tefi's blog

My New Marketing Job

2011-07-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Holy cow! It's been 5 weeks since I've touched my blog, thanks in part to my amazing new job in marketing and social media for Corner Bakery Cafe. I couldn't be happier here. I also could eat an Anaheim Panini every. single. day.

Not much has been going on in the world of tefi. I've made several beaded necklaces for myself, took part in the Etsy Dallas Supplies Me! sale, and have started working my tookus off planning this year's 4th Annual Jingle Bash. Other than that, it's my real job, my awesome kid, and just livin' life in general.

The good news for you guys? I'M HAVING A BIG SUMMER SALE!! Any purchase in my Etsy shop through the end of summer comes with a freebie - either a magnet set (of 2), a bookmark or a mirror. You choose! Visit my shop today and start getting free stuff: http://www.tefi.etsy.com.

Sneak Peek!

2011-06-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

Why yes, I can do delicate. Check out my latest collection of simple chained necklaces made of top-quality Czech glass and artisan lampwork beads. I'll be offering them up for sale at the Lotus Yoga Pop-Up Shop community event on June 18th in Lakewood (Dallas TX). Lovely!

New Designs In My Shop!

2011-06-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

What didn't sell at the recent Spring Bash and Renegade Austin last month, I listed in my Etsy shop. Every design is my own creation, totally one-of-a-kind and original, and made by me with needle and thread! Hope you likey.

Big Triangle Design

Little Triangle Design

Totem Style Design

Stacked Design

Fabric Beads on Ribbon

and more of the clustered art sculpture pendants

Visit my Etsy shop today (or click here to see all my fabric necklaces)!

New Job = New Clothes + New Shoes

2011-05-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

Now that's my kind of math.

On my lunch hour today I went on a mini shopping spree. With a brand new job on the horizon (Marketing Coordinator for Corner Bakery Cafe), I wanted to update some old staples, replace some cheap and worn pieces, and just splurge a little to celebrate my accomplishment (and my birthday, which was this past Sunday). Living within my means on a daily basis makes an occasional splurge like this possible! Check out my booty:

FROM ANTHROPOLOGIE

FROM NORDSTROM

FROM DSW

FROM MY DISCOVER CARD
OUCH!

Forts, Crafts and Cocktails: Austin Recap

2011-05-25T08:07:00.001-07:00

My birthday weekend was a beautiful mess of toys, hotel fun, crafty sales and cocktails. We hit the road Friday morning - me in my Element loaded with my handmade goods and displays; my mom, Grandy and Ian in their car loaded with 182 toys:

Saturday morning was a whirlwind of setting up my booth, drinking lots of coffee, and preparing for a day of charming customers and making sales. After nearly six years of doing craft shows, I've got my set-up nailed down and had over an hour to kill before the doors opened:

Saturday night Ellen and John (good friends and owners of Holy Cacao) took me and Jason to Haddington's on 6th. We had copious amounts of tiny chi-chi cocktails with names like Devil's Moustache (mescal, a flaming orange slice + a whole bunch of other stuff). We also had tiny portions of fancy food that cost more than my weekly Tom Thumb bill. Everything was incredible.

Sunday was day 2 of Renegade sales. In the meantime, Ian and the family made forts, went swimming and basically had fun in Austin. I didn't get a chance to do any site-seeing or shopping while I was there - maybe next time!

Oh, and then there's this:

It's on like Donkey Kong, y'all.

2011-05-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend! Austin, Texas! My birthday and Renegade Craft Fair!! Boom:

Come find me in Booth #40 next to my friends Dowdy Studio and Cut Out and Collect! We'll be the ones making all the dang noise in the back left corner. Don't be surprised if you see me dancing to Kool + the Gang while I sell all my handmade stuff. That's how I roll.

Here's a sneak peak into my display set-up. If no one buys anything from me, I can just hold a "Necklace a Day" contest for the next year and a half.

Oh. Hello there, Beethoven.

This is my son, and he's awesome.

2011-05-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

Ian came home from school last week with the most awesome child craft ever. In case there's any doubt about Ian being my spawn, I present Exhibit A:

and Exhibit B:

Marketing Your Craft: Give It Value!

2011-05-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

Okay you guys.

I'm getting real tired of seeing under-priced items riddling the aisles of craft shows and covering the pages of Etsy. While overpricing may hurt the individual seller, underpricing hurts us all.

WAL-MART MENTALITY
You don't have to be a marketing genius to understand that if your price is too low, the buyer is going to think your products are cheap. And "cheap" is the last thing we want people to associate with our handiwork.

When the general shopping public is exposed to an abundance of under-priced handmade work, they are going to start believing that handmade work is tantamount to bulk generic diapers at the Shop & Save. We have got to banish this Wal-Mart mentality when it comes to the art and craft we work so hard to produce.

A DELICATE BALANCE
Keep in mind, you still want to price your items fairly, and not alienate your potential customer base. Here are the things I consider when pricing my items:

+ How much do the materials cost? Include the gas it took you to drive to the place where you bought them, the postage you paid to have them shipped to you, and any other costs associated with acquiring the raw materials.

+ How much is the design worth? If you're working off a tutorial or pattern, this price point should be lower than if you designed the item yourself.

+ How long did it take you to complete the item from start (design) to finish (completion)? At a bare minimum, you should charge yourself no less than $10/hour. Making an item by hand is worth more than flipping burgers - give yourself a proper wage.

+ How are you selling your product? So you have your finished product, but you aren't anywhere near done. Build into the price the cost of maintaining a web site, creating good product photography, and selling at craft shows.

+ What about all that other stuff? Yes, long-term overhead costs should be built into your pricing. Think: business cards, office/studio space, gas/travel, paper, ink toner, computer, internet service, utilities. In other words - all the things you expense in order to create and promote your handmade product.

+ Finally, as a person who appreciates and understands handmade art/craft, I ask myself: What would I pay for this?

GET YOUR HEAD STRAIGHT
If you still feel uncomfortable paying yourself a fair wage for your handmade work and (gasp!) actually pricing it so you make a profit, do these three things:

(1) Say this out loud, "My art/craft has value. If I believe it's cheap, everyone else will, too." Repeat this to yourself until you get it.

(2) Tell the world your story. It's time to get comfortable talking to strangers, y'all. Do craft shows, work on your web copy - tell your story so everyone knows exactly why they should pay $35 for this handmade, originally-designed t-shirt.

(3) Pick up a book at the library on shopper psychology and read it. You'll soon learn why the same shoppers who shell out $98 for a mass-produced necklace at Anthropologie balk at your better-crafted $30 handmade necklace. It's the perception of value. Make people believe your stuff is worth buying, and they will buy it.

I'M BEING SELFISH
I'm not writing this to help you. Really, I'm not. I want all the sales for myself. Okay, that's not entirely true, but I'm not going to lie to you and say I did this altruistically. I want the handmade market to improve, and the only way to do that is for us all to collectively improve the way we sell our items and the story we tell the public.

So get to it! You have a lot of homework to do and the clock started ticking 2 minutes ago.

Sew, work, sew, listen to music, work, sew

2011-05-06T08:59:00.001-07:00

I'm on a mad sewing blitz these next few weeks as I prepare for Renegade Austin. I don't even think I'll have time to bead a few of my new big wood bead necklaces unless I clone myself.

I'll work on that.

Until then, I'm listening to a little She & Him and Florence + The Machine and sewing like mad in the car at stop lights, on my lunch breaks, in queue at the bank, ANYWHERE.

Here's a crappy photo I took last night of some of my new triangle arrow designs. They are pretttyyyyy!

Next Up: Renegade Austin

2011-05-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

Now that the 3rd Annual Spring Bash is over (whew - so much work), I've got my sights set on the 2nd Annual Renegade Craft Fair in Austin TX. It so happens to be on the weekend that I'm celebrating my 36th birthday and my and Jason's 10th anniversary. So come buy my stuff okay!!

Grey Skies fabric sculpture necklace, $35

The hotel room is booked, time taken off from the real job, the parents are coming with to watch Ian, and now all I have to do is:

(1) Make more designs like this one (above). I sold out half my inventory at the Spring Bash!

(2) Make more yo-yo earrings and rings. DONE

(3) Shine the sterling silver chain from some of my necklaces. They are looking a little dull from so much air exposure as I've been preparing for this crazy spring show season for the past couple of months.

(4) Make more fabric hair clips. These sold like crazy at the Bash!

That's about it. Can you believe how prepared I am? Whoo!!! Now come see me in Austin and buy me a birthday beer already.

Oh Happy Day

2011-05-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

Get up and booty bounce to this:

Just send a simple email + save animals.

2011-04-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

Man (on left) with tears tightly hugs his rescued pet dog. On right, Sendai city firefighter. Japanese caption translation provided by: Kirsten Ernst for Global Animal.

Here's a message I saw in the Regretsy forums and I took immediate action. You can, too, with a simple copy+paste+send:

The Japanese government have placed a 20km No Go zone around the worst effected nuclear plant. Unfortunately there are still tens of thousands of domestic animals stranded in this zone. Before this, rescue groups and local citizens were managing to go and at least put food down for these animals, and were gradually catching them as well to help reunite them with their owners.

