Wiksten s/s12

I was perusing Miss Moss today when I found a preview of the new Wiksten s/s12 collection and wanted to share.   Wiksten is a small quantity line, with designer Jenny Gordy designing and making each garment by hand in her Iowa City studio.  Jenny’s aesthetic is simple, utilitarian, and definitely not uber feminine which is why ladies like Lauren and Natalie and I are big fans.  The collection will be sold online at the Wiksten shop mid to end June, however, with such a large cult following, the line will most definitely sell out in record time.  If you miss out on the collection, Wiksten also makes select sewing patterns so that you can try your hand at home.

The images below were taken by Jennifer Causey, of The Makers {another great blog for another post}

Custom Stationery {DIY}

I went into my stationery drawer this morning to grab a thank you card and rediscovered some wonderful cards that Jessica made for me a few years back.  These little customized note cards are so easy its silly that I haven’t made more and shared the love.  With a modern sewing machine, a box of letter stamps, and some stock notecards and envelopes, you can have an instant hostess gift, housewarming present, or shower gift.

Start by picking you desired decorative stitch and thread with a contrasting color to the card stock you have chosen.  Add a border, some stripes, or a little decorative corner.  Use your imagination but just don’t forget to open the envelope before you sew on it!  Jess left the threads loose which I thought was a nice undone touch.  It also keeps you from having to figure out how to finish them.  This is kind of my rule with many things- figure out how to make the simpler option seem intentional and elegant.  That’s about it!  Super easy, fun, and completely useful!

Old Becomes New

Wow!  Last week was a bit crazy with both WEST and Renegade Austin, but with the help of my new assistant extraordinaire, Sara, we conquered it!  It took a little time to get the shop and the studio back in order but now I am feeling ready to tackle new projects {and new blog posts}!

Every spring and change in fashion and style I usually find myself wanting to change something at the house, bring in some color, or a new statement decor accessory.  Without the budget to always go and staisfy this whim, I am constantly looking to update things I already own {like just dye it}.  This spring and summers hot trends of color blocking and ombre can easily be applied to simple and often inexpensive pieces you already own.  Its a great way to feel up to date and get excited about something without having to break the bank.  Here are a few inspirational images I snagged from Kirsty to get your creative juices flowing. And if you are too scared to tackle a piece of furniture at this time, grab some bamboo serving spoons, some terracotta pots, or simple wooden beads and start small!

Renegade Austin

If you didnt get our email blast, then this is news to you!  We are trekking across Barton Springs Rd this weekend and setting up shop at the Renegade Handmade Festival.  We will be showcasing our new S12 collection and some fantastic one-of-a-kinds, and everyone’s favorite classics!  We’ll be sharing booth #45 with our good friends Son of a Sailor so please stop by and say hi!  And by the way, you should totally sign up for our email blasts!

WEST & Haley Lebeuf

The first annual WEST Austin Studio Tour is upon us this weekend and fail Studios is participating as an official stop {stop #025}!  WEST,  the sister tour to the popular EAST held every fall in East Austin, is a self guided trek through Austin’s extraordinary creative culture.  Artists open their doors, inviting the public to enjoy the rare experience of seeing the inner workings of an artist’s studio and get to know their community better.

Schatzelein is also proud to announce that we will also be showcasing new works by Austin jewelry designer Haley Lebeuf beginning this weekend!  Haley and I worked together in our past lives at Shaesby and has been helping me with custom requests here in the shop, but this is the first time we are bringing in some of her signature prong set pieces.  Haley will be hanging out with me in the shop on Saturday from 11-4, just in case you needed an extra reason to come by!  Did I mention there will also be wine!

Below is a sneak peek of Haley’s work, you can view a digital copy of the WEST catalog here, and view an interactive map here.  We will have a small number of the always amazing catalogs and maps here in the shop but you have to come by early to snag one!

 

We are making jewelry now…

Natalie forwarded me this sketch last night and I just had to share!  I recently started watching Portlandia on watch instantly and of course, I love it!  Honestly, the show could be called Austinia {yeah, it doesnt work as well} and it would be just as appropriate!

