Saturday, December 19, 2009

Stitch Lab Grand Opening Soiree and Indie Craftivity Scene!

If you're interested in learning how to craft, sew, embroider, stitch or knit... you NEED to make it out to The Stitch Lab this weekend for the Grand Opening Soiree and Indie Craftivity Scene!  This is a Haute Event for Austin - and you will want to be there and see if you "get happened!"


Yours truly, Anne Marie Beard, teaches sewing classes here under the guidance of superstar Leslie Bonnell. You may remember we had a kick-butt Dueling Glamazons event back in September at Parts & Labour...


Leslie's motto is "Sewing is power, independence and creative freedom!" As someone who has been crafting her entire life - I can tell ya that is 'sew' true! Come out, meet some amazing artists, get inspired - and OH - all of the beautiful fabrics at the Stitch Lab are 20% off!


Feel The Glee!

Check out KeyeTV's Coverage!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

*annemarie* at Cherrywood Art Fair this weekend!

*annemarie* is thrilled to return to Cherrywood Art Fair again! This community fundraiser supports CHULA and the Art Program at Maplewood Elementary.  This is a Haute event in Austin this weekend, and there will be plenty of pictures to post later!





Anne Marie has partnered with a "Little Artist" this year to create a piece of art for her to keep, and one to auction off.  She was interviewed by KUT's Julie Moody along with a few other artists, you can listen to the interview here!




This is the purse that my Little Artist made, and it's for sale in the Silent Auction - please come out and support this amazing event!

The best Holiday Arts Show - HANDS DOWN! Featuring 80 of Austin's most creative artists.

Cherrywood Art Fair

Don't forget to keep up with Handmade Happenings on my new blog!

xo, Anne Marie

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Shop787 Tonight!

Shop787 at The Phoenix
Thursday, December 10, 2009


Shop787 at The Phoenix

Join 15 select vendors as we celebrate the Holidays in Style!  The Phoenix is a swank nightclub in downtown Austin, located at 409 Colorado St.

Presented by Launch787 and Gables Park Plaza.

Thursday, Dec. 10th, 5pm to 9pm

Free, with special Happy Hour pricing on Cocktails


Vendor List:


302 Designs, Aldea, *annemarie*, Annie Bradley Art, Cornucopia, Couture Cottons, Deborah Main Designs, Garbo. a Salon, GvE Designs in Metal, Jenny N. Design, Jeremiah the Innocent, Modo Designs, Queen of Sheba Fashion, ShopItUpChic.com, Sikara, Skye Salon, Spectacle Sunglasses, and Stella & Dot.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Two Events to Shop, Sip & See - Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Wow... the Holidays are on us - all of the sudden it's time to get out and about and get your shop on!  December is full of fun events for you and your family, and I hope if you're looking for nice handmade gifts tomorrow, that you'll come out and visit me!


South Austin:
Sweettooth Bags & *annemarie* will be sharing a booth on South Congress for the famous First Thursday Event.  Amy will actually be there for me *I love her*, and be set up from 5 to 9 or so at Jo's Coffee.

You can see how cool our stuff looks when we do SXSW together at Jo's!




 



North Austin:
A few lovely ladies have decided to open their home for a Holiday Sip n' See in Northwest Austin.  The girls are the founders of Fit Bands, and other vendors include my friend Tisa's Creations - who always has adorable and affordable holiday gifts.  Click for a Map to the Party!




If you haven't yet - check out my new blog - Handmade Happenings by The Lone Star Ladies!




Lots of exciting events are coming up - just look to the right of my blog for a full calendar.

xo, Anne Marie

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Thrift Thursday - Round Top Goodies!

It was another successful trip to Texas' best flea market/ antiques fair... and I wish I was still there...

Just an hour away from Austin, TX lie the treasure trove towns of Round Top and Warrenton, Texas.  Each year miles and miles of country fields are turned into a shopping experience unlike anything else.

