August 24

Out of this World-British Library

sciencefictionThere are at least a million different things a geek can do in London, and in my effort to do them all, alas, I failed. One major highlight was the current free exhibition at The British Library (for us yanks, it is like The Library of Congress), Out Of This World: Science Fiction, But Not as You Know it.

First, I am a bibliophile, so this was like Disneyland for me, except at Disneyland you can take pictures and touch things. Each section of the exhibition had a specific theme ranging from the birth of Science Fiction (in the 1600s!), Utopian societies, distopian societies, graphic novels, robots (did you know that the first “robots” in literature were actually synthetically made human slaves, and not machines?), and more. Among these were impeccable, perfect first editions, that made me drool, with some of the most beautiful, and outright cool cover art you will ever see. One major highlight was an original telegram sent from George Orwell to his publisher, lamenting that 1984 would have been “better” if it had not “been written under the influence of TB”, where he goes on to call Satre a “big bag of wind”.

I could write for days on the books on display and how amazing it was to see hand written pages of first drafts, books hundreds of years old, amazing posters (see?), but what really struck me were the interactives they had set up, for all age ranges. You (or your kid) can use an interactive touch screen to draw your own alien, and then watch it join other hand drawn aliens dancing around on the wall behind, there was a sleepy robot that was motion activated that carried on conversation about his favorite science fiction robots, a computer where you could challenge AI to the Turin’s Test, and at least five other things I didn’t have time for.

All in all, this would be an amazing stop in London (runs until September 25), even (or maybe especially) if you have kids in tow.

Category: Books, Comics, Computers, Craft, Gadgets, Geek, History, Sci-Fi, Science, Toys, Video Games | Comments Off on Out of this World-British Library
August 23

Tutorial Tuesday: Harry Potter Sunglasses

All you fantastic, trendsetting Geekcrafts readers have probably got your early access passes for Pottermore.

But for all of you who are left behind, weeping into your sorting hat, don’t dismay! We’ve got some HP awesomeness brought to you by blogger Moinette.

Did you go see The Deathly Hallows Part 2 in 3D? did you get some amazing Harry Potter 3D glasses? Follow Moinette’s tutorial to give them a new lease of life as the most Potteriffic sunglasses you’ve ever laid eyes on.

Who needs Pottermore anyhow?

Category: Books, Craft, Geek, Movies | Comments Off on Tutorial Tuesday: Harry Potter Sunglasses
August 22

3D Dalek Embroidery

New episodes of Doctor Who start Saturday! Of course that’s what I’ve been thinking about all weekend, so I give you a 3D Dalek! Britter25 made this for her Dr. Whoopla swap partner (along with an embroidery of Ten…in 3D glasses of course!) over at Craftster. She based the Dalek off of this card. Britter25 said she may start doing everything in 3D, and I can’t blame her–this looks so cool! I wish I had the old red and blue glasses so I knew if it really works (hint hint)

Category: Craft, Geek, Sci-Fi, TV | Comments Off on 3D Dalek Embroidery
August 22

Reader Submission: Etched Portal Glass

This etched Portal glass (or Handheld Portal Vessel) was made and submitted by Flickr user Rappe.

Would you drink out of a glass with the Aperture Science logo on it? if so you’re braver than me.

I was transfixed by the blue and orange drink… luckily Rappe clears up the mystery of the ingredients over at the Spritestitch boards:
“The drink we ended up coming up with was mango smoothie on the bottom and Blueberry Lemonade Jones soda on the top. It was surprisingly tasty, but less than a minute after the pictures were taken the smoothie floated up to the top and got all gross looking. Still tasted great though.”

 

Category: Computers, Craft, Games, Geek, Science, Video Games | Comments Off on Reader Submission: Etched Portal Glass
August 21

Chicago Comic Con 2011 – Review (with cosplay!)

For their birthdays, many women might ask for a day at the spa, or a shopping spree, or at least a fancy dinner. While I can have my girly-girl moments, I really wanted some time when I could bond with my family, and make some lasting memories, before my first-born heads off to college next fall. So I asked for what any good mother to a family of geeks would ask for – a trip to Comic Con.

Wizard World Comic Con - Chicago

Last weekend we took a road trip to Wizard World’s Comic Con in Chicago, held at Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, home primarily to all things comic book, but also sci-fi, fantasy, and generally geeky in nature.  The Con was a very decent size, and took us about 5 hours to get through. We could have spent longer, but that was all our trip itinerary would allow.

The view from the entrance was quite impressive and a little overwhelming.

Chicago Comic Con 2011 entrance

We decided to just go through each of the aisles, making note of interesting things, before attacking with our wallets.  And always considering our GeekCrafts readers, I put everyone on photo duty for all the interesting cosplay (costume-play) adventures. You’re welcome.

My husband has over 100 pics posted in a Google Album, but here is a sampling to whet your appetite [after the jump]. Continue reading

Category: Comics, Geek, Movies, Sci-Fi, TV | Comments Off on Chicago Comic Con 2011 – Review (with cosplay!)
August 20

Totoro Mushroom Earrings

Totoro Mushroom EarringsHow better to wrap up Totoro week here on Geekcrafts than with these adorable Totoro Mushroom Earrings.  Now you can wear your Totoro pride everywhere you go, and every week can be Totoro week.

Mulanjade from Etsy hand crafts these cute little earrings from polymer clay, and you have to admit that they are fantastic.

Check out the earrings!

Visit mulanjade on Etsy!

Totoro week is over, but it isn’t over in our hearts.  Check out more awesome Totoro stuff on Geekcrafts!

Category: Anime, Craft, Geek | Comments Off on Totoro Mushroom Earrings