Imbue #2

YOUNG WOMEN MAKING MEDIA

SERENDIPITY

issue #2: serendipity VѢUѢQӋGѱSѱWѱ The faculty of making happy and unexpected discoveries by accident.

Also, the fact or an instance of such a discovery.

I’ve always loved life, and I’ve never known what’s ahead. I love not knowing what might be round the corner. I love serendipity.

- Twiggy

contents

the basics

this issue

ed’s letter

pg. 06

high rotation

pg. 07

moodboard

pg. 08

musings

pg. 10

elephant in the room

pg. 12

hot topic

pg. 16

brave hearts

pg. 20

female sexuality

pg. 26

beauty pageant food

pg. 28

fruition

pg. 30

gemology 101

pg. 32

shine bright like a diamond

pg. 36

livin’ la vida local

pg. 38

about face

pg. 40

credits

whenever you see this icon, scan the QR code for more content!

Luciana Rondolini (Bejeweled Rotting Fruits)

pg. 28-29

editor’s letter

Welcome back to IMBUE, our theme for this issue is Serendipity, so we’ll be exploring all the interesting, possibly overlooked things that surround us and fascinate us and take the time to appreciate the contributions of small steps in creating the bigger picture. It’s about the journey, not the destination.

We hope you enjoy issue #2 as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you!

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high rotation

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W I L L DAV I D S O N FOR H A R P E R ’ S B A Z A A R AU, A P R I L 201 2

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YAG O H OR TA L

A GL I M PSE OF OU R I NSPI R AT ION WA L L

K AT E MO S S I N I - D F E B RUA R Y 1 9 9 6 B Y DAV I D S I M S

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elephant in the room RECLAIMING THE WORD ‘CUNT’ is the only word in the English language that we can use for the whole of the female genitalia.

The word ‘Vagina’ only refers to the inner entrance meaning ‘tunnel’ or ‘scabbard’, a sheath for a sword.

Vulva refers to the clitoris, outer labia majora and minora but not the vagina.

Sara Gwin (2008) calls it “the most offensive word for women” and “one of the most offensive words in the English language, if not the worst”. Specifically, she problematises the word’s reductivism: “It objectifies women by reducing them down to their body part that has been defined by male usage [...] there is a whole history of misogyny packed in to that one-syllable word”.

She cautiously acknowledges the potential for feminist reclamation: “Women have every right to reclaim the word for themselves or for a particular group. However, there has to be the acknowledgement that this word is still incredibly insulting to many and we have to respect that”.

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“Cuneiform”, the most ancient form of writing, derives from “kunta” meaning “female genitalia” in Sumerian of ancient Iraq. “Kunta” is “woman” in several Near Eastern and African languages and a Mother Tongue that is being compiled by linguists today. It was also spelled “quna,” which is the root of “queen.” Since priestesses were known to be accountants/ administrators of Temple of Inanna in Sumeria c.3100 B.C. when Cuneiform was first used, it is highly likely that cuneiform was “the sign of the kunta” who kept the books (clay tablets) for the temple economy/ redistribution of wealth that evolved from communal economics of ancient mother-cultures.

So when an abuser calls a woman a “cunt” he is actually calling her a “queen who invented writing and numerals.” Girls and women can thus reclaim the words in our language that have been used as weapons against us in emotionally explosive situations. The word “prostitute” (law giver of the temple) and “whore” (houri, Persian, which means a gorgeous semidivine female that awaits men in the 7th Heaven) are some of the finest compliments a woman can be given.

Linguists have debated for a long time over the true roots and it is impossible to really know exactly where is originated. The prefix ‘cu’ has been deemed “quintessentially feminine” and pre-dates written language. Therefore it can be found in the forms of ‘cu’, ‘qu’, ‘ku’, ‘coo’, ‘qy’ or ‘cy’. There are many varied and wonderful lingustic paths I could take along the meandering path of what is the etymology of this explosive word, so in order to keep it succinct I have only presented what I deem as the juiciest findings.

In this article, I’ll explore the goddesses and female figures in Africa, Sumeria, India, China, Japan, Korea and Egypt, to trace the origins of the work ‘cunt’ in various cultures.

