Monday, March 21, 2011

The 54th Zilker Garden Festival

The 54th Annual Zilker Garden Festival is this week end and the forecast shows loads of sunshine. This show is a favorite of any plant lover and you will have the opportunity to see plants you may have not even heard of. The lush gardens are filled with music, art, and plants to take home with you. There is always so much for the little ones in the Kids Corner, and opportunities to hear talks from master gardeners. If all of that was not enough you will even get to see some of the Esty Austin team out as well. Check out the site for a discount on advanced tickets, but you can still get them at the door.






















Brandy of Pigsey Art creates fun upcyled journals, stickers, magnets, and pendants. They are all thoughtfully made with skill and little humor.


























Amy of Craft Chi creates with a one two punch. She screen prints beautiful images on fabric and then constructs beautiful bags, belts, and linens with it.


You will also see me Hammer It Out with my metal work. I have some new pieces that I will be debuting at this show, and I hope you drop by to see what I can do with a sheet of stainless steel.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

TeamEtsyAustin Handmade Shopping Event at the 78704 Artisan Market


Downtown for SXSW? We will be too! Stop by the 78704 Artisan Market for some TeamEtsyAustin handmade goodness! We'll be setup right by Hey Cupcake! across the street from Hill Country Weavers so as you get your sugar fix you can get some awesome handmade art, clothes, jewelry, accessories and more.

We'll see you there!

NE corner of Milton and South Congress - same lot as Hey Cupcake! and across from Vespaio

Thursday -
Sunday, 11:00am - 9:00pm






Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Adorn Modern's Guide to North Austin

North Side – 2222 to Parmer, East to I-35
West to Spicewood Springs Road

Terra Toys
This is a really fun store for adults and kids alike. They have an extensive selection of Hello Kitty items, fun candy and lots of incredible toys, books and kids clothes. The staff is really friendly and knowledgeable.

2438 W Anderson Ln C1

Monday - Saturday 9-8; Sunday 12-6

800-247-TOYS / 512-445-4489


Sea of Beads

Just down the sidewalk is one my favorite Bead Stores … Sea of Beads. There is indeed a sea of beads! So much to choose from and great prices. There is usually a class going on and the last time I stopped in the owner was at the store and very nice!

2438 W Anderson Ln. Ste C6B

Monday-Friday 10am-7pm; Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 12pm-6pm

512-533-9090


Nomadic Notions

Another beautiful store full of lovely beads, a couple of intersections to the West of Sea of Beads.

3010 W. Anderson Ln

512-454-0001

Monday - Saturday 11-7, Sunday 12-5


AustiNuts

AustiNuts is an Austin based company specializing in dry roasted nuts, healthy snacks, gourmet chocolate and candies. The selection in this little store is incredible. You can buy in bulk and there is an endless variety of healthy nuts, chocolate and tons of candy. The is a great place to buy a fun local gift to take back home, if you can resist eating it yourself!

2900 West Anderson Lane

Monday - Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-6

512-323-6887


Alamo Drafthouse Village

Movies, food, and beer. What more can I say? Check the website for screenings and special events.

2700 West Anderson Lane


San Francisco Bakery

This family owned favorite has been a north Austin neighborhood staple since 1995. Breakfast features coffee, tea, delectable pastries and baked goods, and freshly made omelettes. For lunch, choose from a number of custom made sandwiches with your pick of house made fresh breads.

2900 West Anderson Lane, Suite L

(512) 302-3420

Monday - Friday 7-6, Saturday 7-3, Closed Sunday


Korea House

Authentic Korean cuisine and affordable sushi bar. The beef bulgoki is the best in town, and the bi bim bab and gyoza potstickers are great too.

2700 West Anderson Lane

(512) 458-2477

Monday - Thursday 11-10; Friday - Saturday 11-11; Sunday noon-10


Hil-Bert’s Hamburgers

This local burger place has great hamburgers, I love the whole wheat buns. The shakes and fries are excellent too!

7211 Burnet Road

(512) 452-2317

Daily 10 - 10


Top Notch Burgers

This is a local classic and the sign is an Austin Icon. You might also recognize the exterior from the movie Dazed and Confused. Recently taken over by a local restaurant group it still serves up great hamburgers. I really like their fried chicken!

