plant & earth pigments workshop with Judi Pettite

Super excited about the upcoming pigments workshop with Judi Pettite @ the Richmond Art Center. It's an introduction to Judi's work with plant and earth pigments plus working with various binders.

April 17th, 2010
Plant & Earth Pigments with Judi Pettite
Richmond Art Center - Richmond, CA

Native Plant Dye Workshop with Rebecca Burgess @ the Berkleley Botanical Gardens

This past weekend I attended a hands-on workshop and overview of dying fibers with locally harvested plants lead by artist and educator Rebecca Burgess at the Berkeley Botanical Gardens. It was a great honor to meet Rebecca in person after following her work on-line for some time. I admire her approach to using local resources and materials when ever possible. She has a wealth of information inside of her and a generous heart to match - I look forward to working with her again. The workshop was a small introduction, but definitely inspiring. So keep your eye out for the next one. Also at the end of the year, Rebecca's new book is being released: Gathering Color. It focuses on identifying, harvesting and creating dyes with plants in the area.

Be sure to check out the Fiber & Dye Exhibit on display at the gardens and to take the self guided walking tour of native dye plants. So beautifully laid out and such a unique way to learn.

Native Plant Dye Workshop with Rebecca Burgess
March 28th, 2010 @ the UC Botanical Gardens in Berkeley, CA

Underwear of the Month Club

Underwear of the Month Club! What a simple, brilliant idea - so much fun. And sexy too.

Each month members receive one pair of hand sewn, hand printed underwear from Recession Clothing. Bikini briefs for the ladies and guys get boxer briefs. Each month features a different guest artist. Recession Clothing is in the process of moving from West Oakland to Portland - We will miss them here in the local scene, but wish them well in their new home.

Recycled Skateboard Buttons

Seven Ply is recycling broken skateboards and turning them into something wearable. Be sure to check out the entire line! I've fallen madly for these simple buttons but might also have to pick up these studs.

Zeptonn's fishmates boots

Rain boots covered with Zeptonn's fabulous illustrations designed for Greenpeace = lots of fun!

Drops by Camilla Hounsell Halvorsen

Drops by Camilla Hounsell Halvorsen. More info here. And check it out - prototypes are being sold!

Houdini the Hottie

Houdini the Hottie might be my favorite, but the whole bunch is really wonderful, making it difficult to choose just one. Each hot water bottle cover is removable for easy washing and uses recycled fabrics. Oozing with with personality and full of mischief. Crafted by From to From, you can pick up yours now before it gets cold. Gotta love a utilitarian object that makes you laugh and feel cozy inside.

geometric vintage print

Loving this geometric vintage print available from Ramona West.

cotton monsters love

With their vibrant colors, bulging eyes and large teeth, Cotton Monsters are both imposing and lovable. Jennifer Strunge is the spirit behind these cuddly gap-toothed monsters. Big or small, each monster is handmade from recycled materials and evolves intuitively without patterns - so no two are ever exactly alike. The Cotton Monster shop is usually sold out, but she posts often so, be sure to check back from time to time - you just might get lucky and be able to snag one for your very own!

the end of an Edsel...

Just though this was the perfect end for an Edsel...

Took a little break today since the weather so lovely. Decided it was the perfect day to explore Flora Grubb in San Francisco. If you haven't been there, you really should check it out - it is a hidden gem in the city.

mud stencils

Graffiti goes green? Jesse Graves uses mud to create green graffiti and encourages others to join him. Graves explains , “I began stenciling with mud to put environmentally conscious messages in public spaces. I use mud or earth because it is a fundamental life-giving substance, logical for my messages. Mud stencils are an evolving medium, intended for art and social justice, not corporate advertisement.”

meet green thing

Meet Green Thing from Green Thing on Vimeo.

{thanks to future shelter for this link.}

art-o-mat

Selling snack-sized original art wrapped in cellophane was a project started by Clark Whittington for a solo art show in 1997 and is still going strong with over 400 artists contributing from around the world. Repurposed cigarette vending machines dispense original art for around five-bucks! Art-o-mat machines can be found in museums, galleries, cafes and various shops. The machines themselves are incredible pieces. Check out their website to see more. Planning a trip? Be sure to check if there will be an art-o-mat machine in the area - each one's different and worth searching for.

To find an art-o-mat near you, click here.