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.