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

Etsy Austin Treasury!

The Etsy Team here in Austin Texas is rockin' and rollin'!






Estelle Clothing picked a great Treasury featuring Austin Artists.. check it out!



xo,
Anne Marie

www.TheBeardedLadiesPresent.com

Mi Vida Loca

Today started off a bit strange. Nothing in particular, just a bit of a sour mood lingering inside which made me a bit of a butt-head at work (sorry E.)

For those of you who don't know, I drive an '81 Buick Regal - she is a total big body hooptie all the way. Ms. Regal and I have had LOTS of adventures - she bears the scars to prove the tales I tell.
As I was driving home today, my car died on the Congress Avenue Bridge. Um, yeah. Fortunately it was 2:30 and there wasn't much traffic yet. Lots of very nice joggers and bikers offered their assistance (one was totally hot!), but I didn't think they looked like the help I needed. So I dialed my Dad and got the number to Harper's Towing. They are like my personal towing service. Ms. Regal has been lifted onto the back of one of their trucks many a time.

Sam, the Harper's Guy, showed up pretty quickly, and was nice enough to even let me stop in Parts & Labour on the way home. Today is payday at the awesome store where I sell - and I WANTED MY MONEY!




So the journey continues and I am blessed enough to borrow a car from my parents - an even BIGGER HOOPTIE - an '84 Suburban.

Later on this evening, returning from the gym - in not so warm workout clothes and flip flops - I get to my apartments and both entrances are blocked by fire trucks, cop cars and TV vans. OH SH*T - here we go again! In 6 years of living at my apartment, I have seen some crazy stuff - but there has never been a fire. I was able to park the suburban and walk to my apartment.

(Statesman coverage of fire)

The building just across my parking lot is half-burnt to the ground! Just above the laundry room and my mailbox. I was blessed also to have gotten my mail today (very important stuff in the mail, too!) and all my laundry is clean. Looks like God is watching over me today - through all the insanity I am very grateful that I am safe and sound.

xo, Anne Marie

www.TheBeardedLadiesPresent.com

DIY Wednesday: Highlights from the AAQG Quilt Show Part 1

I'm going to let the photos do all the talking tonight....check out my Flickr Set for detailed information about each quilt & the artists' statement.

Because I took so many great pics, I will feature just a few of my favorite quilts...

Congratulations to my mom, Mary Beard, who won 3rd place in Miniatures and organized the Demonstrations of the show. She is an inspiration to many!

More fabulous pictures to come over the next several days. If you're interested in quilting check out the Austin Area Quilt Guild or sign up for a beginner quilting class at The Stitching Studio!

xo,
Anne Marie

COMING IN APRIL 2009:
The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin

Le Garage Sale - Hip Fashion & Super Deals

If you're in the great city of Austin, Texas this weekend - and you like fashion & shopping - you NEED to go to Le Garage Sale!










This bi-annual event features over 50 of Austin's best boutiques and a handful of Independent Designers selling their wares at deep discounts.








I will have bags on sale from $10 to $45!!! I even have some brand new fall bags that are discounted at 25% and more. This is your chance to hit all of Austin's best boutiques in one place!











September 6th - 7th, 2008

PALMER EVENTS CENTER Saturday: 11am - 6pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm

Admission: $10/person*
2-day pass available: $15/person

******** This is your ONLY chance this year to get *annemarie* bags on sale!!!!!!!!!*******

xo, Anne Marie

PS - Have you heard? A fabulous new event is on the horizon in Austin....

The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin!

DIY Wednesday: I'm a Naughty Secretary - how about you?

So friends, if you don't get the joke - I am talking about Jen Perkins' uber fab indie biz - The Naughty Secretary Club.

Back in 2003 I was just getting my feet wet in the Austin Craft Scene. I was invited out to a meeting called the "Babes in Biz." It was a small group of friends (and I knew NO ONE!) and we met at the Horseshoe Lounge. Jen Perkins was there - along with other, now famous crafty ladies - Karly Hand, Tina Sparkles, Jen Arnston, Jenny Hart, and Cory Ryan.







Jen was just the sweetest thing ever - she comes from a small town in Texas - which means that she is genuinely kind hearted and nice to everyone. She always made a point to make me and all other newcomers feel welcome and at home. Jen's personality is a big reason for why she is so successful today.




Fast forward 5 years and the woman has a new book out! The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry. Oh, did I mention that she hosts her own TV Show - Craft Lab, and guest writes blogs and magazine articles, and that she has been featured in a zillion articles?



This Saturday is your chance to come out and meet Jen - it's her official Austin Book Release Party! CRAFT magazine is teaming up to launch their latest issue, and it's being held at the gorgeous Craft-O-Rama sewing and crafting studio.

