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All Counties Craft Tour For Mind

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Who Am I?

Hi, I'm John Bloodworth. I am also known to many as 'Gentleman Crafter' as a result of my blog www.gentlemancrafter.wordpress.com

I have been creative since I was a small boy. As well as being an enjoyable pasttime it has also helped me cope with many of life's little hiccups.

I have also shared this passion for creativity with the United Kingdom during the past decade whilst creating over 10,000 hours of broadcast material for a TV channel dedicated to arts and crafts.

What am I doing?

I am organising a charity fund raising challenge in aid of Mind, a mental health charity based in the UK, which will see me leave the security and certainty of my home behind and spend just over a year visiting each and every one of the ninety-two (historic) counties in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland + various Islands) whilst living in, teaching workshops in, crafting in and blogging/vlogging from a converted van.

The idea has already been pitched to Mind and they have accepted me as a volunteer fund raiser and provided me with a range of tools and materials to help get me going, but I need your help to make this happen and make positive change to lives that have been affected by mental health issues.

Why am I doing it?

It is fair to say that my own life has been turned upside down by mental health issues in recent years, with severe depression and general anxiety disorder making day-to-day life a genuine struggle, but Mind were there for me and have been an outstanding resource and support mechanism through it all.

Through my work and my blog I have also heard many similar stories from individuals around the world.

I am therefore doing this challenge in order to give something back and to help Mind help others who have been affected by similar issues.

As an added bonus I would also hope to be able to share the calming, focusing and ultimately beneficial properties of a creative hobby along the way.

Can you help?

As I mentioned, I need help. I am usually to proud to ask for it, but there it is. A simple request.

Probably the biggest obstacle to getting this on the road will be the van but there are also smaller ongoing costs that will be incured.

Whilst I plan to fund the day-to-day costs with profits from my small business and from sales of arts and crafts created along my journey and from giving workshops hosted in the van my personal up front capital is exceptionally limited - basically zero. Not even a car to part-exchange for the van.

I am therefore looking to see if there is anyway that you can help.

Perhaps a small donation, or if you would like a 1-2-1 workshop with me, a payment of £50 would secure you a place for when I visit your county.

Perhaps you would like a little artwork from me?

Perhaps even just by sharing this page on your Facebook or Twitter accounts.

It's up to you but without you, I can't do this.

If you are a company wishing to sponsor this campaign or host a workshop in your premises then I would love to hear from you too!

Do you get anything in return for your help?

My word yes! 

All donations will receive my sincere gratitude and the undeniable satisfaction that you have helped a fantastic cause.

Some specific 'rewards' have also been created - please do take a look at those - there are framed mini artworks and also places on workshops available.

£5 gets you a place in the honors roll on the Gentleman Craft blog.

£10 and you will receive a colouring book featuring various mandala designs encapsulated in county boundaries. I'll try and fit all 92 counties in, but it may be a squeeze! The exact format is yet to be worked out however the book will be up to A4 in size, printed on 120gsm paper and either perfect bound or coil bound.

£15 gets you a framed mini line art drawing that I will make whilst on tour - these will be a limited edition series of just 52.

£30 gets you a place in a group workshop in the van. Workshops will be organised by county and groups will be a maximum of three people per workshop and two workshops per week so these too are limited - be the first to book!

£50 gets you a 1-2-1 workshop with me in the van.

Adhoc larger workshops are also being arranged around the country. You can see an up to date list here ... https://gentlemancrafter.wordpress.com/category/general-chat/all-counties-craft-challenge/all-counties-craft-workshops/

A variety of genres and techniques can be covered in a van - ultimately we'll just have fun whatever we do, ok?

I'll even throw in drinks and snacks throughout the day - it'll be like a mini adventure for us all!

In the cooler months, or if you've a group of more than three, I can always arrange to carry out the workshop indoors - a local hall or a local craft shop - get in touch and let's talk. If your question is, 'Are you coming too ...', the answer is, if you book me, I'll be there! :)

If these rewards don't tickle your fancy but you have an idea that's not listed and want to discuss it before making your donation - then please get in touch!

When is the money needed?

I would ideally like to start this journey ASAP so contributions/social media shares/awareness need to happen right now!

I know it's a big ask however I guess that the point of using crowd funding  is that many people make light work of a big job and I believe that together we can make this happen - pound by great british pound!

What will the money be spent on?

This target is for the majority of the costs that will be incurred in completing this challenge, including the van.

All donations over and above the original target, plus all profits made as I work my way around the country will go to Mind.

What happens at the end of the tour?

The van will be sold and the profits raised from that will be added to all of the other contributions over the orginal target and this money donated to Mind.

Final Thoughts

If you, a family member or a friend has been affected by mental health issues then please help support me with this campaign by donating whatever you can afford - even if it is just £5 - please help me to help Mind continue their sterling work at providing support for sufferers of mental health issues.

FYI - the minimum contribution via this website is £5. If you would like to offer an alternative amount I can also accept PayPal payments.

Please accept my sincerest thanks for taking the time to read about this exciting challenge and for all contributions and shares in advance.

Best wishes,
John Bloodworth.

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Donations 

  • sandy mudd
    • £5 
    • 8 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • £10,000 (Offline)
    • 8 yrs

Organizer

John Bloodworth
Organizer

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