Whose on the Hip List?

Austin is a busy, busy place for Hip Handmade Events and Sales this week and weekend!

 Debbie Carroll Designs Annual Mother's Day Sale!  The show will take place over two days, April 28th & 29th, from 9am to 3pm AND from 6 to 8pm on Wednesday, and 9am to 3pm on Thursday, special offers will include buy 2 pair of earrings receive the 3rd pair free -OR- 20% off your entire purchase! Details on her Facebook Page.

Grand opening of the new MOXIE!  Saturday May 1, 11am-6pm.  Celebrate handmade, vintage, and local shopping, plus snacks, drinks and discounts!  In the groovy new building on the corner of 11th and Lydia, at 1200 East 11th Street, #105 (map it).  10% of all sales will be donated to Sara Sanctuary.

Texas Museum of Fiber Arts Exhibit Opening and Awards Gala.  The Texas Museum of Fiber Arts is pleased to announce TEXAS - A Blending of Cultures Fiber Arts Exhibit during the month of May 2010. Fiber Arts, fine arts, refreshments, and educational speakers are arranged throughout the month's exhibit.  The month-long exhibit is free to attend.

Saturday, May 1, 2010 will be the awards gala fund raiser at the Mexican American Cultural Center (map it) from 6:30-9:00 p.m. During the awards gala, the fiber art exhibit will be available for viewing; a wearable art style show begins at 7:30; and fiber arts will be for sale in the Plaza. Awards will be presented at 7:30.  Purchase Tickets.

I love Vinca (and mom, too) Trunk Show!  Forget the boring gifts and get something cool from Vinca, featuring the new acrylic and exotic woods collections.  Cupcakes will be served, and prizes will be won.  Parts & Labour, May 2nd in the afternoon till "we can't stand up"! (map it)

Foxy Fusions 20% off Mother's Day Sale.  Use coupon code "foxymom" at checkout between now and Mother's Day.  Every mom deserves something foxy!









Don't forget to check out the Austin Calendar and submit your event or sale!

XO,
allison

Whipstitch Wednesday: UT Textile and Apparel Fashion Show

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



Enjoy a free fashion event and see the University of Texas Apparel Design Students send their collections down the runway for all to see!

When:  THIS Thursday, April 29th
Where: Frank Erwin Center, (map it)
Time: Preshow 7:00pm, Show at approximately 8:00pm
Bonus: Fashionably Austin will have a LIVE webcast


XO,
allison

Frontier Scholarship Recipient: Nichole Shinn

If you came to Shop Austin you were able to see the fantastic artwork of the 2010 Frontier Scholarship Recipient, Nichole Shinn.  For those that did not, and because we think her work is so fantastic, we wanted to share a little about Nichole with all of you:

Nichole has taken four years of advanced 2D art classes at Bowie High School, along with two years of 3D classes.  Drawing and painting are the main art forms she pursues, but she also studies sculpture, photography and film.   Nichole's artwork has been selected for the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) traveling exhibit and has been displayed in AISD's annual art exhibit every year beginning in elementary school.  TAEA also sponsors the Visual Arts Scholastic Events (VASE) and Nichole's art has been selected for regional and state events for all 4 years of high school.

Nichole desires to use her artistic abilities for ecuational purposes and would like to be either an art or art history teacher/professor, or a graphic designer.  She draws inspiration from many artists, but mostly from the people around her and she applies this inspiration to her art.  At school, Nichole is President of the National Art Honor Society and President of Bowie's Art Club.

Outside of school, Nichole works with a teen program at Arthouse Austin in which art students get together and make public art projects and put together teen shows.  Her work is featured on their website right now for the "Ahead of Their Time" student exhibit. She has also worked with First Night Austin through Bowie for two years and volunteers at several art galleries around Austin. 

Nichole was unable to attend Shop Austin this year to showcase her work because she was at the Pratt Institute's Open House for their School of Art & Design.  Nichole has been accepted to Pratt and will attend there starting this Fall.  We are excited to offer the $500.00 Frontier Scholarship to help her achieve these goals!

