Craft Riot Vendor: R&R Design

Tara George

R&R Design

rrdesign13.etsy.com

R&R Design's Blog
R&R Design on Twitter

R&R Design's Facebook Fan Page
rrdesign13@gmail.com

Give a brief product description.
Recycled & re-purposed handmade jewelry and home accessories. All products are made with lightly used recycled items such as license plates, silverware, tin cans, old maps, bottle caps, etc.


How did you get started?
I guess you can say my love for crafts started when my grandmother taught me how to embroider and knit as a kid. I've picked up many new hobbies over the years and when I moved to Austin in February I decided to make it a living. I started on Etsy.com and have grown from there.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I have always been an avid recycle-er but I hate the fact that a lot of it still ends up in a dump or storage facility somewhere. I decided to try and take it one step further and use the recycled materials to create unique, environmentally friendly products. I also love thrift store shopping and when I find something new and exciting the first thing I think of is "what can I make out of this?".

Describe your workspace/workroom.
My workspace consists mostly of thrift store finds including a set of vintage cream dressers and a matching sewing desk. I have lots of glass jars, fun tins and cigar boxes that I keep my supplies in. I collect vintage luggage and it currently holds all my fabrics and quilts. Family photos and letterpress prints from Etsy line the walls. My workspace also displays all my favorite books and more of my favorite vintage finds.

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?

I've made lots of holiday gifts in the past but my favorite one I've received was last year from my little sister. She learned how to crochet just to make us each a rug out of cute old sheets she had found. Mine is sage green with pink tones and it is so comfortable to step out of bed and onto in the mornings.

Craft Riot Vendor: grrfeisty's feisty fabrik

Roxy Rodriguez

grrfeisty's feisty fabrik

www.grrfeisty.com
grrfeisty.etsy.com

grrfeisty's Facebook Fan Page

roxy.rodriguez@gmail.com

Give a brief product description.
Feisty Fabrik is all about bright colors and designs. I make a variety of accessories - headbands, brooches, hair clips, and zipper pouches. I also love making funky little plushies and pillows, such as the Bipolar Bunny.


How did you get started?
I remember spending hours making greetings cards for my parents when I was younger. My love for scissors continued though high school as I cut through fabric and hand stitched cute little pillows and scarves. Finally I tried my hand at more detailed work with a sewing machine. :)

Where do you get your inspiration?
First off, my grandmother is an amazing seamstress. And my mother is wicked with the knitting needles! These two women are my biggest inspiration!
I also think crafty blogs are highly motivational. I love reading about people’s new ventures and seeing the cute things they are making. I’ve been reading a lot of crafty books, too! I often check the featured etsian because I want to know what gets noticed :)

Describe your workspace/workroom.
I am lucky enough to have an entire workroom in my home. It's pretty much where I spend most of my time! I have a table where my sewing machine sits, a desk for my computer and other "office" things, and a vintage love seat for relaxing :) My dogs often keep my company as I create - they think it's their room, too!

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?
I ADORE handmade gifts. Any present that obviously involves thoughtfulness is the most meaningful to me. I try and give gifts that have the same qualities I look for :)

Craft Riot Vendor: Anne Marie

Anne Marie Beard

annemariebeard.com

annemariebeard.etsy.com

handmadehappenings.com

annemarie_beard@yahoo.com

Give a brief product description.

Distinctive artisan handbags.


How did you get started?
Been sewing since I was 4 - after studying Costume Design at UT - I launched my business in 2002 using recycled jeans to make handbags - the rest is history!

Where do you get your inspiration?
Vintage fabric, Art Deco Era jewelry, The Night Sky.

Describe your workspace/workroom.
My fabric is having babies right now...

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?
A microwave heatable neckwrap - made for me by a friend - it's the gift that keeps on giving!

