Renegade Craft Fair, Austin: Sneak Preview

This past week has been all about getting ready for the Renegade Craft Fair in Austin (May 15th and 16th at the Palmer Events Center). I've been sanding, painting, screwing, tightening, and sealing all week...so much so, that I'm actually developing calluses on my fingers (the true sign of a working man!).  And I'm proud to announce that my work is finally complete!  80 new key racks and coat hooks have been created and are ready to be unveiled at the show.

I haven't had a chance to photograph each item individually, but here are a few exclusive, behind-the-scenes pics:

Lots of painting:

More painting:

One hook, ready to go:

Many hooks, ready to go:

Now all that's left to do is drive 2500 miles...that's right, road trip!  We (me and Blackbird Tees) are packing up the car and headin' down to Austin.  So, if you're in the Southwest part of the country, be on the lookout for my 1997 white Toyota Corolla--it'll be the one filled to the roof.  You'll probably see a mannequin in there somewhere too.  And if you live in Texas, maybe I'll see you at the show!

Dressed to the Nines

This afternoon, myself (Half Pint Salvage) and Blackbird Tees are taking part in Seattle's 3rd annual "Girls Gone Glam" event.  Admission is $15 and proceeds go to Dress For Success Seattle, an organization who's mission is "...to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."

So if you're in the hood, come on down and support a great cause.  The event runs from 5-8pm and will be held at Seattle's Alexis Hotel (here's a map).  Hope to see you there!

Handsome fox woodland puppet, from Royal Buffet - $8:

Brown bat print, 8 x 10, from Berkley Illustration - $18:

Cuff links, from Mama's Little Babies - $17:

Vintage western shirt, from Big Brother Vintage - $12:

Gray=Blue

The sky is really gray today--so gray that you're almost forced to imagine what a blue sky actually looks like.  In an effort to jog my memory a bit, I searched for some "blue" inspiration on Etsy.  Now I remember!


Wakaw screenprint, from Breeree - $45:

Bigfoot letterpress notepad, from Blackbird Letterpress - $8:

"Lenore", raven t-shirt, from Blackbird Tees - $20:

Block print cloth napkins, from Life's A Peach - $20:

Blackbirds, Constellations, and Ninjas!

One of my favorite ETSY t-shirt shops, Blackbird Tees, just came out with 2 new designs.  If you haven't heard of Blackbird Tees, you're missing out.  With many, many hand screen-printed designs (for men and women)--all printed on super-comfy, made in the U.S.A., American Apparel t-shirts--you'll surely find a new favorite (or three!).  Take a jump and check it out:  Blackbird Tees.

"What's Your Sign" is the first in a special, limited edition zodiac series, based on the astrological constellations.  This month's design features the water barer, Aquarius.  If I were to wish upon a star, this shirt would definitely be a part of my wardrobe!

"To Catch a Thief", inspired by early promotional posters for Louis Feuillade's Les Vampires, features an intriguing ninja-like character--leaving us to wonder: should we buy this shirt for a friend...or keep it for ourselves!?

The meaning of green...

Not sure why, but for some reason I woke up thinking about green.  Maybe it was seeing all the trees and grass during the walk I took yesterday.  Or maybe it's the kelly green cruiser that rests in my living room.  Perhaps it was simply the Symbicort commercial (the one with that beautiful green and white classic truck) I saw last night, just before venturing off to lala land.  Whatever the reason, here's some green from the scene:

80's style, reborn:

"It Girl" raglan, from BlackbirdTees.

Feathery fashion for your ears:

Vintage lucite owl earrings, from Percraftination.

Road meets room:

Recycled bike clock, from 1byliz.

A sweet treat, with pleats:

Vintage 60's key lime pie dress, from Thrush.