Sunday, March 30. 2008
Needlefelting taken to the next level
(Thanks, Todd!)
I have never seen needlefelting this fine. Stephanie Metz is sculpting people, animals, and teddy bear skulls out of wool, with wondrous result.
Art by Steph: Stephanie Metz'* Portfolio and Current Work
I love what she has to say about the teddy skulls, which are her latest creations:
*I refuse to use 's after a noun, singular or plural, that ends in s or z, so don't even bother commenting on this. I don't care that the style manuals all seem to have changed their tune—they are only changing it because people are too stupid to get it right. They are bowing to the mass ignorance of folks who can't remember grade school grammar!
I have never seen needlefelting this fine. Stephanie Metz is sculpting people, animals, and teddy bear skulls out of wool, with wondrous result.
Art by Steph: Stephanie Metz'* Portfolio and Current Work
I love what she has to say about the teddy skulls, which are her latest creations:
Genus Ursulus: Teddy Skulls is a pseudo-scientific study of the morphology of skulls of teddy bears. Morphology refers to the form and structures that differentiate one breed from another but also give a sense of the story of the individual. The genus name Ursulus comes from the Latin 'small bear.' Using a variety of store-bought teddy bears as 'species' source material, I am reverse-engineering what their skulls look like and the differences and similarities between 'breeds.' My approach is to make up evidence and document, present, and interpret that evidence in a formal manner.
*I refuse to use 's after a noun, singular or plural, that ends in s or z, so don't even bother commenting on this. I don't care that the style manuals all seem to have changed their tune—they are only changing it because people are too stupid to get it right. They are bowing to the mass ignorance of folks who can't remember grade school grammar!
Friday, March 28. 2008
Reminders!
Don't forget that the Vlad the Impaler Hat contest closes on March 31! More details here!
Zabet and Rebecca (SunSpotting) are going to be at the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo in Cleveland tomorrow at the Stitch Cleveland booth (#527) with Shannon Okey and Xan Underhill! There will be books, projects to fondle, and SWAG! Come visit! I want to sign someone's boobs!
Zabet and Rebecca (SunSpotting) are going to be at the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo in Cleveland tomorrow at the Stitch Cleveland booth (#527) with Shannon Okey and Xan Underhill! There will be books, projects to fondle, and SWAG! Come visit! I want to sign someone's boobs!
Tuesday, March 25. 2008
Sick and Twisted Crochet (NSFW)
Someone in the forums asked about making "blood" for a knit or crochet project. (I forget which.) Well, Patricia Waller has it figured out pretty well, I'd say.
Don't you agree?
Oh, do visit her site and see her other works. The tiger is my favorite!
- Carin -
Don't you agree?
Oh, do visit her site and see her other works. The tiger is my favorite!
- Carin -
Sunday, March 23. 2008
AntiCraft in Cleveland
Ok, you Ohioan and Southern Canadian (*snerk* "Y'all, eh?") AntiCrafters, Rebecca and I are going to be sharing a space with Shannon Okey and Xan Underhill at the Stitch Cleveland booth (#527, I believe) on Saturday, March 29 at the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo in Cleveland, OH.
I'll have books to sell, finished projects from the book to fondle, and a new silver pen for signing if you want to stop by. Come over and meet me and one of the new tech editors!
Renée won't be able to make it, though we're crossing our fingers for some last-minute plan changes. : (
Also? This should be extra fun as Rebecca and I have NEVER met irl before. AntiCraft history in the making!
.:Zabet
I'll have books to sell, finished projects from the book to fondle, and a new silver pen for signing if you want to stop by. Come over and meet me and one of the new tech editors!
Renée won't be able to make it, though we're crossing our fingers for some last-minute plan changes. : (
Also? This should be extra fun as Rebecca and I have NEVER met irl before. AntiCraft history in the making!
.:Zabet
Thursday, March 20. 2008
Long Distance Relationships Suck
Just in case you were wondering how I really feel about it, I'll tell you. Long distance relationships really suck.
I'm seeing a really great guy who lives about 8 hours away. Not only that, he doesn't own a car, which is great - he lives in a major city with good transportation and doesn't need one...but it means that he would have to rent a car to come visit me. And in the place where he lives, there are several types of licenses, and the kind he has is the basic kind. The kind he would need in order to rent a car is the next step up.