Craft Riot Vendor: Petite Pensieri

Tahra Boatright and Katie Wilke

PetitePensieri.etsy.com

Petite Pensieri on Facebook

Petite.Pensieri@gmail.com

Give a brief product description.
We handmake unique baby and toddler clothes, accessories and toys. All of our products are part of a special collection which makes gift giving easy, depending on how big or small you would like the gift to be.


How did you get started?
We were both pregnant at the same time, making each other handmade gifts along the way. After getting into the groove of being stay-at-home moms, we decided we couldn't keep all these cute creations just for our boys. We put out our feelers and started to create baby gifts for family and friends and got an overwhelmingly great response. We set up shop on Etsy and Petite Pensieri was born!

Where do you get your inspiration?
Our sons, Carter and Drake (both just turned a year), have been the prefect inspiration to help us create, test our products, see what works well and looks good!

Describe your workspace/workroom.

Each of us have a cozy studio in our homes to escape and get creative! Our inspiration boards hang right above our trusty sewing machines, to keep the wheels turning at all times. This in-home set up allows us to consistently be open for business and just steps away from work at all times.

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?
There's nothing more thoughtful than a handmade gift! Our friends and family love, or so we think, being our guinea pigs to test out new ideas and sewing projects. Mother-daughter apron sets and laptop cases have been our favorites to spice up our friends' kitchens and workspaces. And of course we have to keep all the babies we know looking sassy and hip in our embellished onesies and ready for any spit up catastrophes with coordinating burp cloths.

Craft Riot Vendor: lizziebees

Lianne Nichols

lizziebees.etsy.com
lizziebees's blog

lizziebees on Twitter

lizziebees@hotmail.com

Give a brief product description.
I sell accessories for you and your furry friends. Pet collars, toys, and a few things for you humans as well.

How did you get started?
Let me tell you a story of how I looked down upon my puppy one day and realized that with all my crafty abilities I was going to make him a collar...

Sorry, the truth is it didn't happen like that at all. In fact I don't even have a dog. So, here's the real story. I was unemployed, bored, and unpacking my craft supplies after a big cross country move. I had a clip that was rescued from something I can't even remember, nylon webbing, ribbon, and my trusty sewing machine. Next thing I knew my mom's dog had a new collar. Since then I have made quite a few changes to my process, but the products just get better and better because of it.


Where do you get your inspiration?
It may sound silly, but when I need to feel inspired I just go to the fabric store. I can't imagine walking through all the beautiful fabrics and not feeling the need to make something. Usually I leave with lots of ideas and arms full of brightly colored fabric.

Describe your workspace/workroom.
I am very lucky to have a little cut out in our current apartment. The space is about 8 x 12 and I have taken over every corner of that! I have one wall that showcases all my collars and then I put the fliers for all my upcoming shows over my desk. It motivates me to see what I am preparing for.

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?
I think my favorite winter gift was when my mom and sister asked me to make them mittens one Christmas. They didn't take long to make but it's been 3 years and they both still use them. Plus they were made from baby alpaca yarn so they are incredibly soft.

My favorite gifts to receive were probably the blankets that my Grandmothers have made me. One crochets and has kept me warm with those for years. Another quilts and every grandchild has gotten a quilt from her when they were born. Since I didn't join the family until I was 10 or 11 it was a really special gift when I did get it. It was like I was officially one of the family when I opened it.

Craft Riot Vendor: Devilgirl Design

Kim Soliz
devilgirldesign.etsy.com
Devilgirl Design's Facebook Fan Page

devilgirldesign@gmail.com

Give a brief product description.
I make just about everything, or at least have tried. Currently I'm making jewelry, hair accessories, vintage looking aprons, re-styled t-shirts and upcycled feed bag shopping bags and pouches.

How did you get started?
I started sewing when I was a kid, and would make skirts, peg jeans, hem pants, etc. to make clothes fit the way I wanted. I started making jewelry and hair accessories out of frustration when I could not find the things I wanted for myself. I have recently begun to look at the things I use and recycle and throw away on a daily basis, and my new passion is trying to find a use for those items.

