The Custard Factory is dubbed as Birmingham’s Creative Quarter for good reason. On the outside it is charmingly scruffy and unashamedly colourful yet well thought out: with a clear purpose to provide a home for the city’s creative communities. Inside, the restored factory meets a modern shopping experience, a refreshing balance between old and new; historical meets present-day.

For the casual shopper, the resident vintage shops, handmade boutiques and quirky cafes provide a chance to browse through all sorts of treasures away from the chaos of the high street (personal highlights were Blakeley Browns for amazing sand-blasted vintage metalware, Gingermegs Vintage and the frozen yoghurt at Greenhouse Cafe). But the Custard Factory isn’t just for shoppers: it has a buzzing what’s on calendar, health and beauty parlours and even office space to rent (it’s home to a huge 500 creative businesses – providing a refreshing alternative inner city working space). On the day we visited, there was an antiques and vintage bazaar, ‘Custard Cream’ at Mr Birds Emporium, abseiling, a blogger’s meet AND live music. Pretty impressive for an average Saturday afternoon.

The Custard Factory is in Digbeth, within easy walking distance of Birmingham city centre. As a relative beginner to the Birmingham road systems, it was fairly straightforward to find, with the help of Google maps. There was no parking on the day we went (the usually free car park was being used for the antiques bazaar), so we just parked up on a spot around the corner and strolled on in.

So, my verdict. If you enjoy discovering the beating human heart of a city, the Custard Factory is well worth a visit. Lets face it; the High Street is dead, and it’s places like this that remind us all why independent ventures bring the world to life. Tom and I spent ages discussing our future office space on the way home, so they’re definitely doing something right.

My 30s are on my mind more and more. At 27, I can sense a new decade nearing and in all honesty I almost feel relieved. To me, reaching the age of 30 is an opportunity to breath a sigh of relief, become a fully-fledged adult and get going with my life. It’s a milestone that will give me a boot up the backside so I can knuckle down and start achieving things. When I think about being 30, I feel a sense of calm (although in reality, I’m sure that birthday will feel just like any other). But why do I think in this way?

And then the penny drops. I’ve been holding too much back. There’s a commonly held belief that your 20s are about messing around, procrastinating even. “Aah don’t worry about it; save it for your 30s!” I want to take write a book. I want to grow my business. I want to be the best I can be. And I’m not doing them: because I’m in my 20s.

During your 20s, the brain goes through it’s final growth spurt. By ‘claiming your 20s’, taking some ownership and being proactive, the risk of looking back and thinking ‘what was I doing?!’ reduces to nil. People imply that the 20s are an extension of adolescence, but maybe that belief is our own worst enemy.

I have done lots in my 20s that count as ‘identity capital’ (as Meg puts it), so I don’t feel too bad. I’ve been employed, and I’ve leapt into self-employment. I’ve chosen to do what I love: writing. I’ve found my partner in life, and we’ve had a baby (with another on the way). I’ve tried things and failed. I’ve tried things and succeeded. But those things I’ve been holding back for my 30s? I better get going.

At this point, I’ll hand over to Meg. Her talk is only 15 minutes long: watch it! Here’s ‘why 30 is not the new 20′.

But as time has gone on, I now feel it’s time for a change. MADE means so many things to me, and I want to encompass them all, so the blog will be undergoing a bit of an evolution. I’ll now be expanding the blog to focus on the bigger picture of being self made. Of course, handmade sellers are a big part of this, but the new direction will allow me to include everyone and everything I find inspiring to lead a self made life. Woop!

being self made…what’s it all about?

Being self made can mean pretty much anything – big or small! Essentially it’s all about sculpting a life you love, regardless of barriers, fears, and anything else that may stand in the way. I *try* to be self made – the all new ‘the project‘ section will tell you a little more. Through the blog, I’ll now be sharing everything that inspires me to be a little more fearless – yay!

I hope you enjoy this new change of direction…I’ll still be BIG on championing handmade sellers and shop indie but will be including lots more besides! Let me know your thoughts about the new concept (and the stripped-back web revamp!) via Twitter and Facebook :).

Over and out,

Kath x

Whilst I love the taste of tea, there’s much more to the draw of a good old cuppa than flavour alone. It’s all about the experience…a chance to carve a quiet space in my day to boil, brew, sit back and sip. It’s with this in mind that I embark on my review of Wild Excelsior, an organic Oolong and the tea-child of the Paksong Tea Garden, Laos.

