Summer sales are upon us, and it’s not just the big stores who are indulging. Some Mafia Members and Mafia Friends are having sales, too. If you want to buy some handmade goodies or supplies, here’s a quick round-up.

First off, Girl Industries has a dicount code exclusively for GCM blog readers. Use code GCM50- valid for the next week.

Odd Little Tree Jewellery Supplies is having a sale in celebration of the Olympics. Use code GOLDMEDAL until 6pm GMT on Friday 17th August.

Stella My Star has also gone gold medal daft; discount code GBGOLD gets you 29% off until 20th August.

If you prefer to do your shopping in person, head on down to the Shop of Interest in Finnieston. Many items in their store are up to 50% off! More details on their blog.

Happy shopping!

So, Andy Murray becomes the first British man in 74 years to reach the Wimbledon final.

Apparently, he’s had a new coach. Some fella called Lendl? And he has helped improve Murray’s second serve which has helped him get to the final.

We at the Mafia believe that actually, this necklace by Bonnie Bling is what has made the difference for Andy this time.

Just Dae It necklace by Bonnie Bling

Now for any of you who were wanting to go to Little Bird’s Market tomorrow, but are worried about missing the tennis, never fear. Sloans will be showing the Wimbledon final on their big screen and serving up jugs of Pimms for £10.00 and strawberries & cream for £3.95. So you can get your tennis on, and shop for some amazing handmade and vintage treasures.

Go, go Andy!

Local heroes, and friends of the Mafia, Pin Up Nights are finally moving on after 8 brilliant years of club nights in Glasgow. No stranger to the DIY ethos, these guys put so much thought and effort into every aspect of their parties and the result is always unmissable. Their swan song at the end of March looks to be no exception!

You can get involved in the campaign to recruit their all time favourite DJing superstar, Mr Jarvis Cocker, by signing their petition over at www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/getcocker and keep an eye on their progress over on Twitter and Facebook. Whoever the guest DJ will be on the night, you are sure to be entertained by live performances by Miaoux Miaoux and Glasgow’s own Sonny Marvello.

If you can’t make it on the night, keep an eye out for photos and reviews of all the action over at the Pin-Ups website. But if you want to make it along, we recommend you book early to avoid disappointment, as Friday 30th March is going to be one big night out!

Finnieston is fast becoming Glasgow’s new hotbed of independent shopping with two new shops just opened, both catering for lovers of handmade and quirky gifts.

The Shop of Interest opened doors a couple of weeks ago and is already doing great – why not pop in for a browse of their wares including products by GCM members Much Too Fun and Asking For Trouble? You’ll find them at 1058 Argyle Street, opposite the Hidden Lane.

Just around the corner at 231 Berkeley Street, you’ll find Made With Love, a cute new deli complete with teeny gift shop. You can get a cupcake, a great cup of coffee and some handmade gifts all the same place. Look out for items by GCM members Lucy Jackson Designs and Asking For Trouble.

And don’t forget, if you’re in the area, the Hidden Pop-Up Shop is open til Christmas in the Hidden Lane and features a whole host of Glasgow talent.

Happy shopping!

We’re getting quite excited by the range of classes on offer at The Life Craft especially as the ones for children. Here are two different classes that have caught our eye…

Mafia member Lucy from LucyJacksonDesigns will be on hand on the 7th, 14th and 28th of  November to show you how to design and make you own badges or bracelets. Pop along at 2pm on any of those dates and for £3 (materials supplied) you can either make something for yourself or as a Christmas present.

Or what about

If your children are interested in learning new crafty skills or improving them then Iona from Iheart… has an exciting 6 week course for them at The Life Craft. Starting this Friday at 4pm and running for 6 weeks she will guide them through the disciplines of sewing, knitting and cross stitch with a lot of fun thrown in.

Sadly this series of classes is strictly for children but I’m sure you’ll benefit from their makes too when they bring them home.

For more information please look at http://www.thelifecraft.co.uk/blog/ or why not pop in and have a chat with Vonnie and the team.