Debbie Carroll Designs

How about Tumbr?

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:44:00 +0000

For some time I've toyed with idea of changing up venues for my blog. While I like the way Blogspot looks, it isn't very intuitive for me and therefore my postings are VERY far and few between!

My husband, Mike, LOVES Tumbr and has encouraged me to give it a try.

So, I'm signed up and ready to fill a new blank slate (and it is literally blank right now), with news of 2012. I primarily want it to be forum to keep people up to date on my art and jewelry, but will be throwing in some other items of interest to me - fashion, travel, and culture in general.

If you have arrived at this page and want to see what I'm up to, please visit me on:

http://www.debbiecarroll.tumblr.com

Oh, and the new website (in addition to my Etsy shops)!

http://www.debbiecarrolldesigns.com

Thanks!

Turquoise Tuesday - Resurrected!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:03:00 +0000

The dog days of Summer are here, and while I enjoy some down time, it is very hard to keep a schedule and get much done....with two boys home, there is endless laundry and endless eating (i.e. shopping, cooking and cleaning up) to go along with the "endless" summer. But as we know, it will all be over in the blink of an eye, and it will be back to the school routine, so we will enjoy it while we can!

That said, I was very pleased to finally get some shots of new pieces for today's Turquoise Tuesday post - not the real thing, but the turquoise lucite is a great look for summer and one of my all time favorite materials to use in designing jewelry!

Enjoy, and be sure to check out some *new* items in my Etsy shop!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49957598/turquoise-tuesday-gumball-necklace-in

TURQUOISE TUESDAYS & MOTHER'S DAY UPDATE!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:39:00 +0000

Although it's been a while since I've posted, I have not been slacking off...I've been busy making lot's of new designs for last weekend's Lone Star Ladies show and for my upcoming Annual Mother's Day Sale! The show will take place over two days, April 28th & 29th, from 9am to 3pm AND from 6 to 8pm on Wednesday, and 9am to 3pm on Thursday, special offers will include buy 2 pair of earrings receive the 3rd pair free -OR- 20% off your entire purchase! I will post all the details on my Facebook Fanpage this week! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Debbie-Carroll-Designs-Art-Jewelry/171141211086?ref=ts

For those of you who were unable to attend The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin, be sure to plan on attending their future events, there was a fantastic array of goods from some of the most talented (and fun) artisans in Austin, along with a few new ones from Dallas and Houston! A great time was had by all, and there was even homemade pie and gourmet chocolate & popcorn!

I had a great show, and the icing on the cake was getting awarded the first place prize for the Vendor Booth Contest sponsored by Texas Store Fixtures; I now have a $300 gift certificate to spend at their store and a "big check/gift certificate"! I feel even more flattered due to the stiff competition, including friends & fellow artisans Christine Terrell of Adaptive Reuse, http://adaptivereuser.com/home.html and Kristen Pumphrey of Pomme Frites, http://www.pommefrites.etsy.com/ who were awarded 2nd and 3rd place - congrats! It was very exciting and very unexpected!

This week's featured item was chosen because turquoise & copper are a hot combination with lot's of appeal! http://www.etsy.com/listing/45187671/turquoise-tuesday-copper-canyon-turquois

TURQUOISE TUESDAYS!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:27:00 +0000

I've been wanting to add some new items to my Etsy shops for ages now, but have been bogged down with the paperwork and accounting side of business - inventory and taxes....not one of my favorite aspects of doing business!

So, it was really nice to get back to showing some new designs, most of which will be debuting at the upcoming Lone Star Ladies show in Austin on April 17th:

http://thelonestarladies.com/SA/shopaustin_home.html

You will be getting more info on the show closer to the date, so stay tuned!

