World Maker Faire: Bring A Bootie - Get Some SWAG

Newborn Hat and Bootie Set Lion Brand Pattern 10117 AD

The Maker Faire, a family-friendly extravaganza that brings together art, craft, science, food, and engineering in shall we say "interesting" ways, will be in town in just a few weeks (Sept. 25 & 26) and The {NewNew} is in full production mode to prepare our booth.  For our project we invite you to stop by and join our retro knitting/crocheting circle. There we will make some booties and hats for newborns at Bronx Lebanon Hospital like the one I just finished. As a reward you'll get one of our fun SWAG bags filled with little surprises for you.

If you need some inspiration, we will be providing patterns by our longtime supporters Lion Brand Yarn, who are also exhibiting at the Maker Faire. Should you want to get yourself into the Maker mindset before the event, crochet or knit a baby item now and bring it to our booth in exchange for some SWAG. Use your favorite pattern or pick one of Lion Brand Yarn's many free patterns on their website. (To access their extensive pattern library you need to set up a password and provide your mailing address). If you would love to make something, but can't spare the time at the Faire, stop by anyway and pick up one of our kits. You can mail your hat to us after the event. And finally, if you wish to destash some of your yarns, we will accept non-wool, good condition balls of yarns to add to our charity stash. And yes, you'll get a SWAG bag.

Simone
groundsel.etsy.com

A Crafty Questionnaire x 2: Sarah Hull and Phil Miner

Sara Hull and Phil Miner met working together in a natural foods kitchen. Their mutual interest in the principles of sustainable trade and in an organic creative process lead to the development of Rocks and Salt, their accessories design and manufacturing company.

Based in Brooklyn, the duo designs and handcrafts accessories coupling contemporary urban sensibility with timeless style and functionality. Working as a team allows Sara and Phil to bounce ideas off of each other, eventually shaping their individual brainstorms into an even better result.

You can see for yourself how two heads are sometimes better than one by checking out the Rock and Salt display at the {NewNew} Treasure Chest of Handmade Gifts on Governor's Island through September 6. There's only one week left to get all your holiday gift shopping done in a surprisingly bucolic setting in the middle of the East River. Don't miss you out!


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Phil: Living now.
Sara: Theoretically, peace and harmony, but then that would probably be boring, wouldn’t it?

What is your greatest fear?
Phil: Not conquering fear.
Sara: The consequences of man’s ecological destruction of the planet.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Phil: Mark Twain.
Sara: Henry David Thoreau.

Which living person do you most admire?
Phil: My brother.
Sara: Jimmy Carter.

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?
Phil: No, changes too often.
Sara: The theme is in perpetual flux.

What is the trait you most like in yourself?
Sara: Compassion.

What is the trait you most like in others?
Sara: Tolerance.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Phil: Good wine.
Sara: Rubbing my cat’s fluffy belly.

When and where were you happiest?
Phil: New Years Eve 2005, Copacabana, Rio De Janeiro.
Sara: February 2002, in a hammock strung under the roof overhang of an abandoned beach shack in the N. E. of Brazil during a thunderstorm.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Phil: Broken bits like my shoulder and big toe.
Sara: I would be able to accomplish by the end of each day all the things that seem possible in the mornings.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Phil: Mild level of self actualization.
Sara: Learning the basics of permaculture in a foreign language.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
Phil: Just another everyday person, hopefully with a little more enlightenment.
Sara: A redwood tree in Muir Woods.

What is your most treasured possession?
Phil: Solid, carved Mahogany arch-top guitar.
Sara: My Mother’s Dutch oven.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
Phil: Balance.
Sara: Multilingualism.

Who are your heroes in real life?
Phil: Ronaldo O Fenômeno.
Sara: People who, on any scale, effect positive change in our society.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
Phil: Lies.
Sara: Haters.

What is your motto?
Phil: You can do more.
Sara: All mottoes lead to sloth.

Who are your favorite artists?
Phil: Paulo Coelho, Djavan, Ronaldinho
Sara: Mary Ortner, Os Gêmeos, John and Nancy Jack Todd

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
Phil: Google.
Sara: The in-home machine that turns your junk mail into toilet paper...oh, I did think of that.

