Your Votes are Needed, Pretty Please

This blog post is a bit of a begging post, Knot Just Jigs have been nominated in the Best Children's Party Supplier catagory in the "Whats on for Little Ones" Awards sponsered by Konfidence.
To get nominated you had to have 5 seperate nominations from customers which then gets you into the next round which is a public vote! This is where you guys, my friends, customers and supporters come in WE NEED YOUR VOTES !

Just click this  Whats on for Little ones link and scroll down to to the next to bottom catagory, its really easy to do. Thanking you so much in advance of you vote, we will be keeping our fingers and toes crossed!

Good Friday ?

Yes I think so, I was treated to a lie in and a cup of tea in bed!
Hubby had last night off so we could go to the Nottingham Playhouse with friends to see 'Reasons To Be Cheerful', a play set during a time of political change and economic hardship.

 It’s 1979: Labour loses to the Tories, strikes rock the nation and Ian Dury and the Blockheads’ Reasons to be Cheerful (Part 3) climbs the charts. As the ultimate fans, Vinnie and his mates would do anything to see Dury at the Hammersmith Odeon, only the gig is sold out. But life has a habit of throwing strange things at you, and one night of frustration becomes something else entirely…

We didn't know what to expect, except we (or should I say 'I') was a bit of a punk in my early days and loved Ian Dury and The Blockheads music, although at the tender age of 12 wasn't quite aware of the political views of his lyrics.
Excellent part play/part gig, thoroughly enjoyed it, a bit cringe worthy at times as the language (and some of the back drop images)  were quite colourful ;) Its left me singing 'Hit me with your rhythm stick' all last night and today!  Would definitely recommend it.

Easter Gift Guide

Buy a gift that lasts longer than chocolate!
There is still a couple of days left to buy an Easter gift rather than the obligatory chocolate egg!
Here is our top 5 and they are all under £6
1 Pull A Long Wooden Duck £5.99
2 Rabbit Night Light £5.00
3 Design Your Own Farm Bag £3.99
4 Wooden Flower Press £5.00
5 Animal Cube Puzzle £3.99

Making products for the Olympics ?

As a crafter I am always aware certain words, designs, logo's and trademarks are protected, yestreday I came across a post that I thought might interest you and provoke lots of discussion.
Have a read of this document http://www.london2012.com/documents/brand-guidelines/guide-to-protected-games-marks.pdf it gives you a comprehensive list that are legally protected  marks owned or licensed to the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Ltd ( LOGOG)

I agree with the most part of this document but the one I am gob smacked at is the protected use of 'Listed Expressions' ! This is going to be a hard one to police ?

The Listed Expressions are :

-any of the 2 words : Games, Two Thousand and Twelve, 2012, Twenty-Twelve

or 

- any word in the list above with one or more of the words:

London, Medals, Sponsers, Summer, Gold, Silver, Bronze.

I expect those big companys wanting to cash in on this massive marketing oppotunity will be racking their brains trying to get around this.

What are your thoughts ? 

Bunting!

I have been making bunting now for a few years and when I am setting up my stall at craft fairs and adorning my gazebo with a vast array of colours and designs it never fails to raise a smile.
Its so cheery and welcoming and can be hung any where inside or out.
I like to make mine in flag style and double sided so that it can be hung in front of a window and be seen both sides but I know for quickness some people make it one sided and edge with pinking shears.
Over at Knot Just Jigs we also offer some stunning bunting made from embroidered butterflies, dinosaurs and vehicles!
Our personalised bunting is really popular and can be used for names or even to advertise a business.
I looked into the history of bunting and its origin and can't believe that it can be traced back to the turn of the 17th century when they manufactured signal flags for the Royal Navy!

The lovely Jenny from a fabulous bog called WINNIEBRIGGS HOUSE have written a wonderful blog post about bunting, complete with a step by step tutorial of how to make your own!

Go on have a go, its very satisfying :)

My Creative Friends, Bambino Beads

I am surrounded by very creative people and would like to dedicate a few posts on telling you about them and their businesses.
Firstly my friend Helen Keightly who runs a lovely business 'Bambino Beads' making personalised children's jewellery .
Helen is a busy Mum of 5 year old twin boys as well as designing and handmaking all her jewellery for Bambino Beads. I have always admired Helen's work but have never had the occasion to buy any of her products until Helen launched her new line of 'Mummy Bracelets' these stunning bracelets have the name of your loved ones or children personlised on them, they come in one or 2 strands dependant of how many children's name you want on them (I have 4 !) and was so impressed with the quality and price of them that I keep trying to think of people I can buy them for!

30 Day Blog Challenge, can I do it ?

I can talk for England and I can probably come up with enough subjects to cover a 30 day challenge but have to be honest I get bored very easily. I really really need to get my bum in gear so I am going to take up the blogging 30 day challenge of April.

I know I should blog more not only to keep my friends and customers up to date with things but also its good for the seo of my website, something I have got to work very hard on now as I have had to start back at the beginning since my "Old" website is no longer, if you want a nosey at our new website (waiting for our designer to refurb) we can be still be found at www.knotjustjigs.co.uk.

I apologise in advance of my blog posts but in the name of seo here I go .....