Learning to knit was not easy. The lessons had continued throughout winter. The young girl sat on one side of the room while taking instructions from her mother, who sat on the other side. It had been years since the two had shared a meal at the same table or exchanged an embrace. Tuberculosis’ afternoon fever blazed in the mother’s cheeks.
Read MoreMost artists know that inspiration requires visualization, preparation, and finally, perspiration. The muse can strike at any time, but if your tools are not readily accessible, the idea may bolt before taking form. And if there isn't even a space in which to keep your tools, much less use them? Well, that's a problem. So, this winter our top priority is the building of a basement recording studio.
Read MoreSeattle musician Dick Rossetti and his band The Jilly Rizzo needed art for their release 3 Strike Mooser. I met with Dick to discuss ideas. He told me that he wanted something irreverent, fun and maybe even a little racy. That could mean a lot of things, so in an attempt to narrow that down a bit, I asked him what kind of album art he liked. Dick's taste is very broad, but he kept coming back to the classic Blue Note Records designs of the 50s and 60s. Which sent me to the internet for inspiration.
Read MoreI confess. I often scan Craigslist, looking for derelict cedar fences. When I see the words "free: come and get it," I grab my gloves and hammer and hop in the car. There's a certain excitement that accompanies re-purposing projects, especially when old fences can be turned into a series of lovely birdhouses.
Read MoreDisney’s animated movie Frozen introduced many young girls to a dramatic character named Elsa. If you personally know a young girl who is wishing for an “Elsa” gown/costume, there are scores of helpful websites and blogs offering DIY instructions. With a bit of research, you’ll find the one that matches your sewing abilities and the type of dress for your Elsa.
Read MoreLooking for a sweet Easter treat that isn’t loaded with sugar? Try making adorable bunnies from plain white washcloths. These bunnies make neat basket stuffers for children, small surprises for the elderly, or place card holders for your sit-down holiday meal. This project is fun, easy and perfect for crafty Grandmas, working with children over 7 years of age.
Read MoreI collect objects that feel orphaned in some way; old dolls have become a special weakness. But what to do with them, once adopted? Discard those nasty cloth bodies, repurpose the doll’s head, and voila! You now have a punk-looking new home for a baby succulent plant.
Read MoreNick Catania and I have been fast friends since we first met - in fifth grade. We've always shared a love of music and art; the first band I was ever in was with Nick on drums, and we were both marching band geeks. We grew up supporting each others' creative endeavors, and to this day enjoy the unique rapport that comes with knowing someone since childhood. So, when Nick, who is New York-based, told me work was bringing him to Oregon, and asked if I would like to drive down from Seattle for a visit, I said yes (of course).
Read MoreI had the privilege of photographing a ton of happy people for Oni Press (Scott Pilgrim) and Comics Alliance at their joint kickoff event for this year's Emerald City Comic Con. I teamed up with my buddy Ed Peterson for this shoot, and we had a blast doing it. As the night revved up it was easier for us to convince people to take to the air, supplying all concerned with great visuals. Thanks, everyone, and thanks for the mention, Comics Alliance!
Read MoreWhen we put up our Little Free Library alongside our neighbors' a few weeks back, Evening Magazine took an interest and came out to get the whole story. We had a blast, and host Jim Dever (a fellow West Seattlite) was a pleasure to meet.
Read MoreWouldn't it be swell if you could exhibit more of your cool stuff without pockmarking your walls with a Tommy gun's worth of holes just to figure out how to make it all fit?
Read MoreMister Jimmy could hardly contain himself as the skiing competition heated up.
Read MoreIn a recent Wall Street Journal article, Greg Bensinger addressed Amazon’s practice of using so-called “bar raisers” to vet potential employees. Amazon believes the use of these uber-interviewers protects its corporate culture and ensures a workforce that will do well anywhere they are placed. How does it work?
Read MoreAll over the world, people are actively seeking ways to enhance a sense of community. Synchronicity plays a big part in how various concepts and ideas emerge and “catch fire”. In 2009, two men in Wisconsin began to building the first dollhouse-sized Little Free Libraries and also encouraged others to do the same. We wanted to be a part of the excitement!
Read MoreI've begun an experiment in songwriting. I'm asking anyone who is interested to tweet me @verkstad using the hashtag #MakeMeSing. Write anything you want; send me a single word, send me more - it's up to you.
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