A F R IC A ‘Kunta’ means woman in several African languages. It has been found in ancient writings that there was a North African Goddess called ‘Kunda Saharan’ and her tribe are still around today. They are called ‘The Kundas’. It is said that they can trace their roots right back to “the cleft of the Goddess.” It is also recorded that ‘Kunda Saharan’ was worshipped in the Saharan region before the area was a desert. This time period is between 6,000 and 8,000 BC. The Kunda people are in Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

S U M E R I A ( A N C I E N T I R AQ ) Here the word ‘Kunta’ means literally ‘one who has female genitalia’. This is linked with the word ‘Cuneiform’ which literally means ‘the sign of the cunta’ or ‘queen who invented writing’. Cuneiform is one of the earliest known forms of writing in Sumeria dating at c.3100 BC. At around the same time there were priestesses named The Quadesha who were accountants at the Temple of Inanna. It is highly likely that Cuneiform was the form of writing the Quadesha used on clay tablets to record the temple’s financial accounts thus making it ‘the Sign of the Cunta’.

A N C I E N T C U N E I FOR M TA B L E T Inanna was the goddess of love, war, fertility and lust. She was associated with the celestial planet, Venus. She was known as Queen of Heaven and the word ‘Qu’ can also mean love, sensuality, sexuality, the divinity present in all females. She is also connected with extramarital sex and sensual affairs, prowling streets and taverns for sexual adventure. There are hymns from Sumerian sacred texts which glorify Inanna’s sexuality and sang praises to her beautiful and soft Cunt. Interestingly the Quadesha are also cited in some texts as ‘Sacred Whores’.

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G OD D E S S I N A N N A , S U M E R I A ( A N C I E N T I R AQ ) I N DI A It is believed that the word ‘Cunt’ came from the Proto German word ‘Kunto’ which is said to have come from the Indo-European word ‘Kunti’ which is the name of a much respected and revered Hindu goddess who was also known as ‘Cunti-Devi’ and is said to be the ruler of ‘Kunta’ which we know as ‘Kundalini’ energy. The snake like feminine energy that travels up our spine. Legend stories say how she sang to the gods to call them to sleep with her. She eventually had a son with the Sun God, Surya and ‘The Teachings of Queen Kunti’ can still be read today. Many say that ‘Cunt’ derived from the Oriental Great Goddess Cunti, also known in ancient Hinduism as the ‘Yoni of the Universe’ (yoni means ‘sacred temple’ in Sanskrit and is used to describe the womb and cunt). Also Indian children who were born out of wedlock were know as ‘Kuntas’ and revered as gifts of the Goddess Kunti’. The word ‘Kunda’ is also used in India for a hole or pit in the ground (agni-kunda, fire-pit) for storing fire on alters in the Vedic religion.

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C H I N A , JA PA N A N D KOR E A Some say ‘Cunda’ was the name of the Buddha’s mother according to the Japanese but all I can find is that is was possibly the name of a female blacksmith who fed the Buddha his last meal of either mushrooms or pork. He fell violently ill and then became enlightened.

A N C I E N T C A N A A N , E YG P T Here, Qudshu or Qetesh is venerated as the fertility goddess of sacred ecstasy and sexual pleasure and is depicted holding snakes in one hand and a lotus flower in the other as symbols of creation. She is called ‘Mistress of All the Gods’, ‘Lady of the Stars of Heaven’ and ‘Great of magic, mistress of the stars’.

The word is still heavily loaded with negative connotations, despite being throw around in Australian speak and on social media. It is clearly a word that’s here to stay.

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keep afloat

W H Y T H E BU T T-H Y PE ?

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There is one topic that has dominated popular cultural on a global scale (well, for the most part). I’m talking about women’s BUTTOCKS, of course.

It seemed to start so quickly, with Kim Kardashian’s infamous backside gathering attention from all aspects of the media (more recently with her shoot for Paper Magazine).

Twerking became a big thing (for the uninitiated, twerking is a form of dance where one shakes their butt in a provocative manner, involving thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance). Multiple songs and their provocative music videos have been released focused solely on the butt, including Nicki Minaj’s ANACONDA (paying homage though sample to the original Sir Mixalot’s song of the 90’s, Baby Got Back), Iggy Azalea and Jennifer Lopez’s aptly titled BOOTY and Beyoncé’s PARTITION, her booty featuring heavily. It seemed that having a large behind was ‘IN VOGUE’. But in reality, butts never did go out of vogue and has been a fixation in various cultures for a while now, most notably in rap culture.

There are numerous methods women have been altering the shape and sizes of their backsides– some involved silicone implants, others involve fat injections–such procedures often costing upwards of $10,000. But why butts? Why the obsession with having a sizeable booty? I sit back and question why this obsession has set in, and it has

but in separate spectrums for both sexes. What’s the point? A nice butt (whatever that means) isn’t going to guarantee a great attitude, or a fantastic sense of humour. I mean, it’s just a thing that you sit on, right?