In the meantime here is this week's Turquoise Tuesday offering - perfect for Spring!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43822743

TURQUOISE TUESDAYS - Back from Dallas!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:43:00 +0000

Friday night's reception at the Artisan Style gallery in Dallas, proved to be exciting with a larger-than-expected crowd to view our art! I finally met fellow artists, Gina Marie Dunn, Michelle Stroesu and Kate Wickham in person and was amazed at how great our art looked hanging side by side! The show runs through April 3rd, so for those of you in the Dallas area wishing to see it, be sure to stop by, or check it out online: http://www.artisanstyle.net/ and http://www.artisanstyle.net/#/gallery/46/0

I visited Brandon & Steve, the owners of Artisan Style, at the Dallas Flea the following day & can't wait to get back up there for the next one - lot's of cool wares and vintage goodies - I spotted a really cute purple and white 1950's sundress and am kicking myself for not trying it on.....

Today's turquoise item? This very much photographed and painted truck that sits in front of the Arroyo Seco Mercantile, a favorite subject of mine:

Originally $40, offered for $28 this week!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37398048

"Uncommon Ground" show begins Friday, March 12th!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:08:00 +0000

I missed posting for "Turquoise Tuesday" this week, because I'm gearing up for the reception and opening of the show "Uncommon Grounds" beginning at Artisan Style in Dallas on March 12th - April 3rd!

If you are from the Dallas area, be sure and drop by, the reception will be from 6 to 9pm on Friday, and if you miss us, the show will be up until April 3rd.

I'm very proud & excited to be showing my work with three very talented women, Gina Marie Dunn, Kate Wickham and Michelle Stroescu and can't wait to see all of our work hung together - it is guaranteed to be very colorful!

For more details on the gallery, be sure to visit:

http://www.artisanstyle.net/

Here are a few of the pieces that will be in the show!

TURQUOISE TUESDAYS & GEM JUNKIE!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:34:00 +0000

This week's special feature + cool stones from Kelly Pratlett of Gem Junkie - check out her shop on Etsy!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/GemJunkie

I so want to use these cool beads in a project! Kelly has tons of beautiful
beads and stones in her shop, **almost** too many to choose from :)

Skulls:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41796265

Mosaic Stones: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40739702

Featured this week is my "Muy Caliente" necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10983565

TURQUOISE TUESDAYS! THINKING ABOUT SPRING....

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:21:00 +0000

I am SO ready for Spring, we have had enough of the cold, nasty weather - it's actually sleeting here in Austin today!

With that in mind, I thought it would be nice to for today's Turquoise Tuesday featured items to be something to make us think of warm weather, sunshine and best of all, summer clothes!

I love white and turquoise together, especially with the pop of lemon yellow; a fresh color combination that would be just the thing with a crisp white sundress or to punch up a plain white t-shirt!

The Lilypad Necklace - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26052195
Featherweight Earrings - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=26052878

And please be sure to visit my Etsy shop for more designs! debbiecarroll.etsy.com/

Meet Gina Dunn, A Featured Artist from Artisan Style! Upcoming Show, "Uncommon Ground", March 12th in Dallas

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:58:00 +0000

With the upcoming group show at Artisan Style, rapidly approaching, I'd like to introduce fellow artist Gina Dunn whose wonderful work will be feautured!

The theme of the show is "Uncommon Ground" and this title is a perfect description of Gina's art, especially her lovely depictions of trees - a common subject, but presented by Gina with a fresh perspective!

Name: Gina Marie Dunn

Education: BA in Communitcations/Public Relations from Loyola University New Orleans, Minor in Studio Arts

Current City/Hometown: live in Dallas, originally from Brooklyn, NY

Tell me about your work in one sentence. With the subject matter of my paintings varying from cellular abstractions to modern landscapes, there is a dreamlike, organic aspect to my work that pervades.

Describe your normal day. What would your *ideal* day be like? On a "Normal" day, I am up at 6:00 a.m. to get in a run before my husband and three kids are up at 7:30 (I am training for my sixth half marathon), then hubby is off to work and the kids and I spend the morning either hanging out outside if weather permits, playing with toys, or going to and from activities. While the kids take afternoon naps I usually get some time to paint out in my studio. Painting time has been very limited lately with the arrival of our third child just two and a half weeks ago, but I look forward to painting more when the baby gets on a more regular schedule in the next few months. Right now I am just trying to enjoy my kids as much as possible because they grow so fast.

