The AntiCraft Blog

AntiCraft Blog, R.I.P.

2010-04-14T13:45:00.003-04:00

So here's the deal. When I realized that this is not the first time I've forgotten to announce a new issue on our own damn blog, I knew something about the process was broken. And it wasn't just the AC blog. My own personal blog, started in October of 2000, has become a wasteland of half-hearted, infrequent posts. Many of the Staff don't even bother with their own blogs. Blogging—for The AntiCraft Staff, at least—as a concept is broken.

We started off using the blog software that our ISP provided... and it was kind of a hassle. More PHP than I knew what to do with. We switched over to Blogger, which worked well, we thought, but as it turns out, we were part of an extremely small percentage of bloggers who used Blogger, but hosted all the blog info (posts, pictures, template code, etc.) on their own server. However, Blogger has decided to phase out that option, given that so few folks use it.

We can't fault them for that. It's good business sense. And, to Blogger's credit, they have worked really hard to make changing over as painless as possible. But it's still a bit of a hassle.

Well, if we're going be hassled, we're going to consider all our options. And honestly, now that Carin has joined the rest of the Staff on Facebook (Gooble, gobble, one of us!), we think that it'll provide a simpler interface for all our sharing needs:

Posting a link is super quick, and including a photo doesn't require coding or uploading a photo to our server.
If we need to share something longer, the Notes function works quite well, and we can still append photos and links.
We're on FB constantly, just like the rest of the zombies , so we're much more likely to update/interact.
If you are on FB, it's easy for YOU ALL to share things with US! We love seeing the links you come across or photos of your finished projects.
Even those of you who don't use FB can still SEE our page and/or subscribe to the RSS, just like with the current blog.

So in time, the "blog" button over on the left will become the "facebook" button, and clicking it will bring you to our FB page rather than the blog. And since there are 935 (at the time of this writing) fans of The AntiCraft on Facebook, we think it's gonna all work out just fine.

Ossuis ex Musicae

2010-04-01T00:18:00.006-04:00

Hey Deadlings,

It's been awhile. How are you? I have something cool to show you!

Yep, that's a skeleton made out of cassette tapes.

Brian Dettmer is an artist who uses old media items, like tapes and books, to create amazing works of art. There are more pictures of the skeleton, which was part of a 2007 exhibition at the International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago, here (potentially NSFW ad at the top.)

If you want to see his other pieces, check out his flickr stream or there's a piece on his "book autopsies" here. Warning, if you don't like to see books that have been sliced and diced, I don't recommend those last two links ;-)

-A

It smells like...a SONG!

2010-02-09T00:01:00.002-05:00

If you love Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, you'll laugh your ass off at Wolverine, The Musical! Stay tuned after the credits roll for the url to directions for making his awesome claws, so you, too, can slice the wings off of a bee.

How did I get these mutton chops?

-Carin-

2010-02-02T00:02:00.001-05:00

Hi, howdy, how y'all doin'?

What's that? Who the hell am I? Well, I don't blame you for not recognizing me here anymore, it's been that long since I posted. Since anyone other than Zabet posted here, for that matter.

But I've found something fabulous, that you must go look at, right this minute!

That, my friends, is the comet detail of an appliqued and embroidered quilt of the solar system. It was made by Ellen Harding Baker in 1876 for use as a visual aid in the astronomy lectures she gave. (That's not a typo - it's 133 years old.) The quilt is on display at the Smithsonian. If you have the chance. go see it in person, and let me know to what works it inspires you!

-Carin-

P.S. Happy Imbolc! :)

Imbolc 2010 is here!

2010-01-29T12:05:00.003-05:00

With a scant few days to spare [or, at least there was when I started writing this post], the Imbolc issue of The AntiCraft has arrived, full of hearty foods to sustain you while your body begs to hibernate during the coldest and greyest parts of winter.

As I said in this issue's letter, "There are plenty of plans buzzing around Headquarters right now, it's one of the things I love about the Imbolc issue, no matter how difficult it likes to make itself. January just sort of cackles with potential, doesn't it?" So tell me about your plans!

Anyway, enjoy it muchly. The Beltane issue is already 100% planned and the editors and I are about to jump in to working on it! Craziness abounds around HQ! We love it.

Kisses and craftiness,
.:Zabet

Holy Lumps of Forethought, Batman!