The celebrity obsession with large posteriors can be traced back to Jennier Lopez’s debut in the infamous Versace gown that made hers a defining feature of her public image.Throughout the late ’90s and early 2000s, Lopez was an enigma in a world of stick-skinny models and actresses, causing critics and the public alike to gawk like she was creature of mythology whose derriere was a thing of wonder.

As far as I can tell, gentlemen look at ladybutts because to do so makes them think of sex. While a beautiful face may clearly indicate that a lady is unobtainable, a larger butt seems to make women more accessible.

A prominent ladybutt is some kind of community property, remarked upon and enjoyed and occasionally grabbed by creepers.

Through an evolutionary perspective, the size of the posterior was a way to assess fertility in how high or low it hangs, or how it signals hip to waist ratio and therefore potential for biological reproductive success. Men are hard wired to perpetuate the species and view the roundness of the buttocks as an indicator of sexual maturity, good health and fertility.

Most men have a fascination for

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hefty rears even though they are socialized to rate inner qualities higher than physical attributes. It used to be an African man thing but with the rise of Kim Kardarshian’s show-stopping derriere, the captivation cuts across all races.

What I find most disturbing about this obsession is that this measure of female attractiveness is defined by males. Men obsessed with looking and fantasizing about the ass, while women trying their hardest to get the ass that will make more men find them sexually appealing. Sexist comments over different social media platforms such as ” white women have no ass, their bodies resemble 12 year old boys,” ” If a girl doesn’t have an ass I will not fuck her,” ” Why would any man enjoy banging two bones from the back, when he could have a big juicy ass?” ” Women with no curves are ugly”– are all too common.

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There is nothing wrong with appreciating a woman’s body, and having a preference, but when little girls, and women who were once happy with their bodies start to contemplate making changes to fit an ideal that men want, it becomes abnormal. It becomes just as damaging to strive for a perfect ass as it is to strive to look like the nameless women depicted in “thinspiration” (images showing women who are excessively thin) images.

It’s all good and well to appreciate the ladybutt, but don’t make it another unattainable ideal to add to the huge list of physical ideals women are already pitted against.

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B A DA S S H IS TOR IC A L F E M M E S

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Reasons why I love SACAJAWEA: She was a dedicated mother, carrying her little one with her for the entire expedition with Lewis and Clark.

Her influence made up a large part in the success of the expedition, because of her navigational, diplomatic and translating skills.

She had many memorial dedications made to her after her death.

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Reasons why I love ISABELLA OF FRANCE:

Reasons why I love ISABELLA OF ANGOULÊME:

Known as the “she-wolf” of France. That’s pretty bad-ass.

She was a schemer - calculating and cunning.

Don’t mess with Izzy - or she’ll hang, draw and quarter you like she did to Hugh Despenser. The younger Despenser suffered a a slightly more humiliating death dragged through a mock parade whilst food and trash was thrown at him before being executed in a super nasty way, involving beheading and disembowelment.

They were awful people so it was totally okay.

She also apparently had a bit of a temper - a feisty woman is always a good woman in my books!

She ordered the execution of the English King. Enough said.

She was well-liked by the general populace - giving to the poor and supporting charitable institution by donating money.

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Reasons why I love JOAN OF ARC: She is the youngest person in history to be able to command the army of a nation. It’s an added bonus that she was a woman during a time where women’s opinions were of little value. plus she was only 17, so she was pretty much a goddess.

She was seriously strong and most likely definitely protected by a higher power - she tried to escape capture at the hands of the English by leaping from a tower, yet she survived the 60 foot fall and was captured. SHE TRIED and that’s what matters most - as annoying as this cliché is, if you never take a risk and try you will never know what could happen.

Reasons why I love MARIE ANTOINETTE: Despite her extravagant spending habits, she was know for her acts of charity.

In her final moments of deprivation and humiliation, she remained steadfast, dignified, poised, serene and courageous.

She had her own village created for her - Petit Trianon, containing villagers, industry and animals.

Sort of like escapism and daydreaming to escape from the reality of life, but on a more literal scale.

She had a theatre built for her in 1780 from her love of acting and singing.

She had a good taste for fashion and decor.

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Reasons why I love MARGARET OF ANJOU:

Reasons why I love MARGARET OF YORK:

She defended her son’s claim to the throne as the rightful heir.

