Stabo

On the milk

2012-01-27T08:11:00.000-08:00

We did the Merge Craft Fair, Oundle in December. Lucy Anne Harding was one of the stall holders. I loved her work. She studied art but lives on the family farm and does their milk round.

These experiences 'on the milk' inspire her work. Her images are of the doors and people she sees on her round the jottings in her milk book and so forth. Her website www.lucyanneharding.co.uk is well worth a look.

Wishing you the best for 2012

2012-01-26T06:24:00.000-08:00

We always get a bit behind over Christmas and last year was no exception, but we've got lots to look forward to in 2012.

So here's a quick preview of our plans for 2012;
-realising some of the new products we've been dreaming about
-moving over to biodegradable lightweight mailing bags and using gorgeous royal blue tissue paper to wrap the mail order products
-uploading the products we've had on the stall for a while to the website
-experimenting with a new mens stall at Spitalfields

So watch this space, all the best for 2012 and above is a preview of a new web product - the trouser pocket saving key blanket.

Football Crazy

2011-11-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

OK hands up I'm not actually football crazy but I'm really excited about our new image. It's of an impromptu game taking place between language students in a local park (Parker's Piece, Cambridge for anyone who is interested).

Like the cricket match t shirt it spans the width of the chest and is quite subtle as the people are so small. I took the image a few years ago and found it erroneously shoved in the wrong photo album which reminded me to get cracking with the artwork.

Woodbridge Vintage and Contemporary Fair

2011-09-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder we'll be at Woodbridge for the Retro and Modern fair tomorrow. We'll also have our regular pitch at Cambridge All Saints market.

Be there and be on the Square!

2011-09-08T01:55:00.000-07:00

We're very much looking forward to the next Woodbridge Retro and Modern Fair on September 17th - we'll get to see the lovely people of Suffolk and nose around the stalls ourselves.

Vegetarian Friendly

2011-09-06T04:22:00.000-07:00

Anyone familiar with our market stalls will know that they are full of colourful leather products which draw all sorts of customers in for a browse. For a long time we have had requests from vegetarians for non leather products. We wanted to come up with something really good so it has taken us a while but they're finally here - printed fabric pencil cases. They're fully lined and zip close.

If you're the type of person who likes to have one big wallet containing everything they could handle that task and could also take a pair of glasses or a camera.

Vegetarian purses coming very soon.

shoe making

2011-08-27T02:42:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to make my own shoes, so I did a one day shoe making course with green shoes in Buckfastleigh.
The green shoes creation are the black shoes on the left, my efforts of making my own shoe pattern and putting a shoe together are on the right.

However, it seems that my lasts (the things that give the shoe its shape) are a bit slender for my plates. So, I am in the process of making my own.

The green one is professionally made and the white one is my half finished home made last. Shoes will follow - given time.

Return to Paypal and August news

2011-08-24T04:53:00.000-07:00

Hi there, apologies for so few blog entries recently.

Just to let you know what we've been up to. We have just tweaked our website (again) hopefully we've ironed out a few of the niggles. We've gone back to Paypal but are more than happy to send out Google Checkout payments if requested. If you find a gremlin on the website please let us know. I don't think we ever spot them all. The little one pictured above is more of a monkey than a gremlin.

We've also added a few more products to the website such as these kids t shirts. After this we're looking towards Christmas and getting out a new autumn collection. We're both full of ideas so hope to get something out in the near future.

Ed is getting excited about shoe making - but I'm not sure how long it'll take to develop a saleable version. I'll let him tell you about that.

Cambridge Open Studios

2011-07-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Visited some Open studios today which was great. We are thinking of participating next year.

In addition to great art you get to see some gorgeous houses and villages. I visited Paul Abbott's Cervantesesque workshop in Swaffham Prior in the shadow of one windmill and just 100m away from the next.

...and then 12 come at the same time

2011-06-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

We have just sent off a parcel of work to the millenium gallery in Sheffield.

So if you happen to be near the winter gardens in the centre of town we strongly recommend a visit.

The Big Mix Festival, Spitalfields - This Saturday

2011-06-16T01:21:00.000-07:00

As well as our regular Sunday we are also trading at Spitalfields this Saturday as part of The Big Mix Festival. It should be a great event with enough to do for the whole day.

For any Cambridge visitors sorry but we won't be at Cambridge this Saturday we'll be back next week.

See her in Japan - Naomi Avsec

2011-06-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

Our friend Naomi Avsec does the most amazing embroidery (and great pictures too). She has an exhibition coming up from 23rd July - 28th August at the Paul Smith SPACE GALLERY, 5-46-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo which is really exciting. If you're in the area she's also demonstrating her embroidery with her trusty Janome sewing machine on Saturday and Sunday August 20 & 21.

