How Will Christmas Look in Lincolnshire In 2020?

How Will Christmas Look in Lincolnshire In 2020?

Christmas 2020

With the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag set to go live on 7 Sep the big question is “Will Christmas be any different for you in Lincolnshire this year?”

It’s certainly going to be different for me.  Some Christmas traditions will be abandoned completely! Four days in London for festive shopping, to see the lights and to see a show or two…. CANCELLED.  Spending lots of money (probably too much) on presents and ‘niceties’ ….. CANCELLED.  Pantomime on Christmas Eve…. CANCELLED. Festive Christmas Market….. CANCELLED.

Will visits to different Counties for present deliveries still be allowed or will there be travel restrictions? Christmas parties will certainly be different;  A Zoom party may be the best we can expect!  On a different note completely, many people will be experiencing their first Christmas without a loved one.  With lots of deaths as a result of the pandemic many families have been affected by the sad loss of loved ones.

Christmas Is ‘Not’ Cancelled

I for one have been affected by the virus, both as a casualty and financially.  Although some symptoms still linger from the virus I’m grateful that they are minor.  Financially I have been hit hard by the virus so a big spending spree this year is most certainly off the agenda.  However, some traditions will remain.  I’m looking forward to getting the decorations down from the loft and seeing the trees decorated.  I’m also looking forward to doing some Christmas shopping (yes, I ‘really do’ enjoy Christmas shopping) even though it’s going to be different this year.  I think it’s going to be important to keep in mind that Christmas ‘is’ coming and will be here on 25th December just the same as it is every other year.  With that in mind I think it’s going to be even more important this year than any other year to support our local Lincolnshire traders.  The temptation may be to ‘go online’ to shop and have the presents delivered but please don’t forget that our local traders supported us throughout the pandemic whenever they could and will be more than happy to help with your shopping needs now.  It’s been a very steep learning curve for most but the majority of our local businesses have adapted well to the concept of ‘click and collect’ or home deliveries.

Shop Early

If we are to see our local businesses continue to thrive we need to get behind them more than ever now.  The supermarkets had bumper sales during the lock down while most local traders struggled to keep afloat.  Our High Street has changed with many big name shops either shedding staff or closing for good.  If we are to see our economy grow, ‘now’ is the time to support the smaller shops, markets and sole traders.

#LincsConnectChristmas 

The #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag will be live from lunch time on Monday 7 September so I have two very important requests:

1.  Please use the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag on your Christmas tweets, Facebook and Instagram posts

2.  Please, please, please search the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag on social media to see what local messages/offers have been posted.

Don’t know how to search a hashtag?  Actually, it’s really easy.  All you have to do is go to the search bar on your chosen social media platform and type in #LincsConnectChristmas and look at the latest posts.  Yes, it ‘is’ that easy!

#LincsArtCraftHour 

The Lincolnshire based  #LincsConnect #LincsArtCraftHour starts on Monday 7 September so please make a note in your diary to visit the hashtag every Monday from 12.00pm.  The hashtag should gain momentum each week and it’ll be an ideal way to shop for local gifts either for Christmas or for any other occasion. In fact, who needs a special occasion? The thing is with art, craft, sculptures, jewellery, decorative furniture and nice things to hang on your wall or put on a shelf, you never know when you’ll find that one single item that really catches your eye and calls out to you in its own special way.  Obviously we don’t all like the same things so a diverse array of goodies is what we need and a regular look at the hashtag to see what new items have popped up.  Even if you’re not in the market for a new item it’s worth having a look just to help support some local traders by sharing their posts.

More To Come

If there is enough interest I’ll happily include more hashtag hours to help our local traders.  How about #LincsAuthorsHour #LincsMarketsHour #LincsGardeningHour ….. What would you like to see?  Please take a look at one of my previous blogs to give you some ideas:

Help Me To Help You

Click on the picture or on the blue link to go to the ‘Help Me To Help You’ blog 

Help Is At Hand

I touched on the subject of bereavement at the start of the blog but some of you may have found yourselves taking on a carers roll too.  If this is you or you know someone who is caring and could do with some support have a look at this checklist from Age UK:

Click on the picture to go straight to the main website and don’t forget that there is always support and advice available from @AgeUKLindsey and @AgeUKNELincs

Advert

Mandarin Therapies provides bespoke mobile complementary therapies and injury rehab across Lincolnshire and beyond. NHS, 999 services and Armed Forces are also entitled to 20% discount.

