Creative ID Art Exhibition & Craft Fair

Hello Folks,

Well it has certainly been far too long! How are you?! The Mucky Pup is busy beavering away, making lots of fantastic new items from Art to Jewellery!! Remember lots of updates are available through Twitter or Facebook! So do pop over.

I just wanted to quickly shout about an Exhibition currently on show within The Station at Richmond, North Yorkshire. I am thrilled to be a part of this event! I have been wanting to exhibit in this prestigious building for so long!

There are many fabulous Artists currently showcasing their work, which is also available to buy. So if you fall in love with a piece remember it could be yours! Everything is clearly priced and there is information available about the Artists... which is great!

The Exhibition started on Friday and is running right up until the 16th of May. Entry is FREE and there are plenty of other attractions within The Station, including a place to grab a bite or have a coffee, the Lost & Found shop, Cinema and lots more!

I'd love to hear if you managed to visit! Or better yet, if you found some amazing Artwork!!

The best thing is.. if you're heading North next weekend (10-11th May) then you will also get to have a browse around some amazing Craft stalls!! So if you've been wanting to view my latest Jewellery collection in real life then head on over.. I have lots of lovely Handmade items to show you.

Look forward to seeing you!

Until next time,
The Mucky Pup Gallery.

Hello Autumn

Hello Folks,

Well, Autumn is well and truly underway! Time to slip your feet into some slippers and crank on the heating. How are you all? Any exciting Autumn plans? What new makes have you got? Do feel free to share in the comments section below..

Here's a new *Charm styled* Button bracelet I've been working on. I wanted to use warm rich tones.. The main large Button is a gorgeous Vintage find!

I love all the different shades of purple and magenta... the colours work really well together, and add to the overall "warm" tone of the bracelet. What do you think?

Of course, I'm still making Resin Jewellery. Pop over to my Facebook page to see lots more.

Until next time...

The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Button Love

Hello Folks,

You might of guessed by now, that here at Mucky Pup HQ we love Buttons... in fact, it's probably fair to say I'm a little Button obsessed!

So imagine my delight when I came across a new range at IKEA, featuring (you guessed it) Buttons!!

I love everything about these items, the colour, size... just look how bold the print is? Not for the faint hearted I know, but as a (currently) pink haired girl, I'm not afraid of colour.

You can buy Fabric, by the metre (see below).....

 

However, my favourite item has to be the Rug.....

As soon as I saw this I'm sure my eyes glazed over and my mouth opened wide. I knew I had to buy one! Of course I shall tell my partner my finger accidentally clicked on the 'Add to Cart' button... everything after that would be a blur.

Sadly we live literally miles away from an IKEA, and they don't deliver everything they show online - clearly just show items you can't have for purely evil reasons.... So, I was really sad when I realised I couldn't also buy the fabric. This is only available in store, and I won't be going any time soon... One to add to the wishlist I guess!

What do you think? Do you own anything Buttony?

Until next time...

Gemma - The Mucky Pup

#Woof

The Dales Festival of Art: Photo Diary

Hello Folks,

How was your Bank Holiday weekend?

This Saturday & Sunday, I was lucky enough to exhibit as part of the Dales Festival of Art held in Leyburn along side the annual Food and Drink Festival.

The atmosphere was fantastic! Lots of people milling around town, and although a little windy, I guess the weather wasn't too bad.

Many Artisans were in the Artists Marquee which was in the middle of town, an open area allowing people to stroll right through... This is where I was. I loved being in the Marquee - right in the action, there seemed to be constant crowds of people. Plus we got a great view of the live performances on Saturday.

I'm really hoping the Art Festival will be back next year. So if you didn't get chance to come, fingers crossed you can next time....

......Oh, and here's a quick snap of my stall (excuse the boxes - only just finished setting up). I took a huge selection of items! Including lots of new pieces, which all seemed popular *phew*.

My Button Jewellery was the most popular product, nearly selling out of my Button Earrings! *Note to self, must make more* - Also my new Charcoal work went down well.

This is Matt, my very helpful partner. He did a fantastic job of helping me all weekend. What a Star... don't tell him that though!

Did you visit The Dales Festival Of Art? If so I'd love to hear what you thought, did you buy anything fantastic?

Right, I think it is time for a well earned rest. Taxi.

Until next time..

The Mucky Pup
#Woof

The Dales Festival of Art

Hello Folks,

I'm thrilled to be taking part in the Dales Festival of Art held in Leyburn, this coming Bank Holiday weekend (4th - 6th May).

This is a fantastic opportunity to come a long and support local talent.

At the Dales Festival of Art you will be able to follow the art trail around Leyburn or even try your hand at learning a new skill in the drop-in workshops, which will be sited around the town.