Rescue groups already have in place a system for quarantining and treating any radiation issues these pets and farm animals may have. And the humans are also taking their pills and only going in for short times, but they're willing to put themselves on the line to prevent as much suffering as possible. Unfortunately, the 20km No Go zone is making this impossible, and they're worried many of these animals are going to starve to death.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVeUhXQq3yU - here's a video, but it is sad. (I COULDN'T WATCH IT)

So how can you help? All you need to do is send a politely worded request to the Japanese government basically saying something like this (copy and paste this!):

Dear Prime Minister,

There are many thousands of domestic animals and pets in the 20km exclusion zone around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. While it is understandable that you are trying to protect your citizens from harm, there are many animal rescue groups who are prepared and who have measures in place to deal with potential radiation poisoning and quarantining animals they catch. In addition, there are many they cannot catch who need feeding, including the farm animals who have been left in their stalls and barns. Please consider allowing animal rescue groups to enter this zone and continue their valuable work.

Thank you, the bravery and compassion of the Japanese people are an inspiration to all.

Sincerely,
FIRST NAME, LAST NAME
CITY, STATE, COUNTRY

Click here to go directly to the Prime Minister's contact page. It's so easy and costs nothing. Please do this now: https://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/forms/comment_ssl.html

DONATE NOW (click here and scroll down for a list of charities accepting donations to help animal victims of the earthquake and tsunami):
http://www.globalanimal.org/2011/03/22/how-to-help-japan-pets/32243/

Tomorrow at the Bash: New Wall Art

2011-04-29T07:17:00.001-07:00

These photos do not do justice to the two new large fabric wall art pieces I made this week to debut tomorrow at the 3rd Annual Spring Bash!

{dangit this thing didn't rotate! tilt head to the right}

>>>SEE YOU AT THE BASH<<<

A photo journey through my crafty madness.

2011-04-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a little photo essay walking you through all of my behind-the-scenes preparation for this Saturday's 3rd Annual Spring Bash. What you're seeing is the final stage of what has been a half-year-long process getting handmade product ready, reworking my displays, painting, swearing, cussing, loving and creating. If you aren't in Dallas, you have 2 more days to shop my goods in my Etsy shop before I close it down for the weekend.

{all taken with my new iPhone!!!}

fabric rings $8

super secret, newly-repainted beautiful display built by Dowdy Studio

hair clips and hair bobbies for $10 on my newly-painted pegboard display

pottery shard necklaces for $25 and all sorts of pretty earrings

the new gridwall set-up; it's a work in progress

check out that gorgeous new wall art, top right

>>>SEE YOU AT THE BASH THIS SATURDAY<<<

Look at my hot fake husband.

2011-04-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hands off, ladies.

Isn't he yummy? This was taken at last weekend's Oak Cliff Earth Day festival at Lake Cliff park - photo courtesy of Oak Cliff People. Read a little recap here courtesy of my gal Pamela of Dowdy Studio. I was sellin' my stuff on the other side of the park while Jason educated festival-goers on the Jefferson Median Beautification Project, a grassroots effort to beautify our little corner of the world. I manage the modest JMBP blog over here.

I've got crazy eyes.

2011-04-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

It's on like Donkey Kong, y'all. This Saturday is the 3rd Annual Spring Bash, co-founded and co-produced by yours truly along with a team of fellow dedicated Etsy Dallas members. This will be our 9th show to date and I could not be more excited and downright scared of all the things I still need to do to prepare:

+ Cut out labels, write prices, and tape to new display, which I traded with Dowdy Studio for a stash of fabric and my never-ending gratitude. It was black, I painted it straw yellow, it's awesome and covered in fabric sculpture necklaces - loads of new designs. Pics coming soon! DONE!

+ Go to American Store Fixtures to get a ton of gridwall hooks for my fabric wall art. DONE!

+ Take legs off gridwall panels, hose down (or leave out in the rain overnight), set up panels in living room, merchandise the heck out of it, covering it with fabric wall art, magnets, brooches, hair clips and more! (oh so much more)

+ OMG make more fabric wall art.

+ OMG make more brooches. DONE!

+ Go to the bank, get a million dollars in ones and fives, because this show is off-the-hook crazy with awesome shoppers throwing money at us wee Dallas artists.

+ Set-up newly painted pegboard, hang pottery shard necklaces all over it. It's the color of the ocean and it's beautiful.

+ OMG make more pottery shard necklaces.

+ Stop at Michael's to pick up some large shopping bags for my large wall art. DONE!

+ Label large shopping bags. DONE!

+ Pack all this up Friday night, sleep.

+ Wake up at the butt-crack of dawn on Saturday, drink a pot of coffee, put on my new awesome mum, and head to South Side on Lamar to get the space ready for the big show.

>>> 3rd ANNUAL SPRING BASH <<<

I Heart the Golden Girls - A Zine

2011-04-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

When my friend and fellow Golden Girls nutcase, Erin of Haute Hardware, had her baby a few months ago, I knew I had to get her something special. Now, I birthed my son only a couple of years ago so I know the importance of honoring the mother during this special time. Babies get enough junk as it is, anyway. So naturally, I got Erin this:

It's the most awesomesauce Golden Girls thing out there, except for maybe this, which is the best thing I've ever seen in my life:

For my first Mother's Day back in 2009, Jason bought me this t-shirt:

So today, as I pulled in front of Erin's house to drop off bags of Ian's clothing and shoes he's grown out of + this I Heart the Golden Girls zine by jackiepeppermint, the tradition continues.

Long live Sophia Petrillo.

I can haz fixed blog.

2011-04-21T11:36:00.001-07:00

So this blogger business has been fixed! For those not pantydeep in the Regretsy forums, I posted a plea for help since blogger was acting the bish. Turns out it wasn't CSS or some other arcane code mumbo jumbo. You know what it was? A photo I uploaded in a post was too large.

WAHT.

Yea. I was actually drawn to tears because, in the course of trying to fix my sidebar yesterday, I totally messed up my blog. I thought it would never be the same again. So thank you Kim, RJG and angel drawers for your help!

Kitteh!

2011-04-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to my gal Kim for helping solve this Blogger mishap. Notice the right sidebar is empty? Blogger has foresaken me and Kim has offered to look into it and fix if she can.

But this is my Goliath to battle. In the meantime, check out Kim's beautiful photography. My favorites (surprise, surprise) are the funny black kitty photos. Check out the stark details on this yawning kitty. Meee-ow!

photography by Kim Ulrick

Bash Bucks Giveaway Through April 25th

2011-04-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hey hey Dallas-area people, or those of you badass enough to drive to Big D for the 3rd Annual Spring Bash (co-produced by yours truly), listen up! You can enter to win free Bash Bucks - gift certificates that spend like cash at the Bash - on our Etsy Dallas blog. Click here to read all about it and enter. And if I were to win (yes people, I'm eligible, too), these are what I would buy:

Merbaby Print by Signifying Not

Mounted Narwhal by Crochette

Tom Selleck pillow by Bolsa Bonita

See you at the Bash!

I Just Got Indie Fixxed!

2011-04-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the lovely Jen over at Indie Fixx for choosing my Keats & Yeats fabric sculpture necklace to be featured! While you're checking out her great blog, check out my Spring Galleria shop, which will be up through May. Notice anything extra special on the left sidebar?

Visit my Etsy shop today to see all the lovely handmade things I have for sale: www.tefi.etsy.com

Overheard at Craft Shows

2011-04-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

The following is a list of customer comments I've heard time and again at craft shows, and what I dub "the kiss of death". Craft show organizers - take note (please!).

"I didn't know this show was going on." Uh-oh. This means the organizers didn't market to the immediate area, which are the people most likely to support locally-made goods. It also doesn't bode well for their marketing strategy in general. In other words, if they didn't reach people who live nearby, did they also miss those living in surrounding areas?

"Oh darn, I didn't bring money."Um, excuse me what? If this is a larger, broader type event (where artists are only a small part of the fun), the people who come out to the festival likely didn't know there would be art for purchase, and thus only brought their sunscreen, walking shoes and dog. Make sure festival-goers know there will be art for purchase, target people who appreciate buying locally-made goods, and make sure everyone knows to BRING CASH!!

"This is cute" or "You have nice stuff" or "I like your work" So sounds good, right? Not if you hear this over and over aaaaand...no one buys anything. This means the target shopper was not marketed to. Artists don't give up 9+ hours of their weekend just to "exhibit" their work. They woke up at the crack of dawn, loaded the car, hauled their stuff to their booth, set everything up, plastered a smile on their face, then gave up bathroom breaks and a real meal in the hopes they would sell their handmade goods. Make it worth their while or they aren't likely to return for your next show.

The season is heating up and spring/summer shows are in full swing. Carry plenty of cash with you in case you are lucky enough to make it to a local art/craft show. And remember that the things you see were made with love, care, and lots of work. The next big thing? 3rd Annual Spring Bash on April 30th in Dallas TX. More info: http://www.handmadebash.com/. See you there!

Does Your Art Have Value?

2011-04-12T13:35:00.001-07:00

Here's a great blog article from artbizblog I came across recently. It's awesome! Read the entire article here for the juicy details, but in short here are seven ways to give your art value:

1. Make great art.
2. Treat your art with care.
3. Don't ever belittle your art.
4. Speak the words, "I'm an artist" with confidence.
5. Keep a price list handy.
6. Maintain a list of collectors and collections
7. Mention your venues and galleries.

No go forth all ye artists and be awesome!

Cure Your Wanderlust - New Magnets!

2011-04-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

I just finished making, photographing and listing some new magnets I made out of the maps I used on my travels to Barcelona, Nice, Rome, Boston and San Francisco.

If maps and travels aren't your thing, how about some vintage wallpaper? Or fabric yo-yo's? Yes, please!