What's the first thing you remember making?
Phil: Mother’s Day cards.
Sara: A pair of pink and white checkered gingham pants when I was five years old.


You can learn more about Rocks and Salt on their blog. And if you happen to be in the neighborhood, look for Rocks and Salt at Bumbershoot in Seattle, which also means you'll probably be indulging in fresh handpicked blackberries breakfast, lunch, and dinner!



Susan
persuede.etsy.com
jewelry made for you

Late summer harvest-inspired NewNew

A trip to my local farmers market this morning inspired today's post. Or more specifically, tomatoes, corn, plums, peaches, eggplant, grapes, peaches and plums---the flavors and colors of the harvest---inspired the following selection of items by members of The {NewNew}, pictured here with their respective harvest inspirations.

Tote Bag -- Urban Lola Market Bag
LolaFalkDesigns, $44

Dancing Purple Pearls Handknotted FWP Necklace

chickatey, $27

Handmade Weekly Planner -- Handwoven with Ribbons
PriaVanda, $25

Rings -- Original Art Painting on Antique Book Paper
kipi, $42

Beige Dog on Dark Purple on Light Purple Long-Sleeve
FeltIt, $15

White Dress with Large Collar
betterthanjam, $130

Freddie Mercury Art Print / Queen of it All

prismpop, $29.99

Enjoy the rest of the summer, and don't forget to support your local growers, artists and artisans!

Until next time --


Linda
PurtyBird

Studio Tour: Sans Map

Meet Corey from SANS MAP. She is a self-taught Brooklyn based sewer and designer with an ever-growing penchant for vintage aesthetics, old world quality and the utilization of recycled and re-claimed materials. She sources her fabrics from many different, and sometimes unlikely, places and rarely purchases fabric newly manufactured. She explains: "There is an abundance of materials that can be found and I take advantage of these resources whole-heartedly. Through the process of incorporating both new and re-purposed materials, each bag contains a past and a present and within each piece, a story is created. Sans Map is the result of an evolving quest to simplify, live sustainably and travel lightly. Because no matter where you are now or where you are going in the future, it’s always a journey."


Corey invites us along on a tour of her beautiful work space in Brooklyn.


Corey says: "My studio is in my home in Brooklyn; it's half sewing studio, half music production studio (that's my husband 1/2 :-) . i didn't have a grand scheme or design in mind - my studio has evolved around my vintage sewing machine and the efficient use of space."


"I love having my supplies and tools within easy reach and find that i am most creative and work the best in a clean, cozy environment. it's simple, it's efficient and it's just right. the colorful spools of vintage thread make me smile ."


It's easy to see how beautiful things can be created in such a beautiful space. Visit Corey's Etsy Shop to see some of the creations that were made in this setting.

How To: Make An Catnip Mouse

I have to admit that I find it hard to throw even the smallest bit of fabric away.  At the end of each new hat I make I end up with another pile of scraps that I swear I will turn into something useful.   And what could be more useful than a catnip mouse, if you have a cat of course!  These mice require no pattern and minimal sewing skill.  

Materials:

a 6x6 inch square of fabric

yarn (for the tail and face)

1/4 cup catnip

thread to match fabric

Fold the fabric in half and cut a half-heart shape on the
fold so when you open the fabric, it will look like a heart. 

Cut 3 pieces of yarn about three times the height of the
center of the heart. Tie a knot at one end.
With the wrong side of the fabric facing you,
lay the yarn on the fabric with the knotted end at the
bottom point of the heart.

 Using a zigzag stitch sew the yarn to the center of the heart.

Fold the heart in half with the right side of the fabric facing in.  Starting at the point sew a 1/4 inch seam around the heart leaving a 1 inch opening at the end.

Turn the heart right side out.

Using yarn (or embroidery floss) embroider eyes and a nose.
Be sure to secure tightly.

Cut 2 small circles from remaining fabric (or a different fabric if you like) for the ears.

Sew these in place securely by hand.

Fill your mouse with the catnip.
My cats like Yeowww! an organic brand that is VERY potent.

