Spinners and Weavers

So... I spoke to the spinners and weaver guild tonight, and it went well, I think, I hope some of the women there get involved because they are so crafty, and wonderful. I also emailed the Embroidery league, because they're work is ridiculously incredible, amazing. I have  a meeting with Arts council tomorrow, which is great and I'm excited, but a little nervous. 

Ellen had an amazing Idea about having a table with half finished projects at the smaller info/festival to show the progression of work, and how it's possible to create something from nothing at any skill level. Heather has been feeding me a million amazing idea, and because of her magic I'm going to talk to the first nations store in the market and ask if they would host a beading workshop and believe me there is so much more that I'm trying to write down and keep organized. I'm going to call another meeting for Sunday the 1st of November for anyone who hasn't come out, and wants for information , and for the workshop hosts. everyone is welcome. 

Untying the knots- The first general meeting

Oh! the first meeting was held this afternoon at the market with good coffee and wonderful women filled with ideas. A small group sat down and worked out the basic, when/where/how. I know from past ventures that doing too much gets overwhelming, and doing it too fast makes everyone crazy, so this amazing festival of art will begin in January, when  a small festival will take place with a few contributers, artists, craftsmen, and anyone who wants to participate in the workshop series which we hope will run  throughout the winter.  The ideas which were thought up, was to have an initial small festival in order to advertise the workshop series and the intention of the handmade festival. Then from february-march the thought of holding 3-4 workshop series, these workshops would be Weaving, Doll making, Knitting (a class of beginners/intermediates and advanced knitters working closely with mentors to finish a small project) and Quilting. There would be a few day workshops as well (how to make a drop spindle, needle felting) for less involved crafts, and this would all culminate in a spring festival which will bring everything together, with DIY tables, sale tables small exhibits, a film screening and mini workshops. I would also like to host a workshop on creating your own Etsy store, and online business.   There is so much more... and it will come but I wanted to fill you in, at least a little. Tuesday I'm going to visit with the Weavers and spinners guild and Wednesday morning I have a meeting with the arts council. if you have any ideas let me know, I'm looking for people who would like to host a workshop, and/or a table at the mini fest in January!!

Please checkout our facebook group! 

Leia.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=143058293403

Meeting this Sunday at the Covent Garden Market, In the market near Hasbeans Coffee at 12pm for anyone who is interested in participating or recieving more info on the Handmade festival!!

- Leia

This week I submitted a proposal for programming to the library, because I'm hoping to host some workshops and ultimately th Fetsival withing the walls of the downtown Central library located @ 251 Dundas street http://www.londonpubliclibrary.ca/, The East Village arts co-op will also serve as a venue for some of these http://londoncommons.ca/node/6306.  I'll have to wait and hope that the library decides  to sponsor this event, because I would love this to be Low cost/free for everyone!

Wednesday Morning I have a meeting with the arts council to talk about funding.