Where do you get your inspiration?
Everywhere. A trip to a favorite store, like Betsy Johnson, can fuel my imagination for days, as can vintage clothes shopping or even a trip to Goodwill.


Describe your workspace/workroom.
I finally have a real studio! We have converted one of our extra bedrooms into "my" room with red walls, tons of shelves, a chandelier, cutting table and room for everything - almost. It's amazing how quickly you can fill up a 10 x 10 space!

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?
I once received a gorgeous aqua blue resin trivet embedded with broken sea shells in it that I adored, and was eventually broken during a move and rendered irreparable.

Craft Riot Vendor: All With Love

Tiffany Nappier

All with LOVE

All with LOVE's blog

tnappier84@gmail.com

Give a brief product description.
Unique quilts and bags made with love are my specialty.

How did you get started?
I watched my mom quilt for years and really see where her passion for sewing/quilting comes from because I have discovered it as well. With her support AllwithLOVE is able to take flight and let me share my passion with others.

Where do you get your inspiration?
Inspiration usually comes from the fabrics I use. I also love trying new things, new patterns and ideas.


Describe your workspace/workroom.
My boyfriend would say its a mess. Of course it really is but it works for me.

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?
The first quilt I ever made was a Christmas gift for my mom. It reminded me of hot coco and snowmen.

Shop Crafty application deadline: 6/17 at 5pm!

The Lone Star Ladies are bringing Austin another amazing show, Shop Crafty! If you are an Austin-area artist, crafter, maker or teacher, check it out! The deadline to apply has been extended to Fri, 6/17 at 5pm. Don't miss out!

The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Crafty
 is a family-friendly celebration of the Handmade Community from Austin and all over the Nation!

Saturday, October 16th, 2010, 10am to 5pm
The Marchesa, 6406 N. IH-35, Ste. 3100, Austin, TX  78752

This one day festival will feature Austin-area Studio Sponsors in our exclusive Craft Lounge - teaching you how to make crafts, jewelry, sewing projects and much more!  You can also shop unique items handmade by over 60 artists, crafters and designers from across the US.

Shop Crafty is also a charity shopping event to raise funds forCrafting Comfort, a local organization that provides comfort to those in need through gifts of handcrafted items.

Etsy Austin Valentine's Day Finds

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, chocolates are disappearing from the shelves, florists are overbooking deliveries, and restaurants are running out of reservation slots (ask me how I know). Whether you're staying in or going out, Etsy Austinites have just the right handmade goodness to help you celebrate V-Day (and maybe even gift a little something to yourself). Check out these great finds from our team!

First up, we have Lovebirds earrings from Tracy Owens Chasteen of Polished Two. To me, these are the perfect gift for your bff or even to yourself- won't break the bank and it's the classy non-cheesy/non-romantic version of Valentine's. To me, they're part rockabilly part Americana classic tattoo art, which y'all know I'm a huge fan of. And, Like Tracy points out, if you want to ease up on the Valentine's aspect for year-round wear, you can take the heart off and sport the sparrows solo.

Next, we have a rockin Valentine's Day card from Tisa Jackson of Tisa's Creations. The best part about these clever and affordable cards? You can custom order what the front says. My initial reaction to this card was a chuckle soon followed by an "awww". I myself am probably guilty of talking about how much I love my effects pedals, chai, or making jewelry more than expressing the degree to which I care for the people close to me. So, if you're like me, this card is the perfect way to simply and stylishly let everyone know just how much you love them.




Kristen Pumphrey of Pommes Frites is gearing up for Happy Hearts Day with this cute and clever Valentine's Day book safe. Perfect for any beloved neurotic in your life, this salvaged book could be a two-for and double as a gift box and later serve its intended safekeeping purpose. So, if you have someone near and dear who's working to beef up their impressive all mahogany two story library- and simultaneously home security, send 'em over to Pommes Frites.


