Shop Crafty Charity Spotlight - Crafting Comfort

Did you know that Shop Crafty is also a charity shopping event to raise funds forCrafting Comfort?  This awesome local organization provides comfort to those in need through gifts of handcrafted items

The wonderful volunteers of Crafting Comfort will be set up in the Lobby of Shop Crafty, tomorrow April 16th, from 10am to 5pm.  They will be running our GIGANTIC Charity Raffle - featuring items donated by all of our vendors.

They'll also be set up doing $1 make-and-takes of beautiful fabric flowers (pictured at right).  All of the proceeds from the raffle and make-and-takes will benefit Crafting Comfort.  Purchase your tickets to Shop Crafty online now - the pre-show special of two for $5 ends tonight!  A portion of ticket sales also go to support this charity.

More about Crafting Comfort:

Crafting Comfort is a network of volunteers in the Central Texas area whose common goal is to provide comfort to those in need. Volunteers come from all walks of life, young and old, sewing enthusiasts, knitters, crocheters, scrap bookers and many other varied interests.  Items made by Crafting Comfort include medical play dolls for children facing surgery or other procedures, plush monster dolls for comfort, specially designed camisoles for those recovering from breast cancer surgery, Alzheimer's Activity Muffs, quilts, blankets and many more!

The Lone Star Ladies are proud to Sponsor Crafting Comfort through Shop Crafty -and we hope you'll come out to craft, play and shop on April 16th, 2011!

Craft Lounge Sponsors for Shop Crafty and FREE GIVEAWAYS!

Whew - only 2 days left until Austin's Craft Community blows you away at Shop Crafty!  I think everyone has a crafter in their hearts - whether the last thing you made was a macaroni necklace or a funky necklace - it's an innate desire in human beings to want to CREATE with our hands!

As we planned Shop Crafty, we wanted to make sure that our attendees could shop from Austin's snazziest handmade vendors, but have a chance to get involved in the fun and make things for themselves!  We have two awesome Craft Lounges, and now's you're chance to get a sneak peak at what you'll get to make...

The Stitch Lab Craft Lounge

The cute as a button Stitch Lab is located on South 1st Street - minutes from MoPac, IH-35, and SoCo.  Founded by award-winning Costume Designer Leslie Bonnell in 2001 in her home, The Stitch Lab is now THE place in Austin to learn how to sew, knit, craft, and more.  The staff is made up of amazing teachers, and the Lab is full of beautiful fabrics, ribbons and kits for sale.

This Saturday, April 16th, The Stitch Lab Craft Lounge will be rockin' all day with free make-and-takes and demonstrations.  You can learn how to make an oil-cloth zipper pouch, hem your jeans, meet local authors Tina Sparkles and Malka Dubrawsky, and find out about classes and kids' summer camps.

The WonderCraft Craft Lounge
Mobile food trailers may be all the buzz in the ATX - but did you know we have a Mobile Crafting Trailer?!?  The sweet girls at The WonderCraft teach craft classes, design custom crafts for events like bachelorette parties, baby showers and birthday parties.  When they're not on the go, you can catch The WonderCraft's trailer and boutique parked at visit us at Starving Art & E.A.T. | 2324 E Cesar Chavez | Austin, TX 78702

At Shop Crafty, The Wondercraft will be doing free make-and-take match box treasures!  Bring your kiddos to enjoy this fun craft, and make one for yourself as well!  You can also shop the WonderCraft's handmade boutique, featuring funky items like crocheted monster dolls, silk-screened ties, jewelry and fabulous gifts!

FREE GIVEAWAYS!
The first 30 paying ticket holders at the door on Saturday will each get a delightful goodie bag of crafty items from our Sponsors!

 A BurdaStyle or Lone Star Ladies T-Shirt

 An Oil Cloth Zipper Pouch Kit - Make it at Shop Crafty!

A Coupon and Free Knitting Pattern from Gauge Knits

 A T-Shirt Necklace Tutorial and Coupon from The WonderCraft

An *annemarie* Mini Wallet

A DIY Decopatch Kit from Marmalade Skies - Create your own Outlet Cover!

And more!  Don't forget to purchase your tickets in advance - 2 for $5 online!

