The hit UK documentary series My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding has come to this side of the Atlantic, currently showing on TLC. The series offers a rare glimpse into the traditionally secretive Irish traveller community. Despite the show title, Irish travelers are not related to the Romani people. Misnomer or not, I found the series a compelling watch. How can it not with colorful dresses like these:

One of the main topics of discussion here at SU is the concept of open source science and its affect on the future. You can now create and manipulate DNA in your garage or with your local community. This idea is generating excitement and fear. As the sciences become more accessible some people are reveling in the creativity of creating DNA art, while others are fearing a crazy viral outbreak or mutant rat take over. 

If you want to know more about what is happening in this area, The First Open Source Sciences Summit is shared online today. They are discussing how open source sciences push scientific exploration and innovation through open collaborative processes. The sciences included quantum computing, DIY biology, mathmatics, informatics, and much more. 

Watch the summit right NOW, here is the link!  http://fora.tv/live/open_science/open_science_summit_2010

Article first published as Grow House Grow Wallpapers on Technorati.

There is nothing like uncovering history in your walls. Or in the case of Katie Deedy, covering your walls with history. Whatever the case, you'll love Katie Deedy's new Naturalist wall paper collection. Deedy, of Grow House Grow, presented her inspiring collection wallpapers at BKLYN Designs 2010 last week.

Like all of her work, this collection is narrative-based with stories that accompany each design. In this year's Naturalist collection, she is inspired by historical female scientists.

Some of the  scientists she's chosen to explore are Mary Treat (1830-1923), a lover of carnivorous botanicals, Mary Ward (1827-1869) a women with a passion for microscopy in insects, and Jeanne Villepreux-Power (1794-1871) who invented the world's first aquarium.

Published on Technorati, May 11, 2010

How many times have you used a pattern, a recipe, or done a craft and changed a couple of the ingredients or the materials to suit you needs? Well, it's no different with hardware.

Cute Circuit, a wearable technology company, has made the red carpet in style. Katy Perry wore a beautifully designed illuminated gown to the the Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4th. The dress has a colorful rotating pattern made from over 300 LED lights with an on-off switch hidden in the cleavage. Katy told InStyle that, “Fashion can be a little stuffy, so I wanted to lighten up.” Mission accomplished!

"Want more of those flashing lights? For a more dramatic disco effect, click the image below from JEZEBEL!"

(More images after the break)

Switch is happy to welcome sustainability designer Bao-Khang Luu as a guest blogger this week.

Bao is an artist, web designer, and life-long upcycler in New York City.  He likes to design with a multidisciplinary approach, combining ubiquitous computing, microbiology, dance, and, most importantly, cupcakes. One of his current ventures includes a line of eco-friendly lighting made from post-consumer waste such as six-pack rings and plastic shopping bags. He is also  collaborating with designer Alice An of Candifiend Studio and architect Fidelma Hawney in creating a collection of upcycled statement jewelry.

Bao will be highlighting the importance and beauty of sustainability and upcycling in design practice. Welcome Bao!

One of the things I love about the online crafting and the DIY community is our ability to help each other. Right now, a good friend is working on an amazing project to make an open source jacquard loom. What this means is that the software and hardware to control the loom will be designed for the general public and free for all. This technology can help craftsman in developing countries, give artists and local fashion designers control over their own woven designs, and give educational institutions the ability to afford and customize a loom to their needs. This idea is revolutionary.

Be a part of the OSLOOM revolution! Go to Kickstarter, and support OSLOOM. There are some really great prizes for donating to this cause. (more after the break)

[Image from ComicMix.]

For all those with short attention spans, (like me), and want to get right to the Gunn - hang in there. I am going to try to make a point - I promise it will be short. If you just can't wait to see Tim Gunn, the video is after the break!

I walked by a nail salon in my neighborhood yesterday and saw they had Minx Nails! Minx, the latest in nail technology, are heat activated stickers cut to the shape and size of your nail. Celebs like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Lil Kim, and Blake Lively love them! Supposedly,they last for up to 2 weeks on your hands and 3 -4 weeks on your toes. Hmmm.... we'll have to see if they can handle a week on this crafty girls hands.

I'll holla back and post a photo when I get them done. The hardest part for me is knowing what style to pick, they are all so freaking cool!

This is not your grandma's quilt! Last week in Rio de Janeiro, participants at the Clube de Idéias created 64 interactive patches for Aniomagic's interactive quilt workshop. The participants were passersbys who stopped for a few minutes to sew, iron, decorate, or program. The patches often have many authors, combining skills and styles to create a truly unique interactive artifact. Each patch has a mimeolight, a light you program with flashlight or waving of your hands, which makes it easily programmed and personalized. (Images after the break)

Go to Aniomagic's website to find out more!

[Flash 10 is required to watch video.]