Brain Swoop

Howdy folks,

It has been a long while since I updated you about the goings on at Catbird Craft. It's been a year of rollercoaster proportions but I think that this has been true of the world and not just round our little neck of the woods.

One of the reasons it has been so quiet of late is the cat and the bird have been preparing for their very first exhibition! Friends of the cat own and run The Long White Cloud, a fantastically laid-back Kiwi haven within the sound of the Bow Bells. Shoreditch and Hoxton meet here and the cafe has a rolling rota of new and established artists of different disiplines exhibiting and performing there.

The idea for Catbird Craft's exhibition came from a condition the bird experienced, earlier this year the medications she was on were giving her this weird 'Brain Swoop'. In her words "To me, it's that feeling like your brain is physically falling inside your skull. It's not actually going anywhere but it feels like it's just dropped off its perch. It's not dizziness, it's way too fast a sensation for that." 

Birds in this household are of course very near and dear to all the residents. Mental health is also important to us all too. The bringing of these together was a natural process. Birds may represent freedom and imagination (Lynyrd Skynrd's Free Bird/flights of fancy) or pests (Magpies ate my baby!). The two want to celebrate the many impossibly beautiful parts of mental illness along with the grotesque and the despair. There are predators and prey; the colourful and the faded, all within the walls of the patchwork urban jungle that is testing it's many inhabitants to their limits. 
 

The exhibition runs from the 1-15 August. If you in Hoxton on the 2nd August please drop in to say hello to the cat and bird at the private view from 6.30pm. Long White Cloud is also a cafe and open until 6pm every day. I can testify that they make fabulous food (incl gluten free) and coffee, plus kiwi treats for the homesick or the curious! There is even kiwi beer and wine available in the finally balmy English summer evenings (check their website for opening hours).


We are privileged to be part of the Shoreditch Fringe Festival and for having the amazing space at Long White Cloud to showcase our new works. Don't tell anyone but we are also proud to be part of the London Olympic cultural festival, although this is an unintentional honour as the cat did not realise when organising the dates that it would be smack-bang in the middle of it.

I look forward to bringing you photographs of the exhibition after the view next week! But for now, I have a large tumbler of brandy awaiting me and it's not going to drink itself.


My regards to you all,
Frank
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New Stuff...

Howdy Folks!

Just a quick note to let you know that we're now selling prints in our Etsy Shop. We have both art prints and photographic prints.

The images below are merely a sample of some of the things you'll find on our newly stocked digital shelves. 

We hope you'll drop by and visit us,

Fond regards

Frank

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Thames Festival Craft Trail

Craft Trail

We Make London

Howdy folks!

We've been preparing for the biggest fair we've put ourselves forward for - The Thames Festival! This is the first year that The Craft Trail will be part of the festival and it sounds like it's going to be exciting! There are 40 designer makers with stalls in the We Make London collective over the weekend, and there are three other collectives also there, so plenty to peruse! There will be workshops and demonstrations on both days, and some of the best experts in business will be giving their time and expertise along the Southbank.
Our stall will be there on the Sunday 11th outside the HMS Belfast (just between London Bridge and Tower Bridge) from 12-10pm so if you are in the area please come along and say hello!
We are also putting in submissions for the Nunhead Open this week so please keep your fingers and toes crossed for us that they accept our submissions, we will update Thursday when we know if any of our artworks have got through. Never do things by halves, us.

Regards to you all,

Frank
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We want your vote!

Howdy folks!

There are two days when your vote counts for us, please head over to The Handmade Gift Guide

We're no.34 please give us your VOTE!

Regards,

Frank

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Folksy Kapowder Room

Howdy folks!

The cat and bird (amongst others) were asked to answer a few questions about folklore by the Folksy Blog interviewer Konnie Kapow, you can find the interview and links to all the great shops here

 

Below is the latest creation by the bird, it is a skull fetish of a Deer Hind skull found in the Highlands of Scotland and was included in the article above. You can find out more about it in our shop on Folksy here

Painted Deer Hind Skull (Cervus Elaphus)

My regards to you all,

Frank
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Craft Britannia Etsy Team

Howdy folks!

This week I managed to get hold of another very busy lady, Margaret of MissElany, the Captain of the CraftBritannia team on Etsy. We found this team by chance when someone posted about a BNR† they were involved in over a weekend in January. The cat went to investigate, and that was it, we didn't see her for the rest of the weekend! Aside from the selling and buying throughout that weekend, which moved extremely quickly, the conversation flowed and it was lovely to find a group that has such varied and interesting members.

