You may be familiar with the annual South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) that happens every year around this time in Austin, Texas. Originally meant to be a showcase for music, SXSW has now become a first stop for the newest technologies on the block–Twitter was introduced there in 2007. As a nod to the festival I thought I’d showcase some lo-fi indie talent from the world of handmade. Technology is cool and all, but mostly because it gives me more access to unique handmade stuff that I can’t get anywhere else.
Necklace: Amy Holton combines turquoise, tiger’s eye, and mother of pearl in this lovely necklace. Amy left the corporate world to start her business creating wearable pieces of art.
Dresses: Ivana Krejci designs her peasant-inspired garments using repurposed, reclaimed, and new notions. I could see myself spinning around in the Alps signing the hills are alive wearing one of these dresses, what about you?
Hand Stamped Fabric: Malka Dubrawskyis the author of the book Color your Cloth: A Quilter’s Guide to Dyeing and Patterning Fabric. She also sells her hand stamped fabric in her online store, which is excellent in case you’re like me and not as talented as Ms. Dubrawsky. But if you want to give it a try, she also sells autographed copies of her book.
Flowers in Your Hair: When I read about Tiffany in her shop profile, I immediately thought about the movie Giant, and the role Elizabeth Taylor played–Leslie. Like the movie, Tiffany says that she always felt a little out of place living in Texas and loving the fancy frills that define the roaring twenties. But I think these blossoms are bold enough to make a big splash, even in the great big place like Texas.