Sew the opening up by hand.  Tie a knot at the end of the yarn close to the seam.
Braid the 3 pieces of yarn together,
tie and cut to form the tail.

Voila you have a catnip mouse.  Why not make some more and donate them to your local pet shelter?

Holly
Ellis Designs

A Crafty Questionnaire: Martin Lopez

Martin Lopez started making jewelry for theatre, recreating period jewelry for plays and musicals. Intrigued by how the jewelry reflected and furthered the story being told on stage, Martin continued to develop his interest in personal adornment, opening his own shop, Adornments NYC, and incorporating inspiration from vintage elements.

Designing these one-of-a-kind pieces allows Martin to create something new out of something old, and also allows him to creatively explore the delicacy of vintage elements in combination with modern materials.

Martin's jewelry is featured in The {NewNew} Treasure Chest of Handmade Items on Governor's Island this summer. The unique pop-up store is open a few more weeks, through September 6, 2010. So don't miss your ferry ride to this wonderful summer treat in the heart of NYC, and the opportunity to try on, and buy, a piece of jewelry made by Martin.


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Good times with family and friends, all of us together, making and sharing a good meal somewhere with a beautiful view, good music playing, and laughing until our faces and sides hurt.

What is your greatest fear?
My Sallie Mae loans from getting my MFA from NYU’s Department of Design for Stage and Film. When I’m not making jewelry I design sets and costumes for Theatre and Opera.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Do the characters on Glee count as historical figures? I identify with all of them, except for the fact that I can’t sing well and I never sing in public.

Which living person do you most admire?
Set and costume designer Alison Chitty, a brilliant, smart designer and one of the most kind and generous people I have ever had the opportunity to work with. I’m also blessed to be able to be able to call her my friend.

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?
It would have to be the “Mahna Mahna” song from Sesame Street, especially the Tiki Mix by Piero Umiliani.

What is the trait you most like in yourself?
I’m not afraid to jump in with both feet. (Others might see that as stupidity.)

What is the trait you most like in others?
Honesty.

What is your greatest extravagance?
I’m not very extravagant these days, but if I were to treat myself it would definitely be to travel.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I could master punctuality, especially early in the morning. It’s a challenge for me. I’m a total night owl and find myself working far too late far too often, which makes the mornings come all too early.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Just that I have survived 10 years of living in New York, pursuing my dreams, doing what I love. It’s not always easy, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
I don’t know about the future, but in the past I must have been a magpie – I love shiny things. Seriously.

What is your most treasured possession?
My greatest treasures are my friends and family, but as to actual possessions...probably all my photo albums, and then all my art and design books.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
I wish I could sing well.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
People who are disrespectful and oblivious to the world around them.

Who are your favorite artists?
Oh, there are so many! But to name a few: Traian Alexandru Filip, Modigliani, Ingres, Sargent, Tim Hawkinson, Turner, Kandinski, Joseph Cornell

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
The iPod.

What's the first thing you remember making?
I don’t have any idea what the first thing was, but I’ve always been making things, from drawing and painting, to macaroni necklaces for my mom, to dioramas for class and “sets” for my Star Wars figures when I was a kid… But mostly in my younger years I took things apart because I had to know how they worked.


In addition to The {NewNew} Treasure Chest on Governor's Island and on Etsy, you may also find Adornments NYC online at www.adornmentsnyc.com.





Susan
persuede.etsy.com
jewelry made for you

The NewNew at the World Maker Faire!!

After five years on the West Coast, the Maker Faire is finally coming to New York the weekend of September 25 and The {NewNew} was accepted to participate as a Maker. The New York Hall of Science will host the Faire on the very same grounds as the 1939-40 and 1964-65 World’s Fairs on its 20 acre site inside Flushing Meadows Corona Park. In addition to the more than 300 makers on display, NYSCI's 450-plus hands-on exhibits, science demos, and art-technology pieces will be open to all Maker Faire attendees. The Faire seeks to gather thousands of Makers and aspiring makers of all ages and backgrounds.

