Handmade Nation DVD
Posted by Amy on Friday November 20, 2009
Back in the day, I was a craft junkie. My first foray into the crafting scene happened quite by accident – I went to a site that had the word handmade and independent written all over it. I was hooked in an instant.
That was back in 2004.
Fast forward 5 years and over time I realized that I was in love with craft, but I was not the best at making things (especially putting pieces of fabric together). My head was full of things I wanted to make, but alas, my fingers had no wish to tag along and play. I soon realized that I was better (and happier) when putting pencil to paper, and that was how I found my true love; and that was how Pikaland was born.
But somewhere deep inside me, I still love crafting and spirit of the community. Which is why I’m planning to get Handmade Nation, a DVD made by Faythe Levine.
Handmade Nation documents the new wave of art, craft and design that is capturing the attention of the nation (and globally too, I might add). Faythe Levine traveled to 15 cities and covered more than 19,000 miles to interview artists, crafters, makers, curators and community members which culminated in a DVD and a book dedicated to the project.
Long live handmade nation!
Fay Ryu
Posted by Amy on Friday November 20, 2009
So THIS is how snowflakes came to be.
I’m loving the wonderfully offbeat style of Fay Ryu, an artist based in Brooklyn, NY. She’s also a cat person (which also means she’s drawing them obsessively!) See more of her portfolio and hit up her blog for kitty cuties.
Giveaway #26: Karen Cheung's critter & cards!
Posted by Amy on Thursday November 19, 2009
Giveaway #26 is a little late this week (my apologies!) and it’s a Christmas offering!
Karen Cheung has offered ONE lucky giveaway winner a pack of four very witty Christmas cards and envelopes in a biodegradable cello bag, plus an original pencil drawing of a critter on 300gsm watercolour paper. (You can see more critters in her Etsy shop).
Giveaways on Pikaland are global – meaning that EVERYONE from ANYWHERE can enter! Comment on this post to be in the running to win the pack by the 26th of November.
P/S: From next week onwards giveaways will resume on Tuesdays, and I’ll also resume regular postings. Thanks so much to everyone for putting up with my erratic schedule for the past week, and especially to Racheal who has been filling in while I’m away!
Comments [44]
On my way back!
Posted by Amy on Tuesday November 17, 2009
Things have been a little quiet here, and it’s because I’m going to be flying back home in a few hours from Tokyo. The giveaway of the week will go live tomorrow, so don’t fret! Sit tight, because that’s what I’ll be doing for 6 hours (think airport food and achy necks.)
Catch you all again later!
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music monday: artbreak
Posted by Racheal Anilyse on Sunday November 15, 2009
I found oodles of amusement in this one. When Clara sent me a playlist, she introduced me to ArtBreak music of graphic designer Chip Kidd. Video one is an introduction to Chip and his notable works he designed, video two is his song “Asymmetrical Girl.”
How I discovered my secret powers
Posted by Amy on Thursday November 12, 2009
Not me, but Keri Smith did.
I am a big advocate for change in the education system, particularly because I was an ackward child that kept asking a lot of questions that no one wanted to answer. I was happy to read that I wasn’t the only one who struggled with this!
From thinking that children these days aren’t being stimulated enough creatively, to dealing with people who lack that eagerness to learn new things (mostly because they grew up in that environment) – I have a bone to pick with the system.
So read on to what Keri has to say – I am inspired, and I’m sure you will be too.
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andy ainger
Posted by Racheal Anilyse on Wednesday November 11, 2009
Andy Ainger’s work [aka Noodle Horse] is incredibly fun to look at. He made this image for Underground Art School over year ago. It’s hanging up on my wall and I’m still finding new things in it [just spotted the castle yesterday!]. Take a peek at his Flickr photostream because there was so much more new art I wanted to post.
P.S. Yes, that is Chris Piascik typography next to his.
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Giveaway #25: Riding in the rain
Posted by Amy on Tuesday November 10, 2009
There are lots of people who manage to maneuver their bikes in the rain, with one hand on the handlebar and one with an umbrella. This cat here did it, and well, it puts me to shame.
Need a reminder of how cool cats can be? Then you’ll love this print by Jamie Shelman, which is what we’re giving away this week. Comment to be in the running, and the winner will be drawn after 17th November.
Enter the code word*PIKA* and get 10% off your order at her shop too. Now you know what to get for that cat crazy friend of yours for Christmas!
UPDATE: Commenting has now closed, thanks for participating!
Comments [47]
In Japan!
Posted by Amy on Tuesday November 10, 2009
I’ve been blogging from Japan for over a week now – I’m here to see my best friend, and it’s beginning to feel like a yearly pilgrimage for me! This year I’m spending most of my time in Tokyo, instead of my first love, Kyoto, and so far it’s been lovely. It’s fall and the weather is nice, and this is the first time I’ve seen rows of trees turning all sorts of red and yellow so it’s a definite treat.
I haven’t found much time to post up more pictures, but if you’d like to see some of the places I’ve been to, then head on over to my flickr set where I’ll post up more from time to time.
There wont’ be any interruption for sending out zines either, except for a few days of delay in shipping them out (my dear Mr. T is the one handling it at the moment).
If any of you are in Tokyo right now, email me and maybe we can arrange for a time to meet!
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DoroHuber
Posted by Amy on Monday November 9, 2009
Beautiful screenprinting action from DoroHuber. She’s from Berlin, and sadly, that’s all I know about her at the moment!
UPDATE: Her full name is Dorothea Huber and here’s her website! {Thanks Alexandre!}
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