7525 Burnet Road

(512) 452-2181

Genuine Joe Coffeehouse This is a really eclectic coffee house conveniently located right on Anderson Lane, featuring grab n go breakfast tacos and baked goods in the morning, and great coffee drinks and desserts all day and night. Great place to meet and hang out.

2001 W. Anderson Lane
Monday - Friday 7-11, Saturday - Sunday 8-11


Kim Phung Chinese and Vietnamese Restaurant

Kim Phung on North Lamar has been around since the 80s and was one of the first Pho restaurants in North Austin. It is consistently tasty, their menu is huge and the prices are very reasonable.

7601 North Lamar Blvd Suite 1

(512) 451-2464


Antique Mall

Burnet at 183 next to skating Rink


NXNW Brew Pub and Restaurant

North by Northwest is a great brew/pub restaurant. The beer is wonderful and the food is excellent. It has a nice cozy upscale atmosphere and live music at selected times.

10010 Capital of TX Hwy N
(512) 467-6969


Manuel's Mexican Restaurant

This restaurant features one of the best happy hours in town, great seafood and fresh handmade tortillas. Grab a margarita on the patio and relax Austin style.

10201 Jollyville Rd
(512) 345-1042


Ventana Restaurant at Texas Culinary Academy

This is a fabulous place to get a 5 star meal at ridiculously low prices. The students cook and serve the meals in this beautiful restaurant as part of their course work. It is a wonderful value and a really great place for fine dining on a budget. Check the menus on their web site to see what they have in store for the day.

11400 Burnet Road

(512) 339-3850
Lunch:
Tuesday - Friday 11-1:30

Dinner: Tuesday - Friday 5:30-8:15


Spicewood Springs/183 Strip Mall

North Austin is Strip Mall city but tucked away in them are many great local places. The strip mall at Spicewood Springs and 183 is a perfect example with a great cultural mix including an Indian Grocery, Asian Market, two Chinese restaurants, great BBQ and the best Cajun food in town.


Cupprimo Cupcakery & Coffee Spot

Great cupcakes including minis and a rotating variety. The owner is super friendly and really involved in community activities.

650 Spicewood Springs RD # 105

(512) 335-7746


Sambet’s Cajun Deli and Firey Foods

Sambet’s is the best Cajun food in Austin and serves up huge Muffalettas, great gumbo and lots of funky atmosphere. They have a huge selection of hot sauces lining the walls. It looks like a hot sauce museum. The owners are wonderful and remember your name.

8650 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 111

(512) 258-6410

Monday – Thursday 11–8, Friday & Saturday 11- 9

Lovey’s Loot

Lovey Alden Brown, the owner of Lovey’s Loot is usually at the store and is great fun to meet. She is doing her best to keep North Austin Weird. Great selection of vintage and new clothing along with a funky art gallery next door. Lovey recently opened an Etsy shop loveysloot.etsy.com
8650 Spicewood Springs Rd. Suite 107

512.258.7500



Enjoy!
Lori Hooks
Adorn Modern.etsy.com

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Etsy Austin At SXSW

The team had an amazing time at the SXSW event. We would like to thank Etsy for having us and everyone who came out to join in the festivities. Fun was had by all while checking out our Wall of Wow featuring work by some of our team members, and making crafts to take home. We even got a mention on the CCN blog.





Members of the team provided samples of their work to display for patrons of the event to view. We had QR codes for each shop that were very popular with the tech savvy crowd. It was great to get to brag on each other and tell how supportive and active the team is in Austin.







The crafting tables were filled with people getting involved in the hand made vibe. Etsy and Burda Style provided the tools and supplies to make upcylced t-shirt bags and hand decorated shot glasses. It was a great weekend and we look forward to more events like this in the future.









Friday, March 11, 2011

Saddle Up Babsy!