She had a totally beautiful crown made for her, embellished with pearls, gold, white roses and lover’s knots; it is the only surviving Medieval British royal crown.

She was active in warfare.

She was strong-willed and ambitious.

Despite dying in poverty and being unsuccessful in her attempts obtain the crown for her son, she still persisted. It is important to note that her persistence allows her to be remembered in history.

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She was intelligent and capable.

She suffered many personal tragedies, but she still survived and overcame them.

Reasons why I love NEFERTITI:

Reasons why I love MARY READ:

She wasn’t just a pretty face, she attain a goddess-like status through her religious power, performing religious duties which other women were excluded from.

Used pregnancy as a “condition” to escape prison.

She was bad-ass due to the fact that she could fulfil the roles traditionally associated with men in political positions, such slaying enemies and wearing kingly garments.

She wasn’t just a pretty face, she attain a goddess-like status through her religious power, performing religious duties which other women were excluded from.

Both Read and Bonny impacted popular culture through their explorations of the high seas - the character Angelica in Pirates of the Caribbean owes her existence to these factual characters.

Read could do “manly” things just as well as any man could - fighting, manning the ship, drinking and swearing as any man-pirate did. Both Read and Bonny were supposedly “very profligate, cursing and swearing much, and very ready and willing to do anything on board.”

She was on an equal level to her husband - he was not above her, her portrayal and depiction was special.

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I

F E M A L E SE X UA L I T Y

Women are best suited to sexual monogamy.

II Women's libidos and sexual enjoyment decrease with age.

III

Women aren't as "visually" stimulated as men.

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Women don't crave sex as much as men do.

Orgasms make women fall in love; it's hormonal.

V

VI

C A N YOU SP OT T H E M Y T HS ?

IV

Women take much longer to become sexually aroused.

Answers: THEY ARE ALL MYTHS! • 27

“ UGLY ” PRODUCE ISN ’ T B A D In Australia, huge amounts of perfectly edible fruit and veg is wasted on a yearly basis - simply because it doesn’t meet the ridiculous criteria of looking ‘normal’.

Food wastage is a big problem in Australia and everyone hates to waste food, but so many of us don’t know how much food is wasted before it can even reach the supermarket shelves for us to purchase.

One of the biggest reasons for this waste is something called ‘appearance standards’. These are essentially rules about what shape, colour and size our fruit and veg needs to be before it can be sold in shops.

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There rules are implemented because supermarket chains know that if certain produce doesn’t fit the criteria of what a ‘normal’ fruit or veg item looks like, it wont be sold.

In other words, our love of perfect produce – unblemished, perfectly shaped and regular produce – means that huge amounts of delicious, wholesome, nutritious food won’t ever make it onto our plates.

In Australia, it’s estimated 20-40% of all fruit and vegetables are rejected from sale, as they don’t measure up to the high cosmetic standards.

We know that 30% of all bananas grown in Australia are rejected from sale because they don’t meet appearance guidelines.

That means 1 in 3 bananas (100,000 tonnes) go to waste each year.

While Australia still lacks accurate national statistics on this issue, it’s reported in the United Kingdom that 15 million tonnes of ‘ugly fruit and veg’ worth more than £19 billion is left to rot in the fields, discarded by supermarkets and restaurants and thrown into household bins ever year.

But it’s not just fruit and veg that is wasted in many Australian homes.

Each year, Australia throws away upwards of $8 billion of edible food – about 4 million tonnes in total.

In NSW alone, we know that the average household throws away $1,036 worth of edible food each year. That’s about 1 shopping bag in every 5 we bring home.

I would liken the obsession of obtaining aesthetically perfect fruit and veg to western’s obsession with pitting women up against one another in beauty pageants.

Just yesterday I was visiting my local Coles to quickly checkout the midweek specials, and when I found the strawberries I was shocked at their appearance. Not because they didn’t look appetising, but because they looked TOO perfect. They were so vividly red, shiny and perfectly shaped that I started to wonder what would have happened to those that didn’t make the cut. I did purchase them, as they were on my “needs” list and they were on special, but I felt weird about it. Like I was almost perpetuating this type of beautiful food standard that leads to food waste. However, I believe that if we accept ‘ugly’ fruit in all its flawed glory, we can all help combat this terrible food waste epidemic.

Food gets wasted because we buy too much, cook too much or don’t store our food correctly in order to make it last longer.