Get some today: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Tefi?section_id=7698733

Tefi Loves: Amy Blackwell

2011-04-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

Love love love her artwork, her lovely aesthetic, the colors. I'll just let the illustrations speak for themselves.

Visit her Etsy shop: www.blackoutwell.etsy.com

Vacation Day 3: Big Necklace Sale!

2011-03-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

Today I dropped off 33 - yes, 33! - beautiful beaded necklaces at my Indie Genius booth space. Normally priced from $22-45, all of these necklaces are on sale for a mere $20. Wow! My space is next to the cashwrap at Indie Genius located in north Oak Cliff just outside Biship Arts @ 7th and Zang Blvd. These necklaces will only be available for the month of April. Don't miss out!

(Not in Dallas? Check out my super sweet Sale section in my Etsy shop.)

Vacation Day 2: Button Maker

2011-03-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to bust out some buttons using Ian's school artwork as my "canvas." I think these turned out rather awesomesauce! They'll be turned into magnets and gifted to friends and family (i.e. the only ones who really give a crap about my kid's artwork). Lovely!

Vacation Day 1: Domestic Goddess

2011-03-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

Laundry, cooking, vacuuming, grocery shopping, sewing, white wine and BBC Scotland's Monarch on the Glen Season 2. Don't hate.

Tefi's Craft Show Survival Checklist

2011-03-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

With the spring show season kicking into full gear, and the amazing 3rd Annual Spring Bash just around the corner (April 30th @ South Side on Lamar in Dallas TX), here's my crafy show survival checklist, culled from years of doing shows and forgetting this and needing that. If you've got a "must have" that I've left off, let me know and I'll add it! Tefi’s Craft Show Survival Checklist
calculator
cash box
small bills and coins
sales receipt book
clipboard
business cards (lots!)
price tags
product signage
pens
Sharpies (black, red)
glue stick
clear tape
duct tape
stapler
scissors
note pad
envelopes
safety pins
paper clips
clothes pins
Kleenex
paper towels
hand sanitizer
wet wipes
lip balm
hand lotion
first aid kit
paper sacks
gift tags
tissue paper
ziplocs
zip ties
bungee cord
screwdriver
pliers
hammer
tape measure
power strip
extension cord(s)
garbage bag(s)
rope/twine
snacks
bottled water
charged cell phone
umbrella
deodorant

There are two things awesome about this photograph.

2011-03-19T21:42:00.001-07:00

1. My BFF from university who owns Holy Cacao was invited by Rachel Ray to her SXSW party. Look! Two yummy cakeballs.

2. Ellen's wearing one of the first necklaces I ever made. Awesomesauce.

Free! Contest! Win All of This!

2011-03-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Etsy Dallas team has joined up to offer a Texas sized giveaway in celebration of Spring. One lucky winner will win this entire Treasury of fabulous handmade goodies. All 16 items are going to be shipped to our luckiest reader! The entire package is valued at more than $260! Tell your friends, and they will love you for it. And the more you share the love, the better your chances of winning all of this handmade goodness. {Ways to Enter} 1) Sign into your Etsy Account and comment on this Treasury. 2) Share the love on your blog, Facebook page, or Twitter account. 3) Then, post in the comments below all the places you shared this giveaway. Our lucky winner will be chosen through random.org and announced on March 22, 2011. Sorry, this giveaway is only open to US residents. A Texas-sized thank you to the Etsy Dallas shops who generously contributed to this giveaway. Please stop by their shops to see all of the other fabulous goodies they have to offer: * DCImaginations * therufflyowl * beethings * oneupdesigns * sillasoup * redtilestudio * threeyellowstarfish * tefi * YellowBugBoutique * CutOutAndCollect * majoiepress * LaAlicia * ThePigAndThePeacock * muttsywonder * Karmacrochet * RegalCottage * And thank you to Jane Joss for curating this lovely collection. Reposted from the Etsy Dallas blog

New Favorite Blog: Studio, Sweet Studio

2011-03-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

Oh man, drool central over here. Cheyne, Pam and I were talking recently about how much we love to peek inside other people's studios. This conversation sort of segwayed into Cheyne getting an amazing feature on Bella Pop blog of her sewing studio. Now I'm wishing I'd won last week's lottery so I can move my "studio" out of my bedroom (and dining room, and living room) and into one sweet craft space. *sigh* Until then, I can Ooh and Aah over the photos and tutorials in this new blog, Studio, Sweet Studio.

A Little Late, But Still Awesome

2011-03-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

Awhile back, my friend Cheyne of Cut Out and Collect was featured on Bella Pop Photography's blog. Thems some pretty photos! In fact, one of the pics has a handmade tefi item in it. Can you spot it? So, like...get ready to drool: {Cool Charity Alert} For each item sold in the month of March created with Japanese fabric, Cheyne will donate 10% of the sale price to the GlobalGiving targeted relief fund. Just search "Japanese" while in Cut Out and Collect's Etsy to see these items. Photos by Bella Pop Photography

Put a yo-yo on it.

2011-03-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

While countless crafters and designers opt to put a bird on it, I like to add a fabric yo-yo or 3 to just about anything. Some of my latest creations? The classic Moleskine cahier mini-journal! I have tons in stock, but only three listed in my Etsy shop at the moment. Pick one up today for your favorite To Do lists and other notes: http://www.tefi.etsy.com/

Here's a peek inside the journal, inside back has a cute little pocket:

And here's how cute and tiny these little notebooks are:

Each is one-of-a-kind. Get one today! http://www.tefidesigns.com/

Cool Art Recap!

2011-03-02T14:59:00.000-08:00

{Reposted from Dowdy Studio's blog.}

A couple weeks ago there was snow on the ground, it was quiet outside and a few of us Etsy Dallas artists decided to hold an intimate trunk show called All You Need is Love + Cool Art. Here're some pics of what happened.

A view from our front window the day before the + Cool Art show.

Outside Larry's house, where we held the show. Luckily the snow melted a bit that day. You know Texas shuts down when it snows, so we're really excited that we were able to make it.

It was warm and cozy inside where we set up out handmade goodies all over Larry's house. Larry, the Kessler Craftsman, and Tefi took over the dining room.

A close up of Tefi's pretty fabric yo-yo necklaces.

Here's the Dowdy Studio set-up. We shared the living room with Cut Out and Collect and blocked the TV with our ginormous display.

That's okay, because Cut Out and Collect blocked the fireplace. We joked about turning it on....but we're too nice for that. Plus we *heart* her handmade bags and like them better when they aren't on fire.

Thank you Pamela for the great photo tour of our show!

Renegade, here I come!

2011-02-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

Soooo excited to announce that I got in to Renegade Austin! I will be sharing my booth with a super cool designer and fellow Dallasite, Sarah of The Snowy Owl. Alongside me and Sarah will be my crafty pals Dowdy Studio, Cut Out and Collect, and One Up Designs. Mark your calendars and come on down to see us on May 21 + 22 in Austin TX. It's my birthday weekend so I expect you to buy me a sandwich!

A Big Winter Project with Needle + Thread

2011-01-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

Over the holiday break I handsewed 300+ yoyos. I was seriously out of control. If you've seen my Etsy shop, then you see all the new designs and creations I've listed this month - all due in part to my wicked insane sewing spurt.
BEFOREAnother thing to come out of this madness is a slew of new hair accessories I've put into my Indie Genius shop earlier today. In addition to the regular bobby and clips pairs, I've made little tiny clips and small bobbies in singles for only $5 each. If you're in the Dallas area, stop by Indie Genius today and get a pair or five! You'll be supporting your favorite fabric jewelry local artist! *flashes smile with gleaming sparkle*
AFTER

What's In the Package?

2011-01-21T06:47:00.000-08:00

I have always prided myself on pretty packaging (and alliterations!), making it a habit to include a handwritten "Thank You" for each purchase. This year, I'll be wrapping each purchase in pretty tissue paper and baker's twine. Each package will also include a post card with a bio and pic of yours truly. Visit my Etsy shop today and see if something strikes your fancy!

Found! Doodle Embroidery by tefi

2011-01-18T13:38:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago I bought Doodle Stitching by Aimee Ray. The images inspired me to doodle my own artwork, which I did while I was pregs with Ian - now 2 years old as of yesterday. Tempus fugit! Please ignore the fact that the cloud (below) looks like it's giving my house the finger. Or that those giant flowers look like they belong in a remake of Day of the Triffids.

My Wreath Debut

2011-01-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

Since my name means "garland" or "wreath" it was only a matter of time before I started making some and covering them in fabric yo-yo's. Each is one-of-a-kind and will look so pretty on your wall or door. Right now I've only made 11" wreaths. I'll be making much bigger ones, I promise! (These suckers take a long time to make.) Pretty wreaths this way.

My New Year's Resolution for Other People

2011-01-11T14:30:00.001-08:00

Be a nice email person by not ignoring emails people send me. And by "people" I mean "Stephanie." I will work on this resolution by doing the following: 1) Click unread message. 2) Read. 3) Think a little. 4) Hit reply. 5) Start typing words. 6) Hit send. 7) Feel confident I've been a nice email person. Just sayin', y'all. (C'mon now, don't pout. This is just for kicks and giggles. It's not directed at you! Unless you're my husband, in which case you wouldn't be reading my blog anyway so we're good, dear reader.)