Sponsor Spotlight: BurdaStyle and Launch787

Shop Crafty is all about encouraging people to learn how to craft, sew and make - and shop handmade vendors!  In case you've been out in left field for the past 10 years, Craft in America is experiencing one of the most popular waves in generations.

 

BurdaStyle is one of our sponsors and we couldn't be more thrilled!  The online sewing community "for people who sew" offers a place where you can share your sewing creations with the world.  Their "open-source" patterns are mostly free to download, and easy to personalize to your liking.

They were recently in Austin during SXSW, and put on a great fashion show featuring 15 local designers, including Shop Crafty co-producer Anne Marie Beard.

The first 30 paying ticket holders at Shop Crafty this Saturday, April 16th, will get a Craft Pack featuring BurdaStyle goodies, an *annemarie* Mini Wallet, and cool craft projects from our Sponsors!

Launch787 is a returning sponsor for Shop Crafty, and we're thrilled to let you know about their upcoming Outdoor Living Tour.on May 21st, 2011.

This second annual tour of exceptional and inspiring outdoor spaces will invigorate your decorating senses and open your mind to unique ideas for outdoor entertaining, relaxing and living!

Launch787 also produces Austin Fashion Week!  2011 will be the third year for AFW, and will feature more exciting fashion shows, parties and the ever popular Austin Fashion Awards.

Thanks to Launch for the feature they posted on Shop Crafty last week - and we all hope to see you this Saturday, April 16th at The Marchesa!

Tickets are two for $5.00 online, or $5.00 cash only at the door. (Kids 12 and under are always free).  You just can't afford to miss it!

xo, Anne Marie & Allison

Meet the Shop Crafty Vendors, Part Three, & That's a Wrap!

Shop Crafty is THIS SATURDAY and this is my last vendor blog - all about Art & Jewelry....  Hopefully you have read the others - Part One, Part Two!

Jewelry - It is fitting to start with Alone Star Jewelry; they boast themselves as being "deep in the heart of Texas" and, like Anne Marie and I, are native Texans (yeah!).  Their handmade silver jewelry also "transcends local flavor."  AmeliaBeth says "people are always tickled when they discover that my jewelry is made on Scrabble tiles...", and her colorful designs speak to all who pass by her booth.  Hopella Jewelry is "easy to wear but interesting with moving pieces and mixed metals."  Her organic style is inspired nature.  Blossom Shop uses repurposed vintage pieces to create a fresh new look in handmade vintage jewelry, and most of her pieces are one-of-a-kind.  Bronte's Attic is vintage as well, but she offers her customers a range from "Gothic to delicate florals", with everything in between.  Because birds are beautiful, Chester and Lola (named after two parakeets) offers jewelry that is "whimsical to ornate and steampunk to modern", all bird inspired!  Keeping with the nature theme, but on the different end of the spectrum, Coral Reef Dreams makes you feel like you are on vacation with her wire artisan jewelry accented with sea glass and sea shells.  Debbie Carroll Designs "brings something more colorful to the table than many other designers using vintage parts and pieces."  Her designs are bright and colorful!  FEONIT, LTD loves to "work with colors, creating new palettes, often using beads like an artist using paints."  Her jewelry is unique and original.  Creating jewelry "intended to be treasured for a lifetime", Freeforged Jewelry uses metals such as sterling silver, copper and brass mixed with semi-precious stones for everyday and special occasion wear.  Glassbead Angle incorporates her own lampwork beads, fused glass, precious metal clay and cold metal work into handcrafted jewelry that "reflects her commitment to craft and design."  With pieces ranging for all wants, needs and tastes, Jagged Heart Creations is "cunningly imaginative jewelry from a family team."  Hand-cut sterling silver jewelry from Kate Winternitz Jewelry "reflects her interest in exploring shapes and patterns observed in the natural world, as well as those noticed in architectural designs."  Unique jewelry "handcrafted from recycled game pieces", such as pendants, reading glasses, badge holders and more is what Mystic Angel Creations will have at her booth.  If you want "fun, wearable, vintage-inspired jewelry" that appeals to women of all ages, then you will want to go see Ornamental Things at Shop Crafty!  If you want to keep up with the latest trends and wear an "eclectic mix of nature's distinctively treasured splendor" then be sure to go by Timeless Designs where quality, style and art-to-wear custom jewelry can be found.  Or maybe you prefer something "unpredictable and witty" where designs are never repeated - if so, Unrepeatables is the booth for you!

