Lark Books seeks designers to make unique projects to feature in upcoming how-to publications:

‘The Envelope, Please’ scheduled for release in fall 2009. They are looking for all types of one-of-a-kind envelopes in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Their wish list includes: embellished envelopes; fold-your-own envelopes; envelopes for gift cards, money, CDs, etc.; and non-paper envelopes (Fabric? Plastic? Foil? Think outside the envelope!) They would like some projects to have accompanying cards, but it is not required. Have fun and invent the best dang envelope your mailbox has ever seen. Deadline for Project Proposals: June 2, 2008

Pretty Little Presents, scheduled for release in fall 2009. This book, part of a series of sewing publications, will feature stitched, fabric gifts items no larger than 12” x 12” designed for any age or gender and in the following categories: Bridal, Housewarming, Baby, Hostess and Birthday. They are looking for projects geared to beginner and intermediate sewers that can be made with a sewing machine and readily available fabrics. Beyond that, let your imagination go wild! They would like to see proposals for gift items that are original, pretty, charming, adorable, whimsical, humorous, funky, edgy, or precious. They love embellishments! Proposal Deadline: May 15, 2008

More info on both of these and other projects here (other upcoming book titles include: BEADING WITH METAL BEADS, 500 PLASTIC JEWELRY, FANTASTIC PLASTIC.

SUBMIT a crochet or knitted design for - Yarn Bombing: The Art of Knit Graffiti, to be published by Arsenal Pulp Press in fall 2009. The book will be a DIY guide to the art of yarn graffiti and a history of hand-crafted textile street art, Yarn Bombing will feature patterns such as street-smart disguises, useful wearable tools like gloves and tool belts, street art such as knit car cozies, bike covers and headlight toques, and outdoor installations such as crochet shawls for leafy trees. The sky’s the limit as long as it’s knit or crocheted! Projects should be fun, colorful and a little bit wacky. Designers are asked to submit a sketch and detailed description of their project, along with a brief bio, by the submission deadline of May 30, 2008.

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.

MOO StickerBooks are pocket-sized books, containing 90 vinyl stickers, on 15 individual sheets. Each sticker can carry a different image/design/illustration/icon giving you up to 90 different stickers in a pack. For the month of April Moo are running ae special offer; ‘3 StickerBooks for the price of 2′. To claim this special offer simply enter the promocode moostickersfree on the payment page.

Handmade Gift Competition voting is now open…

Article Arts and crafts: The woof and the warp of the web in “The Telegraph” on the weekend - whipup.net was mentioned among other great craft sites. [Thank you Phillipa Turnbull from Crewelwork (video of how to master Long and Short "soft shading", or painting with the needle) who found Whipup via this article and sent in a link to her wonderful crewel site]

check out Crafts Blog Search - a dedicated search engine for crafts blogs. In total, the search engine includes about 900 crafts blogs covering multiple categories. Inclusion is based on our internal selection criteria driven by Google’s industry-leading technology.

Letter: from Kate

I’ve been enjoying the toys and games month, as I make a lot of toys. There have been some really great ideas! I thought you might like this free online tutorial for making sock monkeys, it’s really detailed and makes it super easy. I’ve never really been that into sock monkeys I have to say, but once you start making them…. they have this amazingly satisfying squishy feel about them and kids find them really cuddly! And they are really posable so you can do lots of fun things with them. I’ve had friends say to me ‘ I hope you’re making my son a sock monkey for his birthday?’ and then run off with him as soon as the kid has unwrapped the present!

The infamous Melbourne Craft Cartel Market - purveyors of subversive craft since 2007 have expanded their web of influence with the upcoming launch of the Craft Cartel Podcast.

Podcast co host Casey says “The Cartel is all about creating a new world based on freedom, sustainability and a deadly sense of humour, without waiting for ‘The Man’ to do it for us. It’s direct action in it’s purest form, we plan on highlighting the brilliant skills of our stall holders and bringing the craftivist visions from around the world into one online show.

The podcast can be accessed from here or through the iTunes Store (from Monday 17th March).

If in Melbourne head along to the Launch - at the next Cartel Market Monday 17 March, Section 8 Container Bar, Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne, approx 7pm.

