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.

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

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

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

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

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

Pinterest?

Lets dive right in…

Last night, after seeing the 20th update of people mentioning Pinterest, I decided to bite the bullet and see what all the fuss was about.

We’ve probably all heard the negative stories surrounding Pinterest, and whether it infringes on Copyright, which in part is quite likely true. However, sharing fellow Artists work doesn’t have to be a bad thing... Why can’t it be a fantastic thing?

After asking for some opinions via Facebook and Twitter, I saw the response was pretty positive. To set up a Pinterest account you have to be invited. So by the power of social media I was able to gain an invite pretty quickly, & so my adventure began.

I soon saw Pinterest was a place where anything could be Pinned, for whatever reason. When people Pin items, they are all linked back to the original source. So in theory, if someone Pins an item from Folksy, Etsy or alike, then the Artist will always get credit. If lucky, this will result in a sale. Promotion. Another positive point to the Pinterest argument.

Pinterest however is also a personal place where you can Pin your likes, hopes and dreams… As dramatic as that sounds it‘s kind of true. From people Pinning Cupcake ideas, to anything Wedding related. People are clearly using Pinterest as a social media Mood Board for ideas. 

 

I myself have taken to using Pinterest as a place for inspiration. With most of my boards featuring colour themes. These boards include objects, clothes, picturesque scenes & more… all in one colour. Like an Online colour wheel. 

 
Having only just started using Pinterest I know there is still a lot to learn. If you want to check out my Pins, you can find me by searching MuckyPupGallery. 

 
So what do you think about Pinterest? What type of images do you collect?

Is Pinterest a good or a bad idea?

Post your thoughts below. Or feel free to leave a comment via Facebook & join the debate.

Until next time..
#Woof

The Mucky Pup.

The Pop-Up Gallery, North Yorkshire Art Exhibition

You may already be aware of "The Pop-Up Gallery", where a collective of Artists showcase and sell their wares around North Yorkshire, in disused commercial spaces. 

 

The Pop-Up Gallery was founded by Sue Dewhurst an Artist currently residing in Yorkshire.

"My vision is to bring bursts of artistic activity to various unusual venues around the Dales in a series of one-day Pop-Up events.

Each event will have its own character and feel, with an ever-changing array of both traditional and contemporary Art. Some will involve interactive workshops; others will just be viewing and selling opportunities. All, will aim to be informal, fun and occasionally a bit hectic,  a chance for Artists to venture out of their studios and meet the rest of the world, exchange ideas or just have a chat". 

The idea is to help Artists, and also boost local economies in a bid to beat the recession.

On the 2nd of June, at Richmond Station in North Yorkshire, along with a number of other Artists Gemma, (from The Mucky Pup) will be selling her Art and other Handmade items.

So... for all you North Yorkshire folk, why not enjoy the recent good weather and pop to Richmond. The station itself has a permanent Gallery (holding ever changing Exhibitions), a restaurant & cinema!! What more do you need on a Saturday afternoon?