Art - This category is one of my favorites - so many choices!  Paintings and mixed media that are "fun, whimsical, hand-painted and completely original" is what you will find at 3 Bears Studio.   Growing up in a house full of quilts, and now living in house full of quilts, AllwithLOVE is a booth after my own heart!  Her quilts are an art form full of "developed passion...and great care."  If you are looking for a little piece of art history, look no further than ARTillery where a technique called "One Thousand Decisions" produces "singular & compelling" pieces." Dish It Out takes vintage dishware to a whole new place - your ears - her upcycled jewelry is beautifully handcrafted!  Using traditional whitesmithing techniques, Hammer It Out, creates "functional items out of stainless steel."  Forming the metal cold gives her art a brighter finish and creates a stronger product.  If you prefer art pieces that "preserve and respect the old materials while breathing new life into them", then you will want to visit I Love Indigo's booth.  Photography that "specializes in urban decay and environmental portraiture" is what Jennifer M. Ramos, Photographer, offers you.  Two artists coming together to make one-of-a-kind pieces - whether it is guitar wall art that serves as functional pieces or glass vases, plates and art, MBR Creations will have what you are looking for.  MZ Whimsy is an up-and-coming studio that "blends rich history with vibrant colors, and of coure, Whimsy."  Her mixed media is sure to embellish any home. Old Cat Died Pottery says, "no one's pottery looks or feels like ours..."  It is a mix of indie oddness, wabi-sabi, East-West craftsmanship.  Rita Walker's Pottery is a mix of hand-built and wheel pieces, sometimes both together in each piece.  Her pieces are "functional and sculptural" for your pottery pleasure.  Husband and wife team, Robo Roku's art is "design based around their illustrations."  They work in tandem and in encaustics.  Splendid Calm Textiles uses bright and modern fabrics for her pieces, as well as canvas that she paints with acrylic and sews beads onto as well.  "People always enjoy seeing me use a standard stretched canvas in a new way."   If you want to go "where everything is PC", be sure to stop by tEChLECTIC/Salvation's booth.  These artists create art out of computer parts and their pieces are "fun, fresh and recycled.".

WOW - what an amazing group of handmade artisans Shop Crafty has to offer this year!  Be sure to get your tickets online at BOGO for only $5.00!  Ticket proceeds and the charity raffle to benefit Crafting Comfort.

XO,
allison

Meet the Shop Crafty Vendors, Part Two

I hope everyone had the chance to read the last "Meet the Vendors" blog about our "specialty" vendor categories... now it's on to vendors that take care of you - your clothing, your body, and the ultra important handbag!  And, because I am feeling quite like a little kid with excitement about Shop Crafty, there will be some info on those vendors that take care of your kids!

Clothing - whether it's a shrug with beautiful draping that makes you feel "SewLaLa"; a dress, skirt or appliqued onsie with a vintage focal point from junebeam; or art for your everyday wear with a dark sense of humor from Signifying Not, you will find something great to wear!



From head-to-toe, our Bath & Body vendors will take care of you on Saturday, April 16th!  Our event will have the fine scent of aromatherapy for your well being from Craft for Causes; healthy and natural skincare from Fleegal Farms; the cutest handmade lip balms from LipGlosserie; adventures in bathtime with fun and flair from Nepenthe's Bathtime; handmade bath "treats" (bath bombs, bath salts, after-bath oil spray) from Violet Crown Soap and a Big Sigh Massage from Deborah Harriage.  So don't worry - we can make you smell nice, feel smooth all over, pucker-up, have fun, give yourself a treat and relax - all in one day, and all at one great event!

Can you give me a hand... for purses??  I have about 60 handbags, yes, this is a confession of pure truth.  It's because my sister, *annemarie* Style for the Individual continues to feed my obsession with her gorgeous handbags, and you can purchase one yourself since she is one of the vendors in the Handbags/Purses category!  Maybe you want a "naked bag" from GabsBags - handbags created from leather, in its purest form, "unadorned, undecorated and unbelievably elegant".  Or there is the "eclectic, vintage, nature, with an Asian twist" bag choices from norea; bright and colorful bohemian bags from Sylvie Marie Bags with an attention to detail such as beaded handles; and for your traveling pleasure Connie S Designs has "weekender" sets with matching garment and tote bags - who says traveling in style can't be 100% handmade?  With all those choices, you might have to buy a huge bag to put all your handbags in...

