It is kinda funny that I'm trying to sum up what has been going on with me over the last half+ year of my existence in one blog entry. Time really does fly when you are bizzy! Let's see, how shall I do this? I'm always a fan of a nice set of bullet points, or a timeline...hmmm....I wish I could do it in pie charts! Heh. Well, after Renegade Brooklyn in June, I started preparing for my booth at the Austin City Limits festival in September. ACL was great....I sold a ton of headbands and got to see some awesome bands. After that I had to do major planning & designing for the Stitch fashion show in November. Stitch was amazing this year. We sold out AGAIN, but this time it was at the huge Austin Music Hall. Check out that picture of the crowd! We had over 2000 people come to see the show, which BTW, was the best yet! We had 20 AMAZING designers show their work on the runway and nearly 80 booths in the craft fair. Next year will be year 5 for us, so we are going to try to make it 5 times as fabulous! I had a lot of fun designing my pieces for the runway. As Stephen Moser from the Austin Chronicle put it, my designs were "..youthful, with bold, vintage styling with a modern edge." Here are some of my favorite designer pics from the runway show including Machine Ballerina, Identity Crisis Clothing, Louise Black and Tina Sparkles (me!).
So after Stitch I had to jump right into the holiday season which meant filling gobs of Sparkle Craft web orders as well as keeping my booth stocked at the Blue Genie Art Bizaare. My life was all about guitar straps, guitar straps and more guitar straps for over a month straight! It was pretty crazy. So here I am now already a couple weeks into 2007! OMG, speaking of 2007, the Austin Craft Mafia was asked to be in this really cute calendar called Starlets of Craft and we are the January calendar girls! The calendar was compiled by those clever Atlanta ICE gals and contains lots of hot crafty ladies including SuperMaggie, Portland SuperCrafty, Crafty Chica & lots more.
Wow! I am really excited about the new year....I have lots of secret plans up my sleeve so I guess you'll just have to keep checking back to see what is new with me. For now though, I do have one bit of news to share....are you ready?......I'm having a Sparkle Craft SALE! Yay! Out with the old and in with the new! This year I am going to be phasing out all accessories on my website so that I can start focusing my Sparkle Craft efforts solely on guitar straps. I'm going to start discontinuing accessories starting in February, so if you have ever wanted any of my belts, wristbands, scarves or headbands, you better get them now.....and its the perfect time with the sale and all. To get a 20% discount on your entire Sparkle Craft order, just enter 'love' in the voucher section during checkout. The sale will end at the end of this month, so don't delay! Hmmmm....I guess the last thing that I want to mention is that I've been getting a bit of press buzz lately. In the last couple of months Sparkle Craft guitar straps & belts have been featured in Nylon, Alternative Press, and Austin Music Magazine. Sparkle Craft was also voted #5 in the Venus Zine Hott List for best DIY Business (I tied with those lovely boys over at Fred Flare!). The Austin Craft Mafia had a fashion spread in Jewell magazine and Stitch had ship loads of press pre & post show. Oh, and the funniest thing of all...the Onion included me on their Austin A-list. Hilarious!
In the press: Thanks to everyone who voted for Naughty Secretary Club in the Venus Hott List. We were named one of the first place winners for BEST DIY BUSINESS. Like whoa! If you wanna hear a podcast about Craft Lab and Naughty Secretary Club tune into the Crafty Chica Podcast. Look for oodles of heart shaped jewelry in the latest issue of Knit 1 Magazine and an article on the Austin Craft Mafia in the latest issue of Craft.
Like your jewelry one of a kind and handmade? Then Naughty Secretary Club is the place for you. Check out new additions in Revamped Vintage Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings!
Looking for something fun and retro? Like maybe a bracelet with a picture of Abraham Lincoln or a necklace with wee little Dutch girls? Nostalgic Notions Necklaces and Bracelets have your name written all over it.
If you are a trendy kind of gal then you might wanna check out the cute strawberry and owl baubles in Nouveau Necklaces. Not to mention the latest additions to Nouveau Rings and Nouveau Bracelets.
Did we mention the purses? Especially the brand new hand made vintage Barkcloth purses and messenger bags!
Don’t forget that new jewelry is added to Naughty Secretary Club almost weekly! To get the updates in-between newsletters be sure to check out the Naughty Secretary Club Blog and add Naughty Secretary Club as you’re My Space friend.
