Crafts and Hobbies #61: Deja Vu

I'm struggling a bit to get past these sorts of images in my mind when it comes to things like crochet. If you lived through the 1970's, you likely owned something crocheted, either a "cloche" (beanie hat) or a long vest in groovy colors...or something worse. My mom crocheted (with a vengeance) so I wore it all. I have vivid memories of a hot pink and lime green yarn mini dress too, that I wore with shiny white patent go-go boots. Never let it be said that I was not a slave to fashion even then. I'll spare you a photo of that lovely outfit... So now that crocheted items are back, I'm relieved to see that they are a long way from the maxi vests of my past. Most are made with great colors and beautifully textured kinds of gnarly yarn which make the hat or scarf fresh and new. A co-worker recently gave me a set which I absolutely love, partially because it's gorgeous and partially because she took the time to make it for me. That's the best part about crafting, the homemade aspect of it. I didn't always love the vests Mom made for me, but the love and time put into it was never lost on me. The sites listed in the assignment were very informative and, I imagine, eye-opening to the "craft impaired." I wouldn't call myself a "crafter," but as an artist (don't say artsy), I've dabbled in the homemade as a creative outlet. I've given as gifts painted birdhouses, wineglasses, children's stepstools and shelves, pillowcases...you name it, but always using a personal design. I try to stay away from (as my artist sister calls it) "arts and crap," referring to the acrylic painted sweatshirts, rose/vine decorated quick crafts you see on display at Hobby Lobby. Blecch. I'd put those in the same category as Christmas sweaters and above-the-couch "art," those horrid landscapes dabbed on with paint-glopped offset spatulas and done in 15 minutes. Gag. I thought the websites were great, especially Repurposeful, which was not so much crafty as offering new ways to use old stuff. Fantastic. The video instructions are terrific and I thought I'd be the one who insisted on a paper instruction sheet. It's amazing how clear it is when you see someone actually do it "live." And I've said before that I love Etsy, the artists' Ebay. I have noticed that the prices are going up, which is disturbing. This should be a site for newbie crafters and artists to let folks get an inexpensive taste of their wares before investing in the bigtime. Popularity always opens the door to the shysters, unfortunately. I love the jewelry on Etsy and have dabbled in some jewelry-making myself. It's a creative outlet for me and an inexpensive way to re-use some of those 70's earrings I've been reluctant to throw away. Feather earrings are back! Both Cher and I are thrilled. Now if only I can figure out what to do with those 1980's power shoulder pads.

Expedition Africa

This summer's guilty pleasure on television, at least for me, is the History Channel's Expedition Africa, which airs on Sunday nights at 9:00 pm CST. Produced by Survivor's Mark Burnett, it has some of the same elements as his hit franchise and the people are about as likeable. The premise is this: more than 130 years ago famous explorer Dr. Stanley Livingstone disappeared deep in the interior of Tanzania. The person sent to find him was journalist Henry Stanley, using only a compass and virtually no experience, covering about 970 miles of uncharted territory. The famous adventure spawned the even more famous line, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" after finding the lost explorer living in a village almost 8 months later. So what's a group of camera-ready survivalists, egocentric nature experts and a hunky but inexperienced journalist supposed to do? Why, recreate the adventure, of course. As expected, the clash of egos is hilarious and there is the inevitable "tragedy" usually involving a snake or small injury....or both. And since it's Mark Burnett, someone is gonna be eating larvae! No disappointments here. Right now the group is about to mutiny on pushy navigator Pasquale. Ironically, Stanley's own team tried to kill him at about the same place for similar reasons. Great tv! Go here to catch up with full episodes but try to tune in if you can. If we're going to be sweltering in 100° temps, at least it's fun to watch people who are doing the same with no air conditioning and a lot worse food.

Remembering Dad

Thinking of Dad today. Yes, I'm the goofy one.

Cover to Cover

Interesting way to "repurpose" old books by artist, Nick Galanin.

This face, carved from a 2000 page book, is part of a project called "What Have We Become," a nod to the native Alaskan Tlingit culture, typically expressed in oral storytelling, song and art. Using literature, which is generally considered a reflection of our identity as a culture, as a new medium asks questions about how we view ourselves; what we accept as a mirror of ourselves, and how we want to be remembered. Fascinating. Wonder what Mr. Galanin could carve up out of Sarah Palin's new book. Ouch.