handmade living in Embroidery & Cross Stitch magazine

What a beautiful write-up on handmade living in Embroidery & Cross Stitch magazine! Many thanks to the editors for including our beautiful book in the mag - we've already had even more inquiries about the book since this went live! Handmade bliss.

International Women's Day Event

Join us to celebrate the 100th annivesary of International Women's Day! We at Handmade Canberra are delighted to join forces with sensational new women's website, HerCanberra, to celebrate this momentous occasion with some very special events.

You could win some spectacular prizes thanks to some of our glorious Handmade Designers - and grab the chance to mingle with some pretty special local women - all in honour of a day that recognises and celebrates the achievements of women worldwide.

Things kick off this coming Tuesday 8 March. Click on your exclusive invitation (above) for more!

Handmade Auction for Christchurch

The dust may have settled in Christchurch, but the pain and loss is still palpable... While Australians have been very hands-on in aiding our kiwi family across the ditch, it's been so inspiring to see people from all over the world reach out to the people of New Zealand and help in any way they can.

But we can always do more.

A band of mums and handmade aficionados based in New Zealand have come together to run a series of auctions to raise funds for Christchurch - Handmade for Christchurch.

"When we heard about the Christchurch earthquake our hearts sank and we all felt so helpless. A couple of our group are from the area and we sat there for hours waiting and waiting to hear if our friends were ok," says mum Roslyn Henley.

"In that time we all chatted and thought of someway that we could help to give a little as we could not leave our families and go and help with the clean up."

The group decided that, as they are all crafters, they would create a group which helped raise money for those affected by the earthquake.

"In the last 24 hours since the group has started, we have received many many responses from people who are willing to take some time out of their busy life to create something for a donation for us to Auction off on Trade Me," says Roslyn.

"As time goes on, the donations are increasing and we would love to be able to raise as much as we can."

Can you spare an hour or two to create something handmade for this wonderful cause? Join the facebook page now...

www.facebook.com/handmadeforchristchurch

...and spread the word far and wide. Auctions will start from this Sunday night.

For direct handmade donations please email: handmade.for.christchurch@gmail.com

Remember, every little bit counts and all money raised will be split between the Christchurch Womans Refuge and The Salvation Army.

Well done, handmade girls! Our hearts are with you and the people of Christchurch.

Handmade Living Launch Party with Creative ArtyFacts

The lovely Liz Deluca from Creative Arty Facts is not only one of the myriad talented designers in handmade living (you should see her beautiful bling - check out page 82) she is also one lovely chickadee for hosting a sensational handmade living post-launch party in Brisbane on 9 February.

Tanya from TLC books in Manly, Queensland, hosted the event (and made gorgeous cupcakes) and a clutch of handmade lovers came along for bubbles and a natter and a chance to not only peruse the book, but peruse the designers who came to show their wares.

Thanks Liz for hosting such a glorious event - we just wish we could have been there, too!

Learn more about Liz and her beautiful work at http://www.creativeartyfacts.com.au/ and http://www.creativeartyfacts.blogspot.com/

The Next Handmade Book

Hello everyone and thank you for your patience on news of the application process for A Handmade Christmas.

As you all know, Handmade Canberra has expanded exponentially in the past two years and we've been absolutely delighted with the roaring success of handmade living. Because the book is doing so well, we are going to spend some time focusing on its marketing and promotion (which means promoting YOU!) and therefore, applications for the next book will be delayed until further notice.

Handmade Canberra also has some really exciting plans for 2011/2012 and we'll be busy squirreling away at these projects to bring you even bigger and better ways to promote and maximise your business.

Apologies to those of you keen to apply for A Handmade Christmas - I know there have been many of you! but rest assured, we will let you know when applications are opening. Join our newsletter now and you'll be the first to know! Just head to the Handmade Canberra website and enter your email address on the right hand side of the screen to receive updates straight to your inbox.

I'm looking forward to working with you all again on the next book! and in the meantime, enjoy the glorious creative spoils that is handmade living... and I look forward to seeing you all at next weekend's glorious Handmade Market.

Tania