D.I.Y. Kids, Ellen Lupton & Julia Lupton, published by Princeton Architectural Press (website for the book and old blog).

The official blurb (an excerpt):

All over the world, parents are raising kids to get active and embrace the “design-it-yourself” spirit of homemade arts and crafts. … D.I.Y. Kids is designed to trigger imaginative play, without requiring fees, teams, or a minivan. It’s for parents, teachers, aunts and uncles, friends and babysitters, neighbors and citizens—anyone who wants to create a better world not only for, but also with, the next generation. Most of all, it is for kids who want to make their mark by exercising the arts of design with wit, intelligence, and style.

The sequel to D.I.Y.: Design It Yourself (Design Handbooks), bringing design to the home and to the family. I am impressed by the authors vision of design, using it not to sell stuff but rather to get away from the commercialization and consumerism of design and emphasize the DIY aspect of making and crafting and doing it yourself. I like how this book helps kids to see their way through the maze of products and shows them how they can become creative and use their imagination to make their own mark on the world. This is not just a book about craft activities for kids, rather it is a tool for teaching about design, starting right at the very beginning - not for the passive observer of the world - but for those who are ready to take action and do something - using design as a way forward, design as a tool to communicate your own message.

(caption: Make your own stencils, recycle stuff from your art supply bin, or buy stencils from a hardware or craft store - the rest of this project here.)

This is not a theoretical book at all - action packed with plenty of projects and ideas and variations, illustrated with designs and crafty endeavors by children. There are so many fantastic projects in this book, from drawing and illustration based - which can lead to computer projects to paper projects to cloth - such as printing t-shirts, making books, cards, labels and logos, there are also plenty of 3D sculptural projects too, such as making cardboard towns, sewing toys and building kites.

(caption: Write your creature’s name, draw a picture, make up a phone number, or invent a secret icon. Tie on the tag with ribbon or yarn. - see the rest of this project here)

I liked that while the emphasis here is on design, and showing kids ways to communicate their message effectively - using appropriate materials, graphics and colours etc, it is not precious about perfection - rather the emphasis is on experimentation and learning to see what works and what doesn’t - the children can learn whether or not their end product had the result they were after - was it effective or not. (I am all for experimentation as an end it itself too - but I find that sometimes even kids need a reason to create and need to know what they are trying to achieve).

(caption: On a wrist band that you make or buy, draw initials and secret symbols to represent all your friends. the rest of this project here)

Another aspect that I enjoyed about this book was how the projects evolved with the children - they took the instructions and did what they wanted with them, giving their own personality to the project. The children’s designs and ideas are a major part of this book which shows that the authors really practice what they write. This really gives the book depth and soul as well as insight into what is achievable with these projects for kids of different ages - and means that when kids pick up the book they are instantly inspired.

check out what everyone is making over at the forum and tell us what you are making right now.

elsie marley is making ‘hickety pickety’ part of a series of soft toys based on nursery rhymes.

a dose of inspiration is showing off her hand stitched zombie toy and collaged skull.

Skulls are pretty hot right now. Skulls everywhere you go. High art and popular culture are all using the skull as an emblem for the current times. I wonder what it really means, I know it looks cool and all, but what is underneath it all, why is the skull so incredibly popular right now?

The most common symbolic use of the skull is as a representation of death and mortality, it is afterall the bones of a dead person, but a human skull with its large eye sockets is visually appealing, and can fascinate even as it repels. The skull in literature and art is often used to communicate despair and ironic humor, and can symbolise both eternity and the ephemeral and changeable nature of life. (read more here).

This has made me think about the times we currently live in and how powerful a symbol the skull is and can be. Symbolising our fear and uncertainty but at the same time our humanity and hope.