There will be many stalls to browse a long the Artists' Marquee and a few more for good measure in the Golden Lion Hotel. The Mucky Pup Gallery will have a stall (full of goodies) ready for you to Paw over...

Thornborough Hall will too open its garden as a Sculpture Park, complete with a willow weaving workshop. So this really is an event not to miss!

Fancy popping a long for the fun? You might even be one of the lucky few who are able to take home an Original Mini Artwork - for free! Just join the treasure hunt around town.

It's going to be a fantastic day, with Artisan products ranging from Artwork & Jewellery to Sculpture & Photography, there really is something for everyone! Fingers crossed for a lovely sunny day too. Well, we can hope....
Hope you have a fantastic day regardless, Until next time...

The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Special thanks to YorInspired who were kind enough to promote this event. Please help spread the word.

Button Jewellery

Hello Folks,

I love Buttons, and my new Jewellery range still includes those magical items!

Like this Autumn Leaf inspired Bangle, using a mixture of small and larger shank style buttons.

.....There is even a matching Heart pendant.

What do you think?

    

I've been working on lots more, so if you'd like to see - head on over to my Facebook page for regular updates, plus Twitter for more random chat.

Until next time,

Gemma - The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Be My Valentine

Happy Valentines Day Folks,

Did you receive any fabulous Handmade gifts?

I love all Typography related things, so when I saw these Laser Cut letters, I could of squealed! If only I was so clever......

These pieces (and more) are available to buy from Artcuts on Folksy.

 

Love Letters: Featured seller from Folksy, laser cut letters by Rebecca Cox  

To spread the Love, I am offering 20% off all products listed in my Etsy shop until Sunday (17th of February). Just enter " IHEARTMYDOG " when entering Checkout.

Hope you have a fantastic day regardless, Until next time...

The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Folksy Feature

Woo! I've been featured on the Folksy Homepage today, curated by ARCjewellery. Which made my day....

The items featured all had one thing in common, a Daisy theme.

So, if you've had enough of all the snow, take a look at this bright and colourful collection... Spring here we come!

Original Art by Gemma Goodall aka The Mucky Pup
Visit Folksy to view all the wonderful Daisy themed items, including my pop art styled Canvas (above). Please note: The homepage changes daily.

Until next time,
Gemma.

Artist Feature: Clare Lindley

Hello Folks,

First of all, let me wish you all a (belated) Happy New Year! OK, so I'm quite late.. but I do have an excuse. I've been crafting my little Paws off!

January is a month to reflect, plan and "do". So this year, I have decided to put more of an effort into my own Artwork. Because of this, I wanted to start doing a Blog feature (or two) on some Artists that I am totally jealous in awe of.

First up, I have decided to show the work of Paper Cut Artist, Clare Lindley. Who is also part of the Pop-Up Gallery....

Clare is a Yorkshire based Artist who specialises in papercutting, this involves using just paper and a scalpel to create an image.

"My work is influenced by the natural world, that's why you will spot so many birds floating about in trees! People sneak in from time to time, as do our four-footed friends! I started my papercutting just using black to cut the images from but have now started adding layers of colour, text and on only one occasion thus far, maps".

"Barking up the Wrong Tree"

Being a Mucky Pup, I had to show this Dog themed piece.

Clare will be taking part in a new Art Exhibition "Paperworks", at the Gallery in Masham, starting on the 18th May until 28th June. 

I'm a huge fan of Clare's intricate works of Art. If you'd like to see more, check out her Facebook page. Why not pop over and say Hi...

Until next time,

Gemma - The Mucky Pup
#Woof

A Handmade Christmas

Today is the 1st of December, which of course means that Christmas day is nearly upon us!

As an Artist I am always looking for ways to promote fellow Creative souls. So, why buy Handmade this Christmas?

Well, take a look at the "Buy Handmade Campaign". As they say, now is the time to buy handmade, and support your local small or family run businesses. All those indie Galleries, Craft shows and independent makers need our support, more than ever.

There are handmade items to suit everyone's budget, with sites like Folksy & Etsy where you can buy directly from the Artist...

From Christmas Decorations...

Decorations made by: Margaret Anne , Buttercup Boutique , Devonly Crafts , The Mucky Pup

To Gifts...

Handmade Gifts by The Cotton Potter , Stripes & Stars , The Mucky Pup Gallery, Sascalia

Why it's great to buy Original Artwork for a Christmas Present.

• It's Original - Unique 
• Made with Love
• More thought and effort has gone into choosing that perfect gift
• Supporting Independent Makers or shops
• Great for the Economy
• Price vs Value?  
• You spread the creative love!
 

Until next time...

The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Christmas Gift & Craft Fair

Hello Folks,

Just a quick reminder about an event coming up this weekend, on the 2nd of December..

