01.10Arts and Dafts

Hilarious (and smart!) photoblog... Running From Camera

2010-01-16T15:00:00Z

This has got to be one of the coolest photoblogs I've ever seen. Running From Camera is exactly that, a photographer setting his camera on self timer for 2 seconds and running as fast as he can.

Make a toy a day...with your printer!

2010-01-14T15:00:00Z

I have NO idea how Toy a Day slipped passed my radar for so long. Luckily this little Twitter bird came through on my Twitter stream. It's exactly as the title says, a toy almost every day to print out and put together yourself. You could build a damn army!

Some of my faves are David Bowie (Ziggy Stardust), The Beatles (Yellow Submarine), Pablo Picasso, Tweedledum & Tweedledee and Yoda.

Etsy Wednesday - A Giveaway!

2010-01-13T16:00:00Z

Lauren of Lapis Beach has graciously agreed to be my guinea pig and donate these gorgeous pieces you see above for my first Etsy giveaway!

She creates hand knit jewelry (see the feature post for more) and I get to give you this beautiful matching set (ring and cuff). Although they're both covered in gorgeous beads, there's absolutely nothing clunky about them. They're comfortable and even appear delicate, though Lauren says they're very durable.

So how can you win the set? Read on!,

How to enter:

Leave a comment here in this post (here on ArtsandDafts.com). Doesn't matter what you say, but more than a "Hello." would be great. Feel free to talk about how awesome Lauren is for giving this away!
Tweet about it! You can click the retweet button at the top of this post or write your own tweet with a link to this giveaway. Then simply drop a link to that twit in a comment on this post. And while you're at it, follow me if you're not already.

Get two entries by completing both options!

I'll choose a winner at random on Monday, January 18th at 5pm eastern.
They will be contacted via email and a post will be made here on A&D.

Etsy Wednesday - Lapis Beach is Open for Business

2010-01-13T15:20:06Z

What: Hand Knit Beaded Jewelry
Who: Lapis Beach
How much: $20-$60

I can tell you first hand that these pieces are really gorgeous. That top photo was taken by me because the lovely Lauren was kind enough to send along a prototype of her wire cuff! I honestly thought the wire would scratch and/or be too flimsy and bend, but I was way wrong. I wore it all day to test it out and it didn't scratch me or fall out of shape.

The bracelets and ring below that? Well I'm happy to announce I get to giveaway a set of the Black Tie (cuff and ring) to you in celebration of her Etsy shop opening!

I've seen a lot of knit beaded jewelry before, but I have to say Lauren has really mastered the art and created something truly unique. The pieces are durable, comfortable and she really has a knack for color combinations. (I'm drooling a little over that Volcano cuff pictured bottom right).

Lapis Beach on Etsy is barely one week old today and it's already off to a running start with a sale before the opening could even be announced. So be sure to enter the giveaway to win a set for yourself, but don't forget to head over to her shop too. These one of a kind pieces are sure to move fast!

Appreciate a Photographer Week... Discount on prints!

2010-01-12T17:35:57Z

It's new, it's exciting, it's "Appreciate a Photographer" week! It's been "officially" declared by the A Photo Student blog.

From the post:

As I'm sure most of you now know, a recent report ranked being a photographer or photojournalist as two pretty crappy jobs to have in its list of the 200 best and worst jobs of 2010:
#122 Vending Machine Repairer
#125 Waiter/Waitress
#126 Photographer
#131 Maid
#134 Undertaker
#156 Dishwasher
#189 Photojournalist
#190 Butcher
#195 Garbage Collector
With the hope of putting a little smile on the face of a miserable, cold, starving photographer, I am officially declaring this Appreciate A Photographer Week.

So here's your project for the week. Try to send a little message to a photographer you admire every day. A simple email will do and be sure to let them know it's "Appreciate a Photographer" week!

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P.S. You can totally appreciate me all you want! Check out my photoblog! And you know what, while I'm at it, I'm going to offer up a 10% discount to the first 20 people who buy a print this week! Just choose from this selection, click the "Buy Print" link under the photo and when you're checking out, enter this coupon code: 58C324

A must see photoblog....MUTE

2010-01-11T15:30:41Z

Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to peruse the MUTE photoblog. You won't regret it. Every photograph is a little adventure.

Also, congratulations to MUTE for winning photoblog of the year!

Monday Moment - Still standing

2010-01-11T14:39:25Z

A lone, melting snowman is left on the lawn at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens.

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Head's up! The Etsy giveaway is a go! Make sure to come back on Wednesday for a chance to win!

Gotta See It - Extraordinary paper art....

2010-01-08T23:05:16Z

If that doesn't inspire you to go check out the Paper Cut Project, I don't know what will.

Gotta See It...John Divola Photography

2010-01-07T15:49:57Z

Really love the massive collection of work by John Divola. Particularly drawn to this "Zuma Series" from the 70s.

via: burstoid

Etsy Wednesday - Gorgeous handmade hats by Janine Basil

2010-01-06T19:27:08Z

Who: Janine Basil
What: Handmade hats
How much: $40 - $500

How can you resist these? I mean seriously...how?

Each of these hats is completely handmade by Janine using beautiful fabrics and embellishments. You can see for yourself how truly unique each one is so you know you'll be getting a one of kind creation.

I love the little Cupids Heart. In fact, she has a whole section set aside for Valentine's day. They're all curved to fit your head, have a piece of elastic or are attached to a headband and have been lined with polyester felt to keep from slipping off your noggin. So why not make your V-Day a little snazzier?

You should also know I had the pleasure of connecting with Janine via Indie Junction and she's a wonderful gal. That sweetens the pot a little, doesn't it?

And don't forget, even if you can't buy today, head on over and fave her shop and/or let them know you're a fan. It's always inspiring to know you have fans!

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Have an etsy shop you think I should feature? Contact me right away!
ry[at]artsanddafts[dot]com

And the winner is....

2010-01-04T22:16:49Z

Comment number: 40 - Scott

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who made this, my very first giveaway, a really big success. There were 54 entries total which is way more than I anticipated for the first time and during the holidays.

I'll definitely be making this a regular thing so if you didn't win this time, come back and try again next time! Also, I already have some other giveaways in the works so keep your eyes peeled. Maybe even as soon as this week!

Monday Moment - Early to rise...

2010-01-04T17:42:04Z

Maybe I was just excited because today is my first day off for a couple weeks, but for some reason I woke up at the crack of dawn this morning. This shot was taken out my window as the sun began to rise.

What's your Monday Moment?

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P.S. You can view a larger version and buy a print of this photograph here!

Arists unite on Indie Junction - A new social networking site

2010-01-03T19:16:24Z

Hey artists, have you heard? There's a new social network in town just for you! It's Indie Junction and it's fantastic. Just a few days old too and getting a big response already.

On top of that, the two ladies, Nicky Vee and Deb Hall, who run the joint are really wonderful. I had the pleasure of chatting it up with them for a bit and I'm really impressed. With the power of their business and art minds combined, this place is destined for success.

Plus, who doesn't love a site owner who's readily available to talk to you?

Who is this site good for? Well anyone really. However it's particularly great for artisans, newbie and veteran alike, to show off their wares and promote their businesses. It's also promising to be a great place to start collaborations and learn a few new tricks.

Hey photogs, we're welcome too!

Oh, and yes it's free to sign up. So there's really no point in dilly dallying. And while you're at it, visit my profile and friend me!

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P.S. There's just over 24 hours left in my print giveaway! Go enter to win! All you have to do is comment!