I am not surprised that we crafters have taken to the skull like a duck to water , making things is itself a symbol of hope and adding to that even more symbolism just seems like a natural progression. Here are some of my favourite skull knitting patterns.

buccaneers booty socks [via] :: jackyll and hide at knitty :: domiknitrix skull pattern :: knitty yorick scarf :: helloyarn is skull crazy - I love the pirate beanie (and there are mittens to match) felted skull tote bag - most fabulous of all has to be the skull cable (see pic) :: theres a skull and crossbones dishcloth :: skull lace pattern :: skull illusion scarf is a classic :: I really really love these skull stockings (see pic) ::

What does this mean - crafting for the environment? I take it to have two meanings relating to our social and our physical environment. So there is crafting activism and eco crafting.

blogs: When thinking about crafting activism - I immediately think of craftivism : bloggreen has a craftivism cagegory : SuperNaturale has a frugality and living section: guerrilla knitters at we make money not art : microrevolt - reblog : radical cross stitch : steal this sweater - StealThisSweater refers to Abbie Hoffman’s Steal This Book, a survival guide and manifesto for those who fantasize about (or pursue) anarchy. - blog : cast off - kerri smith - wish jar journal : sewgreen : threading water - knitting+politics : Laura bucci - arts, crafts and activism : makezine : the worsted witch : glittyknittykitty - Be a knittivist. Knit a revolution. : microrevolt - investigates the dawn of sweatshops in early industrial capitalism to inform the current crisis of global expansion and the feminization of labor.

Articles:
[via] Jessica Vitkus, the author of Alternacrafts challenges all of the presidential nominees to win the crafter’s vote with politically themed crafting projects. : article - in these times titled Of Crafts and Causes. and article on etsy about upcycling. : article titled Third wave craftivism? DIY panel explores relationship between feminism, crafting at colombia chronicle : Political protest turns to the radical art of knitting at the guardian : : article at canada national post titled - Changing the world one stitch at a time Knitting circles drawing attention to political issues :

projects and groups you can get involved in:
project linus - blankets for those in need - please read their knitting manifesto : revolutionary knitting circle : afghans for afghans : knit a river - London based yarn shop and knitting group, I Knit, have joined forces with international charity WaterAid to create an alternative to a traditional petition : massive knit - Using individual sensibilities, we plan to create an open structure in the park, connecting various elements of the park together. By the end of the evening we should have a string of material connecting the park together. : wardrobe refashion - pledge to recycle : stitch for senate : headhuggers : use your knitting or crochet skills to help someone who has undergone hair loss due to chemotherapy, brain surgery, burn wounds etc. : red sweaters - This project is an art installation that was inspired by the war in Iraq. Its purpose is to spread public awareness, encourage thought, and inspire discussions about war and current events without promoting a specific view. : street knit - asking you to put your needles together and spend some time this summer knitting some warmth into a sweater, a hat, mittens, socks, or a scarf to keep someone warm this winter. : futurefarmers : the mother bear project : snuggles project - security blankets for shelter animals. : knit for kids :

oh my there are so so many - I want you to help and leave a comment with a link to a crafting charity or a craft activist group that you know of and help spread the word.

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

June wrote in with this letter:

I had the nasty experience [recently] of finding that some of my copyrighted crochet patterns have been stolen and posted online without my permission. I have already had a few comments on how to try to combat this or prevent it happening in future, but I was hoping whipup readers might have more suggestions as to how we, as small craft businesses, can protect ourselves from this kind of copyright infringement.

Thanks,
June

The new forum would be a great place to broaden this discussion. After leaving your thought for June here - go on over to the forum and discuss alternative options.

The fabulous ladies behind one of the greatest kid-centric blogs, Cool Mom Picks, have filmed a series of segments showcasing some of their favorite handmade and organic kiddie finds for Alpha Mom TV. The ladies have taken great pains to showcase indie businesses run by individuals from around the world, especially moms and dads! The thoughtful product choices will inspire all households to think a little greener and focus more on the fun, and less on the blinking lights and crazy trends that a lot of parents find themselves surrounded by. You can’t help but be in awe of all of the creative items that any adult would love to play with, let alone any child!