The organisation OZHARVEST has tried to curb the problem, saving 9,000 tonnes of produce since its inception 10 years ago.

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Chop mushy tomatoes up and use them to make a pasta sauce, which you can eat right away, keep in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, or freeze for up to 6 months. Or, use them in lieu of ketchup as a fresher-tasting base for homemade BBQ sauce.

We all know brown, mushy bananas are the best for banana bread. But when you're not in the mood for banana bread, simply peel and mash them, then transfer the mixture to a freezer bag and freeze it. Use it later for smoothies, banana daiquiris, baby food, or, yes, banana bread.

For berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, freeze them on a tray and then transfer them to a resealable plastic bag (freezing them on a tray first will keep them from freezing into one giant blob). Use them in smoothies, quick jams, or thaw and serve on ice cream or pound cake.

Citrus lasts a long time in your crisper (anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks), but if you're pushing that 2-week mark, you can still make use of every bit of it. Grate the zest off the outside (the parts that aren't brown) and freeze in a resealable bag for later use. Next, squeeze the juice out of the fruit. In the fridge, that juice will last you at least a few more days, but if you know you won't use it before then, freeze the When they start to get a little mealy, juice in an ice cube tray in 2 teaspoon grate them into salads and slaws portions for adding hits of citrusy zing for some healthy crunch, tang, and to soups, sauces, or iced drinks. sweetness.

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I DE A S FOR USI NG OL D PRODUCE

These sturdy veggies last awhile in the fridge, but, when they start to turn, it's pickling time! Trim them, taking off any brown spots, and slice them about 6.35mm hick. In a small saucepan, heat up 1 cup white vinegar, 1/3 cup sugar, and 3 tablespoons salt on high, stirring to fully dissolve. Cool slightly. Place the sliced vegetables in a 473ml container (if you have a lot of old veggies, use a quart-size jar and double the pickling liquid). Cover the veggies with the still-warm liquid. If there's not enough to cover, add a little water. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Use these pickles in salads or sandwiches, eat them as a snack, or serve them alongside burgers. They'll keep in the fridge in the liquid for 2 weeks. Feel free to add a few whole garlic cloves, a teaspoon of pickling spices, or a few pinches of crushed red pepper flakes to the liquid when simmering for some extra zip.

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GEMOLOGY • 32

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H E A L I NG CRYSTA LS FOR WOM E N

Maybe it’s a bit too NEW-AGE HIPPIE for some, but I find that crystals do possess a certain power and connection to people. Here are a few crystals which hold symbolic significance for women:

The MOONSTONE is a stone of “new beginnings” and is strongly connected to the moon and to intuition. Like the moon, it is reflective and reminds us that everything is part of a cycle of change. It promotes intuition, psychic abilities and empathy and lucid dreaming. The most powerful effect is calming the emotions, soothes emotional instability and stress, and stabilizes the emotions.

This crystal provides deep emotional healing and heals disorders of the upper digestive tract that are related to emotional stress. Moonstone powerfully affects the female reproductive cycle and alleviates menstrual-related disease and tensions. It is linked to the pineal gland and balances the hormonal system, stabilizes fluid imbalances and attunes to the biorhythmic clock. It is excellent for PMS, conception, pregnancy, childbirth and breast-feeding.

A tranquil and sustaining stone, CHRYSOCOLLA helps with meditation and communication.

Within the home, this stone draws off negative energies of all kinds.

Chrysocolla can help you to accept, with serenity, situations that are constantly changing, and can provide great inner strength. It stabilizes and heals both the home and personal interaction, and is beneficial for relationships that have become rocky (haha pun)! It draws out negative emotions such as guilt and reverses destructive emotional programming, bringing in joy.

Psychologically, this gemstone encourages self-awareness and inner balance and imparts confidence and sensitivity. It enhances personal power, inspires creativity and provides motivation for those who lack it. Mentally, Chrysocolla reduces mental tensions and helps one to keep a cool head. It promotes truthtelling and impartiality. Emotionally Chrysocolla alleviates guilt and brings in joy. Chrysocolla is an excellent stone for women, treating PMS and menstrual cramps.

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ROSE QUARTZ has a very gentle energy and is the stone of unconditional love and infinite peace.

It is the most important stone for the heart and the heart chakra, teaching the essence of true love.