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From fine antiques at Coles and Marburger Farms, to thrifty deals at Northgate Field and Zapp Hall, there is something for everyone.  But only the hard core shoppers need go... I for one, can only handle 4 hours at a time- by then I am hungry, tired, and ready for a shower.  My girlfriends' are HARD CORE SHOPPERS and they will spend 3 or 4 days in a row out there from 8am to 6pm!

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This time I spent almost two days making jewelry from past Round Top purchases.  I love to make jewelry - I have been making it since I was about 6, and am considering selling some of my latest creations. 

Trends I noticed this year:

Black and Yellow:


Detail of a Chartreuse/Yellow Lead Lamp Shade.  Not a Tiffany, for sure - but still very striking in a Art Nouveau Design.

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A Reverse Painted Glass Picture of a Lady - my mom has several of these... this one wasn't in the best condition, but I love the design.

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Is that Yarn? Wow - the ugliest lamp I've ever seen! But cool!

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A gorgeous Vintage Compact.  Oh I wanted this one!  But it was out of my price range.. would have made a KILLER necklace, too!


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Sassy Ladies:


African American Head Vase.  Head Vases are really popular these days - but the most common ones look like the original Barbie - with chunky eyelashes and pearl earrings.  I loved this one because she was unusual and very pretty.

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Raggedy Ann. Awwww, I used to love Raggedy Ann! Mom dressed us up as her for Halloween! I love her WILD RED HAIR!

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Skinny B*tch Longing for Food. I couldn't help but snicker at the irony here. The world's flattest, almost 2-D Mannequin, posed next to a sign for FINE FOOD. Poor baby...

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Spanish Beauty! Wow, check out her BRIGHT green dress! I love figurines that have a good expression of movement.. and her colors are just wild. I could see a bunch of these as awesome table centerpieces...

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Robin's Egg Blue (Or Turquoise, or whatever you call it): 
My favorite color every year!  My apartment is bursting at the seams with tchotchkes this color!


Genie in a Teapot.  Rad! I don't even like hot tea - but I would make Hot Cocoa with this sexy teapot!

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A baby Singer Sewing Machine!  Awww... just the cutest little thing ever!

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'50s Lamp. Man - blue glass with sleek wood and a metal jack design detail? Love at first sight!!!

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The Most BEAUTIFUL LOVE SEAT. Ever. Ok, not the exact shade of blue, but this love seat was really breathtaking. Supple leather, gorgeous hand carved design, caster wheels on the perfect legs... I was drooling, big time.

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And last but not least... everyone's favorite category!!!!

CREEPY!

Vintage Diet Poster. Yeah, because I look like a huge-a** Hippo, and thinking about myself as a Giraffe is going to make me want to starve off the weight.

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Anne Marie loves Sharks! Yes - the only set of Shark Jaws I spotted - and we needed to get all snuggly, and close and...

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Beaver. Priceless.

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You can also see pics and finds from Jennifer Perkins' blog, and Austin based Design Crisis.

xo, Anne Marie

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

DIY Wednesday - September Events Recap

Oh how time does fly!  Just two weeks ago I was out for one of the busiest weekends I've had all year.  On Saturday Sept. 19th my friend Amy Barber of Sweettooth Bags, and I, set up during Gruene Market Days in beautiful Gruene, Texas.






This was our first time to do this craft show, and it was a lot of fun!  You can shop the handmade market for everything from soaps and body scrubs by Fleegal Farms, to handmade pottery, wood-inlay jewelry, wooden boxes and bowls, metal art and much much more.











The real highlight of that weekend was the We Make Stuff event produced by Candace Carlisle of Electric Promotions.  The event was a fun evening of crafty-demos by The WonderCraft, an exclusive Handmade Vendor Market, and a Fabulous Fashion Show featuring handbag designs by *annemarie*!
Anne Marie Beard and Candace Carlisle at We Make Stuff.





Anne Marie & Candace Carlisle

Gorgeous Model from We Make Stuff Fashion Show

*annemarie* bag with Model

The thing I enjoyed the most about the evening was getting all gussied up in my outfit!  A few weeks ago I attended the debut Fashion Show of local Designer Anslee Connell of Savannah Red.  I fell in love with her dresses, and asked to "dress" me for the event.

