Kanzashi in Bloom - The Interview

As you may know, Diane Gilleland, author, blogger, podcaster, and crafter extraordinaire has just published a book entitled Kanzashi in Bloom. She kindly agreed to make DudeCraft a stop on her blogger book tour and consented to an interview. Little did she know that I wasn't just going to shower her with compliments and lob her softball questions about how great her book is. Nope, that's not how we roll at DudeCraft. We are a beacon of truth, fearlessly holding an author's feet to the fire until we get some real answers. Now, you may want to send your children out of the room, because what follows is possibly the hardest hitting interview about Japanese flower making that has ever been published. Enjoy.


DC: So, Diane, why flowers? Seems to me that leaves always get the raw end of the deal when it comes to crafty flora. Do you hate leaves? Are you a leaf hater?

DG: I think I'm on record as being pro-leaf. I've championed the leafy cause on many occasions, as these oxygen-producing, less-flamboyant cousins to the flower rarely get the respect they deserve.

And incidentally, you can find a method for making a Kanzashi leaf on page 72 of my book.

DC:(Checks page 72) I withdraw the question. Next...In your book you mention that traditional Kanzashi is done with silks, yet you tell us to use cottons. Are you saying that I'm not man enough to conquer silk? Are you saying that silk is better than me?

DG: Well, silk is definitely better than me, and perhaps, better than many of us. Whether it's better than you, that's for Silk to decide.

Seriously, though, silk is much slipperier and less moldable than cotton. Watch this video and tell me whether you still feel superior to silk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQCQZZa-5ac&feature=channel_page

Although, you can starch your silk so it's easier to fold.

DC: Silk is going to have to bring the violence if it expects me to take it seriously. I mean, really, a shiny, slippery fabric made by worms? Who wouldn't scoff at that?



Next question: I have really big hands. Stop laughing. It's a handicap. I found that when I attempted to make a small Kanzashi flower that it was really difficult (impossible) to produce a good looking result. Are you making fun of people with my handicap by putting such tiny projects in your book? Do you have something against people with Mano Grande Disorder? (it's real. look it up)

DG: ...And what about the people who have really small hands? Mano Micro Disorder? Shouldn't there be a project for them, too? Are you a small-hands hater?

DC:Ooh, those damned small handed people, with their childlike fingers and their tiny palms! Creepy, really. That is not a handicap, by the way, it's just a freakish disfigurement. They deserve no sympathy.




Onward...While I was working on the Kanzashi flowers, my girlfriend claims that I spontaneously started humming songs from The Sound of Music and expressed a wish to have a glass of Chardonnay. Did I have a girly blackout? If so, why isn't there a warning in your book?

DG: Oh, no - I was afraid that might happen. My attorney and I offer our sincere apologies, and our hopes that you've read the Girly Blackout Disclaimer on page 145.

You should know that this is a temporary condition, and can be reversed by watching a couple hours of 'Ice Road Truckers.'

DC: Hmmm, hmmm, THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE hmm hmm hmm hmm...this wine is kind of oakey, dont you think? ...uh, where am I? What was that you were saying? No matter, let's move on...Diane, there's a section in your book about fixing common problems. Well, this morning there was a bird caught in my house and your book was no help at all. I would have thought that a bird caught in your house would be a pretty "common" problem. Subquestion: Do you hate animals?

DG: You're right - that was an oversight on my part. Future editions of the book will contain an expanded "Fixing Common Problems" chapter, which includes clearing a blocked drain, treating sunburn, removing gum from the sole of a shoe, and eradicating household ants.

Pushkin advises me not to dignify your charge of animal-hating with a response. And I pretty much do whatever he says.

DC:Glad I could be of help. Send any royalties to my address.



Now, I took the liberty of anagramming Kanzashi in Bloom and the result I got was: "Aloha Zombis Kin", which translates to "greetings zombie family". Is this book your way of communicating with your zombie army in code? Is this "book" actually an instruction booklet for the coming zombie apocalypse?

