The Cutting Edge: Scotland’s Contemporary Crafts Catriona Baird, exhibition project curator, explains the background to The Cutting Edge alongside a photographic preview of work from the exhibition. Collect Goes from Strength to Strength Dale Idiens reviews Collect 07: the International Art Fair for Contemporary Objects at the V&A in London.Salacious Salome and Velvet Swing Coats The Masters Fashion Promenade 2006 at Glasgow School of Art showcased work by nine postgraduate students from around the world studying MDes Textiles as Fashion. Knitted Handa Birds and the Ghost of Cape Wrath School Echoes of the past came into the present in Mackay Country in November 2006 when textile artist, Deirdre Nelson, and paper artist, Joanne Kaar, were artists in residence.Skillful Exhibition of Experimental Recycling A review on behalf of craftscotland by Dale Idiens of the exhibition Green, which features work on the theme of recyling by members of design-ED. Autumn Inspirations for the Home Ideas for bringing autumn into the home from silversmith Beth Legg, basketmaker Lise Bech, glass designers Glasstorm and ceramicist Veronica Newman. Glass Reaches Unexplored Territories in Unforgettable Show The exhibition 'Reflections: a Decade of North Lands Creative Glass' is reviewed on behalf of craftscotland by Caroline Ednie.Scottish Designers make their Mark at First Origin Success for Scottish designers as exhibitors are chosen for the first Origin: the London Craft Fair, which replaces Chelsea Crafts Fair in 2006.Fast and Furious Knitting from Hazel and Jenny Hazel Tindall defends her title as the World's fastest knitter while student Jenny McHardy challenges perceptions with her knitted 'urban armour'. First Gift-buying Exhibition Deserves to Succeed Dale Idiens reviews 'gifted', the first selling exhibition to be held in the Royal Museum.Potent Scottish Jewellery and Silversmithing is 100% Proof An exhibition of new jewellery and silversmithing from Scotland, 100% Proof, is reviewed on behalf of craftscotland by Caroline Ednie. Japan Influences Covered Baskets which Protect, Enclose and Hide A solo exhibition of new baskets by Anna King in Tokyo features new work inspired by Japan and her first completely covered baskets.A Diary from Thailand Ceramicist Frances Priest, currently working as artist in residence in a school in Thailand, shares her experiences and adventures.Intimidating Knitting Protects from Emotional Harm Scottish graduate Jenny McHardy confronts perceptions and creates intimidating knitting.“We Listened to Fourtet…” Ceramicist Frances Priest shares her Thailand experience of creating a suspended installation with children from the Fountain of Life.Patrick Dougherty in Conversation An interview with American artist Patrick Dougherty who constructed the Big Willow sculpture on the Brahan Estate near Dingwall in May 2006.Individual Visions Transform Scottish Jewellery and Silversmithing 100% Proof, an exhibition of new work in jewellery and silversmithing from Scotland, unites makers from across the generations. Evolving Textiles in a Digital Age A review by Caroline Ednie of the 'Digital Perceptions' exhibition which focused on the impact of digital technology on contemporary textile art.Innovation and Humour Characterise Furniture of the Future Review of the 'Jerwood Applied Arts Prize 2004: Furniture' exhibition by Hamid van Koten.Melting Pot of Ideas Transform into Ceramic Creations A touring exhibition of new work by ceramicist Craig Mitchell is held at the Ruthin Craft Centre.Doors Open Day for Innovative Craft Innovative Crafts brings craft to unexpected locations during Doors Open Day Edinburgh 2005.Eloquent Expression of European Narrative Jewellery Caroline Ednie, on behalf of craftscotland, reviews 'Maker - Wearer - Viewer', an exhibition of contemporary narrative jewellery from twenty European countries. An interview with Maggy Stead, widow of furniture designer Tim Stead Maggy Stead discusses Tim Stead's life and work in an exclusive craftscotland interview with Caroline Ednie. The Timeless Legacy of Tim Stead 'With the Grain', an exhibition at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh exploring the life and work of furniture designer Tim Stead, is reviewed for craftscotland by Caroline Ednie. A Visionary Textile Designer with an Eye for Colour Exhibition curator Lesley Jackson looks at the career and achievements of textile designer Bernat Klein. Scottish Designers at Chelsea Crafts Fair 2005 Find out about the Scottish designers who were selected to go to Chelsea Crafts Fair 2005. Paper Ice in Antarctica Book artist, Rachel Hazell, transforms a breathtaking Antarctic expedition into tissue bergs. Witches Cast a Spell on Textile Installation in Culross The witches of Culross influence an