We found the PERFECT dress, and I have not felt that sexy in a looooooong time!  My amazing hairpiece was courtesy of Sweettooth Bags, and my unusual one of a kind necklace by Spoilt Victorian Child.  Viva Le Austin Designers!

Anne Marie & Claudia Blanchette

The sassy pictures above are courtesy of Austin's busiest Photo Booth Man... Trevor Ray Thompson.  Allison and I are proud that he provided the photo booth for our first Shop Austin Event, as he is getting all famous now!


























The Fashion Show was photographed by John Pesina, and you can see more of the pictures of that here.

October looks to be a fun filled month on the Austin Craft Scene and Austin Fashion Scene as well... look for details on Handmade Happenings  by The Lone Star Ladies coming soon!

xo, Anne Marie

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Thrift Thursday - Round Top Awaits!

It's just not Fall without a trip to Round Top, Texas during Antique Week!

You can check out past posts of my visits to Round Top, as well as my Flickr Sets... while you wait to see what goodies I will share from this trip!

Patina Loft returns to Round Top this time as well - how exciting!  Patina Loft is a socially conscious company that refurbishes Chinese Country Antiques and sells them to dealers in the US.  Round Top is the ONLY time customers can buy direct from them.  My brother-in-law works for them, and they are a wonderful company with a great vision.  They have a map online where they will be located!

Pictures from the Patina Loft Booth Last year





October 2008




Spring 2008





YES - aren't you excited for me :-) ?  I will be sure to stop at Seafood and Donuts in Giddings, and have a Kolache!!!

xo, Anne Marie

Friday, September 18, 2009

Fashion Friday - *annemarie* hits the Runway!



This Saturday Electric Promotions will bring another exciting event to the Austin Fashion and Craft Scene.  We're expecting a huge turn out - so get there early!  We've gotten great coverage so far thanks to Austin Tidbits, Launch787, Do512, the Austinist, and more!

We Make Stuff is a showcase of talented folks in a variety of crafty fields - Music, Art and Fashion!  Held at the Scoot Inn, a favorite dive bar on the East Side, the evening is sure to have something for everyone.


You can shop for funky handmade goodies from a select group of artists, including *annemarie*, or take part in judging the Skateboard Painting contest.  You can head inside to get crafty with Team Etsy Austin and The Wondercraft!  Hang out and watch skate demonstrations on the half-pipe, and stick around for live music from 3 bands, including Austin favorite Hollywood Gossip.
The Fashion Show... oh yes, a very exciting part of the evening!  We have lovely models from The TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls & The Jigglewatts.  I will be showcasing 5 very special Art Bags - get ready to rock it!

Details
:: When :: Saturday, Sept. 19th, 7:00 pm
:: Where :: The Scoot Inn,  Austin, TX, 78702
:: Cost :: $6.00 at the door, 21 and up only
:: Benefit :: Purchase Raffle Tickets for items donated by local vendors, benefitting Art From the Streets.

Other Events
** You can also catch *annemarie* at Gruene Market Days Sat & Sun, Sept 19th & 20th.

**Blue Genie Art Rummage Sale!**  The iconic Blue Gene Art in East Austin is having its first ever rummage sale!  Original art, supplies, and more - this sounds RAD!

xo, Anne Marie

Friday, September 11, 2009

Fashion Friday - Curvy is Better!


Back when I was a Costume Design Student at the University of Texas, I toyed with the idea of launching a clothing line for curvy gals. I sketched out designs and everything... but never did it. The purse bug bit me!

I've been hovering in the 12 to 16 size range for about 10 years - and believe me, if anything it helps me get dates! Beauty does come in all shapes and sizes - and I love my super skinny sister as much as my super curvy one - but not everyone is so "curvaceously minded"

That's me at left, rockin' the curves at the Sci-fEye Ball!




Enter Anslee Connell, aka SavannahRed (pictured below). Anslee is an Austin-based designer and photographer on a mission to provide Curvy Ladies with super fabulous clothes!



