Anarchist Doll

Oakland based artist Packard Jennings is a master of the art of shopdropping and recently introduced Target shoppers (and employees) in California to the Anarchist Doll. Due to it's impeccable craft and attention to detail the doll easily passes as a mass produced toy - which is necessary to achieve the desired double take from the shopper browsing the isles for WWF figurines or Ken dolls. The entire Anarchist Doll package is, however, handcrafted by Jennings - from the doll size black hoodie to the mini bolt cutters and instructional illustrations adorning the box. The doll and other recent works by Jennings will be on view at Catherine Clark Gallery in San Francisco from January 19th - March 1st, 2008.

> helena on 01/15/08 #

DIY Science on the Ultra-Cheap

This recent article about a nonprofit Indian group that makes working microscopes from bamboo for educational use reminded me of the time, when I'd just finished reading Viktor Papanek's Design for the Real World, that I'd spent browsing the UNESCO website for vernacular design ideas. One of the gems I found was this document from 1972, which is all about how to teach science to children when you have basically no money to do it with. It includes great diagrams showing all kinds of apparatus improvised from junk.

> Sean on 01/14/08 #

Banner from Blanket

Agnieszka has a friend named Justin. He did a super great book called Obscene Interiors that is totally rad. Justin has an aunt, in North Dakota, and she does some totally rad things as well. First, there's these modified Monet calendars. Then, there's this amaz-o church banner that she made out of a Mona Lisa blanket. (No deep link, but it was posted to his blog for January 8th.

> Kirsten on 01/11/08 #

Obsessive Consumption

I've really been enjoying the Obsessive Consumption blog. Artist, Kate, draws pictures of everything she buys every day.

> pretendingsanity on 01/11/08 #

Going Postal

Heather Donohue is at it again. This time with the sweetest decoupage 'Little Stamp Houses' made of vintage French stamps. They even have stamp chimneys with billowing smoke, and if they had windows, maybe you could see stamp fireplaces with stamp roaring fires. Totally cute and resourceful.

> Abigail on 01/11/08 #

Lego Knitting Machine

When I had legos, I gathered up all the clear ones and made houses. Thomas Johnson, on the other hand made a " target="_blank">knitting machine made entirely of legos.
Wow.

> Marimello on 01/10/08 #

Light Graffiti

Julien Breton is doing some amazing graffiti in France- sometimes with ink, sometimes with light and long photo exposures. He writes in French, it looks like Arabic calligraphy, and its often based on hip hop lyrics. Mind blowing.

> Tsia on 01/10/08 #

I <3 Marimekko...

...But I <3 Marimekko on sale much more!
With the holiday decorations down, the inside of my house is getting to be just as gloomy as it is outside. Bleh. Good thing ReproDepot is having a " target="_blank">sale on Marimekko fabrics. Go quick because the sale is over on the 15th.

> Marimello on 01/08/08 #

Cute Attack of the Tree Bunnies

It's been rainy and gloomy here, but IndieFixx made my day by posting the adorable art of Kristiana Parn. If you are as interested in wallpapering your bedroom with pictures of bunnies in marshmallow trees as I am, definitely go check out her site or her Etsy shop shop

> Marimello on 01/07/08 #

Fibers for All

Habu Textiles, my favorite exotic fiber source, is having their annual yarn sale, now thru 1/26. The colored denim and stainless steel wool are pretty cool. Fun to look at for ideas even. Check it out!

> Abigail on 01/07/08 #