Open from 10am till 3pm. There will be many stalls... with 33 exhibitors taking part! So hopefully something for all. I'll be there too, showcasing lots of Mucky Pup work!

If you're local, feel free to pop a long.. it's free entry, so bring the family.

Finally, good luck to all my crafting friends, who I know have many events of their own this season.

Until next time..

Gemma - The Mucky Pup.
#Woof

Feeling a Little "Bla"?

Hello Folks,

Have you seen the new Jewellery range? Lots of colourful pieces are now available in The Mucky Pup's Folksy shop..

Like this necklace...

So if you're feeling a little "bla" today, head over to our Folksy shop to cheer up. 

The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Social Media: Good for an Artist?

Well, surely the only answer is yes? As an Artist myself I find the internet to be a large and interesting space full of people with common goals and dreams… It is also a place for information and inspiration.

When you go out and meet new people, you network. The development of the internet has made this possible for anyone, wherever they are. Allowing you as the Artist, to showcase your talent, voice your thoughts…and possibly even gain paid work!

The internet has grown vastly since it began, with over 80% of the population now using it. The rise in social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter allow creative people the chance to show their work to a wider audience…bigger than any Gallery viewing. Your creative peers are also able to follow your progress through these sites, helping you gain inspiration from each other. Perhaps even developing your work into something greater…

Twitter and Facebook in particular also enable you to follow establishments you admire or wish to (one day) be a part of…for example, Artists may follow Galleries in the hopes that they take a look at their profile and like their work. Illustrators may hope to get noticed by a publisher looking for someone to illustrate a children’s book. It works both ways too; you may find a Gallery following you because they like your style…or persona! This doesn’t necessarily mean they wish to stock your work, however any contact is good contact.

Having your very own personal website as an Artist is seen as quite important nowadays, it acts as a digital portfolio. Something you can refer back to without carrying round a heavy folder full of work.

Don’t worry though…we aren’t all HTML geeks who know how to create a website from scratch, and that includes me!

If having a website really seems like the end of the world, there are many resources for creative practitioners on the internet, including many listings... such as Creative Boom. Or for those in North Yorkshire: CNY (Creative North Yorkshire). These sites act like a creative directory, where you can list your name and creative details...including your website address.  It’s easy! So if you’re not already on there think of the possibilities you could be missing!

Remember; always refer people to your website or social media page. Have a business card with the links. In today’s world of technology, you will find more and more people LOVE to correspond via emails or texts rather than speaking face to face. Gone are the days of the written letter from a special friend you haven’t seen in years…

What do you think? Do you spend all your free time promoting your work & business online? If so, do you see any results?


Until next time,

The Mucky Pup
#Woof

The Pop-Up Gallery: Art & Gift Showcase

Hello Folks,

Well, we've certainly had a busy few weeks working on some new items. So keep an eye on The Mucky Pup's Folksy shop for new arrivals...

In the meantime, I just wanted to quickly share another Pop-Up event with you. The Art & Gift Show featuring many talented Artisans from North Yorkshire.

The event is taking place this Saturday, October 20th, in Scorton a small village in North Yorkshire. You will be able to come a long to meet the Artists from 10am.

  

Our Mucky Pup, Gemma will be at this event, showcasing some great new Original pieces. From Art, Felt work and even Jewellery! Like this Ring:

Sneak Peek: Bronze Tone Ring, Butterfly Design - Resin Dome.

There will be lots to see (& buy) so we hope you can come along.

Until next time,

The Mucky Pup.
#Woof

Craft Fair vs Gallery

As an Artist and general crafter I am lucky enough to have work in Galleries around Yorkshire. I also manage to find time to promote and sell my work via Fairs... This got me thinking. Which is better?

Whether selling via a Gallery or a Craft Fair you need to have a fair idea of the profit margin for each of your creations. You will need to think about how much you would have to make (sell) in order to break even…..and then, hopefully make a profit.

Merino Wool Felt Sheep Painting.

For Craft Fairs, you also need to consider the costs of transport and any packaging you may use when selling.

Extra costs could be added if you wish to use electrical items, or other displays... each fair is different, and this is something that needs to be looked into.

.....and what about Child care? Many Craft Fairs are held on a weekend.

Due to all the extra costs to consider when exhibiting at a Craft Fair it may mean that you have to re-think your prices! But will they sell??
 
Craft Fairs can ultimately be an excellent way to promote your work, and business. Perhaps you have your own website, or Etsy/Folksy shop? These can be mentioned with each sale that you make. Plus, these events are a great way to network with Galleries and other Artists.

So what about showing and (hopefully) selling your work through a shop?

When showing your Artwork and Craft through Galleries remember the Gallery is doing a lot of the hard work for you! There are no hidden costs, no childcare to arrange.. a simple exchange of work, and should it sell… you can reap the rewards.