2010-01-19T02:59:00.004-05:00

Here is why you should love my friend Janis: She is The AntiCraft's Ravelry editor, which means that I can avoid the huge timesuck that is Ravelry (don't get me wrong, I love it, but I could spend waaaaay too many hours there just in my own notebook), yet all knitting and crochet patterns that pass through HQ's hallowed halls still make it onto Rav's hallowed pages. (Don't know what Ravelry is? Where have you been, under a rock? Short answer: it's crack for fiber artists.)

Also, sometimes Janis has forethought, which is very helpful because mine is often on the fritz. Other times, she simply reads The AntiCraft group's board and reports back when others have forethought. Thank you, Rogue, for reminding us about the Ravelympics! Without your forethought and Janis' dedication, there was a 99.9% chance that once again, Team Angstylvania would be "unofficial" and we'd have to all stand around embarrassed, pretending we did it on purpose because we are just that cool. (Obviously, we're not.)

So, to make a long post short—better late than never, I suppose—I'm pleased to announce that Team Angstylvania is officially part of the 2010 Ravelympics. Whether or not we bother to participate after signing up is kind of a coin toss, but if you do want to participate, check out the Ravelmpics thread. Earwax, ho!

Health! Books! Imbolc!

2010-01-12T23:07:00.004-05:00

Thanks for all the well-wishes; wouldn't you know that right as I was getting better my husband caught it? Jeez. All healthy now, though, just with a lingering cough, which means we're back to shipping out books and all other orders!

We've has sold books in all but 15 states. There are 18 books left. Coincidence? I think not. (Arkansas, Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming, in case you are wondering.)

I mean, Hawaii I get. Who wants to knit with wool or wear black there? But Kansas, oh Kansas. Every autumn you prove to me you can be awesome if you just try, but now this? The woe, the betrayal! And Wyoming, don't you remember when I came to visit and (in theory) ride horses in 1982, before I knew I had a severe allergy and the beasts would kill me? Don't you still love me?

Also, I promise the Imbolc issue will be up before Imbolc. Stick a needle in my eye!

Ugh

2010-01-07T15:41:00.001-05:00

Flu.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T00:17:00.003-05:00

Just an FYI for folks who might be ordering things: The AntiCraft is closing down HQ from December 31st to January 3rd. We'll send emails/ship stuff as soon as we get back from rural North Carolina.

I don't know about y'all, but 2009 was pretty rough for most of my loved ones. 2010 cannot get here fast enough. Let's all focus on making 2010 the Best. Year. EVER.

Happy New Year, everyone!

The AntiCraft post-Christmas sale is here!

2009-12-26T21:10:00.002-05:00

A few things left from Bazaar Bizarre are now available for purchase at the post-Christmas sale.

You can only get there by clicking here, so click already!
(opens in a new window)

Quantities are limited. First in-the-inbox, first served!

AntiCrafters in and around Cleveland! Don't forget the Bazaar Bizarre!

2009-12-10T16:21:00.004-05:00

Running out of time but still want to give handmade gifts? Come visit the West Cleveland Bazaar Bizarre and save your sanity without compromising your standards. All manner of handmade goods will abound!

I'm bringing ornaments, books, and stickers. Rebecca will have creepy Santa eyeballs and goodness only knows what else. Robyn is bringing her hand-blended batts and hand dyed yarns. There will probably also be baby onsies in the mix as well as the occasional knitted or crocheted cap. It'll be a fun time, so come on out and shop indie/handmade/relatively local with us!

When:
Sat, Dec 12, noon-9pm
Sun, Dec 13, noon-6pm

Where:
78th Street Studios
1300 W. 78th St.
Cleveland, OH

Vendors:
Click here for list.

More Info:
bazaarbizarre.org

Yule Surprise!

2009-12-02T13:55:00.001-05:00

Enjoy!

Starting to feel like a carnival barker.

2009-11-30T12:34:00.003-05:00

I feel like all I do lately is encourage folks to buy things, and it's beginning to make me feel dirty. But I'm so in love with our new holiday card design that I can't not share it. What's a girl to do?

AntiCrafters living in the US: If you buy 25 or more Zazzle greeting card, note card, postcard, invitation, or photo card products (from any Zazzle store, not just The AntiCraft), you can get free ground shipping now until December 31st. Enter promo code FREECARDSHIP at checkout to receive the free shipping.

CONSUME Santa

And I can't leave out our other holiday cards.

Imbolc 2010 Call for Submissions

2009-11-24T11:03:00.001-05:00

Lest we forget!

