Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Craft Riot! - What a Weekend!

Thank you Austin for the fantastic turn-out and great holiday shopping mood that lasted all weekend long! EtsyAustin appreciates your love and support.

Check out photos with Santa by Cindy of Chaotic Whimsey and Trevor Ray Thompson.

www.flickr.com/groups/etsyaustin/

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Craft Riot! Ticket Winners

Congratulations to our three Craft Riot! Ticket Winners:

Quiltee Carol! who wrote: As a crafty type myself, I want to infuse myself with all of the wonderful creativity that I have seen since moving back to Austin this year. I have a close friend who loves all things handmade, and I'll know the perfect gift when I see it, but I'm sure the challenge will be trying to decide from all the great choices!


Maria! who said: I'm looking for jewelry and dog clothes!


and Dawnita! who retweeted our tweet about the event.


Thanks to everyone who participated. See you soon!


Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Craft Riot! - The Complete List

This weekend's Craft Riot! A Handmade Revolution in Shopping is sure to be an outstanding event. With the crafters like these, how could it not be?


Adorn Modern Designs

Amelia Beth Handmade Cards and Crafts

Assorted Musings by Maggie

Baby Bolt

Craft Chi

Debbie Carroll Designs

Devil Girl Designs

Diamonds and Guns by Action Jackson

Feto Soap

Laura Caslin Handmade Jewelry

Linden Leaf Studio and Lin Designs

Lovely Day

Lovely Lotus Designs

Merritt Gade Fine Handmades

Nepenthe's Bathtime

Paired Hearts/Wondercraft

Pommes Frites

Rest in Peace

Sidehawk

Snuggleherd/Wondercraft

Spirit Mama

Squid Ink Kollective

Sweet Wolf

The Flashbulb

Tina Lewis Pottery and Ceramic Art

Vintage Rehab


Only a few more hours to enter the Ticket Giveaway!

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is this weekend. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

SquidInkKollective

What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?
Our squid linen tea towels. They're handmade with quality linen and non-toxic inks, so they're a colorful and green touch to anyone's kitchen.

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?
We're primarily a screen printing apparel company. We only use sweatshop-free or organic bamboo/cotton shirts, and everything is printed manually with water-based inks. Most of our designs are drawn and inked by hand - yep, it's a hands-on process. There's also a lot of animals involved - mainly, narwhals, dogs and cats. And squids, of course! We love being able to support ourselves with a creative-based living that's eco-friendly, and adds humor and a dash of silliness to the world.

Best handmade present ever received?
Lynnea: A particularly awesome oil painting of a parsnip by my grandmother.
Brian: A woodcut by my college professor, Catherine Chauvin

Our shop is: squidinkkollective.etsy.com


Don't forget to enter the Ticket Giveaway!

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is this weekend. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

Debbie Carroll Designs
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?
Number #1 Holiday Pick - would be my mini prints/card sets featuring archival prints of my original watercolors. They are a great gift for men or women, and with their vibrant colors they are also rather festive! Sold in sets of 4 or 6 and grouped by color, they also look great framed, and could be given individually or as a grouping!

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?
Regarding my jewelry, I would really like for people to know that I strive for unique designs that are either one-of-a-kind or a limited edition (less than 10, and usually far fewer than that!). I spend a lot of time on the design aspect of my work, and enjoy finding just that right touch to make a piece special. I try to put a little vintage into each piece I make by using vintage beads (lucite is a huge favorite) or vintage findings along with my cache of newer stones, pearls or contemporary and reproduction components.

Best handmade present ever received?
The white satin wedding dress my mom made for my Barbie doll when I about 9 years old, I wish I still had it!

My shop is:
debbiecarrolldesigns.etsy.com


Don't forget to enter the Ticket Giveaway!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is less than one week away. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

SweetWolf
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?
Neckwarmers (or scarflettes) are like a mini hug around your neck! They make great gifts, are affordable and are the perfect winter accessory for our mild Austin winters! Can be worn around the house or office to keep the chill off your neck. I will debut more at Craft Riot! and some are made from upcycled/ reclaimed materials! so they will be warm and one of a kind!

