Image by B. Alter: Ute Decker

by Bonnie Alter

Ethical jewellery is hitting the mainstream now. There are more and more designers working with ethical materials and the public is becoming more interested and concerned about the provenance of their jewels. This year, London Jewellery Week featured ESSENCE, a whole section of beautiful eco, ethical jewellery styles to suit every taste and price range.

The mix of offerings was a reflection of the whole show: There were some conventional eco designers and some way-out pieces. No longer is ethical jewellery confined to the hippy edges of the market. Ute Decker works with a range of sustainable materials to create her modern, silver bracelets and rings.....

Read more at  -  http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/06/handmade-eco-jewellery-hits-mainstream.php

Little Knitted Creatures by Amy Gaines & Leisure Arts

Jun 16, 2010 – Knitters and amigurumi fans alike are sure to want to take a peek into the delightful knitted world that Amy Gaines creates in Little Knitted Creatures. These very collectible designs are sure to be a hit with grownups and children alike. Cuddly and fun to knit, these little knitted folk are truly amazing. Some of them have jobs. They have friends. And they certainly have adventures! That’s because they’re amigurumi, knitted dolls inspired by the Japanese craft trend.

Here’s a sneak peek at the lives of these cutest of creatures:
• In Friendly Sea-ciety, the surf’s up and Cletus Claw (crab), Tentacle Terry (octopus), Big Blue (whale), and Shelly Green (sea turtle) are coming ashore for some fun.
• In Spring Party, Hank Lambswool (sheep), the Wren (bird) Twins, and Buster Bunny Jr. plan a birthday party for Billie (the duck) Waddle.
• The Birds & Bees are putting on a romantic play featuring Fred Leaper (frog), Lindsay Ladybeetle (ladybug), Buzz Hover (bee), directed by Oliver Who (owl).
• The Forest Friends are having a meeting to save the Big Cap Acorns and the White-Spotted Mushrooms. In attendance are Odessa Owl, Horatio Hedgehog, Cinda Squirrel, Pippa Mouse, and Erik and Gunnar (the gnomes).
• The Bean Trio—Harold Hopper (bunny), Boyce Bruin (bear), and Thaddeus Trotter (pig) are planning a trip—but can’t agree on where they’re going.
• It’s TV and bowl hopping time for the Fishbowl Friends: Amy Angelfish, Cora Clownfish, and Gloria Goldfish.

Amy Gaines’ designs have appeared in books and magazines. Her Web site had more than a million page views in the past year. She has the top-selling patterns on Etsy.com. What’s all the buzz? It’s the growing delight of knitters and crocheters everywhere as they discover Amy’s easy-to-make amigurumi toys. Despite the spotlight, Amy is inclined to be modest about her accomplishments. She’s also quick to give credit to her family for their help. “My eight-year-old daughter inspires me,” Amy says. “From the beginning, I’ve been creating toys for Audrey. She actually dreams up the majority of these little characters! She draws them and I develop them with yarn.”

To be released in August 2010, Little Knitted Creatures will be available in book and craft stores, and at Amazon.com, leisurearts.com, and theleisureboutique.com. Crocheters will also want to meet Amy’s fun crocheted critters in leaflets #4271 Cute Little Animals and #5125 More Cute Little Animals. With amigurumi, the fun never ends!

Leisure Arts, Inc. is one of the world’s largest publishers and distributors of lifestyle and do-it-yourself publications including decorating & entertaining, knitting & crocheting, quilting & sewing, painting, scrapbooking, kids crafts, and a variety of other needlework and crafting activities.

Publication Specifications:

• Opportunities to take in-depth workshops with experts in that media
• An Instructor roster featuring 28 of the top mixed media artists whose work is featured in magazines and galleries
• Shopping at the Artists’ Faire, a mixed media marketplace for hard-to-find supplies and one-of-a-kind finished artworks
• A collaborative venue to showcase your creative talents
• Fun and freewheeling Artist Challenges with opportunities to win special prizes

The CREATE Retreat was designed by the editorial team at Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine-it’s by artists for artists -so that you can expand your repertoire of techniques and learn innovative ways to combine them.

Exploring mixed media with so many amazing teachers all under one roof is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Classes are small and space is limited for this exclusive event. Sign up early for the best chance of securing your preferred sessions!

Register NOW!