DG: Dang! You have thwarted my plan to rule the world!

For the record, though, all my secret zombie army was going to do was scour thrift stores around the world for good craft supplies. Oh - and maybe sneak some plastic canvas into fine-craft galleries.

...Well, okay - and perhaps, distract a few eBay snipers so I have a better chance of winning more button auctions. And I would've gotten away with it too, if if hadn't been for you meddling Dudecraft!

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Well, dear readers, there you have it. If you want to make some great looking Kanzashi flowers and you don't mind buying a book from the queen of the zombies that may or may not cause you to act completely girly for an unspecified amount of time, then this book is for you. As long as you don't have a bird in your house.

Kanzashi in bloom is available here, here, and here. Also, make sure and visit Diane regularly over at CraftyPod to see the myriad cool things that she is up to and listen to her excellent podcast.

IKEA Remixed

I'm digging this idea. Sort of an Ikea Hacker on steroids. This from the site:

"The premise behind Surtido de Mutaciones is pretty interesting...Basically that IKEA is actually a supplier of raw materials, rather than of finished products. They challenged 35 designers to go to IKEA and to come up with new products that used existing IKEA parts. Everything used in their products had to come from IKEA, including screws, seats, screens, etc.

"via NotCot

Awesome Bike Table

Over at the Popular Mechanics site, Brooklyn's 3rd Ward has a tutorial on how to make some truly crappy bike parts into the terrific and functional table you see above. Incidentally, the folks from 3rd Ward also run workshops in Brooklyn called "How to Make Crappy Stuff Awesome". Best class name ever. via ackackack

Beat Sneaks

BeatSneaks - Musical Shoes from Tom Hobson on Vimeo.

Midi tennis shoes? Yes please! Now if you had some kind of backpack to carry around a sound module and a mini keyboard amp in, You could be a portable, digital, dancing one man band. via Boing Boing

Bug-eyed Steampunk Monster Mask

Whether you want to look like a Victorian version of The Fly or not, you gotta respect the leatherworking skills of steampunk lunatic, Bob Basset via BoingBoing

Boards on Board

As you know, I dig bikes that are made out of non-traditional materials, so when I saw the Renovatia, I completely flipped my wig. I don't know if I'd ride it, but I love the driftwood-like lines of the thing. This from the site:

"Jens Eichler got himself some sheets of beech plywood, along with a strong glue (phenol-resorcinol) and some power tools. After a few months of playing with the concept, he set to work in August 2006 on what would become a tandem bicycle he calls "Renovatia."

via Cnet

Dudezashi in BOOM!

Sister Diane of CraftyPod fame (as well as a lot of other"fames" too numerous to list), as you may know, has come out with a book on the art of Kanzashi. On Saturday, she'll be hanging out with me on DudeCraft as a stop on her blogger's book tour. I'm beyond excited. In preparation for our chat, I thought I'd better try my hand at some Dudezashi. Results above.

Am I Blue?

Found this sweet installation by Taiwanese Ou Studio as part of the all-stars exhibition during DMY berlin design festival 09. I love stuff that uses three dimensional objects and a 2D vibe. via Design Boom

Walter Gropius Quote

"Schools must return to the workshop. The world of the pattern-designer and applied artist, consisting only of drawing and painting must become once again a world in which things are built. If the young person who rejoices in creative activity now begins his career as in the older days by learning a craft, then the unproductive "artist" will no longer be condemned to inadequate artistry, for his skills will be preserved for the crafts in which he can achieve great things. "

from the Bauhaus Manifesto - 1919

Wu Tang Legos

Wu-Tang Lego: Da Mystery of Chessboxin' from davo on Vimeo.