Shop Austin is a major fundraiser for the Frontier Scholarship and this year we raised $1200.00 for Frontier!  The independent judging panel that selected Nichole Shinn was compromised of 4 independent Austin artists, designers and business owners and we cannot wait to see who will apply and receive the scholarship next year!

XO,
Allison & Anne Marie

Art Walk, Encinitas Festival or Both?

I vote both - just be busy shopping handmade this weekend in San Diego County at some very Haute Events:

The Mission Federal Artwalk - San Diego's Original Fine Art Festival - is happening April 24th thru 25th in Little Italy.  More than 300 white tents line the streets, filled with artists showing and selling their work, from paintings to sculpture to glass work, fine jewelry and more. Come meet the artists, learn about their art, and discover artwork that calls to you and begs you to take it home with you. There is nothing that compares to the thrill of owning original fine art, and this festival makes it easy to connect with hundreds of artists from all over the country and Mexico. More info.

Enjoy the Encinitas Street Fair, April 24th thru 25th, from 9am to 5pm on Highway 101 between D and J Streets in Downtown Encinitas.  Featuring 450 arts and craft vendors, four live stages, rides for children and a beer garden. Over 100,000 shoppers are expected to visit, shop and dine at the two day Encinitas Street Fair. The 27th Annual Street Fair is a great opportunity to visit Encinitas and discover a National award winning, traditional So-Cal beach town, on historic Coast Hwy 101.  Enjoy 2 for 1 Coaster Fares on Saturday and get to the street fair car free!

I love living in San Diego!
allison

Fashion Friday - Call to Green Designers in Austin!

Treasure City Thrift is hosting it's Third Annual Recycled Fashion Show this summer - and they're looking for Austin-area Fashion and Accessories designers to take the challenge!

This year Treasure City has teamed up with Austin activist Mike Litt to create an even bigger and better show.  The organizers say "We are hoping that each designer can enter a collection of at least 3 outfits that are refashioned out of old clothes. Designers may find their own, or get material free of charge at Treasure City Thrift Store."

What - you can get your materials FREE?  That is awesome!  I personally get tons of funky finds at thrift stores all year - and use them to whip up special one-of-a-kind bags, or alter them to make "new-to-me" clothing.  Get your Green On and participate in this rad show!

Deadline to apply is Monday, May 3rd

xo, Anne Marie

Handmade Revolution - Spring Trunk Show

Since Shop Austin seemed to consume my life for the past couple of months (it was worth it!), I feel like my own wonderful city, San Diego, has been greatly ignored in the blogs of Handmade Happenings - and it is now time to redeem myself...

To start things off, the 2nd annual Spring Trunk Show for the Handmade Revolution is happening THIS Saturday, April 24 11am-5pm at the yellow house on "B Street". (map it)

This is a great group of handmade artisans, with a new one in the mix, who I believe makes yummy desserts, but I am going to have to attend the show to find out for sure.  Their last trunk show in February had 500 attendees come out, rain and all (ok, you have to understand that rain in San Diego is a freak of nature and NO ONE likes to go anywhere in the rain...), which is amazing news to hear!

Sorry all you Austinites won't be able to attend this Hip Event here in San Diego, but we can all support each other in spirit no matter where we live - I for one am going to relish shopping at an event this weekend instead of producing one - yeah!



XO,
allison

Shop Austin 2010 Recap

It was a rainy day - this April 17th 2010 - but our loyal friends, family and shoppers didn't let that keep them from attending the 2nd Annual Shop Austin by The Lone Star Ladies.

Once again we had a line at the door for our amazing Goodie Bags, and a day full of happy customers and Austin-centric goodness. Below are a few pictures - click on them to view the entire albums!

From Shop Austin 2010 Event Pics

Shoppers getting an eye-full of delightful goodies!

From Shop Austin 2010 Photo Booth

Mama Beard with friends Marilyn and Carolyn hamming it up in the Photo Booth!

