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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Craft Riot Part 2 and The Plague

Alright, after an unplanned illness by Rowan, which includes reams of toilet paper, a running faucet for a nose, non stop cough, and needing to pee every 5 seconds, I'm back.  I had the Mother Guilt where I thought if she didn't stop the coughing I was going to put her outside with the dog, but then thought they'd make a movie on the Lifetime channel about a woman who would do that, played either by Valerie Bertinelli or Shannon Dougherty, and was now on the run from the sheriff...Instead, Rowan was taken to the doctor and got to pee in a cup.  She also stole the entire Advil coupon display.  Her dad is taking it back today.


 Above is the one pic I did a terrible job at researching.  I forgot to find out who it is and the name of her shop.  I highly regret this and if anyone can comment and let me know I would be very thankful.  I can tell you this is the one booth I bought something from.  She makes all kinds of jewelry from scrabble tiles.

 I couldn't resist this ring.  I think this is why I forgot all the pertinent information necessary for this post.
*EDIT* I have been saved a crafter's death.  The booth above belongs to AmeliaBeth.  Thanks to Craftiness' wife for being so knowledgeable of the Austin craft scene.


Now this booth was fascinating to me.  This is Reigruche Studio.  The artist is Alejandra Grunauer.  She makes jewelry by crocheting metal...Shut it!  Is that even possible?  Wonderfully delicate, intricate looking pieces.

" I love painting and making jewelry for myself and for other people. After getting my BFA in Studio Art- Painting (as well as continuing to learn new things on my own/other artists), I thought I'd spread the love around some more...Colors, textures, and patterns evoke feelings, memories, and moods. Upcycling, reconfiguring, and recontextualizing is fabulous. There's nothing like combining all sorts of art disciplines and crafts in order to create interesting frameable/wearable art."



My last picture is of Bailey Tucker.  This experience is all her fault.  Not really, she was my contact person for volunteering.  Her booth was Lovely Lotus Designs.  She makes really cool fabric flowers.

"I am a Seamstress and Fiber Artist from Austin, Texas. I love being able to make what I imagine. I have been an avid crafter all my life. My grandmother taught me how to sew, weave and spin wool when I was a child. I was taught by her that I could make anything, and boy did we...Since then I have taken a variety of Art History and Studio Classes ranging from Sculpture, Painting, Ceramics, Drawing and Photography. It brings me so much joy to be able to do what I love and have others love what i do!...I have been sewing seriously for about 9 years and over the last few years I have been dyeing and embellishing my own fabric. I love exploring with colors and textures. I am inspired by working in my organic garden beds, the forest, music and all my crafty friends here in Austin."

Some other things I liked were from Swish Productions, Funky Finds, Devil Girl Design, and the Fold.

If you want to see what my shop is up to come visit Natural Julie.  It's a small collection of things I sell at the farmer's market.  I'm adding more items when the plague is fully gone from the house.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Craft Riot and New Changes

After a few months of trying, and not succeeding, to write on 2 different blogs, I've decided to consolidate all my personal and business activities here.  On the tabs bar you'll notice a new Product Line tab.  I'll post pics and descriptions of products I'm making.  It will also give you, reader, the chance to order.  I'm not quite to the point of having all that set up.  Currently there are candles cooking and I need to pay attention to those.  I'll also be keeping the MadCityChicks.com site up and will make necessary changes there, too. 

Now that all that boring stuff is out of the way, here's what I did last Sunday.  I had volunteered some time to help work on whatever was needed at Craft Riot!  This is an annual event held by EtsyAustin crafters. 

I arrived early so I could spend some time looking around.  La-La's had one of the most eye catching displays.  It was original and you have to admit they got stationed with really great back lighting.

When you meet you can see why she does this.  She's extremely passionate about her craft and it shows in her work. 


"Inspired by my late grandma I started sewing November of 2007 and I enjoyed it so much that now I just can't stop. I love mixing new and used fabrics to create all kinds of things ranging from clothing and accessories to home decor. Recently I have ventured into the world of knits which is very exciting, but the list does not end there, and since I don't have the typical slim build my goal is to eventually offer cute but classy fashion for other girls with the same fitting challenges. In the meanwhile as I sew my way there I hope that you are able to enjoy some of the fruits of my labor."