Ye Olde New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-06T19:44:00.000-08:00

I am resolute to accomplish the following, dangit. I will! *slams fist into open hand* 1) Expand my tefi repertoire. These past couple of years, I've expanded the kinds of items I make, in addition to jewelry. Years ago I started off with simple beaded jewelry, which I still love making, but have lately fallen in love with fabric and sewing by hand (needle and thread, not machine). Aside from jewelry, I also carry magnets, mirrors, hair clips, bookmarks, coasters, brooches, and most recently - wall art. This year I'd like to add: coffee cozies, buntings, wreaths and notebooks. (The wreaths are already made! Just need to photograph them. They are lovely!) 2) Finish my works-in-progress. Got to finish those stacks of coffee cozies and buntings that I pre-cut months ago. Months, people! Geez. This also means: 3) Reacquaint myself with my dusty sewing machine. Must take a class to boost my comfort level and relearn how to thread a bobbin. A what? Exactly. 4) Open myself up to more inspiration. It's everywhere, around each corner. I feel I am missing opportunities to be inspired because I'm too busy worrying about other things. 5) Stop worrying about other things. Really, what's the point? I could be sewing! 6) Create new fabric necklace designs. I've already got a few new ones on the way. Must create more! I want my designs to be ever-changing, yet true to my vision. Whatever that means. 7) Be more spontaneous. I seriously have a problem with spontaneity, too much of a planner. Must jump in the lake every now and then without checking the temp with my toe. Know what I mean? 8) Pull off my long-planned guerrilla street art. Not gonna say anymore. You'll just have to wait and see if I pull this off finally. (yes it's legal, and yes it's awesome) 9) Begin training Ian for his future tefi internship. Just look at those opposable thumbs! I could use help with some sewing and cutting. I'm only half kidding. HAPPY 2011, Y'ALL!

Want want want this fabric.

2011-01-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

Sweet and foxy fabric by mummysam.etsy.com. Gimme gimme. Gimme!

DIY Gift Wrapping Ideas

2010-12-23T07:42:00.001-08:00

It's December 23rd, and I betcha half of you haven't finished wrapping gifts yet. Am I right? I, on the other hand, finished a couple of days ago at which point pigs actually began to fly. I know, crazy. So for those of you still in need of some gift wrapping encouragement and ideas, I've scoured the interwebs to find some simply, fun and totally DIY gift wrap ideas. No grab those scissors and get ready to wrap!

from diylife.com

Shoestrings and kerchiefs never looked so cute.

A pair of baby socks look like mini-stockings. Gimme gimme.

from stylemepretty.com - tutorial available!

A sweet collection of gift wrap ideas by Greg Likes Weddings.

from Urban Outfitters' blog - tutorial available!

Potato stamps, marbling and googly eyes, I would expect nothing less from UO.

And finally, here's a list of some of my very own DIY gift wrap must-haves: - fabric and felt scraps - baker's twine - raffia in various colors - burlap - pine cones, acorn caps and other things gathered from my backyard - old clothes that can be cut up to use as wrapping - large wooden beads Happy Wrapping, y'all! by Stephanie/tefi

Restocked Brooches + Some Church Rubble

2010-12-12T20:34:00.000-08:00

After an incredibly successful Jingle Bash, followed by a boon of online sales and setting up my new shop at Indie Genius, I've finally begun creating more fabric pieces to list in my Etsy shop. Whew. Here are four new brooches made with the finest linen fabric from Kokka's Echino line. Get 'em now so I can keep making more! Also, new necklace designs in the making just in time for release this Spring! (if not sooner since I can't keep a lid on my designs). Stay tuned! [Notice the slab I used as a backdrop for my brooches (above). I took it from a pile of rubble left over from the 94-year old Oak Cliff Christian church that DISD saw fit to tear down to make room for a softball field. It was a beautiful old church just blocks from where Lee Harvey Oswald shot Officer Tippet then escaped to the Texas Theater just before being arrested. This is where I live.]

I betcha my slab is pictured in the pile of rubble above. *sigh* First photo: credit unknown Second photo: Melissa Hennings

Etsy Dallas Holiday Garland Tutorial

2010-12-09T14:37:00.000-08:00

Reposted from the Etsy Dallas blog; written and handmade by Cheyne of CutOutAndCollect When it came time to decorate for our Jingle Bash, the Deco Squad planners (Cheyne, Laura and Larry) really wanted to echo the theme created in our gorgeous event fliers, by our own Christina of paperfingers. We decided to make a very simple felt garland that played on her beautiful leafy design. We ended up liking the garland so much that we wanted to share how to make it! It's seriously quick, inexpensive, and very versatile. Not crafty yourself? Skip to the bottom to find out how you can win the tutorial example - a 12 foot handmade garland the perfect length to decorate a doorway or mantle! What you'll need: - felt* - scissors - thread to match your most frequently occurring felt color - sewing machin - holiday music playlist worthy of your awesomeness. (Wham!'s "Last Christmas" on repeat is clearly your only option.) - hot chocolate or coffee. (It works like magic, trust me.) * We approximate the felt turns into at least 6 feet of garland per half yard of 36" wide felt on the bolt. So if you'd like at least 18 feet, buy 1.5 yards total. This is approximate and will vary on the leaf size, the spacing when sewn together, and how conservatively you lay out your leafs for cutting.

STEP 1

Choose your garland color scheme and gather your supplies. The Deco Squad chose the colors to match our Jingle Bash artwork. I'd love to do a gorgeous aqua and silver/grey garland!

STEP 2

Turn up "Last Christmas" on high volume, get that hot chocolate close to you, find a table to get to cutting. This step is clearly very important.

STEP 3

Cut your felt into nice little leaves. We made the ones for the Jingle Bash fairly large because we need to cover larger areas. I made my example leaves about 3 inches long. If you're not comfortable with a trial and error approach of cutting directly on the felt, draw out some leaves on paper and hold/pin the paper to the felt and cut around your drawn shape. After you've found the shape and size you like, it's easy to hold the original leaf onto the felt and cut replicas. Don't like our shape or need to print out a template? Click here to help you find something you like.

STEP 4

Work out the placement of your leaves. I chose three colors for the example garland so the colors would alternate well. Tip: You can pin your leaves to each other or on to a tracing paper backing if you aren't comfortable with placing them as you sew. Just rip the tracing paper off after it's sewn together. I chose to skip this step because I found it was easier to play with the placement as I sewed. You should be able to keep a straight stitch down the middle of the garland, catching the bottom/side of each leaf as you sew down. If you chose not to pin your leaves together, just add each leaf as you sew, paying attention to placement. Here's a tiny video of how that's done:

Tip: You may find that stitching in a curve back and forth catches more of each leaf and make a more structured garland. Be prepared to play with it a bit! And don't be completely scared of the seam ripper if you don't like your first try! Warning! This requires your hands to be very close to the needle. Please be aware of where your hands are. I've sewn through my fingernail (not with this project). I don't recommend it. It doesn't leave a cool war wound, it's mainly just painful and scary.
STEP 6
Drape it up on your mantle, on your tree, or in the doorway. Pretty! Put your own spin on it! Sew some ribbon on the end to tie to things, sew a short version with ribbon ends and make a grecian headband, choose super high quality wool felt and make a scarf! Show us what you make!
Or skip all that and comment on this blog post to win our leafy garland. Include your email address and we'll pick a winner at random to receive our sample garland in the mail in time for Christmas! Comments close Wednesday December 15th at midnight. Reblog and link in the comments for a second entry! US residents only, please!

Jingle Bash Recap, Part 1

2010-11-23T06:13:00.000-08:00

Pam and me, soaking in all our hard work organizing the 2010 Jingle Bash
OMG.

The 2010 Jingle Bash was so much fun and so, so much work. It's like I birthed another baby and he grew up in one night. Amazing!

I will be recapping in snippets since there is so much to share. First off, the Etsy Dallas photo booth was a ton of fun. Big thanks to my hubs, Jason Wright, for doing the photography, and friend, Eilene Walsh, for assisting. The two of them took some great shots and made a ton of money to be donated to The Smile Train in the name of the Jingle Bash.

And when I suggested we all get together for a group photo ala senior pic, I had no idea it would be this incredible:

2010 Jingle Bash Vendors + their favorite product

For some, the overriding theme of the night was, "IT'S TOO CROWDED." For them, this was a complaint. For me, it is the pinnacle in compliments. It means we did a phenomenal job getting people to come out and support local artists! Oh, and one other thing: It's the shopping season, people. Expect crowds.

Big thanks to everyone involved! More to come.

Best. School Pics. Ever.

2010-10-29T09:07:00.001-07:00
These pics are pretty awesome sauce with extra awesome sprinkles. Don't be jealous if your kid chose to smile in his pic as opposed to this painful realismo:

Up Above A Itsy Eye

2010-10-28T12:13:00.000-07:00
This is my son and he's awesome. GET READY FOR CUTENESS OVERLOAD

Now who wants some free money? Hmm? Anyone?

2010-10-28T12:07:00.001-07:00
(reposted from the Bash blog - where you will enter the contest!)

As promised, the artists of the 3rd Annual Jingle Bash are hosting another Bash Bucks contest! Here's your chance to win Bash Bucks, redeemable only at the 2010 Jingle Bash on November 20th at the Palladium. Bash Bucks are like gift certificates you'll pick up the day of the Bash - and you can spend them at ANY participating artist's booth during the event. You can't go wrong. There are two ways to win!

*CLICK HERE TO READ THE BASH BUCKS RULES*

(1) Comment On THIS Post
Look through our Jingle Bash artists and leave a comment below, telling us what you'd spend your Bash Bucks on. Include your email address! The comments will close at 11:59pm November 15th and one lucky commenter will be picked at random to receive $30 in Bash Bucks. You can enter as much as you like, so get comment crazy.

