... uk diy craft...

S-T-R-E-T-C-H your craftiness and get excited

2010-10-01T15:00:00.009+01:00

Now generally in the craft world we have a tendency to squirrel ourselves away, tackling projects at our leisure when we feel like it, safe in the knowledge that no one else is hanging over our shoulder. And when fugly disasters strike (and let's face it, we've all had a brain freeze moment when we thought it was a good idea to revisit something such as pasta art) there's always a space

What is DIY craft?

2010-02-21T21:22:00.004Z

Part One...This is probably a bit back to front being nearly five years into the UK DIY project, and a year into the blog, but it seemed long overdue to share the start of the UK DIY research. The real start was way back here, but the research report starts like this...DEFINING DIYWhat is DIY Crafts? There is no straight answer, just as there is no clear definition of what craft in general is –

Digital craft

2010-02-02T19:51:00.004Z

When the UK DIY research began in 2006 social media as such hadn't been invented. Myspace and Linked In existed but were still fairly unknown, and more recent competitors hadn't yet broken away and done their own thing.Use of the internet in the research focussed on sourcing materials and enabling cottage industries operating on a global scale.Now crafters across the globe have their etsy store

DIY Christmas Craftivism

2009-12-10T17:09:00.008Z

Members of the DIY craft community may, as I do, struggle with the commercialism and wastefulness of our modern day Christmas. I'm personally committed to a DIY, low impact, green Christmas with the emphasis on handmade, with as less waste as possible. Here in Worcester I helped to organise our Vintage Christmas Bazaar last Saturday (12th December) which highlighted reusing, recycling through

Make Craft Count

2009-11-20T11:48:00.014Z

The Crafts Council is running an initiative to urge people to sign up and show their support for contemporary craft.The government’s statistics indicate that '17% of the population took part in a craft activity in 2008/09'. The idea is to show what this looks like in 'real support' so that everyone can see that craft is highly valued. Therefore, they're asking craft supporters to sign up to

Home Sweet Home

2009-10-21T12:47:00.005+01:00

Hi, this is your Scottish representative reporting for duty! I thought you might like to hear about some exciting new things happening around here.The girls who dreamt up Made in the Shade, a boutique shopping event held in Glasgow featuring design, neo-craft and vintage lifestyle, have been rather busy lately. They are getting ready to open up real bricks-and-mortar shop! Allow me to introduce

Weird science

2009-10-12T12:29:00.000+01:00

The original UK DIY craft research threw up some interesting links between subversive craft and science. Bear with me this was at the start of 2006. At the time it was big news to me. Now I know there are an army of crafting geeks out there (I mean that in a good way). Though I am still continually amazed at how many science based crafters there are, and yet more so by the number of scientists I

DIY Craft = Confidence!

2009-10-01T09:00:00.003+01:00

This Saturday will be the 2nd Vintage & DIY Craft Fair I've helped to organise in Worcester, where I live. The first was back in July and was a huge success as well as a steep learning curve! I wanted to write about it here to look at how the world of DIY craft really thrives and survives on group activity and collaboration, and how having a bit of DIY spirit combined with DIY Craft has really

The haptic need

2009-09-14T13:10:00.000+01:00

"I sew because I have to-it is just that simple. After a long day hunched over my computer dealing with the vagaries of English spelling, clumsy syntax and wayward grammar, not to mention computer crashes and arbitrary and demanding clients, I look forward to time spent with my needle and thread, the tactile delight of cloth in my hands and the pleasure of working with color and form-nothing is

craft action

2009-09-07T13:30:00.001+01:00

You'll know by now we feature Craftivism pretty highly in our 'things that make up DIY craft'. Craft + activism = craftivism, so says Betsy Greer, queen of craftivism and diy craft theory.Our own Rockpool Candy is another practitioner of craftivism and readily dons the title of 'fibre activist' when someone asks what she does.What we haven't talked much of as yet, is that to really see what