Stop holding your breath - we're finally announcing the winners of the Stitch grant! It's taken us a few months to regain consciousness from the show... but we're back and starting to plan 2007!!
Last November Stitch Fashion Show and Guerilla Craft Bazaar presented two very deserving craftspeople, and Stitch participants, with the first annual Stitch grant. The decision was very difficult with all of the fantastic applications that we received. Winners were chosen based on their craftsmanship, business sense and future plans for their business.
The first place recipient of the Stitch grant went to Freshie and Zero. Beth "Freshie" Porter hand-tools all of her silver jewelry with a hammer and an anvil out of her studio in Nashville, TN. Beth's immensely popular jewelry can be found on her website, at her Etsy shop and at various stores and craft fairs across the Southeastern states.
The second place grant went to Austin's own Vinca. Amanda DiMova comes from a leatherworking family, which explains her remarkable skill. Amanda's work ranges from bags to floral embellished wristbands to leather angel wing earrings. Her work can be found at her website and at stores around Austin (Parts & Labour and Storyville, to name a few).
Interested in applying for next year's Stitch grant? Well, information about 2007 will be up in a few months, but for now, you can study up and prepare for next year's grant application! Sign up for the mailing list and get all of the latest info about Stitch 2007.
Remember Stitch is this Saturday at Austin Music Hall $10. We have already sold over 400 tickets so buying a pair in advance might not be a bad idea! We plan on selling out so get 'em while you can! While you're buying your tickets you can also make a donation to the Stitch Grant. Every cent you donate goes straight to the grant, so please support every person who applied for the grant!
4th Annual Stitch Fashion Show and Guerilla Craft Bazaar show and Guerilla Craft Bazaar * Saturday Nov 11th * Doors at 5 for shopping in the 75 craft fair booths, fashion at 9:30 with bands +/- and Irving immediately following.*
Look for Naughty Secretary Club on the runway with Hot Pink Pistol and goodies for sale upstairs at the Austin Craft Mafia booth!
Stitch, Jennifer Perkins, Naughty Secretary Club and Craft Lab have been making the rounds in the press lately. Take a peeksie at the latest issues of Nylon, Austin Monthly, Jewell, Rare, Cosmo Girl, Somerset Studio, San Francisco Chronicle, Crafts Report and Knit 1.
We are just so dang excited about all the stuff going on that we are having ourselves a little sale around here. 15% OFF EVERYTHING AT NAUGHTY SECRETARY CLUB! Starting today through Nov 16th all you gotta do is enter the code 110101016 in the voucher field when you check out.
This Saturday Nov 11th is the 4th annual Stitch Fashion Show and Guerilla Craft Bazaar. Look for Naughty Secretary Club on the runway with Hot Pink Pistol and goodies for sale upstairs at the Austin Craft Mafia booth.
Advance Tickets are on sale now! $10 at the Austin Music Hall. Doors open for shopping in the 75 craft fair booths at 5:00, the fashion show begins at 9:30 with bands +/- and Irving immediately following.
Stitch, Jennifer Perkins, Naughty Secretary Club and Craft Lab have been making the rounds in the
press lately. Take a peeksie at the latest issues of Nylon, Austin Monthly, Jewell, Rare, Cosmo Girl, Somerset Studio, San Francisco Chronicle, Crafts Report and Knit 1.
Speaking of Craft Lab did you know my daily craft show on the DIY Network started airing in September? I didn't tell you because I was out in Los Angeles filming 65 more episodes for season 2! I hope you are tuning in to see all kinds of fun crafts like fuzzy monster masks, making paper, polymer clay, Day of the Dead and more! 12:30 Central every week day!
In Stores Now: Look for Naughty Secretary Club goodies in Columbus, Ohio at Wholly Craft and in Lubbock, Texas at Jonathan David Clothing.