For all those moms and dads out there, Shop Crafty is family-friendly, and full of choices to deck your little ones out in the Baby/Kids category!  If you want to shop for you and your little one, stop by Elle Dee Designs, where you will also find some dress up clothes! The "coolest kids" will want to go by Kandle Kidswear and pick a T-shirt with an original felted design.  Then there is Kitty Riddle Couture and I think, "can I be a kid again so I can dress like this?"... bright colors and cool accessories for the little ones in your life!  Mama Dee's Boutique doesn't want the boys in your life to feel left out, and they offer a fresh focus on boys' clothing with fun and bright characters.  For kid conscious apparel, silk-screened in Austin on clothing made in America, orangeheat is the go-to-booth!  If you want your little one to have a sassy-stance as she models a "handmade, 100% cotton, cute, good price and unique" dress, then stop by TEX 2 and pick one up - look at the rotating picture of kids' clothing and you will pick her out.

Whether you're shopping for your closet, bathroom, handbag addiction or to clothe your little one, Shop Crafty will be sure to delight!  Save the date and purchase tickets in advance... they are BOGO online for only $5.00!  Proceeds to benefit Crafting Comfort!

XO,
allison

Meet the Shop Crafty Vendors, Part One

Promoting handmade vendors is what The Lone Star Ladies are all about, and our upcoming show Shop Crafty is no exception.  This is the first of a three-part series on the fantastic vendors we have for your shopping pleasure on Saturday, April 16th - SAVE the DATE - so you can Craft and Shop your way to this fantastic event!

Some categories have more vendors than others, but in this first blog I will introduce you to our specialty categories, where the vendors are fewer in number but quality is second to none!

Pets - who doesn't love their animal, or the animal of a friend?  lizziebees says, "pet lovers enjoy shopping for their fur babies and I love enabling them!"

Home - two of our vendors, Susanne Kalla and BDJ Craftworks, like to make you feel at home while shopping for handmade items.  They couldn't be more different - Susanne Kalla has vintage inspired pieces "for you and your home", and BDJ Craftworks is more contemporary with solid wood accessories such as vases, planters and trays - we know everyone will find something they love for their home at these booths!

After shopping for your pet and your home, why not fill up on some Gourmet Food?  Arte y Chocolate, Reel Popcorn and Pie Fixes Everything are returning vendors for us and a yummy delight for all shoppers.  Hand finished chocolate with organic ingredients and an exceptional artisan flavor, paired with any variety flavor of popcorn you can imagine are two booths where you can have a snack attack!  If you want something a little more filling, try a mini quiche or pie for something savory and sweet - every shopper needs a little bite to eat now and then...

Accessories - sometimes a necklace isn't enough, or maybe your outfit needs that belt to tie it all together - that's when Kandi-O, KuroNeko and Handmade Lovely's by Judith are there to help.  Whether it's musically inspired, origami shaped or a belt for your beautiful waist, these three booths are a place to make your wardrobe go farther!


Shopping events like Shop Crafty are not just about ourselves, right?  We can all enjoy shopping for others... and holidays right around the corner are Easter, Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day and Graduation.  This is why Gift Vendors such as Hoops by Hullaba Loola, Peach Bear, Pigsey Art, pommes frites, Natural Magick Shop and Tisa's Creations are booths you don't want to miss!  Everyone can enjoy their childhood by trying to hula, or save some calories with ultra-cute felt "goodies", write something funny in an upcycled journal, hide your favorite bottle (or loot) in a book, try out some magic potions and cast a spell or send someone a handmade card that says "happy everything!".  Just the list of vendor names for this category has GOT to peak your interest...

Shop Crafty is right around the corner - Saturday April 16th, 10am - 5pm, at The Marchesa, with free parking!

Admission is $5.00 and right now tickets online are BOGO - get yours today and make your best friend happy by getting hers for free!

XO,
allison

Announcing the Shop Crafty Partners in Craft!

When you walk in the door of  The Marchesa for Shop Crafty this April 16th, 2011 - you will be entering a Crafty Wonderland!

Our three Partners in craft will each have a table set up - showing you how to make projects offered in their studios!