(2) Tweet It Out
Hop on Twitter and tweet about the Jingle Bash all you want. Add #DallasJingleBash and a link to this blog post or www.handmadebash.com in the text. You can tweet as much as you want until 11:59pm November 15th. We'll pick one tweet at random to receive $30 in Bash Bucks and a second tweet at random to receive $40 in Bash Bucks. You'll need to direct message your email address to us if you win. Feel free to copy and paste these tweet examples:
I'll be at the #DallasJingleBash Nov 20 to buy handmade holiday gifts! www.handmadebash.com
Retweet for a chance to win BashBucks for the #DallasJingleBash Nov 20 http://tinyurl.com/24rywap
If your comments or tweets aren't chosen, don't fret! We have some surprises just around the corner. - additional ways for you to win Bash Bucks.

Good luck, Bashers!!

Good-Bye, Hello

2010-10-28T11:36:00.000-07:00
In a few days I will be ready to debut a new line of fabric wall art I've been working on for a few weeks now. So far I've made four pieces and I'm in love with each one. Will have to twist my own arm to put them up for sale. (ouch)

Since I debuted my new fabric necklaces this past summer, they've received lots of compliments, oohs and aahs. It's always bittersweet when some of my favorites sell. Sure, it's a swift boost the ol' ego, but at the same time it's hard to let go of something I made with my own two hands. Recently said good-bye to the following:

Come on out to Cliff Fest on Sunday, November 14th and the Jingle Bash on Saturday, November 20th. Or stop by the new handmade micro-boutique in Oak Cliff, Indie Genius, set to open in a few weeks. I'll be selling my beaded and fabric designs at all of those events! Be the next person to boost my ego!

Hellos, Hugs, and Smiles

2010-10-03T20:09:00.000-07:00
Here's my weekend in two words: exhausted and exhilerated. This weekend wiped me out. It was the final - and my fifth - Urban Street Bazaar. Since 2008 it's taken place in my corner of the world, Oak Cliff, home of Espumoso - a little coffee shop in Bishop Arts with the best latte and Colombian empanadas in Dallas. I ran into so many people I hadn't seen in awhile, including my favorite councilperson, Delia Jasso. I also met some great new friends, namely my awesome neighbor, Lindsay of House of Introspection. She and her mom, Mary Ann, were just the nicest. I had a bit of an epiphany this weekend. It's a simple idea, but a weighty one: I love friendly people. I love people who say HELLO. I love shoppers who make eye contact and smile and tell me they like my work. I love friends who give hugs. Good times.

Sold! New Fabric Sculpture Necklaces

2010-09-24T09:37:00.000-07:00
I was pleased as punch when three of my new, totally original fabric sculpture necklaces sold last week. Each one is hand-sewn, backed with sturdy fabric, and strung on 100% sterling silver chain. There are still some left in my Etsy shop, and I'll be debuting these in person at the upcoming Urban Street Bazaar in Dallas on October 2nd and 3rd. Come and get 'em!

Weekend Thrift Finds

2010-09-22T19:49:00.000-07:00
In search of a little retail therapy, Ian and I hit the aisles of a few local thrift stores this past Saturday and Sunday. Along with great indie businesses and restaurants, Oak Cliff has a lot to offer by way of thrift shopping, and I scored some awesome finds over the weekend. Don't be jealous.
This poster stopped me dead in my tracks. There is so much weirdness going on here, I don't even know where to begin (click image for a larger view). Illustrated by Lionel Kalish, I'm sure this 3M ad campaign from the 60's has a message, but I don't know what it is.

A flirty little French revolution girl plays with a toy and looks all sweet and cute.

Ian's gotta have his frogs and turtles. Seriously, it's like an obsession.

Why yes, this is a brand new Fossil bag!
Ahoy matey! This nautical print will look even better once I paint the frame red.

Give the little Dutch girl a kiss already.

I couldn't resist the perfectly plump little basket flower thingies.

A $13 solid oak mirror. Who could resist? (Hi Oliver!) Last but not least, these new shoes are perfect for the librarian look!

"I'd Rather Be Thrifting" poster by http://www.blogger.com/www.ashleyg.etsy.com.

Tefi Loves: humbleBea

2010-09-22T12:30:00.001-07:00
Oh. My. God. These are just about the cutest little twee mushrooms I've ever seen in my life. And she uses handsewn fabric yo-yos to make them! Gotta love that. I also adore her little gnomes and tiny people. This stuff is just so cute it hurts. Check out her Etsy shop: http://www.blogger.com/www.humblebea.etsy.com

My First Custom Yoyo Necklace

2010-09-20T11:27:00.000-07:00
I was honored to be chosen by Rebecca to create a custom fabric sculpture necklace for her wedding dress rehearsal and party. She was a pleasure to work with throughout the creative process.

As an artist-person, it is a dream when the client respects my work and provides positive feedback as I work to create something I can only hope she'll love. And she did! *wipes brow* Yay!

Thanks for such a wonderful experience, Rebecca! I hope you love your necklace and new hubs for years to come.

Tefi Loves: Trying to be happy a lot of the time

2010-08-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous and lovely, isn't it?

Art print by Sarah McNeil - $22

http://www.sarahmcneil.etsy.com/

And how can you deny the utter adorable-ness of her porcelain pendants?

Weekend Projects

2010-08-15T18:50:00.000-07:00
Here's a little photo gallery of the tons of things I've been working on these past few weekends, namely fabric sculpture necklaces and brooches - using mainly Echino linen fabric from Japan. Lovely! I've made tons of fabric sculpture necklaces, hair clips and brooches bursting with color and texture. These are a stack ready for the finishing touches. Lots in my Etsy shop; new designs on the way! http://www.tefi.etsy.com/ Here's a stack of fabric from my friend Cheyne of Cut Out and Collect. She's always been kind enough to save me her scraps for my projects. Her shop: http://www.cutoutandcollect.etsy.com/ And here's another view of that beautiful stack of fabric. (Did you catch Ian in the other shot?) My weapon of choice when making fabric tags to go on the backs of my brooches and necklaces - Grandma's pinking shears. I use a custom-made stamp and permanent ink on durable linen for my fabric tags. A bird out of the cage - I love it! Wish they all were cage-free... Cheyne taught me to heat-set the ink, even if it is permanent. Even though I've tested them and the ink does not run, I advise my customers not to get their piece wet if they can help it. And here's the finished product! Stamped, heat set, and cut with pinking shears. Visit my Etsy shop today to see the items I've listed so far. So many more to come!

New Fabric Designs On the Way

2010-08-06T20:50:00.000-07:00
I've been furiously hand sewing a ton of new yoyos out of Japanese Echino linen fabric. Soon they will become beautiful brooches, necklaces and other pretty things. I plan to debut them both online in my Etsy shop soon, and in person at upcoming local craft shows (including the 2010 Jingle Bash - the show I organize). Big thanks to my friend, Cheyne of Cut Out and Collect, who gave me some awesome scraps and got me started using Echino fabric!

Hmm...What to do with stale bread?

2010-08-05T21:26:00.000-07:00
[a blog entry I wrote in honor of the staleness of my blog of late; reposted from the Etsy Dallas/Handmade Bash blog]

Dearest readers - My how our blog has gotten stale! It's like that piece of Wonder bread at the back of your pantry that everyone forgot about.... Our only excuse is that we have been up to our eyeballs in Jingle Bash applications, planning, etc. etc. (This show is going to ROCK!) So, with our focus back on our blog, I thought it'd be fun to ask my fellow teamies: What do you do with stale bread? Here's what they said:

Margaret, Three Yellow Starfish
"We use stale bread to make bread crumbs. And in Poland, we give it to babies who are teething. Under strict parental supervision of course!"

Maggie, maggie may i
"Watch my husband eat it. Seriously, that man will eat anything! He says as long as it smells good it's okay. And apparently stale bread does not smell bad. Neither did the sour cream that was way past its expiration date. And yes, I know the fastest way to get to the hospital just in case."

Alicia, La Alicia
"My fave thing to do with stale bread is feed it to the birds and ducks while I watch them."

Silla, silla soup
"Whiskey sauce bread pudding. Dunno what we're eating for dinner tonight, but I gots me an idea for dessert!" CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE

And my answer:
"Why not use it in drywall? Go green! (Right? No?)"

posted by Stephanie of tefi

Lovely New Bash Art by Christina of paperfingers

2010-07-02T12:43:00.000-07:00
Big thanks to Christina of paperfingers, fellow Etsy Dallas member, and now the 3rd Annual Jingle Bash's official artist! My co-conspirator, Pamela Michelle, normally does our show art, but she's got her hands full helping me plan the Bash + planning her own wedding coming up in October. Christina is donating her incredible talent to this year's Jingle Bash. Pretty pretty!

Pictured above is our official show flyer, which we are in the process of getting printed as we speak! Check out more versions of Christina's lovely artwork at the official Handmade Bash site.

My New Favorite Picture

2010-06-25T23:04:00.000-07:00
My buddy, Larry Pile, snapped this photo at the recent Craft Party hosted by Etsy Dallas at Make - the largest Etsy Craft Party in the WORLD, mind you! In addition to DIY crafts, party punch and party favor bags, we (Etsy Dallas) had our very own photo booth starring Paco the donkey piñata, a backdrop by Laura Davis, and photographer Cheyne Little. Read more about the party here. Good times, y'all!

