Angels at the Guardian...

What a lovely morning we had today. Lindy, Doris and Sylvia decorated the Christmas tree at the Guardian / Observer offices. They decked it out with a selection of ©Little Gifts of Feeling, which will be given as gifts to the local Age Concern Centre in the New Year. Talk about creative recycling - love it!

before...               and after! 

(well, it still needs a star and a few more baubles...)

Doris gets her daily news fix...

Lindy spots a hot boy...

The perfect little tree decoration, stocking filler, christmas cracker... Get yours now in our shop.
xoxo

You came, you ate, you begged for the recipe, so here it is: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Can't believe I'm giving this away - it's my carefully guarded recipe for those cakes you scoffed at our shopping night. But hey, it's my thank you gift for all you lovely shoppers. Enjoy!


For the batter:

3 1/3 cups plain flour (not self-raising)
1 1/2 sticks (175g) unsalted butter, softened
2 ½ cups sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
5 tbsp red/cochineal food colouring
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa (green & black's)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff - not essence)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp cider vinegar
1 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 batch Creamy Vanilla Frosting (see below)
Preheat oven to 180 degrees C and then pop bun cases in  2 cupcake pans (24 cupcakes).

To make the batter: In a small bowl, sift the cake flour and set aside. In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes (this part is VERY important - don't skimp on timings!). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a small bowl, whisk together the red food coloring, cocoa, and vanilla. Add to the batter and beat well.

In a measuring cup, stir the salt into the buttermilk. Add to the batter in three parts alternating with the flour. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated, but do not overbeat. In a small bowl, stir together the cider vinegar and baking soda. Add to the batter and mix well. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl, making sure the ingredients are well blended and the batter is smooth.

Divide the batter among the prepared pans (3/4 fill each cupcake case). Bake the cupcakes, until a tester comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool the cupcakes in the pans for 5 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on a rack before icing. 

Creamy Vanilla Frosting

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups icing sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a medium-size saucepan, whisk the flour into the milk until smooth. Place over medium heat and, stirring constantly, cook until the mixture becomes very thick and begins to bubble, 10-15 minutes. Cover with greaseproof paper placed directly on the surface and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

In a large bowl, on the medium high speed of an electric mixer, beat the butter for 3 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating continuously for 3 minutes until fluffy. Add the vanilla and beat well.

Add the cooled milk mixture, and continue to beat on the medium high speed for 5 minutes, until very smooth and noticeably whiter in color. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes (no less and no longer—set a timer!). Use immediately.

One Night in November...

Our very first shopping night happened last Thursday and it was brilliant!

Bringing together six Hackney businesses - Share the Feeling, byGraziela, Covet, Studio Special, Liv & Love, Rose Red and Blue - it was a veritable shopping extravaganza. 100 lovely guests - including all of the Chain Gang - quaffed champers, scoffed cupcakes (recipe coming soon!) and stocked up on Christmas gifts. Here's some pics...

Angie, Nina and Mia - the preparations begin...

 

 

Doris, Magda, Lindy and Mary get stuck in

 

They're floating in the air...

 

So many shoppers!

Thanks a million to all our lovely supporters. I didn't put an invite up here, coz we were all a bit worried about numbers. Next time though, it'll be an open invitation - the more the merrier!

How we make a ©Little Gift of Happiness

We're finally entering the video age! People often ask how we do what we do, so we've decided to show you. Here's Sylvia, with a little help from support worker Magda and Chain Gang colleague Lindy, making a ©Little Gift of Happiness.



We had such a laugh doing this one, that there'll be more videos coming soon!

Hurray I am so happy, as happy as can be..!

I am really chuffed to have been announced as one of the Future 100 Young Social Entrepreneurs of the Year. As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2009, the Future 100 Awards puts the spotlight on young people aged 18-35 (I just about make that cut...) who are "demonstrating entrepreneurial flair and innovation in running a responsible business venture; one which demonstrates a balance between economic, environmental and social goals to achieve ultimate business success." 

I've been passionate about people with learning disabilities since my days as a volunteer with Special Olympics. The way they face the challenges that life throws at them is totally inspirational. Wanting to work with them made me decide to work for myself and it's the best move I ever made.


Less than ten percent of people with learning disabilities who are known to social services are employed. More often than not, they are not paid for the work they do. One of my former employees spent over 5 years working at a major UK retailer. Every Saturday and Sunday, come rain or shine, he collected trolleys in the car park, rolling them back to the trolley ranks. He did it with a smile on his face. He was never late. He worked all the unpopular weekend shifts. He never missed a day. And he was never paid for his time. In fact, when he asked for paid employment, his 5 year work experience came to an end. It makes me so angry. Recession or not, everyone has a right to be paid for the work they do.

