October 2009

In This Edition:


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Six craft workshops per year (every two months) for only R285 per month, including kits, lunch, membership card and Soul Sisters craft bag.
Join now!

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Books on sale at kalahari.net


Crafting Christmas Gifts by Tone Finnanger
Was R153.95, Now R123.16



Classic Crafts and Recipes Inspired by the Songs of Christmas by Martha Stewart Living Magazine
Was R240.95, Now R192.76



All New Decoupage by Deborah Morbin and Tracy Boomer
Was R120.00, Now R96.00



Dare to Bead by Heather Laithwaite
Was R149.95, Now R119.96



Funky Stitches: Fun Ideas for Embroidery Projects by Anita Plant
Was R110.00, Now R88.00



Scrap-metal Craft by Alet Genis
Was R120.00, Now R96.00



Woodcraft by Alet Genis
Was R110.00, Now R88.00



Stylish Crafts For Your Home by Deborah Morbin and Tracy Boomer
Was R159.95, Now R127.96



Great Book of Fairy Patterns by Lora S. Irish
Was R249.95, Now R199.96



Quick Art by Angie Franke and Monique Day-Wilde
Was R150.00, Now R120.00

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Please click here or contact us at info@redballoon.co.za for more information.

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Summer's here, at last!

Of course, if summer's arrived, that means that Christmas is almost here too, doesn't it? If you've had a year anything like ours (full of exciting developments, but rather exhausting, and far too short) then you're probably trying to put that thought out of your mind right now.

To market, to market

On the other hand, the great thing about this time of year, apart from much nicer weather, is that special festive markets start to pop up everywhere, and you get to buy lots and lots of beautiful goodies under the pretence of "Christmas shopping". We'll feature a few of these markets in next month's Gazette, but in the meantime, check out the Events Calendar for details of what's happening in your area. And if you're exhibiting at a market that's not yet listed on the Events Calendar, drop the organisers an email and ask them to add the details as soon as possible.

Advertising opportunities

You might recall that last month we announced the launch of a limited number of advertising spots in the Gazette. We've had a very positive response, and in fact, if you look to the left you'll see the details of our very first advertiser.

That could be your spot next month. So if you run a craft shop, sell crafting supplies, give craft classes, produce handmade goods for sale, or organise craft-related events, click here to send us an email requesting our rates card. Our opening specials are still valid for next month's Gazette - you could pay as little as R250 for a prominent spot!

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10 Slam-Dunk Crafts For Little Kids — And Bigger Kids Too!

by Chris Yates

Crafting with young children really isn’t about creating something in particular. Most young children don’t have the foresight to see what a project is going to be.

For young children it’s more important that they have the opportunity to play and experiment with art. Kids need to use as many of their senses as possible to get the most out of crafting. This allow them to try new sensory experiences, as well as learn causal relationships.

These are my 10 favorite crafts for little kids based on all that AND the ‘fun factor.’

1. Finger painting

Finger painting is a wonderful activity for kids. It lets them ‘feel’ the craft as well as be creative. You don’t have to have finger paints to do this activity with kids. You can finger paint with homemade paint, watercolors or even mud. You can also experiment with adding other things to the paint such as sand or glitter.

2. Yarn Painting

Dip pieces of string or yarn into paint and then drag it across the paper to paint with it. It’s a good experience to paint with something other than a brush and you can just throw the yarn away when finished.

3. Q-Tip Painting:

Use Q-tips to create a painting. There are lots of ways to use a Q-tip – scrub, dot, or use it like a brush. It’s a good coordination exercise because Q-tips are small around, but it also provides a lot of interest for the child.

4. Glue Art

Draw squiggle lines on a piece of paper or let the child use their finger to make random glue spots or patterns on a piece of paper. Experiment with adding different objects to the glue. Sand, glitter, cotton, yarn, feathers, and tissue paper all work well.

5. Salt Dough Sculpture:

Make a batch of salt dough and turn the kids loose with it. You don’t have to worry about them eating it (it’s safe and tastes terrible) and clean up is easier than play dough. If you want to keep their creations, let them dry overnight and then paint them the next day.

6. Toe Painting

If it’s a warm summer day, put on the swimsuits, put some finger paint into pie tins, lay out large sheets of poster paper, and let them ‘paint’ all afternoon. They will have a ball and all you have to do is hose them off when they are done (that’s my kids’ favorite part actually!).

7. Found Object Art

This project is always a sure thing because kids love to ‘discover’ things. Let your child gather up leaves, sticks, flowers, etc. and then glue them onto a piece of paper. When they are done, let them tell you about their collection.

8. Peanut Pictures

Every kid loves to play with packing peanuts — but it makes such a mess. Let them create pictures with them instead. Kids can draw on them, glue them to a sheet of paper, or glue the peanuts to each other to make a sculpture. The kids will love it!

9. Sticker Play

Turn your child loose with a bunch of stickers, markers, and a sheet of paper and let them create. It’s good for little ones to work on their coordination, and it’s fun!

10. Stamping

Kids love to use any kind of stamps. My favorites are the self-inking stamps or the double-sided markers with the stamps on one end. This may sound like pure play, but is also teaches young children cause and effect.

