Thursday, November 19, 2009

Jingle Bash this Saturday!


Just 2 days until the greatest event in town. Where else but the 2nd Annual Jingle Bash can you find 40 of the most talented local artists, music, swag bags, cocktails and all for free!
Come check out the new vinyl pendants, necklaces, and rings with graphics from bombs, owls, to initials to robots. New charm bracelets and necklaces and so much more. And still all made Texas proud with recycled records.

You can find your Texas Tarts in the upstairs ball room of the historic Sons of Hermann Hall this Saturday from 1 to 7pm. Viva La Bash!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Girlie Show This Weekend!

Pink cocktails, talented artists, shopping and music all under one roof? Yes, I'm talking about The Girlie Show in Oklahoma City this Friday and Saturday.
Texas Tarts has been hard at work making new vinyl creations. We will be launching our new line of embellished pendants and cuffs with owls, robots, birds, bombs, initials and so much more. Also, check out the vinyl charm bracelets and necklaces. Each one is one-of-a-kind and sure to get you noticed!
See you at Girlie 09!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Look Out Oklahoma City!


I am giddie as a school girl to be doing Girlie Show this Friday and Saturday in Oklahoma City. This show is what every girl dreams of, shopping, music, and cocktails all rolled together! Come check out Texas Tarts along with a host of other amazing vendors from Texas such as Tara to the T, Cut Out & Collect, Pamela Michelle, Enju and Super Chica. See ya!

http://www.thegirlieshow.net/about.php

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Just Around the Turntable

Where did October go? Since I was a wee girl October has always been my favorite month.
It's my birthday month, the weather is changing and I absolutely love Halloween. Now as adult it still is my favorite. From getting pumpkins carved, costumes made and celebrating my 10 year wedding anniversary on the 30th, October has it all.

Texas Tarts is getting ready for some amazing shows!
On November 6th the Tarts will be heading to Oklahoma City for Girlie Show! Come check out tons of female vendors, music, and good times on Friday, Nov. 7 and Sat. Nov. 8 at Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave. http://www.thegirlieshow.net/about.php

Then on Saturday, November 21st from 1 to 7 at Sons of Hermann Hall you will see 50 of the greatest local vendors around. This show will be awesome and take care of all of your holiday gift giving needs. http://www.etsydallas.com/

Saturday. December 5 from 6 to midnight come check out the Tarts at Gifts and Garters at Excuses Cafe 3025 Main in Deep Ellum. Burlesque, music and vintage holiday shopping all under one roof! myspace.com/giftsandgarters

So mark your calendars and come by and say Hi!

Friday, October 9, 2009




Have you seen the new personalized vinyl charms from Texas Tarts? Keep rockin with a black vinyl pendant with your initial or say that of a loved one. Either way you will rock!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Vinyl and More Vinyl


Yeah, Texas Tarts was included in this lovely Etsy Treasury of all things vinyl. Yes, oohing and aahing are allowed.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Urban Street Bazaar




















Next weekend, Sat., Oct. 10 & Sun., Oct. 11 the Bishop Arts area will be rockin with so much indie goodness it will make your head spin. Texas Tarts along with a host of others will be there for a two day festival in the heart of of the Bishop Arts District. Come say Hi!

Urban Bazaar 9 announces it's vendor list for the October 10&11 show in Bishop Arts District for 2009. Save the date!!

Baby BOWtique
BlackCatWhite Designs
boots too bags
Dowdy Studio
dreamstar creations
Heather L. Chang/Heatherly
j margot | artisan crafted jewelry
Miamaria Design
Ornamental Things
Pamela Michelle
DreamStar Creation
Shy Violet Clothing
Three Yellow Starfish
Wrap Couture
Karmacrochet
MandiBeads
Jane Joss

