Quicky Update

August just flew right by! As you can see I was not very good at keeping my word about staying up to date on the blog. I have however continued to make a few updates as you can see from the widgets on the right. I send updates to Twitter frequently from my phone and if you scroll down you can see I am now on Facebook! You can conveniently click on the link below to "like" R&R Design and get updates about shows, new products and special events. It is a lot easier for me when I am busy to keep Facebook updated so if you want to stay current with all of R&R Design happenings check it out.

I have a ton of pictures and stories to share about my new marketing adventures with Gem Junkie, my thrift store trip to Houston, new bottle cap dog collection at Ponderosa Pet Resort (sneak peak pictures up on Facebook), and more. I also have a couple DIY projects and Etsy finds I've been saving up. I have family visiting this next week so I'll try and get a few things up asap.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Workspace...

Just a quick update. I have been working in my office space more lately but its been slow going on the decorating. I managed to hang a plant and I finally framed the two prints I got at the Renegade Craft Fair along with a third (the birdie on the right) that I got from Roll & Tumble Press on Etsy. I also purchased some black paint and a piece of clearance fabric (below) to spruce up the $10 chair I bought. I keep telling myself I'll get to it someday soon. :)

Happy Friday!

Thrifty Thursday

As you know I went thrift shopping in Wimberly, TX on Tuesday. Well here are a few things that I found...

My first find was a huge piece of Samsonite luggage for $10! A little dirty on the outside but the inside is in great shape. I use my vintage luggage to store my fabrics and quilts in because they lay nice and flat.

A piece of antique glass turned lavender from sun exposure for $0.50. This one was a steal! I'm not very good at dating antique bottles, I just enjoy them, but according to the tips in my Martha Stewart bottle collecting articles this is a hand blown piece (no seams, the lines you see are actually hairline cracks) from the early 1800's. I just thought it was pretty and our bedroom is purple, teal and chocolate so it looks great on the window seal with my other finds!

This is a ceiling light I got for $1.50. Not sure if it works yet or not but I know how to re-wire lights so for $1.50 I couldn't pass this one up, its almost brand new! We are going to hang it in our dinning room to replace the hideous gold and cheap plastic one.

I also found four old hymn books for $0.50 a piece, filled with beautiful pages of music notes. I intend to make jewelry, paper garland and note cards (among other things) out of the pages. I always feel bad buying books I know I am going to cut up but I only buy the ones that are falling apart and leave the nicer ones for everyone else. These may look nice in the photo but they are literally in pieces. :)

I also came home with a huge bag of wine corks, some men's silk ties to make a clutch purse, another silver tray for $1, a glass spice jar for $.25 (I use them to store beads), and a handmade cotton scarf and soap from a local shop. Minus the scarf and soap all my thrifty finds were under $20 combined. It was a good day!

My Thrify Trip to Wimberly, TX

I loved Wimberly, Texas! I have driven through there before but didn't have the opportunity to stop anywhere. So yesterday me and one of my girlfriends went on a thrift store shopping spree through "the quarter" downtown. We stopped at three great thrift stores and a few little shops. Prices were great and although the selection was limited we walked away with some great finds. I guess we picked the wrong day to visit because most of the shops were closed, including two very cool antique stores; Star Antiques and By the Bridge Antiques. But that didn't stop us from taking a peak around at all the great stuff they had displayed outside!

We hope to make another trip soon since there is a lot we didn't get to see. On the way home we stopped at the Kyle Library Thrift Store and to our surprise everything in the store was 50% off. I made off with a great ceiling light for $1.50, an antique purple jar for $0.50 and a few other great deals I'll share with you tomorrow. I hope to make visiting a new small town in Texas a frequent event!

To see more fun pictures from my trip visit my Flickr by clicking HERE.

ECO FRIENDLY DIY PROJECTS

Here are two of my favorite DIY projects reusing paper and fabric scraps. Enjoy!

This project comes from Ali Edward's blog about scrapbooking and memory keeping. Its a beautiful, modern way to reuse your old paper scraps! Click HERE for more information and instructions.

This project comes from Suzuko Koseki, author of Patchwork Style courtesy of Etsy.com. These potholders are fun, eclectic and can be made out of any old scraps. Click HERE to check out full instructions.

