Wednesday, June 18, 2008

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.


Tiffany - Psychadelic Dots Vintage Fabric


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.

Tiffany - Psychadelic Dots Vintage Fabric

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.

Tiffany - Green & Blue Vintage Fabric

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!

Stitching Studio Class

xo, Ambie

Monday, June 16, 2008

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

Thursday, June 12, 2008

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:


xo, Anne Marie