DIY or DIE: DIY Album Art - Paper Bags and Office Supplies

2009-09-04T09:00:00.007+01:00

I reviewed the excellent book 'DIY Album Art - Paper Bags and Office Supplies' by US author and Designer J. Namdev Hardisty for Modart Magazine recently.'DIY OR DIE' are actually the last words written by Brian Oakley in the book that's published by Mark Batty Publishing.DIY Album Art is a collection of handmade record covers from the Post Punk/Hardcore scene in the US in the early 90s. The

The Fourth Plinth

2009-08-29T14:00:00.001+01:00

The UK DIY craft research uncovered all sorts of factors that help make up the world of UK DIY craft. One of which I called Street Crafting. The best known example of this might be yarn bombing, but it's not the only form.Deirdre Figueiredo, Director of Craftspace, recently took up her place on the Fourth Plinth. If you've not heard of it, this is a project officially called 'One&Other' conceived

I Wanna Be Your Doll

2009-08-26T12:15:00.009+01:00

The makers of those cute little Japanese Momiji dolls say, "it's time to channel your inner fashionista!"I couldn't agree more. They are currently running a Couture Contest, encouraging us creative types to design a real Momiji doll - using whatever method you like best, or a combination of several. Here's your chance to dream up and create a funky, one-off fabric doll.Suggestions include:

Email subscriptions

2009-08-22T21:33:00.004+01:00

Just a quick note to let you know if you subscribe by email we've been editing some settings. Your subscription should continue as normal but if not, it's not you it's us, so please re-subscribe using the box on the right. We'd hate anyone to miss out.And if you didn't know your could have the UK DIY blog posts drop straight into your inbox, well you can! Just enter your email address in the

Craft - a way of life?

2009-08-12T11:03:00.009+01:00

An interview with Rima StainesI having been mulling over the idea that craft / DIY is more than a job or a hobby and can be a way of life. It's a subject that fascinates me. I caught up with Rima Staines who is an artist, maker and traveller, to find out how her work and lifestyle impact on each other. She had some interesting insights.One of the principles of UK DIY Craft is that craft is a

The Arts and Crafts Movement

2009-08-05T14:56:00.006+01:00

I’ve been reading about the Arts and Crafts movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. What piqued my interest were the similarities between their ideals and the ideals of artists and crafters today.The Arts and Crafts Movement came about partly as a reaction to industrialisation and to the machine-made products of the time. The movement’s leaders encouraged individuality and

Slowcoast

2009-07-27T10:07:00.008+01:00

So far we've talked about the slow movement and craft tours of the UK and now, Nick Hand brings us his combination of these worlds. He's touring the UK on a bike stopping off to visit what he refers to as artisans, along the way.Nick says,"On June 21st 2009 I set off on my bike from Bristol to cycle a route around the coast of Great Britain. Along my route I will be documenting artisans who live

DIY Craft + Vintage

2009-07-19T21:21:00.006+01:00

I'm involved in organising a local DIY Craft & Vintage Fair in Worcester that's taking place next week. Aside from our Fair, I've noticed out there on the World Wide Web there does seem to be other crossovers with lovers of DIY Craft and lovers of Vintage clothing, fabric, furniture and accessories.Vintage imagery pops up time and again on posters and flyers for DIY Craft events and groups, and

charity - do crafters care? Take part...

2009-07-02T10:42:00.002+01:00

In times of financial worry, charities suffer. The public pull in their purse strings and stop giving. When the living is easy, our money is often given to charity to ease our consciences, to allow us to carry on our day to day lives without having to interact with needy causes and to feel like we're doing something.But are DIYers and crafters different?We have skills that we can put to use and

the nature of craft

2009-06-25T13:55:00.017+01:00

For thousands of years writers, artists and makers have taken inspiration from nature. We have written about it, painted it, sculpted it, even knitted it and nature continues to fire our imagination and creativity.This weekend The Platform Gallery in Clitheroe hosts a new exhibition called Botanic Gardens. The exhibition showcases around 20 UK makers who explore plant forms and structures in

this is what it's about

2009-06-24T20:28:00.005+01:00

If the UK DIY exhibition had only one visitor, and it happened to have been this one, it would all still have been worth it. And the most powerful statement of why diy craft is taking over, coming back, whatever you want to call it...“This changed my life! I had been depressed for ages then came here two weeks ago by accident. I rediscovered crochet and lots of other things I used to do. Since

got something interesting to say?

