K & L = Kandle Kidswear - Two Busy Mamas!

Austin-centric designs, including such creations as "Little Longhorn", "Austin Bat", and "Guitartown, Texas" make Kandle Kidswear a uniquely Austin business, and we are proud to have them as a 2009 vendor in our upcoming show, The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin.

Max, William and Kathryn are Kim Rodriguez and Laura Dooley's children and their biggest inspiration for Kandle Kidswear. They started their business in 2007 and sew original felt designs onto 100% organic cotton onesies and t-shirts, all of which are made in the USA. Their felt is 100% recylced and solution dyed so no run-off dye in our water system. "Cowboy Dinosaur" was the first Kandle Kidswear design - guess you could call him "prehistoric..."! Their designs are unique with an attention to detail, such as floppy spikes on their dinosaur, or a floppy wing on the "Monarch Butterfly" design.

With all their wonderful kids in tow, P. Terry's is their favorite restaurant, and if you are out eating at their favorite restaurant, you might want to look for their products at Whole Foods Market, Parts & Labour, Prima Dora, Wee, USA Baby, Eco-Wise, Waterloo Records, and Daisy Hill and of course, our show! Or maybe you caught a glimpse of their feature on FOX 7 News.

XO,
allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Adorable Puppets - Designs by Lanese

Lanese Bush started Designs by Lanese in 2004 and she sews funky, fun and bright puppets and blocks. I loved looking at her pictures so much, I called my mother-in-law in to look at the puppet pictures. When you look at them, it makes you smile!

Each puppet is fleece or fleece-lined and beautifully designed and crafted. Whether you want a baby dragon, fairy tale figure, wild animal or biblical characters, Lanese has them all. She also has fleece blocks featuring letters of the alphabet and appliques. Her biggest inspiration is her niece Dailyn and you might run into Lanese at Chuy's or Kerby Lane - two of her favorite restaurants in Austin! We are thrilled to have her as a 2009 Vendor for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin on April 18th. XO, allison www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Our Goodie Bags are Hip and Happening!

The energy around The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin is busy with preparation of our wonderful Goodie Bags!! Three new sponsors have just come on board - making our Goodie Bags more Hip and Happening than before:

Lunapads - this AWESOME Canadian based company has the best slogan, "Happier Periods, Naturally" and we are so excited to have donations of their Teen Booklet for our goodie bags.
Lunapads is all about promoting a more natural alternative to periods - no more landfills full of feminine products piled high to the sky ladies - take control of your life, and your period, and check out Lunapads, and if you're feeling a little like a Diva, you might want to check out a special Diva Cup they have for you, too! Another wonderful part of this company is their commitment to changing the stigma and negativeness around menstruation across the globe. As pointed out in one of their more recent blogs, "More than half the world menstruates..." Their wonderful blog is full of inspirational stories of how their company is helping women everywhere decide that menstruation is a positive and empowering experience, and how we can all join them! Yeah for Lunapads - and yeah for women taking more control....naturally! We are proud to have them as a 2009 Happening Sponsor!

If you want to connect with the nostalgia of your childhood, check out Emilee Rose Designs. Emily uses the most adorable and fun designs ever! Her Etsy Shop has greeting cards, invitations and paper dolls - and they all bring back memories of lying on my bed, or traveling in the car, punching out paper dolls, dressing them and making up stories for their wonderful and adventurous lives! Look for some awesome donations in our goodie bags from Emile Rose Designs, and keep up with her on her blog! We are thrilled she is a 2009 Happening Sponsor!

Not to leave out your furry friends, lizziebees, is also donating to our fabulous goodie bags! "Making accessories for you and your furry friends," lizziebees' designs are tested by Lianne's two dogs, Alice and Brie, so rest assured her collars and leashes will last a very long time. She is also a member of the Etsy Texas Crafters Team, and you can purchase from her on Etsy. We know our animal lovers will be thrilled to get one of her leashes, and we are excited to have her as a 2009 Hip Sponsor!

XO,
allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Southern Sister Designs - A 2009 Haute Sponsor

Have you ever heard of honeycomb calcite - if you're like me - you haven't! It is an all natural stone mined (environmentally friendly) exclusively in Utah, and one of our Haute Sponsors, Southern Sister Designs, sells home decor and entertaining items made with this beautiful stone.