—

Craft Con 2008, a business development conference for the craft community. This remarkable gathering of leaders and organizers in the evolving craft and design movement will be held in San Francisco April 4-6. Last year’s Craft Congress was the first event of its kind, bringing together an amazing group of craft promoters from all over the country and as far away as England to network, share ideas, and discuss the future of the resurging movement.

April fool contest at dabbled - submit your cool & funky & foolish works along the theme of “April Fool”. Take it literally, or figuratively–or April Fools’ Joking-ly.. the funner the better! - The Rules: Your entry can be art, craft, or food. - Deadline: Friday Mar 26 @ 9:00 pm Eastern time. Winners announced on April 1! Judges - yours truly kathreen of Whip Up and Alice of Futuregirl amongst others.

Melissa wrote in with this: arts & crafts fund raiser for orphans in China to keep the two little girls we sponsor in their programs. There are a lot of talented & popular artists/crafters involved with the fundraiser. Craft for China is a fundraiser for orphans in China. Artists, crafters, and other volunteers have donated their time and products to be auctioned on eBay. 100% of the proceeds will go to Love Without Boundaries, a nonprofit organization that helps Chinese orphans get medical care, nutritional care, foster care, educational help and so much more. The money raised goes towards sponsoring children or their orphanage.

SPARK MENTORING PROGRAM National | Deadline: March 28, 2008

SPARK is an Australian young artists mentoring program they are currently calling for applications from young artists working in theatre, dance and communities. Applications for SPARK are now open to young artists (aged 18-26 years) from all over Australia.

500 CERAMIC SCULPTURES CALL FOR ENTRIES National | Deadline: March 14, 2008

Lark Books seeks images to publish in a juried celebration of international ceramic sculpture to be released May 2009. Submissions may span the full range of contemporary ceramic sculptural practice, from representational and figurative to abstract, non-narrative work. Please do not submit images that you have previously submitted for other 500 series books. Please make sure that all installation works are professionally photographed. Contact Email: Cassie@larkbooks.com

ELSEWHERE ARTIST COLLABORATIVE International | Deadline:

Elsewhere, an arts production site and experimental museum in downtown Greensboro, NC, is seeking artists, writers, and cultural producers for residencies during its Spring, Summer, and Fall 2008 seasons. Set within a former thrift store housing a 58-year collection of American surplus, thrift, and antiques, Elsewhere invites experimental creators to utilize the immense collection of objects to pursue site-specific material, conceptual, and/or technologically-based projects.

I don’t normally post anything like this here - but on the off chance that an energetic, innovative teacher is on the look out for a stimulating and challenging work environment…

Job vacancies for Blue Gum Community School - pre-school, primary school or middle school - expressions of interest welcome for full-time, part-time or casual work - email bluenet@tpg.com.au

Blue Gum School believes it is time to rethink the way we do schooling. Today’s schools need to move forward and reflect the world around them—a world where people work with others on projects, where their initiative, creativity, organising, research, problem-solving and negotiation skills are essential tools. These are the skills our students need to practise every day… Staff can make a decision on Monday, implement it on Tuesday, and improve it on Wednesday. The decision-making hierarchy is minimal—changes can be decided quickly, and strategies tried without delay. The curriculum can take account of students’ current passions and unexpected events, and seize the moment! The curriculum changes with the times; it does not stagnate.

Blue Gum Primary School - located in North Canberra, is an ‘alternative’ community school, a challenging interesting environment where teachers have more autonomy and flexibility. And where students genuinely want to learn …

Teachers set up challenges and situations that encourage children to explore the world around them. Teaching staff then closely observe children’s responses, looking for ways of extending their understanding and leading them naturally into related areas of study… All the students and staff know each other well, so they are genuinely interested and concerned for each other. Students have a much greater sense of belonging and their personal ‘uniqueness’ is recognised and valued by others—there is less peer pressure to conform.

Please pass this along to anyone who thing may be interested or you think is suitable.

new feature to Indie Fixx called Tutorial Tuesday - and the companion Tutorial Tuesday flickr group. Join and share photos of your projects based on the tutorials from Tutorial Tuesday. post your image from any Tutorial Tuesday project to the Tutorial Tuesday flickr group before March 12th for your chance to win the following book: Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts: Lacy Crochet published by Chronicle Books.