From Shop Austin 2010 Event Pics

Booth Design Display winner Debbie Carroll with Texas Store Fixtures Owners Gavin Emberson and Coros Derakhkshani - she won $300.00 to spend on new display fixtures!

From Shop Austin 2010 Event Pics

Relaxing in the Beauty Lounge - sponsored by milk + honey spa and White Daisy Bodyworks!

From Shop Austin 2010 Photo Booth

A young shopper with her recent purchase from Ape-Gear - what a cute pic! Special thanks to Jennifer M. Ramos for the Photo Booth - to all our vendors, sponsors and shoppers!

Stay tuned for the next adventure with The Lone Star Ladies - Shop Crafty, coming Fall 2010! Joining the Austin Handmade Community Together!

xo, Anne Marie & Allison

Shop Austin - Who's Saying What!?

Shop Austin was a GREAT SUCCESS - and here's what some of our shoppers said were their "favorite part" of the event and about our fabulous vendors:

“Handmade = support local biz = FABULOUS!” Nancy, Stitch Lab Subscriber
“Massage & goodie bag!” Kristin, found out from family member
“Checking out competition!” Kerry, Stitch Lab Subscriber
“Vendors are excellent & I loved the snack bar and beauty lounge!” Stephanie, found us from a blog online
“Atmosphere & friendly vendors.” Sharron, found us on FaceBook
“Handmade!” Angelica, Stitch Lab Subscriber
“Jennifer’s Booth!” Sarah, friend of Anne Marie’s
“The continuity of quality & good prices!” Sherry, friend of a vendor
“Everything!” Beth, friend of a vendor
“Jewelry!” Simona, found out from a friend
“Jewelry & feathers!” Patricia, found out from a friend
“All the unique & beautiful items!” Wendy, found out from Anne Marie
“To be honest…all the ‘recession’ sales!” Cari, found us from a home design blog
“Goodie bag!” Kristen, found out from a family member
"All the beautiful art!” Cary, found us online
“Goodie bag!” Deirdre, heard our ad on The River 102.3
“The friendly vendors!” Linda, found out from a friend
“Meeting the artisans!” Anne, found us online
“Pommes Frites, Sweettooth and Savannah Red!” Gina, friend of a vendor
“Goodie bag!” Anne, heard our ad on The River 102.3
“Ceramics & jewelry!” Margo, heard our ad on The River 102.3
“Variety of vendors – loved last year, too!” Stacey, friend of a vendor
“Variety of handmade goods!” Laura, heard our ad on The River 102.3
“Goodie Bag!” Theresa, heard our ad on The River 102.3
“Everything!” Anet, friend of a vendor
“The whole thing!” Dayna, found out from Anne Marie
“Chair massage!” Cynthia, Stitch Lab Subscriber
“Annemarie's booth, awesome selection of vendors, exactly what a girl wants right down the road!” Serena, found out from Anne Marie
“It was all nice!” Shirley, found out from friends
“Looking at the vendors’ products, some of the food options!” Pat, found out from a friend
“Beautiful booths – friendly people!” Amelia, found out from Etsy Austin
“Talking to the vendors!” Jole, found us from a yahoo email list
“The even distribution of artists on the floor!” Helki, found our postcard in a bead shop
“Talking to the artists!” Bruce & Annie, HH email list and friends of vendors
“Everything!” Jenni, heard our ad on The River 102.3

What did you think of Shop Austin - leave a comment - we would love to hear from you, too!

XO,
Allison & Anne Marie

Sponsor Spotlight - Goodie Bags!

The first event where I encountered the idea of a Crafty Goodie Bag was Stitch Austin.  I was a fledgling designer, and the first event was held at Ruta Maya with a sell out crowd of 450 people!  It was so awesome to participate in that show for 5 years - and watch them grow into a National Phenominon.  At their last event they had over 100 Goodie Bags - all handmade by us vendors!  What is so rad is that I STILL see people carrying the bags I made!

