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

Maker Monday: CHIA, an Austin Favorite

Today I want to feature the work of my friend and colleague - CHIA. A few years ago I went to one of her trunk shows at Big Red Sun. I had just started making bags to sell, and didn't know anyone in the Austin Indie Design community. I introduced myself to her, and she was kind and gracious - and a friendship was started.

CHIA got her start making adorable fuzzy hats with ears - she still sells them, but has since branched out in many directions. Her signature CHIA bag is a reversible messenger style that can be spotted all over Austin on a regular basis. She loves vintage fabrics, and masterfully combines textures and patterns in her clothing.


Did I mention clothing? Ohhhh, CHIA makes the most comfortable skirts, dresses, and tops, as well as children's clothes. In fact, she was just voted "Best Fashion Designer" in Austin by the readers of the Austin Chronicle! That's two years in a row she has received this honor.

Stitch is just around the corner - and CHIA's segment of the fashion show is always highly anticipated. Her mind and spirit are that of a true artist - you can expect to be blown away by her innovative designs.

Chia's work is available at Pink Hair Salon on South Congress, and at her website - www.chiahats.com. Don't miss Stitch on November 10th - she will have a booth and will be selling like crazy, i'm sure! Cheers to CHIA on her award!!!

Anne Marie Beard