The stone comes in a range of natural colors - from pale sunshine yellow to deep golden amber - and each piece is polished to perfection. The stone gets its name from the unique honeycomb appearance of some of the pieces. The pattern ranges from tight to large, and each piece is different.

This beautiful stone can also be illuminated with candles, electric lights or sunlight and brings warmth and beauty to any room. Look for a special "Texas" inspired goodie bag donation from Southern Sister Designs at The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin on April 18th, 2009!

XO,
allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Jewelry & Porcelain Come Together to Create Nature's Wonders

Rhonda Haynes started Nature's Wonders in 2006. When the photos came in with her application for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin, I remember telling Anne Marie, "Her jewelry looks so pretty and different!".

Rhonda makes cabochons out of porcelain clay, fires them in the kiln, paints them and then beads them into a necklace. Her cabochons are beautifully painted with animals, flowers, and other scenes - she has even painted a longhorn and dinosaur, "in honor of the Zilker Dinosaur Garden and Bevo." The painting of each cabochon takes 3-5 firings each - what great patience - and each piece of jewelry is a wearable piece of art! Some are embellished with wirewrapping, and others with fused dichroic glass.

She draws inspiration from the Texas Hill Country, painting many of the local wildflowers on her necklaces, and she is also inspired by Martha Stewart. We were inspired by the beauty and uniquess of her jewelry, which is why we are proud she is a 2009 vendor for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin! After our event, you might catch her at Chuy's - her favorite Austin restaurant!

XO,
allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Rare Austin: Our latest Haute Sponsor!

One of our Haute Sponsors, Rare Magazine, is a jewel for this city. When they launched back in 2004 with a party in the Red River District - the gathering of hip and trendy 20 somethings was just a hint at what was to come.

In the 5 years that Rare has been published in Austin, it has established itself as one of the premiere publications in our fair city. Rare has grown from a quarterly to a monthly publication schedule, and now features custom paintings from a different artist each issue. The thick, matte finish paper of the magazine is luxurious to flip through, and makes great supplies for craft projects! My personal favorite is February 2008 - amazing art work by Brian Gilbert.

Under the direction of Matt Swinney, the magazine has started to establish City Guides, Best of Rare Austin awards, and awesome art direction that synchs with Austin's quirky-yet-chic image. You can sign up for the Rare Weekend Pass and get updates on the hippest events in town. Matt recently left Rare, as he purchased the Austin icon Moxie and the Compound - a high-end handmade boutique. Many of the vendors in our 2009 Event, The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin, sell their work at Moxie.

Taylor Perkins recently took over the helm of the publication, and no doubt he will continue to provide Austin with a great home-grown magazine, posh events, and fun articles. Look for an ad about Shop Austin in the April 2009 issue of Rare - and be sure to be one of the first 30 people in line to snag a Goodie Bag - sponsored in part by Rare! You can get tickets for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin on our website - only $8.00 in advance!

Original Ceramic Designs with Whimsical Flair - Rita Walker Pottery

Rita Walker's funky, "just a little off" description of her handmade pieces of pottery and ceramics caught our attention and so did her quote, "I have been helping to make Austin weird for 12 years now and still going strong!". She describes her pieces as "conversation starters" and we know shoppers at The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin will definitely want to take home one of her designs.

Some of her new designs include houses, porcelain chick flasks, textured vases and platters, but one of our favorite pieces is her pottery hand. At first glance, it is just a hand in a cupped position, but on closer look you see the detailed scrollwork along the wrist and fingers, etched writing, and the precious etched bird just sitting in the middle of the palm. There is something very unique about this piece of pottery that makes you want to pick it up and buy it!



Rita Walker Pottery began in 1997 and her pottery students are her biggest inspiration - we would be inspired to have her as a teacher! Maybe after a class, you can eat at one of her favorite restaurants, Fonda San Miguel or Carrabas (one of Allison's, too). Not only will she be a vendor at our show, but you can find her items around town at East End Gallery, Oasis Restaurant Gift Shop and Not Just Mail Gift Shop.

XO,
Allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Gentle Skin Care & Natural Ingredients at Fleegal Farms

In 2006 Elly Fleegal and family started, Fleegal Farms - All Natural Soap and Skin Care. It is a small, Austin based business, and they offer a healthy and natural alternative to commerically produced skin care. We are proud to have Fleegal Farms as a 2009 Vendor for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin on April 18th!