My friend who's a cellist always has to book her cello it's own seat, I asked what the protocol was for sewing machines travelling to Japan - apparently she can borrow one when she's out there.

Halting in Holt - Pick n Mix makers market

2011-06-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be in North Norfolk tomorrow do drop into the Picknmix makers market at the Church Hall where we'll be trading. We always like a day out in Norfolk and all the family will be coming along - can't wait to browse around the stalls.

national portrait gallery comission

2011-06-01T02:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some bags we have made for he National portrait gallery which are being sold in their shop over the period of the BP national portrait awards in London ( 16th June - 18th Sept)

http://www.npg.org.uk/index.php?id=6757

So if you are in town, take a look. Admission is free and the gallery is open 10 -6.

Progress report

2011-05-31T02:18:00.000-07:00

We had a few unexpected problems with the outbuilding, so are now proceeding at a more leisurely pace. It was watertight within 7 days but not completed.

Our new focus is upgrading the website, progress is much slower. We want it to be more personal.

Here is a sneak preview of a new kids t shirt image - our children are just 6 months old and we've already put them to work - albeit if 'work' involves lying on a playmat smiling.

Build a workshop in 7 days - Day 4 & 5

2011-05-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

Progress at the end of day 5, the inside clad.

The windows and doors are on and it's fully insulated for winter.

Build a workshop in 7 days - Day 3

2011-05-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

Today was the external cladding and we now have what looks like a relatively water tight building - ignoring the lack of doors. It gets a bit less photographically impressive from here on in, things like insulation, wiring and cladding the inside but we're pleased with progress so far.

Build a workshop in 7 days - Day 2

2011-05-11T04:06:00.001-07:00

After a break of 3 days (2 days working on the Stabo stall and the weekly day of rest) back to the workshop project.

Above is our progress at the end of day 2, below is how we got there.

Build a workshop in 7 days - Day 1

2011-05-07T03:45:00.000-07:00

After lots of head scratching and cups of tea, progress at the end of day 1.

Build a workshop in 7 days

2011-05-06T02:08:00.001-07:00

We want another workshop but don't have much time or money.

So we've set ourselves a week (not including the weekend). We've already laid the slab/foundations, planned it out and acquired the materials - bought, salvaged and scrounged.

So the week is pure building time.

Follow our progress in the blog.

These photos show where we're starting from. The slab, the Poppy red roof and piles of materials covered by tarpaulins.

From Impington to Ipswich

2011-05-03T05:08:00.000-07:00

We're looking forward to joining Deben Events again on Sunday 15 May in Ipswich. Fancy a day out in Ipswich, see you there!

Woodbridge Vintage and Contemporary Fair

2011-04-05T03:19:00.000-07:00

We're looking forwards to going back to Woodbridge on Easter Saturday.

Box clever

2011-03-22T13:49:00.001-07:00

Visitors to the Upmarket and Cambridge Market Stalls may notice an image makeover. Ed and our friend Jonathan spent a week working really hard to build these portable boxes. Where we can store our stock and display it.

New images for spring

2011-03-09T02:33:00.001-08:00

Ed working on the new screens for our next collection. Hopefully some of the products will reach the stalls and website this week.

Naomi Avsec and Spoon

2011-01-25T11:55:00.001-08:00

Back when Upmarket started we made friends with Naomi who also had a stall. An artist and embroiderer, she left the market a while ago and has gone onto to do all sorts of exciting things.

I caught up with her this week which prompted me to take a look at her website. Her work is absolutely gorgeous check it out at Ilovespoon.co.uk and naomiavsec.co.uk.

Stabo Sale starts tomorrow

2011-01-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

After much digging in the attic, looking through drawers and labelling up we have arranged a collection of sale stock. The sale is at our Spitalfields stall and should last a couple of weeks.

Our new logo

2011-01-02T13:37:00.001-08:00

We’ve been debating possible logos for ages. We both love blackbirds, the maniacs of the garden, for the crazy way they career around at knee height. So after much debate we thought it made sense to use the blackbird image we already use.

Pictured is my hand and label we are using for scarves.

Stabo's early Christmas Gift

2010-12-06T06:51:00.000-08:00

As a small family business we thought we'd post the best thing we've ever made. They came early on 19 November and are still getting quite a lot of medical attention. We apologise if orders may have been a bit delayed or we haven't updated the website as much as intended but things were a bit hectic in the run up to and since their arrival. So introducing Poppy and Felix with love from their doting parents.

A Christmas Cracker

2010-12-06T06:48:00.001-08:00

Once again Stabo products are available at the Sheffield Millennium Galleries for their Christmas Crackers exhibition. This is a showcase for British Crafts, amongst others our friend the jeweller Hairy Growler has his wares on display. They sent us over loads of photos and the exhibition looks great with lots of variety, so if you're in Sheffield in December or the new year do pop in.

