Wowee! Austin Rocks!

So, when Rachel came to visit last week (wait – was it only last week?), she brought me this freakin’ grand Tiki towel, which she embroidered. Love, love, love this thing. Love her!

And then, because she’s also awesome, she gathered up a sampler of goodies from Austin artisans. All these nice people donated pieces to send along to me. Holy Moly, how nice is that? And look at all this Austin talent!

These pieces are made by Natalie Tischler, whose business is called Ornamental Things. She combines vintage and new components into really lovely jewelry. I wore both of these during our Crafty Day, and got a lot of compliments on them.

Anne Marie Beard made this great little wallet – just the thing for carrying a couple cards and a little cash. And beautifully made. The crocheted, felted bowls are by Timary. Aren’t they cute? So much tasty color in her store!

Oh, and – permit me to geek out a moment: they nest! Hee hee hee!!

Here are some fun earrings by Leslie Bonnell, who also runs Stitch Lab, where Rachel works. Love those enameled flower beads! And that bracelet is a thing of beauty – turquoise and coral beads, with a nice heft. It’s made by Szarka, and the beads come from her gemstone store, Magpie Gemstones.

. . . Can you imagine by now how blown away I was by all this gorgeous handmade bounty? But wait – there’s more!

These pieces come from Christine Terrell of adaptive reUse. They were once decorative tins! She cuts and hammers the metal into these wonderful pendants. They’re light as a feather and so pretty. (Yes, that is Stimpy! Actually, it’s Ren. Thanks, Jenny! I’m unhip today.)

So, WHEW!! How utterly wonderful. I’m emailing all these folks directly, but wanted to share them here as well. Austin is one talented place!