Yours truly is especially delighted to know that there are a few Etsy Austinites keeping this Valentine's Day sparkly. One staying true to this is April Wright of April Wright Design. Featured are her Pink Glitterheart Earrings, which she also sells in amber! The black settings look like they are custom laser cut acrylic, which I love, but April actually does the shaping and cutting herself with shrinky dink plastic. For those of you who aren't quite the mag pie I am, April's Scarlett Deco Earrings are just as cute and just as fitting for Valentine's Day.

Finally we have a customized valentine courtesy of Beth Albrecht of Paired Hearts. In her shop, she has a sweet "Even My Hands Love You" valentine as well as an anti Valentine's "This is Not a Valentine" valentine, which could be perfect if you're Anti V-Day or if you find yourself in a Lisa Simpson-esque predicament where giving someone a valentine makes them think you're up and ready for dating/marriage/whatever fits the scenario. However, my favorite is the custom greeting card listing (one of the samples shown). This particular punny owl valentine is perfect for any owl aficionado, the trendster who knows owls are all the rage right now, or anyone close to you who can't be told enough times how much you care about them. Aww.

That's all for now! Visit my blog to see more about these lovely ladies' fabulous lines, Valentine's freebies, and what's going on in Austin for Happy Hearts Day.

Action Jackson out.

Austin Fashion Week With Sweet Potato Island

Action Jackson reporting here from the middle of Austin Fashion Week. It doesn't get much more exciting than this, folks! I was lucky enough to make it out for Cindy's (of Sweet Potato Island) Primping, Purses, and Pictures Party at the Thomas Saverio Salon and Spa. The moment I entered the door, I was hit with the warm cocktail hour ambiance of the salon and thought to myself, "If this is a preview for how this week's going to be, I'll be in heaven for the next few days". At the entrance, I was greeted by the super-talented Cindy who was beaming of excitement and busy playing hostess. And upon hearing that News 8 Austin had been by to cover the hot lil soiree, I can imagine why.

I started off my night by snagging one of the house cocktails, courtesy of Dripping Springs Vodka and Paula's Texas Orange. Absolutely delish. I then worked my way into the next room where the only thing that looked more delectable than the yummy h'or dourves were the Sweet Potato Island bags. I'm always impressed when I see the craftsmanship of these bags; you can tell at a glance that hours of hard work go into creating these beautiful yet sturdy clutches and handbags. And, of course, I have to mention that the display was absolutely chic and adorable and made you feel like you were in a Zen garden just looking at it.

After chatting with Cindy for a while, she'd asked if I had gotten my free manicure. At which my heart skipped a beat and I couldn't help but play back, "Free manicure?!" The rest of the night, the lovely ladies of the Thomas Saverio Salon as well as our fantastic Cindy helped to assure I had a great evening. Following my free mani, I had a free makeup session and hair consultation. And who doesn't that sound good to? There were a few raffles that were also going on in the midst of all this excitement. Sadly, I wasn't one of the lucky winners, but it didn't matter because I was having a blast anyway. If you haven't made your way out for one of the fabulous AFW events, especially those of our very own Etsy Austin members, I encourage you to do so and promise it will be time well spent. In the words of someone summing up the week, "think of it as a week-long free happy hour". Enjoy!

Action Jackson out.

Bloggers Unite for the CPSIA Blog-In

Around 300 bloggers, most with shops on Etsy, are joining forces today to blog about the madness of the CPSIA. Here is the post, written by chichiboulie, an adorable Etsy shop in France:

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes. And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, read The New Law.

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react. {Download Etsy's CPSIA Action Kit for more info & ways to get involved.}

etsyaustin mini: the winter blues

Hi all! Kristen from Pommes Frites here to introduce a new feature for Team Etsy Austin. While we've had a few lovely treasuries and Etsy Austin round-ups made, we wanted something that constantly displayed an assortment of items from Team Etsy Austin. This feature is our Team Etsy Austin favorites mini - a rotating assembly of great items from the best little shops in Austin, often based around a theme or color. Kim from Broken Ear Productions and I will be updating this feature here twice weekly. It was also be shown (in smaller form) in the sidebar of our blog at all times.