You can see the whole range of videos here. There are nine in all with a new one being released each day! Oh, and if you are in the US, these awesome segments will soon be airing on Cox and Comcast Digital cable networks nationwide via Alpha Mom On Demand!

Thank you all for introducing yourself at the forum, and as whitefox said (Berkley, California) Hello–Wow! after reading all these intros–I see Whip Up is truly international! Yes it certainly is, people from all over the globe - participating in craft without boundaries. Thank you all for participating in the forum, sorry I can’t send everyone out a book but I will be doing more giveaways in the future, postage costs a fair bit, so please visit our sponsors or if you have an indie business yourself - consider advertising.

Please continue to introduce yourself at the forum - I am really enjoying ‘meeting’ everyone and learning more about the people in this great community.

The four forum participants to receive a crafty/creative book are: (can these four people please email me whipup[at]gmail.com with your postal address please.)

redswirlginevr from Sydney, Australia. She says: my favourite craft has to be knitting, I also like sketching & used to do papier mache. I now really want to learn to sew clothes for me, my toddler and baby. What I like most about whipup is the depth of the articles … they make me think hard about crafts that aren’t my own. Oh, and I really like the book reviews, I do get a good idea whether I’d like to buy the book or not.

Vasalisa living in Montreal Canada (hometown is Ontario) (no website). She says: I find myself starting all over again at 36: going to university for the first time (scary and exciting!); letting go of old ideas and embracing new ones. I would like to steer my work towards a more DIY approach - re-purposing materials and concepts in ways I have never previously allowed myself. Whipup was the start of my online fiber journey. Through this site I have found so many valuable resources and sources of inspiration, which lead to more and more! I recognize quite a few names on here, which is a great comfort, even if I have not met any of you in person. :)

Lina, from Stockholm, Sweden. She says: I love all sorts of creativity. I’m very into street art and I crochet quite a lot. Sometimes I do mail art and other things with paper. And now I’m slowly progressing with learning to knit. The political and feminist aspect of crafting interests me a lot. I love the worldwide crafting community that has developed with internet. To me Whiput means daily inspiration and connection to like-minded (and not so like-minded!) crafters from all over the world - and I hope this forum will make that connection even stronger.

DonaB, on the Central Coast of California, USA, says: I tuck knitting, a bit of bookbinding (mostly journals for myself and others), photography, writing, art journaling, and a tiny bit of sewing in around the edges of my job, though I always seem to circle back to drawing and painting eventually. I love reading whipup because I get exposure to styles and trends in craft-making that I haven’t seen before as well as the exposure to crafters who are making things full time and supporting themselves, which is incredibly inspiring to me. I also love the book reviews, round-ups and challenge results posts.

Some great comments about why you love whipup and the online crafty community too:

I appreciate Whip-up in large part because it keeps me humble - there are people out there far greater than me, who are engaged every day in creating art. We’re all in this together, right? (chris in Michegan)

I’ve been reading Whipup mostly from the start, and I love it for lots of reasons. I like articles that explore the relationship between art and crafting, I’m very interested in copyright issues, and I love the tutorials and alternative stuff. (strikkelise from Oslo, Norway)

I think that sites like Whip-Up are very important in ensuring the craft movement continues to grow, it gives crafters somewhere to congregate and share and communicate ideas (crafters are such an inclusive bunch, and I LOVE that!), and Whip-up is so educational. (ladybag from London, UK)

I love Whip-Up. It can be very isolating being at home with children Whip-Up provides a link to like minded people. (sew witty, Perth, Australia)

I love WhipUp for the inspirational ideas and especially for the opportunity it gives to connect with talented crafters from all over the world. Whiplash is my favourite part of WhipUp - challenging myself to do something different and seeing everyone else’s amazing work is truly inspirational. [whiplash will be back - i swear - ed] (planet june from Ontario, Canada)

the most wonderful part of [blogging] has been discovering a craft community. For me this has been a really important source of inspiration, both in terms of the work people do and the way different people weave craft into their everyday lives. I love that there are all these people doing different things, sharing their experiences and expertise, motivating and helping each other. (sooz from Melbourne, Australia)

