Local McLocalson

welcome to todays blog, so lets kick things off with a little definition of whats going on here. Im not big on definitions but when things are new its always wise. On what iv said so far im sure you have all gathered that i am all for hand made... but it does not stop there, im also all about local. supporting local talent and the like. Local communities and events and face to face interactions. A great example of eating local is a fine establishment called 'Local burger' currently as far as im aware its one of a kind. and its in the middle of Kansas so its not so local for us Edinburgers. but i did just so happen to spend the good part of a year in the wonderful Lawrence Kansas and so i was able to emerce myself in this cullenary delight.

"Local Burger is leading the evolution of fast food with fresh, organic, local, and sustainable fare that is free of unnatural additives and preservatives. At Local Burger, we consider the special diet, the environment, the economy, animal welfare, and the health of everyone who eats our
food. At Local Burger, you'll always know where your food came
from and exactly what's in it. Try it, you'll like it!"
- http://www.localburger.com/

Everything in the place is from within a very small local catchment area. its such a obvious idea but its fantastic. i believe it to be the future !

On another local note i am going to see 'The Planes' tonight at teviot underground in Edinburgh. They are a great local band with a lot of energy and some great lyrics. You can have a listen to them on their myspace at http://www.myspace.com/theplanesuk

I think il leave it there on the local note for now. Oh but here are some pictures from my screenprinting extravaganza yesterday !:

Buy Handmade !

Today i took the buy handmade pledge at http://www.buyhandmade.org/ because i think it is really important to support those of us out there who are putting in hard graft and filling every little item they make with love and hugs. The monotonus isles of any supermarket or high street shop need a refreshing list and handmade individual items are the answer. Robots will take over the world unless we wake up and smell the fairtrade coffee...but they are pretty cute.

Etsy (www.etsy.com) is a great example of the handmade revolution. It is a community based site and allows people to test the water with any handmade product they wish to sell. This opens up a whole world of cute kitch designs I have so many favorites but below are just a few of the many etsy crafts im in love with. During the course of this blog i will post more items to keep you in touch with the crafting community.














Little Hoff by Kezzaroo (www.kezzaroo.etsy.com)

Post Post Modern Necklace by brookadelphia (www.brookadelph

ia.etsy.com)

blue tractor fuzzy felt wallet by feel fuzzy (www.feelfuzzy.etsy.com)

Screenprinting

Hello blogfans, im going to kick off with a blog about screenprinting. Its my new chosen hobby although i haven't really got too far with it yet.

To get started I watched these two great videos on youtube:





(i recommend subscribing to the make youtube channel as well as the etsy one, they cover a lot of how tos and normally in a pretty quirky fun to watch way)

I found them both really informative and they didnt over complicate the process.

I then had a good look around the internet for some cheap stuff to ge me started. i found www.handprinted.co.uk to be the cheapest ( in the UK) but if you know of any others please tell me ! you can pick up a 12x16" screen there for £17 including postage. i got myslef 2 screens, 2 tubs of fabric paint, some photo emulsion with sensitiser, and a squeegee...all for a pretty decent price.

my first attempt was a bit iffy as i put on the emusion too thick but i am currently working on my next idea and will post some pictures up here once i get it done.

I am keen to screen print some ties, as seen on toybreakers etsy site: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=58778

This design is my favorite but they have such a wide selection and the prints are very high quality. At only $30 im definately considering one for my self.

My first screenprinted design will most likely feature an anatomically correct heart as its an image i am lving just now.

I think thats all i have to say on screen printing just now. Its just something that im dabbling in but in a few weeks im sure il have some finished products to share. see you tomorrow :)

This is the start of something big

This is my first post on my little soap box in the internet universe, otherwise known as my blog. Im going to be ambitious and say i am going to use this blog to change the world. Shoot for the stars and all that...What i really mean is I would just like to promote nice things that might make your day or someone elses day that little bit more important. My main area of interest right now is hand made crafty ideas but im also very excited about a lot of other things. The blog will introduce itself so you can get to know it...besides once you are reading this you have probably already read all the interesting delights iv written above.

Im a bit of a rambler but i will try to keep each entry about one thing so you can navigate your way around this solar system without too much difficulty.