As The Lone Star Ladies, Allison and I have worked hard to pay homage to the trailblazers that have come before us - and bring our own twist to modern Craft Show Production.  Our Goodie Bag giveaway for Shop Austin gets better every year.

The 2010 Bags were provided and screened by Southside Sanctuary - a hip local company that effortlessly mixes Old Austin Flavor with New Austin Style in their line of exclusive tees.  A good company is run by good people - and when I met Jed Taylor & Team at SXSW in 2009 - I knew he was good people.  It's been an honor to work with them for Shop Austin 2010, and to see their company grow and grow and grow!  They've also provided the Event T-Shirts for this year - available for sale as a haute memorabilia item for just $12 at the show!


We're giving away Goodie Bags to the first 30* paying shoppers in line on Saturday at Shop Austin! (* must be 18).  Items include handmade wallets, jewelry, stationary, pottery, gift certificates and coupons to local businesses, gourmet chocolate and popcorn and much much more!  A full listing of our Goodie Bag Sponsors can be found on our website!






So how did all the Goodie Bag madness come together?  Last Friday a team of Shop Austin Vendors and Sponsors got together at Marmalade Skies in NW Austin for the Goodie Bag Stuffing Party.  Marmalade Skies is a walk-in craft studio just waiting to help you unleash your creativity!  Located in the new Crafty Hotspot of 183 & Anderson Mill Road - Marmalade Skies also offers Kid's Art Camps, Ladies' Night Parties, and Private Birthday Parties!

Taking their support of the Austin Arts Scene a step further, they have dedicated a space to the Blue Room Art Gallery -a unique, creative venue for painters, sculptors, and all varieties of artists to display their work.  Exhibits rotate monthly, and add a special treat each time you visit the studio.

Kudos & Love to those who have paved the way for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin to happen!  Cheryl Love - the original Craft Show Guru; Jennifer Perkins, Karly Hand, Jesse Kelly Landes and Tina Sparkles - Stitch Austin Team; Leslie Bonnell of The Stitch Lab; Parts & Labour; our friends, family - and of course - our Shop Austin Sponsors and Vendors!  We couldn't do it without you!

PS!  Did you know we have FIVE opportunities for you to Win a Goodie Bag + 2 Free Tickets to Shop Austin?  Whoa!  Check out these sites for the deets!

Adored Austin
Naughty Secretary Club
The Onion
The Stitch Lab
Southside Sanctuary

xo, Anne Marie & Allison

Vendor View with Sweettooth Bags and *annemarie* Style for the Individual

Sweet and Stylish at Shop Austin 2010 from Sweettooth Bags and *annmarie* Style for the Individual.  Their shared booth will have something for everyone - clutches, bags, purses, mini-wallets, hair accessories, checkbook covers, and more!

Amy Barber of Sweettooth Bags started her quirky and eclectic business in 2002.  She offers hair accessories, handbags, cocktail bags, camera/change zips and wristlets, checkbook covers, wallets, card cases, organizers & cosmetic mirrors.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
Charles & Ray Eames with their ability to inspire the world with their molded plywood experiments, creating unique and memorable furniture which quickly became their biggest success.

What is your favorite "Austin" thing to do, or restaurant to eat at, or place to go?
I love a weekday, mid-afternoon adventure with a friend to a quirky little shop or art exhibit.   There are too many amazing restaurants in Austin to choose a favorite - although I still pine for Mars (may it rest in peace).

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*annemarie* Style for the Individual is "for the woman who wants to make a statement, for the woman is who passionate about re-purposed materials, and for the woman who wants a handbag she can actually use..."  Anne Marie Beard began designing handbags in 2002 with the mission of creating beautifully made accessories for women with unique taste.  As her sister, I can say her individual style and creative spirit were there since birth!

The clean lines of her designs are intended to showcase the bold and vintage textiles she has become known for using. In her hands a 1970’s drapery panel, funky knit or sumptuous decorating material is transformed into a piece of wearable art. Her attention to detail and focus on the functionality of her handbags has created a growing fan base in the Austin area.

