Craftside

I "Heart" - Squares, Checks, and Grids (and that means PLAID!)

While technically this is not a "craft" book, it is packed full of amazing images of cool stuff that is so inspiring!

COMMUNICATING WITH PATTERN SERIES

Squares, Checks, and Grids
By
Mark Hampshire, Keith Stephenson

A unique showcase exploring the use of pattern for visual communication across design disciplines.

Communicating with Pattern: Squares, Checks, and Grids is a celebration of the squarest, most linear patterns in every design discipline.

Squares and checks represent order, mathematics, technical precision, minimalism, and modernism. From graphs and grids, to pixels and road signs, squares and checks make up the framework, the very map of our existence. They are also embedded in the very weave of our history, from Wicca and Christian iconography to traditional checked and tartan cloths.

Squares, Checks, and Grids is a visual homage to squares and checks, an inspirational graphic collection of squares and checks from all environments, an exciting sourcebook of pattern ideas for designers across disciplines.

Rich, stimulating, and varied creative sourcebook with a wealth of material for designers
Part of the ultimate “pattern bible”: the Communicating with Pattern series

Keith Stephenson is founder and director of Absolute Zero Degrees design. His work ranges from contemporary wallpaper to book design, and he has designed and illustrated Mass-Market Classics: The Home and Bright Ideas for RotoVision.

Mark Hampshire is a freelance brand consultant, who previously worked at Identica, In Real Life, Cato Consulting and Carlton Television. Prior to his branding career he ran a successful furniture business, Hampshire and Dillon.

Click on this beautiful page of plaid to read all about it!!!!

and then laugh at this cartoon sent to me by my parents and given to me by friends!

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Plaid!!!!!

And now on to another cool "Square" Page Idea

Isn't this cool??

Well I thought so, so I thought I'd use this idea to make a hiding spot for a vintage photo of my grandmother in my altered journal book.

So for this little folded square hiding place you will want a double sided paper. I did my first test on yellow paper so you could see easier.

Simply draw a square twice as wide and tall as you want your photo area to be. In this case my photo was 2 inches wide so my overall square was 4 x4 inches. You will then need a border area, mine was 1 inch all the way around.

Cut out the square on 1/2 the top edge, all the right and bottom edge, and 1/2 way up the left side.

Then score and fold the center vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines as indicated.

So for my book I used a wild pattern and ended up rotating it a 1/4 turn.

By the way if you look really closely my grandmother is holding a skull and cross bones flag! Go Gramma!

Here it is closed up. I also added another bit of dotted paper.

Who Doesn't Love A New Book?

Certainly not me! And when a whole box of new books comes, it's like Christmas!

It's gonna be like Christmas around here for you too.

I had such a hard time deciding what book to be "sneak peeked" first! There is something here to wet everyone's creative whistle.

Check in here everyday or subscribe to this here blog (hit the subscribe button on the top left) so you won't miss anything.

OK so I closed my eyes and put my hand down on this glorious pile of yummy new books and it landed on:

Knitting Art: 150 Innovative Works from 18 Contemporary Artists    

By

Karen Searle

As some knitters craft mittens and sweaters, others find themselves taking flight into the realm of art. Some become true fiber artists, creating exhibition-quality quilts and sweaters and shawls, yarn mobiles and sculptures and gigantic abstract installations.

An exploration of art knitting, Knitting Art profiles eighteen of the most prominent and intriguing practitioners of this craft-turned-art. Karen Searle, herself a recognized fiber artist, examines the works and inspirations of each of these knit artists.

Numerous photographs illustrate each profile, documenting these artists' work and at the same time offering inspiration to those who might transcend the purely practical aspect of knitting.

Among the artists encountered here are such nationally known knitters as movement founder Katharine Cobey, Carolyn Halliday, Debbie New, Lisa Anne Auerbach, Lindsay Obermayer, Kathryn Alexander, and others.

I could look at this book all day! It is not just eye-candy, it's soul-candy. It just makes me want to create and I am so grateful to live in this time amongst other great creative artists!

Click on the image to read about Karen and these little dresses.