Mirabelle Fabric by Libetry of London from MissElany

 Margaret graciously allowed me to gently interrogate her about the workings of the team, how it's developed, and what is expected of it's members. So, without further ado...

Country Kitchen shelf sign blocks by Sparrow Primitives

Frank: When did you first start the team?


Margaret: Frutejuce, Dayzeelove, AREJewellery and myself were friends on another team on Etsy. We felt we wanted to widen the net to include the rest of the UK so we got together and decided to start our own team. That was back in November 2009 and since then we have gone from strength to strength. Since that time we have also added TWINKKNITS and CariadClay to our group of leaders that help in the smooth running of Craft Britannia.

Upcycled Handmade Mr Brown Bear by Mundane and Beauteous

 F: How long has Craft Britannia been on Etsy?


M: We started the team in November 2009 but it took quite alot of work between us before we actually launched the team on Etsy.

Cream Cake Necklace by Little Red Star

F: How would you describe the goals of the team?


M: The whole ethos behind our team is primarilly for promotion of each of our shops and Etsy within the UK. We have created a coffee shop feel within our team where we have virtual colleagues within Etsy. We are a friendly bunch who help one another out with tips, hints and also the most important factor we all help each other promote our shops. Without everyone doing some work in this field our team would not survive and be successful so we have no room in our membership for lurkers, everyone is expected to get involved and support the team.

'Red Song Yorkshire' Limited Ed. Linocut by Artlaz

   
F: Do you have to be on Etsy to become part of this team?


M: The team is open to all Etsy sellers based in the UK.

Crochet Charm Purse (Eco Friendly!) by Maimy

F: Is there any other way of finding out about Craft Britannia?


M: There is a team blog which is edited by dayzeelovedesigns, sassalynne and firephoenixjewellery and can be found here with tutorials, interviews, team treasuries and more, or go directly to the team page craftbritannia

Below are some examples of more Craft Britannia members' fantastic items:

Paper Shakespearian Garland of Hearts by Bookity

'Sundress' 7x5" fine art photographic print by DearOhDeer

The White Herald mini pocketwatch brooch by AlteredEras

Cat art Portrait Original drawing by stupidcats

All works are copyrighted to the artists shown above.

† BNR stands for Buy'n'Replace which is organised by a group of sellers, generally taking place over a weekend. A treasury is made of sixteen sellers, curators help oversee buying and conversations. Any seller can buy out another seller in the treasury and they in turn replace them and so on.


Thanks to our Team Captain, Margaret, and we are proud to be members of this friendly team on Etsy!


Regards to you all,

Frank
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Anything but a plain Crow!

There's a WHAT behind me?

Howdy folks!

How is this for a spectacular shot? Taken by the bird in Peckham Rye last week on one of the few wintry sunny days we've been lucky enough to have. I myself stayed in the warmth but both the bird and cat seemed very pleased with their afternoon's outing.  I have been informed that as soon as the printer is up and running (it is new-ish and the cat has yet to fathom it's vast array of complicated buttons!) there will be prints available for sale on the website and Etsy shop.

My warmest regards to you all,

Frank
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Spring giveaway!

 Howdy Folks!

      We at Catbird Craft are excited to let you know that we are having our very first giveaway! Let your friends, family (and any badgers), know for the chance to win. Once we have 100 people ‘like’ our fanpage on Facebook we will have a generated random draw and the lucky winner will receive one of our beautiful Spring Greenmen! 

To 'Like' our facebook page please follow the link below -

  http://www.facebook.com/catbirdcraft

Regards to you,

Frank 

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Dragons available for rehoming

Howdy folks!

   It's time again to introduce some more of the dragons available for rehoming to suitable homes. Fear not - none of our dragons are capable of producing a puff of smoke, let alone flames. Sadly, this is the reason our dragons are looking for new homes. If you would like to share your home with one of our dragons then you'll find them at www.catbirdcraft.co.uk.

Wilma
Wilma the dragon used to live in 17th century London. In 1666 she was living in Pudding Lane when she suffered a severe sneezing fit. Alas this led to the burning down of a great proportion of the city. She's been in hiding ever since. But, if it weren't for Wilma, we'd not have St Paul's cathedral, which was rebuild after the original one was razed to the ground during the great fire.
Great news! Wilma has now found a new home in Brighton.
We have found another red dragon called Mabel, she is ready for rehoming  now

  

Barbara

Many years ago, Barbara the dragon lived near Kingston-St-Mary. Local villagers were, needlessly, terrified of her great stature. One day an ingenious man climbed a hill near Barbara's lair. When she appeared, the man shouted down to her. As many of us would, on hearing the man's call, Barbara looked up. Unfortunately, this was what the man had hoped for. And he immediately pushed a large rock from the steep hillside. The rock plummeted and landed in Barbara's open mouth, wedging itself in her throat. Knowing that, without her fire, she was now defenceless from those who wished her harm, she fled the area, and had been in hiding until she came to us for help. The rock has now been removed, enabling her to put on some weight. Due to the damage caused by the rock, she is unable to produce flame.