She is producing her first ever fashion show next week, RetroCurves, a '50s themed debut collection of "curve-friendly apparel [that pulls] our current trend away from unflattering shapes and takes them back to defining the waistline."

Connell hopes that "with my designs, beginning with this collection, a curvy woman may regain the confidence in herself by looking great and feeling wonderful in something that was handmade for her unique body. Hopefully then, she will offer every stranger on the street that beautiful smile she may have been hiding."

Wow. I love this concept! I have been sewing my own clothes since I was about 12, and though I don't make much for myself anymore, I am still a huge fan of custom clothing. Looks like SavannahRed has a bright future ahead! I would highly recommend that you bring any young women in your life to this event - because ALL WOMEN are beautiful - no matter the age, no matter the size... a smile can always light up a room!




***Details***


WHEN: Wed. Sept. 16th, Doors at 7pm, Show at 8pm
WHERE: Space12
3121 E. 12th st., Austin, TX
COST: $7.00 at the door, cash preferred
TREATS: Free Root Beer Floats & Drinks!

xo, Anne Marie
aka - One Curvy Lady!

ps - don't forget to mark your calendars for next weekend's We Make Stuff!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

DIY Wednesday - Cover Up!


Today's post was inspired by Austin Crafter and blogger Chastity Gordon. She has a blog/business called Belle and Burger and posts DIY projects and info about her latest crafty creations.



I love the idea of recycling what you already have - and Chastity does a step by step tutorial on how to turn a vintage sheet into a fresh Iron Board Cover! How smart is that?

Make It!
Read the full tutorial from Belle and Burger.














Buy It!
Don't have the skills or time to make your own? Check out these offerings on Etsy.
















French Riveria Board Cover by Hestiahousworks
















Fruit Basket Ironing Board Cover by CityChicCountryMouse

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Make your Plans now - There are two amazing events next week you do NOT want to miss!


Thursday, September 17th - Retro Curves Fashion Show!

*featuring the designs of Austinite Savannah Red - details on Friday!































Saturday, September 19th - We Make Stuff... art, music, fashion.



Featuring *annemarie*'s handbags on the runway, live music, goody bags, and much more! Details on the blog next week :)

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Sunday Steals!

What's worn out in your wardrobe? Need a new skirt with pintuck detailing, or a snazzy pair of Grecian sandals? Looking for a stellar handbag to complete your fall look?

Girls, Ladies, Fashionistas... if you haven't heard about Le Garage Sale - then you're just not living the Austin way of life!

As I get ready to settle in for a Saturday night of cleaning, I'm looking back on all of the wonderful events of last week, and ahead towards one more day of Le Garage Sale!

Le Garage Sale is a bi-annual shopping event featuring discounted end of season and preview merchandise from Austin's hippest boutiques and designers. Many of the participants of Austin Fashion Week are participating, including myself, and my dear friends Amy Barber of Sweettooth Bags and Diane Petkoff of Tasty Jewelry. This is the ONLY time you can get *annemarie* bags at such a discount!

Come on out to Palmer Events Center on Sunday from 11am to 5pm - the entrance is just $10.00, and the shopping deals are endless!

xo, Anne Marie

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Austin is so hip...

It's just another Thursday night in beautiful Austin, Texas, and my oh my there is so much going on! Why don't you let me guide you through my picks of the evening?



We're gonna roll out from South to North, from Congress to 11th!

First off, make a stop at Birds Barbershop on South Congress as they continue to celebrate being named one of America's top 100 Salons by ELLE magazine!

From 5pm to 8:30pm they will have a cocktail party with special prizes. You only have a few days left to take advantage of their August special - 1/2 off the Ladybird with color.




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Next up join me at Parts & Labour for Dueling Glamazons - An Accessories Trunk Show! Just a few blocks north of Birds' on South Congress! I've teamed up with Leslie Bonnell of the Stitch Lab, and former Costume Designer at Zach Scott, to bring you an evening of Glamour, Sweets, Craft Demos and general fabulousness!