If you would like to have an advert here or provide a guest blog please get in touch.

Stay Safe

Don’t forget to wear your mask as directed and wash your hands regularly.  We need to keep on top of the hand washing if we are to conquer this virus.  Stay safe and look out for your neighbours.

LincsArtCraftHour

LincsArtCraftHour

The LincsArtCraftHour Is Here:

The #LincsArtCraftHour by LincsConnect the Linc onshore blogger LincsBlogger

7 September 2020 – Was A Very Important Date

The LincsArtCraftHour is here! Monday 7 September 2020 was a very important date because it was the first LincsArtCraftHour and it’s here for all Lincolnshire artists and crafters of all genres. All are invited to post promotional messages and network using ‘two’ hashtags.

LincsArtCraftHour 

The LincsArtCraftHour is on Twitter from 12.00pm – 1.00pm every Monday lunchtime from 7 September 2020.

The idea behind it is to highlight the talent that we have in the County and to allow you to view what’s on offer.  You’ll find everything from cards to jewellery and paintings to sculptures with everything ‘arty’ in between. This weekly hour will give you the opportunity to see what’s on offer and even follow links to local online shopping.

Those posting will be able to include links to their Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, websites and online shops while at the same time showing off their huge talents.  ‘Christmas’ is coming (as it does every year) but don’t just see this as a virtual shop window for your Christmas shopping.  A gift for yourself, a ‘thank you’ card, a birthday gift or even a Mothers Day gift for next year are all possibilities.

You’ll also find some info on the Lincs Connect Facebook page too so please have a look to see what you think. I’ll also be interested to hear if you have any other ideas of course.

LincsArtCraftHour by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

LincsArtCraftHour – How It Works

If you’re posting messages on the #LincsArtCraftHour slot follow these simple steps:

Be sure to have your tweets ready to post (in real time or scheduled) by 12.00pm each Monday

Add a picture (or two) to show what you are advertising

Include a link to your website, Facebook, Instagram or online shop for people to follow

Use the two hashtags #LincsConnect and #LincsArtCraftHour in your tweet

Search the #LincsArtCraftHour hashtag to retweet and support others and to do your own free networking either live on the day or later in the week.  You can search the hashtag at any time 24/7.

Don’t ‘dump’ a load of tweets on the hashtag in the first couple of minutes (even if they are scheduled tweets) as it won’t look good on you.  Make sure your tweets are spread out over the hour.

How To Search The Hashtag

Searching the hashtag may be easier than you think.  Simply go to your search bar, type in #LincsArtCraftHour, click search (or enter – depending on what device you are using) then go to ‘Latest’.  That’s it! It really is that easy so make sure that we make the hour a success by supporting each other.  To make life even easier, each time you see the hashtag highlighted in blue here, that link will take you straight to the hashtag.

Finally, don’t forget to let your contacts know too.  Obviously the more people we have using, searching and talking about the #LincsArtCraftHour the more likely you are to increase your following and make more sales.

LincsArtCraftHour – Old Maps

The Lincoln Map Lady LincsArtCraftHour map painting by Fiona Duncan by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Click on the picture to follow Fiona on Twitter or click on this link to find her on Facebook: @fidunkart

I know I’ve posted this before but it’s worth another mention.  I think these painted old maps are an excellent idea.  If there was ever a way to bring a map to life, this is it!  Why not give Fiona a follow on Twitter or Facebook to see what other delights she has in her portfolio?

Advertisement

#LincsArtCraftHour with Mandarin Therapies by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Mandarin Therapies provides ‘the’ stress buster you’ve been looking for. Bespoke complementary therapies from the comfort of your own home with full Covid-19 safety certification. Gift vouchers available. Call 07966 174878 to book your appointment. Click the start button to watch the video.

LincsArtCraftHour – Christmas Is Coming…

Like it or not, love it or hate it, celebrate it or ignore it… It’s still coming and we need to start preparing for it

Many artists and local traders are still suffering with lost sales since March 2020 (Covid) so if you are going to recoup anything from that shocking year ‘now’ is the time to start planning it.

NOW is the time to plan your advertising for Christmas.  If you don’t, someone else will.  If you want to salvage some of your lost selling opportunities, NOW is the time to do it.

