Hello to all you crafty Northern Californians!

I just wanted to let you all know about the Make Magazine's Maker Faire which is happening at the San Mateo Fairgrounds on April 22 & 23. The Maker Faire is going to be a huge event with all kinds of do-it-yourself tech, craft and art exhibits, workshops, and happenings. Participants include Diana Eng from Project Runway, Jess Hutch and her famous knitted toys, ReadyMade, Swap-o-rama-rama and Leah (me!) from Craftster just to name a few! In the middle of the event will be the Bazaar Bizarre craft fair with over 50 vendors.

craftster.org on 04/18/06#

1 part Arctypal Myth +
1 part Franz Ferdinand
resutls in rad video craft.
Is that Petter on guitar? Here's my suggested uniform for viewing. Thanks Brett.

Scott on 04/18/06#

I am such a fan of these gorgeous and extremely well-dressed paper-doll animals by Timothy Haugen.

via MeggieCat (aka Paper-Lover Heaven)

Sister Diane on 04/14/06#

Feeling like all your stitches are dropping? Or that your glue gun-related decisions are lackluster?

Sometimes, when all those craft projects seem better in your head than in reality, it seems easier to just put the Dremel down and walk away. I've found that few things spurn me on like a little healthy competition, especially when I'm feeling uninspired.

There is a new competition over at Whipup to help whip (hee.) those of you back into shape who haven't been as craftatic lately as you'd like to be!

betsy on 04/13/06#

Conceptual artists who rent by the hour and beer-guzzling knitters. Soap Box Derby racing demons and musicians that "play" bicycles. Zine librarians and ecological fashionistas. Vegan strippers wearing
homemade pasties. Artists working strictly with condiments. Dumpster-diving gallerists.

In an attempt to collaborate, commemorate and enunciate the wonderful world of craft, Platial has developed an online Craft Atlas. It is by no means comprehensive, but one day it will be. Think of it as a budding collaboration. If we all gather up our resources we can make this a definitive guide to creativity. So spread the word and add to the Atlas!

1.) Register at Platial.com

2.) Login and click "Add a Place."

3.) Just start adding your Places to craft, buy crafts, or find supplies!

Platial.com is the free, social, collaborative atlas. Thanks to Paige for passing the info on.

susanstars on 04/10/06#

The Institute for Figuring is crocheting a coral reef. They call it "a celebration of geometry, handicraft and marine wonders". They're asking experienced crocheters to lend a hand. Click on "Crochet Hyperbolic Coral Reef" to see lots of eye candy.

Using the principles of hyperbolic crochet articulated by Dr. Daina Taimina, they're creating a giant piece that will ultimately be on display. The IFF also has a "People's Hyperbolic Gallery" on their site, and everyone is invited to submit photos of their work.

Don't you just love the sound of "felted kelp"?

linda on 04/09/06#

Fans of cut paper and Swoon: Maybe like me you missed the show at Deitch last year, but right now there is an amazing installation up at a little gallery in Philadelphia called
Black Floor. It's like stepping into a gianormous bloody paper snowflake womb, with cut-paper archways and wall murals. Here are some nice pictures from Flickr. These camera-pics suck, but seriously, this is magical.

Holly on 04/08/06#

I saw this portrait of Britney Spears in Fiber Arts Magazine. I can't find a good link. It is made entirely of acrylic nails. Thanks Ellen.

Scott on 04/03/06#

The Austin Craft Mafia is Stylelicious! Check out the premiere of the new TV show, which stars 8 of the 9 ACM gals,Wednesday April 5th 7:30pm at Docs Motorworks on South Congress in Austin, TX. Free drinks from 8-9, swag bags for the first 75 people, $1 tacos, and Stylelicious on 5 big screen TVs. If you don't live in Austin you can watch it on the DIY Network starting Thursday April 6th at 1pm CT and again Sundays at 3pm. Okay, I can hear you asking: why aren't YOU on the show, Jenny? No big, juicy reason. I just felt more like watching from home than being on TV. Go girls! I'll see you at the premiere!

sublimestitcher on 04/03/06#

"Swap-O-Rama-Rama is a seasonal clothing swap and series of do-it-yourself workshops in which a community explores creative reuse through the recycling of used clothing." Fiber people and local crafty designers are on hand to offer tips on embellishing and styling all your finds.

They're looking for people to participate at the swap event at Maker Faire in San Mateo, CA on Earth Day in late April, and other swap-o-ramas are in development for Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Fairfield, CT, LA, Philly and more.

And for a poetic reuse of paper plates, drinking straws and styrofoam cups, see Tara Donovan's work again.

linda on 04/03/06#