What are your passions? my family, art, yoga, writing

What are your goals? to become an internationally recognized artist

Who are your creative influences? Marc Chagall, Vincent Van Gogh, Joseph Cornell, Frida Kahlo

Are there any other relevant experiences that shaped who you are today and what you do? It is in my blood to create. My mother is an amazing artist who has taught me so much about painting. I still have so much to learn from her. She's the only one in my family who will give me an honest critique! :)

Is there anyone (celebrity, dead, alive, in your life) that you really look up to as an inspiration? While pregnant with my third child, I have painted more than I ever have in my life. The pregnancy was a very difficult one, full of concerns and worries, and to process all of the stressful news we received I took the term "art therapy" to a while new level. I took bouts of insomnia and turned them into productive hours in the studio. Luckily our prayers were answered and our son was born perfect and healthy, but the experience of carrying him has changed me forever, and I lovingly call him my little muse. I feel some of my best work has been created in the past nine months.

What motivates you on a daily basis? Do you have a "guilty pleasure" that you can't miss out on to get you going? On a daily basis, I am motivated by fresh air, sunshine and the laughter of my children. My "guilty pleasure" comes at the end of the day when the kids are in bed and my husband and I cuddle on the couch and indulge in our favorite TV shows and nightly dessert of chocolate chip cookies or an ice cream sundae. I would rather run five miles every day mainly so I can enjoy dessert at night!

What's your working style? Do you work for 12 hours straight nonstop, or do you take lots of breaks? Although I could easily work the day away if given the opportunity (I have too many ideas for my own good sometimes), being the mother of three children under four simply does not allow for that. Instead, I work in spurts, whenever I can carve some time out of the day, whether that is late in the evenings, early mornings, on Fridays when I have help at home, just whenever.

What are your websites/social networking links?
website: web.mac.com/utopiapkwy

Follow my art blog http://utopiapkwyarts.blogspot.

Etsy site: http://www.etsy.com/shop/UtopiaPkwyArtStudi0

Twitter: @lvartmom

Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=32300883549&ref=ts

TWO FOR TURQUOISE TUESDAYS TODAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:33:00 +0000

Not too long ago, a woman emailed to say that she really loved a necklace of mine that she had purchased from the Haberdashery Boutique when visiting Fredericksburg. Unfortunately on the trip home she left her bag - with the necklace in it - on the airplane and arrived home to find no necklace!

She asked if I could make another, so I'm searching for more vintage coral pressed glass, but in the meantime was inspired to make these two designs similar to (but not exactly like) the original!

Flower Press Necklace
All Tied Up Turquoise Necklace

For a variety of turquoise designs be sure to visit my shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/debbiecarroll

THIS WEEK'S TURQUOISE TUESDAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:30:00 +0000

Turquoise doesn't always have to be paired with silver, or even metal; it's such a versatile stone it really can be mixed with a multitude of materials.

In this week's featured piece, turquoise actually plays a supporting role, letting this lovely vintage bakelite pendant take center stage. Other organic elements such as carved bone, and wonderfully smooth vintage wooden beads, lend their stage presence as well.

For more turquoise designs, please be sure to visit my Etsy store, where I also have some Valentine goodies on hand...if you need to drop a hint, feel free to forward the link!
http://www.debbiecarroll.etsy.com

To view this week's sale item: http://bit.ly/bThleE

The Haberdashery Boutique & Jill's Forecast for 2010!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:49:00 +0000

One of my favorite places to shop - anywhere - is the Haberdashery Boutique in Fredericksburg, Texas. Owner, Jill Elliott, who also happens to be one of my favorite people, loves all things vintage as I do, and her vision of a "modern vintage boutique" is right on the mark! With Valentine's Day approaching, a trip to Fredericksburg and The Haberdashery Boutique, would be a great way to spend the day or the weekend!

