Sneak Peek!

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!

Look at my hot fake husband.

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.

Lots (and lots) of New Pieces

Today I managed to be a mom, hang with Pam, Dylan and Cheyne at Spiral Diner, go to the Peace Fest in Oak Cliff to see Mandi and Larry, meet Jennifer of Textile Fetish, and photograph and list 15 new necklaces.

No, I am not taking amphetamines. Yet.

By the by, all of my crafty friends named above and I will be at the 2nd Annual Jingle Bash. We're doing it again this year, even bigger and better with over 50 hand-picked vedors just oozing with handmade talent. Come on by the Sons of Hermann Hall of November 21st and see for yourself!

Take a peek and visit my Etsy shop to purchase these one-of-a-kind pieces! Some of favorites:

Mark Your Calendars!

We at Etsy Dallas are planning our first annual Spring Fling. Save the date and save your dollars so you can stock up on local handmade art and crafts!

When: Saturday, May 16th

Time: 11am-5pm

Where: South Side, 1409 S Lamar, Dallas

Cost: FREE!

Why: Over 40 local artists and crafters, Free raffle, and Make-&-Take crafts for the whole family!

I'm In the Paper! Part 1

Today Oak Cliff People, a branch of People Newspapers in Dallas, featured yours truly in a Q&A session. Here's the content (below), and here's a link:



Age: 33

Occupation: I work professionally as a grant writer/fundraiser for the Vogel Alcove Childcare Center for the Homeless, a local non-profit. At night, I’m a crafting maniac, focusing mostly on jewelry, needle felting, and fabric crafts.

What is your favorite word? “discombobulated” – I love the way it crashes out of my cheeks and off my tongue. It’s too bad you can’t be “combobulated” since that seems to be a more preferable state than discombobulation.

What is your least favorite word? “taxes”

What is the best part of your job? Professionally, I get to write and do research all day, which I love, and the end result is providing free care and developmental services for very young children living in poverty. As for the crafting side of my occupation, I love being a leader in the local handmade movement. I founded and lead Etsy Dallas, a local craft collective of over 100 artisans. We put on two big art/craft shows a year, and I’ve come to find that I really love event-planning.

What’s your single favorite thing about Oak Cliff? I love the people. The feeling of community is very strong here, and there’s a warmth I haven’t found in any other part of Dallas. It’s like living in a tight-knit, hip small town with the view of the downtown skyline in my back yard.

What’s your least favorite thing about Oak Cliff? We’ve recently been hit by robberies and break-ins in my sweet little hamlet of North Cliff. That has us all mobilizing to do something about it. So I guess, it’s a blessing in disguise in that it’s bringing the neighborhood even closer together.

After your death, how would you like to be remembered? I’d like to be remembered as a benevolent leader and out-spoken trailblazer who wanted to make her corner of the world a better place.

What is your greatest pet peeve? People who react without thinking things through. It makes sense that this is also one of my biggest character flaws.

What is your guilty pleasure? midnight episodes of Golden Girls on Lifetime

What is your favorite quote? “Walk softly and carry a big stick. You shall go far.” I’m a huge fan of Teddy Roosevelt.

What hidden talents do you have? Hidden? I don’t really hide things well. I’m an open book. I guess most people don’t know that I can walk on my feet with my toes completely curled under. It creeps people out at parties and I just love that. I can thank early years of ballet for this “talent.”

If you wrote a book, what would it be about and why? I would write a collection of short stories, and if I’m lucky they would be half as good as anything by Flannery O’Conner.

What is something people don’t know about you? I’d like to start a movement to make coffee the 6th food group. In my world, it’s a daily requirement.

Name a local hero. My heroes are the trailblazing French and Belgian founders of the original La Reunion. I betcha they walked softly and carried very big sticks. While La Reunion as a utopia failed in the end, it wasn’t for lack of trying. It’s existence shaped what Oak Cliff is today – a haven for creative types who aren’t afraid to take risks.