With scrubs, washes, creams and balms made only from pure vegetable fats and oils, with no sythetic fragrances but only essential oils - Fleegal Farms has a lot to offer. Elly says, "Why articially smell like a pineapple when you can enjoy the benefit from the natural scents and healing properties of the over 100 essential oils we use in our blends?"They even offer bug repellent, bath salts and stoneware soap dishes. They were also the winner of the 2008 Makers Faire Editors Choice Award!

Elly grew up in the hill country, and still calls it home. Being surrounded by nature gives her inspiration and creativity for Fleegal Farms, and she also uses clay and herbs to give her soap and skincare a beautiful, natural, Mother Earth color!

Not only can you shop from Fleegal Farms online, but you can also find them at several festivals and events in Austin and the surrounding area - more info on their website! Elly's favorite restaurant is Habaneros on Oltorf, and you might run into her if you are dining there sometime, but on April 18th, you can find her at The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin!

XO,
allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Just a "Stones Throw" Away from Beautiful Jewelry!

At first glance, Stones Throw Jewelry by Kyle Gross is definitely beautiful, but at second glance it is downright "eclectic, weird, cool, original and very much like South Austin!" Before discovering his love for metalworking, Kyle was in the photography field. Then in 1997 he began to design beaded jewelry for his friends and Stones Throw Studio came into existence in 2002.

Maybe it's the detailed metalwork with sterling silver, or the beautiful stones he gets from local stone cutters, but either way, his jewelry is something to behold. Along with inspiration from his girlfriend, he also draws from Asian culture and the natural world around him. By using various techniques, such as acid-etching, piercing, and fabrication he creates some beautiful designs - and most of his technique is self-taught. He even designs for "man's bestfriend" and doesn't leave the cats out either!

All of this is why we are excited to have Stones Throw Studio as a 2009 vendor for our upcoming show, The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin. You might find Kyle relaxing at his favorite restaurant, La Feria, or with the Art of Texas doing a group show, but on April 18th you can find him at ours!

XO,
Allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

CHIA - Handmade Clothing & Accessories

Chia Guillory is one of Austin's best known designers. She was voted the
"Best Clothing Designer in Austin" in the Austin Chronicle's Readers' Poll for the past three years.

Chia is a self-taught artist, designer and seamstress. She makes flawlessly constructed skirts, hats, baby bloomers and reversible bags. She launched her business in 2001, and has garnered national acclaim and celebrity followings for her work.

Vintage fabrics are the cornerstone of Chia's eco-friendly business - each piece is one-of-a-kind! Her furry baby hats and chic adult sun hats make amazing gifts! Chia and I have been friends and colleagues for seven years, and have shared many booths together at events. People are always intrigued by her sweet personality, and the force of her creative talent. Chia's work can be found in many places around Austin, as well as several boutiques across the USA.

Shoppers at our upcoming event, The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin!, will have a great time chatting with her, and can be assured that this Austin Celebrity is a down-to-earth-gal with amazing, affordable and fashionable accessories!

xo, Anne Marie

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

*annemarie* - Style for the Individual - and MY sister!

Several years ago - about 7 I think - I got a call from my youngest sister, Anne Marie, about a new business she was starting. That business is now known as *annemarie* - Style for the Individual. She wanted some advice on how to do purse parties, and I was coming into Austin to be there for the first one, too. It was exciting - she is my baby sister and here she was starting her own business - WOW - when did she grow up I was thinking! Since then she has continued to impress me - at first it was one purse, The Bobbi, then it was another, and another, and they were all designed by her - the pattern and everything. I even had two named after me - The Lara (my first name, and actually one of my favorite purses) and The Allison.

Over the years, I have had several parties for her at my house(s) in Georgia and in California. I love "showing her off" to my friends. They are always impressed - and who wouldn't be with her FANTASTIC craftmanship. People still do not believe that her handbags are handmade - I always get a look, like, "yeah, right..." when someone asks me about the one I'm carrying at the moment. Maybe it's the drop-in lining, or that signature one-strap on opposing sides purse, or the little feet on the bottom, or the jeweled zipper pull, matching mini-wallets and cosmetic bags or the magnetic closure and stylish name tag - no matter what it is - it's the best I've ever seen (every time!), and the best quality you can buy. If you don't own an *annemarie* handbag, mini wallet and cosmetic bag, you're missing out! But, you can buy one at The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin because not only is she co-producing the event, but she is a 2009 vendor as well!

