Recycled Crafts » Craft Events

Book Review: Made by Hand: Searching for Meaning in a Throwaway World by Mark Frauenfelder

stefaniegirard — Tue, 25 May 2010 20:43:39 +0000

First can I say I just giggle because I still get a thrill out of meeting someone I first get to know through a book that is written about their personal experiences and then get to meet in person. I know more about them than they know about me and it seems a little voyeuristic.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Frauenfelder author of the book Made by Hand: Searching for Meaning in a Throwaway World at Maker Faire last weekend and he was so nice! His book is all about his experiences “doing it himself” which is cool to read about when you, yourself are a “DIYer” and want to hear about other’s successes and let’s face it failures/learning experiences/process because that’s really a HUGE aspect of his point and why DIYers do it, because it is about the experience not just about the end outcome. If you like doing it yourself too I think you will really enjoy this book! I know I did and not only was I entertained I was educated on a wide range of topics!

More about Made by Hand: Searching for Meaning in a Throwaway World from the publisher:

“The problem wasn’t how much money we were spending, it was how we were spending our time. Did we really want to raise our kids in an environment of prepackaged diversions, theme-park rides, trips to the mall, freeway traffic, and incessant e-mails?”
-from Made by Hand

From his unique vantage point as editor-in-chief of Make magazine, the hub of the newly invigorated do-it-yourself movement, Mark Frauenfelder takes readers on an inspiring and surprising tour of the vibrant world of DIY. The Internet has brought together large communities of people who share ideas, tips, and blueprints for making everything from unmanned aerial vehicles to pedal- powered iPhone chargers to an automatic cat feeder jury-rigged from a VCR.

DIY is a direct reflection of our basic human desire to invent and improve, long suppressed by the availability of cheap, mass-produced products that have drowned us in bland convenience and cultivated our most wasteful habits. Frauenfelder spent a year trying a variety of offbeat projects such as keeping chickens and bees, tricking out his espresso machine, whittling wooden spoons, making guitars out of cigar boxes, and doing citizen science with his daughters in the garage. His whole family found that DIY helped them take control of their lives, offering a path that was simple, direct, and clear. Working with their hands and minds helped them feel more engaged with the world around them.

Frauenfelder also reveals how DIY is changing our culture for the better. He profiles fascinating “alpha makers” leading various DIY movements and grills them for their best tips and insights.

Beginning his journey with hands as smooth as those of a typical geek, Frauenfelder offers a unique perspective on how earning a few calluses can be far more rewarding and satisfying than another trip to the mall.“

[tag]Made by hand by Mark Frauenfelder[/tags]

Turn boring packaging into a coordinated display

stefaniegirard — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:09:28 +0000

Darcy of the blog Smart-Bottom Enterprises sent in this great idea for recycling the boring box her business cards came in into a great coordinated display box for craft shows. I will be sure to pass this idea along to all the authors who will be hosting free make and takes with me at the Craftside Workshop at Unique Los Angeles Spring Show April 24-25!

[tags]how to recycle box[/tags]

Halloween Swap-o-rama-rama this Saturday in Los Angeles

stefaniegirard — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:01:03 +0000

Join me this year in cutting stuff up! If you aren’t in the area try this at home! Gather your friends together and exchange cloths, I’ve done it and it is so much fun!

To see pictures from one of the Swaps from last year pop on over here.

[tags]Swap-o-rama-rama[/tags]

The 7 Gypsies Turn A Tomato Cage Into a Beautiful Bird Display

stefaniegirard — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:53:02 +0000

CHA, the big Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show was last week and I was parousing blogs of people who attended and I saw this great photo from the 7 Gypsies booth. They turned a tomato cage into a pretty display for their colorful products. This photo was from Lisa Fulmer.

Cool Recycle Fashion Show at The Urban Institute for Contemporary Art

stefaniegirard — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:42:05 +0000

If you are in the Grand Rapids Michigan area (I wish I was) check out this cool recycle event at the

Urban Institute for Contemporary Art

NOSHNIGHT: RECYCLED RUNWAY
August 8
5–7 PM Material Afterlife Carnival
7–9 PM Noshnight: Recycled Runway!
$5 admission (includes 1 drink ticket)
NoshNight events bring West Michigan’s creative community together. The events focus on art and design in the broadest sense, and showcase the area’s finest architects, designers, and artists. The first NoshNight was a smashing success enjoyed by over 300 creative professionals.

As the second installment of the NoshNight series, UICA is hosting Recycled Runway and Street Party. Recycled Runway will feature innovative clothing made from recycled and repurposed materials. Come and see the area’s best and brightest fashion designers’ wearable art in a one of a kind fashion show. Indulge in amazing locally grown food by Bar Divani, Tommy Fitzgerald, 616, Bistro Bella Vita and The Green Well. And enjoy great music and a cash bar while models strut
their stuff on the runway.

Creative Challenge: 20 days, 20 items
Join the fun by creating your own “trashion.” Use you own materials or stop by UICA for a grab bag of 20 items to create your own recycled headgear, footgear, full ensemble or whatever you decide!

From 5–7 PM, there will be a street party with carnival games, live music, and a family workshop. For more information call 616 454 7000 x19