Top Drawer Trade Show

2010-09-14T00:44:00.000-07:00

We're doing our first Trade show (Top Drawer) at Olympia in West London. Unfortunately the show actually finishes today. Our stall is pretty much as far away from the front entrance as possible next to a fire hydrant and the disabled loos.

Screen Preparation

2010-08-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

We've been sorting out our screen printing screens to make space for some new images.

Putting the images on the screens is a photographic process. Here's Ed looking at our exposure unit where the screens are being exposed. When the time's up they are rushed straight to the bathroom, the unexposed emulsion is rinsed off the screens and the images revealed.

Stabo takes the plunge

2010-08-09T03:40:00.001-07:00

Karabiner and Buckle Bag update

2010-07-23T07:51:00.001-07:00

We get the leather for our Mens Karabiner and Buckle Bags tanned in Northampton. Yesterday we picked up our latest batch. So for anyone who's been waiting Ed started making those bags again today.

Here are some pictures of Ed grappling with the hides.

North of the Border

2010-07-08T08:59:00.001-07:00

Ed's off to the Cuillin Ridge, Skye mountaineering next weekend.

Which reminded me of the two great Scottish boutiques that stock our products. Junction Art and Gifts in Aberdeen is run by Elaine Thomson you can get a flavour of what she sells on her website.

Similarly Kirsteen Stewart has a great website. You'll have to catch a boat or plane to visit her in person though as her boutique is in Kirkwall, Orkney.

Culture in Sheffield

2010-06-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself at a loose end in Sheffield over the next few months why not pop into the Watercolour in Britain Tradition and Beyond exhibition at the Millennium Galleries. We've submitted a collection for the exhibition shop. It includes these fabric shoppers which we're really pleased with.

Neighbourhood Watch

2010-06-24T11:20:00.001-07:00

Here are some of our neighbours from Sunday Upmarket where we trade each week, just off Brick Lane.Kate creates a Pakistani bazaar each week selling colourful rugs, bags, mirrors, clothing, teapots, and toys.
Rosie of Rosie Wonders designs and makes her own cards, jewellery, shoppers, pictures and anything else she can decorate with her designs. She was very excited this week as she will be selling on ASOS soon.Every year Ken takes his family back home to Malaysia where they all get spoilt by the relatives and he stocks up for the year.
And finally Christine sells scarves and vintage clothing, the scarves at the back of her stall are her own designs which she weaves at home.

workshop update

2010-06-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

The new slab is finally done and has been inspected by our builder friend John who popped round to see how we were getting on. He described my work as "looks good from a distance" which I am sure is a ringing endorsement for my DIY skills. Next step is to build some not too wonky walls using featured blocks.

Woodbridge Weekender

2010-06-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

We're at the Woodbridge Vintage and Contemporary Market this weekend, it should be lots of fun. We're looking forward to browsing the vintage stalls ourselves.

We'll still be at Cambridge on Saturday and Spitalfields on Sunday.

Big Blue Sky

2010-06-01T01:35:00.001-07:00

We recently dropped an order off at Big Blue Sky, Wells, North Norfolk. As Cath the owner said in a Daily Telegraph interview (after winning one of their best independent shop prizes) ‘I suppose I took the idea of a seaside souvenir shop a little bit further.’ She really has the shop is a vast space which you could spend hours browsing in, with all sorts of lovely stuff from Deck chairs to Jewellery to St Judes printed notepads to books on the area.

If travelling eastwards along the coast road it's the last shop on the right before you leave Wells. Wells is worth a look too - Fish and Chips on the front'll keep you going for hours.

Salvage

2010-05-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we visited Patrick Bros reclamation yard in North Cambs. It's quite an experience.

We were looking for some windows for our new workshop. We had some joy but customer service is certainly not a priority there.

We're digging our new workshop

2010-05-19T02:31:00.000-07:00

Having hand dug our first workshops foundations we swore never to do the same again. So here we are 3 years later toiling in the earth. After many cups of tea and a mitt of blisters - it's done. Next phase, squaring up the base then mixing and pouring the slab.

Costermonger wallets - at last

2010-05-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

First mentioned on the Blog last year the Costermonger wallets have finally made it to our website. Ideal for those 500 Euro notes before they're withdrawn from circulation in the UK.

There's the Right way, the Wrong way and the Stabo way

2010-04-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

Most people when attaching interfacing use some kind of heat press. We have discovered that standing on a wobbly stool using gravity and Ed's weight is almost as good. Just don't tell Health and Safety.

An occasional series; Destinations on the A10

2010-04-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

I've never been to an Emmau s before but we went to the one just north of Cambridge on the A10 today. In their words 'Emmaus Communities offer homeless people a home, work and the chance to rebuild their lives in a supportive environment', for us it was a great place to potter about and I'm sure we'll get something for our house there another time. The cafe also looked great, home made cakes which you know won't break the bank.