Jill carefully selects beautiful and beautifully made clothing with a vintage flair (no troublesome stains or vintage wear and tear to worry about) and to-die-for accessories like hats, shoes, handbags, headbands & jewelry. I met Jill at the Austin Christmas Affair a few years ago, and knew her shop would be the perfect place for my jewelry, and it has been a wonderful and enjoyable partnership ever since! The gorgeous pieces I've purchased from Jill, have become cherished staples of my warddrobe.

I recently caught up with Jill and she was kind enough to chat about the boutique for my readers, she also shared photos of the recent renovation of the store, and the adorable embellished headbands that she designed and crafted herself!

So, Jill, tell us about the store and what is going on this year?

Jill:

Ok, so we are finally organized and ready for 2010 in our store with newly finished beautiful wood floors. Yea! I wish I had sanded them 5 years ago, the entire store looks so much better, everything is highlighted!

Spring clothing has started to arrive and the store is transitioning once again to the next season. I love this time of year…lighter fabrics, more color, new styles. I just read in the Wall Street Journal from last week that “everything is in” for fashion. The designers are showing hodge podges of everything from years past, creating new looks for today. We are finally at the fashion point when your personal style and body shape is determining what to buy and wear. FINALLY!!! I was never one to be “on trend”…I didn’t wear mini skirts when they were “in”, skinny jeans never looked good on me, and I’ve never liked trench coats, but I always felt like I was “in fashion” anyway. I wore and still wear what I like and what I think looks best on my body shape. I am so happy to hear the fashion “Knows” feel the same. So, wear what you like everyone and you’ll be perfectly in fashion. The fashion trend is out!

For our early spring deliveries, I’m seeing lots of saturated colors like navy, purple, orange, turquoise, acid green. On the opposite scale you’ll see the fabulous neutral shades in whites, creams, and grays, with lots of organic cottons, knits and linens, but all very textural. Buy classic pieces so you don’t get sick of wearing them and this also allows you to change the “look” of the piece by adding different layering pieces under or over the piece, and different jewelry and scarves.

I’ve seen lots of fun hair accessories recently. I started making flower headbands for the store in November as a fun and inexpensive accessory. I use beautiful silk and fabric flowers with feathers, pearls, felted wool (I felted myself), jewelry pieces, beads, etc…Each one is a little different and they are selling very well.

The store will celebrate it’s 9^th anniversary on March 17^th, on St. Patrick’s Day. I remember the first day I was open; I was so scared no one would find me in the back of the Hill Country Music store. Thankfully, a few people did find me and I sold $67.00 that first day. Every time I sold one item, I’d buy 2 to replace it. That’s how I finally got to where I am today…a beautiful store with lots of beautiful clothing and accessories, in a Historic Building right in the heart of Main Street Fredericksburg. No matter where I go from here, I’ll always remember my first tiny store and the opportunities and training that it brought me in my humble beginnings. Thanks to my dad for letting me set up shop in the back of his music store so I could learn the ropes.

In a year when money seems to be tight for many of us, I’ll be concentrating on great values on clothing, an fabulous accessories and pretty jewelry, plus of course those obscure and unique fashions from far and wide. Come shop with us and see what treasure you might find!

Check out Jill's shop online: http://www.haberdasheryboutique.com/

Also be sure to follow Jill's blog: http://haberdasheryboutique.blogspot.com/

ANOTHER TURQUOISE TUESDAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:05:00 +0000

Another gray, gloomy day here in Austin, where is the sun????

Today's featured turquoise item will hopefully brighten your day - it is my "Like Water for Chocolate" necklace - yes, like the movie - one of my favorites! This is a chunky piece which combines two great materials, turquoise and vintage lucite! It is all knotted on cord and the colors work beautifully together!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11830383

To see more designs featuring turquoise, please visit my shop at: debbiecarroll.etsy.com/

On sale until NEXT tuesday, when a new item will be featured!

A short post for today, I will be blogging about one of my favorite shops - The Haberdashery Boutique in Fredericksburg, later in the week, so stay tuned!

TURQUOISE TUESDAYS!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:58:00 +0000

As you may or may not know, Pantone has recently announced Turquoise as the Color of the Year!

