Arts and Dafts tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2008-08-21://48 2010-03-17T17:06:56Z Arts and Dafts is a place for discovering what it means to give full attention to life's passions and all the daft in between. Movable Type Pro 4.25 Etsy Wednesday - Ten newly listed items! tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6250 2010-03-17T15:04:31Z 2010-03-17T17:06:56Z Happy hump day everyone! Today's Etsy wednesday is focused on featuring items that were newly listed today. Get 'em while they're hot because I'm sure they won't last long. Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com
Set of 7 Stackable Rings - $80
Nelly VanSee
I'm really into stackable rings these days and this gorgeous, tone fading set is perfection!  7 too much? There's also sets of 5 as well as a bunch more beautiful jewelry in this shop!

Milkshake Moo Card Necklace - $50
3Squares
Ok, now this I gotta have! Seriously, gotta have.  First you have to know what a Moo card is, then you'll see how absolutely genius this idea is.  P.S. My birthday is totally coming up.

Brazilian Ebony Handcrafted Guitar Pick - $12.50
Nuevowoodcrafts
Not something your average guitar player would splurge on since picks tend to disappear so quickly, so why not gift one to your musical friend? They also have keychain versions!

Real Framed Dragonfly - $24.99
Real Butterfly Gifts
If you're not into insects then this might not be your thing. If they don't bug you, then check out this incredible collection of framed butterflies and more (all raised on cruelty free farms...who knew?)

Dipping Dish - $18
Hope Johnson Ceramics
Just the other day I was wishing I had something for dipping. No joke.  I'm always using a giant bowl for tiny jobs.  So how perfect are these?  Tons of designs offered in the shop...
]]> Giant Octopus Laptop Sleeve - $37.95
Lollington
Whether you're into giant octopuses, pink elephants or just clean, sleek graphic designs, Lollington definitely has a laptop case you'll dig.  Yes, they custom size and also offer zipper options!

Steampunk Hidden Methodology Cuff Links - $75
St. Joshua
This is why I wish I wore cuff links...or even owned shirts that would hold cuff links. Lucky for me, the shop is filled with incredible steampunk accessories.

 
Bathroom Vanity turned Chalkboard Organizer - $49
Half Pint Salvage
This shop is full of things I need...er, want.  Repurposed key racks, cabinets, coat hooks, jewelry organizers, etc. Surely there's something you need organizing in style?

Coin Purse - $25
Kimberly Jones Designs
Little know factoid about me, I love coin purses.  Don't ask me why, I have no idea. I definitely want one of these in my collection.  Prefer something bigger? They've got bags and clutches too!

Jump Shirt - $24
Circles and Squares
A well know fact about me, my daily uniform consists of a t-shirt and jeans. Nothing pleases me more than a great graphic tee.  This shop is full of inspiring designs for just about everyone.  Again, my birthday is in June so...y'know.
]]> Kick Starter of the Week: The Apology Line tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6242 2010-03-16T15:31:07Z 2010-03-16T16:18:57Z This Kick Starter, The Apology Line, is a surprising and incredibly moving art project. Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com This Kick Starter, The Apology Line, is a surprising and incredibly moving art project. 

Before I tell you more, I have to insist you go to the page and start the 10 minute video of recorded apologies. Some are hysterical, some unremorseful ...many of them goosebump worthy; particularly one woman emotionally apologizing to a Reverend.

The Apology Line, created by William Bridges and James Lee, was launched in the UK as an experiment.  They spread the word with posters, fliers, and advertisements inviting people to call a number and leave an anonymous apology.  The response was astounding with hundreds of calls each week

The Kick Starter funds will go towards bringing the line to America and eventually create a touring art show from it.  Now that's something I want to hear.

The goal is lofty at $10,000, but totally doable with your help.  Pledge $50 and receive a CD full of apologies from both the UK and US.  $100 or more and you get yourself that same CD plus a special exclusive invite to the opening of the Apology Line exhibition.  Kinda of hard to pass that up. 

Here's an example apology in case you haven't started listening to that video yet:

"I would like to apologize to my daughter who is twenty-seven now. For the fact that I always resented having a daughter. I wanted a son. And I wasn't a very nice mother to her. I told her I'm sorry. Things in her childhood... I have never told her the real reason because I think it would hurt her too much. I just want to say sorry. I don't want her to know it was me, I think that would be too painful for her. I love her very much. Thank you."
]]> Where do I fit in? tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6234 2010-03-15T16:11:40Z 2010-03-15T19:18:12Z I've spent most of my life thinking I was pretty normal. I mean, I'm different in a lot of ways from the masses (particularly the female kind), but for the most part I figured I fit in. Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com
In a blink (61/90) (by RGP)

I've spent most of my life thinking I was pretty normal.  I mean, I'm different in a lot of ways from the masses (particularly the female kind), but for the most part I figured I fit in.  Sure,  a few things make me "special" but I never thought it was enough to make me..."different".