2008 Fall OCA Show

Hope to see you all at the 2008 Oak Cliff Artisans Fall Show this weekend. Shop for pottery, jewelry, glass art, photography, wearables, & more!



Tefi Designs will be having a big blow-out CLEARANCE sale of most beaded jewelry. So get the jump on your holiday shopping and give the gift of local, handmade love.

- FREE gift wrap while supplies last.
- FREE smiles all weekend long.
- FREE shipping online at my Etsy shop.

When: Saturday the 15th, 10am-5pm & Sunday the 16th, noon-5pm
Where: At the beautiful and historic Kidd Springs Park in north Oak Cliff
Address: 711 W. Canty (the first exit just off I-30 from downtown Dallas)
Click Here for a Map

2008 Jingle Bash Featured Artists

For the past several weeks I've been working my tail off co-organizing Etsy Dallas' 1st Annual Jingle Bash. A million thanks to my crafty gal pal Pamela Michelle for stepping into the leader role for this event since I am belly-deep into my third trimester. Yay Pampers!

Needless to say, we at Etsy Dallas are super-duper excited to present you with the following Jingle Bash Featured Artists. Show some love; click on the following links and check out their Etsy shops! No time like the "present" to begin your holiday shopping...



Clockwise from top left:
Nerdbomber - wallets, bags, clutches
Bijoujuju - art pendants
Sassy Hoops - hula hoops for kids and adults
Tefi Designs - gemstone, wire, and felted jewelry
Going Coastal - beaded and hemp jewelry
Karma Crochet - knitwear and accessories
Alicia Colina-Ashby - recycled, repurposed housewares
Official Jingle Bash logo
Designing Diva - glassware, metal and glass jewelry
Pinkfairywand Creations - art pins, prints, candles
Pamela Michelle - art pendants and prints
Cut Out & Collect - bags, clutches, wallets
Freeforged - metalsmith jewelry
SugarLoveHoney - children's clothing and goods
Earth Essences - beaded jewelry
Official Etsy Dallas logo

MARK YOUR CALENDARS ALREADY!! This is going to be a mega-super off the hook craft show that you do not want to miss. It's 100% volunteer-run and we aren't keeping a dime for ourselves (really!). It all goes back to the team to work towards promoting our crafts and the handmade movement in general.

So get yer shoppin' done early this year, buy American, and support your local artists and crafters!

Money Woes Turn Happy!

In the wake of WaMu, Wachovia, Lehman Bros., AIG, Fannie Mae, etc. etc. etc. why not show the economy and U.S. Treasury a little love?

Now don't go emptying out those savings accounts and stuffing your cash under your matress. That won't do! Instead, don a Tefi Designs' fashion button accessory made with money-printed fabric!



Necklace: Made with a 1.5 inch pendant on silver-plated chain or wire choker
Bobby Pins: Made with 3/4 inch buttons on silver-plated pins
Ring: Made with 7/8 inch button on adjustable ring base
Bookmark: Made with 1 1/8 inch buttons on silver-plated bookmarker

Contact Tefi Designs today to purchase!

Instant Karma

Things have been silent on the Tefi blog front as of late. Cannot believe how busy I've been with pregnancy, family crisis-y type stuff, Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash planning, and work - you'd think raising money for homeless kids would be easy, but in this economic climate? Eesh. Fuggedaboudit.

So my crafty endeavors have suffered a bit, become secondary. Short of a few chunky beaded necklaces for myself, I haven't done much at all lately! Shame too, since I have so many completed pieces yet to be photographed and shared with the world (and in my Etsy shop). But I continue to get a sale here and there, and it always makes me smile - instant karma! I feel lucky to be able to outfit and adorn women around the world with my jewelry.

That said, here are a few of my favorite pieces for sale at my Etsy shop. Purchase a Tefi original today!

Let's Get Ready to Jingle!