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?
Almost all the items I create are One Of A Kind. I make a wide variety of items, mostly accessories. I like to put a funky vibe in my creations, and try to make most of them functional, so they are unique and useful!

Best handmade Christmas present ever received? My mother and grandmothers have given me many heartfelt handmade presents over the years; it would be hard to say which was my favorite, but they all inspired me in some way.

My shop is: SweetWolf.etsy.com


Don't forget to enter the Ticket Giveaway!

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is less than one week away. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

Linden Leaf Studio and LinDesigns
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?
Sterling silver key ring - perfect gift for man, woman, teen, grandparent and goes with everything! :) You can also personalize it with an initial, monogram or name!

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?
a. Everything is handmade by me and I recycle/reuse as much as possible.
b. Most of the silver used in my pieces is recycled silver and I turn in my scraps of silver for recycling.
c. I have a range of styles and prices in both of my shops!

Best handmade present ever received?
I have several afghans my grandmother crocheted for my sisters and I! I love them, they never go out of style!

My shop is: LindenLeafStudio.etsy.com


Don't forget to enter the Ticket Giveaway!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is less than one week away. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

Vintage Rehab
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?
1800's Victorian Fan Necklace - While hunting for vintage lockets, I came across this amazing 1800's Victorian fan pin made in Portugal by Topazio. The filagree design is gold plated sterling silver that is adorned with painted enamel flowers and a dangling fleur-de-lye charm. Although I mostly create vintage locket necklaces, I couldn't resist this exceptional piece that is in mint condition. It was once worn as a pin and now it hangs on very ornate, 14k gold filled chain.

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?
Vintage Rehab is a uniquely whimsical line featuring antique lockets, charms, and chains seamlessly restored into one-of-a-kind pieces. Stacey's fascination with antique jewelery and love of design inspired her to create new family heirlooms out of vintage treasures. She tracks down the most beautiful antique lockets, then fix them up, adding fantastic chains and clasps, transforming them from someone else's castoffs into your very own fortunate find.

Best handmade Christmas present ever received?
A set of hand stamped wine charms with many special blessings.

Craft Riot! - Trevor Ray Thompson Photography


As if you need another reason to attend the Craft Riot!, Trevor Ray Thompson will be taking photos with Santa on Sunday from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. His work is great and you'll be happy not to miss it!

Don't forget to enter the Ticket Giveaway!

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is less than one week away. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

The Snuggle Herd
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?

My coloring cards multi-pack - They’re totally customizable - color, collage, stamp, sticker or draw on them to your heart’s delight, then add your own message. They make a great gift for those creative kids in your life! They're also a real bargain - only $13 for a set of 6 cards with colorful envelopes.

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?

I'd like people to know that I make everything with a lot of care and attention to detail, which means that my sewn items will last a very long time. My stuffed toys are heirloom quality - you could pass them down from child to child, and my appliqued clothing looks great wash after wash after wash!


Best handmade Christmas present ever received?

One Christmas when I was about 10, my mom made me a whole wardrobe of little outfits for my Cabbage Patch Kids. They were so cute, and my mom is an excellent seamstress, so they all looked absolutely perfect - better than store-bought, for sure!


My shop is:
SnuggleHerd.etsy.com


Saturday, November 28, 2009

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is just one week away. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

Lovely Lotus Designs
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?

This year at the Craft Riot! I will be selling upcylced, handmade baskets, which I learned how to make as a child from my Grandma. They make the perfect hostess gift filled with an assortment of handmade goodies from EtsyAustin.

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?

I love color, and you will be sure to notice that throughout my shop! I love to hand dye fabric to make unique pieces of wearable art. I think giving handmade is the ultimate way to give gifts, one of a kind, made with love!

Best handmade Christmas present ever received?

