Scottishcraft.com has just relaunched as new site aiming to offer a shop window to a wider range of Scotland’s art, craft and design community. It’s already showcasing a great selection of the finest handmade products and gifts from Scotland, including many GCM members.

If you’re an artist or designer, or run a gallery or creative business and are based in Scotland then you can add your own page, listings and events for free. Come and join us!

Lovely online design boutique and Friend of the Mafia Hannah Zakari is celebrating its fifth birthday this week. The shop features a fantastic line-up of independent designers from the UK and abroad, including GCM members Dazed Dorothy, Showpony and t-boo.

To celebrate, they’re giving away some great prizes every day this week – just check their blog to see how you could win.

It’s nearly time for Autum’s sewing evening classes to start at the LUV Project Workshop in Govan.

Starting from Scratch
An eight week beginner’s course for adults with little or no sewing skills (28th Oct to 16th Dec, 6.30pm – 8.30pm)

This short course offers an introduction to any adult wanting to learn that basic machine and hand sewing skills to allow them to create simple projects for themselves and their home.

We will start at the very beginning to give you all the basic tools and skills you need to get you started on a sewing adventure! You will work your way through a series of small projects designed specifically for people with no prior sewing knowledge. These will range from making cushion covers and peg bags to lovely and useful pinnys and oven gloves to wear round your home!

Zips, Bits & Buttonholes

An eight week course for adults with some prior sewing experience (29th Oct to 17th Dec, 6.30pm – 8.30pm)

This short course is a step up from the ‘starting from scratch course and is open to all adults with a basic knowledge of machine and hand sewing.

We will begin with a series of small crafty projects to introduce you to essential sewing techniques like inserting a zip and making buttonholes. From there you will move on to making your very own basic item of clothing as chosen by the tutor. All students will work from the same pattern, but will all leave with their own unique item to wear!

Please contact spring_laura AT hotmail.com for an info sheet and booking form. Classes are £80 for an eight week block, (most) materials included.

Mandors have set up a new weekly craft group and they are encouraging you to come along and share your crafty skills.  The first meeting is Sunday the 4th of October between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

And remember, mafiosi will get a discount on supplies when you produce your membership card!

Glasgow Festival of DIY Culture starts on Monday 21st and runs to Sunday the 27th. There are a heap of events planned for the 7 days, including guerilla gardening, workshops, free food gatherings and film screenings.

For more information, pop over to the site and download a copy of the programme.