When I started Share the Feeling, my aim was to demonstrate the positive business benefits of including people with learning disabilities in a workforce. Happily, I now employ 3 people (part time) with learning disabilities - Doris, Sylvia and Lindy - who put together the gifts you buy. The way they do it, with such pride, love and fun, is the truly magic ingredient that goes to making our gifts more special than others. It might sound corny, but it's a hundred percent true. 

Founder of Striding Out and organiser of the Future100 awards, Heather Wilkinson said: "The future of our world is in the hands of individuals who are committed to generating commercial and ethical returns." 

I couldn't agree more. 

The Future 100 Awards is organized by Striding Out www.stridingout.co.uk, a social enterprise which is committed to supporting the development and growth of young and ethical entrepreneurs.

Trouble on the busses...

Lindy and Sylvia here today, making ©Little Gifts of Strength and Love. 

We took another look at Lizzie Emeh's video and got talking about the kind of challenges people with learning disabilities face on a day to day basis. It turns out that they have to put up with of abuse when they're on public transport, especially buses. So we talked about what you need to do on a bus to keep safe in a threatening situation:

1. Sit near the driver
2. If someone hassles you, ignore them
3. If they continue to hassle, get up and move
4. If it still doesn't stop, tell the bus driver

Unfortunately, sometimes the bus drivers don't listen or aren't in a good mood, which makes things extra difficult. Hey, we all have our bad days, but it would be nice if we all looked out for each other a bit more.
Speaking of keeping safe, Magda had a delightful brainwave and now we're adding charms to the outside of our bags too - there's a padlock on the ©Little Gifts of Strength. We do aim to please...

We're having an Indian Summer...

As October temperatures soar to 19 degrees it looks as thought the met office have actually got it right with their prediction of an Indian Summer. Somewhat serendipitously (have been dying to use that word...) I'm very excited to announce that our ©Little Gifts of Feeling will soon take up residence on the fabulous shelves of the Indian Summer lifestyle boutique in Fulham. The lovely Ruth placed their first order last week - yippee!

We're thrilled skinny to be stocked at Indian Summer. It's a treasure trove of carefully chosen products from all over the world, including fashion, gifts and furnishings.

Our favourite is this little black cashmere dress - perfect to see you through the wacky seasons we're having. And it's now on sale - could it be any more perfect??!

Now we just have to cross our fingers and hope the postal strike ends in time for Christmas...

The return of The Chain Gang

After many lonely months at Share the Feeling, the ladies of the Chain Gang are back - yippee! Brought to us by the Hackney Recruitment Partnership, our lovely new recruits are Doris, Lindy and Sylvia. Also pictured is the fabulous Miss Magda - or "Maggie Queen of Shops" as she's more fondly known.

The ladies were busy making brand new ©Little Gifts of Christmas Cheer and Festive Fun in time for the holiday season. We had a good laugh, but that didn't interfere with getting the jobs done - oh no!

Coming next week... Doris goes to Germany and Lindy and Sylvia take control! I'm looking forward to it already... x

@Little Gifts of Tricks 'n' Treats...

Busy busy busy today preparing to upload our Halloween Gifts to the website.  They'll be available to buy online tomorrow, but here's a sneak preview for our blog fans...

Little Gifts of Tricks 'n' Treats are handmade by the Chain Gang right here in the attic in Hackney and contain...

• a moon and stars - when they're out it's time...
• a party popper - to let the fun begin!
• a jack o' lantern - spoooooky
• a scary monster - he's looking for you...
• a hug - just in case you get scared
• a trick and some treats - happy Halloween xx

  

These are the first bags we've made that are suitable for kids - a cute alternative when the spooky troops come a knockin'!

East London makes me smile.

Just back from a really lovely Sunday cycle along Regent's Canal. Such fun! There's some cool graffiti near the 2012 Olympics site (which is flying up by the way - v. exciting). No doubt the council will remove it... Anyhoo, see for yourself. Anyone know whose it is?

Go Lizzie! Someone give this girl a mobo

I've taken this from the BBC Radio 4 website. Here's a girl that I just love...

When Lizzie Emeh was born she was so profoundly disabled they thought she would never be able to walk or even talk. But she has proved them wrong. She has severe learning difficulties and is unable to read or write, but at the age of 32 she is about to release a solo album.

"I'm going to become the diva that people don't know about," she says.

Emeh sings her song Angels and explains her hope to give voice to people with learning disabilities. 