As I said, I have seen her grow, change and develop her business into something extraordinary - and she even taught my oldest, Greta, how to make a purse in one sitting. Greta's friends were jealous - not only did she have an awesome Aunt who was famous for her purses, but she taught Greta how to make one, too. And she hasn't forgotten my youngest, Erin, over the years either - she made her a dolphin themed toiletries bag, and a bright red purse with a hand-colored black horse on it - she loves her nieces!

I know the best thing about the invitation to be part of her handbag business as an "advice giver" has been the relationship we have developed. I am 8 years older than Anne Marie and I was out of the house and married by the time she was 10. I made her wear a pastel pink "Jr Bridesmaid" gown at my wedding, and because she was 10, and I was 18, she couldn't argue with me about! And I didn't just move out, I moved across the country and I haven't lived in Austin since 1989. I got to see her grow up from afar, and we didn't always get along, but her drive, determination and talent have impressed me more than she knows or understands, and it has brought us closer together - for this I am thankful everyday!

I can say, "I was there when she used Velcro instead of magnetic closures, had two straps instead of one, used blue jeans on every purse, and I have loved watching EVERY minute of it!" I have seen her struggle, succeed, make milestones in her business, make a name for herself that ANY artist should be proud of, go way out of her comfort zone, load her hooptie car up in the middle of the night, sell-out, not sell anything, deal with 'that' customer, become famous around Austin and beyond, and now partner with me for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin and she is a vendor - woohoo!!

Life is good - having a sister like Anne Marie makes it great! Having FIFTY of her handbags to match every single one of my outfits - priceless...

Love you sis!
allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Tasty Jewelry - Treats for your Body, Home and Pet

Diane Petkoff, owner and designer of tasty jewelry, is an unstoppable force of creativity. Since 2006, she has been creating hip, fresh accessories and jewelry. She recently added customizable pet tags to her extensive line!

Diane's home is filled with vintage wonders - I especially covet her massive vintage pyrex bowl collection - and her love of the "mod" style shines through in her work. Adorable owl magnets, elegant bird earrings, and delicately beaded rings are just some of what she offers.

One of Austin's landmark boutiques - Adelante - has recently commissioned Diane to create a private-label jewelry line. This is sure to be a stellar collection! Diane sets up every month at Guero's on South Congress during First Thursday. During this world-famous SXSW week, be sure to stop by and see her at the Handmade Artists' Market at Guero's. Word has it that lots of the 2009 vendors for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin will be there!

tasty jewelry has been featured in many notable magazines and fashion forward blogs, and her work can be found in boutiques across Texas and the US. We are so proud of all of Diane's accomplishments - and can't wait to see the NEW collection she is designing for Austin's Finest Shopping Event!

See you there!

xo, Anne Marie

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Paired Hearts - Unique, Handmade, and Eco Friendly

If you are interested in buying "earth friendly" greeting cards, screened tote bags, journals and small gifts then you will not want to miss shopping at The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin. Why you might ask - simply because Beth Albrecht of Paired Hearts will be a 2009 vendor at our show and she has all of the above to offer you!

After a world-wide trip with her husband, Beth started Paired Hearts in 2008. Deciding that whatever products she makes should be well designed, make people smile and be as "green" as possible, she dedicated herself to good design, handmade products and eco-friendly methods.

She only uses 100% recycled paper, recylced cotton for the totes and eco felt from recycled plastics, as well as some vintage fabrics. Her biggest inspiration - "My mom, she can do anything!" - sounds like our mom, too! Beth has quite a list of favorite restaurants - Mother's, Lamberts, South Congress Cafe, Torchy's Tacos, and Eastside Cafe. You can find her products at Parts & Labour as well as her shop on Etsy.

XO,
Allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Past and Present Meet with Debbie Carroll Designs

"Inspired by the past, yet perfect for the present," is the perfect quote to describe the jewelry by Debbie Caroll Designs, and The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin is proud to have her as a vendor for our 2009 show!

Debbie's jewelry features vintage beads and findings and she draws inspiration from Etruscan, Egyptian or Roman antiquties as well as Art Deco, Art Nouveau and all the way to the Op-Art 60's - it's a very wide variety! Debbie and I have something in common, too, which is a great love and respect for Georgia O'Keefe. Her Etsy Shop is like looking at the colors in a old time candy store through a foggy window - her jewelry is bright and vibrant, but the mix of vintage pieces makes it seem subdued and classic. These are rare pieces of jewelry that you WANT to wear, and you want someone to ask you, "Where did you get that brooch?" just so you can tell them, and add, "It's a one of a kind original," so they get jealous!