Gem Junkie on Etsy

Well since things didn't work out to great for Pommes Frites at the Gibson Street Market I joined forces with Kelly from GemJunkie and Etsy Austin this past weekend. Saturday afternoon we both set up tables at Newflower Market Art Bazaar. They treated us really well and I hope to make it back there soon. Sunday we were back on Gibson and South Congress and decided to try and share a tent. I think it worked out pretty well and we are going to give it another shot at the Salado Market Days coming up on August 7-8th. Here are a few goodies I took home from Kelly this past week....

Surprisingly I don't have any brass earrings in my collection (I'm a silver girl) so I was excited to get these two pairs of antique brass earrings with turquoise and green mosaic beads. I love the birdies!

I also got these adorable silver pears and ceramic pendant. Check out more of Kelly's famous $5 earrings and bead supplies at GemJunkie.etsy.com!

CRAFT FAIR UPDATE

Well as you may know I tried a new location this last weekend at the LAZ lot on the corner of Gibson Street and South Congress with Kristen from PommesFrites. It went much better (for one of us at least). The location was easy to get to, free parking, lots of traffic and overall a great environment. Oh yeah, and I actually sold a ton of stuff! I'm definitely going back on Sunday. Not sure PommesFrites will be back but you'll be able to find Kristen and her shop at a variety of fall events starting in October. Don't forget you can always visit her shop at www.pommesfrites.etsy.com.

Also selling at the Gibson Street lot is Kelly from Gem Junkie (famous $5 earrings) and Merritt Gade (beautiful wire jewelry) from Etsy Austin and I am hoping Ginger from Modern Macrame joins us this weekend.

This coming Saturday I'll be at a craft bazaar from 2pm-7pm at the Newflower Market on Manchaca Road. Feel free to stop by and say hi!

Apartment Therapy Showcase

I was catching up with one of my favorite blogs, Apartment Therapy, when I came across this girly, colorful, flea market filled house. I just love it! As a designer I like many different styles and therefore have a very eclectic taste. Also, I'm definitely not scared of color. The problem is I feel like I can never get my own house put together as beautifully as they have done here. I am constantly wanting to change things as I find new ideas or exciting flea market finds. I guess I need to take my own advise and pull image(s) out of my favorite magazine, stick them on the wall and use them for inspiration in completing a finished space. One at a time if I have to. First, I need to finish my office space.

As for this space, I'm in love with the tall fabric headboards (very easy to make), the bright colors and the mixed use of pattern. You can see more images, Alicia's interview and resources HERE. Also while you are there check out Mike & Maddie's Sweet Nothings.

ETSY FAVORITES: Tea Time

I am a lover of everything tea (and coffee) and lately I have been trying to drink more of it and stray away from the sugary drinks like Dr. Pepper...my weakness. Living in Texas its hard to want to drink hot tea in the middle of summer. To get inspired I did a little soul searching on Etsy and found these great items. Enjoy!

1- Assorted French Nougats from Kettle Confections

2- Sweet Dreams Organic Tea (beautiful!) from Flying Bird Botanicals
3- After Dark Specialty Tea from Tea for All Reasons
4- Organic Pomegranate Mint Lime Tea Cookies from Jeanettes Patisserie
5- Bluebird Morning Organic Tea from Flying Bird Botanicals
6- Gluten Free Coconut Macaroons (my favorite!) from Fusion Sweets

1- Mustache Espresso/Tea mugs from Uptown Avenue
2- Vintage Pewter Tea Pot from Luxe Home
3- Vintage Textile Banners from Monkey Puzzle Press
4- Eco-Friendly Ceramic Travel Mug (so cute!) from Yevgenia
5- Tea Party Stir Spoons from Monkeys Always Look
6-Green Tea & Lemongrass Soy Candle from Scents in Soy

I'M BACK!

Well, after a very busy, very fun week with my boyfriend and his brother for his birthday I'm back! I've uploaded some new photos of our animals and life in Austin at Flickr. Unfortunately, we were rained out of First Thursday and the Saturday market this last weekend so I have no news on that end. I should be back at the Artisan Market on South Congress this weekend and we will be setting up early at 10:00am. I am really looking forward to it as I will hopefully be sharing a booth with Kristen from Pommes Frites. She works with reclaimed, re-purposed books and her work is amazing. She is a member of the Etsy Austin Street Team and you can visit her shop at pommesfrites.etsy.com or her blog...click HERE.