Charity

Age UK Lindsey on the #LincsArtCraftHour blog by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Visit the Louth Age UK website for more information about their charity shop. Your safety is in mind and fundraising for those in need is at heart. Click on the logo for details

LincsArtCraftHour, Louth Age UK Shop by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Are you a ‘vintage’ fan? If you are I think you’ll like this room in the Louth Age UK Shop. It’s your chance to grab a bargain while supporting a local charity at the same time

YMCA Lincoln advert on the #LincsArtCraftHour blog by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Click on the YMCA logo to find out how they serve our community and discover why they need our financial support

LincsArtCraftHour YMCA Lincoln furniture and Brik-a-brac shop by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

YMCA Pop Up furniture and Brik-a-brac shop, The showroom, Tritton Rd, Lincoln.  The next dates are 26-29 Aug from 10.00am to 3.00pm.  Click on the picture to find them on Twitter 

Advert

Mandarin Mothers and Mandarin Therapies advert on the LincsArtCraftHour by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Mandarin Therapies & Mandarin Mothers provide a bespoke mobile service throughout the whole of Lincolnshire and beyond. Call 07966 174878 to book your Covid-19 safe appointment or click on the picture to go to the Mandarin Therapies Facebook page for more info. 

 

LincsArtCraftHour - Mel Langton Art by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBloggerMel had a solo art exhibition in Lincoln starting on 7 Sep at the Gallery At St Martin’s, Lincoln with lots of new original artwork. Entry was FREE. The art was on sale of course and the gallery is happy to take card or cash sales. If you would like to know what Mel has planned next click on the picture to find the link for more information. 

Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:

 

That’s about all for now but please don’t forget to make a note in your diary for the #LincsArtCraftHour on Mondays from 12.00pm.  Tell your friends too

Stay safe everyone

LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour

LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour

Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour

Join us each Monday on twitter from 12.00pm for the LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour.

LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour images

Paint On Canvas…

Have you heard about the LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour (#LincsArtCraftHour) yet? It’s twitter based and includes artists and crafters from Lincolnshire, Newark, Retford and Hull. A great place for the experts to meet to show what they do.  As a result, it’s a fantastic place to shop too!

What image does ‘art’ bring to mind?  If you’ve ever been to The National Gallery you’ll have seen paintings from small to extremely large. However, if you’ve been to Tate Modern you’ll have seen something completely different.  Art is about paint on canvas but it’s also much more than that.  We can debate good and bad art but what it all boils down to is ‘do I like it’?  You can introduce someone new to the LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft hour today.

Who’s The Artist?

It isn’t me! We all have our own talents though (art isn’t mine) so we must be grateful for that.  I know what I like as soon as I see it, as a result I set up this hour to showcase the many and varied art forms from our area. We all like different things of course and that’s what makes the hour so appealing.  Who is the ‘artist’ then?  Well, I believe that it’s the photographer, the jewellery maker, the crafter, the potter…  Art isn’t just paint on canvas but without the paint on canvas the art world would’t be complete!

How Do You Find Your Art?

There are many places to find art and in Lincolnshire we are blessed with some fantastic galleries and shops.  Social media provides a good platform for art shopping too of course so it’s time to make the most of it.  I’ve found some stunning pieces of art on social media so I’ve been able to chat to the artists in real time while shopping.  Not every conversation ends in a sale but that doesn’t matter.  The conversations help to build a following, the followers have friends, the friends have friends and family… If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, someone somewhere is going to like what the artist is doing. That leads to sales and commissions.

Get Involved with the LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour

If you’re a Twitter user you’ll be familiar with ‘hashtag hours’ which involves every interested person on the planet (or so it seems) interacting about one subject.  It usually feels like a frenzy of tweets and conversations.  Choose a subject and there will probably be a dedicated hour to it!  They are fantastic platforms for networking and getting messages seen but they can be difficult to follow.  By the time you’ve seen a post, reacted to it and asked a question you’ll have missed 30 or 40 other posts.

Frenzy Free Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour

I want to remove that ‘frenzy’.  A dedicated hour using the #LincsConnect hashtag on Twitter with Lincolnshire artists of all genres posting art, messages, links and special offers.  The beauty of the hashtag is that anyone can search it at any time.  The #LincsConnect  #LincsArtCraftHour is on Monday from 12.00pm – 1.00pm but you can still search through it at any time of the week. In fact, you can search back weeks, months or years!  Once the tweet is there, it stays there until the author deletes it.  By duplicating the idea onto Facebook I want to include others who don’t use Twitter.

Get Involved

If you’re interested please do get in touch by email so that I can get everything coordinated.  You can email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

When?

Every Monday:

From Monday 7 September 2020 between 12.00pm – 1.00pm.

