Get Crafty Press

The LA Times says: Jean Railla's getcrafty.com—the "home of the craftistas"—was the first website to bring together the new generation of crafters. And as William Morris had for the Arts and Crafts revival of the late 19th century, Railla, more than anyone, articulated its philosophy. Her 2004 manifesto, the book "Get Crafty: Hip Home Ec," set forth the tenets of the New Domesticity: "Part of crafting your life is not getting caught up in all the shoulds. If you don't want to bake muffins, then, by all means, don't bake muffins."

The Chicago Tribune says: Railla, who says she interviewed hundreds of women for her book "Get Crafty: Hip Home Ec" (Broadway Books, $15), found that large numbers of them are making a statement against sweatshop labor and mass production and a world they see as increasingly homogenized and dominated by chain stores.
Entire article

Satya Magazine says: Get Crafty: Hip Home Ec by Jean Railla is a thoughtful book about how to live. In it Railla combines feminist manifesto with craft tips, instructions, and introductions to many crafty ladies around the world.

Debbie Stoller editor of Bust Magazine and author of Stitch-n-Bitch says: “Martha Stewart meets Patti Smith in this essential homemaking manual for the modern-day gal (and guy). With projects ranging from the straightforward (how to paint your room) to the sublime (Jean's grandmother's Madeleine recipe) as well as a keen sense of both the political and spiritual reasons for why young people are embracing the "New Domesticity," Get Crafty is the best proof yet that crafting is the new rock n' roll.”

"Pretty Crafty"
Time Magazine, March 7, 2005

"Getting Crafty as Feminist Statement"
Satya Magazine, Feb. 2005

"Get Crafty Book Review"
Melt Magazine, Feb. 2005

"Bohemian Rhapsody"
The Times-Picayune, Feb. 12 2005

"Crafty Revolution" (Cover Story)
Pacific Northwest Inlander, Jan. 27 2005

"How to be the Life of the Party"
Lifetimetv.com, Jan. 2005

"Getting Crafty"
Shape Magazine, Jan. 2005

"Hip home ec for hobbyists"
USA Weekend, Dec. 3-5 2004

"Get Crafty"
Bust Magazine, September 2004

Get Crafty, the book.

When Jean Railla was in her twenties, she thought being a bohemian meant smoking in cafes and going home to a crummy, dusty walk-up apartment. But then she had a shocking thought —would vacuuming really get her booted from the riot grrls club? So she began to cook, and then to knit and then she took up sewing. Soon she had launched getcrafty.com, the webzine for radical craftiness.

Get Crafty is about realizing that domesticity matters--that an apartment with handmade pillows or a bathroom with an Elvis theme is more life-affirming than the same old Ikea couch. Jean inspires readers to start making creative choices throughout their lives—in the way they shop, cook, dress, decorate and, of course, craft. You will learn to consciously create your space, experience the joy of making things by hand, find the zen in cleaning, stock your pantry, and find treasure in the trash. It’s Home Ec, only hip.

You’ll learn:
* The joy of making it yourself, with instructions for a knit bikini, DIY cards, floral soap, and homemade peppermint lip gloss
* Create your own space and make simple home improvements
* Take a quiz: Which craft is right for you?
* A guide to thrifting
* Take up Craftivism: 20 crafty causes that make a difference
* Organize crafty girl groups, and host a Naked Lady party

Get Crafty is more than craft projects; it’s a new way of thinking and living, a way of finding happiness by expressing yourself creatively in every aspect of your life.

"First we were lucky enough to have getcrafty.com. Now we have the Get Crafty book! It is such a smart and original guide to living your life in a more conscious and fulfilling way. Jean Railla's slogan, 'craft your life' is one of my favorite things to think about now. Let Jean lead our craft revolution!"

--Clare Crespo, author of The Secret Life of Food

JEAN RAILLA is the founder and editor of getcrafty.com and a regular contributor to Bust Magazine. She lives in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village with her husband and so