Even though someone in my position might take offense, get self conscious, or start hating on all the other new found jewelry artists, I choose to take a different approach.  I think that we all have to find some humor in ourselves and in our world, and not always take ourselves so seriously.  If we keep doing what we are doing, to the best of our ability, with passion, creativity, and enormous amounts of positive energy, we can be confident in our mission.  So, with that said, enjoy, laugh, and make fun of yourself a little.  I am sure Portlandia has a skit tailor made for you too!

Girls Guild

I wanted to tell you all about a pretty amazing project under way here in Austin.  Girls Guild is the brain child of Cheyenne Weaver and Diana Griffin.  Their goal is to create a community for artists, designers and craftswomen to teach their skills, or to find help producing their work.  Their pilot program now under way is focused on bringing in teenage girls to learn a particular skill or craft from an established artist.

So, if you have something to offer {like a desire to uplift and inspire eager young women} or you are on the other end, needing and wanting some inspiration, guidance, and a few new friends, you should check them out!  They are currently offering 5 class summer session with designer Aspen Golann, focused on designing and construction furniture!  Also,  keep your eyes peeled for a class that I should be teaching in the future on the basics of building and Etsy shop!

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Kitchen Scrubber {DIY}

I found this DIY in my daily Remodelista email this morning and wanted to share it with you {they snagged the DIY from 3191 Miles Apart}.  I am always wanting something better than a kitchen brush and nicer than a sponge.  This is the perfect compromise and is totally a great way to get back into knitting {or a great first knitting project}.

Begin with a refresher on simple knitting via YouTube.   Pick up some generic coarse jute twine like this from Home Depot and two medium sized knitting needles from a hobby or fabric store like JoAnns.  Cast on 12 stitches and begin to build a long rectangle.

Once you can fold the rectangle over on itself to make a square, cast off, and you are done knitting.  Use some wool stuffing, water resistant and naturally anti-bacterial, or a natural sponge for the center, and close the edges with a simple blanket stitch.  The ladies at 3191 Miles Apart chose to use a black thread to finish off their scrubber but I think this is where you can have fun!  Choose something bright, like a hot pink or a royal blue, a ribbon, or a decorative strip of anything that catches your attention.  Violia, you are finished!  I wonder if this work as a body loofa?

Etsy Registry {finally!}

Finally, Etsy has done what Jessica and I have been wishing for the past year, a Wedding Registry!  Unfortunately it is a little late for her wedding, but definitely not too late for mine!  I am a big fan of online registries in general but this takes it to another level.  The idea of receiving only artisan made pieces for your big day just makes the entire occasion even more special.  I think that wedding gifts should be functional at the least {we can all use some help building out a new home} but should also include pieces that will be special mementos for your life together.  My parents received a set really nice beer glasses with etched ”U” and “D”.  Although they didnt use them often, there was always a story that came along when they were pulled out on special occasions.  That is what I am talking about!  Below are a few items that would be great additions to any registry!

white oak salt & pepper mills . $165

porcelain hanging planters, set of 3 . $110

porcelain nesting bowls . $130

hexagon shelves, set of 3 . $174

linen pillow cover . $60

painted wooden spoons, set of 4 . $24

Mother’s Day In The Bag {literally}

Once again, Schatzelein, Mercedes Flowers, and La Patisserie join forces to present the perfect Mother’s Day gift!

For $80 you get a bouquet of freshly cut flowers, a box of 12 delicious macarons {so yummy!} or breakfast pastries, and your choice of custom handmade earrings!  Basically, its Mother’s Day in a bag!

Place an order to reserve your Sweet Suite no later than Wednesday, May 9th, and pick up your complete package in time for Mother’s Day!  We are also offering delivery on Mother’s Day in the 78704 zip code for an additional $15.

Click here to see all earring options.

To order, call or email us at 512.382.0969 or info@schatzeleinaustin.com.  Get one more thing marked off your list!