atmospheric textile installation in Culross Palace by Deirdre Nelson.Paper at Heart of Taiwan Experience The rituals surrounding paper fascinated Joanne Kaar during her five month residency in Taiwan and this summer she will be passing on her experiences in a series of workshops with visiting student Ding-Way Lin. Trapping Fish in a Willow Form Valerie Pragnell inventively re-creates the craftscotland logo using red and green willow, Tibetan cherry bark and handmade paper. Discussing Common Threads Between Textiles and Jewellery The interrelationship between textiles and jewellery was explored in a conversation between textile artist Sara Brennan and jeweller Susan Cross held as part of ‘Handwerk: Conversations in EuroCraft’ during Collect at the V&A. Scottish Craft Shines at Country Living Fair 2005 The Country Living Fair 2005 (14 to 17 April) sold work by designers from across Scotland.Challenging Traditional Perceptions of Knitting craftscotland reviews 'The Dangers of Sewing and Knitting', a unique and humorous exhibition of pieces by textile artist Deirdre Nelson. Stones of Scotland Shape Canongate Wall Everyone who walks down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and past the new Scottish Parliament Building will pass by the Canongate Wall. Stonecarver, Gillian Forbes, explains her involvement in this project and reveals the secrets of the wall.Revealing the Craft in the New Scottish Parliament Building Several important applied arts commissions can be seen in the new Scottish Parliament Building. Discover what they are and how to decipher the hidden texts interwoven in the tapestry by Margaret Hodge.Breathing Life into Crafts for Young People A series of crafts residencies in schools mark the first step towards giving every child in Scotland the chance to experience contemporary craft.Exhibition Celebrates Glaswegian Love of Jewellery The Glasgow Jewellery Project exhibition, featuring more than fifty photographs and quotes from the jewellery-wearing public, is touring libraries in Glasgow until March 2005. Find out the inspiration behind the project and what people said about their jewellery. Creating the Music of Glass Glass artist and musician Alison Kinnaird MBE has combined music with glass in her award winning artwork, Psalmsong, currently on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Find out how she fused her two passions to create a unique and innovative artwork.Galloway Willow Weaver Wins UK Talent Award Find out more about basketmaker and willow weaver Lizzie Farey who has won the BBC Homes & Antiques Magazines' inaugural 'Talent Around Britain' £5,000 bursary award.Scottish Makers Join Silver Celebrations at Chelsea Crafts Fair Chelsea Crafts Fair celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and a record number of Scottish makers will be travelling to London to show their work and join in the celebrations.Gijs Bakker in Conversation In an exclusive interview with craftscotland during the 'Challenging Craft' conference in Aberdeen, keynote speaker Gijs Bakker, jewellery and industrial designer, and co-founder of Droog Design, discusses his work.Carving Out a Future for Scottish Lettercutting craftscotland reviews the first Scottish exhibition of contemporary hand-cut lettering by the Scottish Lettercutters Association which took place in Edinburgh in September 2004.Going Japanese Creates Opportunities Two Scottish designer/makers explain how visiting Japan has brought both business and inspiration.Captivating Ceramics at 'Clay in Bloom' Exhibition craftscotland reviews the anniversary exhibition by the Scottish Potters Association which took place at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh during August 2004.International Basketmaking That Touches Lives Review of 'Contained Spaces' exhibition with basketmaking from Botswana, India, Japan and Scotland.Scottish Potters Blossom with Anniversary Exhibition The Scottish Potters Association will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a major exhibition of new work at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in August 2004.Thirteen Hands are Lucky for Crafts A moment of inspiration leads to an innovative exhibition of contemporary craft curated by primary school children.Exhibition Explores Inspiration of the Silversmith Discover the sources of inspiration for three of Scotland's leading silversmiths - Malcolm Appleby, Adrian Hope and Michael Lloyd.Caithness Papermaker is Bound for Taiwan How a search for a sugeta led to a Taiwan residency.Caithness Woodturners Explore Crafts in Swaziland and South Africa Woodturner Liz O'Donnell reveals how Co-operatives, ingenuity and skills drive crafts in Swaziland and South Africa.Westray Skiff Project Six young people revive traditional boat-building.