Emmaus shops are charity shops with an emphasis on furniture (often cleaned up by the workers there) as well as other donated items (no clothing) and there are loads of them all over the country. We've driven past it several times and will definitely be calling in again so if you see a mysterious sign to an Emmaus now you know what it's got to offer.

Something new in Wells

2010-04-17T04:02:00.000-07:00

We visited Wells next the Sea in Norfolk this week. We once took photos of our Wax Cags for the website there. As we were leaving Ed noticed that the blue, customised, ‘Defra Sucks’ van, a long time fixture on the quayside, was no longer there. In its place was a newer model with a professional paint job.

Marooned

2010-04-07T05:40:00.001-07:00

Recently Ed found himself trapped in a garage in the middle of nowhere for 3 hours. In addition to almost losing his mind from boredom he made himself familiar with their administrative systems. We now have a garage inspired 'orders in progress' wall.

2010-03-31T01:26:00.000-07:00

We saw In the Land of the Free on Monday. The film tells the true story of Robert King (above), Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace. Three men who together have spent more than a century in solitary confinement for crimes they did not commit (watch the film and see what you think).

Despite the seriousness of these issues the film is enjoyable and moving. It will be on UK's Yesterday channel, on DVD and some Cinemas. In a Q&A session with the Director and King they wanted everyone to see the film so that Angola Prison and the Louisiana Authorities would know the world was watching.

So, go see.

Bomb discovered at Stabo HQ

2010-03-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

Whilst clearing out a ditch at Stabo Central we discovered a 2 " mortar bomb. Not quite recognising the significance of high explosives Ros threw the bomb out of the ditch precisely at head height.

After some investigation on Google we thought it best to call the police who then called the Army.
The mortar was then carried off in what appeared to be a tin can to be detonated in a nearby wood.

The day ended with the bomb disposal squad getting a clearly more important call on the radio and rushing off to a real emergency.

P..P..P..Pensioner Power

2010-03-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

We have moved workshop far too frequently in the past two years. Every time the worst bit is moving our Clicker press which weighs a ton.

This time, however, we eschewed the services of a fork lift driver (we couldn't find a local one). Instead we made a ramp out of rubble and recruited the services of two local pensioners (my parents). It's never a quick process but we got it where we wanted, eventually. So thanks Mum and Dad for all your assistance.

We're getting there

2010-03-03T11:10:00.000-08:00

We moved workshop and house last week, obviously it snowed that day. We've been sorting ourselves out ever since. Dozens of cardboard boxes later there is a semblance of order amidst the chaos.

Ed even got a chance to sit down at a sewing machine today so I think we're getting there.

New Stabo HQ almost ready

2010-02-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

After several weeks of renovation the new Stabo central is almost in a habitable state.

Another workshop move is imminent.

Always a pleasure, never a chore!?

A bit of time wasting

2010-01-23T02:35:00.000-08:00

We found this website last night Internet Movie Cars Database. Initially we were quite shocked by how much time people have to waste on weird internet projects, as soon as we inputted a few vehicles we were sucked in ourselves.

Our favourite was the Skoda Felicia (for personal reasons), although the Vauxhall Chevette as a main stay in the Likely Lads film was quite cool.

If you do give it a look make sure you click on a couple of the movies/car images and look at the comments.

Tarpaulin Trousers

2010-01-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

We've been making our Tent Trousers for a while. Just before Christmas we found some old tarpaulins made out of an interesting linen/flax type fabric. So made a pair of 'Tent Trousers' out of tarpauling. Here is Ed making a sample pair.

He made the first sample before Christmas, laundered them and has worn them ever since. The fabric gives the trousers a really nice relaxed look. Hopefully we'll get them photographed and up onto the website soon, but if you're interested we're happy to send out 'non-website-standard' photos to give an idea of what they're like.

Pure Ukrainian Fun

2010-01-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1inuxoid/sets/72157623011461831/

It's a bit convoluted but the above link relates to the Flicker file of photos from the opening of a new shop called Pure in Kyiv, Ukraine. Tanya whose shop it is bought a whole load of stock from us in the summer and finally the shop has opened with goods from across the globe.

So if you're ever passing by it looks a whole lot of fun to drop in on, particularly if you're a fan of oranges.

Everybody needs a Noel

2010-01-05T07:55:00.001-08:00

He fixed our keyboard when we lost our 'c' and 'x' keys. For several months we had sort alternatives to words with either letter, you have to be faithful rather than sincere and use a laptop not a computer. Eventually we admitted defeat and ordered a new keyboard. He also kicked our central heating system into action and is our Webmaster. So all in all we think it's very useful to have Noel around.

