Ravelry

 Anyone visiting Ravelry in these days will be seeing a lot of red. Red yarn. Red works in progress. And completed melt-the-ice hats proudly displayed in solidarity with the community of Minnesota. There's even a few dogs sporting MTI-beanies. The Ravelry forum, founded 19 years ago and almost as old as Facebook, is a social networking site where fiber artists such as knitters, crocheters, dyers and spinners can meet to swap ideas, and patterns and its Facebook chapter is a very busy space indeed. So, what are the Ravelry community up to when they aren't engaged in stitch-craft subversion? Well, I saw a dinosaur hoodie, toy elephant, knitted troll dolls and, to save your poor fingers, a collection of bobbin huggers. Save the skull pattern shawl for Halloween, but there's an adorable selection of marine bird cozies for yummy easter eggs. There's a gorgeous selection of gift blankets, a mosaic inspired project and even a post that shares the story behind welcome blankets.

Members: 44k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

Related Posts:

Random acts of knitting and crochet kindness

Toy knitting patterns (finished projects)

Stranded Knits

Knitting for Beginners

Weird Art for Weird People

It has traditionally been the role of art to speak truth to power, to challenge world views and to give inner demons an airing in the real world. In a way, art is supposed to be inherently weird, but this group leans into work that takes hostages and draws blood. It shows paintings that tell stories and heal life-long wounds. It draws inspiration from uncomfortable muses: horror themes, paganism, cosmic dread, esoteric theory, political responses. There are screams and distortions, but also quirky characters, felted miniatures and micro crocheted creatures, as well as anthropomorphic fetish issues. One sketch hints at creepy emanations from the subliminal. Another speaks of body image. One beautiful painting shares a powerful and poignant message about surviving a history of abuse. And then there's the cake that drips with dark obsessive love. 

Members: 330.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Uncomfortable themes.

Go here to visit or join. 

Related Posts:

Safe Space for Artists

Tasty Treats with a Gothic Twist

Retro Horror Paperback Art

Wild Horses of Sand Wash Basin

The Sand Wash Basin, located in a 166,000 acre parcel of public land to the north-west of Colorado, is home to a diverse collection of wildlife that includes sage grouse, bald eagles, foxes, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, elk, and mule deer, but this Facebook group features one of its most majestic species - wild horses. With their distinct color patterns, many of these equines are familiar characters to the wildlife photographers and fans who document their life stories and gift them with noble names such as Divine, Sprite, Lola, Brayley, Fireball, Astro, Picasso, Cairo, Sky King, Starshine, Spirit Dancer and Midnight Blue. There is something compelling about their beauty and their grace. Their stories provide fascinating nuance. It is obvious that their images are shared with deep love and authenticity. There is also a related Facebook page with 247k followers. 

Members: 44.6k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit and join. 

Related Posts:

Assateague Island Pony Pictures

BLM Mustang Hub

Work with ICELANDIC horses in Iceland

The Trail of Painted Ponies Collectors Group

Safe Space for Artists

Art is easy. Until it's not. The paint flows freely until courage falters. Step into the circle of fellow artists to show what's cooking on your easel, or even just perculating in the uncharted fields of your imagination. Boldly share your experimental pieces. Share your journey and what art means to you. Share your fears and insecurities. Share your success stories. Share hacks about the medium you use. Ask questions: organizing hacks, advice, opinions, whatever. Crowd-source suggestions for titles. There are calls for motivational tips or works in progress. Some visuals are raw and visceral. There are many, many posts per day, as this is a lively community. Come here if you're feeling vulnerable. Draw inspiration from the well of the hivemind. Then go back to your work to create some more.

Members: 183k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

Related Posts:

The Art Portal

World Watercolor Group

Professional Portrait Artists

A CELEBRATION OF FEMALE ARTISTS

Birds of New Zealand (official)

When I first read about Nassim Nicholas Taleb's black swan theory, I was utterly delighted with the mystery and promise of unexpected discoveries that it signifies. But black swans are real and can be seen in all their glory in this Facebook group dedicated to the birdlife of the southern hemisphere island nation of New Zealand. But there are other, equally fascinating avians to behold. A lone oyster catcher on a beach. A large flock of spoonbills, head places. A white-capped albatross with its wings spread. A magical night-time shot of a white heron. Avian recluses such as the Banded Rail and Spotless Crake. A tiny, elfin rifleman - a delicate dynamo (and New Zealand's smallest bird) that can be a real challenge to capture on film. One can only imagine what the posts might have looked like if the giant moa was still around.

Members: 86.8k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

Related Posts:

Birds in the World

Birding, Nature & Wildlife Diaries of World

Birds with Threatening Auras

Art, Architecture, Places & Cultural Heritage around the World

 

The Taj Mahal is so much more than a collection of marble slabs. Vatican City, despite being the world's smallest nation state, looms large in the collective unconscious for its incredible cultural heritage, which comprises St Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel as well as museums and galleries containing priceless art treasures and artefacts. A 600-year-old Jainish temple features breath-takingly detailed carvings. There are ancient ruins, Baroque interiors, even graves and memorials. Cathedrals, palaces, pyramids and mosques. One charming post shares a typical birdhouse added to the side of a building and fashioned to resemble a miniature palace. But cultural heritage can also be found in costume and music, in works of art and in the geography of the land.

Members: 197.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

Related Posts:

Magnificent Traditional Costumes of the World

Snapshots of the World

Ancientology

Rome and Constantinople (New Rome). The Roman (and Byzantine) Empire

Picture credit: Shalender at Pixabay

Larry the Cat (@Number10cat)

 While world politics has devolved into the type of nail-biting lunacy that can rob anyone of their peace of mind and an adequate night's sleep, it's wonderful to know that there is still someone at Number 10 Downing Street in London who still values the good things in life: food, sleep, and a touch of mischief. I'm talking, of course, about Larry the Downing Street Cat, who has seen prime ministers and world leaders come and go, while still remaining in tune with his innate cattitude. His main role is rodent patrol, but Larry also has important PR duties and beware the fox that trespasses on his sidewalk, or even the shrubbed verge around it. He's met Obama and Zelensky, has over 871k followers on X and just celebrated his 19th birthday. For a daily dose of Larry-updates in your news feed, with charming clips and meme-worthy snapshots, as well as the odd greeting from furry (and human) fans, visit often.

Members: 15.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

CATTITUDE

The Adventures of Patrick the Pony

My Cat is an Asshole