Record Store Day April 21st

One of the first "independent" shops that I remember frequenting when I was young was my local record store, a tiny dark and often mysterious shop, full to the brim with vinyl and music memorabilia. A place where you can ask about the obscure bands you like and not be ridiculed. Or be informed of bands you've never heard of and even in some cases, find new friends to go and see these amazing bands with. Over the years these stores saw a demise due to the popularity of bigger high street brands and the increase in digital formats. But in recent years these gems of independent businesses have seen a revival. To this end "Record Store Day" was created, to celebrate the unique culture of record stores and it is the perfect excuse for music fans to come out and support their favourite artists and enjoy a day celebrating music with like minded people. 


So this got me thinking about the "music" inspired items that our talented Made in Newcastle makers have been creating.

I just adore this beautiful necklace with a real, working Swan harmonica from Gabby's Bazaar, decorated with an antique silver heart charm, a coral pink rose cabochon and two Swarovski crystals.

Serendipity Central makes these unique one of a kind bowls out of unloved vinyl that has come to the end of it's musical lives. She spend many hours tracking down these little gems, looking for the quirky, unique, retro and kitsch! 

How about a cute little card to let someone know your thinking about them? Then this Just a Little Note Card from Jo Sullivan is simply perfect.

I've saved the best till last, as a huge indie kid I absolutely love these fanatic cards from The Spotted Sparrow. Joy Division, The Smith and even a bit of 80's cheese... what more could you want! 

Record Store Day is celebrating it's 5th anniversary this year. Participating record stores in Newcastle include JG Windows,Reflex, RPM Music, and That's Entertainment. 

Rock is dead!... Long live paper and scissors 

Show some Bunny you love them this Easter

Woo hoo!! Easter is nearly here which means spring sunshine, egg hunts, chocolate, hot cross buns and spending time with loved ones.


So show some Bunny you care with some lovely crafty goodies from the creative makers at Made in Newcastle.


First up is a myriad of cuties from Gabby's Bazaar that have arrived specially for Easter!

Gabby's lovely decorations are made from salt dough, hand painted with acrylic paint and then varnished to protect their coating.


They are perfect for hanging on Easter trees, to decorate your home, or they can even be used to decorate an Easter gift!


These happy little cards from Lucy's Happy Place are a great way to wish friends and family a Happy Easter.

A fantastic way to spread some Easter cheer with cards that will almost certainly get a smile.


Spring is here, Easter is on its way. These happy little chicks from Brittany Coxon are guaranteed to delight.

Hand cut cute little chicks, which have hatched specially for Easter!


How about something vivid and colourful that screams Spring? These bright and vibrant cards from Serendipity Central will add a splash of colour to any recipients mantelpiece.

In true Serendipity Central style many of the cards have a 3D element to give that added textural dimension. All cards are one of a kind, so why not send something beautiful and unique.


If your looking for a gift that will last long after the last scraps of chocolate eggs have been demolished, the how about this A4 size print of Lucy's very cute and colourful "Bunny Balloon" Illustration?

The illustration is printed onto high quality textured fine art paper, which brings out the vivid colours and details in the image and gives it a tactile quality. It's ideal for brightening up a work space, bedroom or nursery and makes a fantastic present. Great for kids and big kids alike.


Right ... I'm off to make some Hot Cross Buns!

HAPPY EASTER

From all at

Made in Newcastle

St Patrick's Day Green Showcase

Realising near the end of our last post that St Patrick's Day is also this weekend meant that the only solution was to have another showcase. This time it's all green and I'm not just talking about recycled, handmade or eco friendly.

A Game of Two Halves on Green by Subtle Clothing

This limited edition T-Shirt is sure to please even the most dedicated of football fans and best of all it's printed on all organic cotton. Get in. 

Eucalyptus & Peppermint bath salts by pHzzz

What can I say? I love bath stuff. Susan's wonderful bath salts are all home made and all kind on the skin. Yay.

Irish Ballads - 12" Vinyl Record Bowl by Serendipity Central

No two record bowls are ever the same at Serendipity Central, so when I saw this “Irish Ballads” record by Connie Foley I knew it had to have a place in our St Patrick's Day showcase. 

Baby Fox Brooch by Lucy Farfort

Incredibly cute! For a more subtle St Patrick's Day celebration this would be an ideal addition to your outfit.

St Patrick's Day Green Wool Earflap Hat by Irish Granny

There's still a touch of cold to the air so while you wait patiently for that summer sun this hat is the perfect way to keep you warm. It's decorated with an alpaca silk crochet shamrock which stands out nicely against the soft yarn of the hat. 

Well that's our showcase, hope you all have a great time on St Patrick's Day. 

I have a little request: let us know what you want to see, we'd like your suggestions for tutorial posts. 

What do you want to make? What are you already making? Maybe you'd like to write a guest post for us? Get in touch. Either leave a comment on the blog or drop us an email at info@madeinnewcastle.org with your ideas. 

See you all next time.