Rose Quartz purifies and opens the heart at all levels, bringing deep inner healing and self-love. It is calming, reassuring and excellent for use in trauma or crisis. Rose Quartz attracts love. Placed by your bed, under a pillow or in the relationship corner of your home, it is very effective in drawing love and loving relationships towards you. In existing relationships, this crystal will restore trust and harmony and encourage unconditional love.

Rose Quartz gently draws off negative energy and replaces it with love. Holding Rose Quartz in your hand will enhance positive affirmations and will remind you of your intentions. Emotionally, Rose Quartz is the finest healer. It helps to release unexpressed emotions and heartache and transform emotional conditioning that no longer serves you. If you have never received love, Rose Quartz opens your heart so that you become receptive. If you have loved and lost, it comforts your grief. Rose Quartz encourages self-forgiveness and acceptance, and invokes self-trust and self-worth. • 34

GARNET is a powerfully energizing and regenerating stone. It cleanses and re-energizes the chakras.

Garnet revitalizes, purifies and balances energy, bringing serenity or passion as needed. This gemstone was carried as a talisman long ago as it was said to warn of approaching danger. It balances the sex drive and alleviates emotional disharmony.

Garnet strengthens the life force and is especially good for victimized and abused women, helping them reclaim their lost power.

This gemstone promotes regeneration of emotional energy and the acceptance of one’s thoughts and emotions. Garnet stabilizes energy devoted to accomplishing one’s life purpose and heightens the physical aspects of sexuality, increasing fertility. Garnet is strongly linked with the pituitary gland and stimulates expanded awareness and past life recall. It fortifies, activates and strengthens the survival instinct, bringing courage and hope into seemingly hopeless situations. Psychologically, Garnet sharpens ones perceptions of oneself and others. Mentally, Garnet helps you to let go of useless or old, obsolete ideas. Emotionally, this gemstone relieves inhibitions.

It opens up the heart and bestows self-confidence.

The “Supreme Nurturer”, JASPER sustains and supports during times of stress. This crystal brings tranquillity and wholeness. Jasper unifies all aspects of your life and reminds people to help each other. Jasper facilitates shamanic journeys and dream recall. It provides protection and grounds energies and the body. Jasper clears electromagnetic and environmental pollution, including radiation, and aids dowsing.

Psychologically, Jasper imparts determination to all pursuits. It gives the courage to come to grips with problems assertively and encourages self-honesty. Mentally, Jasper aids quick thinking. This gemstone enhances organisational skills and the ability to see projects through to their end. It stimulates the imagination and helps transform ideas into action.

Grounding spiritual vibrations, Kyanite brings spiritual integrity and maturity. It promotes healing dreams and facilitates dream recall.

Psychologically, Kyanite encourages speaking one’s truth, cutting through fears and blockages. This crystal encourages self-expression and communication.

It cuts through ignorance and opens one to the truth.

Emotionally, Kyanite dispels confusion and dispels blockages, illusion, anger, frustration and stress. Intellectually, it increases one’s capacity for logical and linear thought, as well as stimulating the higher mind. Spiritually, Kyanite assists one in detaching from the idea of blind fate or implacable karma.

It reveals the part played by the self in creating causes and the measures required to balance the past.

KYANITE is excellent for attunement and meditation. Kyanite can help spiritual energy to manifest in thought. This beautiful blue crystal connects to one’s spirit guides and instills compassion.

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Often, growing crystals can be a fairly long, involved process, but this method is incredibly easy.

You will need: a disposable plastic or paper cup epsom salts water a refrigerator paper towels Place 1/2 cup of epsom salts into the cup. Then add 1/2 cup of HOT water. You don’t want the water to be boiling, but you want it to be hot enough that it is uncomfortable to put your finger in. If your tap water heat goes higher, use that. If your hot water is set lower, heat it in the • 36

GROW YOU R OW N CRYSTA L S

The first synthetic gemstones were made in the mid-1800s, and methods for making high-quality crystals of various materials have been developed over the course of the past century. Studies of the symmetries of crystals with flat facets began in the 1700s, and the relationship to internal structure was confirmed by X-ray crystallography in the 1920s. The many different possible external forms of crystals have been noted in mineralogy since Greek times, but although classification schemes have been given, these forms have apparently still not been studied in a particularly systematic way.

microwave for about 30 seconds or so (but don’t use plastic)!

Stir the hot water and epsom salts well, to allow most of the salt to dissolve. It should not all dissolve. If it does, add a little more. When it is well stirred, place it in the refrigerator, with a small sign saying “Danger!

Science experiment!” or something similar, to be sure that no one drinks it.