Snow problem

2009-12-26T01:48:00.001-08:00

Events of the snowy variety appear to have overtaken us so there hasn't been much time to blog.

We traded on weekdays in the run up to Christmas at Spitalfields and Cambridge. As the pictures show Cambridge was certainly picturesque. A tad chilly though.

Make do and Mend and Mess up and Mend again

2009-12-11T14:13:00.000-08:00

A trolley is an essential piece of kit in our line of work. We have a couple a large and smaller version. Ed found the smaller one in his Dad's garage, it's great but does need regular attention. Recently a wheel fell of so he welded it back on but unfortunately he welded the wheel solid, so we just had some stationary round shapes on the bottom of the trolley rather than wheels.

Here he is welding more replacements on. No doubt something else will break after 1/2 an hours light use.

Robin Cooper Time Waster

2009-12-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

I heard this comedian on Last Saturdays Loose ends on radio 4. Very amusing and great cartoons.

His name was Robin Cooper and you can hear his Timewaster phone calls on the BBC website.

Busy, busy, busy

2009-12-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

We've been working hard to sort out the mess created by doing various stalls and selling lots of stuff for Christmas which is all good. You wouldn't think, however, that it would involve quite so much folding and re-folding of t shirts and sweatshirts.

So apologies for the lack of action on the blog front and when we do something interesting we will be sure to post it.

Extra Diary Dates

2009-12-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

The first weekend in December is drawing near and we are doing some extra events. We hope to trade at Spitalfields on friday and the

Clerkenwell Christmas Fair
Friday 4 December 4pm-8pm

This event is in aid of St John Ambulance in the historical Smithfield market, in Clerkenwell, London and looks set to be our first really Christmassy event.

Then on Saturday and Sunday we will be in Stoke Newington for

Oggle Everything's Christmas Art, Design & Craft Fair, Abney Hall, Stoke Newington.

Sat 5^th Dec, 10am – 5pm and Sun 6^th Dec, 11am – 5pm

Entry: FREE
Come and enjoy browsing and shopping at over 30 stalls featuring work by designer-makers.

Both events should have lots of other great stalls and we really enjoy the chance to do a bit of Christmas shopping ourselves.

In addition to this we will have all our regular stalls at Cambridge All Saints market on Saturday and Spitalfields and Upmarket in London on the Sunday.

Out takes

2009-11-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

We're trying to get our current mens t shirt collection onto the website. If you take photos of the t shirts on coat hangers they just look big and saggy so Ed had to wear them.
Here are the pictures you won't be seeing on the website.

The Ros Wallet

2009-11-21T11:19:00.001-08:00

Although we don't normally give our products names our latest wallet is definitely a 'Ros'. I made my own version a couple of years ago. After an unfortunate incident of wallet based incompetence I made a wallet I could chain to my bag which would hold lots of small change and business cards.

Initially we thought it was too large for people who don't regularly carry £50 in small change, but I eventually tried making a few to sell. The picture shows the my first batch. Also available in dark brown, tan and black hopefully we will get them onto the website this week.

Hunter Gatherers

2009-11-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

Living in the countryside we have started foraging in the hedgerows for foodstuffs we can find growing wild. Our Shoe-making Landlady Chris has done spectacularly well on this front. Local fly tippers have deposited a load of pub snacks at the end of her road. Pictured is one weeks collection.

I'm partial to Sweet Roasted Almonds and Ed sings the praises of Gherkins in Anchovy Oil. I'm not sure what Chris' favourite is but as I keep finding half finished bar snacks cans she's clearly enjoying the fruits of her finds.

Making Screen Printing Frames

2009-11-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

We've bought pre-made Screen printing frames before but find the ones we make ourselves last much longer. The pictures above show Ed adding the mesh to the frames. This is actually a two person job as you have to stretch out the mesh as tightly as possible, but I'm taking the photos here.

The worst thing about the job is putting all the staples in which leads to sore wrists, blood blisters and all sorts of other problems. So we're asking Santa for a Pneumatic Staple Gun.

Loglike

2009-11-16T05:04:00.000-08:00

Our friends Jen and Steve who run Loglike used to have a stall at Spitalfields on Sundays but recently moved to North Wales. From the looks of their Blog they're having a great time.

Country living has already inspired new Loglike products. This set of badges is beautiful. Like all their products even just the packaging is gorgeous.

Print Day, Friday

2009-11-13T12:58:00.001-08:00

Once again Friday was spent printing. Earlier in the week we cut the leather then we print invariably on Friday. Ed does the printing and I do the positioning both to print the items and to dry them while Ed prints the next item. When we've tried swapping roles it's always a disaster. I am always subject to Ed's very critical eye as I do his job but less skillfully, similarly I can't help interfering as I find him so slow with the positioning.