Last year for Christmas my Mom gave me a quilt that my great grandmother made over a hundred years ago. I love looking at all the unique fabrics she used (most being scraps out of necessity), and it's amazing to think that quilting and sewing is a part of my heritage.


My shop is : www.LovelyLotusDesigns.etsy.com


Friday, November 27, 2009

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is just a week away. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

Merritt Gade Fine Handmades
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?
The Cascade earrings in gold. Or silver. Or gold and silver together. They're nice with pearls attached, too.

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?
I craft all of the parts of every piece of jewelry and choose only beads with a high level of quality and realness. Carefully making each hook and selecting gorgeous beads insures a piece you're going to love for a long time.

Best handmade Christmas present ever received?
A few years ago, my mom, two sisters, and I made collages for each other for Christmas. They could be made of whatever you chose, must fit inside a large manila envelope, and incorporate the things you cherish most about the recipient. I still have the three very different, but equally wonderful collages I received and adore them almost as much as the women who made them for me.

My shop is: merrittgade.etsy.com

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is just a week away. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

Lovely Day
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?
Lovely Day designs are starting to incorporate feathers; look out for these beauties. Feathers make all occasions festive!

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?
I want to inspire smiles. Every handmade bauble is one-of-a-kind beautiful, to add a bit of lovely to your day.

Best handmade Christmas present ever received?
The first gift my partner gave me was a fish tank. While he did purchase the tank itself, he filled the tank with rocks and sticks and plants he collected. He created a beautiful underwater world from found objects.

My shop is: lovelydayonline.etsy.com

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is just a few days away. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

Pommes Frites
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?
Definitely my hollow book flask safes... they make great gifts for those hard to buy for people and showcase your sense of humor & appreciation for handmade items simultaneously.

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?
I use as many recycled/upcycled/repurposed materials as possible, limiting the amount of waste I'm putting out into the world. Also, the majority of items I make (aside from candles) are one-of-a-kind.

Best handmade Christmas present ever received?
A crocheted afghan made for me by a friend. I'd been going on and on about how I wanted a quilt for my bed, so she handmade me an afghan that had multi-colored swatches of color (very quilt-like). Also perfect for snuggling in cold months!

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is just a few days away. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

Craft Chi
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?
I'm really excited about these new bags that I've printing and sewing. They are great for hiding other gifts inside. Using one of my totes or pouches in place of wrapping paper is a great way to make a gift even more special.

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?
I try to use as much organic/sustainable materials as possible. Also, I do all of the work from sketching designs to printing them on fabric to sewing the final object.

Best handmade Christmas present ever received?
My husband bought me a ring that was made from an enameled copper washer. I'm not a jewelry person but I love it because I can tell the person who made it put their heart into it and that is so much better than gold and diamonds to me.

My shop is: www.etsy.com/shop/CraftChi



Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is just a few days away. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

Rest in Peace
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?
My Hand felted scarf

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?
All of my items are made from 100% wool felt, vintage or found objects and remnants, hence the shop name. I am re-purposing old items to allow them to "rest in peace."

Best handmade Christmas present ever received?

A pumpkin souffle scented soy candle

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is just a few days away. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

The Flashbulb
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?
I think framed prints work well - just add a bow, and you're all set. I have a few left in my shop, but I'll be well stocked at the Craft Riot!

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?
If you have someone on your shopping list that loves bright colors, sewn art, birds, trees, fabric, etc. - my shop can help you out.

Best handmade Christmas present ever received?
My favorite is one I got last year - one of my college friends made collages that she turned into greeting cards. But since I like them so much, I haven't mailed any.

My shop is: www.theflashbulb.etsy.com

Monday, November 23, 2009

Craft Riot! Giveaway

Three lucky EtsyAustin fans will each win a pair of tickets to the handmade shopping fest Craft Riot! happening December 5th & 6th.

To enter to win, comment on this blog post about what you plan to shop for at the Craft Riot! and what you love about EtsyAustin by 12 p.m. CST on December 3rd. Be sure to include your email address to make contacting you easier.