Karin from orangeflower and Juliette from chickpeastudio have teamed up to create this pattern for a cute and simple crochet basket.

all things original- a shopping website that
launched in November 07 and features established and up-and-coming designers
from across the UK.

Check out the annual Brighton craft fair (renamed MADE 08 this year) a very high quality fair with designer / makers selling direct to the public. currently calling for entries for fair dates 21 - 23 november 2008.

Christine is giving away one of her bags to someone who leaves a comment.

“Bags2Riches 2008”, the 3rd annual handbag competition to prevent homelessness. Create an original handbag to be eligible to win the “The Most Original Handbag Award” with a $1,000 Grand Prize Package. Deadline for Entry: August 20, 2008. For an entry form, go to www.bags2richesindy.org or send a SASE to Carolyn Wyatt, Co-Chair, Trusted Partners, 1035 S. New Jersey, Indianapolis, IN 46225.

Mamamade is Looking for creative mothers- artists and high quality crafters to
participate in Spring 2008 Mamamade Market in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Market Day: Saturday April 26, 2008 (9am-2pm) Applications due by March 1, 2008 for the $60 booth fee.

Sophie wrote in with this letter for children’s craft month:

Something fun i did with my cousin’s kids was make a jar of hugs and kisses for their mum’s birthday. We bought some clay (that stuff you bake) in pink and red and made crosses (kisses) and circles (hugs). Then we baked them and let them cool. For the jar we picked a random one and covered the lid with pink material. Then I made a mixture of red paint and glue and helped them paint the word “MUM”. When everything was cool and dry we put the kisses and hugs the jar and finished it off with a piece of ribbon. Mum was thrilled. I did it with a 5 and 3 year old but I helped a lot.

Juliette from Chickpea studios sent in a link to this tutorial for pinwheels

Paul O’Mahony of the Siopaeile.com has recently launched the Irish Arts Blog . The blog is written by a select group of artisans from all over Ireland, who responded to Paul’s free group blog offer for Irish Artists launched last summer.

Larissa has been working her knitting book Knitalong for a while now. | March 15, 2008 | Knitalong Book Release Party | at Abundant Yarn & Dyeworks | in Portland, Oregon (Sellwood neighborhood) | late afternoon/early evening, time TBA.

Heather has some new pattern downloads available - paper globes just in time for valentines and

A new feature on Vintage Indie called What You Make of It . Kind of a twist on DIY with vintage components.

check out illusion knitting on instructables

new shopping site called Shopflick, which is launching next month - Shopflick is “eBay meets YouTube.” Sellers list their products via video; shoppers watch; and buyers click on our video player’s buy button and buy. It’s also a way of giving folks everywhere the Renegade or Felt Club (indie crafts fairs) experience via the web by meeting the creators and hearing them talk about their work.

Handmade Nation: Documenting the rise of DIY Art, Craft & Design. | Documentary Release: 2009 | Book Release: November 2008, Princeton Architectural Press | more info and updates here

Hi Kathreen,

I was hoping Whipup might be able to help. We have 2 pet sheep that have just been shorn, Rosie and Bear. I am always meaning to do something with the wool but never do, so I would like to give the wool away to any crafty critters out there that would like some. Hopefully it might be of use to someone in Whipup world. [details here at little snoring]

Juliette at Chick pea sewing has a new pattern for free download available to make infant bibs, they can have messages added on them for fun personalized gifts.

We posted a write-up of the book “Taking Things Seriously” by Joshua Glenn and Carol Hayes recently. WNYC is putting together a photo project related to the book. WNYC’s “The Leonard Lopate Show” invited people to post photos of personally meaningful objects and the stories related to them to the “Taking Things Seriously” Flickr group - check them out.

Maria wrote in: Hi Kathreen - I’ve made a short 4 minute slidecast that shows quilters how to make a fabric color wheel. The link is here. Hope you enjoy it! I’m a Whip Up subscriber and love your blog. I get great book suggestions from you, my all-time favorite being How to Make Books!