2009-06-15T10:31:00.008+01:00

Following the UK DIY research project; then series of exhibitions, projects and events the UK DIY blog is now in its third phase – an ongoing look at diy crafts across the UK. It needs a roving team of bloggers to help that happen.Brief:* To commit to posting once approx every 4-6 weeks* Around 200 words + opening with a good quality visual (i.e. image or video starter)* Your post needs to be

Cor Blimey Crochet

2009-05-14T10:49:00.006+01:00

So UK DIY has come to an end at The Turnpike Gallery. But fear not, you can get your nostalgic fix by watching this short video of Rockpool Candy creating her incredible Cor Blimey Crochet.ps it has an exceptionally natty soundtrack so if you're watching it sneakily in a non crafting office, mute it or you'll be given away.

Knitted Nature seedlings growing!

2009-04-08T14:27:00.009+01:00

All the arrangements are now in place for the Knitted Nature day at Touchstones Rochdale on Saturday 18 April from 11am-3pm. The event is totally free and your knitted or crocheted contribution will form part of an installation which will hang in the Gallery.ArtYarn will be at the Gallery to help participants make knitted or crocheted flowers and leaves which will tie in with our En Plein Air

UK Craft Mafias at Manchester Craft & Design Centre

2009-03-13T11:16:00.006Z

Showcasing the best of the UK Craft MafiasPart of the UK:DIY project also taking place at Touchstones Rochdale, Platform Gallery Clitheroe and Turnpike Galley, Leigh.GRAND OPENING SATURDAY 21 MARCH 2-4PMLive music, tea and cupcakes.Join in with paper-cutting and cross-stitch activities, plus yarnbombing with ArtYarn.Bring your own DIY craft - pop in for a knit and a natter.For information on

Yarn Forward by ArtYarn at Manchester Craft & Design Centre

2009-03-13T10:46:00.004Z

Roger NewtonArtYarn invite you to knit or crochet decorative strips of yarn for the installation 'Yarn Forward' at Manchester Craft and Design Centre.To accompany the UK Craft Mafias exhibition, ArtYarn will be installing a yarn wrapping round the 1st Floor bannister of Manchester Craft and Design Centre to celebrate the numerous techniques of knitting and crochet from around the world.How to

From tiny seeds do oranges grow...

2009-02-22T15:35:00.009Z

My colleague Alison spotted packs of orange yarn at a bargain price and I went to pick them up the other night - too good to miss. Over the next few months Rachael and Sarah from ArtYarn will turn them into crocheted oranges which will transform a tree or perhaps trees in Broadfield Park opposite Touchstones Rochdale into an orange grove bringing a little piece of Valencia into the heart of

UK:DIY at Manchester Craft & Design Centre

2009-02-20T11:27:00.007Z

Manchester Craft & Design Centre are proud to announce the following artists will be taking part in our UK Craft Mafias exhibition from the 20th March - 2nd May 2009Madness of Many - Robots and Guilt Free TaxidermyMolly's Mum - Badges, Cosies, BagsMiso Funky - Samplers, Tea TowelsEmma Fozard - Head PiecesKate Broughton - Animal BroochesDebbie Greenaway - Badges, RobotingtonsGuerilla Embroidery -

on show

2009-02-16T08:35:00.007Z

The UK DIY exhibition has opened. It's bright, gobsmacking, curious, fun, inspiring and so much more.One of the things that was most noticable at the opening was the mixture of people involved and visiting. From six year old boys to 80+ year old Grandmas and anyone and everyone in between. Surely that's how exhibitions should be?Many people commented on how surprisingly well the show combines