Follow us on Twitter & Re-Tweet for an additional entry!
Tweet this:
Win a pair of tickets to the EtsyAustin handmade shopping fest Craft Riot! Dec. 5th & 6th: http://ow.ly/F1vB #craftriot

Winners will be chosen and notified by 9 p.m. on December 3rd.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

EtsyAustin @ E.A.S.T - 2nd Weekend!

Don't forget this amazing stop on the East Austin Studio Tour. In addition to Flatfork Studios and the other permanent art galleries and studios that make up this locale, EtsyAustin Team Members will be selling their art and handmade wares. Sip on Tito’s, nibble on food, shop, and of course, fill your heart with art. Live demonstrations will be held each day. Mark your tour map and we will see you there!

EtsyAustin @ E.A.S.T
Saturday & Sunday Nov 21th & 22th
10 am to 5 pm

Smith Road Studios
1406 Smith Road
Austin, TX

map


Saturday 11/21/09
Merritt Gade Fine Handmades - Merritt Gade
Demi Duval - Megan Russell
Adorn Modern - Lori Hooks
Vintage Rehab - Stacey Samuels
April Wright Design - April Wright
Under the Sun - Jill Phipps
VieModerne - Noelle Gaughen
Laura Caslin Handmade Jewelry - Laura Caslin
Happy Buddha Designs - Bridget Morris
Wild Moon Design - Anastasia Gregoire

Sunday 11/22/09

Merritt Gade Fine Handmades - Merritt Gade
Demi Duval - Megan Russell

Under the Sun - Jill Phipps

Wild Moon Design - Anastasia Gregoire

Vintage Rehab - Stacey Samuels

Lovely Lotus Designs - Bailey Tucker
Viola & Jean Jewelry - Jamie Bowers
Feto Soap - Lisa Chouinard

Don't forget our fabulous organizer, Samantha Hlavaty of Nepenthe's Bathtime. She'll be sharing her soaps, soaks, and glow-in-the-dark bath products in the tent next door.

Two demonstrations as well!
Saturday, 11/21
2 pm
Metal Fabrication Lesson: Cool Oxidized Hammered Earrings
presented by Adorn Modern
Lori Hooks will demonstrate how she incorporates various fabrication techniques including punching out shapes from sheet metal, shaping and filing, hammering, and oxidizing to enhance the texture and create a dramatic, edgy look. 30 minutes


Saturday, 11/21
and Sunday, 11/22
1 pm
Jewelry Making Made Simple
presented by Merritt Gade Fine Handmades
Merritt Gade will teach simple techniques used to make earrings and necklaces. Many different possibilities can be made from just a few designs. 30 minutes


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Seeking Volunteers!

The EtsyAustin Craft Riot! is seeking volunteers! This handmade shopping event will take place on Saturday, December 5th from 10am to 8pm and Sunday, December 6th from 11am to 7pm at Wines.com (5005 Commercial Park Drive, Suite 103 Austin, TX 78724).

This will be a really great event with over 25 EtsyAustin vendors selling handmade goods of all kinds. Each person who volunteers will get free admission to the Craft Riot!

We need volunteers for 3-hour shifts throughout the 2 days of the event. Volunteers with the ability to do some heavy lifting for the first shift on Saturday morning (8am to 10am) to help set up or the last shift on Sunday night (7pm to 9pm) to help vendors break down their booths are extra wonderful! We also need folks to help at the door and to float around and help our vendors watch their tables when they need a short break during the event.

Family, friends, and fans of EtsyAustin are welcome to volunteer. This is also a great way for new members to be involved in our group event without being a vendor. Get ideas for your future booth set up at shows, meet other team members, see all the cool things we make, and shop. It’s a great way to learn the ropes of selling live in Austin while having fun at our holiday event!

We would be happy to work with ROTC, Girl or Boy Scouts or any other organization looking for volunteer opportunities, although, we would prefer older kids (teens and up).

