thrifty gift
I found this awesome vintage set of giant alphabet cards the other day at the thrift store. I think they are fab, but I know they will just sit around in some corner of my house. It seems like they have been doing that for decades already, so it's time for them to find a loving home. A home filled with a deep appreciation for the alphabet, typography and heart-achingly precious vintage illustrations. Is that you? Your aunt? Sister? If so, leave a comment on my blog for a chance to win this lovely collection of innocence and charm. Learn how. . . |
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rolled up
 I've been working on some new designs, one or two of which might actually have some potential. The few ruffled disc necklaces I've listed on Etsy have so far gotten some pretty good feedback. It's always fun to see which things stick. |
booked up
I've become a bit of a Seth Godin junkie. If you haven't yet stumbled upon his work, I would encourage you to check it out. I find his punchy writing style to be engaging, thought provoking and often downright inspiring. Months ago I made his blog my home page and haven't gotten tired of it yet. If you're looking for something a bit more analog, a few of my faves are The Dip, Purple Cow, and Linchpin. Go.
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class it up
I love to learn new things so I read all the time--books, blogs, magazines--whatever I can get my hands on. It's a great way to learn some things, but nothing beats a hands-on setting with an expert. Yet again, Austin delivers. If you're in town and itching to learn something new, check out the list of links in the left column of my blog. If you can think of some place or person I have missed, please let me know.
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april specials
I've been playing around with some new ideas that incorporate a lot more hand-etching. I'm not sure if I will make more of any of them, but I thought it would be fun to list them as this month's specials. Who knows, they might end up being completely and totally one of a kind!
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show up
King WIlliam Fair
in San Antonio
I will be set up from 10 am to 6 pm in the lovely King William district on Saturday the 16th of April. Last year was my first year to participate and I was a bit blown away by the whole experience. The neighborhood is to die for and those folks in SA know how to throw a street party. If you haven't been before, it's worth the trip. I will be located at the SE corner of the fair on Madison Street in booth number M513. Please stop by and say hi if you're out and about.
The  Austin Flea @ The Highball Be sure to come on out for the Austin Flea at the The Highball on Saturday, April 23 from 11am to 5pm. There is a great lineup of local artist and they are all sure to have lovely new things to show off. You need something springy and new, so here's your opportunity to buy it locally handmade! 1142 S. Lamar, ATX Hand DeliveredWhy fight traffic? Have a pop-up shop of handcrafted goods delivered to your office during lunch. Be a hero at work and contact us today to schedule your show. |
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act up
 This tutorial is almost too simple to include here, but it is a clever classic perfectly timed for spring. Use yesterday's newspaper to create seedling starters. Once it's time to put them in the ground, just plant them pot and all.
From wannabeahippy |
eat up
On a recent stroll, I was excited to see our neighborhood mulberries are nearly ripe. This recipe is in honor of that--and for other obvious reasons. I'm not sure why, but fools (the dessert version at least) aren't super common in the US. Let's do our part to rectify that situation. They are delicious, adaptable to almost any fruit and sinfully easy. Mulberry Fool Ingredients 2 c. berries (8 ounces total)
1/2 c. sugar (or to taste)
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 c. heavy cream
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions: In a blender, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice; blend until smooth. Pour mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing with a rubber spatula to push through. Discard seeds; transfer 1/3 cup berry puree to a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate; reserve for topping.
In a large bowl, combine cream and vanilla; whip until stiff peaks form. Gently fold remaining berry puree into cream. Spoon mixture into custard cups. Cover loosely and refrigerate 1 hour (or up to overnight). To serve, drizzle fools with reserved berry puree, and garnish with berries.
Adapted from Martha Bonus: I just came upon this great map at Epicurious. Choose a month and click on your state to find out what food are in season. Cool!
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shape up
One thing I like best about my job is keeping up with some of the amazing work being created all over the planet. Books seem to be the current upcycling material of choice. More. . .
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art city austin
Be sure to make some time this weekend to visit one of the
largest annual art events in Austin. When you do, head directly to #413, Anthony Pack's booth. You will not be disappointed. (Mr. Turmeric is my little Pack piece.) Some of my other favorite artists will also be there: Lisa Crowder, Jay Long, Rick Loudermilk, and Todd Van Duren. Here is the full list of artists.
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