Angelia wrote in with: Call for Artist/Designers | Call for Art Work | Project Runway Style Challenge, “The Shirt off Your Back” | Deadline January 26, 2008. This is a juried show open to all types of art form. The challenge is to use a piece of clothing you already own and incorporate it into a new work of art. Make a new garment, use it in a collage work, knit or crochet with it. Use your imagination, the possibilities are endless. This will be a show to display your work at our B and M gallery in Virginia, and there will be prizes. Thanks, Angelia [contact for more info stevearmstro[@]gmail.com.

Check out Toronto’s sew by the hour space [via Tim blogto] called the workroom it costs $7 for an hour of sewing - really great idea - a space to connect with like minded folk and to try out new crafts without outlaying a lot of money upfront.

Check out Grace’s blogger gift guide - some fab ideas by some fab bloggers (yep me included!)

Expose yourself in Dunlaoghaire! On Thursday, December 13th at 7pm, Karen Harper, founder of the Irish Craft Association is going to expose many local artists and open Expose yourself Gallery. Over 20 artists and photographers will be displaying their work on the 3rd Floor of the newly refurbished Dunlaoghaiore Shopping Centre. To keep in the Christmas spirit they will be running a children’s colouring competition of Santa in his pajamas. There are five age groups and great prizes for each level. To open the experience to others, the competition will be coloured in a variety of different mediums, and the prizes are hampers of art materials for the budding artists. A gallery of all entries will be on display. Irish craft update | Irish craft association

New York newspaper Newsday has a crafts blog - check it out - cheap thrills

PoppyTalkHandmade - a sneak peek at the next three market’s themes and submissions deadlines! Each month will have a different theme to highlight seasonal appropriate handmade goods. January 7 - February 8, 2008 - Love Transforms, A Valentine’s and Wedding Market, (Submissions Deadline - Dec. 21/07) | February 11 - March 8, 2008 - Peeps & Hoppity-Pop! An Easter and Spring Market, (Submissions Deadline - Jan. 21/08) | March 10 - April 11, 2008 - Green Pop! An Eco-Minded and Green Market, (Submissions Deadline - Feb. 21/08)

check out new craft/indie design blog Indie Parade - a photo blog featuring handmade items from all over the web.

check out the ReadyMade Gift Guide, which is very sweetly designed to replicate a Holiday advent calendar.

Nancy Crow workshops - Sally Melville: A Knitting Experience workshop May 19-23, 2008 - This 5-day workshop will explore the choices, decisions, and techniques of a typical knitting experience. | Crow Timber Frame Barn: Treat yourself to a creative workshop in a rural, peaceful setting. Stimulating classes are being offered in a beautifully restored timber frame barn on Nancy Crow’s 90-acre farm in Central Ohio.

amandajean is hosting a 12 week quilt a long - each week for 12 weeks she will post instructions on how to make a different quilt block and at the end of the 12 weeks you will have enough quilt blocks to make a quilt top

check out inventors spot - a website focused on writing about the newest inventions and innovations - post on Newspapers Make for Good Yarn

Shelly Hattan has started a new blog called “Children’s Lit ‘n Knit“. The idea behind it is to handknit (or crochet) a toy and pair it with a book - lovely idea check it out.

Alice at Futuregirl has a new pattern - called Supercute Sea Creatures. There’s a pattern for an octopus, fish, jellyfish, and starfish. Each creature is between 3 and 4 inches tall and wide, which makes them just the right size for ornaments, package tags, or clip-ons for backpacks.

Love makers sustainable Craft fair at Ambatalia Fabrics in Mill Valley. Ambatalia is a green, sustainable fabric store - and a truly a unique place. In addition to selling hard to find fabric and notions they also offer classes and hold art shows. They’ll be having a craft fair on Tuesday December 4th from 2pm-8pm. There’s a great list of people selling at the fair. There will also be two screen printers from Remade in America printing that day so that people can bring by t-shirts and clothing to print on.

elemental stitches needs your help tell her why you blog …

Wendi wrote in: I just watched the first episode of the new season of Project Runway - yay! My husband and I decided to play along at home this season and I thought some WhipUp readers might enjoy playing too. If you don’t have the money or the time to make a full outfit every week - especially for some of the fancy event gowns that they make on the show join Project Barbie - Want to play? rules here.