How Will the LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour Work?

Here’s the deal:

It’s FREE!

It will rely on the artists and crafters to post their messages, links, pictures and special offers which MUST include the hashtags #LincsArtCraftHour and  #LincsConnect

The hashtag #LincsConnect will automatically post your message to the database for everyone to see.  Assume no one is looking for you on the hashtag until YOU tell them to have a look!

Post your messages with the hashtags and tag in your friends.  Ask them to help spread the message by telling their friends.  This cascade of conversation can quickly get the hashtag seen and used  locally.  As a result your posts will be seen by more and more people.

Here’s the crucial bit:  You ‘must’ search the hashtag during the week to look at the posts and do your free networking.  Get into conversations, say something positive, share other peoples posts. The more you share for others, the more likely they are to share for you.

Scheduled Posts

Don’t worry that you aren’t available during the #LincsArtCraftHour because you can schedule your messages in advance to make sure that they hit the hashtag at the right time.

LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour logo

   Click the logo above to see how the #LincsConnect hashtag works

 

LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour – What’s In It For You?

The posts will be on twitter but I will also do follow up arts blogs.  I’ll search the hashtag to see who has been interacting with others and as a ‘thank you’ I’ll highlight  the posts in future blogs.  I’ll also include links to your websites and social media pages.

What’s In It For Me?

I’ll create paid advertising slots, paid blog links and paid features.  The whole process will be time consuming for me so I will need to have some form of recompense for my work.  Will it make me a fortune? No! Will it pay my bills? Probably not!  I always enjoy helping others though and if I can manage to produce a small income from my efforts, all the better.

LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour Dave Spherical Kingfisher image

Click on the picture to go straight to Daves Facebook page or click on this link @DaveSpherical to find him on Twitter

Dave recently joined me on Twitter and ‘Oh Boy’ he has some stunning pictures for sale. In this day and age where photos are easy to take with our digital mobile phones and editing platforms it’s such a joy to see some truly stunning pictures of nature at its best.  This is just one picture of many that Dave has taken and is offering for sale so if you like what you see you should definitely get in touch.

LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour Mel Langton Art

Mel is widely known around the County and beyond and when you see her artwork you’ll understand why. Click on the picture to go straight to her website or click on this link @MelLangtonArt to follow her on Twitter

Mel creates some truly remarkable artwork including bespoke commissions like the one you can see above.  I’ve been quietly following Mel on Twitter and can honestly say that her artwork really needs to be seen (and purchased of course).

LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour Ellies treasures needlework

Click on the picture to go to Ellies Etsy shop or click on this link @ElliesTreasures to follow her on Twitter

Arts and crafts go hand in hand and I’m sure you’ll agree that this hand made key ring really is delightful.  You’ll find much more on Ellies Etsy shop page so why not pop over (click on the picture above) to discover more.  I certainly don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour Twibell Arts painting and craft work

Click on this picture to go straight to the Etsy Shop page of Twibell Arts or click on this link @TwibellArts to follow Serena on Twitter. I’ve been following Serena for several years and am always amazed at her talent and versatility. Not only did she paint the picture of this gorgeous cat (commissions welcome) but she also made the decorations in the picture too.

 

LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour Lincoln time shift picture

Manipulating an image (in this case ‘two’ images) to make an interesting piece of art is really special. This image of Lincoln High Street was taken by John and blended with an old image to create a piece of art that goes beyond the normal photograph. Click on this picture to go to Johns website or click on this link @jpbphoography to follow him on twitter.

Advertising

If you would like to place an advert on the Lincs Connect blogs please do get in touch.  Bloggers can also have links to their blogs here too.  Get in touch today if you would like to feature here by contacting me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

Advert

LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour Mandarin Therapies mobile massage

Mandarin Therapies and Mandarin Mothers provide bespoke mobile complementary therapies (Covid-19 safe) including Aromatherapy massage, Antenatal, postnatal massage and injury rehabilitation. Click on the picture to go to the website or click on the links above to go to the social media pages

Social

PCC Marc Jones is looking for young people to join the Lincolnshire Commission.  It’s an opportunity for young people to help the police better understand their concerns and thoughts.

Click on the picture above to go to the website

See You Soon – At the LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour

That’s it for now but there will be lots more blogs here so please keep the link handy and log in for a quick catchup when you get the chance.

In Case You Missed It

Stay Safe

The rules have’t changed – keep washing our hands as it’s the best way to help control Covid-19