Let me start from the beginning. It’s 10am (a brisk Tuesday morning); my tea sample thuds through the letterbox, exactly when LoveTea told me it would – bonus point number one. Inside the neat little packet is my tea – packaged and labelled with delightful detail. The tea packet itself is straightforward and informative; telling me the name and type of my tea, what temperature I should brew at, and how long for. Useful stuff.

Alongside, I have a little slip of paper telling me the charming back story of the tea. This is something I really appreciate – I think it’s important to understand a product, transforming me from a passive to engaged consumer. Did you know: this particular plantation is the only one in Laos, and is situated on the site of an ancient volcano? I also discover that the original tea trees were prized by Chinese Emperors, so its with a clear sense of history that I begin my brew.

In the name of (albeit questionable) science, I have brewed my tea in multiple ways. Maybe its an excuse to draw out the tea-loving experience, but regardless, it’s produced a nice diverse set of photos!

First up, the brewing method recommended by LoveTea – measuring out a teaspoon of leaf into the little bags provided (in the sweetest miniature envelope), and brewing for three minutes. It’s simple, and works perfectly.

The second method I used was brewing in this tea monkey – the only item purchased on a recent day-trip to London. Gimmicky, yes. But also kind of cute.

Thirdly, a duo of teapots – one being my charity shop Bodum, the other a Moroccan teapot bought in the heady chaos of Marrakech. If you’re entertaining, nothing beats the trusty teapot.

Next step: find a comfy seat in a quiet space. This is what tea-drinking is all about – savouring the experience. Whilst the grab-and-go coffee culture grows,  I think we should all campaign for tea-drinking to be the antithesis (I feel a #hashtag coming on…).

As I sip this lovely Oolong, I have to admit that LoveTea are onto a very good thing. This particular tea is smooth, refreshing, and light. If the British weather hurried up and acted according to the seasons, it would be perfect for this time of year – a relaxing spring-come-summer tea. But it’s not all about this individual tea – the entire LoveTea package is undeniably enticing, and that’s why I’m going to sing its praises.

From design to packaging and well-researched content, LoveTea offers gourmet tea with heart. Husband and wife team Matthew and Sarah handpick their tea directly from tea gardens in Sri Lanka, Japan, China and India, with one tea featured exclusively each month. It’s all about quality, conscience and wonderful service – the three things I believe are most important to the modern, engaged consumer.

A chance to taste a different tea every month from £4.50….erm, yes please.

Kath
theMADEproject
x

This spring / summer I am all about neon. In the past I have not been much of a fan, as it can lean towards the garish if not handled with care. But more and more I am seeing neon pieces that I love. Done right it can add some much needed colour and fun to any home or outfit. Having a look on Etsy you can find a wealth of items to help you achieve neon perfection. These are some of my favourites.

Geoscape Magnetic Wall Art – Tinch Design Studio | Wall Swallow Trio – Pirdy | Linen Pillow Cover – Paleolochic | Mini Planters – Redwood Stoneworks | Hand Printed Pillow Cases – Scout and Lilly

Limited Edition Sweater – Luncch Boxx | Grapefruit Cat Dress – ZIB Textile | Cat Pouch – Prints and Needles | Triangle and Fringe Earrings – Boo and Boo Factory | Horse and Cat Rings – Anna Lou of London.

Now all we need is the weather to match these bright items and we’ll be set. Helen x

I make vintage button jewellery, and I write. People come to my stall, and tell me very sweetly that I am ‘so creative, I couldn’t do that’. This is a compliment, but it’s also a myth. Creativity isn’t the property of artists & makers. Its popularity and simplicity means it is filtering into everyday life, and into our economy and infrastructure.

The definition of creativity is ‘the use of imagination or original ideas.’ What is an original idea? The cultural first answer would probably be a piece of modern art, a controversial play, or a ground-breaking documentary. People use their imagination daily, often without even realising. Mams spend hours entertaining their little ones using cardboard boxes, household implements, and a bit of bribery. Fancy dress costumes are assembled by young and old alike, using nothing more than a bin bag, a bed sheet and some masking tape. Elderly ladies knit handy hats with a chin strap, so the wind doesn’t blow them off their heads. Pinterest is FULL of DIY ideas, thrifty ways of living, eating, dressing, surviving. We don’t all grab the first thing in front of us anymore, we shop, we think, and most importantly, we pause. Instead of going with the easy, or popular option, people are generally using their imagination to develop a more original and creative way of living.