If you enjoyed the book Craft Inc by Mateo Ilasco - or want to get yourself a signed copy or just want to meet the woman and talk business - you can see her at the following events and times. Today - Thursday, November 15, 2007 from 6-9pm Reform School, 4014 Santa Monica Blvd. in Los Angeles - bring your business card because we’ll be picking one lucky indie business to win one month of free ad space on Design*Sponge. | FELT CLUB Sunday, November 18, 2007 from 11am-6pm Los Angeles City College, 855 N. Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles | CHRONICLE BOOKS STORE GRAND OPENING Saturday, December 1, 2007 1846 Union Street in San Francisco | CRAFT WITHIN REACH Thursday, December 6, 2007 from 5:30-8:30pm Design Within Reach, 1770 Fourth Street in Berkeley DWR Berkeley has invited over 20 local artists including myself for this holiday event. There will be a raffle, a DJ, snacks, hot cider, Hint Waters, Cellar Door Wines, and Craft magazine on site to spread craft cheer.

If you can get to the Denyse Schmidt sale - looks like it will fantastic - Sample Sale and Exhibition - Bridgeport CT studio Sunday, December 2, 2007 from 12PM to 4PM. A rare chance to view (and purchase!) unique, one-of-a-kind quilts from Denyse’s Denver Series. Arrive early to get the best deals on loads of samples and overstock from our Couture, Works and DS for Sarita Handa collections – up to 80% off regular retail prices. Save on stationery, books, and everything for the DIY-crafter – scraps, yardage, quilt blocks, kits and more. Visit our our what’s new page for directions and additional info. Refreshments will be served courtesy of Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion Magazine.

The winners in the 2007 holiday softies comp have been announced - I was one of the judges and was glad to see the holiday pickle as the winner in my category.

The Shop at Indieshopping.com is now live - it is a showcase of indie designers and makers.

Anny wrote in with this letter: Greetings! I am a regular reader and was thrilled and honoured to be featured in some of your knitting reviews in the past. I am writing to you today about a new pattern I just released on my new website. The pattern, Peace Baby, was inspired by International Peace Day and in this spirit, I am making it available for free to anyone who makes a donation to Doctors without borders (see the site for more details).

Pat Sloan has a new video tutorial up.

Amy Butler has a heap of new free downloadable sewing and paper crafts patterns up her site.

softies central - voting is open for the holiday softie awards - I was one of the judges and it was a lot of fun getting to pick my faves - sorry if yours was not chosen - try again next year.

first annual “Great American Craft Off”! This unique contest calls for American crafters to present a one-of-a-kind creation that exemplifies their personal vision of what America is all about - whatever that may be. The winners prize package is valued at over $6000! The Grand Prize includes: An all-expenses-paid trip to the John C. Campbell Folk School including one week’s tuition, room & board, and round-trip airfare. Total value over $1500 & A Singer CE-250 embroidery/sewing machine & serger valued at $1200 & A complete custom website design including online store and hosting from BizLandCrafters.com valued at $2100 Lots more too including craft vouchers and books.

Catherine Sanchez from Homespun Magazine has asked that we pass on information regarding a fund raising effort for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. A magnificent hand crafted quilt is being auctioned, and the bidding at the moment stands at a paltry $415.00!!! A huge amount of time and effort has been put into creating this quilt and it would be terrific to see a substantial amount raised. Ebay auction here

upcoming event called Mamamade and is based out of Nashville. This will be the 3rd annual sale of quality items and services by creative mothers. It is a showcase of mama-owned businesses and mama-driven causes. High quality art, jewelry, handbags, quilts, children’s clothing, custom furniture, bath and body products, custom embroidery, stationery, catering and more!

the yarn museum has a (sort of) contest! (Winners names pulled from a hat…made of handspun yarn, of course.) Garment District/Not a competition, but there will be some prizes! Here’s one for knitters, crocheters, weavers, spinners, artists! It’s open to garments and/or anything that can be worn on the body, and that employs handspun yarn. Submit by 11.15.07 - how to submit.

new embroidery exhibition - Pricked: Extreme Embroidery - running November 9, 2007 - March 8, 2008 at the Museum of Arts & Design in New York City. Samplers, table cloths, tea towels, and party dresses often spring to mind when the word “embroidery” is invoked, but the forty international artists highlighted in Pricked: Extreme Embroidery tell a very different story. Pricked is the Museum of Arts & Design’s latest exploration into how centuries-old handcraft traditions are rejuvenated in the mainstream of contemporary art and design.