To put another wrinkle in things, I still share an apartment with my soon-to-be-ex-husband, until we manage to sell the building the apartment is in, at which time we will finalize the divorce which has been dragging on so he can stay on my health insurance and move on with our lives. Things are fairly amicable, but none of us would be particularly comfortable with me having my boyfriend over - not the ex, not me, and definitely not the boyfriend.
So the ex is out of town for most of this week, and the boyfriend was looking to fly down and spend some time with me...it's only a 7 hour drive, but it would cost $1300 for him to fly here, and take about 18-23 hours by bus or train. These are silly options.
But...it looks like, maybe, for about the same price as him coming here...if I can switch people at work...we could both fly to Florida for a couple days and spend the weekend together. It would cost around the same as him coming here, and we'd be together AND warm. And I'll get to fly, which means plenty of knitting time.
Here's hoping everything comes together in the next 12 hours!
--Edith
I'm seeing a really great guy who lives about 8 hours away. Not only that, he doesn't own a car, which is great - he lives in a major city with good transportation and doesn't need one...but it means that he would have to rent a car to come visit me. And in the place where he lives, there are several types of licenses, and the kind he has is the basic kind. The kind he would need in order to rent a car is the next step up.
To put another wrinkle in things, I still share an apartment with my soon-to-be-ex-husband, until we manage to sell the building the apartment is in, at which time we will finalize the divorce which has been dragging on so he can stay on my health insurance and move on with our lives. Things are fairly amicable, but none of us would be particularly comfortable with me having my boyfriend over - not the ex, not me, and definitely not the boyfriend.
So the ex is out of town for most of this week, and the boyfriend was looking to fly down and spend some time with me...it's only a 7 hour drive, but it would cost $1300 for him to fly here, and take about 18-23 hours by bus or train. These are silly options.
But...it looks like, maybe, for about the same price as him coming here...if I can switch people at work...we could both fly to Florida for a couple days and spend the weekend together. It would cost around the same as him coming here, and we'd be together AND warm. And I'll get to fly, which means plenty of knitting time.
Here's hoping everything comes together in the next 12 hours!
--Edith
Wednesday, March 19. 2008
Of Eggses and Shadowy Puppet Overlords
First, given the week this is and the fact that the equinox is tomorrow, this link.
I used it last year teaching pre-Christian imagery to 5th graders in a Lutheran school for their Easter art project. I thought many of you would find it useful. I've used it many MANY times in my work. The symbolism is very eloquent. The site is amazing.
And I was originally going to leave it at that. But I just can't resist this one!! I love the Onion. And I love the way they mispronounce "Diebold". It's "DEE", really, not "DIE", but so appropriate!
Somehow, I feel like I've provided a couple of lost chapters of a Tolkien manuscript. Just perhaps one wormholed simultaneously into the future and the past, so you've got a magic elvish egg that Gollum hoards while corporate Sauron v. Saruman legally battle over stock options, political territory, and bandwidth.
Cheers!
-->rebecca.
I used it last year teaching pre-Christian imagery to 5th graders in a Lutheran school for their Easter art project. I thought many of you would find it useful. I've used it many MANY times in my work. The symbolism is very eloquent. The site is amazing.
And I was originally going to leave it at that. But I just can't resist this one!! I love the Onion. And I love the way they mispronounce "Diebold". It's "DEE", really, not "DIE", but so appropriate!
Somehow, I feel like I've provided a couple of lost chapters of a Tolkien manuscript. Just perhaps one wormholed simultaneously into the future and the past, so you've got a magic elvish egg that Gollum hoards while corporate Sauron v. Saruman legally battle over stock options, political territory, and bandwidth.
Cheers!
-->rebecca.
Tuesday, March 18. 2008
Well, now I know.
Why did it take me so long to hear about Live Journal community craftpagan?
(If you're looking for me in Live Journal, my handle is "sogwife.")
- Carin -
(If you're looking for me in Live Journal, my handle is "sogwife.")
- Carin -
Sunday, March 16. 2008
Miss Gertrude
AntiCrafter Sarah Hood pointed me to this link:
Gertrude by Beth Connors of Felting in Fibrespace
Couldn't you just die?