If you like crafts, and want to be a craft rock star - come on out and meet everyone! I'm going to be helping Rachel of Average Jane Crafter with the make & take craft area! There's also going to be door prizes, discounts on CRAFT mag, book signing by Jen, and a chance to check out all the wonderful fabric and classes offered by Craft-o-Rama. Oh yeah, Amy's Ice Cream is in the same shopping center!



WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 30th, 3pm to 6pm
WHERE: Craft-O-Rama, 3100 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704 US
WHAT: The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry book release party & signing & CRAFT magazine issue launch
WHO: YOU and all your fabulous friends!


See you on Saturday! xo, Anne Marie

http://www.AnneMarieBeard.com
http://www.TheBeardedLadiesPresent.com

Maker Monday: Victrola Designs

I first took note of Victrola Designs by Victoria Corbett a few years ago. She and I both sell at a local Austin boutique dedicated to handmade items - Parts & Labour. Victoria's brightly silk-screened tees and totes were located on the shelf just below mine.

Any artist knows that her work sells better when it's next to other nice work - so it's always been a pleasure having such beautiful items near my own. I recently had a chat with Victoria about her business and what inspires her to create.







Victoria was trained as an artist in her native England, but the Indie Business Owner role didn't strike upon her until many years later. She says "honestly I should have just trusted my intuition and got to it sooner. I didn't learn a lot in art school, due to being so immature and insecure. Experiences in life are whats got me this far......."

I can so relate to that! As a student in College I majored in Costume Design - but most of what has gotten me thus far in business and art have been my life experiences - and the inspiration I find around me.








Victoria "loves Asian design more than anything, just the simplicity and uniqueness of the old wood block patterns from two or three centuries ago are genius." I think I'll have to ask her to go see the current Japanese wood block exhibit going on here in Austin at the Blanton Museum of Art!


Simplicity and great design aesthetic are what sets her work apart for me. She uses a lot of botanical motifs - often set off by their asymmetry and bold use of color.









Recently Victoria launched a new line of products - hand printed canvas custom made into bags she designed. I had the privilege of getting a sneak peak at one of her new bags, and was exceptionally designed and very well made. She is now offering them for sale in her Etsy shop - delicious!

Keep an eye on Victrola Designs by Victoria Corbett - she has set her sights on global success. She admires the work of Lotta Jansdotter of Scandanavia and Timorous Beasties of Scotland.


I'm glad to have such a talented artist in the mix here in Austin - a town she feels "is one of the few places at least in the united Sates where you have the opportunity to live in a pretty place, do what you want and still afford to live." I couldn't agree more.

For more about Victrola Designs:
Artist Portfolio
Etsy Shop
Blog

xo, Ambie
My Bags
My Production Company

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

Treasure Tuesday: PlantEscape Gardens

So last year I wrote a blog about how to paint your own pots. I went a little overboard on painting pots and collecting planters - and in my first year of trying to have my own container garden - I now have 23 potted plants! (And most survived through the winter).



The key to keeping my plants alive has been starting with *great plants*! I like to shop locally in anyway I can, so I found a local plant shop in Austin, Texas.



The place? PlantEscape Gardens, 3507 S. 1st Street, Austin, Texas. Owned by mother and son Sandra Diaz and Adam Diaz, the little oasis on South First has a lot of plants in a tiny space.



I run into Sandra every time I stop by. I tell her what I am looking for, and she walks me around the grounds and helps me pick out my plants. She is very knowledgeable and helpful, and definitely earns her dues by working out in the heat so much.



When you finish picking out your plants you get a chance to go inside the nicely chilled shop - they have a small art gallery and feature locally made soaps by So.A.P. (South Austin People!). I have been a fan of their products for several years, as I been a vendor at some of the same shows they do.



If you need help finding just the right plants, soil and fertilizers - I highly recommend PlantEscape Gardens. As summer approaches with high 90s and surely - well over 100s here in Austin, nothing is nicer than having some beautiful green plants to decorate your home or porch.

Keep it green - keep it local!
xo, Anne Marie

Tasty Tuesday: Baubles & Queso!

Just the other day I was looking at my friend Diane Petkoff's website - she is the creator of Tasty Jewelry located here in Austin, Texas. She has a little bit of an attention span problem, just like me, so she has tons and tons of cute items for sale because she just can't sit still!

I recently redecorated my fridge - yes - I am serious. I got some new magnets and picture frames, and I wanted some more magnets to spice it up.

Well, lucky me, I ran into Diane today at Parts & Labour - and she had a HUGE tray of brand new magnets for the store. They are a STEAL at only $1 each, so I picked out several that I liked.