After three or four hours, examine the cup. You should find that the bottom of the cup has a beautiful cluster of needleshaped crystals. At that point, carefully pour the water into the sink. Then cut the side of the cup, to allow you to lift the crystals out of the cup. Place them on a couple of folded paper towels to let them dry. If they fall apart, or if you are not pleased with the result, put them into another cup of hot water, and try again. You can regrow the crystals over and over.

What’s behind this reaction?

Solubility (the amount of something that will dissolve) is tied to temperature. The hotter the water is; the better it is at dissolving the epsom salts. If you had a way to see the atoms along the edge of the crystals, you would notice that some of magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) was constantly leaving the crystal to dissolve in the water, while other bits of magnesium sulfate

constantly leaving the water to join the crystal. If everything balances, then the crystals stay the same size.

On the other hand, if the water is hot, the extra energy lets more of the salt leave, throwing off the balance. That means that the solid epsom salts will dissolve, until it reaches a new balance.

At that point, the salts stop dissolving.

When you put the cup in the refrigerator, heat energy from the cup moves to the surrounding area. With less heat energy in the water, the balance shifts again. Now you have more epsom salts joining the crystals, so the crystals grow. This will continue until things reach a new balance. At that point, the crystals stop growing.

If you want to experiment further, you can continue to play with that balance point. Once your crystals have grown, pour

off the water. In another cup, mix another batch of hot water and epsom salts. This time, wait until the water cools almost to room temperature, and then carefully pour it into the cup with the crystals from your first experiment. This time, do not stir! Put it in the refrigerator.

If you get the balance right, then your original crystals will not redissolve completely. As the solution cools, more magnesium sulfate will be added to the original crystals, causing them to grow larger. You can try repeating this several times.

If your balance is off, and the crystals dissolve, then just heat the water again, and start over.

When you are done, you can let the crystals dry and put them on your shelf. If they get broken or dusty, just dissolve them, and grow them again.

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DESIGNERS: Stacey Hendrickson

DESIGNERS: Chelsea Templeton

NAME: Casper&Pearl

NAME: Chelsea Eve

FOUNDED: 2011

FOUNDED: 2009

COLLECTIONS: Hola Lola, Sweet Heart High, Girl Behind the Blue Door, Secret Garden.

COLLECTIONS: Holiday Romance, She’s A Dreamer, Like A Diamond, Wild Hearts, To Love & Protect.

KEYWORDS: Nostalgia, floral, youth, quirky, vintage, fun.

KEYWORDS: Happy, confident, leader, daring, girly, strong, adventurous, dreams, wanderlust.

W W W. C A S P E R A N D P E A R L . CO M /

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W W W. C H E L S E A E V E . CO M /

DESIGNERS: Scott Faulder and Victoria Scarce NAME: Scott and Scarce FOUNDED: 2014

DESIGNERS: Madeline Little NAME: Madeline the Label FOUNDED: 2013 COLLECTIONS: Cyber.

COLLECTIONS: Tropic Fusion, Geo Tribal, Vanilla scuba and Faux Warrior.

KEYWORDS: Graphic, sports-luxe, contemporary, fun, hand-made, bold.

KEYWORDS: Exotic, vibrant, fearless, daring, unique.

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H T T P S : // W W W. E T S Y. CO M /A U/ S H O P/ MADELINETHELABEL

R ISI NG NA M E S I N A DL . FA SH ION • 39

making your own cosmetics isn’t as daunting a task as it might sound! Here’s 7 recipes to try today!

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VII V IV

II

VI

III I

DI Y BE AU T Y • 41

IV. Add about a teaspoon of coconut oil to the jar and put the pot on the stove. Warm it up slowly, low-medium heat.

V. Once the coconut oil has melted all the way, add your crayon. Add a piece of crayon per teaspoon.

You can mix colours too, we played around with a bunch of different mixes. If you add too much crayon the lipstick will be a little dry. If you don’t have enough crayon, the lipstick will be too sheer and glossier.

VI. Enjoy your new crayon lipstick!

II I

Get some roses into your cheeks with this blush recipe!

You can make a lipstick from your childhood favourite–the crayon!

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

arrowroot powder

Coconut oil

hibiscus powder

Crayola crayons

cinnamon (optional)

containers STEPS

a pot a small jar STEPS I.

Remove the wrappers from the crayons.

II. Cut (or break) the crayons into 4 even-ish pieces.

III. Put your jar in the centre of a pot and add water to the pot. Make sure you don’t get any water in the jar.

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I.