The other night an episode of "House" got me thinking.  You probably saw it, but FYI the sick patient was a blogger.  A personal blogger who shared every iota of her life with her readers. 

A point she brought up, which is obvious but might not get you thinking until someone says it out loud, is how the internet is this amazing place where people can finally find other people just like them and be honest about themselves.  I know, duh.  But it really got me thinking, "Where are my people?"
]]>
Here's the thing...

I'm not a mommy blogger and never intend on being one (by choice).  I don't know jack about fashion (but I love to look at it).  I'm not easily offended (my skin grows thicker every day).  I'm not particularly religious (though I once was and still respect people's beliefs).  I have a ridiculous sense of humor (I laugh at things most people don't even notice). My apartment is not photo worthy (who has time for dusting anyway?) and I don't know any recipes (I can make a mean ramen).

The list continues.

Maybe I just don't know where to look, but I have a very very hard time finding other women like me that are over the age of 30 or aren't confused by me and some of my choices.

I always intended for this blog to be personal. To be about what I love: about art, about my art, about my life, about your life, about how life is art and art is life.  Somewhere along the line I started trying to please people other than myself.

Now how in the world am I going to be interesting if I'm trying to cater to and/or try not piss people off?  Somehow I got it all backwards. In real life I have no problem speaking my mind, but here on the internet I have somehow become...reserved.

Even just typing that word out in reference to me makes me crack up. Most people who know me in person would respond "And I'm a monkeys uncle."  Or perhaps something a little more updated.

It's not that I've been lying to you, it's that I've held back.  It's time to put an end to that.  How can I expect you to get to know me if I'm not telling you? I want to be more honest. Starting now.

When you read a piece here, or discover a new artist, etc,  I want you to know I'm passionate about what I'm doing.  I love the arts, I love to blog, I love to photograph, I love to share and I want to get to know you.  I'm not saying this is turning into a diary about my daily goings on, I just want you to hear my voice, whether you like it or not.

It's time to create my own mold I guess.
]]> Gotta See It: Hitchcock Re-Envisioned tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6221 2010-03-12T21:04:37Z 2010-03-13T15:57:39Z A must see, Laz Marquez redoes classic Hitchcock posters. Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com The Birds

What did I say when I saw this set?  "Whoa."  That's what I said.  Laz Marquez has created this extraordinary set of re-imagined Hitchcock posters.  I tease you with my favorite (because "The Birds" terrifies me still...in a good way) and insist you go look at the rest of his poster work. 
]]> Gotta See It: Pooh Sticks by Lenny tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6216 2010-03-11T16:51:17Z 2010-03-11T17:21:37Z This has got to be one of the most unique and imaginative photo collections I've seen in awhile. Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com Pooh Sticks

This has got to be one of the most unique and imaginative photo collections I've seen in awhile.  Lenny combs the beach for odds and ends (wood, feathers, flowers, etc) and creates these little boats.

Shell Beach pooh stick (by Lenny&Meriel) North Yorkshire Pooh Stick (by Lenny&Meriel) Marble bay pooh sticks (by Lenny&Meriel)

The images of these little creations are absolutely wonderful.  Something as simple as a piece of wood with a leaf becomes a reminder to let your imagination go and an inspiration to create. 

Goose feathers, bark & bamboo boats (by Lenny&Meriel)

It's not all Pooh Sticks with Lenny though. Be sure to check out the rest of the Flickr stream and his blog as well.

So, what will you create today?

]]> Etsy Wednesday - Photography Five Ways tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6204 2010-03-10T15:00:00Z 2010-03-13T16:00:51Z In celebration of getting a new machine and the ability to work on my photography again, I figured I'd better feature some Etsy photographers. I've been lucky enough to stumble upon some really amazing artists and share them with you. Enjoy! Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com
Click on the images to go to their individual listings on Etsy.

Polaroid
Ace Up Ones Sleeve from Pocket MemoriesCoeurenbois from Pocket MemoriesGuiding Hands Polaroid by Pocket Memories
Pocket Memories is a collaborative project by Coeurenbois (Marta Vallejos) and Buhoazul (Eduardo Martinez) focusing on "vintage and alternative photography."  They offer originals and prints of their Polaroids ranging from $15-$300.  With these two very unique, but cohesive eyes, you're bound to find something just right for you.