   
One of my next stops was talking to Debbie of Debbie Carroll Designs.

"I've been artsy all my life and finally found a great way to channel some of that creativity!I love anything vintage, and that includes not only the variety of vintage beads, findings and other goodies I use in my work, but extends to clothing, furniture and other "junque". I love playing with shapes, colors and using unexpected pairings to keep my jewelry fresh & hopefully, a little bit different!"

She's also very open to talking about the climate of the craft world and gives very helpful advice to newcomers (me). 

I like less ostentatious jewelry and her's had that perfect bit of flair without being overwhelming.


I had fun talking with Becka of Baby Bolt Striking Kidswear.  Her creations made me giggle by catching me off guard.  It's not your usual teddy bear on a baby blue background.  

"In addition to BabyBolt's crazy-cute clothes, you'll also find plenty of functional items to make life easier for parents and kiddos. Pacifier Bibs keep drool in check and the pacifier nearby. Crayon Rolls keep your little artist's tools on hand whether inspiration strikes at a restaurant, car trip, or the doctor's office. New-Baby Gift Sets, available in custom combinations, are the perfect, stress-free gifts that will stand out at any baby shower. "


I'm going to do a part 2 to this topic.  I realized I have a little too much for one post.  

Thursday, November 18, 2010

I posted over THERE..not HERE

I wrote a post over at Mad City Chicks tonight. Since most of it would be duplicate I decided to just link to it and then we'll just say we're all caught up.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

2 Sentence Update

I survived the race. I hope to do an update on Thursday.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Pre-Race Ramblings

Well, as we all know, since I've been drilling it relentlessly into everyone, tomorrow is race day.  Tonight is when I get to feel nervous and fret.  I've decided to make a list of all the worst things I can come up with and maybe it'll help me have courage not be a sissy

*  I don't know what you're supposed to eat the night before a race, but I'm betting it's not powdered doughnuts and milk. 

*  I've never actually run...outside...on the ground...where people are staring at me.

*  What if it's uphill and downhill?  Or a squirrelly pebble that I slip on.

*  What if I run 10 steps and feel completely exhausted and have to walk the rest of the way?  And people are staring.

*  What if something itches in a spot that it's not ladylike to scratch in public?  And it starts right when I start the race. 

*  What if I have to use the restroom?  I'll look so stupid stopping and ducking into a skid-o-can. 

*  What if I don't get enough water?  Does one fall to the side when fainting?  Hopefully not onto my face. 

*  Lastly, I really hope my running does not resemble something that looks like a seizure and people send the paramedics out to rescue that poor lady having a fit.  Hurry or she'll swallow her tongue!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Update On Life At the Homestead

O.k. here's where I'm at with the running in preparation for the big race on Sunday.  Today I ran the 5k in 52 minutes and 50 seconds.  Yes, it is slower than my last 2 times.  It's still faster than a turtle and under an hour.  I ran slower just to make sure I wasn't overdoing it and beginning to loathe this running thing.  It also makes me feel sick and want to jump off the roof of the house and end it all when I run too fast.  There's lots of rocks here so I would probably do myself in...easily.  One more run tomorrow, rest on Saturday, race on Sunday.

After the race we'll scrape my body off the ground and we'll have a few hours to rest and do some other things before heading to the Celtic festival.  I finished everyone's costumes and I'm looking forward to drinking some Guinness and letting Jace say things like, "wench, grog, I can throw a telephone pole further than that..."

At the house I've been busy working in the garden and I'm really trying to get it in gear for winter.  I've got some nice green things coming up.  I don't remember what I planted a few weeks ago.  The tomatos are putting tomatos out everywhere and I'm just waiting for them to ripen.  Next week I hope to fill in another raised garden and get lettuce, spinach, or onions planted.  I'm not sure...

Today I cooked another pumpkin by steaming it.  I definitely think this is the way to go.  Lots quicker.  My next big project will be learning how to can.  Can you say "botulism?"