Start with a base of arrowroot powder, about 1 Tbs.

II. Add in the hibiscus powder one teaspoon at a time until you get the desired colour.

III. Add cinnamon for a little depth and glow.

III

IV

Glow like a sun-kissed goddess with this bronzer DIY.

Want to enhance your natural lashes, but have sensitive eyes or don’t trust cosmetic brands? You can try this recipe out for size.

INGREDIENTS 6 tsp zinc oxide

INGREDIENTS

1½ tsp sericite mica

2 tsp coconut oil

1 tsp silk powder

4 tsp aloe vera gel

½ tsp magnesium stearate

1/2 tsp grated bees wax

2 tsp red clay

1 – 2 capsules of activated charcoal (for black) or cocoa powder (for brown). (Use the cocoa powder if you don’t feel safe using the charcoal near your eyes.)

¼ tsp jojoba oil 5 drops vitamin E oil 5/8 tsp bronze mica 5/8 tsp brown oxide ½ tsp red oxide

a clean mascara container

1 tsp yellow oxide

STEPS

STEPS I.

Mix everything but the oxides and mica together.

II. Pass through a fine sieve again and again, until smooth.

III. Gradually add in the colourings, passing through the sieve between additions.

IV. Test on your skin to gauge the colour and correct as needed.

V. Store in a mason jar.

I.

Put coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and grated bees wax in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until beeswax is completely melted.

II. Open 1 – 2 capsules of activated charcoal (depending on desired colour, about 1/4 – 1/2 tsp) and pour into oil mixture. Stir until completely incorporated.

Remove from heat.

III. Pour into a small plastic bag, pushing the mixture down to one corner. Then cut a very small hole in the opposite corner of the bag.

IV. Fold the corner with the cut whole until you have a small tip that you can push into the empty mascara tube. (It’s much easier if you have an extra set of nearby

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VI

to hold the tube in place!) Make sure the tip goes far enough into the tube or you’ll have a big mess on your hands!

V. Keep the small-hole-end securely in the tube (or get your helper to hold it in place). Begin pressing the mascara mixture toward the tube. Don’t move too quickly or it will come out and you’ll have mess to deal with.

(I highly recommend doing this with a paper towel or napkin underneath.) Keep moving the mixture into the tube until it’s all in.

VI. Place the inner cap in place and then twist the wand on tightly.

Viola! Homemade mascara!

Translucent powder is fab for setting your makeup, controlling shine and giving a matte complexion.

INGREDIENTS Organic cornstarch French green clay organic cocoa (optional) STEPS I.

In a small bowl combine 1 part cornstarch, 1 part green clay and a bit of cocoa. 1 part in a 1 to 1 recipe depends on how much you are making. If you want a gallon, each part would be 2 quarts. If you want 1 cup, each part would be half a cup. If you are using a spice jar like I did, then about half a jar of each.

II. Mix together carefully, making sure to fully incorporate any lumps.

III. You can use a spice jar as my makeup container, or any other container you see fit. Just make sure there aren’t any sneaky traces of spices left!

IV. When everything is dry, funnel or scoop your powder in, and you’re all set!

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V Make some simple eyeshadow and eyeliner with this recipe.

INGREDIENTS 4 capsule activated charcoal

VII If you can’t find a foundation that matches your skintone, you can always try your hand at making your own!

A few drops of distilled water Empty eyeshadow tin

INGREDIENTS For the base: Arrowroot Powder

STEPS I.

In a small container place 4 capsule of activated charcoal.

Add one or a combination of: Cocoa Powder

II. Add a 2 drops of water and stir, continue to add water a drop or two at a time and stir until the charcoal starts to clump.

III. Slowly add the mixture to an empty and clean eyeshadow tin and press down with your fingers until smooth. (You could also just leave the charcoal loose and dip your damp brush in it. If you’re using it as eyeshadow make sure to tap off the extra charcoal well).

Ground Cinnamon Nutmeg Jojoba, Olive, or Almond Oil (optional) STEPS I.

Start with a base of arrowroot powder (1 tsp. for dark skin – 1 Tbs. for light skin)

II. Slowly add in one or combination of the cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg until you reach your desired tone.

III. If you want more of a “compact” foundation, add some jojoba/ olive/almond oil to the mixture and press down into a compact.

(Start with 5 drops and keep adding until it reaches your desired texture).

IV. Use a brush to apply foundation.

Make sure to tap off excess before swiping face.

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