Maker Faire, Chapter 2

I’m adding a new category specifically for this post.  “Dibs on Green.” Or sustainable. Or recycled.

Recycling is exactly what Celeste Christie specializes in for her etsy store and website, CC Accessories.  By deconstructing old mens’ neckties, she can re-introduce them to a new generation - in the form of cuffs, coin purses and buttons.

She has many styles and colors, so zoom over to her store.  No need to tie one on, just snap it.

A look back, and forward: Latch Hook

If you were born after 1970 and, perhaps, a female…you may remember a little book called “Forever” by Judy Blume. If my memory serves me, one of the characters in the book was a latch hooker.  She would design her own rugs by painting on the canvas and having her family complete the process by hooking the yarn.

I’m creating a centerpiece for an upcoming event that is made of latch hook, and it had gotten me thinking.  Why is there no decent software out there to create your own rug/wall hanging designs?  Perhaps I haven’t found it yet, but it should be easy to pixelate an existing photograph and turn it into a diagram for latch hooking. And maybe that’s the future of the craft. So for now let’s take a look back.

There are so many great examples of latch hook out there….please allow me to refresh your memory.

check out this retro pillow!

this groovy ’shroom rug is available on ebay now.

a print ad from AG jeans from 2 years ago.  check out that stellar wall hanging…i’d kill for that kit. (not to mention the bedspread!)

this is actually a new kit available on amazon.  has such a warm ’70s vibe. it seems like every latch hook from that decade was a sunset scene or had a silhouette of a sailboat in it.  and it was always brown and orange. am i right?

these two works of art are from an artist named Ron Conger.  tim russert (RIP) on the left is so well done…and look the detail in the matterhorn.  this is very gourmet latch hook.

and finally for the dog lovers, find your favorite breed’s kit at rugmaster.

couple pic at top via taffyunderhill.

Maker Faire, Chapter 1

My favorite spot, of course was the Bazaar Bizarre. This is the pavilion dedicated to crafts and homemade goods. I found a lot of good dibs in this area, and my entry is about Tiny Sparks Design based in San Francisco.

Tiny Sparks started only back in January, when owner Bradley decided he was growing tired of building furniture. Even with no past art instruction, he has developed some beautiful pieces. And such a nice guy….you want him to succeed!

He offered pieces of wooden art, silkscreened with natural, modern graphics. Check him out.

Maker Faire tomorrow!

If you haven’t yet been to the Maker Faire, you’re missing out.  What an interesting gathering of inventors and crafters.  I can’t wait to wander around the Faire in the 2 pavillions this year.

If you’re not familiar with the Maker Faire, it’s produced by O’Reilly’s Make Magazine and Craft Magazine.  Pictures to come!

Scott Beale/Laughing Squid