Austin is the perfect match for Debbie Carroll - it's full of creative, artistic people who appreciate the use of her color combinations, vintage beads and findings - all used to create wearable art with a an element of "being green" since she recycles! We can't wait for you to meet her on April, 18th!

XO,
Allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Austin Handmade, Birds Barbershop and Roses - Three New Hip Sponsors!

The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin would like to welcome Austin Handmade, Birds Barbershop and Roses as our newest Hip Sponsors!

Austin Handmade represents a collection of Austin's finest creative minds. From couture to visual art, custom jewelry to handbags, and stationery to clothing, at Austin Handmade you will find affordable, well-crafted and unique items, all of which are handmade by local artists. Founded by Jason Butler and Catherine Jones in 2008, they continue to promote Austin artists online and in their store at 507 West Mary Street, Austin, TX 78704!

Birds Barbershop, voted as "one of America's 52 Best Salons" by Elle Magazine is a "Walk In. Rock Out." kinda place. With choices like, Mohawk, Rockstar, Girlybird and Ladybird your haircut experience will never be the same again! Birds is the creation of Michael Portman and Jayson Rapaport who had a desire to offer great haircuts at an affordable price with a little bit of rock and roll along the way. They have three locations in Austin - Lamar, Burnet and 6th.

Roses, "Custom Made Gift Bags and More", is the creation of Mariah Bukowski. She specializes in reuasable fabric gift bags for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or any other special occasion. Some of her adorable gift bags will be featured in our wonderful Goodie Bags - get there early so you can be one of the first 30 shoppers! Not only does she promote shopping earth friendly by selling her reusable gift bags, but she allows you to personalize your earth friendly purchase as well - a favorite picture, or maybe a special applique can all be added to personalize your purchase. Don't just think "birthdays" - these bags can be used for all the holidays. She even has some Easter bags available right now!

Show our newest Hip Sponsors some love - and see you at our Shopping Event on April 18, 2009!

XO,
Allison & Anne Marie

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Sarah Fox Art - Mixed Media goes Gorgeous

For Art - like all things in life - beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I know when I first saw Sarah Fox's artwork at a festival - my jaw literally dropped, heart began to thump, and I had to quickly close my mouth so as not to drool in front of her.

Sarah Fox creates mixed-media shadow-boxes that are 100% hand-crafted. She holds a BFA from Southwestern University, and comes from a family of artists (gotta love that!). Her intense study of the human form comes through in her radiantly painted women - their expressions leap off the canvas at you - engaging you in their stories.

Sara's work is very unique - she "uses fair-trade fabrics that support women in their own small cottage industries. Many of my pieces represent the beauty found in nature." Her 3-D shadow boxes will jump out at you when you visit her booth at The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin. Find out a bit more about Sarah in this interview she had with Refridgerator Art Online.

You can follow Sarah's story on her blog, and find small edition prints of her work in her etsy shop. Haven Gallery on West 6th in downtown Austin carries her work, and we are so proud to have her as part of our first Austin Shopping Event! Look for Sarah having a piece of delicious cake at Chee Zee - her favorite Austin eatery for desserts - yummy!

xo,
Anne Marie

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Beth Carls "Mixes it Up" with Blue Valentine Press

If you read Right Out Loud, the blog for Blue Valentine Press, you will see this fabulous quote on the left:

"I collage, I print, I make stuff."

It's the simplicity of the quote that is fascinating because it does not do Beth's mixed media and collage pieces of art justice! Beth Carls started Blue Valentine Press in 2001 and since then has mounted original collage on artist panels, mixed media assemblages, one of a kind collage greeting cards, notebooks, limited edition prints and collage pendants. We can't wait for shoppers at The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin to see her as a vendor for our show and purchase some of her "mostly unique and completely original" art.



Gnome Art - ever seen it - if not, you will fall in love with them! Each gnome is mounted on a wooden block pedestal, and Gnome no. 10 "resides along the Potomac." What about a collage from the "Nostalgia Series" or "Limited Edition Prints" that take your mind back to an era gone by? It seems as if Blue Valentine Press has limitless possibilities as a local Austin artist who enjoys "working with paper mostly" and she is continually inspired by her Dad. You might find her dining at The Clay Pit, but on April 18th you can find her at our show!

