About Me, Tefi

I make things . I love stuff . My nickname is Tefi
Tefi Designs is a one-woman, Dallas-based jewelry design studio run by me, Stephanie Hindall. Formed in 1998 under the original name Velvet Frog Designs, Tefi Designs specializes in jewelry and accessories made with quality materials and craftsmanship. My favorite materials are: wool, sterling silver, gemstones, and fabric. Professionally, I work as a grant writer for a local non-profit serving homeless children, and am committed to serving the rescue efforts of local animal charities. Tefi Designs donates 10% of all net profits to local animal groups.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, I received my BA in English and Italian in 1998 and Bilingual Educator Certification in 2002.



My Crafty Life
Along with designing, creating, and managing Tefi Designs, I founded (in 2007) and lead Etsy Dallas, the original Dallas craft collective. Each year, I organize the Spring Bash and Jingle Bash, two distinct top-notch art/craft events in Dallas. I'm a published print writer and enjoy writing for several blogs, including Tefi Designs, Life With Ian, and Etsy Dallas.

Setting up my displays at the 2009 Spring Fling in Fort Worth (hello-o-o pregnancy weight!)

My Life in Oak Cliff
I live and work in the vibrant Dallas community of Oak Cliff with hubby Jason, baby son Ian, and dog Oliver.

Oak Cliff, a tight-knit artsy community just across the Trinity from downtown Dallas, is where I call home. I am an advisor for La Reunion, a local artist residency program in Oak Cliff and I sit on the Board of the Oak Cliff Artisans. Also (whew!), I am an active member of the North Cliff Conservation District neighborhood association, and recently began volunteering for the Jefferson Median Beautification Project.

On January 17, 2009 I became a first-time mother to Ian Alejandro, my darling boy wonder.


My Dreams
One day I will walk the highlands of Scotland, pick vanilla beans in Madagascar, and convince everyone to spay and neuter their four-legged friends.

My Handmade Philosophy
Handmade crafts are a testament to the people and times of a culture.

When you buy handmade, you support your local artist community and your local economy - when you buy handmade, you buy American. You can be sure that the piece you bought was made with love by someone just like you - not made in a factory, assembled by robots.

While many artists and artisans price their items fairly, remember that they are offering you a piece of their talent - made by their hands. So the next time you get ready to buy a gift for a loved one or yourself, choose handmade: choose a gift from the hands and the heart.

George (d. July 7, 2009) hanging out in Tefi's studio

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