and looks good to boot!

Take a look at the feature here:
http://www.indiequarter.com/blog/2010/07/26/made-in-newcastle/