I am very excited because I have also joined the Etsy Austin Street Team and am hoping to participate in the Etsy Austin Craft Riot in November. Because it is required for the application due at the end of the month I am now an official tax paying business of the state of Texas! I'll will have more information on this Christmas craft fair soon as I will be making samples over the next couple weeks of new products that I will sell there. Some of the things I have in mind is Texas license plate ornaments, bottle cap wine charms, reclaimed wood bird feeders, and decorative Christmas wall hangings.

Because I had free time this weekend I was able to take photos of all my new products and will be updating my shop today. I am also back up and running on Twitter as you can see from the Tweets to your right. You can now follow me at: twitter.com/Taralee13

Here are a few things you can expect to see for sale on Etsy....

Vintage Charm Necklaces made with old keys, watch parts, brass locker tags, Milagros charms, and czech flower beads. I am also working on some charm necklaces made with old game parts such as scramble, monopoly, dominoes and jacks. I know these types of necklaces are very popular but I couldn't help myself when I found all these beautiful vintage pieces. They are all authentic vintage pieces I found in second hand stores with a few things bought from suppliers on Etsy.

Bottle Cap charm necklace with the tree of life, an owl and pearl. This was one I made for fun and I am working on a few more custom options with birthstones and family initials/names. I love working with the bottle caps because they are easy, colorful and unique. Here are a few other bottle caps pieces you can find for sale...

I used to sell note cards (mostly Christmas stuff) in high school. So when I came across an old atlas and this fun owl stamp it all came flooding back to me. I used the old atlas index to stamp on and cut out the owls and the maps to make these colorful everyday cards. I also have a variety of birthday and thank you cards. All the paper and envelops are recycled. You can also see the finished packages of recycled gift cards I made out of cereal boxes and fabric.

My New Shop Sign

Above is my sewing station I set up in the middle of our living/dinning room when I need to spread out and work on big projects. Below to the right is a detail of the letters I stitched onto scrap fabric I had left over from other projects. I used left over turquoise fabric from my new table covers to line the backs of each piece. On the left is my new Baby Lock sewing machine. Its a great little machine for basic sewing.

The finished sign for my craft fair booth. Its about 8-9 feet in length and the individual squares are 7"x9.5". I love how it turned out! I'm hoping it catches a few eyes at First Thursday next week.

This Week....

So I would like to apologize in advance for the lack of posts you will (not) see again this week. Today I am picking up my future brother-in-law who is visiting for the next week for his brothers, my boyfriends, birthday. We have a busy schedule of bbq eating at Salt Licks, a show at Antone's, blues music at Zilker park, a night at the Alamo Drafthouse to see Toy Story 3 in 3D and hopefully a trip to the lake. In between all that I am picking up supplies from various donors around town to make bird feeders and planters on my new table saw for First Thursday on South Congress, July 1st. I am also busy sewing a sign banner and a table cover for a second craft table I picked up for my booth. One was too crowded with my products and I have room to spare in a 10x10 space.

I did a little better last weekend at the Artisan Market but it was still a slow night. I am considering picking up another Sunday market in a different location to see if I can make enough to continue running my shop full-time. I am starting to meet a ton of great people and I love what I do! Its just hard being a struggling artist when you really have to struggle to afford new supplies and tools. I am very grateful for the license plates, supplies and support my family and friends back in Idaho keep sending me. I wouldn't be able to do this without them.

I have to run to the airport but I hope everyone has a great week and weekend! I will try and post a few pictures of my banner and things I'm working on later.

Best Givaway Yet!!

Just when you think they've given away the best handmade crafts and supplies a person could want Oh, Hello Friend does one better. This weeks giveaway is a Silhouette SD machine valued at $299! If by chance you don't win the giveaway there is still a chance to get away with a whole bag of goodies if you purchase a machine by July 1st.

To enter the contest click HERE to visit Oh, Hello Friend.

To learn more about the Silhouette SD Machine click HERE.

To see all the amazing projects this machine is capable of click HERE to visit the Flickr Silhouette group!