A Sparrow Named Emily
Pettit
Through the Looking Glass Studio
Belle Serelle
Cut Out And Collect
Handmade Hooligans
art-T-dolls
maneki
Texas Tarts
Superchica
Via Christa
Sweet Baby Design
2Random4U
artfull Expression
Sophia Aster
Yomono
Felix & Jayne
f. is for frank
Green Mountain Energy
Lolafalk
saints and sinners tattoo studio
Domestic Arts
SylettSoap
Sutecchi
Long Way Home
Maritere / Rewerked Vintage
Kessler Craftsman
Kitchen Beautician
Caprichos Studio
Blue Dream Glassworks
Disco Dali
sweethead
Eye on the Sparrow Designs
Pigsey Art
Wade College
Seen Studios
Cricket Shack
Elements By Mercury
Sublime Stitching
Kraftivity Studio
Bolsa Bonita
Laura Strother
Amy Huff
The Gretchen Show
Yoga Bloomers
Loop and Lil
Brooke Drake Jewelry Design
Seasons Change Designs
The MOCHA Butterfly
Tashumbra Brightman
madeline wood
DIXIE
Sheffield by Stacy Sheffield
Sketch Customs
All About Henna
The Silver Magpie
Photopol.us
choca loca designs
luscious art studios
Angela Mosera
Atom-In
One Up Designs
Freeforged Jewelry
J Margot
DH Originals
Kitman Figueroa
GFigueroa Designs
Meline Collection

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Amazing Things to do With Vinyl

As I have been using vinyl for the last 3 years to make everything from business card holders to earrings and necklaces, I know the amazing things you can do with once loved music. But when I saw these artists I was blown away.
Enjoy!

Sound Wave


Record Silhouettes (5) 1Record Silhouettes (5) 2Record Silhouettes (5) 3Record Silhouettes (5) 4


Music To My FeetVinyl Baby:

Vinyl Baby


Wall Sculpture

Record Lampshade
Phenakistascope:

Phenakistascope
Walk That Vinyl:

Walk That Vinyl

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Tarts at Gifts and Garters

Save the date. Texas Tarts will be a the first annual Gifts and Garters. You so need to be at this show!

Gifts and Garters Gifts and Garters: A collaborative event between Through the Looking Glass studios and Bewitching Burlesque. It's going to be THE shopping event of the holiday season with vendors featuring vintage and one of a kind gifts and a fabulous Burlesque show featuring the JiggleWatts from Austin as well as local favorites and debutantes! Keep your eyes here as more information will be coming soon....

Friday, September 4, 2009

I CAN COMPOST THAT?

75 Things You Can Compost, But Thought You Couldn't

Can I really compost that? Yes you can!

compost photo


Howard Oates/istockphoto

READ MORE ABOUT:
Composting | Composting Tips | Gardening

The basics of composting are simple. Most people know they can compost fruit and vegetable peels, leaves, and grass clippings. But what about that tea bag you used this morning? Or the fur that collects in the brush when you groom your cat?

The following list is meant to get you thinking about your compost possibilities. Not every item on the list is for everyone, and that's fine. Imagine how much trash we could prevent from going into the landfills if each of us just decided to compost a few more things. Here are 75 ideas to get you started.


From the Kitchen


  1. Coffee grounds and filters
  2. Tea bags
  3. Used paper napkins
  4. Pizza boxes, ripped into smaller pieces
  5. Paper bags, either ripped or balled up
  6. The crumbs you sweep off of the counters and floors
  7. Plain cooked pasta
  8. Plain cooked rice
  9. Stale bread
  10. Paper towel rolls
  11. Stale saltine crackers
  12. Stale cereal
  13. Used paper plates (as long as they don't have a waxy coating)
  14. Cellophane bags (be sure it's really Cellophane and not just clear plastic—there's a difference.)
  15. Nut shells (except for walnut shells, which can be toxic to plants)
  16. Old herbs and spices
  17. Stale pretzels
  18. Pizza crusts
  19. Cereal boxes (tear them into smaller pieces first)
  20. Wine corks
  21. Moldy cheese
  22. Melted ice cream
  23. Old jelly, jam, or preserves
  24. Stale beer and wine
  25. Paper egg cartons
  26. Toothpicks
  27. Bamboo skewers
  28. Paper cupcake or muffin cups


From the Bathroom


  1. Used facial tissues
  2. Hair from your hairbrush
  3. Toilet paper rolls
  4. Old loofahs
  5. Nail clippings
  6. Urine
  7. 100% Cotton cotton balls
  8. Cotton swabs made from 100% cotton and cardboard (not plastic) sticks


Personal Items


It might be a good idea to bury these items in your pile. Just sayin'.

