Last Minute Panic and New Indiesmiles Article

OK. First things first. I have a new article in Indiesmiles.com today and I think you'll find it useful, especially if you have trouble getting organised, staying away from the kitchen and the chocolate, and staying motivated. Self discipline is something we have to learn when working alone in a studio or at home, so check it out. This month's winning Indiesmiles columnist is the one whose column receives the most views so please go and take a look and feel free to leave comments.
http://www.indiesmiles.com/ready-set-work


If you've been following my blog recently you'll be aware of the impending Mothers Day Craft Market (yikes, it's tomorrow and still so much to do). I set today aside in order to bake some cakes and flapjacks for the event as well as dealing with any last minute panic requests from crafters, but there's always something that happens that you just don't plan for. I found three huge pin tacks stuck into one of my car tyres and a slow puncture so it was just as well that I'm not a last minute merchant and had a spare half hour to dash down to Kwik Fit to get it sorted.

This evening I'll be dashing down to the venue to clear a space, set up tables and generally rush around like a headless chicken! Next week I'll show you photos of the event and let you know how it all went.

Mothers Day Craft Market

My life this week is expected to be pretty hectic, due to the big Mothers Day Craft Market that I've organised for locally based charity, Dignity Worldwide which aims to facilitate change and alleviate poverty in rural Zambia.

This craft market is the 4th that I've arranged and each time I send out the application forms I get a bigger response. I'm still receiving application forms with only a few days to go. The event will include 40 crafters, some of the most talented local people offering wonderful gifts, to include jewellery, ceramics, cards, bags, textiles, paintings and photography, bath and body products, toys and a whole heap of other amazing stuff. There will also be plenty of homemade cakes and refreshments available from our cafe area. The event is being held in Ivy Church with its stunningly beautiful Art Nouveau stained glass windows, as well as the adjoining hall (see address details below).

We always get a great footfall through these events and, weather permitting, we are expecting a great crowd to arrive on the day. If you are looking for a handmade, unusual or unique gift for your mum or just a little treat for yourself, come along and have a rummage, and don't forget to say 'hi' to me. I'll be the one with the table nearest to the cakes. Hey, I did organise the floor plans myself and thought it may be a good idea to be close to the kitchen to keep an eye on my daughter who is manning the food area herself. Really, that's the reason and absolutely nothing to do with the abundance of chocolate butter icing that will be going on!

Ivy Church,97 Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury, South Manchester, M20 2GP
11am-4pm