iCraft Current Blog by Lyra Pappin

Arts and Cultural development in Botswana have done more to promote its growth than other endeavours, thus the government continues to support these programs with the involvement of a new traditional dance troupe. They are still looking to encourage growth of the arts into mainstream society.

We know the situation is dire since Dancing With the Stars: Africa is yet to premiere . Read more

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A woman with the best nickname ever, “ The Bag Lady ”, is taking old plastic bags and turning them into different pieces including totes, rugs, handbags, and hats. Being environmentally friendly, the recycled pieces are finding their way into some stores around the U.S.

Image credit: wikihow.com: How to Prepare Plastic Bags for Knitting or Crochet Read more

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Tyra Banks and Top Model producer Ken Mok are creating a show for those who want to work in the fashion industry.

The fashion world hopefuls will compete in teams, and judges will narrow them down until they find the ultimate fashion assistant. Is it just me, or does that sound depressing? Read more

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New York’s City Council, the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Department for the Aging are pooling $1 million to bring arts programs to 150 senior citizen groups around the city. I heard their first project will be to make 10,000 Bingo cards. :)

Read full story: N.Y. Spends $1 Million to Move Seniors Beyond Bingo Into Arts Read more

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Bono joins some of today’s most high profile contemporary artists including Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst to help raise money for AIDS relief in Africa at what Sotheby’s is calling its biggest contemporary art charity auction ever.

"The (Red) Auction" is estimated to take in up to $29 million. I think Bono’s sunglasses collection alone would be worth the millions they expect to raise.... Read more

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Although it’s probably not what author Philip Pullman had in mind when he wrote it, a Japanese jeweler has created an actual golden compass , which is worth 30 million yen ($281,400) .

A pure 18-carat gold compass inspired by the movie “The Golden Compass” starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig enchants with its craftsmenship.

Designed by Japanese jeweler Tanaka Kikinzoku, this golden... Read more

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The New York Fashion Week provides a glimpse into the upcoming trends for the spring. Style editor Bobbie Thomas says that feminine dresses, minimalist tones, and well-tailored clothes are in.

"The trend to tone down and tame volume continues. Big and baggy will be replaced with traditional tailoring and more body-conscious silhouettes. Even relaxed pieces with a loose feel will most likely be cinched... Read more

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A group of flight attendants were recently treated to flight expert Mim Allgood’s instructions for travelling in style. Allgood preaches the necessity of constant hydration while flying and offers tips about the best ways to reapply makeup during flight.

She also firmly states that alcohol is only acceptable when accompanied by two glasses of water. I guess I’ll be spending a lot of time in the... Read more

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80-year-old Leona Lozada from El Paso has taken celebrity up a notch by creating cross-stitched representations of them.

The senior has become a local hit and after stitching such famous female figures as Princess Diana, Oprah, and Ellen, I can only assume it’s just a matter of time before my face is cross-stitched into history. :)

Read full story: (broken link, removed)
Photo credit:... Read more

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A college senior from San Antonio named Chris Moreno has turned his love of, that’s right, crocheting , into a lucrative part-time job while studying earth sciences. He makes beanies, scarves and handbags.

Apparantly, San Antonio student is not the only men that's into crafts. Former Sex and the City" hunk Jason Lewis is busying himself with a new creative pastime - knitting ... Knit me... Read more

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