Please email your interest to LovelyLotusDesigns@yahoo.com. We really appreciate all the help we can get for this fun event for our team!

Monday, November 16, 2009

EtsyAustin Presents Craft Riot! A Handmade Revolution in Shopping




Just in time for the holidays, EtsyAustin, incollaboration with Wines.com presents CRAFT RIOT! A Handmade Revolution in Shopping. This 2-day event is the perfect place to find locally handmade and unique holiday gifts. Enjoy shopping from dozens of local artisans, wine tasting with pairings of both cheeses and chocolates, plus other yummy foods. Santa will be present for holiday photo ops with a professional photographer.


Now, more than ever, people all over the world are embracing the trend of buying handmade, vintage, and recycled products. Sustainability is becoming ideal in the current economic and environmental crises facing us today. When you buy handmade, you’re getting something made by a real person, not a machine. A purchase from a small-scale independent craftsperson cuts out the pollution and useless waste that is created by mass production. Additionally, buying from local crafters supports our local economy and helps "Keep Austin Weird!"


Saturday, December 5th, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday, December 6th, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.


The Craft Riot! event will take place at Wines.com, located at 5005 Commercial Park Drive, Suite 103 Austin, TX 78724.

$3 admission includes a glass of wine or bottle of water. The first 25 guests will receive EtsyAustin gift bags full of goodies each day.


Sponsorship Opportunities

By the Glass: Free

-Include 50 of your company’s promotional items in our gift bags.*

-Your business name and link will be listed on our promotional page as a “By the Glass Sponsor.”


By the Carafe: $50

-A 150x150-pixel logo and link for your business will be listed on our promotional page as a “By the Carafe Sponsor.”

-Receive 4 complimentary passes for Craft Riot!

-Include 50 of your company’s promotional items in our gift bags. *


By the Magnum: $200

-Logo posted as an official Craft Riot! Sponsor on our promotional materials (must register by October 28th)

-Hang your company’s banner or sign at EtsyAustin’s Craft Riot!

-A 150x150-pixel logo and link for your business will be listed on our promotional page as a “By the Magnum Sponsor.”

-Your business will receive a spotlight write up on The EtsyAustin blog.

-Receive 10 complimentary passes for Craft Riot!

-Include 50 of your company’s promotional items in our gift bags.*

Sponsorship payment may be made in the form of cash, goods, or services.


Email marketing@etsyaustin.com to become a sponsor today!


*Our EtsyAustin gift bags are extremely hot commodities. They will be handed out to the first 25 people (16 and over) each day entering the doors. Acceptable promotional items include: magnets, pens, key chains, pins, and product samples. Business cards alone are not an acceptable item. In addition to our sponsors, all of our participating artisans are including items. All promotional items need to be received before November 29, 2009. The sooner we receive them though, the sooner EtsyAustin can list you as an event sponsor, increasing your exposure

time.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

EtsyAustin @ E.A.S.T. Lineup - 2 Additions!

Two more great hand-crafters have signed up for the EtsyAustin @ E.A.S.T. for this coming weekend, November 14th & 15th!

SweetWolf - Cathie Fuentes
Robo Ruku - Renée Rice

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

EtsyAustin @ E.A.S.T. Lineup

Here is the line-up for this coming weekend's EtsyAustin tent at the East Austin Studio Tour. Check out their Etsy shops ahead of time, so you what not to miss!