Almost everything you purchase from *annemarie* is a one-of-a-kind because her limited edition fabrics continuously change and her custom design services offer the repeat shopper a new choice every time they need a new purse!

I am honored to have started The Lone Star Ladies with Anne Marie back in 2008.  It has given us the opportunity to work together to create the business we both dreamed of having, and offering the kind of shopping experience that the vendor and shopper alike deserve!

Can't wait for you to meet both of these fantastic ladies and vendors on Saturday April 17th at Shop Austin 2010!

XO,
allison

Sponsor Spotlight - Shop Austin Beauty Lounge!

If you read yesterday's post about our Photo Booth and Booth Design Competition - you know that we are serious about taking Craft Shows into the new millennium with a bang!  One of The Lone Star Ladies' original ideas was to have a Beauty Lounge at our Spring Event!

Ladies love to shop - and we love to get our nails done, relax, and have a massage!  Add some delicious gourmet chocolate, popcorn or pie into the mix - and you have Heaven in a Funky German Singing Hall in downtown Austin!  It's 2010 via 1878 - Old Austin + New Austin in the perfect mix.

This year's Beauty Lounge is sponsored by Milk + Honey Spa and White Daisy Bodyworks - and it's close enough to the pie, chocolate and popcorn in our cafe to leave ALL of your senses delighted!  While there you can enjoy complimentary lash extensions, hair styling, and mini manicures!  This is an exclusive to Shop Austin 2010 - and we know you're going to be as delighted as we are to work with Milk + Honey.

In addition, you can get a 10 or 15 minute chair massage from White Daisy Bodyworks for just $1/minute!   Stacy Siler Wooster is the owner of White Daisy Bodyworks and she is a Texas Licensed Massage Therapist and Yogo Instructor. Some of her specialities include working with pre and post-operative patients, as well as prenatal women. She also conducts infant massage workshops - you're never too young, or too old, to enjoy a massage. The benefits to body and mind are worth it!

See you on Saturday - get ready to Shop & Relax!  Purchase Tickets in Advance, and skip the lines!

xo, Anne Marie & Allison

Sponsor Spotlight - Texas Store Fixtures and Jennifer M. Ramos, Photographer

Do you remember the first craft show you attended?  It was probably at a Church, with great homemade food, scented wreaths and country style crafts - ahhh, the '80s.  Welcome to the new Millenium of Craft Shows - where we bring it to you fresh and funky with a hip photo booth and an inspiring Booth Design Competition! (Don't worry - we've kept the great food!)

Texas Store Fixtures is a Retailers best friend.  From boutique owners to independent artists, TSF has been providing quality product displays, packaging and friendly service for 26 years in Central Texas.  On one of Allison's visits a few years ago - we had a mission - organize my sewing supplies, fabric and create a workable space out of a tiny apartment!  Texas Store Fixtures came to the rescue - both for my creative space and professional display at shows. (Pictured below)

Whether you realize it or not - when you walk around a craft show (or trade show) - the display of the products for sale has a lot to do with whether or not you decide to look at the items more closely, or make a  purchase.  For artists who set up at fairs and festivals - there is no such thing as a "perfect" display - every show has it's own challenges and benefits - and part of the process is making your display better at each show.

Texas Store Fixtures is sponsoring the first ever Shop Austin Booth Design Competition.  Not only do we have 50 amazing artisans to delight you with their work - we're going to have some stellar booth displays as well!  TSF will judge the booth displays for the best and most creative use of space, and will award the winner a $300.00 Gift Certificate to their store!  Now that is what we call supporting local Austin Artists!

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Jennifer M. Ramos is best known under the line of sewn goods she creates as Textile Fetish - for years she has been delighting the young and young at heart with up-cycled, crafty goodies like aprons, sock monkeys and purses.  She has recently taken her longtime passion of photography to the next level with the launch of her professional photography services.  Her specialty is in Urban Decay - and once you see Austin through her lens, you'll have a fuller taste of our city's rich history.

