Sparks is closing

Got a message in my Inbox today that Sparks Cards & Gifts, founded in 1989, is going out of business. So of course they are having a sale to clear out all inventory and fixtures starting Sunday, July 5th (closed on the 4th of July.)

"All regular merchandise 30% OFF
All Seasonal Merchandise 50% OFF
Escalating Sale Prices in the coming weeks!
Fixtures and Equipment Priced to Sell!"

Hours: M-Sat 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sun. 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Sparks Cards & Gifts
1014 W. 6th Street
Austin, Texas 78703

Also: Moxie Austin Designers Co-Op closed in June (aftr 5+yrs) 2110 So Lamar in 78704. RIP.

Baby Hiro

Haven't been posting much as I've had my hands full with a new baby! One month old, he was born the morning of the HAW show (May 2nd). Thanks so much to Rachelle and Kristin for covering for me, and to all our family and friends for your support :-)
- Photo taken at 3:09 PM on June 03, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu

Handmade Austin Women Annual Spring Show this weekend May 2nd + 3rd

Handmade Austin Women 4th Annual Spring Show
May 2nd and 3rd, 2009
It's the weekend before Mother's Day!
Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm

Handmade Austin Women presents the fourth annual Spring Show on May 2nd and 3rd, the weekend before Mother's Day. Handmade Austin Women are dedicated to unique design, and the highest quality in handcrafted work. We organize our show to promote the profound benefits of sustaining women artists at work here in Texas. We support Austin's cottage industry and the growing character of our local, independent economy.

Handmade Austin Women are pleased to announce the 2009 lineup:

• Trisha Allen ~ Uniquely Recycled, Art Cards
• Jenifer Nakatsu Arntson ~ Accessories, Wallets and Handbags
• Jo Bridges ~ Paintings
• Lisa Crowder ~ Studio Jeweler, Metalsmith
• Kathryn Davis ~ Mixed Media Collage Handmade Accessories
• Jamie Jo Fisher ~ Contemporary Art Jewelry
• Laura Freeman* (aka Luna Tart) ~ Ukulele
• Chia Guillory ~ Sunhats, Fashion and Accessories
• Laura Imhoff* ~ Singer Songwriter
• Heather Jarry* ~ Marionettes
• Gabel Karsten ~ Still Life Painting
• Beverly Mangham ~ Art Assemblage and Clay
• Christa Mares ~ Sculptural Crochet
• Melanie Schopper ~ Functional Ceramics
• Cherie Weaver ~ Drawings, Paintings

*musical entertainment

A family-friendly musical marionette matinee begins every other hour on Saturday. Live music plays on Sunday. Both days we offer complimentary tea and coffee service. Additionally, the Ginko Studios gardens will be open for viewing. Our show grounds are handicapped accessible, but call ahead for special-access arrangements.

For information, (512) 293-9505 or see us online at: www.handmadeaustinwomen.com

Handmade Austin Women
Spring Show 2009
Hosted by: Ginko Studios
Located at: 800 Gullett St.
Austin, TX 78722
(512)389-1920

This event is supported in part by Women and Their Work. Please visit www.handmadeaustinwomen.com for more information.

Download Letter-Sized 2009 Poster [PDF] [JPEG]

12 Interesting ways to color/paint/dye Easter eggs!

Since Easter is soon upon us, I've been seeing lots of articles and postings recently about natural egg dyeing (using vegetables or spices). Don't think I'll get to trying that this year with my little guy, but I wanted to share this blog post @DotatDabbled (dabbled dot org blog) that I came across:
Easter Eggs: 12 Interesting ways to color/paint/dye them!
"Another Flickr Roundup for you, this time it's Ways to Dye Your Easter Eggs... come on, you weren't going to just go use a kit, were you? From cabbage to duct tape, we have lots of cool ideas for making your eggs memorable. Some complicated, some easy and kid-friendly!"

Check out the newspaper transfers! (#10 in the grid/list), plus she has a ton of links to how-to's and info.

Austin Handmade Market with Etsy Austin is Saturday Feb. 21st

Austin Handmade is hosting the upcoming Austin Handmade Market with Etsy Austin this Saturday (Feb. 21) from noon to 6pm at their location 507 W. Mary (South 1st and Mary) This will be an outdoor market offering goods created exclusively by Austin area artists and makers of things!

Austin Handmade Parking Lot
507 West Mary St. (corner of South 1st & Mary Street)
Austin 78704
512-383-9333

Ike Needs Help...

Austin mama Kari Anne Roy's (Haiku Mama)(blog)son Ike needs help!
Rachel wrote: "By now, many of you have heard about Baby Ike here in Austin who is currently in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Dell Children's Hospital, sedated, on paralytic medications and recovering from an operation in which he received a tracheostomy. Ike's mom, Kari Anne Roy, is a brilliantly hilarious writer and a beloved member of the Austin community. She and her sweet family (husband, Steven , Maker-in-the-making son, Sam, and tenaciously adorable daughter, Georgia) have been put through the ringer this year. You can read their full story on the Ike-a-saurus web site, and be sure to check out how the "Ike-a-saurus " name came to be."
Crafter Susan Beal (Susan Stars) is generously donating all her etsy proceeds, and Rachel has suggested five ways that we can help as crafters and craft-buyers.

For more info:
Rachel's post
the Ikeasaurus site (Twitter feed)
Facebook group for Ikeasaurus

This entire project is being run on a volunteer basis and on donations of good, services, and space. Please do what you can to help Ike and his family. And give your own kiddos a squeeze.

My Book, and Love Notes From The Universe

Some fave things I'd like to share with you:
My friends Bernadette and Carrie at Slow Family Living have created My Book, one year's worth of pages that begin when you begin - on any day of the year:
"A day book, a journal, a list of gratitudes, to-dos and intentions, a place for you to put your insights, feelings, and your wishes, wants and dreams, and a tool for transforming your life, all in a completely succinct and welcoming format. The prompts are given and the space is there for you to fill in, make My Book a habit you will love and look forward to and get started on living life the way you want to live it... once you begin, it will quickly and simply become a part of your daily practice, thereby changing the way you begin, or even end, each day."
I really enjoyed Carrie's Your Best Year Yet workshop (based on this book) and am using My Book as one of my tools to keep on track...

Also, sweet Kiera is offering lovely handcrafted Love Notes From The Universe and books made specifically for that person you want to send a little extra love to!

Happy Valentine's Day to You! xox Jen

Pre-Vday Party at Austin Handmade's New Retail Location

My friends at Austin Handmade, a gallery-retail space devoted to Austin creators of things, are hosting a Pre-Vday Celebration at their location 507 W. Mary (South 1st and Mary) for those who enjoy free Music, free Wine, Hanging Out and New Items In The Store!

Musical Performances by: Kristi Rae & Paula Jean Brown (formerly of the Go-Go's and Belinda Carlisle co-writer)
*Free Wine from local Wineries
*Hours of operation on this day will extend to 9pm!
*Vday Gifts for your loved ones
*E: info@austinhandmade.com