Saturday 11/14/09
Debbie Carroll Designs - Debbie Carroll
Pigsey Art - Brandy Davis
Tina Lewis Pottery - Tina Lewis
Assorted Musings by Maggie - Megan (Maggie) Murphy
One Creative Girl - Melissa Gable
All She Does - Corey Dylan
Vintage Crowns - Terri Beck
Craft Chi - Amy Murphy
Amelia Beth - Amelia Beth
Pixie Worx! - Julia Chambers
Bottle Up and Explode - Andrea Couch
Delisa Designs - Lisa Linbrugger

Sunday 11/15/09
Debbie Carroll Designs - Debbie Carroll
Pigsey Art - Brandy Davis
Tina Lewis Pottery - Tina Lewis
Delisa Designs - Lisa Linbrugger
Pixie Worx! - Julia Chambers
Bottle Up and Explode - Andrea Couch
Gem Junkie - Kelly Owens Pratlett
Adorn Modern - Lori Hooks
Sweet Wolf - Cathie Fuentes
Action Jackson - Camille Jackson
Vintage Rehab - Stacey Samuels

Don't forget our fabulous organizer, Samantha Hlavaty of Nepenthe's Bathtime. She'll be sharing her soaps, soaks, and glow-in-the-dark bath products in the tent next door.

Monday, November 9, 2009

EtsyAustin at E.A.S.T. - 2 Weekends!!!


Don't miss this amazing stop on the East Austin Studio Tour. In addition to Flatfork Studios and the other permanent art galleries and studios which make up this locale, over 40 EtsyAustin Team Members will be rotating over the two weekends selling their art and handmade wares. Sip on Tito’s, nibble on food, shop, and of course, fill your heart with art. Live demonstrations will be held each day. Mark your tour map and we will see you there!

Etsy Austin @ E.A.S.T
Saturday & Sunday Nov 14th & 15th
Saturday & Sunday Nov 21th & 22th
10 am to 5 pm

Smith Road Studios
1406 Smith Road
Austin, TX

map


Demo schedule:

Saturday, 11/14

1 pm
Upcycle It! Creating Handbound Notepads
presented by Pigsey Art
Learn a quick few ways to turn old paper, leather or wallpaper into miniature handbound fun. See a demonstration by Brandy Davis showing how you can upcycle your vintage into small notepads using only a needle, thread and a little creativity. 30 minutes

2 pm
A View Outside the Flock - Hands-on Crochet Workshop
presented by Pixie Worx!
Looking to begin or advance your modern day crochet skills or simply see how it's done? Get a unique peek into the world of this handmade art like never before! Julia Chambers will be on hand to answer questions and demo on a variety of crochet art, tools, fibers and ideas, including her "half-stitch technique," as well as basic crochet skills. 45 minutes


Sunday, 11/15
1 pm
Upcycle It! Creating Handbound Notepads
presented by Pigsey Art
Learn a quick few ways to turn old paper, leather or wallpaper into miniature handbound fun. See a demonstration by Brandy Davis showing how you can upcycle your vintage into small notepads using only a needle, thread and a little creativity. 30 minutes

2 pm
Making Porcelain Beads
presented by Tina Lewis Pottery
A demonstration of various techniques of making and decorating porcelain beads. Tina Lewis will demonstrate methods of creating beads with wet porcelain clay and show decorating and glazing techniques that can be used on bisqued beads. See examples of the beads in all stages leading to the final result. 1 hour


Saturday, 11/21
1 pm
Jewelry Making Made Simple
presented by Merritt Gade Fine Handmades
Merritt Gade will teach simple techniques used to make earrings and necklaces. Many different possibilities can be made from just a few designs. 30 minutes

2 pm
Metal Fabrication Lesson: Cool Oxidized Hammered Earrings
presented by Adorn Modern
Lori Hooks will demonstrate how she incorporates various fabrication techniques including punching out shapes from sheet metal, shaping and filing, hammering, and oxidizing to enhance the texture and create a dramatic, edgy look. 30 minutes

Sunday, 11/22
1 pm
Jewelry Making Made Simple
presented by Merritt Gade Fine Handmades
Merritt Gade will teach simple techniques used to make earrings and necklaces. Many different possibilities can be made from just a few designs. 30 minutes

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Got Plans this Weekend?




