september classes are open!

after a wee august hiatus, the papered parlour is back offering you the best crafting classes in town. as i type this, busy hands are working in the parlour on screen printing... nothing like the murmur of creativity!!! check out our website for all the fun we've got planned for you this fall.

as well, i just came across an amazing looking film on the craft revolution. Handmade Nation documents the journey of director Faythe Levine as she travels through the United States, speaking with dozens of DIYers, artists, and like-minded individuals about their politics and creations. for information and to see the trailer, head on over to the official website. i also realized that a screening is happening tomorrow in Newcastle upon Tyne, as part of the Tyneside's Autumn Art and Craft Market. for details on the event, click here!

finally, i must share with you my new obsession... crafty tattoos. possibly only for the seriously committed crafter... but still, some very beautiful craft-inspired body art out there. like the following 'cross-stitched' tattoo.

also, waste some time at this flickr group dedicated to sewing tattoos...

Our very first Hen Party!

All modesty aside, the first hen party hosted by The Papered Parlour was a roaring success!

After a long and enjoyable day silk screening with our lovely instructor Helen, everyone was rewarded with decadent 'cockteas' and cake. It was so nice to have such lovely energy flowing in The Papered Parlour. Thanks so much to Anna, Laura, and friends for choosing to spend their day with us and for making such beautiful creations!!!

Congratulations Anna and good luck with the wedding!!

For the Romantic Crafter

If only I was as brilliant with both words and paper as Rob Ryan is... I warn you, his work may just make you fall in love with him. Sometimes it also makes me want to curl up in my pyjamas and settle in for a night of romantic comedies and chocolate. Either way, I'm glad he's around.



For more, check out his Etsy store or, if you're in London, he's got a shop at 126 Columbia Road, E2 7RG. It's open Saturdays from 1-5 and Sundays from 9 - 5.

Stealing My Heart

I am a sucker for plush dollies and all things cute. If you are like me, you'll probably also fall in love with the creations of Barcelona based, Misako Mimoko! My current favourite is her 'Doli Bank Robber' who has definitely stolen my heart:


If you fancy her creations as much as I do, do check out her Etsy shop!

Recent Happenings

Fidgeting little fingers are always busy at The Papered Parlour... Recently we had some little ones in making fun animal bags and vintage caravans (images courtesy of Jackie Parsons, workshop leader):

We also recently held our first screen printing workshop, to great success!

Due to the success of the workshop, and the great bags that were produced, we're holding a second Screen Printing Workshop this Saturday, July 4th from 12-5pm. There are still a few spaces available, so BOOK NOW!

A Few New Links to Watch!

The girls of The Papered Parlour have recently found a few more sweet little crafting blogs to keep an eye on:

Craftaholics
Lickety Split Craft

and the lovely Tea & Make, whose logo we are drooling over:


They are holding their first Tea & Make on August 22nd, and it looks like it will be a fantastic event to get involved in.

With all these wonderful blogs to peruse, it is getting harder to get any work done in the office!

Knit in Public Day

Next weekend is a big one for knitters worldwide, with events planned across the globe in celebration of World Wide Knit in Public Day. Started in 2005 by Danielle Landes, WWKiP Day's first year involved 25 events around the world but has grown to now include over 200 events in cities in South Africa, China, France, and Ireland, just to name a few. Run on the second Saturday in June, WWKiP is the largest knitter-run event in the world and as is explained on the website, fancies itself 'a spark, to ignite a fire; getting all of the closeted knitters out into fresh air.'

Local events are planned and run entirely by volunteers and from my perusal of the website, I've found at least 2 events being planned in London.

I Knit London is planning a treasure hunt, with info to be found here. As well, Stitch and Bitch London has a Knit Crawl that will be knitting its way through some of London's most iconic landmarks.

So, if you won't be spending next Saturday screen printing with us here at The Papered Parlour, I assume it's because you'll be taking over London with your knitting needles!