Conference Swag!

Conferences are great opportunities to learn and to network but I can’t deny that one of the things I like about them is also the variety of conference swag. Biomedical and biotechnology companies give out a lot of quality office supplies and other knick-knacks and I’ve found that with a few well-placed stickers, this stuff can look quite cute and pretty too. 

Before...

After! Of course, their original purpose of advertising for the company is lost but...oh well. ;)

This was one of my favorite notebooks. Doesn't it have a lululemon inspirational feel?

Really, this was the only word missing. :)

DNA Fingerless Mitts

These were made for my sister, who loves both fingerless mitts and genetics. They were a challenge because it was the first time I had knit with such extensive modifications of patterns. 

The DNA helix came from ChemKnits DNA Helix Kindle Cover. I loved how the chart had mirrored double helices, which ended up working really well for the left and right mitts.

I wanted the arms to be more fitted so the shaping is loosely based on the CanCans Fingerless Mitts by Erica Lomax.

Overall I think they turned out fairly well. The yarn is a cotton-silk blend, so really soft. It's not all that hard-wearing though, as unfortunately after a few months, these are already looking rather worn. At least we managed to take these pictures while they were still in their prime. 

[Linky parties this post has joined: Friday Finds Link Party!]

A Little Piece of DNA

This was taken with my iPad camera. Unfortunately, the quality is lacking. 

This week's craft was small, quick and nerdy. I was given a brand new USB by the IT department and I felt that it needed a little something to jazz it up. Since I work in the field of genetics, a chromosome was a natural choice for a charm. A straightened paperclip, a few beads, a length of thread and voila! Can you figure out which chromosome it is? (The level of resolution is 300 and yes, the bands are accurate...relatively.)

Nerdy Thank You Card

I was cleaning out my desk when I came across this old card.

I sketched out the letters first before inking. I hate it when I run out of room on a card for lettering.

This one was made over two years ago. After I got accepted into my current job, I made a whole batch of thank you cards for everyone who had helped me put together my application or be my references. Can you tell that I am in the field of genetics? ; )

The 'thank you's are made up of chromosomes. (The bands are not accurate but I was not thinking about that at the time) The design was very simple since I only used a sharpie and white Mayfair but I think its effective. I like the almost graphic look to them. 

I made 16 identical cards while watching some TVB crime drama (I do not remember which one…).  Now that is productivity. *grin*

Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.8 cm

Materials: white Mayfair paper

Tools: ruler, utility knife, sharpie

Time to Make: Cannot remember

I plan on make more genetically-themed cards but unfortunately, I do not have any good ideas currently. Any suggestions? If you come across any greeting card-type pictures or quotes related to genetics, please send them my way.