Stitch is getting sooooooo close! We have an amazing show lined up for you this year, so make sure to snag your tickets early at stitchaustin.com
Here's what we have in store for you:
Irving
+/- (plus / minus)
DJ Mel
DJ Jennifer (earcandy)
BIGFACE
Dance Performance By The Super Sonic Soul Squad
Matt Bearden
Fashion Show including all these hot indie designers:
Parts & Labour
Laced With Romance
Amet & Sasha
Alyson Fox
Tina Sparkles
Identity Crisis Clothing
Moxie & The Compound
Naughty Secretary Club
Hot Pink Pistol
Lawless Revolution Wear
Zimka
Angel Court
Revamp
Machine Ballerina
Louise Black
Edge of Urge
Chia
Coco Couture
Bazzani Couture
A Rare Bird Designs
Shopping, shopping and more shopping!
Supermaggie
Merchant Ship Collective
Adaptive Reuse
Rejuvenescence
Vinca
Wandering Stick
Harrilu
A Wild Soap Bar
Feto Soap
Sweetie Pie Press
Rebel Craft Alliance
My Imaginary Boyfriend
Slinky Whistle Bait
Craft Gym
Kathleen McTee Textiles
San Antonio Craft Mafia
Ramonsterwear
Pandasongs
Angel Court
Moxie and the Compound
Bazzani Couture
Edge of Urge
Chia
Gypsy Born Designs
Steel Toe Studios
Coco Couture
The Austin Craft Mafia
Louise Black
Revamp
Machine Ballerina
Haute Tuna
A Rare Bird
La Pouline de Louisiane
Afropuff
Milli Star
Tramp Lamps
Ornamental Things
Erica Weiner
Handmade Julz
myOlivette
Tasty Jewelry
Um Yeah, Inc
Limbo
M Squared Jewelry
Maneki
Freshie and Zero
Otter Otto
Shoba Ohal
Birdcage
32/5
Sweet Tooth Bags
Anne Marie
Love Your Mutt
Bolsa Bonita
Kailo Chic
Miss Monster
Slaughterhead
Jack Blue Handbags
Paperjoye
Laura Mundee
Will Heron
Model Citizen
LBS Designs
Victrola Design
Rural Rooster Clothing
Partybots
Graffiti Western
Wicked Little Impulse
Cookie and the Dude
Bob and Truffle
Lotus Designs
Killer Bee Designs
Lisa Chandler
TV Takes Time
On TV: Finally! Monday Sept 25th 12:30 Central Craft Lab premieres on DIY Network! Look for episodes about collage, screenprinting clay, bobbleheads, airbrushing and more! I'm in LA as we speak filming season 2.
In the News: Look for Naughty Secretary Club in current issues of Knit 1, Austin Monthly, Crafts Reports, Jewell and more.
Other Fun Stuff: Seen any good Podcasts lately? Check out the Fred Flare podcast with the Austin Craft Mafia! The Venus Hott List poll is online right now! Naughty Secretary Club is nominated for best DIY Business (hint-hint). Wanna see the new Beta Valentine video? Don't forget the NSC Blog!
In Stores Now: If you have been in Parts and Labour here in Austin lately you might have noticed my shelf has moved!
Hey all! Austin Craft Mafia puts out a newsletter every 2-3 months. If you're interested in subscribing in the future, just head on over to the ACM website. Thanks! xo, Vic
Well hello there, Mon Craftitain(s)! It's almost offically Autumn and us girls from the Austin Craft Mafia are FALLing head over platforms for new fashions! To prove it, we've done a 5-page photo spread for Jewell Magazine spoofing our shadier side but showing that even in the darkest of times, one can still be fabulously dressed. Check out the free issue out TODAY, in Austin stores throughout the city! In other local news, Jenny Hart and Vickie Howell will be interviewed this Saturday, September 23rd on KJCE AM 1370. Tune in at 3PM, sharp!
Oh but wait, there's more! With November 11th being less than two months away, STITCH anticipation is palpable. All the amazing designers and vendors have been chosen as well as headlining bands Irving and +/- confirmed. Check out the web site for all the details.
Amet and Sasha just turned 4!!!! What does that mean for you aside from a reason to run out and buy yourself a cupcake (yes, you should all go do that to help us celebrate!)? A ton of new items and a sale of course! All throughout the month of September you'll find various goodies on sale, some soon to be discontinued, some not. But get your butt over there because the sale ends on September 30!
Sublime Stitching's Jenny Hart, interviews Anna Sui for the Venus Magazine Cover Article! In it they chatted about DIY culture, all thing embroidered and what it was like to be in the center of punk's heyday: NYC in the 70's. Reallyn though, Jenny just wanted to ask Ms. Sui about all the embroidery and cross-stitching she covers her clothing with, where the inspiration comes from and stuff like that.