Why is this big news? For those of us with an addiction to this most desirable of colors, it is very welcome - it means we can continue to wear all of our favorite turquoise jewelry collected over the years, without fear of seeming hopelessly out of style!

I have a huge stash of glass beads, lucite, and the real deal - all in varying shades of this versatile greenish-blue, and will be putting them to good use. My current favorite metal to pair with turquoise is copper - a warmer look than silver, and something different from the usual silver or gold - although those are good standbys too!

In honor of this distinction, I am establishing "Turquoise Tuesdays", where on each Tuesday - I will be offering a special price on select Turquoise items in my Etsy shop:

debbiecarroll.etsy.com

High Desert Bracelet: http://bit.ly/9C5wwX

Bronzed Copper & Turquoise Necklace: http://bit.ly/9G3OrO

For this first Turquoise Tuesday, I am offering 20% off the items featured in the photos, please visit my Etsy shop each Tuesday for a new special offer - for a limited time!

To receive the weekly update, please be sure to sign up for the email subscription feature on my blog!

January Color Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:18:00 +0000

After the holidays are over and winter sets in, I often find myself in a bit of a funk - I think this happens to a lot of people in January. It's usually best to take this time to get organized and start thinking about Spring, sunshine and warm weather - and for those of us in Central Texas - the end of cedar season!

January also seems to be the time of the year to "nest", and freshen up our homes, so I thought, why not host a sale on my Etsy site? Not just your run of the mill, ho-hum white sale, but a sale on

my VERY colorful art prints, cards & cards sets!

Purchase one print, card, or card set from http://www.debbiecarrolldesigns.etsy.com

Receive 50% off your second item (equal or lesser value)

If you purchase only one item, I will extend a 20% off discount.

The sale extends until January 31st, and does not apply to originals.

And, if you have any sure-fire cures for "January-itis", I'd love to hear about them!

An Interview with Brandon Lynch of Artisan Style

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:38:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

I don't know about all of you, but I'm really ready for a fresh start this year and optimistic that it will be much better than 2009.

Don't get me wrong, lot's of very good things happened in 2009, but hopefully a lot more good things will be in store for us in 2010!

My most exciting news is that my artwork is now represented in Dallas, at the Artisan Style Gallery, a wonderful and eclectic space in the uptown area by the Crescent Hotel. The gallery is situated in a lovely old home dating back to the early 1900's and is filled with colorful, energetic art carefully curated by owners Brandon Lynch & Steve Iha. Their goal? To provide a twist on the traditional gallery and offer affordable artwork to everyone. To visit their site and blog: http://www.artisanstyle.net/ and http://blog.artisanstyle.net/

I was lucky enough to learn of this little gem and meet the owners while in Dallas this fall, and they not only invited me to be part of their gallery, but will also be hosting a two-person show for myself and Gina Dunn this Spring with the opening reception tentatively scheduled for March 26th! Needless to say, this is very exciting and if you will be in Dallas during that time, I'd love for you to attend - more details to come later!

In the meantime, I had the opportunity to interview Brandon and here are some of his thoughts about the gallery and current are scene:

dc: What was the decisive factor for you to open the gallery?

bl: The decision to open Artisan Style was a direct result of the current state of the economy. Both my partner and I worked in advertising; he sold airtime for NBC and I bought airtime for clients such as Ford and AT&T. In May of 2008, he was laid off. At that point, so many people at my company had been let go as well that I was working 10 hour days. The day he was laid off, we sat down and talked about what our plan of action was going to be. Within minutes, we had our laptops flipped open and we were searching for commercial properties that would be perfect for an art gallery. Art had been something that we fell in love with at the same time, at a gallery in the Bishop Arts District. It was something we were both passionate about, taking trips to New Orleans on a regular basis just to see the galleries. The only vacation time I took from work was to drive to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, one of the nicest art towns I have been to. The decision to open the gallery was an easy one. We knew it meant a change in lifestyles and a lot of hard work, but we also knew it would mean that we were doing something we both loved. Fortunately, it has turned out to be just that.

dc: What do you feel is different about Artisan Style from most traditional galleries?