Coming from the current issue, we have realized the White Witch is right after all: it is dull to drink without eating. Therefore, in case you haven't sussed it yet, the upcoming issue of The AntiCraft is all about comfort food and the accoutrements on the table or in the kitchen that make it happen. We know most of you pull out all the stops during the holiday season and we invite you to submit your must-have recipes, special tabletop touches, and crafty kitchen projects.

Submissions should preferably be in by December 20, but we can probably stretch it until the 26th. Please be sure to check out the new (and hopefully improved) Submission Guidelines.

Look for the Imbolc 2010 issue to be out around January 9th; we'll make an announcement when it's available!

For our fans in the United Kingdom

2009-11-18T11:12:00.002-05:00

You now how your own book order button under the book tab. The price is $16.76 (~£10), including shipping. Enjoy!

Going Out of Print Sale!

2009-11-16T10:26:00.003-05:00

When life gives me lemons, I turn off all the lights, listen to The Cure for 24 hours straight, and write horrible poetry on black paper with black ink while I weep black mascara tears all over it. Then I go make narcotic lemonade.

I got a letter from our publisher saying that they have found themselves in an "overstock situation" with Anticraft: Knitting, Stitching, and Beading for the Slightly Sinister (really, I will never stop hating that subtitle). So, the bad news is that it will not be reprinted, but the GOOD NEWS is that I was able to buy 150 deeply discounted copies, which I will in turn sell to you, signed and personalized. I will even go so far as to steal a page from Amanda Palmer and Om Nom Nom on them if you so desire, despite the warning I put in the back of the book about NOT LICKING IT because it was printed in China so Gods only know what might be on it. That's right, I'm totally putting my personal health at risk FOR YOU. That's love, baby.

We ordered the books Friday morning, and they will reach HQ in 10 business days. Which means that you can preorder a personalized book right now and have your holiday shopping done and out of the way in a trice, and we'll ship it out as soon as we have them in our hot little hands. Aren't we so helpful?

Profits from these book sales are going to be put into a savings account to one day fund... are you ready for it? ANTICON. Coming in the next 24-36 months or so to a city probably not very near you (and very likely in Ohio, unless Carin manages to put together AntiCon West first, in which case it will be somewhere nearish to San Francisco), so start saving now for your airfare!

And speaking of holiday shopping, if you want to give a gift to us, you can totally shop via our Amazon.com portal on the Materialism page, where we'll get little kickbacks for anything you buy. Not that you shouldn't buy local (BUY LOCAL!!!!), but when you can't get it local and have to shop online anyway, you can enter Amazon through our portal, get whatever you like, and we get a little kickback. It's all sorts of awesome.

Contest Clarification

2009-11-15T20:21:00.003-05:00

I have just realized that in the post about the trivets and hotpads contest I didn't exactly spell out that it's a crafting contest, did I? Prob'ly should have run that past the other editors before posting, eh? Whoops!

Anyway, the nitty gritty details are:

1. CRAFT your trivet/hotpad out of any medium.

2. SEND your photos to submit@theanticraft.com by 11:59pm EST, December 10, 2009.

3. If you win, we'll need your INSTRUCTIONS by December 20 so that we can publish them in the next issue!

4. Get fabulous prizes!

Double, double toil and trouble! Fire burn, and contest bubble!

2009-11-09T10:03:00.003-05:00

That can only mean one thing: time for another AntiCrafty contest! When mixing up a batch of eye of newt, toe of frog, wool of bat, and tongue of dog, how do you keep from scorching your counter or tabletops? Better yet, how do you propose that WE keep from scorching OUR counters and tabletops? Trivet? Hotpad? Some ill-begotten offspring of the two? Or something entirely new, say, like a cross between a bicycle and an octopus?

Send photos of your heat protection device—tripad? hotvet?—to submit@theanticraft.com by 11:59pm EST, December 10, 2009. (And then give it away as a holiday gift if you so desire, we don't mind!) The staff will pick one lucky winner who can pillage our library for two books and will get a special cannot-yet-be-named prize from Zabet. (We know what it is already, we're just being coy.)

The winner will, of course, have his or her project included in the Imbolc 2010 edition. What an AntiCrafty way to start off the new year!

Submit, Bitch!

