Make Something Good with The Handmade Alliance

Handmade Alliance is a social enterprise training prisoners to produce high quality hand-finished textile products for British designers. 

They also provided training and employment to ex-offenders, with the aim to dramatically improve their chance to reintegrate successfully into society. 

Handmade Alliance are currently in the process of launching their debut homeware range and will be running a few half-day sessions to enlist help for the cause, like crowd funding. This is crowd 'helping out', having fun learning something new or helping to share your own knowledge as a maker/crafts pioneer.

You will be making strings of hearts and moons, and alternative tinsel (from recycled fabrics). 

All work and donated time will benefit Handmade Alliance and its work with the community.

Don't be shy if you're not a crafts-person or sewing expert. There's teaching if you need it, and you will be able to take home a decoration of your own ready for your tree. So smiles all round!

These sessions will be taking place afternoons (with teaching for keen stitchers) on Wednesday the 4th and 11th of September from 1-6pm and Saturday 7th and 14th September from 1-6pm.

If you think this is something you or someone you know would like to do please send your name and availability to training@handmadealliance.org

Spread the word!

www.handmadealliance.org

New Brand Vinnie & D - Designed and made in Britain

Here at Mish Mash Vintage, we are staunch supporters of British produce and talent. Vinnie & D have just launched their British designed and made online store. They are a team dedicated to bringing new and creative British design to the forefront, whilst promoting individualism, stepping away from the mundane shops we see everyday on the high street. The designers who sell on Vinnie & D's site are a select few, only selling their wares in a handful of individual boutiques nationwide; Vinnie & D aim to showcase them to a wider audience on the net who truly appreciate the high quality of British designers.

Their range includes quirky and unusual pieces for the home, you and your children aiming to provide that little bit of extra unique glamour to the home.

Here are some of our favourite pieces from their collection below. We wish the team at Vinnie & D the best of luck on their new venture!

Dandy deer tea towel £9 by Scottish printmakers Orwell and Goode 

The perfect cup of tea £35 from East London tea company Rosy Lee Tea London

Handmade on The Isle of Wight Cupcake Cake cards £8 for set by AV Designs

5 metre Floral bunting £12 by Clare's Cotton Company 

Fresh & floral side table £175 by reclaimed & recylcled furniture designer Recover me Sarah G

To find more please visit the Vinnie & D website here