]]> Digital and Paint
Pole Petrole by LabokoffPiquant Blank by LabokoffTrio by Labokoff

Labokoff offers beautiful and subtle mixed media prints from France.  The work consists of digital photography and her other favorite medium, painting.  She offers cards and prints ranging from $15-$180.  For more visual inspiration, see her website: LaBokoff La Boutique


Landscape
As the Bird Flies by Jude McConkeyFade to Blue from Jude McConkeyCollapsed by Jude McConkey

Jude McConkey has such incredible work in her Etsy shop, I was hard pressed to choose just a few for this post. Ranging from $10-$140 and offering award winning work, how could you not want a piece on your wall?

Portraits
Madame Baroque from Imagine StudiosGirl with Pomegranite from Imagine StuidosSpirit of Spring from Imagine Studios

Imagine Studios uses mixed media to create these stunning portraits and finds inspiration from classic artists like Degas, Waterhouse and Monet.  The artist prints all of the artwork herself, guaranteeing high quality work.  Prices range from $18-$28 for portraits.

Collage
Apparition from HelveticaneuePimento from HelveticaneueVerdigris from Helveticaneue

Helviticaneue Fine Art Photography has an incredible collection of collages called "Construct" where she stitchest together photos of architecture creating little fictional blocks.  A brilliant idea and beautifully executed.  Print prices range from $35-$85.
]]> Kick Starter of the Week: Saving a Piece of 1972 tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6200 2010-03-09T15:00:00Z 2010-03-09T16:52:28Z Pledge to this week's featured Kick Starter and help an artist keep a long term promise to his mother. Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com Pledge to this week's featured Kick Starter and help an artist keep a long term promise to his mother.

How can you resist this one?  Rick Pierce made a promise to his mom when he was 16 that he would take care of her 1972 Super Beetle as he grew up.  So far, he's managed to do so.  However, as you can imagine, over the years it's gone from old to older to just not workin' anymore.

I'm sure you've guessed by now what this Kick Starter is asking for, but I'll tell you anyway.  Rick wants to get the ol' clunker back up and running again and that takes a good chunk change. 

$2,000 is the goal and (as with every Kick Starter) you get a little something depending on how much you pledge.  You can get a couple fun little things for $10 and under, but the real prizes (besides knowing you helped out of course) start at $50+. 

Pierce is a graphic designer and he will design an advertisement for you at $50, design a logo for $100, album cover or letterhead package for $250 or an entire site for $500 (limited to 10 people).  So basically, you're not just helping a guy's dreams come true, you're getting an insane deal on some professional graphic design for your brand/site. 

Dude.

FYI, before you wonder if he's planning to sell the car or anything like that, check out the Kick Starter page for some FAQ. The short of it, he's gonna keep it for his family and pass it on to the next generation.

__________________________________
Follow Up on past featured Kick Starters:
]]> Greenlight Go! Finally back to 'work'... tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6199 2010-03-08T18:48:57Z 2010-03-08T19:12:06Z Finally have the tools I need to get some work done and it feels amazing... Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com Greenlight Go

After what felt like years, but was actually just a few months, I have a new computer!  And by the most amazing stroke of luck, it was gifted to me. What does this mean? Well first that I am suddenly the luckiest gal in NYC, but more importantly I can finally get back to work on my photography.

Honestly, there is nothing like being able to concentrate on your art stress free.  This never really occurred to me until these last few months when processing a simple photoshop action took 20 minutes...or crashed the program.  When uploading became an hour long process.  Hell, even blogging was becoming a serious hassle (typing with a lag = tearing out hair).

It's like I was trying to paint with a paintbrush that had no bristles. It can be done, but I'd rather poke my eyes out.

Of course now I have a shitload of catching up to do so here's a few quickies I played with today when I finally got everything up and running. (see a few more over on my Flickr page).

Anything like this ever happened to you?  Is there something you simply can't live without (as I clearly discovered is the case with me)?  Ever have to paint without bristles?

Orange Glow

Sunset Snowfall
]]> Happy weekend! 5 Super Simple DIY Projects tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6193 2010-03-06T15:06:11Z 2010-03-06T15:47:04Z Try out these 5 super easy to do DIY projects around the home. Have a great weekend! Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com Bookplates from Design Sponge
Print out these super cool Bookplates from Deisgn Sponge. All you need is a printer, paper, scissors and some glue. Oh, and of course a book or two...