Next time you’re at a craft fair, a market, in a charity shop or supermarket, have a look around. It won’t just be the makers and artists, buskers & street performers who are using their imagination. It’ll be everyone. You never know, it might even be you.

Sarah x

Flip Knit Stitch

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Thank you Sarah for being such a wonderful and thought-provoking guest blogger!

Please do hurry on over to Sarah’s website, Flip Knit Stitch, give her a follow on Twitter or hit like on her Facebook page. Show the MADE love! x

Tell us about yourself in one sentence…

Relaxed, creative, fun and happy! Taking life as it comes but determined to work hard to achieve my goals.

When did you start Rollquick and what inspired you to set it up?

Rollquick started up in at the beginning of this year, inspired by the uniqueness of quirky vintage bikes and a desire to bring life to those that have seen better days. We recognise that people want bikes that do the job, are easy to ride and look the part – so that’s what we have set out to achieve.

Why do you think restoring life to old, unloved bicycles is so important?

Mainly we hate to see these old bikes put out into skips or unused in the shed or garage! Bringing these bikes back to life gets them back on the road for them to be enjoyed like they should, cruising around the streets bringing a sense of fun as well as practicality!

We get a lot of satisfaction from seeing the transformation as we work on the bikes, from a rusty piece of metal to a shining cruising machine! And finally we want to encourage as many people as possible to embrace a sustainable way of life – our little way of doing a bit for the world for the next generations.

What’s been your favourite restoration project to date?

It has to be the fold up bike we have just completed – Rusty Rick. When he arrived with us, nothing worked at all . The pedals seized, wheels locked and the frame wouldn’t fold – he was feeling very sorry for himself. The transformation has been awesome – the hours of work have resulted in a project we are really very proud of! He’s a now a fully functioning unique bike and will make his future owner very happy.

What’s the coolest handmade bike accessory you’ve found?

It has to be the light giro. Such a simple invention but so clever – you never need a battery and as long as your wheel is spinning you’ll have light. Who needs electricity when you can make your own!

Do you have any simple tips for keeping our bikes in top condition?

During this time of year when it’s cold, make sure you keep your bike inside or under a cover. Rust can get everywhere and your bike will be very grateful if you keep it out of the rain.

Also, make sure you get your bike serviced every few months to keep everything running smoothly. Bike servicing will prolong the life of your bike greatly – definitely a worthwhile investment.

If you could model yourself on one person (dead, alive or fictional), who would it be and why?

I think ill have to go for an animal instead of a person…a dog! A dog is relaxed pretty much all the time, he doesn’t get bothered about things that happen around them; instead they just live life and have fun. What’s the point of worrying about things if you don’t need to?

How do you keep yourself motivated and in the creative mindset?

The love of what I do creates its own motivation, from the excitement of buying the bikes to the transformations that we achieve. I’m also a great fan of TED Talks – its full of motivational videos and speeches!

Aside from Rollquick, what other exciting things do you do?

In my spare time I love to keep fit with running, cycling and kitesurfing – kitesurfing being my main sport that allows me to feel the freedom and experience the power of nature at its fullest!

Non-sport related I love a bit of bargain hunting whether its charity shops or car boot sales; who can resist a bargain?!

And finally, what’s your advice for those looking to start their own creative business?

I would have to say do something you love doing. If you start your day doing something you enjoy and that makes you happy then you are on to a winner! Combine that with hard work and commitment then everything else will fall into place.

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Dan, thanks so much for your time – we feel wonderfully positive now!

You can check out Rollquick’s awesome bicycles on their website, give them a like on Facebook and a cheeky follow on Twitter.

Happy cycling, folks!

We first met Kwur-kee’s Jennifer at our big Christmas MADE Market, where we were utterly taken by her beautiful headpieces, channeling the 40s and 50s to perfection. We’ve interviewed the self-confessed crazy cat & chicken lady about how her mountain-top wedding launched Kwur-kee, her exciting plans for the year ahead, and tactics for surviving alien invasions…

Tell us about yourself in one sentence!
I’m a compulsive crafter, quirky design lover, crazy cat & chicken lady, who loves vintage styles, especially those of the 1940s and 1950s.