Kenneth  Kenneth the dragon was kept as a pet by a wicked magician. Night and day, Kenneth was kept in a cage and was expected to produce a constant stream of flame to heat the magician's cottage. When Kenneth's flames ran dry, the magician attempted to transform him into a toad. Fortunately for Kenneth, the magic rebounded and the magician himself was turned into a warty amphibian. Kenneth was subsequently rescued and brought to us for rehabilitating.  

Tomaz
Tomaz the dragon survived an encounter with Beowulf. His mate was unfortunately slain by Beowulf's companion, Wiglaf. Tomaz has been in mourning ever since. A caring and understanding home is required for Tomaz.

Moira
Moira the dragon is phobic about badgers. She was hiding out in a deserted barn when she was discovered by a farmer who was looking to turn it into a cow shed. Because her fear of badgers was greater than her fear of the farmer. Moira refused to leave. The farmer called us. We managed to persuade Moira to leave the barn in exchange for the promise that we would try to find a badger free home for her. If you have a home without badgers, Moira could be the dragon for you. 

That's all for now folks. I'll be back in 2011 with more rehabilitated dragons in need of good homes.

Regards to you all,

Frank

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The Shipping News

Howdy folks!

   Let's talk about Catbird Craft's shipping rates. Okay, so it might not the most exciting of subjects...but it's important. Please note that, a) due to the currency conversion rate, USD shipping rates will fluctuate from the rates shown, and b) I will update this blog post as and when new items are available in the shops.

Cards

   We send all of our cards in hard backed envelopes to ensure they arrive in the condition in which they were posted. In the UK we post with 1st class delivery (we will obtain proof of posting). All cards going to Europe and the RoW we send via Airmail. Please note that non EU countries may incur customs fees. If you would prefer recorded 1st class delivery (UK only) we charge £1.50 (50p with another item). If you are shopping on Etsy please contact us before paying for the  item and we will send you an amended invoice.  

      Ship to -                                              Price                                 With another item

United Kingdom                                   £0.65 GBP                                  £0.20 GBP

                                                             $1.00 USD                                  $0.30 USD

 

 

European Union                                    £1.55 GBP                                 £0.50 GBP

                                                             $2.40 USD                                 $0.80 USD

Europe non-EU                                    £1.55 GBP                                   £0.50 GBP

                                                             $2.40 USD                                   $0.80 USD

Everywhere Else                                 £2.05 GBP                                   £0.50 GBP

                                                            $3.20 USD                                   $0.80 USD

Miniature paintings
        In the UK all of our miniature paintings are sent by 2nd class recorded mail. If you would like us to send your pictures faster than that, please contact us so that we can send them 1st class recorded mail, and send you an amended invoice.
  Everywhere else we send our paintings by Airmail. Unfortunately we're unable to send them recorded.

Ship to -                                              Price                                 With another item
United Kingdom                                   £2.70 GBP                                  £0.50 GBP
                                                             $4.20 USD                                  $0.80 USD
 
 
Everywhere Else                                   £3.05 GBP                                 £0.50 GBP
                                                              $4.75 USD                                 $0.80 USD

Plastercraft products

  In the UK we send our plastercrafts by courier. Once the items are dispatched you will receive a tracking code from us via email. UK mainland takes 5 days for delivery. Remote areas (IM, HS, ZE) there is a surcharge of £2.00. If you are in these areas and shopping on Etsy, please contact us so that we can send you an amended invoice.

Skullduggaries/ Four Seasons Wall Plaque/Candleholders/Celtic Cross

      Ship to -                                          Price                                         With another item

United Kingdom                                £5.00 GBP                                           £5.00 GBP

                                                          

Toads

     

      Ship to -                                          Price                                         With another item

United Kingdom                                £6.00 GBP                                           £6.50 GBP

                                                          

Dragons

  Ship to -                                          Price                                           With another item

 

United Kingdom                                £8.00 GBP                                           £8.00 GBP

                                                              

   Due to their weight, international shipping is very expensive for our larger items such as dragons and toads. If you live outside of the UK and you really want to purchase one of these heavier items, please contact us for shipping prices.

My regards to you all,

Frank

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Shop now open!

Howdy folks!

   
       We may have had no Z-list celebrity to cut the ribbon, and no warm white wine to wash down the stale vol-au-vents, but, nonetheless, the shop on www.catbirdcraft.co.uk is now open!

    There will be more items added in the next week or so so keep an eye out. Once those particular shelves are fully stocked, the cat and the bird can begin making some new items that they're especially excited about!! More about that another time.

As the snow begins to fall around the UK, keep warm folks!

My regards to you all,

Frank

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The Dragon's Den

Howdy folks,

   And now it's time for me to introduce our dragons. Now, I know what you're thinking. Will they burn my house down if they as much as sneeze? Fear not - none of our dragons are capable of producing a puff of smoke, let alone flames. Sadly, this is the reason our dragons are looking for new homes. If you would like to share your home with one of our dragons then you'll find them in the Catbird Craft shop, HERE.

Mycroft

Mycroft the dragon spent many years living in a country manor house where his sole purpose was chief fire lighter. Unfortunately when, after a nasty cold, his flames were extinguished for the final time so his employers abandoned him.

Penelope

Penelope the dragon was employed by a family to light their daily fires. Alas when the family upgraded to central heating, Penelope became surplus to requirements. She was brought to us in the hope that she can be rehomed. Absolutely no use for lighting your barbecue but she looks pretty. (Penelope has now been rehomed)

Dave

Dave the dragon was found hiding in a cave. He apparently survived an encounter with St George and has been in hiding ever since. Now that he's been brought up to date with the modern world he's ready to be rehomed. (Dave has now been rehomed)

I think it's time for a tumbler of brandy!

My regards to you all,

Frank

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Adopt a Toad

Howdy Folks,

Toads

It's time for me to introduce the toads... They aren't like other toads, and they certainly aren't suitable for licking. Believe me, I've tried - they hold no hallucinogenic qualities whatsoever, (even if they look like they should.) They make great garden ornaments, or door stoppers, maybe even a paperweight. If you would like to offer one of our toads a home, then you will find them in the Catbird Craft shop, HERE.

Gilbert

  Gilbert Toad was found trapped in a watering can somewhere in East Sussex. He was merely hours away from death and was very lucky to survive his ordeal. He has now been fully rehabilitated and is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. He's particularly fond of Fuschia bushes but a garden and/or pond isn't essential to his well-being.

 Ophelia

Ophelia toad was brought to us by a member of the public after she was found wedged in a drain. Her broken leg has now healed and she's ready to be rehomed. Clara is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A garden and/or pond isn't essential to Ophelia's's well-being.

Bartholomew

Bartholomew Toad was found in an under-road 'toad tunnel', seemingly to afraid to leave. As he was at serious risk of starvation he was brought to us for rehabilitating. His therapy has been successful and he is now suitable for rehoming to a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential for Bartholomew's well-being.

Roger

Roger was discovered trying to join Paul McCartney's frog chorus. After he was discovered to be a toad, and most definitely not a frog, he was brought to us for rehoming. Roger is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential.

Pauline

Pauline toad was found confused and disorientated in a swimming pool after mistaking it for a large pond. Her de-chlorination and rehabilitation has been successful and Pauline is now ready to be rehomed. She is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential.

Petunia

Petunia toad was a witch's familar in the 13th century. Until her arrival with us she'd been an exhibit in a witch craft museum. As a result Petunia is a shy toad but she is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential.

Elvis

Elvis toad was brought to us by health and safety officers after he was discovered working in a fish and chip shop in south London. He has now taken full retirement and is ready to be rehomed. Elvis is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential.

That's all for now folks,

Frank

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Open for Business!!!

Fanfare, please.

Howdy folks,

So it's been a long journey just to get this far; studio moves; ill health; an invasion of zombie badgers, have all been hurdles to navigate. Okay so that last hurdle is a lie but, nonetheless, the Catbird Craft acorn has sprung into life!

The Catbird Craft website is now online at www.catbirdcraft.co.uk

And, the shop is now open for business at  www.etsy.com/shop/catbirdcraft

We hope you will like what you find - there will be more things added in the coming weeks and months so keep checking back!

Thanks again to everyone who has helped us get this far!

My regards to you,

Frank

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Happy Samhain!

All at Catbird Craft would like to wish everyone a happy Samhain...And now it's probably time to crack open the pumpkin liqueur!!

And work recommences...