SXSW has begun and Etsy has arrived to keep it crafty. You will have the opportunity to meet Etsy Admins from Brooklyn, and create some crafts to take home. At Venue 222 , 222 E. 6th Street Austin TX 78701, March 12th - 13th from noon to midnight there are no badges required. Etsy Austin will also be at the show with Babsy the cat from noon to 7pm. You can saddle up and take your picture with her. The team will have a Wall Of Wow displaying a sampling of wares all hand made locally and team members available to answer any of your questions. After 8 pm Venue 222 will bring out the rock and roll. Saturday you wil be entertained by Neighbors and The Black Angels. Sunday at 5 pm there will be a DIY Panel with KnittaPlease, Burdastyle, Threadless, and Spoonflower. The BurdaStyle DIY Fashion Show will hit the stage at 9 pm and then Quintron and Ms. Pussycat will be on deck with DJ Rana June providing the music.

Etsy Austin Rocks SXSW! by LovelyLotusDesigns

This collection is inspired by the music and fashion of SXSW.


Citrine and Bullet Casing Ne...
$80.00

Rock and Roll Bib
$14.00

Cassette Tape - Silver Laser...
$13.00

1-inch Button Booster 4 Pack...
$6.00

Drum Set Organic Cotton Ones...
$22.00

Star Mobile Earrings
$34.00

Dia de los Muertos Mariachi ...
$9.50

vintage sheet music magnets
$3.50

ACEO - Headphones - Original...
$8.00

Music Tuba - Upcycled Magets...
$9.00

Heart for the Tin Man Earrin...
$18.00

20 Silver Acoustic Guitar Ch...
$5.50

heat treated copper earrings
$18.00

Beauty and The Beat
$26.00

Music Symbol Flashcard Noteb...
$12.00

Organic Embroidered Onesie, ...
$25.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Hammer It Out's Guide to Late Night Austin

It is late you have had an amazing day of music and fun, but your partner in crime is hungry and getting grumpy. We have all been there. Lucky for you this is happening in Austin and you have options beyond the truck stops on the highway. This is not a complete list of late night places, but I have been to all of these and would recommend them to my friends.

If you are already downtown there will be an array of pizza shops and carts to choose from. They are all good people, but one joint stands out for me Casino El Camino. The Food Network has come calling to check out the larger than life burgers. They are fresh, made to order, and open until last call. The Buffalo Burger is excellent. Also open until 2 am is Trudy's. They now have three locations that are all amazing. You do not get the kind of service they offer here just anywhere. On top of that they server a famous Mexican Martini to cool down the spice of your meal.

Now onto the places that are there for you 24 hours a day. If you have a hankering for authentic Mexican pastries or some fresh tortillas then La Mexicana Bakery will get you fixed up. They also have a breakfast and lunch menu that they serve all day. Katz's Deli on 6th street has been bringing a touch of New York by way of their deli to Austin since 1979. If you want a reuben or blintz this is your spot. Another great 6th street spot is the 24 Dinner. I will just say gourmet chicken and waffles and leave it at that. Kerby Lane Cafe is an institution here. It is not at all unusual for people to wait for hours to get a a short stack on a Saturday morning. They also have a seasonal menu with things like gruyere and kielbasa quiche. Another super breakfast spot is Magonila Cafe. You can also get sandwiches, tacos, and some Tex-Mex too.

Star Seeds Cafe is a small no nonsense diner with good music on the speakers, and great food on the table. If your main need is coffee check out Bennu or Strange Brew. Both shops have a great cup of Joe and you can also grab a pastry or a sandwich. I would also like to mention Mrs. Johnson's Bakery. They serve hot doughnuts starting at 8:40 PM until midnight. The glazed are a mouthful of nostalgia for a time when a guy bought a shop and perfected his craft.

I don't care what anybody tells you these are the best in town. Welcome to Austin we are happy to have you. While you are here support good local restaurants, and drive safe.


-Megan Russell
www.hammeritout.etsy.com
HammerItOut on Tumblr

HammerItOut on Facebook

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Action Jackson's Guide to Midtown

Whenever I have friends or family visiting from out of town, I usually ask around for suggestions of places to visit or activities that are characteristically Austin. The responses I receive are usually overwhelmingly food-related. And though there are plenty of sites to see and things to do in the lone star state capital besides eat, it's not a bad starting point.