UK DIY opens tomorrow: sneak preview

2009-02-12T09:45:00.005Z

A last - the UK DIY exhibition opens at Turnpike Gallery, Leigh tomorrow, Sat 14th Feb.Come down from 12-2pm to meet some of the professional, community, social and student artists and makers involved.In case you're wondering this is Inga aka Rockpool Candy arm-crocheting her version of listerium bacteria as part of a collaborative virus based crochet work!By way of an introduction Inga begins...

repurpose..recycle...upcycle

2009-02-04T08:00:00.004Z

It's happening under a wide range of names - recycling, upcycling, repurposing, reusing and others. But what is it and why such roaring popularity? Upcycling craft queen Pouch in Bristol has a little delve into it all to tell us more..."The popularity of eco-crafts has increased dramatically over the past few years. Consumers are choosing to throw less away and reuse what they have. In less than

UK Craft Mafia

2009-01-30T11:19:00.012Z

Welcome to... UK Craft Mafias@ Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 20 March - 2 May 2009An exhibition of some of the latest works produced by members of the four UK Craft Mafias in Manchester, Glasgow, Nottingham and Sheffield.Pop by for the grand opening, Saturday 21 March, 2 - 4 pmIncludes complimentary tea and cupcakes, live music and free craft activities.A series of professional development

Yarn Bombing DIY

2009-01-18T08:00:00.003Z

More ArtYarn news - your chance to join in across the UK and online - get your hooks and needles at the ready...In conjunction with UK:DIY, ArtYarn are curating an online portfolio of Yarn Bombing photographs from around the world.Upload your Yarn Bombing images to our flickr pool and exhibit your knitted and crocheted bombs.Here’s how to take part:Step 1 – Choose your favourite location and a

Knitted Nature

2009-01-09T16:13:00.025Z

Finally, it's all in place. Rachael Elwell and Sarah Hardacre from Salford-based fibre collective ArtYarn are returning to Touchstones Rochdale following on from yarnbombing outside the Gallery at our recent Knitty Gritty Goes Large event.Linked to an exhibition of paintings from the Gallery's permanent collection looking at the trend for painting outdoors or en plein air in the late 19th and

UK exclusive

2009-01-09T09:17:00.002Z

UK DIY at Turnpike Gallery opens 14th Feb. Amongst a feast of craft exploration will be the first official public showing in the UK of Faythe Levine's special promotional edit of the film Handmade Nation.Handmade Nation documents a movement of artists, crafters and designers that recognise a marriage between historical techniques, pink and DIY ethos while being influenced by traditional handiwork

send in the wool

2009-01-07T21:18:00.009Z

UK DIY is but weeks away now. In preparation Turnpike Gallery is knitting and crocheting up a storm, and readying their interactive areas where visitors can have a go at.. well that would spoil the surprise.But one way and another they needs as much wool as the UK population can spare.Any colours and weights of wool will be very gratefully received. All donated wool will be used as part of the

Slight deviation

2008-10-15T09:53:00.004+01:00

Strictly speaking this isn't craft. But it is a perfect example of many of the things which underpin the UK DIY ethos, so we're sneaking it through...Are you a penniless artist with a passion for growing things but not enough money to have more than a window ledge on which to grow them? Or a young enthusiast for all things green but only an bin alley outside your London flat in which to display

Creative Genuises read with their tongue in their cheek

2008-10-01T14:27:00.007+01:00

Crafters: a movement driven by creative geniuses and green recycling warriors, or just a bunch of thrifty magpies seeking out a bargain?What is it that drives us to hoard tiny scraps of 'interesting' papers and endless 'useful' jars and plastic bottles? Why do we stash ever-smaller squares of fabric and diminutive balls of yarn, just in case we need them one day? Are we truly being resourceful

alternative project update

2008-09-26T09:33:00.007+01:00

What's our project looking like so far? I think this sums it up well...This is actually a word cloud created from this blog. It seems serendipitous that the main words coming out are people can DIY. Though 'beehive' is a bit of a mystery!

