Social Paint in MK

If you're looking for something different to do for an evening out, Social Paint MK could be just your thing. Not just for the artists out there, Social Paint is a great night out for everyone. It offers a relaxed evening of painting for anyone wanting to get involved, and is held in a bar so you can enjoy a glass (or two) as you paint! There's even food involved, and whether you're looking to do some painting by yourself or want to have a fun evening out with friends or a partner, it'll be a great evening of entertainment, and probably different to what you've done before.

Wednesday 11th February at Loch Fyne in the Hub, Milton Keynes 
This is a Banksy Inspired evening, where you can come for a relaxed evening of painting while you enjoy a glass of wine and a light snack. Ticket holders can also enjoy a 30% discount off a meal before the event (reservations required).

Whether you've painted before and loved it, or have never tried it and always wanted to, it's a great evening of fun and creativity, and whether you come with friends or alone, it'll be a great evening. Why not give it a try?! Events will also be held in the following months, 5th March at the Slug and Lettuce again, 8th March at Giraffe Centre MK and 18th March at Loch Fyne in the Hub.

Advent Begins!

The countdown is on! It's officially December and the advent calendars are started today! What type of advent calendar do you and your family have, if you have one that is... Is it a cardboard one, an advent candle, or the standard chocolate advent calendar which is probably most popular nowadays. Did you get round to taking some inspiration from the 'upcycled' feature in the Phonebox magazine and make an advent calendar for yourselves to hold a small gift, made out of fabric or toilet roll tubes? We'd love you to share your pictures on our Facebook page if you did!

Whatever type of advent calendar it is, there's something exciting about counting down the days in this way, you really notice how fast time flies when you've got a little door to open each day. 1 day down, 23 more to go (or 24 if you've got one of those rare advent calendars which gives you a door to open on Christmas day!)

The Future City Debate- MK

Are you intrigued by the communication and technology debates? Tonight at MK Gallery you can enjoy an informative discussion which explores how to make Milton Keynes a well-connected city, and how it needs to respond to the potential of communication information technology. The talk is titled; 'The future of city debate: Connected Lifestyles' and is presented by the Fred Roche Foundation.

Due to changing patterns and behaviour, new ways to access the city's everyday needs need to be explored, and this is what this debate aims to do, alongside stimulating creative discussion and debate around subjects which are key to the growth and vitality of Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes is a place which is often at the forefront of new ideas, with the soon to be introduced driverless cars and the new electric buses, it is a key place for welcoming new and improved methods of communication technology.

The evening includes a number of speakers from some key positions, including Tim Stonor from Space Syntax, Rick Robinson executive architect, Smarter Cities IBM UK and Professor John Worthington, co-founder of DEGW and Director of the Academy of Urbanism.

Join these experts as they discuss the communication and technology of our city. Doors open at 7.30pm and it's a free event, although pre-booking is essential, click here to book.

Upcycling in Olney

We've been following the recycling and upcycling themes throughout the Phonebox magazine and blog over the last few months. You'll have noticed in the last issue of the Phonebox magazine we featured a unique gift shop on Olney high street; 'Afterglow', which you can read about here or see the image below.

Upcycling is a particularly creative idea, but you don't have to necessarily be arty to upcycle. There's nothing wrong with jumping on the bandwagon a bit and 'borrowing' already existing ideas to create something. With a personal touch and different base product to work with, it's unlikely that these upcycling items will ever be the same as another. These sorts of gifts are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for those wanting to find something quirky or different to give as a gift. These items are so unique that they have a real personal feel to them and make a great gift.

Saturday 19th July is the Olney Vintage Fair in the Church Hall, Church Street, and could be the perfect place to spark an interest in vintage and upcycling. Vintage and worn-out items can be the perfect basis for upcycling, items which are otherwise worn out and needing a bit of tlc can be given a new lease of life and made to feel more contemporary. Why not head over to the vintage fair and see if you can grab a bargain and turn it into something new? If you like to be different in your home furnishings, why not paint up a plain chest of drawers into something more unique, or turn a trunk into a coffee table? The possibilities are endless! If you've got a good creative imagination then great, if not then don't panic, have a google and you'll be sure to find endless ideas online, or visit to Olney's local upcycling shop 'Afterglow' and let the creative work be done for you. Upcycling is a great idea and we want to encourage more of you to be getting creative and saving from throwing things away, get involved!