  1. Cardboard tampon applicators
  2. Latex condoms


From the Laundry Room


  1. Dryer lint
  2. Old/stained cotton clothing—rip or cut it into smaller pieces
  3. Old wool clothing—rip or cut it into smaller pieces


From the Office


  1. Bills and other documents you've shredded
  2. Envelopes (minus the plastic window)
  3. Pencil shavings
  4. Sticky notes
  5. Business cards (as long as they're not glossy)
  6. Receipts


Around the House


  1. Contents of your vacuum cleaner bag or canister
  2. Newspapers (shredded or torn into smaller pieces)
  3. Subscription cards from magazines
  4. Leaves trimmed from houseplants
  5. Dead houseplants and their soil
  6. Flowers from floral arrangements
  7. Natural potpourri
  8. Used matches
  9. Ashes from the fireplace, barbecue grill, or outdoor fire pit


Party and Holiday Supplies


  1. Wrapping paper rolls
  2. Paper table cloths
  3. Crepe paper streamers
  4. Latex balloons
  5. Raffia
  6. Excelsior
  7. Jack o' Lanterns
  8. Those hay bales you used as part of your outdoor fall decor
  9. Natural holiday wreaths
  10. Your Christmas tree. Chop it up with some pruners first (or use a wood chipper, if you have one...)
  11. Evergreen garlands


Pet-Related


  1. Fur from the dog or cat brush
  2. Droppings and bedding from your rabbit/gerbil/hamsters, etc.
  3. Newspaper/droppings from the bottom of the bird cage
  4. Feathers
  5. Alfalfa hay or pellets (usually fed to rabbits)
  6. Rawhide dog chews
  7. Fish food
  8. Dry dog or cat food

I know that the longer I've had a compost pile, the more likely I've been to take a second look at something I was preparing to throw in the trash. "Hmm. Can I compost this?" is a frequent question in my house. And, as you can see, it's surprising how often you can answer "Yes!"

Thursday, August 27, 2009

I'm in Love With These!

DIY Cassette Tape Lamp!

Here’s a great way to make use of your outdated gadgets by turning cassette tapes into functional household lamp enclosures.

The designers make each lamp from dozens of individual cassette tapes, arranged into visually appealing patterns. Not only do they look cool as a sculptural piece, they cast dramatic shadows onto surrounding surfaces.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tarts at White Rock Local Market Sept. 12

Our Mission

White Rock Local Market aims to promote regional, sustainable agriculture and ensure a supply of fresh, local produce and artisan foods for residents of east Dallas. White Rock Local Market supports local farmers, food producers and craftsman, providing an opportunity to sell fruit, vegetables and other products directly to our community. Our mission is to offer an alternative to conventional shops with products that are high quality, aesthetic, and useful.

And we hope to enable the growth of our communities by creating a place where people can shop and socialize in a friendly environment.

Our Story

Stocking up on locally grown produce and natural foods is about to get easier for residents of East Dallas. The White Rock Local Market will be held in the parking lot next to the Green Spot on the second Saturday of every month from June 13 to November 14, 2009.

The market features artisan foods, local produce and natural meat and dairy products, as well as vendors offering an assortment of art, furniture, locally made clothes, music and more.

"We know there are several markets opening this year, but none serving this active neighborhood," says Bruce Bagelman, owner of the Green Spot and one of the organizers of the White Rock market. "But we'd really like to provide what people in this community need – and at the same time offer a great venue for local vendors."