Sitting by the computer I upload my photos, write in my blog and chat with my friends via e-mail and other communities online. A lot of time is spent writing, but yet I tell people I hardly ever write… Without really noticing what I did I wrote a lot in my blog last year. And the more I thought about it the more it felt like a manuscript for a book, a diary form book that I would design, edit, print and distribute to friends and family and other creative souls out there! A book to hold in my hand, put in my shelf, keep as a memory of days that passed, days filled with sewing, knitting, making art, spending time with friends… Can you imagine what a fun project that would be? So I did it.

This is an excerpt from Ihanna’s blog, where she describes the process of using Lulu.com to turn her personal/creative blog into print form. Not an easy or short process but obviously extremely worthwhile and rewarding. You can preview her book at Lulu.com here or read more about it at il bloggo and if you are interested in doing this yourself you can find out how here.

Self publishing with Lulu does not have to be a big project - you could think about self publishing your patterns, zines, illustrations or images.

Paris artist Manon Gignoux work lies somewhere between art and fashion. Manon uses the history of everyday life - workwear - as inspiration for the pieces and is interested in deconstruction and appropriation.

[via dear ada, pics and more info at ullum and florizel]

Hand Job: A Catalog of Type, by Micheal Perry, (see more of his work at his website), published by Princeton Architectural Press; 1 edition (August 1, 2007).

I don’t look at design books from start to finish, left to right or whatever the real reading order is meant to be. This book is a delight in that regard. I can open it on any page and be swamped with some pretty cool examples of hand drawn type. Its perfect to have lying around the breakfast table for when you have 2-3minutes to have a look at it. Essentially it is a book of typography drawn by hand. I guess from a designers point of view, the craft is the important aspect. That each shape/letter is a work in its own right and then that is part of a bigger meaning. It is how these crafted letters come together that create the impact of the type. The great thing about this book is the use of photographs as well as illustrations. It places the hand drawn works in type and invites the reader to look around them and see handwritten type in their own environment.

But I’m getting carried away. The only two things that I didn’t like about the book was the paper it was printed on - a bit dull and well, personally the name is a bit odd. I understand where the male author is coming from, but I don’t understand that pleasure so… Overall 4 out of 5. It is interesting, keeps you coming back for more and is a nice insight into type - for non designers it gives a great awareness as to the power of type and the thought of its creation.

Even though I am a designer and can half claim to understand what typography is, the benefits of a book like this for a wider audience are huge. I think its due to the entertaining way the graphics are combined. Its not just a series of alphabets, but an insight into the minds of those that like to craft letters and how they see the world. The book showcases something we see everyday even if we don’t want to. We live in a world of type, and creating an awareness of the beauty and power that this branch can generate makes great fleading (flick reading). Its lighthearted approach to a complicated subject makes the knowledge/process of type available to those that otherwise wouldn’t know what a font is.

About the reviewer: Heather is a designer, film maker and generally crafty creative person. She loves to invite her friends round for a craft jam and craft-a-noon - and has a website which she occasionally updates with her adventures and experiments in design.

The forum is going strong - and no major hiccups yet either - if you have experienced some problems please email me to let me know whipup[at]gmail.com - don’t forget to introduce yourself to be in the running to win one of four books that have recently been reviewed here - winners will be chosen tomorrow (friday).

you might also want to tell us what you are making, where you are shopping and how you are selling.

just a reminder:
You do need to register and login to be able to post topics or reply to topics on the forum. If you are already registered with whipup then you can use the same login details at the forum - you do not need to re-register over there if you have already registered at whipup.

Also you will notice some advertising has been made available on whipup and the forum. Advertising has become necessary to keep up with running costs and in order to make whipup even bigger and better for you - so I hope you will support our sponsors who are all great crafty and indie businesses.