Mark your calendars, folks. It's nearly time to kick off the holiday season!



Etsy Dallas, who first brought you the famous Beer-B-Q trunk show, is doing it again - even bigger and better this time. The First Annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash will be held at the historic Sons of Hermann Hall at 3414 Elm St. in Dallas on November 22nd from 3pm-10pm.

The show will feature over 40 local artists and crafters, live music, karaoke, great food, and a full bar. There is no cost to the public for admission or entertainment. While this show will be family-friendly, the vibe will be a fun, night-time holiday bash full of handmade love and good times. Think of it as a party - not your typical craft show!

Stay tuned to the Etsy Dallas blog for updates on this one-of-a-kind local shopping experience.

Show Pony Flyer

Check it out - Tefi Designs is listed as a Featured Vendor. Can't wait to see you there!

Pamelita's Flyer

Too often I forget to mention the super-awesome craft collective I belong to - Etsy Dallas - and founded, um, by the way!

The leadership team (LT) is revving up for the coolest, most awesomest, most fantastic holiday show Dallas has ever seen (Can you tell I'm excited?), and I have to give my girl Pam of Pamela Michelle some major props for leading this particular show and taking care of our team graphics, to boot!

As you all now know, I'm going to be late into my third trimester by the time we hold our show on November 22nd, so Pam has bravely agreed to be the leader of this here crafty bash. The rest of us on the LT are also working our tails off to make this show rock. More details to come...

And while I'm bragging on Pammers, check out her latest design for a general team flyer (up top). Awesome work, Pam Pants

Show Pony Show

Join me and my gal Brenda of B.Liscious for a day of handmade shopping fun! This August 17th we'll be at the Continental Lofts in Deep Ellum for the Show Pony Show from 11am-7pm.

This may be my last show for awhile SO PLEASE COME SEE ME and take advantage of all my great "Preggie Promotions." I'll have some items discounted up to 20%, a free pair of earrings for any purchase of $100 or more, AND a free necklace giveaway - give me your email address and I'll sign you up for a drawing to win one of my handmade beaded necklaces!

And don't miss out on some of my new items: fabric wall art, coffee cup cozies, coasters, and Kitty Nippers (copyright) catnip toys. Wow!

In addition to selling my own handmade goods, I'll be working the Etsy Dallas table with my fellow EDers helping out with a fun "progressive craft" project. Shoppers will be encouraged to make their own crafty bookmark to take home with them - at no charge! Look for the Etsy Dallas table to participate and also to enter to win all sorts of free goodies. Celebrate the handmade movement in Dallas!

Adios, Madagascar

One of my long-time favorite necklaces is gone to Pennsylvania. The Madagascar, made with a real Thai orchid and freshwater pearls, sold last week and I was happy to shine it and wrap it up nice and snug for my Etsy customer.



I also saw that orchids like these are for sale at Free People. They cost $20 less than mine, only they are strung willy-nilly on a plain cord. Bright and colorful, but a little boring!

Sale Ends Tomorrow!!

Whew! I've been a busy little beaver lately. Not with my Tefi line, but with this. I'm a little factory, and I have been exhausted most of these past few days.

In celebration of hitting 100 sales in my Etsy shop a few weeks ago, I waived all shipping and handling charges (domestic and jewelry only) for the month of May. So you've got 2 days left to take advantage of this offer as it ends tomorrow night. Just check out some of the goodies in my shop:

A Long Circuitous Path necklace: $22


Word Up! cameo bobby pin: $7.50


Let's Stick Together earrings: $14.50

FAME! I'm Gonna Live For...a Few Minutes

Making it on the front page of Etsy.com was bittersweet. Sweet, because I got some major face time on the premiere international online marketplace for all things handmade; bitter because I missed seeing it and reveling in the greatness.