If you had told me six months ago that I would be watching Da Mystery of Chessboxin' featuring Lego characters, I would have told you to stop teasing me. Now, as most of my fantasies have a tendency to do, my wish has come true. via Ignored Prayers

Santa Leia and Baby D2

Blasphemy? Perhaps. Awesome? Definitely. via The World's Best Ever

Push Pin

Eric Ku, a graduate of the School of Visual Arts in NYC, put together this collection of 2200, 1" buttons, forming this picture of my favorite office supply. Cool idea. link

Stop Motion Origami Koi

Found this really cool stop motion piece about how to fold an origami Koi fish. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this thing is worth a million, if, that is, you're trying to fold a Koi fish. link

DIY Dog Collar

I've been happy to see that the Craft blog has been running a feature called "We <3 Pets" lately because, well, I love pets too. The newest installment is this cool dog collar by Ana Poe from Craft v.10. Looks like a perfect way to get your feet wet if you're interested in leather work. link

D Generate Nation - Skate With Me

DGENERATE NATION - Skate With Me from DGENETICS on Vimeo.

Yup. It's a music video starring a guy with a giant cardboard boombox for a head. The song is about rollerskating. What could be better on a Sunday? via NotCot

Unbelievable Building Projection

555 KUBIK | facade projection | from urbanscreen on Vimeo.

Just watch it, that's all. It will blow your mind. I don't understand it, nor do I want you to explain it to me. I just want it to stay magically awesome. via Boing Boing

Giant Log Pencils

Artist Jonna Pohjalainen has created this lovely set of gigantic colored pencils out of local aspen. I would be completely stoked to find this installation in the midst of a nature walk, wouldn't you? This from her artist's statement:

"I travelled to work in Pedvale with empty hands. I admired the lovely rural scene and the sunsets of Pedvale. I used local aspen in my work because of its lively forms and beautiful, grey colour. While you sharpen your pencils you can see time passing by. Colours bring joy and happiness in our everyday life. I chose a place of of my work because of the sunsets. You can sit and meditate near my work and look at the sunsets. Without sun there are no colours and life!"

via Love Forever

Camouflaged! The Work of Desiree Palmen

I think I first saw this series back in 2005, before DudeCraft was born. I'm delighted that these photos are making the rounds again and that I can share them with you now. Some are quite amazing. You can visit Desiree's site here and check out the rest of the camouflage series as well as her entire portfolio. via Toxel

DIY Drawstring Produce Bags

So you've got your grocery totes with you all the time, but what to do about the produce? Over at Indie House (one of my favorite new blogs) there's a great little tutorial about making your own drawstring produce bags. Looks easy, saves the planet. Have at it. link

Poster Pocket Plants

Local Toronto artists Sean Martindale and Eric Cheung are turning torn advertising posters into street planters. What better use for this onslaught of consumerist propaganda? Green it up, fellas. link via wooster collective

DIY Citronella Candles

Over at Design Sponge, Kate has put together a tutorial on making your own citronella candles on the cheap. These would certainly come in handy in Durham where the man to mosquito ratio is about one to a bajillion. Away with you, Patio Poachers! link

DudeCraft mentioned in NY Post

Got a passing mention in a post article about self sufficiency this morning. You can read the article, called Tricks of the Fix, here.

Bandido Design Company

I'm lovin' the fresh stuff coming out of the Bandido Design Company, the gold pinstripe skull being my favorite, obviously. You can check out all their offerings at their website here.

Papercuts - The Work of Julene Harrison

I am absolutely digging the work of Julene Harrison that I discovered while I was loitering over at the excellent Swiss Miss blog. Julene creates some awesome type-based pieces, but does some incredible portraits as well. You would not be sorry, should you decide to visit her site.

The Illustrations of C. Coles Phillips

Ran across this post over at American Gallery featuring one of my favorite illustrators of all time, C. Coles Phillips. If you haven't heard of him, it's worth your time to do a little digging. In his short life, he did countless illustrations, most noticeable are his covers for Life magazine, where he pioneered a technique that later became his signature, called the fadeaway. More bio information here.