This coming weekend, a few lovely ladies of Etsy Austin will be participating in exciting events that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit (in case you need that extra lil nudge). On Saturday, Cathie Fuentes (Sweet Wolf), Kim Soliz (Devil Girl Design), and yours truly (DGAJ) will be at the Viva La Vida Fest, hosted by the Mexic-Arte Museum. Admission to this spectacular event is free, and the festival will be from 2-10pm on 5th St. (between Congress and Brazos). There will be an extensive contemporary and pre-Columbian West Mexico art exhibit, crafting for kids, food (pan de muerto, tamales, and of course sugar skulls), live music, a marketplace, and a grand procession at 6pm.

After you've stopped by Mexic Arte's VLVF, be sure to come say hi to the ladies of The WonderCraft at the Mixx and Make Event at Mixx (612 E. 6th St) from 9pm-2am for mask making, an eating contest, live music, coffin cakes from Blue Note Bakery, and a chance at a giveaway and some freebies! Admission is $6 if you RSVP ahead of time (you can do so on the Events section of WC's website) or $8 at the door.

Whether you're looking for events to get you in this month's spirit or you just want to make your weekend plans a little more interesting, these festivities are sure to be the cure-all you need! Hope to see y'all out this weekend.

Action Jackson out.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

sewingstufffree

Hey-
I have 12 small boxes of fabric scraps,scarves,ribbon,lace,doilies,etc. Cleaning out my sewing room if someone wants to come get this stuff--the only catch is that if you take a box you have to take the whole thing-no looking through and leaving anything behind. Call me at 707-7167 --has to be in the next three days because we're moving,
Thanks, Sunny(rubypearl)

Friday, October 2, 2009

Sunday Shopping with Etsy Austin

Some of our beloved Etsy Austin folks will be selling their goods right outside of The Common Thread this Sunday, October 4th from 12-6 pm.  
The Common Thread it located in South Austin @ 701-E South Lamar Blvd.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

We Make Stuff Recap

Recap time! I'll make this short though since I mainly wanted to share some eye candy with y'all. Yours truly was at The Scoot Inn this past Saturday from 7pm-12am for the We Make Stuff event (hosted by Electric Promotions). The night consisted of free Nadamoo ice cream, delicious drinks provided by Treaty Oak rum, raffles, button making with The Wondercraft, a fashion show from rockin Austin designers, and skateboard art! And, to top things off, proceeds from the nights' raffles went towards Art From the Streets. On a side note, for all you lovely people out there who love Austin's Rare magazine as much as I do, there's a great AFTS interview in this month's issue, so be sure to read (available in print or on Rare's website). All in all, it was a good night and I was lucky to have the company of fellow artists who I knew...and more importantly, liked. :) As always, the night featured a gander (yes, we're geese) of Etsy Austin's lovely ladies. Check out their shops cause these chicks seriously rock:
-Kim Soliz of DevilGirlDesign
-Anne Marie Beard of AnneMarie
-Samantha Hlavalty of NepenthesBathtime
-Cathy Fuentes of SweetWolf
-Merritt Gade of MerrittGade
-April Wright of AprilWrightDesign
-Jen Bryan of LucyBlueStudio
-Beth Hempton of SnuggleHerd
-Beth Albrecht of PairedHearts
-Kim Sae-Eua of Broken Ear Productions

Action Jackson out!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Handmade Nation screening in Austin


This year's Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5th and 6th, will be extra special for Austin's handmade network, as Faythe Levine herself will be visiting in conjunction with a screening of her documentary Handmade Nation.

HANDMADE NATION documents the movement of artists, crafters and designers that recognize a marriage between historical techniques, punk and DIY (do it yourself) ethos while being influenced by traditional handiwork, modern aesthetics, politics, feminism and art. Fueled by the common thread of creating, the film explores a burgeoning art community that is based on creativity, determination and networking

In addition to two screenings of the film at the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar, there will be Q & A after each screening as well as a mini craft bazaar complete with demos and giveaways, a book signing event at Domy Books the night before, and a post-screening party at Austin Handmade!

Buy your film tickets here: Handmade Nation at the Alamo

For more information including the exact schedule, go to Sublime Stitching's website.