Let's make happy
Crafted Things
Plush You! Pics
Oct 10th
The opening party for Plush You! should be well underway right now in Seattle. Kristen, the curator of the show, has uploaded pics of the display on Flickr for those of us who aren’t there.
It looks like so much fun!
(Also, I heard that one of my “Snails vs. Slugs” pieces already sold!)
Ikebana at the Met
Oct 6th
Last Wednesday I went to an ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) demonstration at the Metropolitan Museum of Art here in New York. It was amazing.
Ikebana master Nori Noda did five arrangements, ranging from the extremely complex rikka to the anything-goes freestyle, explaining some of the basic principles as he worked. The best photo that I could get afterward with my phone camera was of the freestyle arrangement:
I’d taken some lessons in the Ikenobo school the last time I was living in Japan, and was really hooked at the time, but I hadn’t found much going on in NY since coming here. It turns out that there are ongoing two-session lessons held at the Nippon Club, which I’m probably going to try out next month.
If you’re more interested in looking than doing, there will be an exhibition (again, of the Ikenobo school) this spring at the Met, from April 30 through May 3.
I have to thank Antonio for his research help!
Heidi Kenney Plush Show at Schmancy
Aug 4th
The plush artist Heidi Kenney (aka My Paper Crane) is having a solo show at Schmancy in Seattle opening this Friday, August 8.
I’ve had the privilege of seeing Heidi’s charming and kooky work in person, and it’s just so much fun to experience up close. If you’re in the Seattle area, please check out it out!
Twisted: A Balloonamentary
Jun 25th
A friend made a documentary a while ago about people who competitively twist balloons into animal (and other) shapes. Can you think of a better subject for a documentary? I almost can’t. It’s called Twisted: A Balloonamentary, and it’s being screened in New York this week!
There two more screenings, today (6/25) and tomorrow (6/26), at the Pioneer Theater. I’m planning to go on Thursday.
More screenings are planned or ongoing in Ann Arbor, Iowa City, and Portland —check out the “Screenings” section on the film’s website. Or you can get the DVD from Amazon!
John saw Twisted a while ago at a private screening, and he reviewed it recently on Geek Out New York.
Paper Earrings
Apr 28th
My jewelry-designer friend Audrey recently made the most beautiful pair of earrings out of handmade Japanese paper and sterling silver.
I love how they look so incredibly light—the use of the paper is just inspired. (Now if only I wore earrings…)
The earrings are part of her collection, which can be found in her Etsy shop. (I also blogged about her shop when she opened it last year.) Audrey specializes in mixing industrial and natural materials with traditional elements of fine jewelry. The result is beautiful designs that balance strength and delicacy.
I think her jewelry would make an awesome Mother’s Day gift for a hip kind of mom!