Click below to view:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8298000/8298300.stm

Simple, effective branding. That's what I want.

I'm taking a look at Share the Feeling's branding at the moment. Having been out of the loop for over a year now, I am really aware of how fast things move in the whole area of online retail. So we're simplifying our offering - no more invitations, just little gifts from now on, perfectly made in the same spirit of pride and fun as always. The aim is to do what we do much better than before. Because if we can do that, more people will buy our stuff, creating more opportunities to employ people with learning disabilities.

I came across this promotional video for The Girl Effect, an organization dedicated to helping empower young females in the developing world. It's not needy, it's not worthy, it's simple, engaging and thoroughly compelling. Click on the image to watch it: 

I like to think that Share the Feeling has the same message - empower people to reach their potential and they will achieve simple but important things.

Doing our own PR...

Magda and I are busily sending out samples to journalists right, left and centre in the hope that we will get some much needed publicity for our lovely little gifts this yule... (Yes, I know it's months away, but Christmas will soon be upon us and I am determined to get our great little stocking fillers on all the best gift lists!) 

It takes so much time to find the right person and I just cross everything - fingers, toes, legs - that the time we spend on doing our own PR will all be worth it. I do wonder though... As does my good friend Fifi, owner of Covet in Islington. So Magda, Fifi and I are sending out positive thoughts to the universe and hoping for the best...

Anyone know any friendly journos who want an ethical scoop for festive gift guides?? Suggestions in the comments box please and thank you!!! xx

The Blessing Tree

Now that we're concentrating more on our little gift bags, we're getting to do lots of quirky stuff for people who want to share their feelings for special occasions. One of our favourite jobs was for Hannah, who got married last year. The happy couple had a "blessing tree", to which people attached little bags (made by us, using pretty vintage fabric from Hannah's Nan...) containing blessings and messages from friends and family. 

The tree was the happy backdrop for their ceremony and the envelopes will be a treasured heirloom for years to come. Hannah says: "It worked so well and people loved it. We got really lovely responses from people, both in their messages and also in talking about doing it and tying them on... Thank You!" 
What a great idea for every bride's wedding scrapbook...!

Wish I'd thought of that...

Hola Folks. Went along to Top Drawer at London's Olympia a few days ago, looking for inspiration. I found it rather encouraging to discover that many of the most innovative and creative companies exhibiting were based in Hackney too. Loved this idea by local ladies Tola and Anna at roseredandblue.com: 

It's an Advent Calendar / seasonal family heirloom! Based on an Austrian tradition, 25 little bags (just like our own little gift bags) are each filled with little treats and hung on ribbon using numbered pegs - one for each December day leading up to Christmas. Each day, you open the relevant bag to reveal an ever sweeter treat, until December 25th. 

A much more gorgeous option than the usual cardboard kind methinks - and it's fun for the family too. 
I only wish I'd thought of it...

Getting back to work...

Well, after months of maternity leave limbo, I am finally back to work. A new Chain Gang - a trio of gorgeous Hackney gals - started last week and they are totally motivational and inspirational. To be honest, I thought I'd just close the business down and become a full time momma, but then the girls came along and re-lit my fire!

And then there's Magda... What a legend. I found her at HRP - the Hackney Recruitment Partnership - an agency in Hackney that assists people with learning disability, helping them to find work and fulfill their potential in lots of different ways. She's a bit like Mary Queen of Shops, the no-nonsense, straight talking fashion business guru who also writes a column in Grazia every week. Anyway, I digress... Magda is going to work with me to scale up the business and spread our message far and wide. I predict great things for us, so watch this space.

I've no pics of what we're up to work-wise at the moment, and the website is in desperate need of an update, but do take a look to get an idea of what it is we do.

In the meantime, here's a photo of the lovely Edie May, who surprised me big time this morning by taking her first steps unaided. Yippee!

Two little steps for Edie and a giant leap back into work for her mum. Adieu for now readers...

Angie xo

The new range...

Just found some photos of our new range of ©Little Gifts of Feeling. Thought you might like a sneaky preview... The idea with the ©Little Gifts is that you give one when perhaps a card isn't quite enough, but you don't want to go overboard either. Par example... 

If someone's having a hard time, a ©Little Gift of Strength is just the ticket, containing symbolic ingredients to give someone strength... like an eraser - to erase all your worries, a marble - just in case you lose yours, numbers - there's strength in them, a piece of string - to tie things together if they're falling apart...

They're colourful, funky, fun and made with lots of love by the Chain Gang - a team of people with learning disabilities. 

Anyhoo, this is not a shop, I just wanted to show what we do. Laters!