I got three owls, two leaf prints and one geometric print. Yippie Yippie Yay! She has her website set up in the most genius way so you can order all kinds of colors of any item from just one page.

So Diane had her friend Carolyn with her from Chicago, and we walked down to Guero's to have some Chili Con Queso, homemade corn tortillas and yummy salsa & pico de gallo. I LOVE Tex-Mex - and Guero's does the munchies well.



Guero's is also a place that really reflects the laid back and mixed up atmosphere of Austin. There were dressed up business people, street looking people, the artist type, families, a drag queen waiter - oh, and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. Hmm... you seriously couldn't pay me to live anywhere but Austin!




xo,
Anne Marie

*annemarie* & Storyville

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Josh Harvey, part owner of the Storyville boutique on the UT Austin Campus. I am working to get my products in more stores, which is hard for a gal like me - because I would always rather be creating than selling!

Josh and his siblings (11 total!) founded this unique shop in their native Louisiana. They set out to create a store that featured apparel and accessories from local and college student designers. "Storyville’s mission is to celebrate local artists and designers and to encourage individual expression. That’s why our shops feature tees, bags, wallets, bracelets, kids/baby clothes, dolls, etc designed by local artists. And that’s why we make one-of-a-kind, customized t-shirts."


Launched in 2007, the Storyville mini-chain has locations at LSU and UT - you gotta love College Campus Stores! I went to UT from - ahem, revealing my age here - 1997 to 2002. The printed t-shirt has definitely picked up steam as the uniform of college kids since then. I remember still trying to be a little fashionista in school and wearing dresses and high heels most of my freshman year. What can I say, I like to get all dolled up.

Storyville also has a website where you can buy many of their tees. I LOVE all the pictures of students - especially because you can tell they are real people - not anorexic model types.


To start - Storyville is carrying some of my Mini Wallets and Wristlets - very big sellers that should appeal to the college crowd. I am excited about our new partnership, and hope you get a chance to check out their shop!

BTW - you can drop into Storyville and design your own tee for only $25! Sweet!


xo, Anne Marie

Just a cute little ol' Texas lady...

I just wanted to share a very cute Texas moment.

Last week I went to get my hair cut at the Beauty School with my sister. Yes - I pay only $5 for a haircut (ahem - artist budget!) plus tip, and I always get a good cut.

The local Beauty School is a great place to observe hairstyles past in full swing. You see, women from my Grandmother's generation got, and still get, their hair set once a week. In fact, my Grandmother says she hasn't done her hair in... well, maybe never!

As I sat in the chair to discuss my haircut, I noticed the woman next to me. She looked very sprightly, perhaps in her 70s. She was wearing Burnt Orange Crocs with a Longhorn logo (HOOK 'EM HORNS!) and a Longhorn watch.

Her stylist asked to see the picture she had brought of the hairstyle she wanted. The older woman rummaged through her canvas tote bag and pulled out - gasp - a magazine cover with none other than Lady Bird Johnson sitting in a field of wildflowers.

Considering that it is prime wildflower season here in Texas, and that Mrs. Johnson passed just last year - I was touched and smiled to myself. I couldn't help but think how wonderful a role model she is, and perhaps I would like to get my hair styled like hers one day. It's not like you hear of many women asking to get their hair styled like Hillary, now is it?


Anne Marie

Treasure Tuesday: Husak Design Fine Jewelry

Many designers don't spend their lives saying, "I am going to design xyz." For the most part, they are creative from an early age, experiment in lots of materials and techniques, and end up discovering their calling along the way.

This is certainly true of Courtney Husak, owner of Husak Design, a line of Fine Jewelry with a focus on Bridal Jewels. Courtney studied Studio Art at the University of Texas at Austin. She embarked on a jewelry line when her sister needed stylish and affordable pieces for her wedding. After apprenticing with an Austin based Jewelry Company, Courtney founded Husak Design.

My personal twist - there is always one, you know! - I went to school with Courtney and her sister, and found out about her Jewelry line from a friend. I have since had the pleasure of doing a few shows with Courtney - and we are teaming up for another fabulous Holiday Shopping event in late November!

Courtney is my featured artist today in the lead up to Stitch - the awesome Indie Design Shopping event and Fashion Show in Austin, Texas on November 10th. There is no way anyone will be able to miss Courntey's booth - her display is always AMAZING, and her smile is so infectious that it will radiate across the entire Convention Center.

One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is this necklace. It has this fabulous hammered metal pendant, and gorgeous white beads very elegantly graded by size. I get lots of compliments when I wear it, and it actually started my obsession with white clothing. I figured that I can wear white now that I am all grown up and don't spill on myself anymore (yeah right, that's what stain remover is for!)

