Beautiful hand braided scarf tutorial, stunning. Link.

Link.

AntiCraft: Knitting, Beading and Stitching for the Slightly Sinister by by Renee Rigdon and Zabet Stewart published by North Light Books (November 30, 2007) [want more visit the web site]

You should craft in a medium that understands you

[Renee and Zabets Antifesto]

Anticraft is a glossy black book with rough type and a rude feel. Curious? Well, Anticraft is the ’sellout’ (they say that themselves) book from sinister crafters Renee Rigdon and Zabet Stewart. Its a complete package - witty authors comments, comic strips, crafty facts, patterns galore and glamorous fashion shots. One could almost forget that it is a craft book at all. At times the dark humor gets the better of the craft, which makes reading directions for a project
slightly difficult when laughing so hard.

The combination of mediums, not only through the design, but the variety projects offered makes sure that there is something for everyones liking. Will it be the gaff tape corset or recipe for Hellfire Heartburn Chick Pea Soup that will tickle your fancy? Although they say they only put 5% of their time into writing, this collection of patterns and ideas is comprehensive enough to fuel the imagination for many a read. Accompanied by illustrated useful tips in the back for those that have never crochetted or knitted or beaded before, Anticraft makes an excellent addition to any bookshelf.

About the patterns: my fave project - the Whilameenas - Nothing like a creppy softie to adorn the mantle piece. Definitely one to make for the person that you can’t live without. Strangest - the Skylla - the menstrual cup cozy shaped like a squid.
It really bent my imagination, but was cute at the same time. I would fear an unsuspecting guest would pick it up and get quite a surprise. The worst project - but only from where I sit - The Captains Daughter… just a little bit too soft for a cat-of-nine tails… maybe its the photo or the unconvincing noise whipping wool makes?

The design is heavy throughout the book. Definitely not for the faint hearted. It has a well thought out but complicated structure makes it an interesting read from whichever page you start. I found it hard to follow all the information without getting sidetracked and the lack of colour through the project pages made it all blur together a bit. The photography varied, the idea of stripping out the colours except for the project piece is a nice one… except when the piece is black.
Perhaps it is the matt paper that soaks up the ink that leaves the photos a little flat.

In the introduction the book, we are introduced to the concept of a journey through the work of 19 designers, and that is what it is. A complete smorgasboard of work from a variety of crafty disciplines, some projects have been around a while, but here they are presented with a twist. And basically that is the book, craft with a cynical sinister twist.

About the reviewer: Heather is a designer and illustrator who loves to make things - she has a suitcase full of vintage fabrics, ribbons and papers and sews away on her grandmothers old singer sewing machine. She is a subversive crafter at heart and resides in Australia.

Textile Study Group of New York. This month, instead of a lecture we are having a Member’s Slide Show. It is a free admission and a great way for people to meet all the talented members in our association. [get a preview at the gallery] - Wednesday, April 16, 7 pm - A.I.R. Gallery II, 511W. 25TH St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), #301, New York City

hip new place opening in London - The Make Lounge, which specialises in cool contemporary craft workshops – ranging from making eco-totes through to learning to crochet and sew as well as making Japanese style note-books or mosaics. It is officially opening in a gorgeous Georgian house on Barnsbury Street off Upper Street (near to Aria) on April 30th.

Photojojo has teamed up with Instructables to bring you Photojojo Photo Month! Enter your photo-related project to win awesome prizes from Photojojo! And check out the Photojojo tutorial on Shoot to Sell: Taking Better Photos for eBay, Etsy & Instructables - Tips on lighting, background, using a tripod and more

Homemade soap - from scratch heres a tutorial from Dinosaurs and Moustaches

homemade soap by ove jota [image]

homemade hair remover [recipe at bella sugar via not martha]

check out nature moms blog with lots of frugal and eco friendly beauty tips - link to skin care recipes

- soak in milky bathwater - use apple cider vinegar as a skin cleanser and toner - use oatmeal and water in cotton as a skin cleanser and scrub - also read up on the no-shampoo alternative - using baking soda and apple cider vinegar

did you know that honey is a perfect face cleanser and body moisturizer - read more homemade beauty remedies using honey here also check out other links on homemade makeup remover - simply Olive Oil, Castor Oil and Canola Oil - did you know that natural yogurt is a great skin softener

check out the worsted witches sugary skin secret treatment and check out all the gorgeous natural skin care recipes at ladies blend