There are a few ways to make the most important meal of the day (aka breakfast for all you night owls) a memorable one. If you like to start your day on a sweet note, I'd suggest cinnamon rolls and coffee at Upper Crust Bakery. Though they have an array of freshly-baked breads and pastries to appease any breakfast bread craving, the cinnamon rolls hit the spot every time for me. For a quick and filling Tex-Mex-inspired meal that could easily fit the breakfast/brunch/lunch bill, pick up a few tacos at Torchy's Tacos. My favorite is the Dirty Sanchez. And no, I'm not being vulgar; it's really on the menu. If you find yourself hitting the snooze button too many times to make it to breakfast, enjoy a mix of salads, sandwiches, and comfort food at Blue Star Cafeteria. I usually split some fried artichoke hearts with a friend and order a strawberry salad for myself.

A snap of one of Torchy's Tacos many delectable delights.

To polish off any good meal, Austin provides a wide variety of ways to help you get your sweet tooth fix. Two of my favorites are local mainstay chains that have managed to preserve a unique Austin vibe through their years of growth. The first of these is Hey Cupcake! Though the cupcakery (cupcake + bakery) has one permanent hq, most of the locations are housed out of silver airstream trailers. You can't go wrong with any of the cakes topped with cream cheese icing, but the Sweetberry is the best of the best. Hands down, the most well known Austin-y sweet shop is Amy's Ice Cream. The shop's paint job and employees are as weird as the ice cream is delicious. Though the flavors and crush'ns (toppings) combinations are on rotation, I'd recommend trying the most outrageous mix available. My most memorable Amy's cup was called "Kindergarten Cop" and consisted of Mexican Vanilla ice cream, bits of Heath Bar, and *brace yourself* doughnut pieces. Seriously, I can't make this stuff up.

One of the many Hey Cupcake! silver airstream trailer cupcakeries you'll find in Austin.

Whether you're taking a breather from the SXSW festivities or getting a case of the shopping bug, you'll eventually make the rounds of Austin shops. If the idea of adorning yourself in pistols and skulls appeals to you, be sure to stop by Atomic Cherry Boutique. This upscale punk rock/rockabilly boutique neighbors one of Austin's favorite tattoo parlors, Atomic Tattoo, and sells adorably dangerous pieces to fit any budget. To feed your brain and inner nerd (or outer for some), Austin Books & Comics is the place to go. Supposedly, the space it's housed in was a part of a former roller rink. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that the store boasts the largest and best comic book collection in town.
A peek inside the rock and roll boutique, Atomic Cherry Boutique.

Should you find yourself overdressed for the big week or the unlucky person whose baggage was lost in transit, a shopping trip to Blue Elephant will have you dressed head to toe in a style reflective of and appropriate for the festival. The spacious boutique sells women's clothing, shoes, accessories, makeup, and gifts, widely ranging in price and style. Added bonus- the shop always has a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies out for customers to enjoy while they shop! Though it goes without saying, South by (that's what us locals call it) attracts an immense amount of creative talent. Being in the midst of it can definitely inspire you to tap into your own creativity. The Art Pad, a mosaic project studio, is a short walk from the Upper Crust Bakery. The shop provides the tools, tiles, and the mosaic "canvas" of your choice. Because the studio encourages customers to bring in personal pottery and jewelry to incorporate into pieces, a finished mosaic creation would make the perfect handmade SXSW memento.

A sample of the tiles and project backgrounds The Art Pad offers for customers.

While in town, enjoy the festival, be safe, and be sure to check out all the awesome Austin has to offer.

Action Jackson out.

WOW - Part II for upcoming SXSW Festival in Austin! by debbiecarrolldesigns

Here are few more selections from my committee members and a few others for the upcoming Etsy event at SXSW!


hammered copper cuff bracele...
$36.00

So Deer
$6.00

Fox Stole Scarf- Skinny Red
$55.00

Aurora Borealis Earrings in ...
$20.00

Tulipiere Asymmetrical Flowe...
$60.00

Church at Hondo Series No. 3...
$40.00

Talk to the Hand - Upcycled ...
$30.00

Compact Mirror
$6.00

CUTE Day of Dead Skull 80s N...
$25.00

Blissful Blue and Metallic G...
$15.00

Hippo coloring card to custo...
$3.00

Stainless Steel Daisy
$20.00

Pillow Covers
$35.00

So Very Bright Tiara
$38.00

Electro Deco - Art Deco Geom...
$26.00

Playful Steampunk Key Neckla...
$125.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.