When did you start your business & what inspired you to set it up?
I set up an Etsy shop a year ago, just to dip my toe into on-line selling, and followed that with my own website and a Folksy shop later in the year. My decision came from my wedding in 2011, when I got married on the top of a mountain in Canada – and I was certain that the traditional wedding wasn’t for me or my husband. As a compulsive crafter, I handmade items to reflect our favourite things, including my outfit from an original 50s Vogue pattern (very Dior!), a brooch bouquet and headpiece to reflect the era, while my groom’s buttonhole incorporated his musical interests. Soon after, I received requests for similar accessories, and the seed of Kwur-kee started to germinate…

My headpieces are inspired by cocktail hats popular in the 1940s and 1950s, but with a contemporary twist. I’m always looking to extend my range, and in 2013 I’ll be selling bags made from vintage-inspired fabrics, as well as silk to complement my existing items.

Is Kwur-kee a full-time venture?
I wish it was, and as times it feels like a second full-time job! I enjoy it so much that my plan is to make it a full-time venture in time. I’m lucky enough to have reduced my ‘day job’ hours to spend more time on Kwur-kee, and I see 2013 as my year to step things up dramatically . I’m a project manager by day, and these skills have definitely come in handy with my craft business.

Do you have any working rituals?
I’m pretty organised, so I try to get the inevitable paperwork out of the way before dedicating time to my craft. I’m also trying to make better use of social media for Kwur-kee, and have become a bit of a Twitter fan, so that’s fast becoming a ritual to stay in touch with good craft opportunities.

What is your proudest achievement to date?
Well, it’s really early days for Kwur-kee, but I’m chuffed at how much I enjoy selling at craft fairs. It’s not a natural skill for me, but I’ve met some brilliant buyers and fellow sellers, and it’s now one of my favourite parts of the business.

Can you recommend an inspirational read?
Not related to my craft, but I’ve always loved ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.

I’m also a Pinterest addict, which while not a read in the traditional sense, always inspires me with the brilliant skills people display on there.

What is the biggest challenge about being in the creative industry?
I’m proud to be a member of the UK handmade community, which is made up of so many talented and creative individuals and micro-businesses. The biggest challenge I’ve found is getting yourself seen and offering something different. I’ve realised that it takes time to build up a network and following – perseverance is my word of the year! Also, being a creative type tends to mean that you want to make things most of the time – I’ve learned that often used phrase of ‘marketing takes 80% of your time, leaving 20% to make’ is actually pretty accurate. Finding a balance with other things in your life can be hard, especially if your business competes with a day job. You have to learn to be kind to yourself and your significant others!

The world is taken over by an alien life form – what tactics do you use to survive?
Ha ha – brilliant question! I’d like to think that they would be friendly, so I’d befriend them and teach them Earth etiquette – which of course includes only buying handmade! If they turn out to be hostile, I think I’d crochet a massive net to catch them.

Are there any other craft/creative businesses you think deserve a mention?
I think the guys over at Creative Connections (www.creative-connections.ning.com) deserve a mention, particularly the ‘virtual’ craft markets that they organise called CRAFTfest. It’s a good venue to try before venturing out into real world craft markets. The organisers all run their own craft businesses and they offer fantastic support; it’s a great place to network when you first get going in the creative field.

What’s your advice for those looking to start their own creative business?
Go for it – but take time to do your research first, especially parts of the business that can be seen as less interesting, such as online selling regulations; better to get this sorted at the start, than being landed with a problem later. I’d suggest that you need to be clear about who you see as your target buyers and why your business is different. There may be times when people say that they can buy something for a fraction of the price from stores selling mass produced items. Make sure you can explain the benefits of buying from the brilliant UK handmade community – it’s a good opportunity to talk about why your craft and business is special.

I’d also advise being flexible when you start. Don’t be afraid to change your mind about the items you want to sell. I started my Etsy shop with a completely different range than I stock now, and I also take different items to craft fairs, depending on the type of fair it is.

We love you all, and HAPPY CHRISTMAS! x

And for your diary:

The Christmas MADE Market, Saturday 1st December, 11am – 3pm
Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street (Gloucester City Centre)

Entry is free, and we’re giving out free goody bags to the first 100 people through the door!

See y’all there…and for now, we leave you with our wonderful sellers…

We’d love you to like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter!