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Balloon Art Balloon art is always a good thing to know how to do in case you are trapped in an elevator with a group of children or perhaps have to calm several wild animals who are about to attack you. Check out this site for lots of balloon pictures, a FAQ (frequently asked question list), a guide to ballooning, as well as other potentially life-saving material. Web: Basket Weaving If your home is sadly lacking in cultural artifacts, I have the answer. Connect to one of these basket-oriented sites and teach yourself how to render an actual objet d'art. After all, what could be in better taste than a house full of baskets? I myself have a basket in the shape of Harley Hahn's Student Guide to Unix hanging on my bedroom wall. (And, boy, am I popular.) Web:
Batik My copy editor, Lydia, crochets and does cross-stitch, but she can't batik. Batik is an art form in which cloth is decorated using wax and dye. Batik has been practiced for centuries in Asia, the Middle East, India and, particularly, Malaysia. The basic technique is to cover part of a cloth with wax and then apply a dye. The dye is absorbed only where there is no wax. Afterward, the wax is removed, leaving you with a cloth that is partially dyed according to the original wax pattern. Repeating these steps allows you to create layers in a multiplicity of colors. Learning Batik isn't that hard, but it does take some time to master the skills. So I guess that leaves out Lydia. Being my editor, she doesn't even get time off on national holidays. Web:
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Beading There is something magical and seductive about beads, but it's not something you can explain to a stranger. How do you tell someone with no bead experience about the refined, sensual feelings that these small, delightful objects evoke in you? How can you possibly explain to a neophyte how a frisson of artistic passion electrifies your being each time you run your hands through a box of beads? You can't, so don't try. Just enjoy your beads and let the rest of the world envy your bead-related satisfaction. Web:
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Calligraphy Calligraphy is the art of fine handwriting. Traditionally, calligraphy is often used with illumination (the decoration of a manuscript or book). There are many different types of traditional calligraphy and illumination: early Egyptian papyri, ornamental scripts of the Renaissance, Oriental brushwork, Islamic ornamentation, and so on. To be a good calligrapher requires years of practice. To be a great calligrapher requires years of practice and a lot of natural talent. Unfortunately, with the advent of computer-assisted artwork, the need for traditional calligraphers (ones who do not use a computer) is significantly diminished. If you are a calligrapher, or interested in calligraphy, take a look at these Web pages. You will find information about individual artists, calligraphy organizations, online pictures of manuscripts, as well as a collection of calligraphy-related links around the Net. Web:
Candlemaking Is there anyone who doesn't think that candles are cool? Well I do, and you do, and that's all that matters. Making your own candles is a gentle, artistic pastime. Learn how to do it, and you'll have a hobby that will light up your life without letting you burn out. Web:
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Ceramics and Pottery It's so much fun to play in the mud. The problem is you can't do it and use the computer at the same time. But when you get clean and dry, take some time to subscribe to this mailing list to partake in the discussion of ceramic arts, clay, kilns, glazes and other hot clay art topics. The Web sites and Usenet groups have some nifty stuff you can read when you aren't out getting your hands dirty. Web:
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Craft Fairs I can't think of anything that rivals the liveliness and fun of a craft fair except perhaps a folk-dancing marathon. If you want to take a walk on the wild side, take a look at the schedule for upcoming craft fairs. Web:
Craft Marketplace No need to travel to the far regions of the world for the chance to buy cool craft stuff. In this Usenet discussion group, you can buy, sell, trade, or search for craft products and supplies. This is just the place to look when you need a little bit of Australian yarn to finish up that afghan. Usenet:
Craft Projects If you are like me, there is no way your life is ever going to be complete until you have your own jelly-bean duck. However, have you priced jelly-bean ducks lately? And have you noticed how the quality has decreased in recent years? Clearly, if you are going to end up with an inexpensive, high-quality jelly-bean duck, you will have to make it for yourself. (And when you are finished, you can work on an apple-head doll and a strawberry moisturizer.) Web:
Craft Resources There are so many craft activities in this world, there is no excuse for anyone being bored, not even for one tiny minute. But just in case you do get bored, here are some craft-related resources that will catch your interest and make you want to start a new project immediately. While you are on the Net, you can also find out about craft suppliers, craft associations, information about fairs and events, and fun craft things for kids. Web:
Craft Talk and General Discussion The only thing as much fun as sitting around making crafts is sitting around talking about making crafts (and you don't have a mess to clean up when you are finished). Come join the discussion. Trade hints, tips, techniques and generally hang with the craftiest people on the Net. Usenet:
Crocheting To crochet, you use an implement called a crochet hook to create chains of complex knots out of thread, yarn or even long skinny pieces of cloth. An experienced crocheter can create a variety of objets d'art such as afghans, sweaters, hats, purses, rugs, and so on. Crocheting is more important than most people realize. If it wasn't for crocheting, the world's supply of small round decorations would get used up in less than two years. (Imagine how pathetic it would look watching someone trying to knit a doily.) Web:
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Cross-Stitch What could be a better way to relax than to spend time sitting in a chair making thousands of little Xs with a needle and thread on a piece of aida cloth? If you like to spend your spare time making colorful crafts of cross-stitch, take a look at what is on the Net. (Using the mouse will limber up your fingers just the right amount to prepare you for a long session of stitching.) Web:
Decorative Painting Decorative painting refers to a number of techniques in which you embellish walls, furniture or other objects with a patterned finish. Learn about tole painting (decorative painting on metal, and sometimes wood, surfaces), stenciling (applying paint upon a sheet in which a design has been cut, to produce a pattern on the surface beneath), and faux finishing (painting a surface to look as if it were made from a different type of material). Spend a few hours on the Net, and you will soon be impressing people with your knowledge of strié, color washing, patina, crackling and marbleizing. Web:
Fabrics and Textiles Angora, alpaca, vicuna, cashmere, cotton, hemp, linen, mohair, silk and wool. If you are a tactile Tom or Tessie, just thinking about so many different materials will make your imagination soar. Imagine all the beautiful things you can make from these materials. Imagine the fabrics, the threads, the yarns and the laces, and what you can do with them. Imagine yourself knitting, spinning, embroidering and weaving. Imagine... Web:
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Jewelry I have a wonderful friend, Antoinette, who for a long time has earned her living by making original jewelry. Antoinette used to live in California and, over the years, has developed quite a following. Later she moved to Hawaii, where she ended up living in a magnificent house on the island of Maui. I haven't seen Antoinette for some time, but knowing her, I am sure that she is happy, fulfilled and has a great many friends. Wouldn't you like to live like that? Of course you would, so let's start with step 1: learn how to make your own jewelry. Web:
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Knitting Knit one, purl two, what could be more fun to do? My experience is that the most intelligent and desirable women like to keep their hands busy. Well, the Internet has lots of resources for knitters, including a lot of patterns. (I recently came across one for a sweater for a chihuahua.) Although the U.S. Surgeon General says that running while carrying knitting needles can be hazardous to your health, my advice is to take your chances and head straight for the Net without delay. Web:
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Lacemaking and Tatting Lacemaking and tatting (looping and knotting a single strand of heavy-duty thread on a small hand shuttle) are almost lost arts (probably because beer companies do not like to sponsor professional lacemaking competitions). Fortunately, nothing important is neglected on the Net. Find out about lacemaking techniques, supplies, clubs and guilds, and talk to other lacemakers and tatters around the world. Web:
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Metalworking It's a totally embarrassing experience when your new neighbor comes to the door and says, "I heard you were the smartest and most talented metalworker on the block. Would you please anodize this piece of aluminum for me?" and that just happens to be the day your Internet connection is down. Don't disappoint your friends and neighbors. Connect to the Net now and brush up on your metalworking skills before that doorbell rings. While you are at it, you can get the lowdown on heat treating, machinery, welding, motors, associations, clubs, museums, and much more. Web:
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Mosaics A mosaic is a design created by gluing tiny pieces of whatnot (glass, stone, terracotta) to a surface. In one of the old Andy Griffith Shows, Barney (the deputy sheriff) decides to rehabilitate Otis (the town drunk). Barney buys Otis a mosaic kit, and it isn't long before Otis creates a picture of his own. In the process, he endows himself with immense self-esteem and personal satisfaction. The art of mosaic, as we practice it today, is an old one. It was created by the Greeks and was later adopted by the Romans. And if there is anything we admire about the Romans, it is their immense self-esteem and personal satisfaction. Web:
Needlework These delicate and skillful arts take time, patience and devotion. Read up on all manner of needlework, including tips and techniques on petit point, cross-stitch and embroidery. Share patterns, design ideas and get timesaving hints on these age-old crafts. Web:
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Origami In the 6th century, the secret of paper was carried by Buddhist monks from China to Japan. The Japanese soon integrated paper into their culture. For a long time, the designs were passed down from one generation to the next as an oral tradition. Creative paper folding with non-traditional designs was popularized by Akira Yoshizawa, starting in the 1930s. Modern origami (from the Japanese words for "fold paper") is a pastime enjoyed all over the world. Origami is a wonderful hobby to explore, and the Net is the place to start learning. Read about all facets of origami, including bibliographies, folding techniques, display ideas and materials. Web:
