Etsy Treasury – Perfectly Pastel
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Tag Archives: austin
12 Years in Austin!
I’ve been here in Austin for 12 years! I came with the intention of trying it out for a couple of years and then moving on. Ha! Nice try, me. Little did I know that Austin was so easy to live in and just exactly my kind of town.
Way back in 1999, I arrived on hot August afternoon with very, very few things. Among what could fit in about half of a back seat and trunk of a Corolla, I brought a small suitcase of tools and supplies. Just the basics, I had this saw, pair of pliers, and set of nippers. These three, lovingly cared for and always reliable tools have stuck by me the whole time.
I’ve certainly acquired more tools since then, but these remain on my work bench and in constant use. Hooray for quality stuff! Hooray for keeping the rust off them! Hooray for the inability to ever really get tired of or fed-up with metalsmithing! They feel like little, quiet, constant friends really.
I could go on for days about what Austin and its people have come to mean to me, but I’m going to let the fact that I’m still here speak for itself. Thanks, Austin!
New Store – Atown
You can now find a fun selection my earrings at Atown, an Austin lifestyle store featuring gifts, apparel, accessories, jewelry, home decor, furniture, and local art. The large, well-lit space sits on the corner of Burnet & Shoalmont, just South of Koenig (5502 Burnet Rd.), in multi-room building that has plenty of parking. Atown has a fresh, modern feel and is tastefully packed with all kinds of goodness. They are at the top of my list for gift shopping for sure.
Wild Tiara Found a Home
This Wild Tiara was my third ever made, and sort of my favorite. Totally my favorite. I’ve had a couple of favorites over the years, but I connected the most with this special, one-of-a-kind crown. I didn’t design it, I just started and kept going until I thought it looked right. Sterling silver tendrils hand-twisted with pearls, crystals, and glass beads popping where ever I chose, magically, it looked like this in my head before I even started. That rarely happens and I was actually in awe of the end result. Beautiful and totally unique! I thought we’d be together forever.
Well, this dame found her match this weekend. I was vending my wares at a holiday festival when a bright-eyed, spunky red-headed woman put it on and didn’t take it off or stop grinning while her new husband slowly, but joyfully bought it for his special lady. She asked her man if he could stand her in it every day–she would be fine with wearing it constantly, but would he. He seemed to get it. The manner in which this obviously unique person and the tiara connected was so organic and fun, just like the making of it. It looked great on her and fit without needing bobby pins. Perfection.