2009-11-06T11:13:00.002-05:00

Just a note to say that the submission guidelines have been updated, hopefully in a way which you will find to be more specific (and therefore user-friendly). Also, AntiCrafty designers will want to note that we've made an email list just for you! Check it out and sign up!

The AntiCraft Submission Guidelines
http://theanticraft.com/submit.htm

Printing a Correction

2009-10-14T09:59:00.003-04:00

Here's one for the science geeks: check out the updated Firewater Paint With Me for some corrections involving triple-bonding between carbon and nitrogen. Sexy, we know!

(Thanks Alex!)

My kinda town, Chicago is...

2009-10-08T16:29:00.006-04:00

w00t!! We're off to the Windy City. It's all rest and relaxation for me (except for one very early day) but hard work over the past several months for my husband.

It's Marathon Weekend in Chicago!! And I love it.

No. I'm not running. Not in a million years. I once considered training for a marathon, but that was because the marathon I was interested in was being run on Antarctica. I would have gladly let myself be distracted by the wildlife and geology; you might say that was the sole reason I'd ever want to do such a mad thing. And then I sobered up.

This is the second time Rick will run Chicago, and I couldn't be more excited for myself. The first time we went, I packed all sorts of stringy projects to keep myself entertained for the 5 or 6 hours it takes him to run that far (he's not fast, but that's not why he does it) and ended up touching not even one. I remember wondering on the plane to Chicago, chatting with another marathon spectator, what could possibly be at all exciting about standing around watching other people run past.

Oh man. Well, let me just tell you.

First of all, there's like a million people out there cheering and waving flags and signs and so forth. It's a wild crazy party on both sides of every street (and many hanging out of windows above the streets) of the 26.2-mile course. 1,000,000 people. It helps if you say it like Doctor Evil. Except that it's not only not an exaggeration, it's probably a low estimation.

Second of all, the people are so interesting. I expected people to be wearing tech shirts and shorts. Maybe a few would be wearing those special tights they make now for running in cold weather. There were 40,000 runners clogging the streets around Grant Park, and while most of them were wearing traditional running gear, many were wearing very outlandish ... um... things. (Wait for it...)

So in October of 2003, I was there at the start with My Beloved, eager and nervous for him, and a little more than surprised about the way the day was turning out. I decided that I'd be happy standing under the Sears Tower, which is just past the halfway mark. I actually got there before the professional runners.

Waitaminit--whut??

Yeah. There are three phases of runners in any large marathon. There are the professionals, who were invited to participate from all over the world and have big names and will be running for giant bags of money. They are not human. Their endorsements have endorsements. They'll finish the race in 2:08 or so and make the end of the race a very exciting few minutes.

The second phase of runners are the super elite humans. These are people who will run the race in 3:20 and complain about hitting their plateau at mile 18. They take the sport of running seriously, but are not at Olympic or professional level. They will all have paid actual money for their sneakers, most of them even paid full price; there won't be a single endorsement among them, unless they happen to be an athlete from another sport. (That happens sometimes.) Many of these people are running to get a particular finish time which will qualify them to run the Boston Marathon or other hard-to-get-into races.

The third group is made of just regular people like Rick. These are the people who get in a 5-10 mile run at the gym on their lunch break and then do longer training on the weekends. Most of these folk are really just interested in visiting a new city and maybe actually finishing the race. They use running to keep fit and to excuse that extra helping of cheesecake, and they probably bought their shoes on sale or with a coupon. This is where my husband fits in.

Mixed in with the third phase of runners are the people in costumes.

Yes. Costumes.

In 2003 I saw the San Diego Chicken run past me at least 3 times. He (?) was wearing different sneakers and numbers each time. Elvises (Elvii??) from every stage of his life ran past, and I lost count of them around 7, I think. You might have thought that Fat Sequined Elvis would be the funniest to watch, but biggest laughs went to the Leather Elvises. I saw firefighters and members of the military running in full gear. Several Spidermen, Supermen, Wonder Women, Incredible Hulks, The Flash (who apparently lapped the other racers--I saw 4 or 5 of him), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles all streaked by. There were gorillas, brides, zombies (wonder if they needed the makeup by the end of the course?), Frankenstein's monsters, cheerleaders, ghosts, omigoodness all sorts of Halloween masks. It was spectacular.

So there I was, at the base of the Sears Tower watching in awe as the too-athletic-to-be-recognizably-humans ran past. I marveled at them and at the super amazing next phase of very serious athletes. By the time the real people started making their way past us the cheering got seriously loud. People who weren't in costume put their names on their shirts so we could cheer for them by name, and we did. I had gotten to know the people around me. Conversation was lively and fun. I am in this weekend for my own entertainment, and I know I won't be disappointed.