Necklace Spotlight: Treasure Trove

2010-06-16T12:14:00.001-07:00

Treasure Trove: $38

A chunky jumble of beads and rings make up this wholly unique piece. I loved it so much, I made myself one to keep!

Materials: wood, ribbon, glass

Specs: approx. 17.5"L, shephard's hook clasp

Available in my Etsy shop.

Tefi Loves: Blue Seraphim

2010-06-11T23:53:00.000-07:00
Thanks to Etsy's front page, I just stumbled upon Blue Seraphim, an Etsy shop run by Jennifer Jennings who creates the most gorgeously luscious lampwork glass beads. Gimme gimme! I want them all!

Tefi Loves: Giraffes

2010-06-08T21:35:00.000-07:00
I'm still unsure how I feel about zoos. As a rule, I am against caging animals. But there is something wonderful about having real, live animals available to the public. These creatures are genteel ambassadors for their species, bringing interest and understanding of their existence. With this philosophy in mind, Jason and I took Ian on his first zoo visit to check out the new African exhibit that boasts huge rolling spaces for giraffes, gorillas, cheetahs, and much more. I went bonkers at the giraffe exhibit. With my mouth agape in awe of these graceful creatures, I snapped these:

And then, of course, it's a compulsion for me to find beautiful handmade goods on Etsy: 1) art print by talchen 2) sculpture by ALittleCharacter, 3) napkins by ohlittlerabbit 1) wall decal by WowWall, 2) t-shirt by darkcycleclothing, 3) knit pattern by AmyGaines

Celebrate Urban Birds

2010-06-08T20:58:00.000-07:00
In my office building parking lot, I've been spotting the most beautiful birds. They are about the size and shape of a standard sparrow, but with bright yellow tails and a shocking splotch of red on the end of their tails. Gorgeous! In my backyard we have a family of cardinals who swoop about over our deck and garden. They even built a nest in a tall holly bush that abuts our sunroom. I think they decided it was too human-accessible (I can reach out and grab it), so they seem to have abandoned it. On a recent trip to the zoo, we spotted a crane from our dear Trinity River who had inserted itself into the pelican exhibit to chow on free zoo grub. There were also local wild ducks in several exhibits, as well (not the crocodile spaces, luckily). For more info on Dallas' awesome Trinity River basin, visit our very own Audubon Center. Feel like celebrating urban birds in your neck of the woods? Check out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's web site for all sorts of info and resources, and download your very own Celebrate Urban Birds Kit for free!

Mother and Son, and a Childhood Bench

2010-06-03T06:58:00.001-07:00
This has nothing whatsoever to do with handmade or crafts or design, but it's uncanny and adorable. Me on the left, Ian on the right 30 years later, same desk and bench... And here are some great "mother and son" art prints I found browsing Etsy, because I just can't hit "Publish" without showcasing some great art or design: 1) art print of original oil painting by Kat Hannah, 2) art print of original acrylic painting by creativethursday, 3) art print of original oil on wood painting by Lisa Hurwitz

Supplies Me! Art + Craft Supply Sale

2010-05-26T20:03:00.000-07:00
Want to get crafty with the best of us? Come on down to the first-ever Supplies Me! Art + Craft Supply Sale presented by Etsy Dallas. This is your chance to get your hands on some great crafty supplies from local handmade talents.

I'll be selling a ton of beads, pendants, charms, tools, and findings straight from my stash to yours. This is your chance to get some of Tefi's most prized possessions: JEWELERY SUPPLIES! Here's a sneak peek of what I will have to offer:

Most of my items up for sale run around $1.50 - some as low as fifty cents! Get lampwork pendants, pearls, pottery shard pendants, clasps, pewter charms, even pliers and cutters! I'll also have a pile of other random crafty supplies like stickers, ribbon and scrap paper. See you there!

WHEN: Saturday, June 26th

WHERE: The Blue Room @ South Side on Lamar

ADDRESS: 1409 S. Lamar, MAP

WHAT: Art + Craft supply sale brought to you by Etsy Dallas

EXTRAS: Free munchies, charity raffle, fun times

Yo-Yo Sculpture Necklaces Debut!

2010-05-25T20:20:00.000-07:00
Nearly a year ago I began making yo-yo sculpture necklaces, but only recently debuted them at the 2nd Annual Spring Bash and the first ever Renegade Austin. I wanted to be sure that I crafted them just right before unleashing them onto the public. Each yo-yo is handsewn from scraps of designer and vintage fabrics. The finished piece is reinforced on the back and hung from silver chain with a spring clasp. Each sculpture necklace takes a few hours to make (both the design process and the actual crafting). I hope you love them as much as I do. Yesterday I listed a handful of these pieces in my Etsy shop after having a little fun over the weekend on a recent photo shoot in my backyard.

My Birthday In Navy, Coral and Lime

2010-05-25T07:34:00.000-07:00
Saturday was my official "oh craps I'm 35" birthday, a.k.a. my second 28th birthday. I spent the day with my mom and Ian blowing money at Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. I so rarely buy myself nice clothes and live by the "spend your wage" rule (no debt, no worries). This means, I had some money in the bank to fuel our wavering economy! In other words, I was a good citizen on Saturday. Just lookie what I gifted myself and my country:
FLORALS

SHOES

NAUTICAL

Go to Public School

2010-05-24T12:02:00.000-07:00
So yeah. I used to teach public school and am not a big fan of it, surprise surprise. What I am a huge fan of is the design collective out of Austin known as Public School. They were at the recent Renegade show with a neat-o photo booth. On my way back from a beer run (one for Tefi, one for Dylan), I decided to stop and get my portrait taken. It looks an awful lot like the ones I had taken from my teaching days. Minus the beers. Or maybe not. Check these guys out: http://gotopublicschool.com/

New Web Design

2010-05-20T22:34:00.000-07:00
I just updated my web site to showcase my logo font and the cool retro typewriter that inspired it. What do you think? http://tefidesigns.com/

I'm Headed to Renegade Austin

2010-05-13T22:26:00.000-07:00
Meet me there? This will be my very first Renegade show, both as a shopper and as a vendor. I'm honored to have been hand-picked among a select 200 from around the nation. Today I scored a treasury and curated it to showcase some of my favorites that will be selling at Renegade this weekend. Couple the excitement of my first Renegade Craft Fair with a long weekend visit to my old stomping ground of Austin, Texas. It has changed so much over the years since I lived there (1993-98), but it's still my beloved little big town. Come on down and be sure to stop by my booth! Pictured clockwise: Crown Bindery, Berkley Illustration, Cut Out and Collect, Nova Rhyme, Rar Rar Press, tefi (that's me!), Karmacrochet, Maryink, Pamela Michelle, Modest Ambition, Laura George, Dowdy Studio

My New Favorite Thing

2010-05-07T21:30:00.000-07:00
I very, very rarely feature other people's handmade jewelry, but this necklace just took my breath away. From the seller's listing: "[Each] bright red, orange, and yellow cherry tomato started as a copper circle that was domed, sifted with enamel, and kiln-fired to perfection. Enameled leafy stems are scattered around the necklace and the tomatoes are connected with sterling silver jump rings so that the necklace moves and drapes just right." I want to freakin' eat this necklace. Gimme gimme!
Cherry Tomato Necklace: $600

http://www.blogger.com/www.EleanorJaneJewelry.etsy.com

Spotted At the Bash: Bradley Whitford

2010-05-03T19:40:00.000-07:00
This is an article I wrote for the Etsy Dallas/Handmade Bash blog. Enjoy! Holy Toledo, Batman! Several vendors - Silla Soup, Hip Hazel Hoops, and Wrap Couture - got a glimpse (and even talked with) super actor, Bradley Whitford at Saturday's insanely fun Spring Bash - our 7th show to date. Best known for his roles in The West Wing and Studio 60 (and lesser known role of a smarmy Fed in A Perfect World), Whitford is in Dallas filming his upcoming TV show The Good Guys. The [ahem, good-lookin'] actor took time out of his busy filming schedule to stop by the Bash in support local artists. Incredible! We are truly humbled and star-struck with his visit. Hey Bradley - did you buy anything? Email us! We are dying to know... More about The Good Guys (from Wikipedia): The series is being filmed primarily in Dallas, Texas and is making use of the Fair Park area as much as possible for its diverse shooting locations and so as not to disturb the residents. The show was originally planned to be set in Los Angeles until Dallas city officials convinced creator Matt Nix to set the show in Dallas. Nix said of Dallas, "It’s a great city to jump on the hood of a car." Production work on the series began in January 2010 and principal photography of the pilot wrapped in early February 2010. Cast members spent time shadowing their real-life Dallas counterparts to prepare for their roles.

This is what crazy looks like.

2010-04-22T21:01:00.000-07:00
Preparing for a huge art/craft event can make a gal go a little cuckoo. As we (me, Pam, Cheyne, Larry, Carrie, et al) prepare for our 7th big show, the following keeps us centered on a somewhat even keel. See you at the Bash!

Pam did this.

I did this.

