News

Hi all,

The date of our sale has been set:  Thursday, 15th December.  I think this is the perfect date to attract shoppers with Christmas on their minds!  Begin to think of ways to attract the eye of your prospective buyers.  How can you use simple decorations to make your display appealing?  We will discuss this more in class.

On the day, the class will divide and conquer: one group will set up at the Main Building, and the other will set up at the Arts Block.  How the class will be divided will be decided in due course.

I have arranged for two floats, so cash strapped students (or their tutors) will be relieved of having to give cash up front.  These will be paid back to petty cash at the end of the day. 

You are all doing really well - make sure you are documenting everything to be included in your end of term submission.  Speaking of, have a look at Etsy.  You may use up to 2 sellers from this website for your Competitor Analysis assignment, and perhaps find some inspiration while you're at it!

Christmas Craft Fair Teams

Your submissions have been reviewed by our panel of judges, and we have made our decision.  The class will divide into three production teams:

       Team Felt:  *Kama, Aisling, Megan and Tara
       Team Thread:  *Sarah, Bobby, Danielle, Kayleigh
       Team Print:  *Merce, Shauna, Emma

* = Team Leader
The team leader will be the 'point person'.  They have been selected for the design, marketability and price of their proposals.  Their role will be to communicate and help organize the team.  They will initiate the process by contacting their team.  They will report to me on a weekly basis in class, and communicate with me on behalf of the team when clarification is needed.  The team leader will decide how to delegate tasks when appropriate.

You will notice that I have grouped you based on the similarity of your proposals.  Design will have an individual approach, but you will find it easier to manage your time if you come up with standards within your group.  Think of an assembly line approach to production.  For example, Team Print will work best if the card sizes are standardized (one size), yet the print DESIGN will be individualized. Students could then rip down the print paper together, print on the same day, fold and package together.  Within each group, you will divide tasks; many hands make light work.  We will discuss aspects of process in class, but production and organization will be done on students' time.  


WHAT TO DO NOW

1. Spread the word - begin by getting together with your team to discuss your plan of action.  When will you get together?  When would you have access to studio space? Use any means necessary to begin this process asap - facebook, meetings, etc. 
2. Manage your time - the sale will take place the week of Dec 12th. 
3. Make a list and gather all tools and supplies - make the most of your studio time!
4. Team leaders will report to me in class, and may address questions/concerns through the comment section of this blog (see below).
5. Document your process in your class notebook:

• Dates/time/duration of meetings, phone calls, emails, etc
• What you discussed, problems encountered
• Keep track of your production time
• Sources, materials receipts and related costs
• Take good photos  

Be thinking about how you can use this information to blog about your experience - I will do tutorials in class, and require at least one well-designed blog post before the end of term. 
This exercise is meant to be largely self-directed, with guidance from me.  You will be assessed on your participation and documentation of your experience.  

Design Development

I have decided to designate this coming Monday, 14 November, as a design development class for your Christmas sale proposals.  This decision has arisen out of necessity, as the class is not yet ready to put designs into production.  Be prepared, and bring your design drawings, materials and tools to class on Monday, and be ready to leave your best with me for adjudication.  Remember that you are designing to a brief and that your designs will be judged on craftsmanship, marketability, and price.  Select your best ideas for prototyping.  Clarity and presentation is key.  See handout dated 17th October for guidelines.

In other news, our principal, Maureen Conway, has agreed to our proposal to hold the sale at the college.  

I trust you will all enjoy the Knit and Stitch this weekend!