Howdy folks!
                             Well, I'm relieved and pleased to announce that work has recommenced in The Doghouse. The studio is now fully roofed (thank you, Mr Spitzer), insulated and, as such, is warm and dry. The Cat is working at a gentle pace as she recovers her health. Here's the proof...

 

   I do believe we're moving forward now. There's stock on the shelves! So our little acorn will be ready for planting on the 31st!

My regards to you all,

Frank

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Getting there...

Howdy folks!

                    Well, what a chaotic time it has been. Much has changed since my last blog post. The Cat is still recovering from her ill health. It will take a while so I, and the bird, have been insisting that she rests as much as possible. That has been easier said than done when there's been so much to do.

Neither the cat or the bird...but the sentiment is correct

   The shed is now a studio, (affectionately named 'The Doghouse'). The roof has been expertly felted by Mr Dominik Spitzer. He was such a star, out in the garden with a blow torch in the bucketing rain. He's done a fine job, and we're confident that it's well and truly waterproofed now. 

  The studio has also been 90% insulated. The cat and the bird caught a mint green sheep made from recycled plastic bottles, which was discovered wandering about in a local DIY store. They've lined the walls with this peculiar fleece and so far it seems warm and toasty in there. 

     Skylar Le Callen and Markus Wehrhahn were kind enough to give up their time and energies to help empty the old studio. With the help of the weary cat they managed the task in just a few hours. 

    The following day there was some tidying up to be done, and a few bits and pieces to be collected. But it gave the cat and the bird the opportunity to say goodbye to their time with the old studio. I think they were quite surprised at how sad they were to be leaving. They can't fault their time in Forest Hill at the Whirled Arts studios, but, sadly, good things aren't always practical. Huge thanks to Mike and Lee, you were both fantastic with your support.

   The majority of the contents of The Doghouse have been sorted out. The minority remain in the back of the van, waiting patiently for relocation to their new home. Very soon it will be a hive of productivity out there. Unfortunately, what with all this recent rain, the back door of the flat has swollen shut. Luckily it's a stable door so the top half still opens. This unexpected obstacle, at the very least, makes the commute to work 'interesting'. Oh, but such a laugh I had watching the cat and the bird climb over the stuck half of the door. Next time I will try and get photographs of this peculiar natural event. I don't think she especially appreciated me suggesting that she just fly over it, but the bird's attempt at door climbing really did remind me of Hannibal taking his elephants over the Alps. 

  

 So what else is new with Catbird Craft?

  Well...the business cards have arrived! The first of them were left in Catbird Craft's favourite fish and chip shop. I'm really not sure what this says about Catbird Craft; but it is fair to say that during this extremely busy time, that particular fish shop has saved them from starvation on more than one occasion.

   If that isn't exciting enough, the first of our greetings cards have also arrived. There are a few more designs due to go to the printers, (who have been super helpful indeed). This means that there will definitely be something ready for the grand opening on October 31st. 

We're definitely getting there!

My regards to you all,

Frank

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New Logo

Howdy folks!

    I'm very pleased, delighted in fact, to unveil the new logo for Catbird Craft....

Drum roll please...

Ta-Dah

Well that was short and sweet.

I must dash as I'm craving a quorn and chutney sandwich.

My regards to you all,

Frank

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The great erection

Howdy folks!

         Well, it has to be said that when the cat and the bird say they're going to do something, generally speaking, they do it...albeit with a little of help from their friends. 
  

      Yes, people - last Wednesday morning the doorbell rang and phase two of this operation swung into action. The cat and the bird may have still been semi conscious (they're really not adapted for early mornings) but they were awake enough to sigh a momentous sigh of relief. They realised that they weren't going to have to drag large shed panels through the (grumpy) builders merchant yard, and over the back wall. Thanks to the patron saint of shed building, the panels fitted through the flat, and all with a minimal amount of cursing. Once they'd gotten over the shock of their new arrival, last Wednesday afternoon was spent painting the panels that would be unreachable once assembly was completed.

    Then arrived last Thursday morning, when the fun really did commence. The instructions to the shed said, 'Stay calm, and seek further assistance.' This advice before you've even begun doesn't overly inspire. However, with huge thanks to Dom and Corrie, as the day progressed the shed also progressed. By nightfall, we had something that resembled a shed. Complete with roof, doors, and windows that appear to be made of clingfilm. Needless to say, new windows will be fitted at some point.
  The roof felting is almost finished, and the task of insulating has begun. Once all that is complete, the shed will be a studio!

A wall with a big hole in it

We have walls

We have a roof

Knackered, but job complete

We're getting there, and I of course will keep everyone up to date with further progress. It's getting exciting now!

My regards to you all,

Frank

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