XO,
Allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Leighelena - Beautiful Enameled Jewelry

During the application process for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin, there was a vendor whose jewelry kept reappearing in my mind - that jewelry would be from Leighelena by Leigh Navarro. The bold and bright colors are striking and catch your attention. I kept coming across the pictures on my computer - either they entered themselves into my screensaver slideshow (and I would stop and stare), or I would come across one I downloaded onto my desktop and have to open it - just to look! Anne Marie had to explain to me (remember, I am not so crafty) what enameled jewelry is - the fusion of metal and glass to create this bold splash of color! Leigh's jewelry is really beautiful, which is why we are so happy to have her as a 2009 vendor for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin.

Leigh was inspired at a young age by her grandfather, who began a stamp collection for her, and she continues to be inspired by her mom who also assists with her jewelry endeavor! Her "interesting style, entrepreneurial spirit, and Texas pride" help to make her items uniquely Austin, and she started Leighelena in 2006. Each piece is an individual artistic creation, but Leigh also has a vision of a "jewelry wardrobe" layered with several individual pieces that come together to create the perfect line - who wouldn't want that - a jewelry wardrobe sounds like a dream come true to me! On April 18, 2009 you will find Leigh at our event, but until then you can shop online at Leighelena.com, or you might find her dining at Eddie V's - her favorite restaurant! Something really cool about her website - it is set up as a jewelry store window as seen from the street - I love the traffic and "people walking" sounds when you first visit her website!

XO,
Allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Kandi-O - Get Yer Music Fixx

Kandi-O is the rockin' accessories line by music loving uber crafty Austinite Kandi Morley. Anyone who's been in Austin for awhile or visited Austin recently has heard of First Thursdays on South Congress. It's a party, arts fair and cultural experience in the heart of Austin - South Congress Avenue.

With a glorious view of the captial, freshly shaken margaritas and live music as a backdrop at Austin's landmark Guero's restaurant (where you can spot visiting celebs like Quentin Tarantino and Jeff Tweedy) Kandi-O's fresh goodies can be bought on each First Thursday.

Kandi creates bowls, planters and coasters out of recycled vinyl records, tote bags and journals from album covers - and musically inspired guitar pick jewelry. I spotted a delicious Stevie Ray Vaughan checkbook cover in her booth at First Thursday a few years back - and I LOVE it. It's a first date pop quiz - if he doesn't know who the god of Blues is - well, then honey, it's over before it began.

Shoppers at our April 18th event - The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin - will get a real taste of the music and pop culture vibe that Austin is so well known for when they visit Kandi-O's booth. I'll meet you there and we'll see how many of the recycled albums we used to rock out to!

You can find Kandi-O's products in Austin at The Oasis Gift Shop (along with one of Austin's best views of the lake) and in Cedar Park at Not Just Mail. As you get geared up for SXSW - don't forget to snag some Kandi-O style to complete your outfit!

xo, Anne Marie

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Mystic Angel Creations - Unique Art-to-Wear Jewelry

Sandy Forrest-Hartman started Mystic Angel Creations in 2001 and since then she has been creating beautiful one-of-a-kind "art-to-wear" jewelry. Her domino jewelry caught our attention, and we are proud to have her as a 2009 Vendor for our April 18, 2009 show, The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin. There is something quite mystical about her domino jewelry - sounds kind of weird at first, until you see it! The pieces are beautifully hand-crafted and the artwork on the domino itself transforms it into something entirely different than a domino!

She incorporates wire wrapping and lampwork or stone beards in every design and produces her high quality pendants without glue or plastic! Her pendants can also be used as bookmarks or fan pulls. Sandy strives to "pay attention to every detail in the creative process and never sell anything I would not wear myself." Sandy is also quite famous! She has been featured in HGTV's "That's Clever" and her work has been seen in publications such as ENVY Magazine. You can find out more about her press coverage on her website.

Her biggest inspiration is her daughter and she enjoys teaching others to unlock their creativity and artistic talent, and she has a fun and funky personality that shines through in her website and videos. Sandy's Mystic Angel Creations can also be found at Charolotte's of Salado and other boutiques around Texas and all over the world! We cannot wait to see her beautiful pendants on April 18th - Save the Date!

