DIY Wednesday - Tiffany Bag Class!

So what are you doing this Saturday?

You know you want to make your own bag! I personally can't think of a better way to spend three hours - you get to sit around with other crafty ladies, and make a purse from start to finish.





My most recent bag class is the Tiffany Pattern. She is a sleek shoulder bag with lots of style. This class is appropriate for beginners and advanced students alike.



This Saturday's class is at the Stitching Studio in North Austin. Owner Ann Randall recently moved her diggs to a FABULOUS new location - it is huge, beautifully appointed, and the air conditioning works amazingly well. Click here to register for the class.



Check out my sewing class page to see all available class dates. Don't forget that a sewing class also makes a great gift for the DIY Diva in your life!



xo, Ambie

Maker Monday - The Flashbulb

Maker Monday is Back! When I first started my blog I was blogging a lot more, and had a theme for everyday. Maker Monday is when I feature a fellow artist/crafter that I like.









Today's Maker is Stephanie Friedman of The Flashbulb. I first ran across her work while shopping at PlantEscape Gardens last year. I was in the beginning stages of contemplating doing more artsy/quilty/applique fabric work, and I really liked what I saw.















Stephanie makes fabulous Sewn Art Wall hangings that feature recurring themes of birds and trees with linear accent stitching. They have a really retro mod vibe that I love. We're going to have to talk about a trade so I can hang one of her beauties in my apartment!









After earning a degree in Photojournalism from UT Austin, Stephanie bought a sewing machine and started taking classes. She is a natural art quilter who just took the techniques she learned and went to town! There's a tangible fearlessness in her work that makes it so appealing to artists and non artists alike.

Some of Stephanie's Favorites:

Favorite Piece - Always her latest - shown at left is "Saturday we go to Saturn birds"

Favorite Blogs - Angry Chicken, A Dress a Day, Hello my name is Heather - and many more can be found on her "About me" page

Visit her Etsy Store to see more art!


xo, Anne Marie

Summer Fan Drive - Beat the Heat!

It's officially HOT in Austin! With temperatures at 100 everyday this week - I know I am so grateful that my air conditioning works. Every time I hear it kick in, I am relieved to know I won't be sweltering inside.

Every summer in Austin a local organization hosts a Summer Fan Drive for the elderly and mentally disabled who don't have air conditioning. Can you IMAGINE no A/C?!?

Family Eldercare teams up with KXAN, ME Television, The CW and AMD to help spread the word. As part of my commitment to community philanthropy, I donate 5% of my sales each month to a local charity or non-profit. I am so happy to be able to donate money to purchase a few fans this month.

Over the past few weeks I had the opportunity to do some temporary office work for a local organization that serves the elderly in Central Texas. I talked to lots of people on the phone, many of whom were in desperate need of food or medical care. One lady just about broke my heart with her story.



I count my blessings that I have a wonderful Grandmother who is 92 and still mentally sharp as a pin - and an Uncle who takes care of her full time. The elderly are often invisible to us - especially in our young media saturated generation.

$25 can save the life of someone without A/C - literally. $25 can purchase two fans, and help these members of our community - and us - sleep better. Even if you can only donate $5.00 - please do.



If you know of an elderly person that needs assistance - below is a list of local resources:

• Area Agency on Aging
• Austin Groups for the Elderly (A.G.E.)
  
• Family Eldercare
  
• Meals on Wheels Austin

xo, Anne Marie