Pop on over to Amazon to see more beautiful inside pages from Knitting Art.

I don't know about you but I am in full swing knitting. I can't wait for the weather to get chilly so I can start to wear all my new hand knits. I have so many new ideas after savoring this book. I know it will have the same effect for you too!

Design Points from Singer Simple Decorative Machine Stitching

SINGER Simple(TM) Decorative Machine Stitching
Essential Machine-Side Tips and Techniques

A quick guide to creating fancy stitches and special effects--on any type of sewing machine.
SINGER Simple(TM) Decorative Machine Stitching is a new book in the SINGER Simple(TM) series. This "at your fingertips" guide present dozens of techniques that creative stitchers -- of garments and home decor -- will refer to again and again. Inside is an indexed collection of decorative hand and machine stitches and specialty techniques, including beading, silk ribbon work, applique, and more. Clear, concise, colored line drawings illustrate the pages.

The book is designed for readers working on any type of sewing machine. Although it provides an overview of the many types of software, specialty machines, and computer applications available for decorative stitching, this book presents techniques that succeed with even the most basic sewing machine.

Bold page headings and color-tabbed pages help readers find information fast.

Clear, concise charts--of hand and machine techniques, specialty threads, must-have accessories, and computer-based options--make it quick and easy to decide just which special touches to add to a project, and how.

With all-new text and colorful, concise line drawings, SINGER delivers the same reliable information it's long been known for -- in a handy format and style that will appeal to the modern sewer.

The sturdy, spiral-bound, stand-up format makes it easy to refer to machine-side and durable enough to withstand constant use.

Other books in the series include SINGER Simple(TM) Sewing Guide, SINGER Simple(TM) Home Decor Handbook, SINGER Simple(TM) Mending & Repair.

Click on image to enlarge and read.

I wanted to share this page today because last Sunday was our Church of Craft meeting and we were all talking about making holiday gifts and how we all wanted to make our own gifts but time tends to slip away and well then off to the mall we go! So I thought I'd post a little help on designing, which is of course is the first step. This Singer book is packed full of great info for sewing and designing, truly an asset for the DIY-er.

So now people is the time to get a plan together. That's not to say I have my plan together yet, but I am working on it.

Which brings me to today's question, that if you leave an answer in today's s comment section you will be entered to win a copy of any Quayside Publishing Group's craft titles!!!! A gift for you, and you know you will love it because you get to pick it!

Just leave a note saying what you are crafting up for this holiday season as gifts, decoration or otherwise. If you have a picture posted, leave a link so we can see!

We'll pick a random winner from all entrances posted before October 20th.

Cool Book Slider Idea from 1000 Type Treatments and Crafty Blogger Links

Are you into getting your crafting and design inspiration in unusual places? Well this beautiful type book is a great source of ideas, 1000 in fact!

1,000 Type Treatments
From Script to Serif, Letterforms Used to Perfection
By
Wilson Harvey

The ability to wield typography is one of those things that is a clear indication of a talented designer. Being able to craft type well and thoughtfully takes a deep understanding of the inherent complexities and a keen eye for the minute and subtle details. This book contains a collection of 1,000 instances of thoughtful type usage along with credits that note what fonts were used in the design. Like its predecessor, 1,000 Graphic Elements, the photography in this book focuses in on the typography so readers can get an up-close look at the work.

1,000 Type Treatments showcases an array of fonts in a catalog-like format, making it easy for the working designer to practically shop for ideas. The book is organized by style so if a designer has a traditional, elegant, or edgy piece, they can go directly to that section of the book, where they will find a wide collection of fresh ideas in the style they are seeking.

Also included is a directory of font foundries and suppliers, providing busy designers with a quick reference guide to where they can find the fonts that pique their interest.

For a full directory of contributors, click here.

Wilson Harvey is a London-based integrated design and marketing agency with a focus on producing high-end communications for a wide range of clients. Wilson Harvey has designed more than 500 books for a variety of publishers including Berg, Random House, Condé Nast, Pavilion, Quintet, and Rockport. Wilson Harvey is also the author/designer of The Best of Brochure Design 7 and 1,000 Graphic Elements.