Here's the item that was featured, my Dark Crystal bracelet - and it's still up for sale! It was featured alongside a fellow EDer's handmade item, a coffe cup cozy by Patricia of Karma Crochet:



This instant and fleeting fame of mine was due to my grant writing skillz. No, really! See, I wrote a grant request (with input and edits from my trusty leadership team), and we were accepted for some grant funds to help defray the costs of our big ol' rockin' indie craft event - the infamous Beer-B-Q.

Check out the Etsy article here!

Shopping at the Beer-B-Q

The 1st Annual Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q is a mere five days away. Are you ready?

When you come out to support your local artists and crafters, please bring plenty of CASH as many of our indie handmade vendors will not be able to accept credit cards. But remember: The food and drinks are FREE!!

Check out all of the great Etsy Dallas members who will be at the trunk show:

Alicia Colina-Ashby - cigar box home goods
Atom-In - resin jewelry, magnets, bags
B.liscious - bags, photography, journals
Bending Light Studio - photography, prints
Carol Vega - art print jewelry
Designing Diva - glass & metal jewelry
ebraunnagel - bags, purses
Freeforged - fine metal jewelry
HipHazel - ceramicware
Honeydew Baby - hair bows, kids' clothes
HOUNDMADE - dog accessories
Karma Crochet - crocheted housewares, blankets
Kathy D. Keith - art, prints, cards
Kessler Craftsman - glass art, lamps, votives
Lena Studio - fine metal jewelry
Little Cookie - kanzashi hair accessories, plushies, bags
Memopause - notebook necklaces
Menagerie - clay home art and accessories
Miamaria - purses, aprons
Modest Ambition - crocheted clothes and accessories
Pamela Michelle - art pendants, prints, paintings
Purple Toes - beaded jewelry
Sadie's Things - antiqued brass jewelry
Scribbles - beaded pens
SugarLoveHoney - blankets, tutus, baby clothes
Tefi Designs - felted jewelry, hair goods
The Carpenter Collection - beaded jewelry
The Plaid Mushroom - Lip balms & key chains
TP Design - paintings, home décor, cards
XY Factory - baby goods, maternity clothes

Originally I posted this on the Etsy Dallas blog. Check it out!

Olives update: 72 + 3 I already had made (Yeah, I cheated.)

Not Frazzled

I did my first art/craft show back in October 2006. I can't believe I've been at this for a year and a half now! It's gotten to where it feels like old hat, and I'm enjoying the "night befores" more and more.

In fact, I was done - I mean DONE done - by 10pm tonight. I started around 7:30pm, added a few last-minute items to my cache, packed everything up, and loaded my Element. (I didn't know I could love a car so much.)

The lesson I've learned: simplify. I cut out one gridwall from my set-up plan, managed to get all of my display items into one tub, and opted to bring only certain collections to sell tomorrow. For the first time I will not be putting out items that are also listed in my Etsy shop. I've never oversold anything, but the possibility always stressed me out.

I'll also be selling all sorts of things I've had for so long and never quite managed to put out there: eyeglasses chains, name badge necklaces, kitschy earrings, Escapularios, and a ton of red-lined SALE items. I'll have free gift wrap for anyone who wants it!

See you tomorrow at the Bazaar. If you don't come, I'll cry. That's how much I love you.

Olives update: 62

Paging Donna Reed

While I'm pretty sure you won't ever catch me wearing a hoop skirt and petticoat in public, you will see me wearing an apron at tomorrow's Urban Street Bazaar. Thanks to Miss Pamelita, the ED leadership team now has aprons with our official logo (which she designed back in October).

The original plan was to wear them at the BBQ, but it seems we will be debuting them en force this weekend. So look for the bright blue and orange colors and stop by our booths to show some crafty love. I mean, just look at how cute they are (that's Pam!):



Olives update: 56

Diana Droopy Eyes, Mouth Breathin' Betty, Slouchy McGee, Frightened Frida

an evening with Gladys Knight at the Meyerson
(Jen, Jenn, me, Mami)