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