Lapis Lane, a Bead Boutique, located in Westlake, is a beautiful bead shop that specializes in semi-precious and natural gemstones, Swarovski crystals, and beautiful findings.  Lapis Lane also carries unique jewelry by local artisans, and offers classes like Beading Basics, Beaded Wine Charms and The Beaded Bead - an awesome technique they'll be demonstrating for you at Shop Crafty!

Gauge, a modern knit shop located in Northwest Austin, is a hip and fun yarn shop.  They carry a wide array of yarns and patterns, have lounges where you can hang out and knit/crochet/craft, and even have a pattern library!  Every Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm Gauge hosts a Craft Night where you can hang out and meet other fiber lovers.  They'll be demonstrating some of their amazing classes for us at Shop Crafty.

Marmalade Skies, a walk-in art studio located in North Austin, is an inviting space bursting with color and crafting ideas.  Their kid's camps and birthday parties are wildly successful, as are their innovative Pinot Picasso classes for adults - wine and painting, anyone?  The Blue Room Gallery features fine craft by local artists, and the studio also sells locally made candles, soaps, jewelry and hard-to-find crafting supplies!  You'll be inspired by their demos, we're sure.

Shop Crafty is bringing the best in Austin's Craft Community to you under one roof for just ONE day!  Purchase tickets in advance to get 2 for one pricing, and remember that entry for kids 12 and under is free.  I can feel my crafty wheels spinning as I look forward to learning how to make beaded jewelry, knitwear and cool crafty projects!

xo, Anne Marie

Shop Crafty 2011 - Vendor Announcement

 

The Lone Star Ladies are back - and this time with Shop Crafty!!  This one-day festival is going to celebrate all things crafty in Austin, TX with over 70 vendors, 2 craft lounges and several craft studio booths on hand - all for your crafting pleasure! 

With over 70 vendors in eleven different shopping categories, such as Home, Art, Jewelry, Baby & Kids, Bath & Body, Handbags, Accessories, Clothing, Pets, Gifts, and Gourmet Food there is something for everyone.  Over the next several weeks we will be blogging about the upcoming event with info on the exclusive Craft Lounges, the Craft Charity Crafting Comfort, our Sponsors and 70+ vendors.

SAVE THE DATE - Saturday April 16th, 10am - 5pm at The Marchesa. 

Tickets on sale now and are TWO for $5.00 online, or $5.00 each at the door (cash only).  A portion of the ticket sales goes to support Crafting Comfort.

XO,
Allison & Anne Marie

Whipstitch Wednesday: Burda Style Remake Challenge

"whipstitch" - a quick note, or a little bit of info...


I was never a fan of Project Runway, until last year.  Honestly, the reason I wasn't a fan is because I never took the time to actually watch it!!  Now that I have - I'm hooked, and I have my daughter Greta hooked as well.  One of our favorite moments this season (so far) was Tim Gunn's smackdown of Gretchen on Episode 5 because she back pedaled on her team and totally threw everyone, including herself, under the bus.

So, my advice to you is "don't back pedal" (or back stitch) on the opportunity to participate in Burda Style's Project Runway Remake Challenge by Rowenta.  Details below:

What:  Project Runway Remake Challenge by Rowenta
When: Ongoing, deadline Sept 30th, 11:59pm (yes, there is still time - don't delay!)
How: While keeping as much of the original garment as you can, the rules say to "repurpose those old pieces into new functional, wearable garments."
ALL the Details:  On the Burda Style Blog - check it out!
BONUS: While you are perusing Burda Style, be sure to get the free skirt pattern!

XO,
allison

Treasure Tuesday: Tool Problem

A couple of months ago, Sublime Stitching was having a "tool problem" and we wrote about it in our Hip List.  It seems they are still having a tool problem, but with all new tools!

All new golden dragon scissors.  These Japanese style scissors will delight your eyes while you snip away at your crafts with their embossed dragons and peacocks on the handle!

The all new clover hoop is a perfect fit for most any job.  The chunkiness of the hoop makes it easier to hold in your hand while you are stitching away in the wee hours of the night!

A new set of two pillowcases with 250 thread count is the perfect place to lay your sleepy head after a long day of embroidery.

Free embroidery pattern - stitcher girls!

If you want to be "in-the-know" about all that is going on at Sublime Stitching, be sure to sign up for their newsletter and get 15% off your purchase!

XO,
allison