the Craft Book Project

I wanted to take a minute to share the source of that lovely logo at the top of the page…doncha just love that handwritten look? My brother, Erik, who

recently graduated from UVA (high five, little bro!), designed it for me. I wanted to send him a shout-out because his work is the bomb. In fact, you can check it out at erikdelosreyes.com. If you’re interested in having someone speedy, smart, and creative design you a logo, hit him up!

I love Pinterest. I, like the rest of you, can spend hours upon hours there. One of my favorite Saturday morning activities, in fact, is doing just that: coffee, Pinterest, couch. I could sit there for hours. It’s better than re-runs of Friends (ok, maybe not quite).

Just before I got on (you can follow me there if you like, @likesoatmeal) I read Diane of Craftypod’s post about Pinterest and copyright/credit-giving. It sat in the back of my mind as I clicked through uncredited after uncredited photo. I decided I would always put the title of the blog I got my inspiration from in each pin, and I have. I try not to repin, which isn’t very social of me, because I want to know where everything comes from.

Who doesn’t love this?

But I also felt a fair bit of sympathy for non-credit-givers. It doesn’t say anywhere on Pinterest “CREDIT YOUR SOURCES!” And as an English composition TA, I have experienced firsthand how difficult the concept of giving proper credit is (the terror of plagiarism haunts students more than anything else).

Yesterday, I read this article about how Pinterest violates copyright, or allows people to violate it, while getting off scot-free. The guilt was official: guys, you should really credit your pins! It’s not hard, and besides, then you’ll see what blog your awesome tutorial for Calvin and Hobbes snowman truffles came from and when you’re trolling the internet for new tutorials, you can hop back over there and see what’s new!

Maybe it’s just the composition teacher in me, but I don’t give anyone a fail for not doing this. Just like plagiarism in college, there’s no course in internet source-crediting. But, it seems as though going forward, mentioning where you got your pin is a good thing to do. Maybe it will discourage websites from putting “nopin” code into their sites and allow us to keep creating awesome pinboards for cake.

Photo from Martha Stewart, home to many cute card tutorials

On Sunday, I held my first ever craft party. It was awesome. My friend Jennie asked me if I would lead Valentine’s Day craft night the week before, so I dug out my piles of paper and stickers and we got to it. Fueled by brownies, someone made a valentine-coupon book, someone else made a cootie catcher, and I made a few little cards to hide in the cereal cabinet : ) So much love!

I highly recommend you throw together a craft night–all it takes is an email out to any vaguely crafty friends  and some space on the floor. In my <700 square foot apartment, we fit eight people, no problem. Oh, and a few supplies–ask your pals to bring what they have. I was amazed at how many people I knew owned glitter glue!!

We ate brownies, and I tried a new recipe that came out more cake-like than I wanted. Here are a few that I am bookmarking to try next craft night…

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies by Joy the Baker

Cocoa Brownies from Alton Brown

Peppermint Patty Brownies — I’ve actually made these before, and they changed my life.

…me!

Craft did a series of awesome interviews (that link is with one of my faves, Diane of Craftypod) with crafty folks. Thought I’d re-introduce myself and update you-all on my crafty endeavors. Here goes!

One project I am particularly proud of…

Well, I’d have to say this survey. I’ve never contacted so many people before, or tweeted so often, or internet-met so many awesome folks! It was a lot of work, but I learned how to make a website and how to organize a LOT of info.

Two mistakes I’ve made in the past…

Oh, there are so many to choose from.

1. Getting my nose pierced twice and letting it go twice. I kind of want to get my nose pierced again, but given my track record, I don’t think it’s wise.

2. Worrying about every cookie I ever ate in college. There were so many cookies, and I felt guilty about every single one. Life improved immeasurably when I learned to let the cookies go.

Three things that make my work unique…

1. I try hard to write about things that show something interesting about our era, often related to women and girls. I think these things aren’t talked about as much, but have a huge impact on what’s going on in our country.

2. I like to be straightforward. No jargon, please.

3. I used to be a math major! So, I like to explain things and I try to make numbers readable.

Four tools you love to use…

1. Clipboard, like April in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

2. Thin markers.

3. My Gingher scissors.

4. A tiny voice recorder with a USB port.