How to contribute to whipup: Check out the submission guidelines fto find out how to submit a story, article or tutorial. We have a thematic guide but if you have something outside of this that just cannot wait please contact us with your idea - we are looking for craft meets art exhibition reviews, personal essays on your craft journey and what crafting means to you and stories on local community crafting.

Submissions now being accepted for October, November and December
* October: Selling - entrepreneurs * November: Public crafting * December: Holiday crafts

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Hello, I’m hoping someone out there can help me find a source for aniline leather- i make cuffs and headbands out of it, embellished with various elements that I sew on, given that this type of leather is so soft. I cannot find a source that is willing to work with me - I have found that if you aren’t an upholsterer, they’re not interested in working with you. Please help! I’m in the US, but I’m not opposed to paying international shipping if I can get the product quality I’m looking for.

Thanks so much!

Heather

Halloween Party Hat Sewing Tutorial by June Scroggin

The following instructions are for a sewn fabric hat 11” in height. You can make your hat smaller or larger by merely adjusting the cutting measurements. This same process can be used to make any themed tabletop party hat decoration by simply choosing appropriate fabrics.

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On October 15th - Blog Action Day, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind.

In its inaugural year, Blog Action Day will be co-ordinating bloggers to tackle the issue of the environment.

What Each Blogger Will Do

Bloggers can participate on Blog Action Day in one of two ways:

1. Publish a post on their blog which relates to an issue of their own choice pertaining to the environment.
For example: A blog about money might write about how to save around the home by using environmentally friendly ideas. Similarly a blog about politics might examine what weight environmental policy holds in the political arena.

Posts do not need to have any specific agenda, they simply need to relate to the larger issue in whatever way suits the blogger and readership. Our aim is not to promote one particular viewpoint, only to push the issue to the table for discussion.

2. Commit to donating their day’s advertising earnings to an environmental charity of their choice. There is a list of “official” Blog Action Day charities on the site, however bloggers are also free to choose an alternate environmental charity to donate to if they wish.

And that’s it.

If they choose bloggers can also promote the initiative itself. However they are also free to simply post on topic on the right day or discreetly donate to a charity without publicizing Blog Action Day.

Lisa Solomon is a very exciting artist, working in various mediums crossing over between drawing, textiles and sculpture. Her work looks at the notion of hybridization; and she often uses found objects in her work - combining textures , materials, techniques and subject matter that are not natural partners she says that she likes it when “wrong” things are fused together i.e.: tanks made of bright pink felt, sewing onto paper. Much of her work explores gender identity as well as the differences and contrasts between hand made and machine made and the cultural implications of both.

She recently had an exhibition in Japan - her felt tank installation

And has an upcoming show at little bird gallery Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles.

see more of her work here

Ribbon Pinecone Ornament Tutorial by Jenna.

Ornaments for any occasion - try fall colors for Halloween or red and green for Christmas. A no sew project suitable for most age groups (young children might need supervision with pins though).

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just read an interview at handmade detroit with Pamela Flynn of flint knits - lovely interview go and read it if you have not already. And check out what pamela has been knitting - (and check out the free patterns in the sidebar)

Pattern: Drops 103-1 - from garnstudio Yarn: 4.5 skeins Rowanspun Chunky, in Fern

knitted hellboy at cakeyvoice

Pattern: Little Turtle Original Soaker Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, 1+ skein by isel knits

Pattern: Mad Color Weave Yarn: Koigu KPPM p335, with a wee bit of Claudia’s Handpainted for the toes. by kelp knits

komi hat Charlene Schurch Materials: Harrisville New England Shetland (loden blue, cream white and cocoa brown), Sz 0 and 1 needlesby knitting escapism

Project Details: Pattern: Eyelet Skirt, free from Knitty, designed by Kat Coyle Yarn: Classic Elite Flash, Electric Blue, 7.5 skeins by kodachrome knits

Thanks to everyone that sent in links, keep ‘em coming. Here we go…

Halloweeen….

