FOCUS: UK Handmade 3rd Birthday Party Celebrations

A HUGE thank you to all our contributors, supporters and sponsors who came along to UK Handmade's Birthday party to celebrate 3 years of being one big, happy, handmade family; we couldn't do what we do without you all! 

It's always such an enriching experience to meet designer-makers and our supporters in the flesh because it brings home to us why we continue to do what we do with UK Handmade. There is such an abundance of creative talent in this country and we are so proud to be able to showcase some of it!

We were also lucky enough to have a wonderful selection of handmade work on display and for sale from a selection of UK Handmade members and We Make London Christmas Popup Shopping Experience Exhibitors...always good to squeeze in a little bit of Christmas shopping!. The display and popup stall were thanks to the amazing visual artist Zoe-H and We Make London who are working in collaboration with UK Handmade....more on this growing venture in 2012 so stay tuned! 

Display and Popup Stall by Zoe-H in collaboration with We Make London & UK Handmade

An enormous thank you and shout out to The Create Place for putting on wonderful workshops for us in contemporary french knitting, dorset button-making and crochet. It was fascinating to learn the history behind dorset button-making and a great way to make sure we all got a good dose of "making" in between copious amounts of cake consumption!

If you don't already know about The Create Place, it's an inspirational, self sustaining, not for profit social enterprise, "dedicated to bringing local artists, craft enthusiasts, designers, makers and complete beginners together under one roof to share ideas, learn, teach and be inspired to create. The Create Place offers a combination of workshops, open studio time, informal clubs and drop in sessions as well as being on hand to offer advice". Do check out their website for more information on their workshops and events!

Thank you to Luke of The Gallery Cafe for providing a delicious cake-tastic spread for us and Jennifer Whitehead for whiling away the wee hours of the morning baking cupcake towers and our fantastic birthday cake! 

Special thanks go to the generous designers who donated prizes to the raffle draw: A Alicia Accessories, Clare Bears, Meninafeliz, Sakura Jewellery, Chalk Hill Studio, Quernus Crafts, Dainty Pretty Things, My Furoshiki, Gillyflower Jewellery, Askey Illustration, Funky Diva Designs, Lesley McShea Ceramics and Haptree I think we had quite a few pleased raffle winners!! 

It was also great to meet those who have sponsored UK Handmade; Andrew of www.yourindies.com, a great website supporting independents and lovely to meet the EtsyUK crew who came along to celebrate with us.

It really was a collaborative handmade event and we were so pleased to have the chance to celebrate with all of you! 

Here's to another fabulous 3 years to come! *raises cake*