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

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, 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

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

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.