Playing In the Backyard

2010-04-15T21:34:00.000-07:00
Earth Day is coming up next week, but really isn't every day "earth" day? I mean, yeah, sometimes I feel I'm living on Mars but still. Jason and I try to practice what we preach: we recycle, compost, use canvas shoppers, throw our coffee grounds in the garden, shop locally, grow some veggies, catch rainwater, plant trees, and eat at home as often as possible. In the future, I want chickens! One simple thing we do to celebrate the earth and all that is spend time outside. That's it! Ian, Jason, Oliver and I have a grand time hanging out in the backyard, enjoying nature, playing with rocks and water, talking to the flowers, and yelling at the birds (all Ian). I sometimes make my jewelry out there or work on a crossword puzzle, all the while with an endless cup of coffee (naturally). Jason works in his veggie garden, tending to the blackberries, tomatoes, grapes, cabbage, peppers, and broccoli. Sometimes, I even scoop poop. So you - yeah you! Go outside and play. And if you're in the Dallas area, come on out to the 3rd Annual Oak Cliff Earth Day festival at Lake Cliff park. I'll be selling my handmade jewelry alongside friends Jacky of Texas Tarts and Larry the Kessler Craftsman. Lots of family fun things to do: buy plants, learn to compost, support local green businesses, eat yummy food, adopt a homeless pet, shop local art, and enjoy the spring season. Stop by the Jefferson Median Beautification Project booth, as well. This is a group that I volunteer for and believe in. Our goal is to beautify our little corner of Oak Cliff along Jefferson Boulevard and create a rich urban forest of plants, trees, community art, and walking trails.

Happy 20th Twin Peaks (love you after all these years)

2010-04-08T20:57:00.000-07:00
Like the commentator on this Fresh Air broadcast and this article, my heart skips a beat every time I hear the opening theme song to Twin Peaks, scored by Angelo Badalamenti. In fact, all of the songs on the soundtrack send shivers down my spine, even still, 20 years later. I love you, Twin Peaks. Warm fuzzies always and forever. 1) Log ceramic sculpture by pfleghaar, 2) Sparrow fine art print by urbandesign, 3) Agent Dale Cooper doll by Purrr, 4) The owls are not what they seem. necklace by tefi, 5) Red curtains by DNDYDesign, 6) Dresser drawer knobs by LeilasLoft, 7) Organic fair trade coffee by downtownroasters, 8) Saturday Morning Stroll painting by StudiZen 9) Smell those trees cross stitch by thegreatnorthern, 10) Canyon Waterfall photograph by TheDapperLlama, 11) Vintage percolator by MostlyMadelines, 12) Cherry Pie ACEO by tamaragarvey

Jewelry Spotlight: Cross My Heart

2010-04-06T19:55:00.000-07:00
Hand sewn yo-yo's using designer and vintage fabric make up this statement piece. Each of Tefi's yo-yo necklaces is one of a kind. Lots more available in person at the upcoming Spring Bash in Dallas on May 1st and Renegade Craft Fair in Austin on May 15+16. Price: $32 Materials: fabric, chain, lobster clasp Size: approx 15-7"L, adjustable One-of-a-Kind Available in my Etsy shop

Lookie what I got you for April Fools Day.

2010-04-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

Tefi Loves: Animal Portraits

2010-04-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Enna: enna.etsy.com

Chet Art: chetart.etsy.com

fellow Etsy Dallas member and Bash artist

Berkley Illustration: berkleyillustration.etsy.com fellow Renegade Austin artist

And this is what I look like when I sing karaoke.

2010-03-30T23:17:00.000-07:00
Needless to say, it was for a good cause. We raised $3,500 in support of the 7th Street Mural project. The evening, dubbed Pints for Paint, consisted of free beer samples at the new Eno's Upstairs Pub, camaraderie, and karaoke. Good times - pass the mic:

photo by Andrea Roberts

And hey look! I'm wearing one of my new LiaMolly sweaters purchased on mega-sale at the recent Shecky's. Her booth was the one shining light in the whole place (um...except for the free bars, right Pam?), which was full of imported, trendy, Sam Moon-ish, Made In China yuck-yuck crap-crap. LiaMolly is an indie designer out of New Orleans and my new favorite place for unique knitwear.

Please Let There Be Coffee: Charm Necklace

2010-03-29T22:50:00.000-07:00
Welcome to a new segment on the Tefi blog featuring all things coffee - my drug of choice. At least five times a day I find myself getting up from my desk at work or my studio table at home, heading to the coffee maker and muttering to myself, "Oh god, please let there be coffee." Welcome to my addiction. This adorable little charm necklace features two sterling silver charms - a coffee mug and a coffee bean. Oh yes, please! Gimme gimmie! Buy it at http://www.blogger.com/www.JustJaynes.etsy.com. Necklace is $42 and comes in a gift box. Charms are not crafted by the seller.

Jewelry Spotlight: Cardinal Necklace

2010-03-25T19:45:00.000-07:00
These days it's all about the owl. Or the peacock. Don't get me wrong, I'm just as guiltly as the next designer, but I thought it was time to give a little fauna love to another bird: the cardinal. There's a female who lives in our yard and likes to fight with herself in my driver-side mirror. She flaps her wings and caws at herself, then flits away to perch on the top of the mirror, then starts the dance all over again. I love to watch the theater unfold from my spot on the bed. Here's to you, dear red-feathered friend! Price: $25 Materials: pressed Czech glass, vintage cabochon, toggle clasp Size: approximately 17"L One-of-a-Kind Available in my Etsy shop Other birdy necklaces by Tefi, starring the ever-trendy owl and peacock:

This is my font nightmare.

2010-03-23T07:59:00.001-07:00
Thank you Jason for sending this to me! *shudder*

I'm In Renegade Austin!

2010-03-21T19:18:00.000-07:00
Whoo-hoo!!!!!!!!!!! Last month I applied to Renegade's first Austin show. And I was rejected. I gots sad. But then I got an email yesterday inviting me to be in the show after all. Let me say again, in my most professional voice, "Whoo-hoo!!!!!!!! Dance pants party!!!!!!!!!!" What an honor. I'm going to craft my butt off from now until May. What I don't sell at the 2nd Annual Spring Bash, I'll bring on down to my old stomping ground, Austin TX to sell at Renegade (in addition to lots of new stuff just ripe for Renegade). I'll be with boothmate Patricia of Karmacrochet and next to my friends Pamela Michelle and Cheyne of Cut Out and Collect. Ah, so many good times ahead. For example: BALLS. I just listed a ton of my original needle felted Balls necklaces in my Etsy shop, and plan to list more this week. Check them out! These babies are one-of-a-kind and cannot be duplicated. Balls party time!!

Me & Ian

2010-03-18T20:49:00.000-07:00
My little Ian monster turned 14 months yesterday. Hard to believe! We have fun in the morning. Here we are playing around on the bed just before leaving for work. I had a little Ian fun of my own today by searching "Ian" on Etsy. Here are some great handmade items I found: 1) Ian the Boston Terrier by ANichelleDesign, 2) Ian Pants! by TheCharlotteLetters, 3) Ian Goes Puddle Jumping art print by megalunostudio, 4) Insomniac Ian the Owl by SavageArtworks, 5) Ian the Butterbean by bitofwhimsyprims, 6) Ian Curtis dress (love him to pieces) by IdilViceFashionRocks

Tefi Hates: Drivers Who Don't Wave

2010-03-11T07:36:00.000-08:00
Grumble, grumble. What is wrong with people? I dedicate this collection of handmade goods found on Etsy to all those stinky drivers whom I gladly let in front of me and then...I wait for it...and wait for it... and...they don't wave "thank you." 1) mixed media art print by noodle and lou, 2) note card by larara 3) art print by Susan Wickstrand 4) acrylic painting by Jennifer Davis, 5) my one year old son, Ian, demonstrates the simple concept, 6) hello robot card by sweet harvey letterpress

Fling Into Spring at the Spring Fling!

2010-03-10T21:23:00.000-08:00
Say that ten times fast. I'm super excited about the upcoming 2nd Annual Spring Fling, put on by Jessica and Joe of Funky Finds. It's this Saturday from 9am-3pm in Fort Worth. I participated last year right after my maternity leave ended - hard to believe it's been a year. Sadly, I won't be in this year's Fling due to an overwhelming need to focus on family, work, Tefi Designs, and organizing the upcoming Spring Bash. But a heavy workload never stopped me from shopping! Check out the talent that will be there, all Etsy Dallas friends: Harrilu - screenprinted clothing for women, kids and babies Dowdy Studio - screenprinted men's tees Pamela Michelle - wood art pendants and prints (pictured above) Mama Dee's Boutique - baby and kids clothing Midnight Snack - plushes and repurposed clothing Cut Out and Collect - handbags, pouches, accessories (pictured above) Jane Joss - fabric leaf decor (pictured above) Rimrock View Studio - pottery (pictured above) miamaria - aprons and bags Nerdbomber - bags and pouches Three Yellow Starfish - baby and kids clothing (pictured above) See you at the Fling!

New Pieces Listed - $28 or less!

2010-03-02T23:11:00.000-08:00

I just listed a ton of new pieces: some one-of-a-kind pottery shards (above) , some just cute little nuggets of fashion (below). Sir Pugsley sure didn't last long! All are priced $28 and under. What a deal!