Anyway I position the pieces once printed to dry. As we have limited drying space you have to lay the pieces out as efficiently as possible so you tend to end up with a table covered in the same image. They always look so lovely at this stage it almost seems a shame to sew them up.

Hold the liquor

2009-11-13T05:33:00.001-08:00

Our friend Huw has a shop in Brighton (they even sell some of our stuff) and a website; Junkfunk. Was nosing on his website this morning and spotted this nifty little item I hadn't seen before. It appealed to me.

Stabo goes Green for Winter, or is that Blue

2009-11-10T06:01:00.001-08:00

It's that time of the year again, when it just gets a bit chilly. Less auspicious than the notorious 'first swallow of summer' is the 'first Thermals for winter'. That was quite a while back. We have now reached the stage of lots of layers and hats indoors.

As you can see the Stabo scarf is coming in very handy.

We love the weekend

2009-11-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

Actually we don't love it that much but I thought a 'we hate the weekend' title might be too grumpy. In particular Friday nights are a bit of a drag as we always end up working late. This is what we were up to last night; screen printing. Ed tends to do the printing and I do the running around placing printed items on all spare spaces to dry out.

It wasn't too bad though we were made a glass of mulled wine and had a break watching fireworks. Of particular note were the sparklers, you don't realise quite how much smoke a sparkler gives off until to avoid the rain you light 5 of them in a small marquee.

There was a Jolly Hunter

2009-11-05T01:24:00.000-08:00

This is not exactly Stabo related but has taken precedence over everything else.

We have a rat problem. They were getting into the house so our landlady boarded up the probable entrance and exit holes. Unfortunately she trapped at least one inside under the floorboards in our part of the house.

We tried to trap them last night but they managed to steal all the bait and safely go back down under the floorboards. Ed has decided that an air rifle is the solution to all our problems. I'm not quite sure how this is going to play out in the confines of our kitchen but it keeps us entertained.

Fantastic Mr Wallet

2009-11-02T03:42:00.000-08:00

We are trying to sort out new products and photos for our website.

In particular the photography is rather labour intensive. Clothing is especially difficult to make look good which is why we are taking photos of t shirts on clothes hangers rather than people.

I spent a few hours faffing about with the light cube moving card holders by a couple of millimetres at a time in order to fit them perfectly in the frame. Inspired and greatly entertained by Fantastic Mr Fox perhaps we'll take our new skills in moving things by infinitesimal amounts and create a wallet based stop frame animation. Probably not.

We're at Coventry Transport Museum

2009-10-29T04:35:00.000-07:00

We will be taking a stall at Coventry Tr ansport Museum for their craft fair on November 14 & 15. We've never visited before but it sounds like a fun event and we have a bit of a penchant for transport related imagery.

We did visit an amazing transport museum on the North Island of New Zealand, just in case you happen to be passing. It's the Southward Car Museum fairly near Wellington.

We called in and fell in love with it. A vehicle we that particularly stuck in the mind was this gangster vehicle (below), imported from the states with reinforced bullet proof glass (ie glass about an inch thick) and authentic bullet holes.

Ways to avoid working no.1

2009-10-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

Chris our landlady (the shoemaker) has just got a new puppy, she is black and tiny and incredibly sweet. The as yet unnamed puppy always seems more fun than say an afternoon of sticking badges together.

The pup seems to like leather so perhaps she can be trained to stick leather badges together. Or is that illegal?

Lets do the Math (s)

2009-10-10T01:20:00.001-07:00

This week we did some Grading; creating different sizes of the same pattern. We were standardising the Wax Cag patterns. The cag is really Ed's product but after five minutes trying to Grade he was crouched in the foetus position, rocking back and forth (metaphorically at least) so I offered to help and promptly created an extensive spreadsheet.

Traditional grading is to my mind a very inexact science but after a lot of me promoting the mathematical case and Ed looking rather unhappy we eventually sorted it out. Or at least we did in theory we're actually going to create the new patterns on Monday. So that's something to look forward to.

Woodbridge Vintage and Contemporary Fair

2009-10-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

One of the fun things we do is visit different fairs around the country. Although a bit more hassle it's always a bit more exciting doing an extra curricular event.

The most recent event was the Woodbridge Vintage and Contemporary Fair in Suffolk. The organisers Sarah Hill and Richard Ginger also sell and consequently had a really good idea of the type of event they wanted and managed to get together an eclectic mix of stalls.

We were contacted to trade at the first event in June and came back again in September. The mix of stalls spans clothing and accessories, to homewares and the odd food stall, you'll need the posh pork pies and fresh coffee to keep you going.

It's a really charming location and a darn sight better organised than some of the more regular events. We've posted some pictures of the swarming crowds. Or you can read more on the Woodbridge Vintage and Contemporary Fair blog. The only downside is that as a trader it's almost impossible to find the time to have a really good look around the fair yourself.

