Vendor View with Crab Apple Designs and SavannahRed

Everyone has to get their start somewhere... and for Shop Austin we decided to offer special booths for Up-And-Coming Artists to show their work.  The requirement is that they're in business less than two years by the date of the show - and - are proprietors of awesome creative products!  Today's Vendor View features two spunky artists who use up-cycled materials to create amazing work - Crab Apple Designs - and sexy plus-sized dresses - SavannahRed.



Crab Apple Designs was founded by Melissa Madison in 2008.  She creates original paper goods like notebooks, stationary cards and uses vintage board games, up-cycled paint chips, and original graphic designs in her items.  You'll swoon over her too-cute zip-pouches, pocket mirrors and other gift items!

What makes your products uniquely "Austin"?
  I moved to Austin in 1987 and lived there for over 20 years.  My items are uniquely "Melissa" and my growing up, college at UT, and career as a teacher and crafter came to be all in the context of Austin.  Although my home base is out of town, I remain on staff at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar as a production assistant so I have a strong ongoing connection to Austin.

What is your favorite "Austin" thing to do, or restaurant to eat at, or place to go?
 Just one?!? No fair!!  When I come to Austin I love to go to Central Market, Amy's, Thundercloud, Goodwill Blue Hanger, South Congress shops, the LBJ library, Pedernales Falls, Enchanted Rock, the Capitol...and I love to go to see Darden Smith wherever he plays.

********

SavannahRed - the lovely name of designer Anslee Connell's new line of eco-friendly plus size couture clothing, was inspired by her Dad!  A native of Georgia, Anslee moved to Austin a few years ago, and after taking classes with Shauna Smith of First Samples, launched her clothing line in 2009.  Like most artists - she has many creative pursuits, including photography and singing.

What makes your products uniquely "Austin"? 
My clothing is vintage inspired and made mostly with sustainable fabrics. Many items are fun and whimsical, much like our fabulous city, and they are made to fit a special body type.

What is your favorite "Austin" thing to do, or restaurant to eat at, or place to go?  I love to go to the food carts/trailers/airstreams - my favorite being Lulu B's - and meet people!

Shop Austin producer Anne Marie Beard, pictured at right with Claudia Blanchette, proudly wearing a strapless black and pink cocktail dress by SavannahRed at We Make Stuff in 2009.

Crab Apple Designs and SavannahRed will be rocking your socks at Shop Austin!  Help a young artist find their path to creative business by shopping at our event!  $5 of each $10 ticket goes to support Frontier, the new scholarship program by The Lone Star Ladies.

xo, Anne Marie