tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71434048039325484532026-05-23T00:28:54.160-06:00Showcasing handmade jewelry, stationery, and more from Rara Avis and other local Houston indie designers..."a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-25643734148020198802012-01-17T19:38:00.000-06:002012-01-17T19:38:21.811-06:00

I'm digging anything with either the "gilded" or "antique gold" look or stuff that's old and busted. So here's my take on how to made a thrifted frame do both. Antique Gold Frame Supplies:  Work already in progress...sorry Wooden or plastic frame...plain or ornate Fine grit sandpaper (I used 320) Acrylic paint in dark brown and "vintage" gold Foam brush Paper towels Gloves Newspaper

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-28802326758615008332012-01-17T09:17:00.008-06:002012-01-17T19:38:38.226-06:00

Stampington & Company, how I love thee... So after getting the Winter Issue of Create with Me Magazine, I was inspired to do my own version of the room plaques in the "A Room of My Own" article by Lori Oles. In the article, Oles does the artwork with her children (I'm assuming by their faces, they're older than my kiddo), but for my version, I did all the artwork and frame mods. I

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-71679845095425581542011-10-13T15:31:00.002-06:002011-10-13T15:40:36.022-06:00

EUTECTIC and Happysun jewelry will soon be on display at Space in Montrose. Space is a great little boutique/shop that my friends and I stumbled upon last Saturday after having lunch at Cafe Brasil (yum!). Most of their products are handmade (awesome) and quite a few are local (even more awesome). In their own words, Space is "connecting artist, designers and innovators to the Houston community

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-74948228652665026372011-10-02T08:18:00.002-06:002011-10-02T08:19:46.257-06:00

I've got all the events for the Holiday season planned out. Check out the Events page for updated show dates.

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-83937152554419194242011-10-02T07:57:00.003-06:002011-10-02T08:01:33.922-06:00

Thanks all for coming out to First Saturday Arts Market yesterday. The weather was great and the people were fantastic. Houston, you rock!Here are some pics of the new booth:Next weekend, I'm taking a break, but I'll be out at Discovery Green for the DG Flea on 10/15. I'll have all my fun recycled stuff (and some metalwork too). See you then!

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-60930517232438572132011-09-08T20:34:00.006-06:002011-09-08T21:03:27.378-06:00

So I'm not the world's biggest Harry Potter fan (haven't seen or read the last two books/movies...don't hate me), but I do like the franchise. And even if I didn't immediately recognize the Weasleys, this little necklace would be fun to wear anyway. The two little clones are a bit on the creepy side, but that's what makes them cute (to me anyway). There are only a few designs up in Sugar Land

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-60038090994939086172011-09-01T16:48:00.022-06:002011-09-08T21:03:39.516-06:00

What to do with all the hems that you cut off after making reusable grocery bags??? Make flowers! Here we go...STEP 1: Gather your supplies - You will need:The hem of a t-shirt (bottom or sleeve...I used a bottom here)Fabric scissorsBall point needle (any needle will work if you don't have a BP one)Heavy duty threadSTEP 2: Isolate the hem - Turn hem inside out and cut the excess fabric from the

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-70396723073230185972011-09-01T14:14:00.005-06:002011-09-01T14:48:51.938-06:00

So, I bought a "bag of rags" (unsold/stained t-shirts) for $4 from the Pennywise Resale Center in Richmond not too long ago. I was thinking that for $4 I'd get a grocery bag full of old T's, so I bought two. After paying for them, the ladies haul out two *GARBAGE* bags full of T's. Yikes! That's a lot of T-shirts! Some of them I made into rags...they were pretty yucky. But with the nicer

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-4834517325239321122011-08-30T14:33:00.025-06:002011-09-08T21:03:49.183-06:00

If you're a blog reader, I'm sure you've already stumbled across this post in one of my favorite blogs, Made By Joel:Slotted Building DiscsThese little guys are SO CUTE. The circle shape is great for making oddly shaped structures, and they're fairly easy for the kiddos to work with (my testers are 3 and 3.5 yrs old). I've got one or two sets lying around the house, and one in my daughter's

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-87957487309885192812011-08-25T19:47:00.002-06:002011-08-25T19:47:37.251-06:00

The header works...yippee! Now to fill in all the blank pages. Tomorrow...

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-70380048140753606132011-08-24T20:51:00.001-06:002011-08-24T20:52:12.696-06:00

It'll only tick you off. I haven't mapped the image yet, so the links don't work...yet. My project for tomorrow.

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-54831007169664509022011-08-24T12:51:00.002-06:002011-08-24T12:51:58.212-06:00

Ummmmmmmm...you may notice the blog looking a little funny for a few days. I'm trying to revamp the look and streamline it with the rest of my branding. Bear with me...the dust should settle soon.

