Patchwork fantastic!

I wanted to share some pictures from our last course of the Spring/Summer term, Perfect patchwork: Log cabin style throw. I'm sure you'll agree the results are fantastic! But it wasn't an easy road...with plenty of measurements, cutting and sewing to be done to achieve the finished product. Luckily our tutor Chris was on hand to guide everyone through. I find it amazing how the different combinations of fabric give each throw a completely different look and hopefully it will inspire you to take the patchwork plunge and begin to explore the creative possibilities!

Manchester Degree Show 2011

Don't miss the array of artistic talent on show this Saturday 18th - Wednesday 22nd July at Manchester Metropolitan University's Degree Show 2011, where art & design students display their final year achievements. It promises to be a creative melting pot of everything from embroidery and fashion to fine art painting and photography. You never know, you might spot the next big thing!

Super Duper Fair 2011

If you're a crafty maker from the North West then listen up! The Super Duper Fair showcases handmade and vintage pieces and will take place on Saturday 19th November 2011 in the Floral Hall of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool town centre. If you have some handmade gems that you would like to sell, just visit The Super Duper Fair blog or email Kerry Hunt at kerry.hunt@blackpool.gov.uk to find out how to apply for a stall. The deadline for applications is Friday 1st July.

Seeing the world through abstract eyes

Stephen Crowhursts illustration caught my eye a fair few weeks ago, so I thought it was high time I introduced his work to you. Seeing the world through abstract eyes he creates punchy images, combining linear marks and geometric shapes to great effect. His colour palette is strong and vibrant, demanding your attention and his aesthetic is playful. His work has appeared on everything from fashion to posters, and serves as inspiration as to the many applications your work can have. For all you print makers out there, this bold style lends itself beautifully and echoes the deceptively simple yet effective Scandinavian print style.

 

 

Chorlton Arts festival - Craft Fair and Family Fun Day

 
It's that time of year again when the Chorlton Arts Festival offers a myriad of arts based activities, from comedy, music, poetry to it's annual Craft Fair and family fun day, which has caught our eye.


The Craft fair will showcase Manchester artists and makers, as well as food and drink stalls, face painting and Latin, Arican and Asian Music - something for everyone!

It all kicks off at 11pm - 4pm on Saturday 21st May, at St Clemences Church on Edges Lane Chorlton. 

Hopefully see you there...

Cross sitch is 'in Vogue'

Here at the Ministry we are fans of all things craft, especially when a traditional technique is given a contemporary twist, which is exactly what Inge Jacobson has done with her cross stitched Vogue covers. Taking nearly a month to create, they really are a labour of love...but we think they are well worth it. We also enjoy Inge's concept behind the work, "I like the idea of having something mass produced become unique and handmade." After all the attention on knitting and crochet and a certain 'cool' status being achieved due to their use in top designers collections, we think it's high time cross stitch got a look in too. What better way to do it than on the front cover of Vogue!

Granny would be proud arts and vintage fair

A little French birdie has just tipped off the Ministry about a new and exciting arts and craft fair that will be taking place this Sunday (8th May) at The Font, on Oxford Rd. It promises fashion, accessories, art, hair and make-up, crafts of all kind, music, books along with tutorials and much much more..

After proving very popular in Glasgow it sounds right up our street, and we'll be dropping in to it all check out (and of course Maud Telastuo's lovely jewellery)