Tuesday, 8 July 2014

X-Ray Art

Copyright: Arie van 't Riet 

How beautiful are these? Physicist Arie van't Riet created radiographs of objects to teach his students in the field of radiation physics. He's now turned these x-ray photos into works of art by colouring in Photoshop. Being a radiologist, the colour slightly offends me (!) but the skeletons and innards more than make up for it.

Saturday, 5 July 2014

Crafting Cuteness


I've recently become quite obsessed with amigurumi ever since I crocheted a teddy for my nephew and helped a friend crochet one too. And while she was busy crocheting and I was directing I made this little fellow and he took a selfie. Just because I had spare yarn and I could! I know he's pointless - what am I going to do with a mini-mouse toy? - but he's so adorable. 

He got quite a reaction on facebook, so much so that I've since made a robin as a birthday present for a friend (she's already received it so it's OK to post here) and am in the process of making a pony (pics coming soon)! Maybe I'll just start my own little menagerie of woolly animals and surround myself with cuteness?

I think the reason I got into crocheting and knitting presents was I wanted to be able to give something personal and unique that I had spent time and thought into putting together. I know that I would love to receive something like that. And I never seem to be able to find what I want in the shops. I made a teddy bear a while back for my nephew as well as a blanket and have crocheted and knitted several blankets and scarves since then!

And best of all, the patterns for the teddy and the mouse are free online!

The Wonderful World of Kumihimo





So, I recently got into making friendship bracelets. I like to think I've graduated beyond the chevron I used to make and wear with pride at primary school, thanks to Pinterest and all the free friendship bracelet patterns I've found on there. But I've discovered a level beyond that, a technique called "Kumihimo". Such beautiful ropes of colour and, should you be so adventurous, sparkly beads. I can't wait to give this a go. Now I just have to find the boards used to make it, although, being a DIYer it would be truly DIY if I made it myself surely. Once I've gathered the necessary tools (and made my mother despair at me buying even more crafts supplies) updates shall be forthcoming.

Introduction

So, it was part of my New Year's Resolution to write a proper blog, and to be dedicated to it. I figure it will help with my dedication issues to projects (see my "about" text). And what will I blog about? Everything, you lucky things. I get bored so very easily, like a twitchy meerkat, so I have to have variety to keep me interested. And variety I shall create. A smidgeon of radiology, a soupçon of arts-and-crafts, a scintilla of literature, a speck of current affairs, all with a thread of whimsy. As well as anything else that takes my fancy. 

That should keep me busy, right?