The Crafting Experience: Soldered Pendants

There is just something about melting metal - I think it must be the Flashdance girl in me!  Instead of "welder by day, dancer by night", my slogan could be "office manager by day, solderer by night...".

Last night I joined a fine group of San Diego ladies, Deborah, Bird, Suzie and our teachers, Brooke and Colleen, for the Soldered Pendants Craft Along Night!  It was so relaxing to be doing something crafty on a Friday night and a bonus was the wine, cheese, bread, fruit, cookies and to-die-for chocolate covered strawberries.


Brooke and Colleen were such patient and efficient teachers and made it look really easy, and honestly, it wasn't that hard.  I even made a necklace and earring set that were round instead of rectangle.  These were way harder than my rectangle pendant, but nonetheless, I DID IT!

Being efficient and wonderful teachers, they provided us with some great tips and info on where to purchase stuff:

• Invest in a good solder iron.  A cheaper one might seem okay at first, but replacing it often means the cheap cost isn't that cost effective afterall.
• Microscopic slides make great pendants for these projects, and they aren't expensive (another option and an Etsy option ).
• Cutting up old books is okay.  Yes, I said it was okay and I actually did it for one of my projects!  I cut out words, definitions and some pictures and I didn't go to school or library jail.
• For glass supplies in San Diego, try out Blue Dolphin Glass or Alpine Glass (copper tape or sheets).
• Use lots of flux.
• Other interesting links...  Fire and Flowers, Colleen Townend Jewelry, Vintage Valentine's

I can't wait for the next class - join me on Friday, August 6th at 7:00pm for "Flower Sashes and Brooches".  Email Brooke at thelivinghome@gmail.com for more information.

XO,
allison 

The Hip List: Going Mad, Fashionably Plus, Ink, Applications, Studios, Back-to-School, and Reminders!

What's on The Hip List for Austin this week....

Photo from Etsy Finds

On Etsy - Going Mad!
Etsy has gone mad for Mad Men!  Inspired by the debut of Mad Men's fourth season, Etsy Finds featured "fashion and style inspired by the show." There is something delicious about Mad Men and maybe it's because of clothing like this, shoes like this, furniture like this and jewelry like this.  And if you really want to get into the groove, get a flask like this, but store it in something from Pommes Frites!


Photo by Caleb Bryant Miller

Speaking of the 1960s...
It's so delightful to think there was a time when being a walking stick wasn't the most attractive thing on the runway - is it realistic to say "above a size 6" is a PLUS size??  Anslee Connell of Savannah Red has the best quote ever on plus-sized fashion, "anything with a waist," she says. "Most full-sized clothes are particularly ill-fitting in that area and it all goes downhill from there." (Austin American Statesman, 7/21) It's more than hip she was quoted AND pictured in this amazing article. 


Articles and Ink

Squid Ink Kollective was featured in Thrillist, a "quick, free daily email".  Their screen-printed tees are created with water-based, non-toxic inks that become one with the fabric, penetrating the fibers... ok, enough of the sappy description - they have awesome tees, so buy some online or at Parts & Labour and read the article!

Reading and Applying!
Some great shows are taking applications right now... BUST Magazine's Craftacular at the World Maker Faire, 3rd Annual Jingle Bash, Funky Finds Experience, and Craft Riot from Etsy Austin - if you know of more, please contact us!  And speaking of a great show, Shop Crafty from your very own Lone Star Ladies still has a few spots for Studio Sponsors!


Thoughts on Craft Studios...

Stella has moved!  Do you know Stella - she is hard to miss - all shiny and bright, mobile and full of handmade goodies... and now she and The WonderCraft are parked at a new location!  You can find them at Starving Art Studios/E.A.T. with a large art gallery, indoor craft market, studios for rent and more room for classes and parties.  P.S.  The WonderCraft is one of the awesome Studio Sponsors for Shop Crafty's Craft Lounge!

Another studio in Austin, The Knitting Nest is having a "Christmas in July" sale on Saturday, July 31st.  All yarn is 15% off and you can shop in a nice, cool store with ice-cold lemonade, Christmas music, ideas for Christmas presents on display and a shopping list with a link to the patterns.   And of course there will be door prizes!





Before Christmas Comes the Fall!

Fall means Back-to-School and this wonderful blog article showcases some fantastic "back-to-school crafts".  I can hear the once-only-thought-of-as-a-Christmas-song, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" playing in my head while the parents shoot around Staples on the shopping cart celebrating this time of year, but wouldn't it be better if the store was a craft store instead?


Last minute reminders...

• Free demos every Saturday at Jerry's Artarama and they have awesome coupons!
• Lovely Grand Re-opening featuring *annemarie* on Saturday night.
• One last day tomorrow to celebrate (and buy at a discount) the Stone of the Month (Ruby) at Legendary Beads.