.:Zabet
Gertrude by Beth Connors of Felting in Fibrespace
Couldn't you just die?
.:Zabet
Saturday, March 15. 2008
A dark, dizzy merry-go-round
Yo and hello, Deadlings!
Sorry I'm so late on getting this posted. I turned 21 on Friday, so of course my friends had to take me out...several times. Coupling that with two rehearsals, an audition, a call-back audition, and performance for a fund-raiser, I haven't had much time these past few days. I'm here now, and I survived my 21st (despite the best efforts of some of my friends, haha!) and I'm no worse for wear, other than a hickey on my neck.
I recently tried my hand at jewelry making and made my best friend a necklace for her birthday. Her mom wore it to the fund-raiser last night and I was shocked to realize that I actually made something functional on my first try! It's amazing what a couple hours and some pliers can do!
I also made myself a very last minute toga and tunic for the fund-raiser. In an hour and a half, I had a rather functional Bacchus costume and was even able to get myself a glass of wine as a prop.
My friend and I have been discussing the idea of forming a flashmob (if you don't know what that is, check out Rebecca's last blog and click the video link or go to YouTube and search "flashmob") because...well, no real reason other than we think it'd be fun. We're tossing around ideas like freezing on a dance floor or dressing up as Zombies and mobbing a Starbucks or something like that. When it happens, I'll be sure to post a video link.
-Anthony
Sorry I'm so late on getting this posted. I turned 21 on Friday, so of course my friends had to take me out...several times. Coupling that with two rehearsals, an audition, a call-back audition, and performance for a fund-raiser, I haven't had much time these past few days. I'm here now, and I survived my 21st (despite the best efforts of some of my friends, haha!) and I'm no worse for wear, other than a hickey on my neck.
I recently tried my hand at jewelry making and made my best friend a necklace for her birthday. Her mom wore it to the fund-raiser last night and I was shocked to realize that I actually made something functional on my first try! It's amazing what a couple hours and some pliers can do!
I also made myself a very last minute toga and tunic for the fund-raiser. In an hour and a half, I had a rather functional Bacchus costume and was even able to get myself a glass of wine as a prop.
My friend and I have been discussing the idea of forming a flashmob (if you don't know what that is, check out Rebecca's last blog and click the video link or go to YouTube and search "flashmob") because...well, no real reason other than we think it'd be fun. We're tossing around ideas like freezing on a dance floor or dressing up as Zombies and mobbing a Starbucks or something like that. When it happens, I'll be sure to post a video link.
-Anthony
Wednesday, March 12. 2008
"Uhhhhh, Nevah Mind, They-They're-They're Movin'..."
I love pranks.
Light-hearted ones, the kind where no one gets hurt and there's no property damage. But it's got to leave a good, firm impression in the minds of those that have felt the effects. Here's my favorite prank.
I'll walk through a mall or some other reasonably highly populated public area. NOT during high-shopping times, though, if it's a mall!! No need to make people crabby when they're already stressed. That's no fun. I'll suddenly look up with a startled expression, and just stare. I'll change the nuances of my expression (raise an eyebrow, widen the eyes, squint, etc. -- but naturally, not as for stage performances), so it'll really draw people in and capture their curiosity.
That's the key to success with my pranks: curiosity, NOT horror. Horror is great for books and movies. I don't want someone to call 911 because of my joke. That's selfish and wasteful joke-smithing.
Someone with me will keep track of how many on-lookers respond by looking, trying to locate the source of my attention. I'll keep it going for perhaps 60-90 seconds, then just casually move along. It's harmless as long as I don't induce panic.
Actually, in this post-9/11 world, I haven't done it. I kinda miss it.
So it thrills me to no end that my resourceful and amazing husband found THIS VIDEO. (Please click on that link. It won't take you away from this page.)
It's kinda the same sort of concept as my stare-at-the-ceiling prank. It inspires curiosity in a public place -- arguably, THE public place! (When our phone gets busy, we start answering it, "Grand Central Station!"; I mean, who doesn't at least joke about doing that?) -- but no one in this video ever panics. There's never a thought to call in Gary Sinise and Melina Kanakaredes. It's very satisfying. It's fun to see what the "agents" choose to do, and SO FUNNY to watch the viewers!!
