'HandMade Nation' Christmas '08

Average Jane Crafter showed me an invaluable stitch at Maker Faire this year. I call it the invisible stitch but I actually do not know what it's called. Being a 'Jack of all craft but master of none' I find this extremely useful even if I don't know the name or if I am even doing it correctly;) Instead of using a wip sitch to close a seam such as you would have when you sew right sides together and turn inside out, you can use this technique and the stitches are almost invisible.

Almost invisible! I used this technique while making coasters out of scrap material that I have from other projects.

Iused mostly material that I have purchased at The Quilt Store and Austin Craft-O-Rama, smaller scraps that I have saved from other crafts. I embroidered hummingbirds from Jenny Harts book Craft Pad on recylced linen I found at the Blue Hanger, a treasure trove of fabric for any crafter in Austin.

Many birdies and many bright, cheery fabrics, good stuff!

Jenny Hart makes it easy for novices to feel like they are creating something beautiful. She is really talented in her designs and I have been collecting her patterns for a while now.

I made several sets of coasters with a mix of various fabrics in the hope that adding color to the lives of my loved ones will be well received:) I like making coasters as gifts because everyone needs them but we don't neccessarily buy them for ourselves. After you unwrap them, you don't even need to 'put them away', you just toss them on the table!

Ahhhh!! Crafting Sublime*

Some eye candy for you!

Venus Art is a local artist here in Austin. I either run into her at craft venues or her art at Craft-O-Rama. Her wares are as unique as she is and I love to pet her one-of-a-kind yarns, she even spins sequins into her yarn! Venus Art goodies are created by Amanda Jones in Austin Texas. Focusing on mixed media, her constructions range from unique jewelry to glittered-to- death assemblages. Add in some crazy handspun yarn, crochet, collage, and (lot's)of sparkle and a Constructed Absurditiy is born! Need a baby gift? Check out her fabulous sister's shop at SouthernPatina.etsy.com for sweet vintage inspired treasures!*

This little gem is a beautifully crafted clutch for knitting needles. You could use it for anything really. The vibrant colors and patterns are eye-catching.

Amanda is also a graphic illustrator and her art is expressed in cards she makes for her Etsy shop. Thank you Venus Art for such lovely eye candy!

Acknowledge Me!

I Love Mike Litt part 2! We had a great time downtown at Mohawk with live music and getting to know fellow 'Makers' in Austin. We had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Bryan of Lucy Blue Studio.

The pretty ladies of Studio 3 were silk screening t-shirts or whatever you were wearing. One motivated client took off her skirt so she could get a tri-cycle stamped on her wardrobe, she was wearing tights underneath but it made for a great story.

Danielle was very interested in Dave's kaleidoscope and they bartered for a few minutes, long enough to distract her and film her in her golf-costume. She was a very lively creature and I am a better person for having a chance to get to know her and her fantabulous fanny pack which she 'borrowed' from her mother!

Acknowledge Me!

Craftiness was lucky to be a part of 'Acknowlede Me' last year at Scoot Inn. This year, Acknowlege Me will be at Mohawk this Saturday 8PM til..... This is a very austintatious event by Mike Litt.

For the 2nd year in row, we’re using Acknowledge Me as a platform to raise awareness of local Homeless Issues. This year, we’re supplementing House the Homeless‘ winter drive for Beanies and Gloves as well as the ARCH (Austin Resource Center for the Homeless) need for toiletries.

In addition to this collaboration with homeless groups, Acknowledge Me as an event is an opportunity to bring together a rich and varied slice of Austin’s many talented individuals, whether you devote yourself to D.I.Y. Arts & Crafts, Zines and Indy Media, Social Causes, Music and more.

The event is an opportunity to showcase yourself to a like-minded and enthusiastic audience, one of the reasons Austin continues to flourish as home for all of us. Your purchases, attendance and participation is what makes it possible.


iLoveMikeLitt is a social organization that promotes the arts, culture, progressive ideas, and people doing their own thing. We take these interests and put together events that try to entertain and involve a lot of different people. We also have regular online features and a print zine. We’d love to have you involved!

Team Etsy Austin!!

Craftiness is a very proud member of Team Etsy Austin. This new collaboration amongst Austin crafters on Etsy is inspiring to us. With the internet bringing crafters closer together that would not be possible 10 years ago is very inspiring, anything is possible. Here are a few goodies from this fantabulous group of crafters.




Beautifully detailed bird hangs from a simple chain with deep blue glass beads.This necklace measures 20 inches long. The bird measures 3 inches across. Find more Miss Snappy on Etsy**


A shadow between husband and wife threatens marriage! He married money and settled his debts to Vicky's horror. Could this suave gentleman only care about one thing and it be not her vixen looks? Drama!This journal is made from the original vintage book cover, back and includes 8 pages from the original book, steamy passages and all.This is a one-of-a-kind journal bound in black wire filled with 70 blank sheets as 8 pages from the original book. The wire binding allows the book to lay flat or wrap around for an easier writing experience.This unique journal is a great present for adult or child who loves to write or sketch.The Run-Down:-one of a kind vintage book used-70 blank sheets and 8 original book pages-4.5in x 6.75in or 11.4cm x 17.1cm-sturdy black wiring. Find more Pigsey Art on Etsy!!

Elsa the elephant is very playful. She loves telling goofy jokes, & is always up for any game or sport. She’s kind of clumsy though, so don’t get under her feet! Elsa is very outgoing, but is also happy walking along by herself, picking flowers & enjoying the warm sunshine. You may find Elsa at SnudggleHerd on Etsy**