Wondering about the release of Jenny's new book, Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Patterns and How-To? Here's the deal: It appeared in stores earlier than expected but it'll be released officially on her site next month with much fanfare. If you order copies directly from her, they come signed- of course! But you don't have to wait for her, get yourself a copy any way you can! We *heart* Ms. Hart!
While Jenny was off interviewing Ana, Vickie Howell went to New York to interview another runway designer, Isaac Mizrahi! Get the scoop on Isaac's knitty little secrets in the "TV Issue" of Knit.1 Magazine, on stands now!
In other written news, Vickie just finished the manuscript for her 3rd book! Keep an eye out in 2007 when Knit Aid: A How-To Helper for the Knitter on the Go, hits shelves!
If you're in the Austin area, come take a knitting class from Vickie at Hill Country weavers! There's less than 6 weeks left until Halloween so it's about that time to start thinking about kiddie costume prep! She'll be teaching a 2-day workshop on the Wizard & Princess hats from New Knits on the Block that begins on September 26th. The class will cover knitting in the round (using circulars and double-pointed needles), basic shaping, machine felting and optional needle felting. Come with your own supplies or buy pre-made kits at the shop-either way, the child in your life will end-up with a royal head-topper, that looks magically delicious! Oh and high schoolers, she'll be teaching a beginning class for teens in October featuring Not Another Teen Knitting Book's B/F/F wristbands! For more details on either event, check out the HCW website or call: 512-707-7396.
Speaking of B/F/F's, OMG you must see Hope Perkin's new t-shirt masterpiece, over at Hot Pink Pistol! Picture this if you will, Tupac and Biggie's faces each on the side of a broken "Best Friends" charm. That's good stuff, people! Snag one now, before us ACMers buy them all first!
Naughty Secretary Club's Jennifer Perkins has gone off and gotten herself her very own TV show! Craft Lab debuts on the DIY Network at 1:30ET/12:30CT/10:30PT on September 25th and airs daily. Record it, watch it, heck, even throw a party for it. Trust us, you'll love this show! Oh, and while you're setting your Tivo's, don't forget to add Monday morning's new episodes and of Knitty Gritty and Tuesday & Thursday repeats of Stylelicious to the list!
Since woman cannot live on tees alone, Karly Hand has stocked Identity Crisis Clothing with tons of new stuff including our personal fave, the Sleeve Purse. It's a purse with a purpose! We like that.
That's it for us now. Be well. Craft Often.
xoxo, The Mafiosa (Karly, Jennifer, Vickie, Jenny, Hope, Jen, Susann, Tina & Jesse)
Pssst!...Don't forget to see what other Craft Mafias nationwide are up to. Check out the Craft Mafia site today!
Amet and Sasha just turned 4!!!! What does that mean for you aside from a reason to run out and buy yourself a cupcake (yes, you should all go do that to help us celebrate!)? A ton of new items and a sale of course! All throughout the month of September you'll find various goodies on sale, some soon to be discontinued, some not. But get your butt over there because the sale ends on September 30!
VENUS COVER ARTICLE: Jenny Interviews Anna Sui!
Oooh, this was fun! I got a chance to chat with New York fashion designer Anna Sui for the most recent issue of Venus. We got to talking about DIY culture, all thing embroidered and what it was like to be in the center of punk's heyday: NYC in the 70's. It's my first interview ever, so be sure to go snag a copy and let me know how I did. Really, I just wanted to ask her about all the embroidery and cross-stitching she covers her clothing with, where the inspiration comes from and stuff like that. I plan on keeping my day job, so don't worry! There's also a very nice review of the new book in there. Speaking of which...
Book News: Wondering about the release of the new book? Here's the deal: It appeared in stores earlier than expected (lucky you!), and I'll have copies at the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend. I'll release it officially on the site next month with much fanfare. If you order copies direct from me, they come signed- of course! But you don't have to wait for me, get yourself a copy any way you can.
Sorry So Short! I'm running off to pack my suitcase again. So this newsletter is even shorter and sweeter than the last. If you can't make it to the fair this weekend, why not console yourself with some patterns? If you are there, don't you even think about not stopping by and saying hello.
The tour continues! Next stop is the.... 