Slightly off topic, but an update to last week's post... Our trip was fun. We got stuck, thanks to the blizzard shutting down our airport. Had to spend 2 whole extra days in 65 degree weather. It was nice to be warm again. REEEALLLLLY glad to be home, though. Despite the 8' snowpiles (that's after a day of melting!!) at the end of our driveway. But at least we didn't have to pile it there ourselves!
cheers!
-->rebecca.
Light-hearted ones, the kind where no one gets hurt and there's no property damage. But it's got to leave a good, firm impression in the minds of those that have felt the effects. Here's my favorite prank.
I'll walk through a mall or some other reasonably highly populated public area. NOT during high-shopping times, though, if it's a mall!! No need to make people crabby when they're already stressed. That's no fun. I'll suddenly look up with a startled expression, and just stare. I'll change the nuances of my expression (raise an eyebrow, widen the eyes, squint, etc. -- but naturally, not as for stage performances), so it'll really draw people in and capture their curiosity.
That's the key to success with my pranks: curiosity, NOT horror. Horror is great for books and movies. I don't want someone to call 911 because of my joke. That's selfish and wasteful joke-smithing.
Someone with me will keep track of how many on-lookers respond by looking, trying to locate the source of my attention. I'll keep it going for perhaps 60-90 seconds, then just casually move along. It's harmless as long as I don't induce panic.
Actually, in this post-9/11 world, I haven't done it. I kinda miss it.
So it thrills me to no end that my resourceful and amazing husband found THIS VIDEO. (Please click on that link. It won't take you away from this page.)
It's kinda the same sort of concept as my stare-at-the-ceiling prank. It inspires curiosity in a public place -- arguably, THE public place! (When our phone gets busy, we start answering it, "Grand Central Station!"; I mean, who doesn't at least joke about doing that?) -- but no one in this video ever panics. There's never a thought to call in Gary Sinise and Melina Kanakaredes. It's very satisfying. It's fun to see what the "agents" choose to do, and SO FUNNY to watch the viewers!!
Slightly off topic, but an update to last week's post... Our trip was fun. We got stuck, thanks to the blizzard shutting down our airport. Had to spend 2 whole extra days in 65 degree weather. It was nice to be warm again. REEEALLLLLY glad to be home, though. Despite the 8' snowpiles (that's after a day of melting!!) at the end of our driveway. But at least we didn't have to pile it there ourselves!
cheers!
-->rebecca.
What the fracking howl was I going to blog about?
So on Saturday morning, I was thinking about or doing something and thought "That would be a good blog post" and sat down to open up the blog manager and type up an outline so I could blog it later. I have to go to the blog main page to log in, though, and I realized I hadn't read Carin's or Zabet's posts, and then I clicked links in Carin's post, and then I found myself emerging from the forums with glazed eyes around lunchtime.
Yeah, I'm a magpie. Easily distracted by shiny objects. And by forums, apparently.
I do remember that it was something pretty neat, and interesting, and informative. Something that I didn't already know about but that wanted to know more about. I was going to do research and everything.
Ah, well. Maybe it will come to me. If it does, I'll blog it right away.
E.
Yeah, I'm a magpie. Easily distracted by shiny objects. And by forums, apparently.
I do remember that it was something pretty neat, and interesting, and informative. Something that I didn't already know about but that wanted to know more about. I was going to do research and everything.
Ah, well. Maybe it will come to me. If it does, I'll blog it right away.
E.
Tuesday, March 11. 2008
I really should stay away from Etsy.
Etsy isn't a good place for me to hang out. It makes me want to buy things. And make things. And pick up yet another crafting hobby. And I often feel inadequate, compared to some of the stuff that's up there.
No, I should just stay away.
Really.
- Carin -
No, I should just stay away.
Really.
- Carin -
Saturday, March 8. 2008
Let Me Fall....
Hello Deadlings,
I've somewhat shirked my AntiCraft responsibilities this week, but I had family come visit after I got back from my audition (which didn't go well, by the way) so I've been busy this spring break.
That being said, I'm feeling refreshed and ready to take on Spring! Before I get to far into this blog, I just want to give a quick shout-out to my sister who turns 15 today! I know she'll probably never read this, but I still get "good brother" points, right?