About the author: Chris Yates makes it easy to craft with little kids and create a little Magic Time with hundreds of project ideas. Visit http://www.LittleKidCrafts.com now!

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Win with Red Balloon

This month we're giving away two copies of Smart Art, written by the talented duo of Monique Day-Wilde and Angie Franke, and reviewed in last month's Gazette.

Monique and Angie’s love of art, and passion for sharing it with others, is fully present throughout the book, making it a must-have for those of you who are dying to get creative!

Click here to enter.

Congratulations to Hannetjie Martins and Yvette Botha, who each won a copy of Pewter It in our September competition, courtesy of Metz Press.

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What's on

Don't forget that you can add your crafting events to the Red Balloon Events Calendar for free!

  • Rooftop Market (Gauteng)
    The Rooftop Market in Rosebank has over 600 stalls featuring a wide range of crafts, antiques, clothing, jewellery and more, and is incredibly popular with both tourists and locals.
    Dates: Sundays 9am - 5pm
    Venue: Upper Level, Mall of Rosebank, Rosebank
    Click here for more information.

  • Bryanston Organic and Natural Market (Gauteng)
    This market was established an unbelievable 33 years ago! It's changed and grown over the years, of course, but you can still expect to find good old-fashioned quality, genuine handcrafted goods, and wholesome, natural food. Enjoy live music while you wander amongst the stalls, or sit and enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of freshly-baked cake in the tea garden or coffee shop.
    Dates: Thursdays and Saturdays 9am - 3pm
    Venue: Culross Road (off Main Road), Bryanston
    Click here for more information.

  • Kirstenbosch Craft Market (Western Cape)
    Now that the weather's warmed up a little, pay a visit to the outdoor Kirstenbosch Craft Market, which takes place in the grounds of the delightful Stone Cottages, opposite the main entrance to the Botanical Gardens.
    Date of next market: Sunday 25 October
    Venue: Rhodes Drive, Newlands
    Trading hours: 9am - 3pm
    Click here for more information.

  • Country Craft Market (Western Cape)
    The well-known and much-loved Somerset West Country Craft Market opened for trading again on 26 September, after a 3-month winter recess. This month the market will feature a mosaic demo by Michelle McConnell of Big Tree Mosaics.
    Date of next market: Saturday 31 October
    Venue: Southey's Vines, 186 Main Road, Somerset West
    Trading hours: 8am - 1pm
    Click here for more information.

  • Country Market (KwaZulu-Natal)
    Fresh produce, arts and craft stalls, a petting zoo, and pony rides for the children - that, and more besides, is what you can expect to find at the new Heritage Country Market in Hillcrest.
    Date of next market: Sunday 25 October
    Venue: 9 Old Main Road, Hillcrest
    Trading hours: 9am - 1pm
    Click here for more information.

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Can you help?

  • Ronell would like to start a craft market for her church, preferably in Brackenfell or Bellville (Western Cape). Can anyone suggest a venue that she could consider?

  • Liesel is looking for a pewter class in the northern suburbs of Cape Town (Bellville area).

If you can help with either of these requests, please email info@redballoon.co.za, and we will pass the information on. You can send any requests of your own to the same email address.

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On the bookshelf

Encyclopedia of Cardmaking Techniques by Metz Press

It's undeniable that receiving a homemade card conveys a sense of appreciation and effort that store-bought cards never manage to achieve. It always adds more of a personal touch when you give someone a card you made yourself. The Encyclopedia of Cardmaking Techniques makes adding that personal touch so much easier by offering interested crafters the opportunity to learn some of the techniques used in making exquisite cards.

The book encompasses eighteen different techniques, ranging from using a punch, watercolours or hot metal, to folding and embroidering. Each technique is taught while the crafter attempts a suggested project, and the learning process is aided by step-by-step photographs and easily understood instructions. Each project is beautiful and unique in its own right, and the various sections of the book are guided by experts in each technique, offering the crafter only the best of advice and tips.

A wonderful book for both beginners and advanced crafters of all ages, and a must-have for those who love adding that extra something special to their gifts or cards.

Reviewed by Lauren Inggs

Get more info on this title here.

Find more book reviews in the Craft Compendium.

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Opportunities for crafters

Get more info on places to sell your crafts, in the Craft Outlets section of the Red Balloon Craft Junction.

  • Methodist Church Market (Western Cape)
    Crafters and traders, come and join this brand-new weekly market in Kraaifontein! The following items are welcome, amongst others: handcrafted products, secondhand items, clothing, books, jams, preserves and cakes. Please note that no cooked food may be sold (hamburgers, hotdogs, pancakes, etc.).
    Dates: Every Saturday
    Trading hours: 7.30am - 1pm
    Venue: Windsor Park Methodist Church, corner Brighton and Darwin Roads, Kraaifontein
    Cost: R20 per site - you can bring your own table or sell from your car boot
    Booking: No need to book - just arrive and sell!
    Contact: Kevin on 021 987 0341 or 082 348 8690



That's all for this edition. Don't forget to check the Events Calendar at the Red Balloon Craft Junction regularly, especially now that we're entering the Christmas Market season. There's so much to do, you're going to be spoilt for choice!

Till next month,
Kerry-Anne