I Love Home

2010-02-19T21:53:00.000-08:00
Each weekday evening at 5:30 I have the distinct honor of switching off my computer, pushing in my ergonomic desk chair, switching off the fluorescent office light and heading down the elevator to my car to meet Ian who always has a smile for me. After saying our good-byes to my mom, Ian and I head home. I love home. It's warm and smells like us. The floors are a little dirty and there are boxes of tiny baby clothes piling up in the front living room, waiting to be hauled away. The IKEA furniture is cheap and the vintage knick-knacks cute. Oliver keeps watch out the front window and barks at the squirrels, opposums and raccoons who live in our back yard. The porch light comes on at dusk and that's when Ian roams the halls, stuffing random items into my purse. We start dinner - something yummy and homemade for all - and tune into something on the TV. (Yes, we watch TV around our toddler, and without apologies.) Life is short and so are our evenings together. At 7 we eat; at 8 Ian gets a bath; at 8:30 I nurse him to sleep. By 10 I'm asleep snuggled next to him; Jason turns in a little later. I love home. Today I bought some incredibly adorable raku house beads (above) handcrafted by Mary of Jubilee. I found her in the latest issue of Stringing magazine where her house beads were featured. I cannot wait to get them and create something sweet and adorable for you. Check back soon to see what I made! (Also pictured: Chubby Little House #75 by Fishstikks)

Tefi Hates: Houseflies

2010-02-09T21:50:00.000-08:00
My house has become infested with giant houseflies. It's a regular Amityville horror at the Catherine Street abode. Jason and I have the blood of at least 50 flies on our hands from the last four days. These buggers are coming from the attic where, undoubtedly, something cute and furry died. It's gross, I know. So I'm looking toward the artsy and crafty to lighten my mood. *swat!* 1) Photograph by livingwithart, 2) Messenger bag by SlipstitchDesigns, 3) Letterpress notecards by PressaRussa, 4) Watercolor print by Sckraps, 5) Jeff Goldblum, the original fly, 6) Art tile by lulunjay And then of course there's this timeless classic.

Retail Blogs I Love

2010-02-04T23:18:00.000-08:00
Anthro: In Our Own Words So not exactly a blog, Anthropologie offers fans and loyalists (hi there!) monthly blog-style email updates about what's brewing over at the mega-gorgeous women's clothing chain. Yesterday I received the February 2010 edition and was immediately blown away by the project they highlight: plastic bottles turned into beautiful flowers. They took it a step further and created beautiful clusters of these upcycled flowers in their shop windows. In case you can't tell, I'm gushing:

Fossil.Life.Style I was recently turned on to Fossil's newish blog after a big mega shopping spree at their employee shop, onsite at their headquarters right here in Big D. I love how they highlight designers (some known, some unknown, all fabulous), but their nod to The Who* is what won me over as a reader. My favorite entries so far on the Fossil blog are the DIY projects. Not that I have enough time to do anything in addition to mommyhood, real job, Tefi Designs, Etsy Dallas, and (whew!) the Handmade Bash. But, I love to see the possibilities of all the things I could be making if only my clone machine was working. *sigh* Free People: Bldg 15 I'm not a huge fan of Free People's clothing line - it's all a little too boho chic for me, but their blog is something else entirely. Sure, they often spend time blogging about their own goods, understandably so, but in between are great blog posts about local happenings, DIY projects and handmade news. Because I'm a little crazy about the ins and outs of merchandizing, my all time favorite posts are ones that give me a glimpse into their shop displays, like this one. Gorgeous! * For a good time, hang back and watch me rock out to "Pinball Wizard" on Rock Band!

Tefi Loves: Groundhogs

2010-02-02T21:45:00.000-08:00
Who knows whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow or not? I can handle 6 more weeks of winter - Texas winter, that is. Here in Dallas it's brisk and sunny. I'll take it! In the meantime, enjoy this collection of groundhogs I found on Etsy: 1) feltidermy by girlsavage, 2) print by Amber Alexander, 3) mug by Rough and Perfect, 4) embroidery pattern by Sara Chung, 5) cabinet knobs by Peg and Awl, and 6) wood doll by mamaroots

How Juicy Is Your Fruit?

2010-01-26T21:16:00.000-08:00
Years ago I designed my first signature piece, the Juicy Fruit (pictured left). Since then, I've sold countless Juicy Fruits and hear compliments on the design everywhere I go. In five years the price has not changed from an affordable $28! These necklaces are made with top-quality pressed glass and silver leaves, and I have earrings available in several different styles. Thinking of purchasing a Juicy Fruit and other necklace(s) from my Etsy shop? Do! They'll come shipped to you in a free gift box! Last month I decided to create some monotone Juicy Fruits for those who prefer one splash of color instead of nine. So far, I've made Blue Raspberry, Pomegranate and Kiwi (pictured below). Coming up soon: Honey, Blueberry, Grape and Pink Grapefruit. Hello yummy!

Tefi Loves: Pods

2010-01-14T21:58:00.000-08:00
I love the perfect compactness of a little seed pod - nature's little neat-and-tidy. Their promise of life makes for an inspiring design element, including my very own original Peapod necklace design, pictured in the final box below. Enjoy these pods I found on Etsy! 1) print on fabric by redbean, 2) handbag by Cut Out and Collect, 3) earrings by Marcus Berkner Jewelry, 4) pod garden art by dkruegerbotanicart, 5) felt peapods by SnapStreet, 6) poppy pods photograph by honeytree, 7) maple seed pod bib by , 8) seeds watercolor painting by GollyBard, 9) peapod pendant necklace by Tefi Designs My Peapods make the perfect gift for a mother, mother-to-be, sister, grandmother, wife, or special secret lady friend. I make them to order based on your specifications (2 peas, 3 peas, large, small, dark green, white pearls...you get the idea). Order one today!

New Designs in my Etsy Shop

2010-01-11T22:50:00.000-08:00
Get to it! Lots of new designs in my Etsy shop to go right along with your new 2010 New Year's resolution: Buy More Tefi Stuff.
Pictured clockwise: 1) Cheyne pottery shard - $42 2) The owls are not what they seem. - $36 3) Pamela pottery shard - $32 4) Mod Drops - $24 5) Bouquet - $28 6) Chandelier - $24 7) Little Miss Dragonfly - $32 8) Stunning - $42 9) Rubik's Cube - $25 10 ) Meeting your Tefi resolution - PRICELESS

Holy Scrap!

2010-01-05T18:16:00.000-08:00
I came home yesterday evening to find this on my doorstep: I noticed that it had a cute ribbon and note written on a chunk of wood, so I knew it wasn't trash or junky spammy stuff. What I never expected was to open it and find this: I nearly had a fabric scrap stroke! Big thanks to my gal (and across-the-street neighbor) Laura of laura davis design lab for giving me these amazing scraps. I am particularly in love with the houndstooth and ticking. Laura is a furniture designer who makes the sweetest aprons and embroidered pillows. Another couple of massive shout outs are in order. First to my close friend Cheyne of Cut Out and Collect, who is not only a daily force of friendship, but who continuously gives me her sweet fabric scraps. Cheyne is a designer and seamstress who makes high quality bags and purses out of super secret special fabric (wink wink). She also runs the Coffee Haus in Arlington where I sell some Tefi goods, as well as Downtown Roasters, a new Etsy shop selling delish roasted coffee beans.
Pictured: zip pouch by Cut Out and Collect, pillow by laura davis design lab, bloomers by Three Yellow Starfish
Secondly, to my gal Margaret of Three Yellow Starfish who - out of nowhere - handed me a huge bag of large fabric scraps. Most of the pieces are hardly scraps at all, but large cuts of fabric that I can definitely put to good use. Margaret is a mom and children's clothing designer who is sending my Ian some rocket robot pants on the house! Margaret is seriously kind and giving. In return, I'm sending her a thank you surprise. So far, I've used these scraps for making brooches and necklaces. Future fabric plans include coffee cozies, banners and buntings. Stay tuned!

Tefi Loves: Robots!

2009-12-31T06:17:00.000-08:00
Ever since I bought a two robot prints at The Girlie Show a couple months ago for Ian's room, I've been robot crazy. For him, of course. I've purchased robot fabric with plans to make a garland for his room spelling out "Ian's Room" and now I see robots everywhere! Here are a few of my favorites: 1) Wall decals by designfruit, 2) Box block by johnwgolden, 3) Messenger bag by rainbowswirlz, 4) Finger puppet by stayawake, 5) Bifold wallet by ThienThanh, 6) Boys' t-shirt by happyfamily 1) Lunch sack by JulieMeyer, 2) Crayon walllet by GetSassed, 3) Art print by falldowntree, 4) Necklace by BellaSmiles, 5) Notecards by zuckerpix, 6) Art print by artandphilanthropy And let's not forget my very own robot creation that I sold over a year ago. He's made with a vintage charm and sterling silver wire wrapped with a crystal. I give you V.I.N.CENT:

Tefi Loves: Birka Scandinavian

2009-12-27T07:11:00.000-08:00
I was heartbroken (and still am) when I couldn't find my beautiful emerald ring with a white gold band that my mom bought for me in Colombia. I wanted to replace it with something equally as beautiful and meaningful, and that's when I found Marie of Birka Scandinavian. She was so patient as we went back and forth creating the perfect custom ring order: 1 garnet band for Ian, one citrine band for Jason, and one emerald band for me - all our birthday stones. I wasn't sure what my ring size was, so for $3 I purchased her ring sizer and came out to the perfect fit - 7-1/4. According to Marie, she buys her gems and silver from very reputable suppliers in the US. The sterling silver is 92.5 % or higher in silver content, but on her thin bands she doesn't stamp "sterling" as this would distort the wire. Any independent certified gemologist and assayer is capable of confirming the composition of a stone and the purity of the metal. In other words, you're guaranteed to get something beautiful, affordable, and authentic when you get a piece of jewelry from Birka Scandinavian. Anyone who knows me knows that I rarely, if ever, where another person's jewelry. I like to be my own walking billboard for my own jewelry. But other than Pam's "Ian" pendant she made for me, and now my Birka rings - I stick strictly to Tefi Designs. The rings arrived a few days ago, and Jason presented them to me as my Christmas gift from him. GORGEOUS. Tack, Marie!