Caption: Benji Whalen, Fast Machine, 2005 Embroidery floss on stuffed cotton 24 x 6 x 4 in. Photo: Benji Whalen

Caption: Andrea Dezsö, My Grandmother Loved Me Even Though …, 2005-2006 Embroidery, cotton thread (DMC) on white cotton canvas Approx 6 x 9 in. Photo: Andrea Dezsö

The Inspiration Boards flickr group now has its own blog interviewing some of the cool people who have posted their inspiration boards to the group about what inspires them & feeds their creativity. Check out interviews and the inspiration boards of some cool crafty people.

Umbrella collective - delightful things for christmas sale.

Chronicle books Contest : Design a Pattern for Our Next Knitting Book [via craft] They are looking for the five most creative, most dream-worthy intarsia knitting patterns. It could be anything, from a jaunty anchor to a geek-chic argyle pattern to a killer alphabet. Whatever pattern you would want to see in a knitting book. Five winners will have their name and pattern printed in the book and be promoted here on our Handmade Thursdays. Winners will also receive a free copy of the book when it comes out next fall. details here.

Also designers have until 5 November to submit their application for Chronicle books Design Fellowships for the Winter-Spring 2008. Four fellowships will provide six-months of hands-on experience to graduates interested in embarking on a career in either book, publication, package, or product design. See info here.

the missability radio show is once again hosting a walking stick cosy competition - The Knitted Walking Stick Cosy Competition #1 was so successful that there will be a second round! There are instructions for making the cosy and patterns too. (caption Oxford Kitchen Yarns cosy from cosy comp #1)

independent craft show Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco 90+Vendors ✪ Workshops ✪ Local Music ✪ Free Goodie Bags for the first 300 customers | When: December 15th 2007 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm | Where: San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco (Lincoln Way at 9th Avenue) | Admission: $1.00

first annual Great American Craft Off! It will start Nov. 1 - This unique contest calls for American crafters to present a one-of-a-kind creation that exemplifies their personal vision of what America is all about – whatever that may be. The winner will be awarded a prize package valued at over $6000!

4th Handmade market next Saturday Nov 3rd in Raleigh, NC. - The Handmade Market: Because “MALL” Is a Four-letter Word
Shop for unique handcrafted goods and support independent designers at The Handmade Market in Raleigh, NC.

The Holiday Softie Awards - entries close October 31st!. check out the current entries and enter yours under one of these categories (make sure you check out the rules about entering) Categories are: Deck the Halls, Animals Dressed for the Holidays, Nightmare Before Christmas and Let it snow - other categories that need your entries are: Holiday Smorgasboard (food) (come on guys - where are all those soft food makers, Under the Tree (toys) - more toys - come on - come on, The Worst Gift I Ever Got (this could be really funny and fun), Doll Dress Up (come on you know you want to) Holiday version of a Softie from the Softies Book.

Get Made: SF Craft Mafia’s Annual Fall Shopping Extravaganza

October 21, Mafia Made 2007 will showcase the diverse work of over 40 clothing, accessories, jewelry, craft-related businesses, artists, and designers.

Mafia Made 2007 | October 21, 2007, 12-5pm @ Hall of Flowers (Golden Gate Park, 9th and Irving) | Free to the public, $1 suggested donation to benefit SF SPCA | Come early for goodie bags for the first 100 shoppers and stay for a raffle of fabulous, crafty prizes!

hand-making competition
The competition aims to support small hand-making businesses and to encourage craftspeople to ditch the 9 to 5 drudgery and pursue their handicraft passion.