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Polymer Clay Clay. Ah....clay. It makes me think of my childhood, when I could happily spend hours with soft and gooey substances and uninhibitedly mash and smash them into an unrecognizable pulp. (Now I have to spend my time smashing editors into an unrecognizable pulp.) Release your inner child and join the discussion about polymer clays. Common topics include molds, strength of clay, and tips on how to make various clay crafts. The Web sites have lots of cool information for people who like to play with polymer clay. Web:
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Quilting A quilt is a blanket consisting of two layers of fabric enclosing a layer of cotton, wool, feathers or down. The whole thing is stitched together, often using a decorative pattern of some type. What makes quilts so much fun is that you can use various fabrics and designs to create your own personalized work. Web:
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Rubber Stamps These resources are for people who like to stamp designs onto paper using colored inks: stamping resources, a list of people on the Net who like stamping, information about stores and conventions, reviews and tips, stamp artwork, and a glossary. For a little more interactive action, there is a mailing list for those who like to talk about stamping as much as they like actually doing it. Web:
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Rug-Hooking Real rug-hookers know the difference between looped pile rug-hooking and latch-hooking. Don't get caught in a big social faux pas by not knowing the difference. Use the Net to read about rug-hooking patterns, techniques, supplies and events. There are pictures to give you ideas for new projects, and help when you have technical questions. Web:
Scrapbooks One of my friends, Elaine, is the Scrapbook Queen. To her, and to many other artistic and sentimental people, scrapbook making is a wonderful, rewarding activity. What better way to appreciate life than to memorialize it in the form of creative, well-organized scrapbooks? All you need is an artistic temperament and lots of patience (not to mention glue, paper and special pencils for writing names and dates on the back of photos). Are you interested? There are some very, very good scrapbookers on the Net, and you could join their ranks. I think you should. My philosophy is that anything Elaine does is worth doing well. Web:
Sewing To me, the epitome of skill and artistry is being able to sew a shirt from scratch. I once watched someone do it and, to this day, I am still amazed. I guess I am one of the culturally unwashed: I like to wear clothes, but I have no idea how to make them. However, if you are a real sewing person, you are not alone. There are many people on the Net talking about sewing, and you can join them whenever you want. Web:
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Soapmaking Kidneys are important, and, for protection, they are surrounded by a layer of adipose tissue (fat) referred to as perirenal fat. While an animal is alive, the perirenal fat acts as protection, cushioning the kidneys from random blows of fate. After death, however, the fat is up for grabs, which brings us to the question at hand. What would you do if some kind soul presented you with 40 pounds of pure beef kidney fat? Well, most people would be nonplussed at such an opportunity -- but not a soap maker. No, a talented soap maker would be able to use that fat, mix it with lye (sodium hydroxide), water, and perhaps a little fragrance and coloring, and come up with a wonderful batch of homemade soap. Sound inviting? Believe me, it's a lot more fun than starting with 40 pounds of soap and trying to create perirenal fat. Web:
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Stained Glass I love to look at stained glass and think of all the work that went into making it: cutting the pieces, grinding the edges, copper foiling or leading the glass, and then soldering the pieces together. If you are a stained glass artist, or if you are interested in learning something about this fascinating craft, you will enjoy these Web sites. You will find lots of information about supplies, patterns, magazines, questions and answers, and much, much more. Check out the Usenet discussion group for lively stained glass banter. Web:
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Tie Dye Learn to tie dye your clothes in a totally rad fashion, man. And these are not just some lame instructions by capitalist pigs trying to make money off you. The information here can help you create garments wild enough to please even tie-dyed-in-the-wool Grateful Dead fans. (Fun for the entire family, including the kids.) Web:
Weaving Weaving is a craft in which you create fabric by interlacing filaments of material such as thread or yarn. In ancient times, weaving was a widespread art, having been invented independently at various times by people around the world. We have all seen beautiful weavings, such as tapestries or carpets. However, most weaving is done by people who make things for their own use, simply because it is so satisfying. Traditional weaving uses a device called a loom, in which threads are held under tension and raised and lowered during the weaving process. Today, there are a number of popular weaving methods: tablet/card weaving, inkle weaving, Swedish weaving, kumihimo (actually braiding), and so on. Each of these is different, with its own equipment, techniques and final product, so if you think you might be interested in weaving, there is some type of weaving you'll enjoy. Web:
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