Handpainted Teacup
Turn your plain china into something new with this great how-to from LoucheLab.  Just grab a porcelaine marker and paint, a paint brush, glass cleaner and your oven. Voila!


paperclip bookmarksWho needs boring bookmarks when you can make these cuties from Light Studio.  Paper clips, ribbon, scraps, buttons, other embellishments and some glue is all you need to get this project done!


Tile Message Board
Got some old tile laying around? Turn it into handy countertop message boards with Courage to Create.  Add some little felt or cork feet and grab your dry erase markers...tada!


Chalkboard Canning Jars
Just a little chalkboard paint and chalkboard and you've got these easy to label canning jars by Flighty Girl.  Just think of all the things you could label...muuhahahaha!]]> Gotta See It: Layer Tennis - It's on! tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6191 2010-03-05T18:11:02Z 2010-03-11T17:39:59Z It's that time of year again...time for Layer Tennis! Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com
It's that time of year again...time for Layer Tennis! I wrote a post last year on what it's all about so check that out.  In short though, it's a 10 round live competition between two artists swapping layers and making something new every time. In the past it's focused mostly on design, but this year there's typography and photography manipulation as well.

Check out the beginning and end of the last match where two typographers duked it out:

Layer Tennis Font
Layer Tennis Font2
Click here to view the entire complete match.

This week, a match after my own heart where two photographers (Sam Javanrouh of Toronto and Naz Hamid of San Fransisco) "shoot and upload a live dialogue of photos from their respective cities." There's also commentary that follows the competition from a neutral party, however this time Mark Greenberg of Mayfair Recordings will be composing a score to go along. 

Amazing.

Get going! The match has begun! And be sure to keep checking back for future bouts.
]]> Creative Block? 7 Helpful Resources tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6183 2010-03-04T15:26:24Z 2010-03-04T17:15:52Z Check out these seven very helpful resources on how to battle that ever present creative block. Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com
Thankfully the web has become an incredible source for inspiration.  A couple of clicks and I have a new idea or two.  (The key is not to get too distracted of course.)

There are probably thousands of resources on the web about how to battle a creative block so I'm gonna go ahead an make a little list for you. Now you can skip the Googling and get to the creating. 

You're welcome. 

ISO50-Creative-Block-Cover-
(image from ISO50)

]]> Etsy Wednesday - Fine Art in 5 Mediums tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6179 2010-03-03T16:44:43Z 2010-03-03T19:00:35Z This week we're going to take a look at some of the fine artists on Etsy and just a small handful of the mediums they cover. Enjoy! Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com
Charcoal
Love Song by Richter Fine ArtIngrid by Richter Fine ArtDesire by Richter Fine Art

From Jeffrey Richter Fine Art. Pictured above: Love Song, Ingrid and Desire all originally drawn in black and white charcoal.  Jeffrey, an artist since high school, has also been a sculptor and painting instructor (I'd like to take his class!).  You can purchase prints and originals from his Etsy shop so hop to it!

]]> Digital
Mom Mobile by John W GoldenTed Box Art Robot by John W. GoldenGolden Longboards by John W Golden

From John W. Golden.  Pictured above: Mom Mobile, Ted Box Art Robot and Golden Longboards.  John creates all of his work digitally and has an impressive design and animations resume (seen on Cartoon Network, CBS, TNT, etc).  Everything you in his Etsy shop begins as a blank computer screen. Impressive!  How can you not snag yourself a signed print?

Ink
The Dressmaker by Ink IllustrationsThe Keyhole by Ink IllustrationsBeatrix by Ink Illustrations

From Pale Preoccupation.  Pictured above: The Dressmaker, The Keyhole and Beatrix and her Knees. This artist draws inspiration for their ink work from childhood.  From the shop: "As a child I wanted to know what was inside, what was under, what was behind things. I still do."  As a fan of Alice in Wonderland, I really find myself drawn to these works, do you?

Oil
Nest 141 by RozArtCowboy by RozArtLeap 175 by RozArt

From RozArt. Pictured above: Nest, Cowboy and Leap. Roz has been a full time artist for 20+ years and has sold hundreds of original works.  She likes to call her work "whimsical fine art" and I'd have to agree.  Commissions are available and they're all original on canvas!

Pencil
Tandem Bicycle by CB78Polaroid Camera by CB78Vesuvio Bakery by CB78

From CB78.  Pictured above: Tandem Bicycle, Polaroid Camera and Vesuvio Bakery. Christine Berry is a freelance illustrator from Glasgow.  Her current love, as you can see here, is drawing every day scenarios and objects.  Personally, I want every print of the camera collection.  Go see!
]]> Kick Starter of the Week: Artist-Panhandler Partnerships tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6170 2010-03-02T19:27:10Z 2010-03-02T20:50:42Z This week's Kick Starter is just to unique (and a little bizarre) to pass up. Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com This week's Kick Starter is just too unique (and a little bizarre) to pass up.

