On a cold winter day in San Francisco last December I came upon the most wonderful book of inspiration ~ Handmade Nation: the Rise of DIY, Art, Craft and Design.

When you are in the business of being creative… it’s easy to get bogged down in just your own specific talent and forget that one of the most fun and delightful parts of BEING a creative individual is crafting! Now I’m not talking lanyards and pom-poms with googly eyes and a tail…. {though I sold many a scholastic books to win those furry pink things in the 2nd grade}. I’m thinking more along the lines of painting, beading necklaces, making cards, sewing, etc. Tools to really get your right brain exercising and having fun.

{cake topper: the small object, necklace: jenine, sweaters: anti-factory,
illustration: blissen}

This book is really motivational more so than a ‘how to’. Faythe Levine traveled across America compiling interviews and photographs chronicling different artists like Sarah Neuburger, Jenine Bressner & Jill Bliss. And the coolest part is that she also made a documentary about it! Here is the very fun and punk style stop motion opening to the movie which is screening in cities throughout the country…

Do you have a crafty side or hobby that is not your career? Tell us about it!