The {NewNew} will set up a public knitting and crocheting circle where you can meet some of the makers of The {NewNew} and whip up a baby hat out of surplus yarn. There will also be demonstrations showing visitors how to turn t-shirts into t-shirt yarn that can further be worked into a baby bib. The fruits of our labor will be donated to the Bronx Lebanon Hospital.You can find out more about our project on our Maker Faire page.

Among the other attractions at the Faire will be:

• ArcAttack! -- A unique musical experience generating an 'electrifying' audio visual performance, with dual-resonant solid state Tesla Coils as synchronized instruments.
• Cyclecide Pedal Powered Bike Rodeo -- Monster bikes, music and comedy lassoed into a clown rodeo.
• Life-Size Mousetrap -- The classic board game turned into a life-size spectacle of colorful kinetic sculptures comprising a giant 25-ton Rube-Goldberg machine!
• Deus Ex Machina Swingset -- large-scale swing set with a computer controlled interactive water plane, capable of making shapes and text!
• Science Cabaret with NPR's science correspondent Ira Flatow.
• Non-Newtonian -- Walk across a pool filled with oobleck to help set a world record!
• BUST Craftacular -- an expo of hand-made wonders from the practical to the whimsical. 
• Coke Zero & Mentos Fountains -- Geysers of soda shoot over twenty feet into the air in this spectacular mint-powered version of the Bellagio Fountains.
• Madagascar Institute's Midway Rides
• FSP -- Felt Signal Processing -- two sisters use felt to serve as a tactile interface for shaping and controlling sound and video.
• DIYBio on board the BioBus -- a moving science lab powered by solar power, wind turbine, waste vegetable oil engine and a green roof and hands-on DNA experiments. 

So come and be a Maker! Visit us at the Faire on September 25th and 26th.

Simone
groundsel.etsy.com

How to Make Scrabble Tile Pendants

Scrabble tile pendants are hip and trendy, different and fun jewelry pieces that you can make for yourself or give as gifts. They're not too hard to make (but who needs to know?) and will definitely draw attention and delighted surprise when you reveal their humble origins as Scrabble game pieces.

Materials


You will need:

1. Scrabble tiles -- I buy mine on ebay or Etsy.
2. Jewelry bails
   
3. Modge Podge
4. 3D Crystal Lacquer (or Diamond Glaze or equivalent)
5. E-6000 glue
   
6. Images -- I design my own but you can also get them on Etsy (search for "collage sheet"). Laser-print them on your own printer if you have one or use a copy/print service like Staples or FedEx Office.
7. Jewelry bails -- available from numerous sellers on Etsy.
   
8. Paint brushes -- 1 for coating images with Modge Podge and another for adhering them to Scrabble tiles.
9. Wax paper
10. Tape
11. Sharp scissors

Steps

First prepare your work surface by laying out a piece of wax paper and taping down the corners.


Next, treat your sheet of laser-printed images with a coat of Modge Podge and let dry (about 10 mins.)


Cut out your images and size them to the tiles you want to use.


Before applying adhesive to the back of the tile, make sure it's right-side up. Obvious, I know, but I've made this mistake so I thought it worth mentioning!


Using a paintbrush, apply a coat of Modge Podge to the back of the tile. Add image. Fine-tune its placement on the tile and press it into place. Then flip it over so it's face-down on the wax paper and press down again to get rid of any excess Modge Podge and/or air pockets. Flip the tile over again so it's face-up and let dry, about 30 minutes.




Carefully trim any paper hanging over the edges of the tile with a scissor or Exact-o knife. Then apply the top coat of varnish (3D Crystal Lacquer). Start by going around the perimeter of the image, then fill in the center.


Remove any bubbles in the varnish by gently sweeping them off the tile with a toothpick or other small tool. I use a little spatula-like tool.


Place under an aluminum-foil canopy to dry protected from dust, at least 8 but preferably 12 hours.


Attach a jewelry bail to the back of the tile with E-6000 glue and let dry, about an hour.



Give the varnish a chance to cure, about 3 days, and voilà! Your own hip and trendy Scrabble-tile jewelry piece is complete! Hang on a chain and wait for the compliments to start rolling in.

Good luck and enjoy!


Until next time --

Linda

PurtyBird