XO,
Allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Bonnie Jones Photo & Handmade

Bonnie Jones, originally from Panama City, FL - moved to Texas recently, and has adopted the State as her own. We're pretty big on Texas Pride here at the Lone Star Ladies - and Bonnie's appreciation of Texas' "bold character and strong awareness of its history" has let her into a current photographic series that "represent this idea of Texas in a fresh, thoughtful style."

Bonnie's company is called Bonnie Jones Photo & Handmade. She focuses on small edition photographic prints, and also creates a line of Handmade note card sets and tote bags. She uses
traditional darkroom and 'alternative' photographic processes. Bonnie holds a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Memphis, and her work is evocative of her wide travels.

Bonnie lives west of Austin in the growing town of San Angelo. Her favorite place to eat in town is Miss Hatties - a lively cafe in the heart of historic San Angelo. Keep up with Bonnie on her blog - and head out on April 18th to meet her at our 2009 event!

xo, Anne Marie & Allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Spoilt Victorian Child - Whimisical Creations for the Young at Heart!

Juliet Gamarci, creater of Spoilt Victorian Child, creates handmade costume jewelry from "porcelain, glazed earthenware, non-precious metals and mixed fibers."

When her application came in, we were immediately struck by her unique style. Pendants made from reclaimed porcelain dolls evoke a time-gone-by, and memories of a sweet childhood. Our Mom is a HUGE fan of Victorian Era Dolls, Quilts, Lace and Beads. Juliet is also inspired by her mom "who taught me how to knit and sew and to respect the work of craftspeople who toil with their hands."

Spoilt Victorian Child will delight the shoppers at Austin's Finest Shopping Event this Spring - The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin! On April 18th, you will find the work of Juliet and many other talented artists for sale in a unique event created to support the Austin Arts Community. Juliet is one of our featured Up-and-Coming Artists - special spots we reserved for new businesses.

Look for Juliet having a meal at Guero's on South Congress, or the original Kerbey Lane - two of her favorite Austin eateries!
xo, Anne Marie & Allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

Handmade Useful Items - Sweetwolf

Even if Cathie Fuentes' handmade items weren't "useful" they would still be awesome, which is why she was chosen to be a 2009 vendor for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin - and she is the first vendor to have a blog written about her on our new blog! Cathie started SweetWolf in 2007 and makes a variety of things - pouches, brooches, purses, light switch plate covers, sewing accessories, eye pillows, mirrors - mostly sewn and many of them featuring upcycled and vintage bits and materials. She is part of an Etsy team called "Trashion" - which is a GREAT name for a group that makes items from upcyclying and recycling.

Cathi is also moving in to crazy quilted/quilted items, bags and other items such as tea cozies, and she thinks her items are "A bit weird! I like to think that I have enough quirkiness in my items to justify my love for South Austin." She has been inspired by both of her grandmothers, and inherited their need to craft and have fabric stashes (she could be related to our family, too!)

Something else of note, and very cool, Cathie was married at Saegerrunde Hall - which is where our show is taking place! Maybe you might catch her at Chuy's sometime, which is her favorite restaurant, with Freebirds as a close second. We are excited she is part of our show and can't wait for you to see her cool (and useful) handmade items at The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin!

XO,
Allison

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com

NEW NAME - NEW BLOG - WELCOME!

The Beard Sisters, Anne Marie and Allison, have gotten a MAKE OVER!! Our company was formerly known as "The Bearded Ladies Present", but Spring was in the air and our beards were getting all itchy and hot!

Thanks to our Haute Sponsor, The Laser and Electrolysis Studio, Inc. our beards were removed, permanently, and our skin looks fantastic thanks to Sarita Richmond of Mary Kay, another one of our Haute Sponsors.

Our new name, The Lone Star Ladies, and our upcoming event "The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin" is going to be fantastic! What better way to celebrate our make over than to get our picture taken in the event photo booth, sponsored by Haute Sponsor, Trevor Ray Thompson?

We are excited about the change and our new name and logo embraces our true Texas Heritage!
We will continue to blog about our awesome vendors and sponsors - see every one on April 18, 2009!

XO,
Allison & Anne Marie

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com
Formerly known as "The Bearded Ladies Present"

Photo Shoot with Electric Promotions!

New song for our new name - check it out! Don't we look beautiful without our bearded faces?

Want your own photo shoot - check out Electric Promotions - a Haute Sponsor for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin!

www.TheLoneStarLadies.com
Formerly known as "The Bearded Ladies Present"