Handmade Nation

The revolution in DIY (do-it-yourself) crafting is nothing new. Ever since blogging became accessible to the masses we've stumbled upon everything from political bloggers to culinary bloggers. From artist blogs to celebrity blogs. And you know what? I love it! I feel a thousand times more connected to the world. To be able to follow what one person is doing in another country or culture is facinating. Blogs provide a quick glimpse into many worlds. And my favorite land to explore is that of DIY crafts.

I recently came across Honestly, WTF, a site devoted to fashion (and all things cool). They have an amazing DIY section that tells you how to recreate high fashion on the cheap! I'm really looking forward to making these lace earrings. I'm telling you, anyone, and I mean ANYONE, can make this stuff.

Other worthwhile crafty blogs to check out: Instructables, Design Sponge, Craft, Craft Gossip, and Cut Out and Keep.

However, if you don't know what blogs or sites are best for you, then head over to Stumble Upon. It's like Russian roulette with websites. But prepare yourself, it's addicting!

And if you're just not a crafter, then you can buy anything and everything handmade straight from the maker at Etsy

Lace earrings from Honestly, WTF!

Put a Bird on It

There's this new show on IFC called Portlandia. It's FANTASTIC! Starring Fred Armisen (SNL) and Carrie Brownstein (member of the all-girl indie rock band Sleater-Kinney, which is no longer in existence. Sad!). If you haven't figured it out already, Portlandia is a homage to Portland, OR and it's inhabitants. It's a must see on your already full schedule of weekly shows. Go here to watch skits from the show. My favorites are Put a Bird On It, Is It Local?, and Did You Read?. The Portland Dream of the 90's is a pretty awesome song too. And once you've watched Put a Bird on It you'll appreciate the rest of this post.

Put. A. Bird. On. It! For all my fellow craftsters, you'll totally get this. Birds are on EVERYTHING. I'm guilty of putting a bird on it (see my website name and header. Ha!) and so are these Etsy sellers:

Put a bird...

...on a coin purse. Chirp and Bloom

...on a tote. Naturwrk

...on a wall. Wow Wall

...in a frame. Mengsel Design

...on a necklace. Lulu Bug Jewelry

...knit it! Cheezombie

...on a wedding cake. Country Squirrels R Us

...on a key chain. Rubbish Tees

...in a bird feeder. Trash Bird Makes

...on a shirt. KSS Maternity

...on a pillow. Bark Decor

...wearing a sweater and scarf! Joo Joo

...on a dress. All The Numbers

...on a baby. My Swallows Nest

...on a mantel. Deanna Maree