HUGE PROMOTION:

can't wait to win? buy a silhouette now with this special promotion, for oh, hello friend readers only! this offer is good through July 1st: buy a silhouette machine for only $249.99 AND you will receive the following as well:

- $50 off the Silhouette Craft Cutter

- 2 rolls of vinyl (Valued at $15.98)

- 1 roll of transfer tape (Valued at $7.99)

- Scraper (Valued at $6.99)

- Home Décor CD (Valued at $50)

- $10 Gift Card to the Silhouette Download Store

- Cutting Blade

- 2 Cutting Mats

The silhouette SD alone retails for $299.99! So you'll get all the things listed here for only $249.99 -- which is a savings of $130.96! use code "HelloSilhouette" to redeem the promo. Must use code to receive the discount :)

Etsy Craft Party

Tonight is the official Etsy Craft Party! In cities and towns worldwide people will be gathering together to celebrate crafting in their community. I will be attending a party here in Austin hosted by the Austin Etsy Street Team. We will be screen printing, making buttons and sharing crafting stories at the Milago Condominiums downtown from 7-9pm.

The Austin craft party is currently the 16th largest community party behind Dallas, Houston, Seattle, Portland, Boston, Brooklyn, and Vancouver (to name a few). You can find more information about the Etsy Craft Party HERE and to see if there is one available in your town go to Meetups.com.

ETSY FAVORITES: Jewelry with a Little Charm

I love charm necklaces and I just wanted to share a few of my favorites from my favorite sellers. . . Enjoy!

Pocket Watch Charm Necklace by Oh, Hello Friend $30

Family Stamped Charm Necklace by Wise Gal Designs $49
Umbrella Charm Necklace by Le Petite Pretty $18
Guardian Angel Charm Necklace by Vintage Musings $40
Vintage Sewing Machine Necklace by Just Jaynes $24
Initial Pendant Charm Necklace by Waxwing Jewelry $42

Summer Trade Guide @ Oh, Hello Friend

I'm so happy to say I was one of shops to be showcased on the Oh, Hello Friend Summer Trade Guide for Etsy! There were a lot of great shops and products chosen to be showcased in the guide so I am flatter to be a part of it. I hope I can negotiate some trades for some beautiful jewelry and paper goods *wink*. See more on the Summer Trade Guide and how it works at Oh, Hello Friend.

ARTISAN MARKET

Well, my first booth at the Artisan Market on South Congress here in Austin didn't go as well as planned. I was told it was the slowest Saturday of the season so far and I believe it was due to the 90+ degree heat we had. I was one of only three booths in my area that made any sales and I barely made enough to cover my fees. It was also very windy and I wasn't able to set up some of my displays as planned. It was still a great experience. I met some nice people; got a lot of compliments on my booth; and gave out quite a few business cards. I believe the money and time was worth its gold in marketing even if I didn't make a lot of sales. Depending on the weather I'm definitely going back this weekend to give it another shot. This week I'm working on a few new projects I didn't get done last week including some scrap fabric sign banners and a picnic silverware/napkin set made out of tin cans. I'm also hoping to get some of the new items I have photographed and up on Etsy.

Here are a few photos of my stuff from the fair. Enjoy!

My Sign & Paper Goods
(I'm going to redo the sign with color and better lettering for next week. I felt rushed to get setup and ran out of time.)

Garden Spoon Makers

Bottle Cap Magnet Display

Bottle Cap Pendants & Longhorn Charm Necklaces

I didn't get a great picture of this at the fair but I wanted to show you my display tree I made with a pieces of scrap metal and a dead branch from our front yard. Its about 24" tall and it worked great to display my license plate garden decor and two small wind chimes I had.

BRAIDED NECKLACE

I didn't want to leave you hanging again so I thought I would share this is a great DIY necklace I found at ECAB - Eighteenth Century Agrarian Business, Make it Yourself blog. Click HERE for full instructions on how to make this piece. Also, check out some of the other great DIY projects including Urban Horse Shoes...I love these!

NEW LABELS

I've still been busy, busy getting ready for my first Saturday market. I can't wait to take pictures and show everyone what I've been working so hard on. I did take two days off last weekend to enjoy a Miranda Lambert & Wade Bowen concert and an afternoon of BBQing by the pool. I also picked up a 10x10 commercial canopy at Cabellas to cover my table from this unpredictable weather we seem to be having.

This week I've been working on packaging everything up so that means stickers! I designed these cute "Thank you" stickers for my recycled brown bags and the small ones for the back of my pre-packaged products. I am also toying with new business cards that I would like to get professionally printed eventually in both aqua blue & chartreuse. Let me know what you think. :)

(Sorry for the FCC sensor blocks but I didn't want to advertise my personal cellphone openly on the web. I like to keep it to customers, friends and family)