I'll be debuting some fabulous new clutch purses and Art Bags, and Leslie will be rocking your world with new jewelry! While you sip on some complimentary cocktails, enjoy sweet treats from Blue Note Bakery and Pie Fixes Everything... then head to the back of the store to relax with a 5 minute massage by Paul Drown, LMT.

We're also having Amazing Prize Drawings!

When you arrive you will be entered into a free drawing for some incredible prizes such as...

OH, and if all of that madness wasn't enough for you, Leslie has wrangled three of her amazing teachers from the Stitch Lab to do craft demos!

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After Party! If you still have any energy left after these two amazing parties, head out to Austin's latest musical event - Souled Out.

Produced by Brandon Badillo of Bemba Entertainment, Souled Out is a bi-monthly Soul and Neo-Soul music series at the Historic and Funk-a-licious Victory Grill.

This week's line up includes an opening set by Tje Austin, followed by headliner Courtney Sanchez and Unified Theory. Cutie-pie DJ Aquaman will keep you in the mood in between sets. $5.00 cover.

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Well - if you don't have a reason to get out tonight - you just must not be alive! Join me for a night out on the town, and wear your best accessory - a fabulous smile!

xo, Anne Marie

Friday, August 14, 2009

Friday Finds - Resources for Small Businesses in Austin

I am veering into Business Plan land... and I wanted to share some fabulous resources for small business owners, or potential owners, here in Austin, Texas!

The first thing you need to start a business is a dream and a strong drive. If you have that - you can succeed - with a bit of research, a willingness to ask for help and a kind heart willing to give help in return.

So - are you ready?

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The City of Austin's Small Business Development Program, or SBDP, offers free and low cost classes in subjects ranging from Small Business Bootcamp, Quickbooks Training, Customer Service, Business Plan writing and much more! They also have links to TONS Of resources in the Austin Area. Note - the website is not super user friendly or eye-catching (it's a City site, afterall) - BUT - do not discredit the treasury of info tucked away on there!
*MY PICK* How to Write a Business Plan - $45 - a steal!

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The University of Texas at Austin Professional Development Center - it's just what it sounds like, Professional Development. They have recently teamed with the SBDP to offer classes for small business owners taught by amazing professionals!

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BIG Austin offers classes and workshops for new & small business owners, business strength building, and pioneered micro-lending in Austin.
*MY PICK* Free Tightwad Marketing

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Crafty Business Seminar with Jennifer Perkins of The Naughty Secretary Club
Jennifer brings years of experience as a Nationally successful Crafty Business owner to the table. Her use of Social Media to promote her business is legendary - and STILL ahead of the curve.

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SCORE Austin teams retired business professionals with new or growing business owners for FREE Counseling and low cost Workshops. Again, another not so user friendly site - but check it out because it's worth it!

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Happy Business Building!
xo, Anne Marie

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Thrift Thursday - Hip Home Goodies for $20 & under!

Today on Thrift Thursday I am featuring work by three Austin Artisans! These items are Thrifty because they're either made with recycled items, or they're just too darn cute to be that cheap! Look no further for a Summer Gift or Personal Decor Pick Me Up!

*annemarie* just likes to Use Capital Letters!



Cookbook Safe by PommesFrites
$20.00

Although the storage area is cut to fit your precious recipe cards (hiding them from your evil sister, Becky Sue) I think it's a great place to stash Rhinestone Jewelry & Belgium Chocolate!




Coaster Set by ::tasty jewelry::
$12.00

Coasters are not just cool - they're necessary! Why not get some uber hip ones with original graphic designs by Diane Petkoff?




Recycled Vintage Glass Soy Candle by DixieDIY
$11.00

This just makes me think of Grandmother MaryAnn - her rad South Austin apartment off of Oltorf with the green shag carpeting, red velvet furniture and awesome toys for us kids. Unleash your inner Grandma and freshen up your home!

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DANG! Austin has some talented artisans (that we knew) - with amazingly affordable stuff!

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Find more work by Austin Artisans!


xo, Anne Marie