By: Shannon Beahen
Photos: Monika Plawna
Some people default to their local pub when there’s nothing to do on a Friday Night. If you’re Melanie Yugo or her partner Jason Pelletier, you start your own craft and DJ night and bring it to the people.
Spins & Needles is a quirky blend of do-it-yourself projects and funky live-spun beats. It started at the Bank Street Clocktower Brew Pub, has made pitstops at Shanghai restaurant, La Petite Mort Gallery and other special venues but currently makes its home at the Montgomery Legion Hall on Kent Street to accommodate a large following.
Originally subsisting off of the DIY appetite endemic in the indie community, the unassuming event has now grown into a fave monthly pastime for a broad audience of students, young professionals, artists and the occasional granny. Brought together by their love of music and aversion to idle hands, the eclectic group of participants have contributed to the event’s longevity long enough for it to recently announce a 3-year anniversary.
Most socially active urbanites have by now at least heard of the interactive affair thanks to muchos media coverage, well deserved word-of-mouth and posters plastered around town. But what even regulars might not know about S&N is that it has gone global. That’s right; a trend birthed right here in the capital now has demand out west, down south and overseas. With the formula down and an international network of DIY community connections, Melanie is able to easily bring S&N on the road. In the past year, Montreal, Toronto, San Fran, Brooklyn, Aachen, Halifax and more have been schooled in the art of things like silkscreening, sewing, book binding and if you’re lucky – sock monkey making.
The popularity of this event isn’t surprising considering the DIY ethic has ascended from a grass roots movement to permeate mass media (how many home décor/improvement shows can the broadcasters continue to dream up?). But Melanie believes the trend has a bit more depth. “I think it has a lot to do with consumption. A lot more people are conscious of the environment,” she says. That sentiment combined with S&N’s novelty (where else can you spend five bucks, supplies included, to be expertly guided through an activity while listening to obscure and edgy beats?) and a strong sense of inclusiveness (newbies and experienced crafters alike are welcome) easily explain why other cities want in.
The appeal of owning something original and the sense of empowerment gained from using your own hands to make it are hard to deny. To find out for ourselves, Dharma kidnapped Ms. Yugo for an evening of brain-picking and scissor snipping.
Get the creative juices flowing – we’re about to make a craft!
We asked Melanie to walk us through the craft that started it all. As we toast to Spins & Needles’ 3-year anniversary, here’s something to put your drink on when you’re done.
4” x 4” ceramic tiles (from any hardware store)
Old magazines (heavy on visuals)
Glue (white, all-purpose)
Scissors
Sheets of felt or foam rubber (have fun with colours)
Sponge brush
Margarine container (or receptacle of your choice)
Water
A pen
Scour your magazines for images that catch your eye. Don’t worry about what’s going to go where at this point. Cut out several, then mix and match later.
Look for a range of colours and patterns. Source photos and illustrations, interesting graphic elements and letters or whole words.
Start assembling your cut-outs on your dry tile to see how they work. Watch for themes to emerge – maybe it’s colour that will dictate the cut-outs you choose (we got hung up on black and white) or perhaps it’s something more conceptual (dig the deep social commentary behind our mannequin head coaster).
You might opt for one big image to cover your tile (see our red coaster) or several tiny ones. Should you choose the latter, don’t be afraid to let images overlap – much of the charm of découpage comes from a texturized end product.
Once you’re happy with the design-to-be, trim images to fit the 4” x 4” tile.
Prepare your glue solution by lightly watering the glue down in your old margarine container. Use your sponge brush to apply a thin layer of the solution to each image as it sits in place on the coaster. Keep in mind: the solution should be applied over top of the image not underneath.
Don’t worry if your magazine cut-outs appear wet at this stage, they will dry quickly. Once they do, apply another layer of the solution to create a veneered effect.
Trace the outline of an unfinished tile onto a sheet of felt or rubber foam. Cut inside the lines for a square that measures just inside the dimensions of your tile. Using undiluted glue, apply the felt/foam sheet to the underside of your finished coaster (this will protect your table).
Set your drink down and enjoy a practical home accessory by yours truly.
Spins & Needles to hold a Special Edition night
at the National Gallery
In conjunction with the Gallery's evening program Artsparks, this Spins & Needles event will feature late-night access to the Gallery's contemporary collection, interactive art/craft projects, music by DJs Jason Pelletier and Meterman and guided tours.
When: Thursday May 15th @ 7 p.m.-11 p.m.
Where: National Gallery of Canada (380 Sussex Dr. @ St. Patrick)
Cover: $12 (Members: $10)
Tickets for purchase at the ticket counter. Includes all project materials and instructions. Also includes guided tours of the contemporary collection from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Cash bar @ the event. 19+
Know Can Do is a Dharma Arts column that goes to the local experts for advice when you want to cook a feast, transform your old wardrobe into a dress-to-impress dream, or simply build the greatest couch fort ever seen by a loved one. Knowledge is artistic power!