Courtney has ALL KINDS of jewelry - I know her website already looks amazing, but I also know she will have a ton of new stuff at Stitch.

These GiGi earrings are so elegant and bold in this color combination. The stones are Amethyst and Cape Amethyst in a chandelier setting.

Be sure to check out the Husak Design website, and come see us at Stitch on November 10th in Austin, Texas! Check out more of my jewelry collections on iTaggit!

blog by Anne Marie Beard

Fashion Friday: Men's Clothing by Rural Rooster

Rural Rooster Clothing is an independent design label based in Austin, Texas and owned by J.J. Campbell. I found out about him a few years ago when I was looking for a designer to create custom t-shirts for my family. Working with J.J. on this project was a pleasure - he was professional and his design ideas were right on target.

J.J. is also a very talented graphic and web designer. Today I want to focus on his men's fashion. In just a few weeks - STITCH will take over downtown Austin for one day...it's a huge shopping event featuring independent designers and is capped off with a fashion show. Men's fashion is not the majority of the work for sale - but J.J. represents some of the best that will be there!

This "Guitar Angel" shirt features an intricate design and an asymmetrical placement on crisp white dress shirt. Here in Austin a plain white shirt just won't do. For the fashion forward guy, you need something like this! It's very hip and masculine at the same time.

J.J. studied Studio Art at the University of Texas at Austin (GO HORNS!), and "believes that studying and responding to the world around
you is necessary to create innovative art and communication.

This "Albatross" Dress Jacket is sure to make a statement. Men look good in jackets - they really do - and I know I would be impressed with a man who left such a lasting impression as he walked away. The graphics put a fresh twist on a classic piece of clothing - and the birds remind me of a traditional crest.

If you need a fresh look for fall, check out J.J.'s website, and get yourself a shirt! In Austin? Come to STITCH on Saturday, November 10th, and bring lots of shopping money!

blog by Anne Marie Beard

New Bag Pictures!

I am notoriously slow at photographing my work... I take the pictures on my front porch on a cloudy day on a piece of paper - soooo professional! But hey, in the DIY world in which I live - you do what works!

So right now I am shoulder deep in sewing sewing sewing for this huge show - STITCH :) I went through some pictures I took this summer - which are new because they've never been posted anywhere.Today I am featuring a new style called Casey.

For those of you who don't know, I have always named all of my bag styles after a friend or family member. Casey is a super fabulous gal I work with - she is stylish, very smart, and she rides a sweet bike!

This is one of those bags that really speaks to what I am all about - it's super pretty, but very practical. The bag is very light, so you can load it up with stuff and your arm won't fall off. The bottom is made of vinyl - so it's easy to clean, and the feet make the coolest "click" sound when you set it down. (Or, as my grandmother calls them - legs!)

Come check me out at STITCH on November 10th - Casey will be there - the fabulous bags and the fabulous gal!

Treasure Tuesday: Jewelry by Ornamental Things

If you haven't noticed - I am a bit obsessed with Jewelry - I mean OBSESSED! Everyday when I get dressed - I save the highlight of the morning for last - picking out what jewelry will go just perfectly with my outfit. (Matching my lipstick perfectly comes in as a close 2nd).

In just under a month - a huge event will take over Austin, Texas - STITCH. It's a fabulous indie designer shopping event and Fashion show. I will be selling my handbags there, and am getting more pumped everyday. As the show approaches I am featuring many of my friends and colleagues who design fabulous jewelry, clothing, accessories and more.

Today it's all about Ornamental Things - a jewelry line by Austin designer Natalie Tischler. I have had the pleasure of knowing Natalie for several years - and each time we do a show together - I get to drool all over her booth at her new creations.

Most of us are putting our things up on iTaggit so we can manage our collections, show them off, and know their value. Value is not all about how much you paid for it or how much it will sell for. Value has a LOT to do with what an item means to you. Where jewelry is concerned - there is a story behind every single piece I own. Scarily, I have been carrying this knowledge in my head for years - iTaggit has allowed me to put each item out on display, and keep track of its story and value.

Take these earrings by Natalie - they are so gorgeous! In and of themselves they are worth a lot - but what makes them special to me is the story behind them. I was shopping in a local boutique with my Mom and her best friend - my "2nd mom." It was close to my birthday, and my "2nd mom" bought these earrings for me. It was a special night, and best of all, I know the jewelry designer.

Natalie is a true artist. She scours our great State of Texas for all kinds of vintage jewelry - and then reworks it into fabulous, of-the-moment and yet classic pieces. I can testify to the longevity of her work - as I still wear the pieces I got from her 5 years ago. She has styles that range from deco-influenced to 60s kitsch to just outright sexy. Check out her website, www.OrnamentalThings.com, and don't forget about STITCH!