bl: In creating the gallery and the concept behind it, there were two important factors that we knew were going to be the foundation of the gallery. First, we wanted to remove the notion that original artwork is a luxury item only afforded to the wealthy. Second, we wanted to find a gallery location that would allow us to make it inviting and create a warm and friendly atmosphere. That is largely why we opted for a neighborhood setting in an early 1900’s home. I have heard other gallery owners say that they make their galleries approachable by adding friendly sales staff, and one even said they “placed a rug symmetrically on each side of an added partition used as a wall to create a home-like environment.” I had to laugh at that, because strategically placing rugs symmetrically on each side of an added fake wall is not “home-like” or inviting.

dc: What is your background and how does it add to your success as a gallery owner?

bl: I graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2005 with a degree in corporate communications and public affairs. I was fortunate to get the first job I interviewed for out of college at MindShare, the buying arm for J. Walter Thompson. My schooling and my work experience with the media are the reasons we have been lucky in getting as much press as we have. The small article in Daily Candy, which took three press releases to even get a call back, ran on November 13, 2009. I am still seeing people almost every other day that say they saw us in Daily Candy. Being able to market the gallery and the artists is imperative, and I am lucky that I can do this on my own without the need to hire a PR firm or spend thousands of dollars on advertising. Although we do continually advertise, as I believe it is necessary for branding, we do so in affordable publications. The bulk of our advertising budget is set aside for solo and group shows.

dc: What type of art do you represent, and why?

bl: We represent contemporary art that is produced by emerging to mid-career artists who share the same belief that we do; that original art should be more accessible to everyone. Opening night, our gallery was full of modern abstract wall assemblages and various paintings by local artists. We wanted people to open the door and have to take a step back because of all the fun, beautiful colors on the wall. I think this worked well for the opening, but we have naturally progressed and have now established a much broader and more eclectic list of artists and styles. We have added sculptural pieces to our collection, landscapes, figurative paintings, and we are always seeking to add other unique pieces to insure we have something for every customer that comes in the door.

dc: Do you predict any trends for 2010?

bl: It seems that people everywhere are becoming more aware of materialism, and how they have taken for granted their ability to buy various and unnecessary items for years (I include myself in this by the way ;)). Personally, we have sold many of our own items we did not need and essentially “de-cluttered” our home as we realized this. Who needs a ton of tchotchkes anyway? I think their will be a sort of “back to basics” trend across all industries. As far as art goes, I have already started to see that people want very specific items, painted a certain way with certain colors. Custom work will most likely increase and the cost is going to have to stay close to what the artist would charge for an already produced piece that is similar in size and subject matter.

EtsyAustin's Craft Riot - a Handmade Revolution in Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Know I've been remiss in posting new material, but I've been BUSY!!!

Here is a great event I'm participating in this weekend (and helped plan), if you are in the Austin area, please be sure to come check it out! We have several Etsy team members participating and it will be great sampling of wares for holiday shopping. Santa will be on hand for photo ops, and since we are teaming up with wines.com, the $3.00 admission will also buy you a glass of wine (bottled water for tee-totallers and underage patrons)!

I forgot to add earlier - we have fantastic goody-bags we are handing out to the first 25 people each day, I've seen them and they are spectacular!

For more details about the participating artists, be sure to visit: http://etsyaustin.blogspot.com/

Bead Sale Today & The Vintage Stockpiler

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:26:00 +0000

Over the years I have amassed quite a collection of beads, findings and other "stuff" needed (yes, needed) to make jewelry. Now that I am painting too, I've had to come to terms with the fact that I might never use everything I have in my "bead room" and so, I've decided to sadly part with many of my treasures.

The thing with vintage finds, is that when you stumble across something really great, you must buy it or very possibly never see it again - and before you know it - you have hundreds (maybe thousands?) of beads, stones, pearls, buttons, ribbon, the list goes on!

I have also opened an additional Etsy shop to deal with this addiction:

http://www.vintagestockpiler.etsy.com/

So if you can't make it to today's sale, please be sure to visit my shop when you feel the need to add to your stash!

