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After something cool, new and quirky? If you like to be a  step ahead of the pack when it comes to all things cool, check out the latest Art's Insider...
The New Zealand craft scene is exploding and it’s the best time to get involved, whether you are a creator or a customer. There has been an influx of talented crafters trading their wares at craft shows all over the country, and what makes a better gift than a hand made one this Christmas? I went to Kraftbomb last month and absorbed the many stalls of jewellery, soft toys, clothes, accessories, paper goods, books, journals, zines, arts, design and music. It was fantastic, although very popular so if you decide to visit a show this month make sure you get there early! Some stand out nzgirl crafters are Sock It To Me: Sock Monkeys by Miss Deb, Lily’s Make Believe: Owl necklaces, Owl Factory and Geek Freeks: Plush toys. Check out a craft fair near you (details below) or check most of these talented crafters on Toggle.co.nz or Felt.co.nz, two great sites showcasing all things handmade by New Zealanders.  Kraftbomb Sunday November 30, 2008, 11-2 pm Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland (and the last Sunday of every month). Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Although Craft 2.0 is finished for the year, they promise shows as soon as March. Keep an eye on their website for any updates. Craftwerk Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. I was super stoked to be invited to the Massey University Design Exposure 08 Auckland Exhibition. A classy and professional showcase of the graduating final year students best work. There were some awesome projects by some talented nzgirls including Justine Leigh’s gorgeous Laptop Bag designs, Briar vanAmeringen’s pro-voting illustrated street posters and my favourite, Kendyl Middelbeeks ‘see red’. A project exploring the identity and subculture surrounding redheads in today’s society. You can check out the exhibition online at www.designexposure.co.nz. C huck – Season 1 on DVD It took a couple of episodes for Chuck to become one of my favourites on TV at the time, so it’s great that season one is now available on DVD. Especially if you happened to miss it! Chuck is adorable, his friend Morgan is hilarious and it really is every nerdy computer gamers dream to become a government spy with a giant top-secret computer database trapped inside his head. Especially if that database is needed to save the world and fight all evil! It’s an entertaining watch, Chuck is super-cute AND it also makes an excellent Christmas present for that awkward-nerdy-gamer-guy in your life. Buy it online from Mighty Ape.
Little Pictures – Owl + Owl
I heard Little Pictures while shopping one day at Method in Newmarket (my favourite store). I overheard the lovely guy behind the counter telling customers about them, a little Google later and I am in love with a new electro-pop couplet from Wellington. Little Pictures are real-life couple Johanna Freeman and Mark Turner who are only 20. Their ‘bedroom-pop’ duo has only been around for about a year. Little Pictures’ debut album Owl + Owl features the catchy tunes of ‘I Wish I could Keep You’ and ‘This House Can Fit Us All’. Check out their MySpace page for more info and to listen to more singles. They are something a little different to what I normally listen to, but I’m loving their fresh- electro/happy beats! Ghost Town If you are a fan of Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extras), this movie is a must see. Bertram (Gervais) is a man whose people skills are awkward and well pretty rubbish! When Bertrum dies unexpectedly – for seven minutes exactly, he wakes up to discover that he now has the ability to see ghosts. The annoying and hilarious ghosts all want something from him, particularly Frank (Greg Kinnear – Little Miss Sunshine), who pesters him into breaking up the impending marriage of his widow Gwen (Tea Leoni, Fun with Dick and Jane, Spanglish). Take the boy if he is a fan too! Now showing. At Kraftbomb I met Sharon and Nicola, two nzgirls behind the new zine ‘Cardboard Box’. Sharon and Nicola together with their ‘art school’ buddies have started an ultra cool indie zine full of crafts, illustration, photography, design, fashion and music features. I love that these gorgeous girls are highlighting their community’s talent through this unique publication. You can you a copy of your own online from Cherry Bomb Comics, Iko and Conch in Auckland and iWellington, Eyeball Kicks, Manky Chops Gallery, Offbeat Originals Cafe and Madame Fancy Pants and Swonderful. If you are keen to contribute email the girls at cardboardboxzine@gmail.com, they are always looking for new content! Sarah Gauntlett
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