dots and spaces

lists...

If you like making lists, then theres a neat little application that you can get from 37signals, and at 43things you can make a list of all the things you want to do. Its a weird little site, and I'm still struggling to understand why - I think that the idea is that you find inspiration from seeing what other people want to do, but I mean, what's wrong with your own imagination. Anyway, let me know if any of these sites are useful to you.

Takk

Chris has been inspired by the artwork on the new Sigur Ros cd, which is called Takk. I have to say its very beautiful and a bit spooky, did you know there are photos from their new tour here ?

How to Screen Print

Great Tutorial on Screenprinting. I've been looking at a way of setting up a small studio at home and this is perfect. It also stopped me from bidding for an exposure unit, which ended up a little over my budget. I think the tricky bit is still in setting up the lamp and Floodbulb, and then working out how long to expose the screen for. I've got two weekends booked at The Badger Press, so I'll try and get some advice. I'm looking forward to spending time in the workshop - I think the pieces I did last time were too formal and worked out and I'm keen to try and free up the process more than I have in the past - I might as well as printed it out on an inkjet.

Talking of which, Epson cartridges can't be recycled by any charities. I found out that they incinerate the cartridges and use the heat generated to make electricity. This is suppose to be the most eco friendly way to get rid of them, but its still a shame that you can't make a few pennies for a good cause. If you want to do this, then Actionaid can help.

If you do want to send your Epson cartridges back to Epson, then send them to this address: Service Materials Management (SMM) EPSON Telford Ltd. Hortonwood 40, Telford,Shropshire,TF1 7YD

***Looks like the tutorial has been taken down, which is a shame because it was very good, however, as I'm going in a fortnight, I'll take some photos and try to put together a how to screenprint.

Aidan Smith

Early as the Trees is a mini-album from Aidan Smith and what a gem it is. There's something of the white coated Lab worker about the way he executes the songs, with little experiments, a workshop of ideas where you emerge blackened from the explosion as sounds mix with each other. Its test tubes, bunsen burners and those Liebig condenser things you had in science. The result are intriguing, delicate songs that make your kidneys chuckle, your eyes glisten and your heart twinkle. I know someday we'll have light orchestrations and grand production, but for there's no rush, really. There's a touching delicacy to the music and some great one-liners, its a winning combination.

Its Aidan's first release for new label Analogue Catalogue run by former Twisted Nerve employees who've taken Aidan Smith and Supreme Vagabond Craftsman with them to a new home. Its a home for escaped artists. I've had a few email chats with Rob who set up the label with his missus. They love the low-tech approach and are interested in a homemade and intimate atmosphere where everything is recorded "...like they were in the good old days". We wish them all the best and we'll check in occasionally to see what's new. Aidan should be out on tour soon,and when I get some dates, I'll let you know.

Southsea Kites

Now that we've moved I'm really enjoying catching the ferry when I head across to Southsea, there's something about seeing the city from the water that's quite dramatic, although I doubt anyone else onboard thinks so, you have to show the same non-appreciative expression you do when sitting on the tube.

Anyway, some photos from the kite festival at flickr. There were so many kites, all shapes and sizes. I had a look in some of the stalls and I see that kite flying isn't what it use to be, its so technical, with kits costing hundreds. I suppose you could still sort yourself out something more modest in the meantime. BBC Norfolk of all places has a good site about kites, and there are more photos here and here and much better shots than mine here - I think we must have been there the same day, the sky looks just the same.

Pink Rabbit says...

Honoured to become one of Ari Moore's flickr contacts - I should make a pledge to try to keep taking pictures she likes the look of. There's also a rather good blog that you can visit. She's an industrious person with a great big collection of photos I feel like a tiny member in comparison. I also like the street art photos - I've noticed quite a few around - oh, Ari - I'm going to see John Spencer Blues explosion in Brighton this month, can't wait.

Links and fun bits

Been surfing around for a bit of inspiration lately and I really like the things there are to see at wee wonderfuls just a great blog which I'll be visiting regularly which really sums up the spirit of home made.Talking of which, I'm making something secret for Chris' ipod at the moment, but in case he doesn't like it he could have get a great cover from Kate's Paperie. All bright colours and crazy patterns. I think this lead me to mylittlemochi and it deserves special mention for lovely writing. I think sometimes that looking at blogs like this don't just give me little ideas, but feel like peeking in at a different world, its blog tourism. We'll be cooking up Mango Bread this weekend, sounds delicious. I'm also very impressed by what she's listening too - the girl got good taste. Oh and just to finish on more loveliness, have a look at the little sketches and designs at smallandround

When you win the previous year's prize at the Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival (SICAF) you have to create the spots for the following year's festival and that's just what Marc Craste has done.

I've been listening to Weezer and they're a great. If you're interested in what the band like to hear in thier headphones have butchers at Stokefactor Rivers doesn't join want to join in, but he's got his own pages at My Space he says "Hi", he's male, 35 and from Los Angeles.

Super Snaps

Just to say to everyone that the photos are up - you'll have to bug me
for a username and password

Ready Made

I picked up a copy of Ready Made Magazine when we were in Santa Barbara and its been a great source of fun DIY craft and art things - I've had a go at a few projects, with limited success, but mostly it just appeals to people who like things. There are articles about treehouses, furniture, DIY gadgets and time saving devices, all with thrift shop appeal. There are also interviews with musicians and artists, places to visit and people to meet. Give it a go, or if you want - I'll lend you my copy.