I finally bought myself a nice wire pliers kit today. I'm excited to start making some of the jewelry that's been floating around in my head. I got a fun little tool to make jump rings, too and I'm looking forward to sitting down and playing with all my new toys!
Getting back to the subject of the audition I had earlier this week, I want to thank everyone so much for their kind words of support. I may not have been what they were looking for, but everyone here made me feel like I was doing exactly what I should be doing. I can't tell you all how much that means to me.
I also want to send a huge thank you to my friend Eric. He's another one who doesn't read this, but he went with me to Chicago, kept me distracted before the audition so I didn't freak out, kept me distracted after it went badly so I didn't freak out, made sure I wasn't alone the night we got back home to Michigan, and (while I was crying because I felt like I let everyone in my life down) hugged me and told me that I hadn't let him down, he still thought I was amazing, and fuck anyone who thought different. It meant so much to me and I don't know how to even begin expressing my gratitude.
In any case, I've decided that it just means I'm going to keep training and try again. No sense in giving up on a dream just because you fail once, right? I'm still a circus freak at heart and I refuse to let that go!
-Anthony
I've somewhat shirked my AntiCraft responsibilities this week, but I had family come visit after I got back from my audition (which didn't go well, by the way) so I've been busy this spring break.
That being said, I'm feeling refreshed and ready to take on Spring! Before I get to far into this blog, I just want to give a quick shout-out to my sister who turns 15 today! I know she'll probably never read this, but I still get "good brother" points, right?
I finally bought myself a nice wire pliers kit today. I'm excited to start making some of the jewelry that's been floating around in my head. I got a fun little tool to make jump rings, too and I'm looking forward to sitting down and playing with all my new toys!
Getting back to the subject of the audition I had earlier this week, I want to thank everyone so much for their kind words of support. I may not have been what they were looking for, but everyone here made me feel like I was doing exactly what I should be doing. I can't tell you all how much that means to me.
I also want to send a huge thank you to my friend Eric. He's another one who doesn't read this, but he went with me to Chicago, kept me distracted before the audition so I didn't freak out, kept me distracted after it went badly so I didn't freak out, made sure I wasn't alone the night we got back home to Michigan, and (while I was crying because I felt like I let everyone in my life down) hugged me and told me that I hadn't let him down, he still thought I was amazing, and fuck anyone who thought different. It meant so much to me and I don't know how to even begin expressing my gratitude.
In any case, I've decided that it just means I'm going to keep training and try again. No sense in giving up on a dream just because you fail once, right? I'm still a circus freak at heart and I refuse to let that go!
-Anthony
This Bacon Thing Is Catching On
Wow, The AntiCraft is trendsetting! Did you know that in a sad attempt to scoop the bacon issue, Chili's has introduced new TRIPLE THICK BACON for their burgers?
Oh Chili's. We know you know can't resist lurking on our forums. It's ok.
The AntiCraft endorses neither Chili's Grill and Bar nor carnivores. Bacon may cause cancer in California. All facts are completely made up and Wikipedia has been changed to verify them. 42. Some restrictions apply. Tax, title, and license extra.
Oh Chili's. We know you know can't resist lurking on our forums. It's ok.
The AntiCraft endorses neither Chili's Grill and Bar nor carnivores. Bacon may cause cancer in California. All facts are completely made up and Wikipedia has been changed to verify them. 42. Some restrictions apply. Tax, title, and license extra.
Friday, March 7. 2008
Self-serving PSA
We interrupt this blogram to bring you this special announcement:
Sign-ups for my game in the AntiCraft forums, The Killing Phrase, will end on Monday, March 10th. We have the 8 player minimum I wanted, but more players would make it more fun. You do have to be at least a "Moon Princess" level poster to join in, but if you're already there, please check it out and see if you want to come play. There are prizes to be had!
We now return you to your regularly scheduled blogram, already in progress.
-Carin-
Sign-ups for my game in the AntiCraft forums, The Killing Phrase, will end on Monday, March 10th. We have the 8 player minimum I wanted, but more players would make it more fun. You do have to be at least a "Moon Princess" level poster to join in, but if you're already there, please check it out and see if you want to come play. There are prizes to be had!
We now return you to your regularly scheduled blogram, already in progress.
-Carin-
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