Interview with Roxana Ramseur, Costume Designer!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:12:00 +0000

As promised, here is the interview with the talented Roxana Ramseur! She is an extremely creative individual and capable of anything she puts her mind (and hands) to! For more on Roxana & photos, please be sure to check out her blog:

http://roxanaramseur.tumblr.com/

dc: First of all, please tell us about what you do?

roxana: I design and build costumes for theater and dance, as well as, theatrical millinery (hats) and crafts (everything that is worn, but is not a hat or clothing (wings, masks, jewelry, shoes, armor...).

dc: How did you get started?

roxana: I've been making things pretty much since I can remember. One of my earlierest memories of sewing is from when I was a tot. Mom would give me a big, dull plastic needle and I would force it (it's very difficult to sew with a dull needle!) through a folded scrap of swiss-dot or whatever remnants were lying around, stuff it with fiber fill, and make tiny pillows.

dc: What is your training and background?

roxana: I have a BA in Textiles and Apparel Design from UT Austin and augmented those classes with UT's amazing costume design (w/ Susan Tsu) and draping (w/ Jim Glavin) classes. the rest of my training comes from work experience in my field - the best way to learn!

dc: When did you know this is what you wanted to do?

roxana: Finally, in the last semester of my undergrad junior year, I admitted to myself that I was studying to be a fashion designer - I had previously considered it an unrealistic sort of job - and declared my major. I left fashion and moved to theater 5 years later, after deciding that I needed more daily access to making things.

dc: What is your favorite project you ever worked on?

roxana: I found immense satisfaction carving bead foam with an electric knife and a rasper to sculpt warrior masks for the opera "Radamisto" designed by Gideon Davey at the Santa Fe Opera (2008). the shape was fill-out with oil clay, a paper-mache cast was made for the mask, which was finally painted and decorated.

dc: What would you like to work on next?

roxana: I am very excited to be designing costumes for writer/director Young Jean Lee's new work "Lear" commissioned by the Soho Rep., which an adaptation of Shakespeare's "King Lear". It will open in this coming January at the Soho Rep. in NYC. I designed her last play "The Shipment" which is currently on tour and playing in Paris and Berlin in the next weeks.

Thanks Roxana, we are all very inspired by what you do and probably a little envious, it sounds very exciting!

Happy Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:41:00 +0000

Halloween is one of my all time favorite holidays, probably because it also my birthday, but I've always loved trick-or-treating, the costumes, and the whole ritual of it all!

While I appreciate store-bought costumes, I truly love making them for my kids & myself. Today I will share a few of our favorites!

If you like costuming, be on the lookout for my upcoming post featuring Roxanna Ramseur, baby-sister to my friend Raquel, and very talented New York costumer & milliner responsible for out of this world designs - she did the hats for "Wicked" on Broadway!

Quick Post!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:57:00 +0000

Just a quick post today, as I am prepping to leave this week for yet another out of town show!

At the urging of fellow jewelry designer, Jonna Barr, I decided to try out a new venue (for me), The Peddler Show in Rosenberg, Texas - southwest of Houston.

For those of you unfamiliar with this series of shows, the Peddler Show is held in several cities around Texas, usually twice a year in each locale. Once known as the Country Peddler Show, these venues have become geared more toward artisan wares and less toward "country". I am excited to try out something new & gain some new customers! I will be sure to take pictures to share with you upon my return.

If you are in or around the Houston area, consider stopping by and checking it out!

Here are the details:

Rosenberg Fall Show
Friday October 23 - Sunday October 25, 2009

Fort Bend County Fairgrounds | Driving Directions

The Peddler Show offers shoppers a one-of-a-kind custom shopping experience that can't be duplicated. A trip to the mall will never feel the same after you've seen the vast selection of unique items the Peddler Show has to offer!

It's never too early to start shopping for Christmas! Beat the crowds at the mall and find everything for everone on your list this year at The Peddler Show!

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS:

Friday Sneak Peek/Stroller Free: 12pm-1pm
Friday: 1pm - 8pm
Saturday: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 11am - 4pm

Something Fishy at the Good Art Co.