This is also a great reminder for you guys to tag your items with the "teametsyaustin" tag, and also anything else (colors, textures, holidays your item is great for) that might help us find it.

For the first Favorites Mini, I decided to celebrate our period of mercury retrograde with an homage to the Winter Blues (and teals!)



1. Turquoise and Black Crocheted Hat from Fifty Acorns: This vintage-inspired hat makes me (almost) wish it were cold for longer in Texas!

2. Mint Green Mini Wallet from AnneMarieBeard: I love the striped mint green fabric used for this mini wallet.

3. Grapeamelon Squish Handspun Yarn from Natural Obsessions: As if you needed another reason to knit in the winter!

4. Profile Necklace from LUSTERcreations: I love this modern cameo made from a shrinky dink.

5. Peter Picket Pin Handbound Journal from Pigsey Art: Great one of a kind journal bound with the hardcover from a vintage children's book.

6. Marie Antoinette Plaques from Mariposa Luna: These unique plaques collaged with French paper dolls and text from an old book would cheer up any dreary walls.

7. Cerelia Earrings from Bowerbird Design: I love the length and the vintage lucite heart charms of these pretty earrings.

8. Awesome Tote from Paired Hearts: This silk-screened, eco-friendly tote is just totally awesome. Seriously.

If you'd like the code to feature this twice-weekly updated Etsy Mini on your blog or website, email pommesfritescraft@gmail.com

Etsy Find: Parsimony Dress

Team Spirit Dress from Parsimony $45.00 {Buy it here}

Etsy Austin Find: Texas Pillow by HauntedHousewares

Isn't this Texas Pillow adorable? Made lovingly by HauntedHousewares on Etsy. It's 17 inches by 17 inches and plaid on the front and blue on the back. You can get it here for 34 bucks.

10 Free Ways to Promote Your Handmade Products

I found this nifty article about promoting your handmade products...

10 Free Ways Promote Handmade Products - Upload a Document to Scribd

It's Official! Etsy Austin Street Team is Here!

I was recently invited to join an exciting new Street Team on Etsy called Etsy Austin. It was started by Beth Hempton of Snuggle Herd. It’s just in the beginning stages, but I’m super-excited to be a part of this team! If you live in or around the Austin area, and you sell on etsy, then convo Beth on Etsy or send her an e-mail.

Here’s what she sent me:

Hi there fellow Etsy Austinite!
Want to help promote fellow Austin artists while drawing positive attention to yourself? Want a group to bounce ideas off of & be inspired by? Want to meet some new artsy-fartsy friends? SO DO I!!! Let’s join forces.

I would like to start an Austin-only Etsy team. There are so many great artists & crafters here that I would love to meet. Please pass it on to any fellow Austin crafters you are in contact with. If you are interested in joining this brand-spankin’ new Etsy team, please reply.

Thanks for your time & I hope you’ll join me!
Best wishes,
Beth

–
Beth Hempton

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
———— The Snuggle Herd ————
.. handmade, upcycled t-shirt toys ..
…. & other earth-friendly kid stuff ….
—– www.snuggleherd.com ————
—– www.snuggleherd.etsy.com —–

So, after i joined our our Etsy Austin ning group, and became and Admin for it, I decided to create our logo and banner since i’m a graphic designer. Our REQUIRED Yahoo group will be our main form of communication. So be sure to sign up so you can be in the loop.

I love how it turned out!!! Simple, yet memorable. We also have an Etsy Austin Flickr Group. So if yuo wanna join us: Visit the temporary Team page, and scroll down to the bottom where it says Etsy Austin, and it’ll explain how to join! I am so excited to be a part of this team & I can’t wait to see what’s in store from the creatives living in & around the capitol of Texas!