We're honored to have Jennifer as our Photo Booth Sponsor for Shop Austin 2010. We have some cool props and surprises in store for you!  You see - when you're out having a day shopping, snacking on delicious food, and hanging with friends - who has time to take pictures?  We do it for you!  Come and pose in our Free and Exclusive Shop Austin Photo Booth - and get famous!

Anne Marie and Allison - pictured at left in our 2009 Shop Austin Photo Booth by Trevor Ray Thompson.

See you on Saturday! (That's April 17th, 2010)

From Shop Austin 2009 Event Pictures

xo, Anne Marie Beard

Whipstitch Wednesday: Austin Shines

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

CALLING ALL JEWELRY DESIGNERS:

The first-ever "Austin Shines" will bring together Austin-area artists, retailers, designers, educators, and industry influencers to celebrate, nurture, and grow the jewelry design talent in Austin. We love our Austin-based jewelry designers and want to see you grow!

Designers can submit their current jewelry collections and designs in the "Shining Star" jewelry design contest. Two Shining Star awards will be given -  a "Judges Shining Star" and a "People's Choice Shining Star".  DEADLINE is tomorrow, Thursday April 15th to submit your application!

What?  Shining Star Jewelry Design Contest and Application
Deadline?  Thursday, April 15th, $35 non-refundable application fee, submit with 10 pictures
More Info? http://www.austinshines.com/app.html

XO,
allison

Vendor View with Pie Fixes Everything and The Painted Pear by Jenifer

Pie Fixes Everything will be our main food vendor at Shop Austin 2010 with a fantastic menu line-up (yum!) and The Painted Pear by Jenifer offers unique painted items for your home!

Colleen Summers, "her pieness" is the founder and head baker of Pie Fixes Everything!  It is a home delivery food service that cooks to order with an established menu and weekly specials.  They also support area farmers, use organic ingredients when able, use unbleached flour, and can even provide gluten free crusts as well.  Pie Fixes Everything is also available for catering events and personal chef services that include menu planning, shopping and food prep.  If you want to know what's in store for you to savor in the Shop Austin Cafe this year, take a look at the fantastic menu:

From 2010 Vendor Announcement

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The Painted Pear by Jenifer offers beautiful canvas artwork, pillows, tote bags, table runners, tank tops, wooden canvas paintings and decoupage furniture.  She was also recently featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in Kemah, TX with this painting!

What makes your products uniquely "Austin"?
My work isn't so much "uniquely Austin", although I do paint Texas Flags.  When I was at Round Top last fall, some ladies from The Lone Star Ladies came by my booth and said, "You should be in our show!"

Who is your biggest inspiration?

I love the artwork of Rene Magritte and Fornessti (decoupage) although they are not necessarily reflected in my artwork.

What is your favorite "Austin" thing to do, or restaurant to eat at, or place to go?
Vintage shopping and finding cupcakes!

Whether you are looking for pie to eat or painted art for your home, Shop Austin has something to offer you - save the date - Saturday, April 17th from 10am-6pm.

XO,
allison

Sponsor Spotlight - Craft Across Texas

As Allison and I sat down in 2008 to plan our first event, we looked to those who had come before us for guidance, advice, and inspiration.  It's an honor for our fledgling company to be Sponsored by the following three notable Crafty Businesses!

The Etsy Dallas Street Team presents Spring Bash on May 1st, 2010.  Since 2007, Etsy Dallas has been leading the way for Etsy Street Teams around Texas - and putting on stellar handmade shopping events.  The Bash features hand-picked artists, designers and crafters selling their top quality handmade goods to the public. Additional fun includes live music, entertainment, food, and a full bar.

Two Shop Austin Artists - adaptive reUse and *annemarie* will be showcasing their work at The Spring Bash, alongside Photo Booth Sponsor Jennifer M. Ramos of Textile Fetish. 