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:12:00 +0000

As some of you may know, this summer I joined The Good Art Co. Gallery in Fredericksburg and am displaying works there.

This is a great little gallery, well worth the visit (a short drive to Fredericksburg, Texas from Austin) and it offers a really nice variety of work by local and regional Texas artists. The gallery is owned by Jill Holland, whose work I love - subtle and abstracted with atmospheric colors and unique applications of non-traditional materials.

My latest collection features a grouping of colorful fish, I am intrigued by their beautiful luminous color and they are just fun to paint!

On the first Friday of each month, The Good Art Co. participates in Fredericksburg's monthly "Art Walk", along with many of the other galleries in town. Each gallery teams up with one of the local wineries in the surrounding Hill Country area, and it's a wonderful way to spend an evening (or entire weekend) in Fredericksburg!

Here is a sampling of work by the artists in our gallery, ranging from wildly colorful & abstract to the subdued and more traditional:

You will also see one of my favorite pieces in the gallery, a large Koi fish by Keely Smith - this is a spectacular catch!

Meet the Artist - Etcetera Trunk Show!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:28:00 +0000

That would be me! Come join us on Wednesday, October 7th from 9am until 1pm; I will be showing new jewelry designs to coordinate with the beautiful clothing of Etcetera presented by Haute Chics, Jana Lee Gondren, Laurie Mertens & Stephanie McCollum!

If you are not familiar with the this wonderful clothing line from New York, you need to get acquainted! These are clothes to build a warddrobe around with intricate dressmaker details, beautiful fabrics and styles that are current, but not trendy. These are garments you could easily wear for the next 10 years (or more!) and just keep adding to your collection! For a look at the current collection, visit: http://www.etcetera.com/

I really like how each season the collection offers new items that coordinate with items you have purchased for previous seasons, and the Haute Chics will lend their expertise at finding the most flattering styles and fit for YOU!

My latest jewelry designs are the perfect compliment to this season's collection and great for updating your existing warddrobe. As a special promotion for the day, I will be offering a "buy 2 earrings, receive the 3rd pair free", equal or lesser value. Etcetera is also offering a 20% sale off of that fashion staple, black, for both the holiday line and fall line.

You will find us tomorrow at Jana Lee's home:

Jana Lee Gondran's Home
9301 Simmons Road
Austin, Texas 78759
512-502-0686

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:27:00 +0000

Last Day to come out to Round Top!

A good time is being had by all, great antiques, vintage & handcrafted finds + fun & friendly people (not to mention slightly cooler weather) are the formula for a perfect Sunday outing!

Do you like our "greeter"? Chad has a booth next to mine filled with furniture, old hardware, old jewelry, emphemera, oddities - you name it!

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie Carroll) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Back home again after a day at Round Top. Thanks to our fast-thinking neighbors, the booth remained unscathed even after the torrential downpour Monday night and the resultant, ankle-deep flood!

More fun was had by all and foot traffic a little busier now that Marburger Farms has opened it's gates. I do find it hard to believe that people will pay $25 per person to get into Marburger the first day, when all around are great venues like the Texas Rose where you can shop for free, but plan to go check it out myself this week and see what all the excitement is about...

Today's featured dealer, is a friend and favorite of mine, LeAnn Stephenson of The Vintage Laundry. Her blogspot, http://www.thevintagelaundress.blogspot.com/ is one of funniest blogs I've ever come across and a welcome diversion. I especially love her "Want it Wednesday" posts!

LeAnn is a true renaissance woman, she is a talented graphic designer and decorator and has a great eye for vintage finds! If you can't make it to Round Top to check out her vintage goods in person, be sure to catch her at the monthly City-wide Garage Sale in Austin, another great place to shop! You can also visit her Etsy shop: http://www.thevintagelaundry.etsy.com/.

Joining LeAnn this week, is her niece Morgan Avary, who follows in her Aunt's footsteps with a business of her own, "Vintage Gal Rings". Her rings are beautifully displayed and make a great gift for either you or a friend! You may contact her at: morganavary@aol.com.