Pilgrim Shoes

2009-09-30T13:10:00.001-07:00

Chris, who has let us camp out in her house and workshop is also a shoemaker. So like us she works with leather, however she shuns electric sewing machines for 19th century treadle power instead.

Here's a couple of pictures of her make do work shop (till we go) and some of her lasted shoes drying out in the morning sun. Find out more at www.pilgrimshoes.co.uk

Stabo Moves House - Again

2009-09-16T00:28:00.000-07:00

After 10 days of high exertion we have finally managed to move our house and workshop to Bedfordshire.

Our old work shop prior to clearing out

Moving our leather cutting machine

Our new house, or at least we have rented some of it off our friend Chris.

The new workshop

View from our new workshop

Thanks to those who helped us with the move. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that we will probably have to do it all again in the new year.

Making pictures

2009-08-22T07:11:00.001-07:00

This week we needed to update the website with some new Wax Cag pictures as we've just finished our first batch of 38" chest Cags. Taking photos of accessories is fairly straightforward, we just get out a white light cube, plonk them on the table, light them and more or less get shooting. Clothes are far more problematic, they really need to be modelled to be shown off to best effect. Not typically having a model or photographic studio on hand we always end up making do, normally using each other and a random space.

This time Ed was the model. We have a fairly low success rate for the photos and all of them need touching up. So I spent the afternoon doing that.
I was amazed by how much like Ed the image of his face in blue lines looked, I knew he wouldn 't appreciate being identifiable so had fun totally erasing his face.

lost property

2009-08-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

Probably not the most interesting of entries.....

A fellow stall holder at Upmarket off Bricklane in East London handed us this bag which had been accidentally left on his stall. It contained a small camera print vest and a mini travel card holder. There was one other item in the bag. In the unlikely chance the customer is reading our blog, please contact us and reclaim your posessions.

New sample t shirts made and stabo HQ sold

2009-07-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

It has been an incredibly frantic time here at stabo central. We have sold our house which has put us in a scramble to find another property - not an all together restful exercise.

And possibly more interesting we have been making some new sample t shirts which we're trying out on the stalls in small batches. This rather peculiar image is of us doing some screen exposing on our home made exposure unit.

You shouldn't really hold up the lid with the lights on but I thought it might make a good photo.

All in all a busy time now and what looks like the rest of the year

Here's a quick look at the samples. Hope to put them on the website soonish.

What Would Terry Do?

2009-07-11T03:26:00.000-07:00

I imagine Sir Terry Leahy, Tescos' Boss, when considering new display methods for say washing powder or charcoal brickettes probably sits down with his colleagues and has a conversation about previous displays. Then using the stunningly analytical technique of vague recollection rather than documented sales figures considers their success. On the back of this he probably grabs hold of a random collection of materials from his workshop and the floor then sits down at a sewing machine and gets stitching.

Even if it turns out not to be Tescos' strategy it's what we did.

So awaiting a tsunami of increased badge sales we will be presenting our new badge display to a suitably underwhelmed public this weekend at a stall near you.

Cool places to shop

2009-07-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Liscious, 125 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6AH

I spent Wednesday wandering aimlessly around Oxford although this turned into wading as the afternoon progressed and the heavens opened.

One of the more interesting shops was Liscious, 5-10 minutes north of the main shopping centre. It sells a great combination of secondhand furniture both old style and updated (reupholstered, re-painted etc.) and vintage clothing. Lured in by the vast dolls house in the window (about the size of Blenheim palace in dolls house terms) and funky upholstery it really is a bit different.

The white floorboards of the shop floor go both upwards and downwards, backwards and forwards and you wind up the staircase stumbling into an area complete with mobile phone charging and erected ironing board that looks like someones living room perhaps it was an installation or perhaps it really was someones home.

Comfortably the most expensive thing you can buy at Spitalfields market...

2009-07-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

Our house no. 21 High Street Benwick, March,
Cambridgeshire, PE15 0XA.

Mildly frustrated by sluggish housing markets we took we have decided to advertise our house on our three market stalls. As we designed and built the workshop and garage (and still have some of the injuries to prove it) we can even sell it at Cambridge Art and Craft market where 'we make what we sell'.

We are sure the £107,000 asking price makes it the most expensive item for sale in any of the markets we attend. Were anyone to come along with the readies we always bring a trolley with us which we could transport the dosh home in.

Anyway now we've started this mode of unconventional house promotion we might as well continue so without further ado;

This is truly the most sensational offer you will ever see and were it not for the fact that we would like to live a little nearer London and Cambridge and would like even more space for our workshop we would not be moving.

