craft-aholic

At last! Friday has come back around! And I am soooo excited because this Saturday and Sunday Austin is holding its first ever Renegade Craft Fair. You can bet I will be there... both days. If I was allowed I’d probably sleep there too, in hopes of osmoses-ly absorbing all the craft, design and art knowledge, as well as tips and tricks of the indie- craft superstars. In between vendor booth hopping and shopping, be sure to stop by the free workshops and DIY demostrations held throughout the two days of craft-mania. I'll see you there!

Not the fort your Dad built

And so it was... another enjoyable weekend with the ideal Texas weather! This weekend destination: South, plan: 8 hour Austin adventure, result: perfectly happy slacker Sunday. I don’t care how many times you have been to South Congress, there is always something new to do and see—one food trailer has now turned into six very different trailers offering a variety of foods—drinks at the iconic San Jose Hotel (may I recommend sangria with fresh fruit?!)—vendorsVENDORSvendors... my gawd, vendors everywhere—Alamo Drafthouse rolling road show—live music on stage or on the street (I mean, where else will you see a hulahooping guitarist who simultaneously plays the harmonica?!)—and the people (all of whom are way cooler than I could ever think of being) wearing TOMS and tank tops rightly draped to reveal a tattooed back with dog in tow. Come on, really, why go anywhere else?

We ventured a little bit more South to experience the place my friend and I agreed to never visit without the other. So this being the first time in months that the weather was working in our favor and we were could get away for the day, we went for it. We rounded the corner of a “well used” neighborhood and there it stood, glistening in the sun and towering over the roofs surrounding it. Three stories of mangled metal and recognizable junk, it was none other than the Cathedral of Junk. The sharp edges which scream LAWSUIT and unleveled steps up to the tower doesn’t seem to follow any rules or regulations, but it is structurally sound as verified by City of Austin engineers—from what I understand, the city keeps a close eye on the junk additions at this weirdly Austin attraction.

And for the BIG news: it’s now a wedding venue! I know it doesn't suit everyone's style, but for the brave few it could be the most memorable wedding for those who attend. It just takes a little bit of imagination and the yard could be transformed into the coolest, hippest setting for the right bride and groom to be married.

Please trust me when I say that these photos do not give the Cathedral of Junk justice. You must check it out for yourself to appreciate the nutty work that went into this piece of art. Located at 4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX 78798. Go!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

It’s safe to say the hubs and I have had a lack of life outside our bubble that is Sweet Sunday Event Rentals lately. So, this past Saturday we finally decided to gain some of our freedom back and, just for a day, return to the life we love while forgetting the list of to dos and what are we doing tomorrows. Our Saturday was spent together, immersed in Austin, art, beer, great food and movies… all things we can’t get enough of!

East Austin has quickly become my favorite place to spend my time. The chill bars of Rio Rita and The Liberty Bar to the restaurants of Vivo and Eastside Café, it’s all wonderfully unspoiled by the herd of orange skinned collegians, groups of 5+ guys without girls, and jägerbombs that so many refer to as 6th Street. Ugh, okay, okay, I’ll admit it! I shouldn’t judge too harshly, I once was that tanned collegian taking shots of jäger on 6th patrolling for that group of guys. BUT I’ve moved on, I’m now happily married and just interested in a fun night where I can sit and enjoy a few drinks with friends over a conversation I can actually hear-- thus my obsession with East Austin.

Austin is full of inspiration, but Saturday’s event was beyond my expectations. I often see artwork or crafty things and think to myself, “I could totally do that”, but I know I could never top what these amazing artists at Balcones Recycling displayed. The Balcones Burner Bash is a competition to celebrate Austin's urban artists. Twelve hand selected artists competed for cash prizes as they paint one side of the Balcones railcars. The work was amazing and so inspiring. Take a look at some of their work and GO GREEN!