Matchstick Oil Rig

Retired oil rig worker, David Reynolds, has spent the last fifteen years painstakingly recreating a half-ton model of the Brent Bravo oil rig in his living room. Four million matchsticks later, he's got got quite the showpiece. From the Telegraph UK. Thanks Austin!

The Ramp House

Living in a house that is mostly made of skateboard ramps is unassailably cool. Being this guy's downstairs neighbor is not. More photos here. via NotCot

Typographical Animatory Experience

Check it don' wreck it. Stupid fresh animation gonna make you wanna get wit': Seth Akkerman who made this as part of a broadcast design course at SCAD

Mechanimals

Photographer/sculptor, Andrew Chase has an amazing portfolio, period. One of my favorite parts is his collection of metal, articulated animals that he's made. Check him out here. via Make

Calendar Made of Matches

Tired of your 365 Dilbert cartoons desk calendar? Perhaps it's time to upgrade to something more useful and dangerous, like this promotional piece designed for a Ukranian energy company. link

Shackitecture

The latest Shackitecture project over at Dinosaurs and Robots is Mister Jalopy's lovely little garden space made entirely from palettes and zip-ties. Saves you the nearly impossible task of dismantling the palettes. Genius. See all the photos here.

Beautiful London Sculpture

Located in Bedford Square, London. Designed by 3rd year student Danecia Sibingo, this thing reminds me of a topo map. A really sexy, wooden, topo map. See the whole Flickr set here.

Transfer Your Images to Poker Chips

Just Something I Made has this great tutorial on transferring custom images to wooden discs and plastic poker chips. Pretty simple process and they turn out great, as you can see. via Craft

Paper Darren

Yet another paper cut music video, this time from the band Mutemath. I'm digging all the folks who are making music videos cool again.

Geeking Out with Type

Even those who only have a nodding acquaintance with type and it's history will be able to appreciate the sheer beauty of TJ Lyon's wood type Flickr set. Those of us who have been afflicted with type-related attention disorder will spend the rest of this morning looking at every last picture in the set. via I Love Typography

Cornered Paper - The Work of Clemens Behr

I'm totally digging on the paper installations of Clemens Behr I discovered while rooting around at Everything and Me. Head over there to check out all the cool pieces. via NotCot

Bill Cosby Made Out of Jell-O Shots

Imagine the painstaking preparation it must have taken to form the Coz's likeness out of 700 Jell-O shots at this gallery opening, only to have the overly creative guests rerange them into things like Pac-Man. link

Music From a Tree

Diego Stocco - Music From A Tree from Diego Stocco on Vimeo.

While it's true that I get excited about every link that I post, some are certainly more exciting to me than others. And then there's those times where you know you've found something that is really special. This is one of those times, for me at least. I've done a lot of sound recording and I've done a fair bit of chopping up machine noises to make music with them (you can hear my stuff here), so when I saw the above video, I just about fell off my chair. Music from a tree, like the title suggests, is just that. No synthesizers, just the sounds of a tree in Diego Stocco's backyard. Amazing. Read a bit more about the project here.

Japanese Rice Field Art

Holy cats! You definitely need to head over to Funster and check out the whole gallery of this crazy Ag-art! This stuff makes crop circles look like child's play. Well done, Japan, well done. link

Fore

If you happen to have 104,000 golf tees lying around your house, you too could cover your basement walls in pixelated glory! link

thanks Average Jane Crafter!

Message in a Bottle

Over at Apartment Therapy's Re-Nest division, I found this cool compendium of things to do with your empties. I'm especially fond of the pilsner glasses above. link

Sha Do Lamp

German lighting company, Aeneus has come out with a line of lamps that cast these incredible patterns on your walls. Surely, dear DIY braintrust, there is a way to do this ourselves. First one to come up with a tutorial wins my undying gratitude and a cookie. from Fresh Home

Can Delight

While stumbling around the 2modern blog this morning, I ran across this excellent idea for hanging pendant lamps. I imagine the cast offs from one graffiti artist could yield an entire showroom of these babies. Brought to you by the clever kids at Zek. via 2Modern