I missed seeing Rick running in the massive crush of runners that last time. I hope to see him this time. That's my goal. His goal is to finish. No, he won't be wearing a costume. Yes, he will be almost as entertained as I will be. And of course there will be the obligatory embarassing pictures on Facebook.

I can't wait.

standing and cheering and making a big public fool of myself over 26.2 miles,

rebecca.

PS: If you read this far, you may be interested in knowing that Rick is running the Chicago Marathon to raise money for the American Brain Tumor Association. His mom is recovering from brain cancer. If you would like to read his story and donate, please click HERE.

The AntiCraft: Samhain 2009 Not As Creative As You Drunk I Am

2009-09-30T17:57:00.002-04:00

We're pleased to announce the Samhain 2009 issue is now available!

It's true, the liquor has been flowing here at AntiCraft Headquarters, but before you lock us up in the drunk tank, consider what we have to offer:

• Commune with Aphrodite while you sip a spicy honeydew cordial from Terpon's Cup

• Pop someone's cherry and mix up a Virgin Sacrifice

• Get Pickled with the best damn Bloody Mary on the planet

• Whip out a belt and teach someone the real meaning of Restraint

As you can see, this issue has something for everyone except minors, teetotalers, and recovering alcoholics. (Sorry, y'all!)

Not As Creative As You Drunk I Am, Samhain 2009
http://theanticraft.com

Happy crafting, everyone!
.:The AntiCraft Staff

Ready. Aim. Draw.

2009-09-24T16:00:00.004-04:00

Here's a way to get more bang for your art.

Set up a large, painted sheet of metal. Take aim. Shoot your subject into the surface.

This is what artist Walt Creel does.

He doesn't just use any old subjects, either. He specifically "draws" (heh. puns.) animals that are usually shot for food or sport. Mostly for food, though, or at least that's how it seems to me from what I've seen of his work. Here's one:

Take a look at this article and Creel's website for more information and more pictures.

Yes, each one of those pointillist dots is a bullet hole. A precisely placed bullet hole. The guy is a marksman and a draftsman. Incredible and exquisite.

This exhibit of animals rendered in steel by bullet hole is called "Deweaponizing the Gun". I find it utterly fascinating. His skill both with the gun and with drawing are formidable. I'm actually quite grateful he's considering this act of art "deweaponizing", as I would seriously fear to be on the receiving end of his 'drawing implement'.

The comments that can be inferred from his work are varied. I have my own take. I'm sure it's a bit different from his own take. I love how diverse the reactions can be to this wonderful work.

Thoughts?

taking aim,
rebecca.

Mmmmm... Just MMMMMMmmmmmmmmm.

2009-09-21T13:13:00.003-04:00

Thirsty?

You will be.

Check out this fabulous recipe for chai tea syrup. I don't know if I love it for the deliciousness and the potential warm spicy smell saturating my home, or if I love it for the way Lucy wrote it.

I think if I get any more inspired, the size of my recipe box is going to become an issue in a very short time. Recipe *binder* may be the way to go.

Presentation truly is everything. Imma have to print this out on really lovely paper and frame it to hang in my kitchen. You know. For easy reference and all that.

You're welcome.

mouth watering in antici----
pation,
rebecca.

A Question of Geography

2009-09-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Two things!

1. Announcement to N.Ohio AntiCrafters: The ReBelle girls Robyn and Sarah will be joining with Rebecca and myself to form The AntiCraft Collective and sell handmade goods at the Cleveland Bazaar Bizarre on December 12 and 13. More details as they become available!

2. Any AntiCrafters living in/near Asheville/Hendersonville/Brevard, NC, want to get together for an Angstylvanian Reunion in the first week of January? We would either meet up in Asheville (I'll need location suggestions) or possibly in Brevard if I can get a friend-in-law of mine to let me use his lodge's common room (complete with crackly fireplace and antler chandeliers) on the cheap.

If you're remotely interested, send an email to me (zabet@theanticraft.com) and I'll make up a mini mailing list to let y'all know the plan.

Note: Being on the email list is not an obligation on your part to attend.

Also Note: There MAY be a small fee to join in (no more than $10, I promise) if and ONLY IF we have to pay to use the location where we end up.