How to knit a pumpkin hat. Link

Lollipop covers, kitty and pumpkin. Link

Pom pom pumpkins. Link

Booing poem. Link, via CraftZine blog

Non-Halloween…

Candy tin gift boxes. Link

Felted gridlock scarf. Link, via

The sweetest little knitted olive, yes, sweet. Link

Very cool tissue box cover. Link

Squared up yoyo. Link

Fluffy flower. Link

Pleated tote. Link

Eco bag. Link

A slightly clerical scarf. Link

Interface applique technique. Link

Tea towel apron. Link

Very fast tissue holder. Link

A quilted stipling tutorial. Link

One way to baste a quilt. Link

Canning tomatoes, video. Link

Inspiration pillow. Link

Reglazed candle holders. Link

Crayon drawing stuffies. Link

Tips for successful bag making. Link

Crochet “zoom” bucket hat. Link

Bias tape purse with zipper. Link

AWESOME, how to: kid’s craft table. Link

The following via CraftZine blog

Covered tape measure. Link

Crochet octopus. Link

Turn an old sweatshirt into a cuddly pet blanket. Link

Growing a Nepenthes Terrarium. Link

Knitted baby vest. Link

If you’ve created an online crafty tutorial or spotted one you want to share, feel free to give us the heads up at whipup.tutorials[@]gmail.com. Halloween’s coming up and we’d love to see your Halloween tutorials/ideas.

Thank you everyone for your terrific support of the new forum and the new website. I see that the new design does not have unanimous support - but having tweaked the white background a little after your comments I hope that has made a difference. The forum is rocking along - don’t forget to introduce yourself to be in the running to win one of four books that have recently been reviewed here. Other discussions you might want to get in on include ideas for feature posts on whipup, controversial topics and comment moderation, and a couple of posts on selling your wares - how to do it and is it worthwhile?

You do need to register and login to be able to post topics or reply to topics on the forum. If you are already registered with whipup then you can use the same login details at the forum - you do not need to re-register over there if you have already registered at whipup.

Also you will notice some advertising has been made available on whipup and the forum. Advertising has become necessary to keep up with running costs and in order to make whipup even bigger and better for you - so I hope you will support our sponsors who are all great crafty and indie businesses.

For those who have missed the previous posts on contributing at whipup. We have introduced submission guidelines for those readers who would like to submit a story or article or tutorial. We have a thematic guide but if you have something outside of this that just cannot wait please contact us with your idea.

Submissions now being accepted for October, November and December

* October: Selling - entrepreneurs
* November: Public crafting
* December: Holiday crafts

Submissions must be new — not previously shown in another mag or site or on your own website or blog. Once posted on Whip Up - of course you are welcome to link to the article with an image. And after a month you are free to do as you wish with the tutorial or article, which includes submitting it elsewhere or self publishing.

The home of the sampler is just getting better and better. Have you visited their site lately? The team over there have now added a DIY section with great little projects like felting beads and ric rac brooches, all submitted by makers and designers - you too can share your project.

I received the September sampler a couple of weeks ago - always a pleasant surprise - I have to fight with my daughter over the contents. She has already put her dibs on a couple of items - the earings from eclectic-elements (they were packaged in a rather special way) and the earings from a planet4creation (can you see an earing theme emerging here). As usual I had my faves - such as the recipe cards from Alison Briggs , the cards from lizard press are gorgeous (see pic) this is one I was sent and I love the texture - it’s a reprint of William Morris’ wallpaper design from the 1800s. I had a big laugh at the ‘my perfect man’ colouring book from retro recess. The necklaces from Manic trout are pretty gorgeous. We really liked the handmade polymer clay beads from DivaDea (see pic), the sweet little knit markers from MaryJanes attic are adorable (my daughter wants to turn them into earings - ps. she does not actually have her earings pierced yet). I really liked the packaging of the lipbalm from Jackson sage and the balm was good too (see pic). My all out favourite was the zombie escape plan note book by re-conceived - fun and practical too (see pic).