I love the idea of using a plastic bracelet as a slider closure.

I found these sources for the plastic bracelets:

http://www.bagwellpromotions.com/ID-Control-bracelets.html
http://www.admitoneproducts.com/Wristbands/Plastic+Wristbands/Stock+Plastic+Wristbands+500%20Box/

What's the most unusual thing you have used to make a closure?

While contemplating my question, check out what my fellow Crafty Bloggers are creating:

The Impatient Blogger
Come see the entries in The Impatient Crafter Happy Cute Make Kewpie Doll Challenge 2008! (I've got one over there!)

Crafty Princess Diaries
Are Halloween crafts on your list of things to do? How about a little lampwork ghost lariat? The Crafty Princess has a few other Halloween goodie ideas floating around in her head right now.

Layers Upon Layers
Do you find yourself snapping pictures of things just for their texture? Cyndi wants to know what you do with these shots.

Cathie Filian
Check out Cathie's top 10 pumpkin tips and cozy up to fall with recipes for a homemade butternut squash soup and an ultimate grilled cheese sandwich.

Aileen's Musings
Discover what deli paper and sprayable watercolors have in common when you watch Aileen's slide show and see how to create your own bodacious background papers to use in your art or as backgrounds for your scrapbook pages.

About.com Cross Stitch
Halloween is coming soon, but there's still time to stitch some designs to add to treat bags, t-shirts, or Halloween trees.

About Family Crafts
Check out this special events calendar to find out what holidays, birthdays, and other events are celebrated in the month of October; plus, find ideas for crafts, games, and other activities to help you celebrate.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Here's looking at you kid! "See" a pair of mosaic lawn eyes made from some old bowling balls.

Making Artisan Chocolates-Wow Your Halloween Guests with these Crafty Masterpieces!

One of my favorite terms is,"eye candy" but today is BOTH "eye candy" and "tummy candy"!

Making Artisan Chocolates
Flavor-Infused Chocolates, Truffles, and Confections
By
Andrew Garrison Shotts, Foreword by Nick Malgieri

Forget milk chocolate molded into childish candy bars. Today’s chocolate candies use chocolates with high cocoa content and less sugar then previously available and are molded into highly decorated pieces of art. Once only accessible to pastry chefs and candy makers, home cooks can now purchase high-end domestic and imported chocolates in their local specialty stores. The recent availability of bittersweet chocolates coupled with our access to a global food market and unique ingredients has created an increased interest in artisanal chocolates. Drew Shotts has been at the forefront of this renaissance because of his daring use of unique flavor combinations not typically associated with chocolates, such as chili peppers, maple syrup, and spiced chai tea. Making Artisan Chocolates shows readers how to recreate Drew’s unexpected flavors at home through the use of herbs, flowers, chilies, spices, vegetables, fruits, dairies and liquors.

Read about Making Artisan Chocolates in this Boston Globe article (Feb. 7, 2007)

Andrew Garrison Shotts, former pastry chef for Guittard Chocolate and owner of Garrison Confections, has broken new ground in the chocolate industry with the development of his artisan chocolate line. Shotts has accumulated a wealth of prestigious honors during his career. He was named one of Pastry Art & Design’s “Ten Best Pastry Chefs in America” and was recognized as a “Top Ten Artisanal Chocolatier” by USA Today. His numerous television appearances include CBS’s The Early Show, and Food Network’s Food Nation and Follow That Food. Drew resides in Providence, RI.

With Halloween fast approaching and the stores filled with chocolate I thought I'd share with you this great way that you can craft your own designs on chocolates.

(Click on images to enlarge and read the full how-to)

Yummmmmm!

Pop on over here for some free recipes!

and, this does just tie in soooo perfectly, check out the blog

Daily Candy Boston Weekend Guide

CELEBRATE
Autumnal Equinox Chocolate Collection
What: Rhode Island-based Garrison Confections whips up autumn goodies like Apples and Honey (green apple pate de fruit and leatherwood honey ganache).
Why: Fall for it.
When: Now that it’s official.
Where: Online at garrisonconfections.com.

Have a sweet weekend ya'll!