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-20480167052336886472011-08-24T09:47:00.001-06:002011-08-24T09:47:00.132-06:00

So, I admit it: I'm addicted to Angry Birds. Who isn't??????? Now I wish I were a dog -- at least just for a minute. How funny are those? These cute little costumes for your best friend Spot (or Rex, Rover, Rufus...) are from Sugar Land Etsy seller YoungUrbanPuppy. And the costumes even come with matching headbands. Too cute.

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-45938098603934227072011-08-24T00:22:00.004-06:002011-08-24T00:31:03.963-06:00

Check out my debut on the local Houston news program NewsFix. I captured the pic old school...by hitting the pause/play combo until I got something that looked somewhat decent, hitting PrnScrn, and editing in Photoshop. Note that I said somewhat decent... I really should learn how to video capture.

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-43055838735576286112011-08-24T00:19:00.001-06:002011-08-24T00:21:07.689-06:00

What started out as a "I'm almost finished..." has turned into a "I don't need sleep...not when there's so much that can be done while no one else is awake." I need a clone. I think I've said that before.

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-77303525552724843802011-07-27T15:38:00.004-06:002011-07-27T15:45:05.025-06:00

That's okay, I'll just make a lamp. How cool is this?!?!? I want one.Available at Zipper8Lighting's Etsy Store for $195. My birthday's coming up in October...

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-71299955202578058632011-07-26T16:00:00.003-06:002011-07-26T16:08:40.006-06:00

Beaten. Dirty. Grungy.No, not me...my newest jewelry. I hammered my metal on every bumpy surface I could find -- concrete, rocks, chicken wire, chain, cable -- before I folded it and cut it. I'm loving the new texture. Items are all available in the shop.

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-14613773903496337342011-07-21T16:12:00.004-06:002011-07-21T16:15:10.467-06:00

I just signed up for a class @ Papershell myself. this looks like so much fun...my kiddo and I are going to make a piece of art together. Yea!Easy Mosaic Suncatchers with Susie Curry No grouting! This easy mosaic suncatcher project is suitable for adults and kids ages 6 and up! Apply rounded cathedral glass using a special adhesive sheet to acrylic forms -- you'll take your work home the very

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-52228431066386901742011-07-20T18:33:00.002-06:002011-07-20T18:36:17.635-06:00

What? Another coupon??Yep.Print out this coupon and come take my class at Papershell on Saturday. Because I said so, that's why.

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-76350915557879808272011-07-15T18:56:00.004-06:002011-07-15T19:01:45.880-06:00

New stuff up in the shop, with some to follow next week after ReMarket.And here's your prize for stopping by this evening: Enter code HTOWN15 to receive 15% off your order at my Etsy shop. Code will be good until July 31.Now go nuts.

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-86576469771265725602011-07-11T13:39:00.004-06:002011-07-11T13:51:25.782-06:00

Yep, it can. And here it is:Join myself and other fellow "green" artists and crafters at the Houston ReMarket this Saturday from 9am - 1pm in the Old MHMRA Parking Lot (2850 Fannin). There will be a food truck and music from local Houston artists as well. Don't know about the ReMarket? Here's what the creators have to say:Houston Re-Market is put together by a group of people who really enjoy

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-63014444394081596722011-07-11T13:17:00.012-06:002011-07-11T13:35:15.199-06:00

I will be teaching a class at on July 23 at Papershell in Richmond about how to make fabric flowers. If you're not interested in that, then check out some other art classes coming up this month at Papershell. Get off the couch and learn something new, okay?Art Classes for Adults and ChildrenIt’s hot outside...come into the Gallery and take an art class in the AC! Class fees include all

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-2875850572316291352011-04-07T15:04:00.004-06:002011-04-07T15:09:59.714-06:00

A bit gritty, a bit grungy, a bit dirty. And, of course, a bit sparkly. Take a peak:

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-11206383273984746412011-04-02T20:40:00.003-06:002011-04-02T20:44:37.331-06:00

Yes, it has been a while. No, I don't have time to do more than post this graphic.

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143404803932548453.post-27223117529935561592008-11-24T22:24:00.004-06:002008-11-24T22:32:38.812-06:00

Two posts in one day. Are we shocked and amazed?? Don't get used to it...I just foundt his random thing and had to post it.I love Etsy. I mean, really love it. I'm trying to find handmade presents for all my friends this year, and I ran across this book, Baby's first physics book - Pat Schrodinger's Kitty, in Electric Boogaloo's Shop.For those of you with kids out there, I'm sure you own,

"a rare thing"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00332080493827007076noreply@blogger.com12