Galleries generally charge a Commission on every piece you sell, which can range from 30 to 50%, so this needs to be considered when pricing your work.

Whether showing your work via a Craft Fair or within a Gallery consider all costs before you sign on the dotted line. You need to be sure and fully happy with the contract. I've heard many stories of hidden costs, and been caught out myself!
Personally, I like having the opportunity to do both, but I do like having the interaction between people who view and compliment my work. Each "Aww" and "Ooh" makes me smile....
 
What are your thoughts? Have you had a good experience at a Craft Fair? What advice would you give?

Until next time,

The Mucky Pup
#Woof

The Pop-Up Gallery, Affordable Art Show

Hello Folks,

I've just got a bit of time to tell you about an up and coming Art Exhibition, which I am thrilled to be a part of.

The "Pop-Up Gallery" is back with a bang for September, showcasing "affordable art" by local Artists. All Artwork will be for sale priced £50 or under.

The Exhibition takes place in the quaint market town of Leyburn (North Yorkshire). Held at the Warland's Gallery.  Also on show, will be work by contemporary Artist Christina Simpson.

There will be lots on offer, in a range of mediums, so...

If you live in North Yorkshire and can travel to Leyburn, do pop a long. The Exhibition will be on from the 8th of September, until the 30th.

Remember, all Artwork will be for sale. Hope to see you there!

Until next time..

Gemma - The Mucky Pup.
#Woof

Felt (Fibre) Painting with Merino Wool

Hello Folks...

Just thought I'd show you one of my recent Felt "Paintings".

This small wall hanging is available through my Shop, Folksy & Etsy.
 

This Original piece is made by hand using Merino Wool, Felt & a Needle punching tool.
 

I'll be taking my creations to the next Sunday People's Market in September, but if you're not local, look out for new works in my shop soon.

Gemma - The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Darlington Sunday People's Market

I just wanted to share a fantastic new venture, brought to you by the people of Darlington. A local town, close to where I live.

The Darlington Sunday People's Market is a brand new Sunday market in the heart of Darlington's town centre. The Market which starts on August 5th promises to be an exciting event, with a variety of stalls. There will also be live music, balloons and even face painting for the children.

The Darlington Sunday People's Market is an ongoing event, initially be held on a monthly basis but the potential for that to be increased is there.. so who knows!

The Mucky Pup Gallery is lucky enough to have a stall, where we will be selling all types of handcrafted products. 

Felt Flower Brooches, available on The Mucky Pup Gallery stall. 

Many Darlington shop owners will also be trading on the day, including the friendly folk at Guru Boutique. So there really is something for everyone.

These types of Markets really help build communities, and more importantly they promote and support local business people.


So, if you happen to be around the North East on August the 5th, pop a long to Darlington's Town centre. The Market runs from 11am till 3pm.

 Image: Courtesy of The Darlington Sunday People's Market.

For more information about the Darlington Sunday People's Market head over to their Facebook page, where you will be able to find out more information, and perhaps take a peek at the other stalls available.

I hope to see you there!

Until next time,

Gemma - The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Where To Find The Mucky Pup?

Well, it has already been a busy morning here at Gallery HQ. Having just managed to update our Website, it's time for a quick Blog.

If you haven't already been over to our site, take a look..... There is a lot to see, and you can even find out who the Mucky Pup is... #Woof

New to the website is the addition of a Links page:

On this page you will be able to find out where else you can find us, browse our products... and most importantly where to chat!

With Links to Facebook & Twitter, you'll be able to join in the fun! Post comments, ask questions or just plain "like" an image.

You can also see where else our products are for sale! With Links to our Folksy & Etsy shops. Don't forget you can also buy weekly specials from our website shop too.

Phew!

We best get back to crafting...

If you have any questions or comments feel free to post them below. Do you have your own Links page? Perhaps you link to some other interesting sites... let us know!

Until next time..

The Mucky Pup.
#Woof

The Pop-Up Gallery (Craft Workshop).

Hello Folks,

I just thought I'd take a moment to tell you about an event happening this weekend, on the 21st July. 

You may have read a previous Blog post about a "Pop-Up Gallery" group, organised by Sue Dewhurst, a Yorkshire Artist. Well, the gang is back! This time the event is held at Redmire Village Hall, in North Yorkshire. 

This event is slightly different to the last, and includes drop-in workshops held by the Artists & Makers themselves! You'll be able to try out Jewellery making, willow weaving, paper cutting and take even a look at sculpting with driftwood. There will also be Artists showcasing their work.

Admission is Free to browse.

So, if you're out and about in Yorkshire this Saturday & feel like Crafting, then Pop a long to see the "Pop-Up Gallery" girls at Redmire Village Hall, 10am till 4pm. 

 

 
Until next time..

The Mucky Pup.
#Woof