It is a two bedroom, two reception room, mid terrace Victorian house with bathroom and kitchen. Apart from the bathroom (laminate flooring) and kitchen (tiled) the flooring is 0riginal wooden floorboards throughout. There are original fireplaces upstairs. There is also a backyard with oil tank for the oil fired central heating an access road, 55ft+ garden, workshop and garage.

The workshop is ideal for those who want to work from a home in an office, workshop or combination of the two. There is mains electricity, wifi internet, double glazing, good security and a wood burning stove.

For more information please see our estate agent Ellis Winters' website or Right Move.

Reduce, Reuse, and Remember to post a blog

2009-07-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of regular blogging we posted our first blog about 2 months ago and have done nothing since. I think our problem was that we wanted to avoid posting blogs about the day to day minutiae of our work, unfortunately that left us with nothing to write about. Anyway my new Resolution is to Remember to post blogs and bang on about anything.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle the mantra of all keen environmentalists, or in our case when you decide to consolidate all the leather scraps you have been saving for the previous three years you realise quite how much you have collected. This in turn encourages you to seriously focus on Reducing the amount of space the scraps are occupying ideally by Reusing them and finding a new product to make from them. Preferably something small which only uses scraps and doesn't create further waste. Hence the recent inclusion of circular screen printed pin badges, shaped brooches and key fobs into the Stabo repertoire.

So be assured that whenever you buy one of these products you are doing something great for the environment albeit our environment as every badge sold gives us a little bit more room in our workshop.

The pictures show Ed using our press to cut out the badges at the end of the process. As you can see from the image to the right 'One of our dinosaurs is missing' where Ed got a bit over enthusiastic and threw the finished product in with the waste, our intention to use up rather than create waste hasn't entirely succeeded but we've made a start.
R

18 Folgate Street, London

2009-04-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Our first Blog entry

Dennis Severs' House . 18 Folgate street. London

A brilliant 18th century time capsule loomed over by modern office towers. Dennis Severs (1948 -1999) dressed this 10 room house with artefacts to give the visitor an impression one has just missed its occupants. And the current curators still go to the effort of lighting candles and coal hearths to create a warm nasal fug.

Only 200 yards from our stall at Spitalfields Market we have never visited the house - mainly because it opens on Sundays when we are working. However, it also opens every 1st and 3rd Monday between 12pm and 2 pm so we finally managed it.

I have never seen the house advertised, but is well worth a viewing if you are visiting the markets on the 1st or 3rd Sunday of the month.

Check it out for yourself www.dennissevershouse.co.uk

Stabo

On the milk

Wishing you the best for 2012

Football Crazy

Woodbridge Vintage and Contemporary Fair

Be there and be on the Square!

Vegetarian Friendly

shoe making

Return to Paypal and August news

Cambridge Open Studios

...and then 12 come at the same time

The Big Mix Festival, Spitalfields - This Saturday

See her in Japan - Naomi Avsec

Halting in Holt - Pick n Mix makers market

national portrait gallery comission

Progress report

Build a workshop in 7 days - Day 4 & 5

Build a workshop in 7 days - Day 3

Build a workshop in 7 days - Day 2

Build a workshop in 7 days - Day 1

Build a workshop in 7 days

From Impington to Ipswich

Woodbridge Vintage and Contemporary Fair

Box clever

New images for spring

Naomi Avsec and Spoon

Stabo Sale starts tomorrow

Our new logo

Stabo's early Christmas Gift

A Christmas Cracker

Top Drawer Trade Show

Screen Preparation

Stabo takes the plunge

Karabiner and Buckle Bag update

North of the Border

Culture in Sheffield

Neighbourhood Watch

workshop update

Woodbridge Weekender

Big Blue Sky

Salvage

We're digging our new workshop

Costermonger wallets - at last

There's the Right way, the Wrong way and the Stabo way

An occasional series; Destinations on the A10

Something new in Wells

Marooned

Bomb discovered at Stabo HQ

P..P..P..Pensioner Power

We're getting there

New Stabo HQ almost ready

A bit of time wasting

Tarpaulin Trousers

Pure Ukrainian Fun

Everybody needs a Noel

Snow problem

Make do and Mend and Mess up and Mend again

Robin Cooper Time Waster

Busy, busy, busy

Extra Diary Dates

Clerkenwell Christmas FairFriday 4 December 4pm-8pm

Out takes

The Ros Wallet

Hunter Gatherers

Making Screen Printing Frames

Loglike

Print Day, Friday

Hold the liquor

Stabo goes Green for Winter, or is that Blue

We love the weekend

There was a Jolly Hunter

Fantastic Mr Wallet

We're at Coventry Transport Museum

Ways to avoid working no.1

Lets do the Math (s)

Woodbridge Vintage and Contemporary Fair

Pilgrim Shoes

Stabo Moves House - Again

Making pictures

lost property

Clerkenwell Christmas Fair
Friday 4 December 4pm-8pm