XO,
allison

Hip & Crafty Classes in San Diego

This Friday, July 30th, kicks off the "Craft Along Nights" started by two Handmade Revolution artisans.  Brooke Evans of Fire and Flowers and Colleen Townend of Colleen Townend Jewelry will be teaching the classes.  All classes are $45 and include materials, wine, cheese, dessert, good company and a night out!  You can see a list of the classes and get more info here and register for classes here.

Brooke and Colleen are also continuing their Summer Art Days Camp for ages 6 and up.  For more information or to contact someone about the Craft Along Nights and the Summer Camp, please email thelivinghome@gmail.com.


XO,
allison

Whipstitch Wednesday: Stone of the Month

Legendary Beads has started a new program, Stone of the Month, so be sure to stop in their store to see July's, which is Ruby! They also have new extended hours on Saturdays from 11am-7pm.



Who:  Legendary Beards
What: New program, "Stone of the Month"
Where: 2110 S. Lamar Blvd, 78704 (map it)
BONUS:  The stone of the month will be on display with extended information about its physical and ethereal properties and you still have time to get 15% off rubies, including ruby zoisite and fuschite.

XO,
allison

The Hip List: Pixel Pop, Mapping Garland, Arthouse & CHIA in Marfa!

The Hip List - Where to go, who to see, what to do this weekend in Austin and Out & About in Marfa, TX!



LOCAL EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

Electric Promotions is at it again with Pixel Pop - a fusion of food & drinks, art & art demos, a fashion show, WonderCraft Projects, giveaways, music and more!  Click on the poster for all the details!

Jennifer Ramos Photography is having an opening reception for her recent series, Mapping Garland, TX. "These photos are both haunting and convey the affection of an observer who lived with these scenes every day for years. They are striking with a gritty surreal magic." Meet the artist, have treats, chat with us, and get yourself "Garlandized" in our magic photobooth!!!  Bonus - Jennifer Ramos was the photographer behind our fantastic Shop Austin 2010 photo booth!  Saturday, July 17th from 6-8pm at Starbucks in the Brodie Oaks Shopping Center.

Arthouse is having an opening reception on Saturday, July 17th from 6-8pm for their Advanced Young Artists.  "Advanced Young Artists @ Arthouse partners exemplary students with working Austin-area artists for a semester-long collaborative mentorship process resulting in a final review and exhibition of new work." The exhibition will run from July 17-31st.  Several of the  young artists were applicants to the Frontier Scholarship this year.






OUT & ABOUT IN MARFA!

We all know Marfa - famous for its aliens - but now it can be famous for something else...  CHIA is the special guest at the Grand Opening Party & Trunk Show for Little Liberty in Marfa, TX.  Her "summer wear made from vintage fabrics" will be sure to delight the residents of Marfa!  Little Liberty is their first vintage clothing store - check out the Brilliant magazine article!  Next Thursday, July 22nd from 4-8pm, 200 Abbott Street, 432-300-0046.  Sounds like a road trip to us!!

Haute Event: Pixel Pop! A fusion of Art, Fashion & Music

Austin event Diva Candace Carlisle of Electric Promotions is at it again... every summer she brings the heat with a Fashion/Art/Music event to tingle your senses.  This July she has teamed up with From the Mind of Adi and Team Fabrication to bring you Pixel Pop.

Head out to The Mohawk on Friday, July 16th for a night benefiting HAAM.  The venue will be taken over by live artists, craft Demos from The WonderCraft and *annemarie*, a fashion show by Team Fabrication, themed photo booths from Trevor Ray Thompson and Annie Ray, live music, and the uber-cool art scene that only Austin can boast.

*annemarie* has something very special for you in store... she will be custom-making Mini Wallets on site!  You will be able to pick your wallet fabric, decorate it - and watch her whip one up for you right in front of your eyes!  Not to be missed!

When: Friday, July 16th, 2010
Doors: 9:30 pm
Cost: $5 ($7 for Minors)
Where: The Mohawk, 912 Red River, Austin, TX 78701

Whipstitch Wednesday: Tina Sparkles' Ultra Mini Skirt!

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

 Sometimes the amount of talent living in Austin can just make you choke up like a proud mama!  Our very own Tina Sparkles is ramping up for the release of her first book - "Little Green Dresses" - available this fall at a retailer near you.

Tina recently posted her first ever sewing video - highlighting a project featured in her new book.  The Ultra Mini Skirt is made using your own measurements - and you - yes YOU - can draft your own pattern using newspaper!  All you need is some cute fabric and basic sewing skills.  View the video below, and be sure to check out her blog for the original post. 





Austinites can take advantage of Tina's residency here - take a class from her at The Stitch Lab!  There are still summer classes available for kids and teens.  Tina is a founding member of The Austin Craft Mafia, and a pioneer in eco-conscious dressing.

She will be participating in the upcoming Keep Austin Beautiful Fashion Show at the Austin Museum of Art Downtown on August 15th.

We hope you feel as proud of her as we do!

xo, Anne Marie Beard & Allison Wall