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Renegade Craft Fair comes to Austin for the first time on May 15th and 16th, 2010. Way back in 2003 the dynamic duo Sue Daly & Danny Orendorff started the first Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago. The Handmade movement was on the verge of a National Wave - and along with pioneering groups like The Austin Craft Mafia, Renegade helped unite shoppers looking for unique and meaningful items with artisans trying to make a difference - one handmade item at a time.

There have been rumors for a few years that Renegade would come to Austin - and this year it's finally going to happen!  Renegade is always free to attend, and they're featuring artists from all over the US and Craft Demos from local Austin favorites The Austin Craft Mafia, The Stitch Lab and more.  We're super excited that Renegade Craft Fair is a Happening Sponsor for The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin 2010!

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We love family success stories!  In 2007 the Harvey Durham family founded Storyville in Baton Rougue, Louisiana. Storyville is the place to go for original designs, locally made apparel and screen printing services.

Their Austin location has been located on the UT Campus for the past two years, but in June of 2010 they're moving to the hottest shopping spot in town - SoCo - South Congress.  The new space will be bigger and offer a larger selection of their current designers' work, as well as in house screen-printing services.  What's cooler than being able to walk in and select a one-of-a-kind gift - or have them print you up a shirt of your own design right on the spot?

Stay tuned for details about their Grand Opening - it will certainly be a "Handmade Happening" you do not want to miss.  Kudos to Storyville for keeping the family spirit alive, and thanks for sponsoring Shop Austin 2010!


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If you had any doubts that Austin, Texas was one of the coolest spots to live - we hope this feature leaves you with all doubts erased!  Crafting is a time-honored tradition that goes waaaay back - we're talking Cave People Back - because it brings people together in a way that nothing else can.  Using your hands to create - or using your wallet to purchase something handmade - keeps the essence of the human spirit alive.  Craft Across Texas, Y'all!

xo, Anne Marie Beard

Vendor View with Kailo Chic and Litmus Industries

Handbags from Kailo Chic and fused glass from Litmus Industries, LLC will be sure to delight visitors to Shop Austin this year. Both artists are new to our show and we are excited to have their booths on display!

Kailo Chic are the beautiful handbags, accessories, jewelry, T-shirts, cards and home accessories from owner Kara Whitten.  Maybe you have seen her products in Seventeen, Brides, Glamour, Lucky, Austin Home and Living or Austin Monthly?

What makes your products uniquely "Austin"?
I was born and raised here. I use bright colorful prints to change up the idea of traditional plain colored accessories. Unique items just like the city itself.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
I love Orla Kiely

What is your favorite "Austin" thing to do, or restaurant to eat at, or place to go?
I love to go eat at South Side flying pizza and then take a walk with my hubby on the hike and bike trail. I also love going to the drafthouse for a movie or dart bowl for a few games. Oh yeah, trudy's Mexican Martini's are up there also.

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Litmus Industries, LLC is the creative genius of Lori  and Tony Linder.  Their products for the home include  kiln-formed glass - "fused" glass "slumped" into various shapes for use in interior and exterior applications such as tablewares, lighting, tabletops, decorative wall and window hangings, incense burners / candle holders, soap dishes, planters, hanging platform bird feeders, and bird baths.

What makes your products uniquely "Austin"?
Prior to opening up my own studio, I spent many years working for other Austin artists and designers in their studios and feel they have not only allowed me to work in a number of interesting mediums (to find glass is my very  favorite) but have really shaped my overall aesthetic values.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

I don't have one biggest but I do draw inspiration from strong women who have bold visions and really push the envelope in everything they do - from designers and artists such as Diane Von Furstenburg and Elsa Von Freytag-Loringhoven, to historical figures such as Odette Sansom and Lady Bird Johnson.


What is your favorite "Austin" thing to do, or restaurant to eat at, or place to go?
It sounds cliche but Barton Springs has been my favorite "Austin" place to go and swim since I was a little kid.  Even in the winter!



See all you shoppers THIS Saturday - April 17th at Shop Austin 2010!

XO,
allison