The Great British Craft Tour

2008-09-10T21:03:00.005+01:00

The absolute craft based madness UK DIY backs one hundred percent!Tjobbe Andrews and co are travelling England, Scotland and Wales in August and September 2008 in their Great British Craft Tour to let people know what they can get as an alternative to manufactured items from their high street store. They'll be using their website as a journal to tell us all about what they find along the way,

I Knit Day 2008

2008-08-06T10:46:00.001+01:00

I Knit started life as a small group of friends who met one night at The Beehive pub in Vauxhall, London and who shared a common thread - knitting. Since that first meeting the I Knit London group has met in over 50 different venues across the capital and continues to meet every week, attracting knitters of all ages and abilities for a social, and creative experience. The knitting group is

what is DIY?

2008-08-03T16:51:00.004+01:00

"for me crafts are an extension of a DIY lifestyle. If someone is excited about something I make, I tell them that they can do it themselves also, just to remind people that they can do everything, that anything's possible"Jenine Bressner

Slow

2008-07-27T14:45:00.001+01:00

It's a feature of DIY that people are choosing to turn against commercialism, mass production, mass consumption. As digital technology allows us to become more and more able to work from anywhere, we need shared workplaces less and less. But whilst digitial technology can connect communities, it can also separate and isolate people from one another.DIY is a reaction to these issues, a need to

diy shopbuilding

2008-07-22T08:00:00.005+01:00

The web is a vital faciliator of the DIY movement. It allows us to share ideas, source unusual materials and set up small business with very little overheads.Specialist online marketplaces have allowed more and more UK makers to take experimental steps in starting a business, in supporting the DIY lifestyle of making choices and bringing them to fruition from scratch. On one such international

what is DIY?

2008-07-15T16:31:00.001+01:00

It's hard to define DIY, and why would you want to - it's different things to different people - that's a part of its value. But we'll be posting some quotes that show what it can be as the project goes along. Here's the first:"DIY is taking control of your life, as opposed to having some corporation feed you your culture"thanks Faythe**more will be revealed in due course...

fingers crossed

2008-07-11T13:10:00.002+01:00

our big funding application is just going through its finishing touches and then goes off to the powers that be by the end of this week - keep your fingers crossed for us, we've worked hard to get it all to this stage - we're giddy with excitement for the possibilities of it all... and will have our answer sometime in the next 12 weeks

print your own fabrics

2008-07-08T18:39:00.004+01:00

Button print fabric, originally uploaded by diskant.Fancy yourself as a fabric designer? Congratulations your wish just came true.Spoonflower offer a new service enabling you to upload your surface design, and they'll print it off onto 100% cotton and wizz it right over.Diskant, whose work is shown here, is based in Glasgow and said it took only about 2 weeks to arrive. Find out more about

young diy-ers

2008-07-04T11:51:00.002+01:00

Easy Tiger, Jo at Project Slogan, AbderdeenIf you are, or know of some young makers now's the time to point them to this year's NOISE festival. How young? NOISE says you have to be under 25.NOISE is a Europe-wide media showcase for young creative people aged 25 and under, and is open for submissions. NOISE Festival 2008 will take the best of the work submitted and exhibit it on the

Do you have a coral reef too?

2008-06-29T20:30:00.004+01:00

Catch the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef at the Hayward Gallery while you can. It will blow anything you formerly thought about crochet right out of the water.Cutting a long and inspiringly colourful curvy story short, Dr Daina Taimina, a mathematician in the US discovered that she could demonstrate properties of hyperbolic planes by crocheted models. Elsewhere a couple of scientist/ mathematician

News just in from Sheffield...

2008-06-27T10:50:00.003+01:00

Millennium Gallery, Sheffield 2 July – 26 October 2008GET KNITTED ' Knitting is traditionally perceived as a rather prim pastime but the 'new' knitting is proving that bitching and stitching is cool again. Work showcased in this exhibition illustrates the sheer variety

here we are

2008-06-18T09:37:00.009+01:00

After nearly two years of research and making, the UK DIY project is just around the corner. The North West of England will be hosting a series of exhibitions, events and projects in the flesh and online.Our website will show all details of everything, whilst this blog will show our work in progress and updates of what's happening around the country, from our cohort of roving bloggers.We want you