A day of advice for crafter-makers

Today we were invited to be experts at an exciting event called Make It, Sell It for young entrepreneurs at the British Library's IP Centre. There were lots of amazing people with brilliant ideas who showed us their wares.

Some of the other experts in our session included Georgina Blain from Etsy who was a real expert on how to properly market your products, Kate Bassett who talked to everyone about the ins and outs of the press, and how to get your products seen out and about, Nick Kaplony from Artquest, a really terrific resource for anyone needing support and advice in the world of visual arts, as well as lots more.

This is the lovely and talented Julie Kouamo, who screenprints onto fabric to make beautiful and unusual textiles.

We spoke about everything from intellectual property and design rights, to people's change in attitude, pushing for more localised products instead of mass manufactured.

This is  the wonderful Frances Taylor, the marketing manager at the British Library. She took brilliant Polaroids of everyone who was involved in the event.

Rosie and Harriet talked to everyone about how Tatty Devine started, from having their first market stall at Portobello market, to where they are now with two London stores and over 200 stockists worldwide.

This is Ameena who makes bespoke books and journals, with covers that aren't just beautiful but very tactile too! There was definitely an importance message about valuing yourself and your product, and not being shy. Rosie said "You need to love what you make, so other people will love it too." She spoke about how you need to know that your pieces are special - aim high!

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