Book Review: The Paper Bride

The Paper Bride is the latest book from my friend Esther K. Smith, who is part of the duo that runs the terrific NYC based Purgatory Pie Press. With a concern for the environment and an interest in promoting DIY culture, Esther once again presents a wonderful collection of paper based projects that encourage brides and grooms to spend more time at home making things together and less time spending money on wasteful items that will often end up in the trash moments after the ceremony is done. The lavishly illustrated book features plenty of easy to follow instructions for making everything from a unique proposal to a funky photo album and would make a great gift item or a treat to yourself before diving into the world of wedding planning.

The Paper Bride
Esther K. Smith
Potter Craft
$24.99

Book Review: Magic Books & Paper Toys

My friends at Purgatory Pie Press are at it again, Esther Smith has put out another beautiful book on DIY paper craft: Magic Books & Paper Toys. With everyone's eyes on the bottom line these days Magic Books is a perfect antidote to the consumption driven happiness that has been sold to us for so long. With dozens of classic paper projects that are easy to do, like flip books and magic wallets, this two-sided book, filled with lovely hand-drawn directions, should be on every family's coffee table in place of the remote control.

Magic Books & Paper Toys
by Esther K. Smith
Potter Craft
$21.95

DIY Artist

For those of you who can't afford an original Damien Hirst or Banksy piece, why not create your own? iArtistLondon has put together the tools you need to get started as an "artist" in handy kit form. There are several well known British artists to pick from, though the site doesn't make it clear if this is merely a parody or something they'll really sell you.

Has it come to this? Make your own money...

The always entertaining Atypyk has a new product appropriate for the current economy: Color-It-Yourself Money. Hopefully there are some people left who can actually afford to buy these.

Linkage: Cooking with Blockbuster and Pimping the Homeless

Growing your own food and have too much, why not trade with fellow gardeners? Thanks Scott!

PimpThisBum.com written on homeless man's sign makes a real difference. (image shown) via Thanks Russ!

New label to look out for in the coming years: Water Stewardship. via

E-waste recycling done right, in pictures (image shown). Thanks Mim!

Improv Everywhere's April Fool's video ends fooling newscasters who don't do their research.

DIY stove made from Blockbuster drop box. (image shown)

Target Women's hilarious take on Carl's Jr. ads is not to be missed.

DIY Fonts

FontShop, a popular typeface company has embraced the current DIY ethic by creating a free online font creation tool: FontStruct. Not only is it designed for ease of use, but the resulting fonts are then available for free download under a variety of Creative Commons licences! Find out more, get fonts, or make your own HERE.

DIY Toolbox: Screen Printing

My friend Spencer at Team 8 Press created this lovely, simple "how to" PDF for creating your own screen printed posters/t-shirts. Download it HERE.

How To Make Books

My friend Esther, from the lovely little artists' letterpress Purgatory Pie Press, has a new book out that is definitely worth picking up. Chock full of easy instructions with clear illustrations How To Make Books is a handy resource for crafters, zinesters, designers, recyclers, and artists alike. I especially like the suggestions for making books out of recycled paper, envelopes, postcards, and even cake boxes! Plus the whole thing is beautifully designed and would make a lovely conversation piece on your coffee table. Look for it at your local independent bookseller!