After seeing a billboard with a famous artist collaborating with a famous clothing brand,  Cate White came up with this really incredible idea: buying ad space on a panhandler's sign. (See the video on the Kick Starter page to hear more about how the idea came to life).

She will pay these pandhandlers whatever they request, as long as she can afford it, to slap a sticker on their signs displaying her website.  It's a win/win situation with the homeless getting a little money in their pocket and Cate driving traffic to her website: CateWhite.com.

So the dough you pledge is going towards the website (designer fees), the stickers, the "advertising" budget and a little extra to give those who appear in her videos food/cigarettes, etc. 

White is asking for a modest $2000 to complete her project.  What do you get in return for your bucks?  $5 gets you behind the scenes videos of panhandlers discussing the project, blog entries and your name on the donor list.  $70 gets you the above, a URL on the donor list, a copy of her zine, a postcard of Cate's art and a surprise piece of her artwork. There's way more, so please go check it out.

With only 13 days left to go as I write this and 85% funded so far, she's only got a little ways to go. So pass up that dollar menu today and send it Cate's way.  It's a pretty damn amazing cause.    
]]> Designing a Logo - 14 great resources tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6164 2010-02-26T16:21:04Z 2010-02-26T19:19:07Z Designing a new logo? Check out these incredibly helpful resources for logo design dummies like me.... Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com
I'm really lucky to have a design minded mom who has a great eye for this stuff and she's been working her ass off on the new logo.  However, I found myself getting curious about what it takes to design one.  In my adventures (ie - Google searching) I've come across some extremely helpful tutorials and websites devoted to the art. 

Do you have a logo? Have you ever designed one?  Planning one for the future? Keep reading for a great bunch of logo design resources:
]]> Logo Related Sites/Blogs:

Logo Design LoveTutorials, resources, humorous and inspiring takes on everything logo at LogoDesignLove. If you can't find it here, well you'll be hard pressed to find it anywhere else, but give these other blogs a try.

Logo LoungeA place for designers to share ideas with their peers, Logo Lounge is basically a social network for logo lovers.  Upload your own work and maybe even be a part of their "Best of" publication. A great source for inspiration.
LogoDesignerBlog"Focused purely on branding, logo and identity design", LogoDesignerBlog has an easily navigated site with helpful links for everyone from beginners to experts.

Logo of the DayLooking for some quick inspiration? Logo of the day is the perfect site for some logo browsing. Vote on your favorites, find out what's popular or suggest a logo yourself!

Helpful Logo Links:
]]> To Blogher or not to Blogher? tag:www.artsanddafts.com,2010://48.6162 2010-02-25T16:01:02Z 2010-02-25T17:31:28Z Straying from the arts to bring up an important blogging topic: The 2010 Blogher Conference. Ry http://www.artsanddafts.com BlogherStraying from the arts to bring up an important blogging topic: The 2010 Blogher Conference. 

It's that time of year again when people start getting excited, buying their passes, discussing the sessions and making their plans for the conference in August.  This year NYC (my hometown) will be hosting the event which means I finally have a shot at going.  In the past the conference passes, plane tickets and hotel room have just been WAY out of my price range.

Although I don't have to travel more than a short subway ride this year, I'm still struggling with the cost. The early bird special (ending this weekend so hop on it!) is still steep for my pocket book (as if I carry a pocket book), especially with this ongoing struggle of saving up for a new computer.

So the question: is it worth it to put everything on hold to buy a ticket to Blogher?

What is Blogher?  It's a large community of mostly female bloggers coming together and sharing their views on everything. I mean everything: blogging, cooking, being a mom, illness, politics, the arts, etc.

The Blogher conference is an annual event with parties, sessions on blogging/social media/etc and most importantly, networking. As a blogger looking to reach the masses, can you put a value on meeting hundreds of other writers face to face? Handing out dozens of business cards and making personal connections with potential new readers? Nevermind the wealth of information you can glean from the sessions.

Sure, there are a few opportunities to win a pass (here & here for example) but do I risk the early bird prices for a potential (and let's face it...unlikely) freebie? Do I beg people who have no idea who I am to sponsor me?  Do I forgo the pass altogether and just stalk the Hilton during the conference?

So, what about you? Are you going to what some people consider the most important blogging event of the year? Do you already have your ticket?  Are you entering contests to try and win one? Are you sponsoring someone?  Inquiring minds want to know!
]]>