Bagelman opened the Green Spot Market and Fuels in 2008, combining the convenience/ gas station concept with the notion that consumers prefer healthy snacks and treats. He quickly saw a demand for fresh local produce and other goods. He started by carrying some produce in his store – and the idea to expand into a local market began to take shape. When some neighbors approached Bagelman about a farmers market, he was ready.

White Rock Local Market – at the intersection of Buckner Boulevard and Northcliff Drive – promises to have a baker, butcher, dairy man, and farmer, in addition to a jeweler, dressmaker, and florist, all artisans you might actually need on a regular Saturday of shopping – plus a little extra.

"Local food, local goods and local friends are what makes our community special," says Bagelman. "Our market will no doubt be a success. After all, ours is the best neighborhood in Dallas!"

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Cleaning Without Harm

rosemary
Homemade, Dollar-Saving, Fragrance-Uplifting, All-Purpose Spray

The Goods:
-1 empty 32 oz. spray bottle
-3/4 c. Distilled White Vinegar
-1 c. Hydrogen Peroxide
-1 1/2 tsp. Castille Soap (Such as Dr. Bronner )
-30 drops Tea Tree Oil
-30 drops Essential Oil of choice (some of my favorite choices include lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, lemon verbena, spearmint, clove, cinnamon, anise, sage, grapefruit, lemon, and lime; experiment with one or a combo and see what scent makes you want to get lean and clean!)

The Deal:
-Place all ingredients into the spray bottle using a funnel or measuring cup with a spout.
-Add water until contents reach top of bottle.
-Shake vigorously and use with abandon!

*For those with no time, or inclination, to make their own natural cleaning products but still needing a good cleaning kit, these companies offer a repertoire of items you can feel good about purchasing:

* Mrs. Myers
* Seventh Generation
* Method
* Ecover
* BioKleen

Saturday, August 1, 2009

New Age Gardening

So, I have really been trying gardening this summer and let me tell you, it's going decent at best. I talk (maybe even sing a little), compost, water, and even fertilize with bat gauno but still my bumper crop is out of reach. Well, with this little ditty maybe it would take the guess work out of what to plant. And then maybe I would be up to my ears in veggies (maybe).


If you’re not the super handy dandy green thumb type? A new tool out promises to help you.

You want to start a veggie garden, but you want to make sure you plant the right veggies for your climate and soil conditions. You also want an easy and fast way to do this. Cool. Then you will be delighted to learn of Easy Bloom, an environmental sensor.

easy bloom tool

image via Like Cool

This is not your mom and dads gardening. This is high tech awesome stuff for sure, but its not complicated at all. Essentially Easy Bloom is a tool for those who want to create a wonderfully eco friendly garden. Because when you pick the best plants according to your climate, less waster is used – less care is used, etc.

The $40 to $60 device analyzes sunlight, temperature, humidity, and soil drainage. Simply stick it in the soil for one day, then plug it into your computer’s USB jack and behold the breadth of the gardening guru’s wisdom. Matching the data from the soil to the EasyBloom’s library of plants, it suggests the best vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs and flowers suited for your garden.

I am so loving this idea and product, as I’m not the best green thumb out there. What could be better than to literally stick a tool in the ground, then stick it in your PC, and voila! a list of the appropriate veggies for your area and soil are given to you. Very useful indeed.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

New Dallas Mobility Ride

Dallas Police Gets Sentinel Police Mobility Vehicles

by Brian Yalung on Monday, July 27th, 2009

SentinelPMV

The Dallas Police Department will be enforcing the law better with these new vehicles transported from Xtreme Products. This development promises to be a big improvement towards the surveillance and monitoring measures needed by the neighborhood, a new eco-friendly vehicle slated to replace the old bicycle and foot patrols in use before.

The Sentinel can travel at speeds up to 29 miles per hour and offers a range of 80 miles per charge at a cost of about 1 cent per mile. The transition is sure to be a welcome development to the security of the Dallas neighborhood which can now be monitored better and raising the level of interaction between the police and the community.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Super Cool Dumpster Diving

Haul Pass
Ref-use Recycled Home Furnishings
reuse it!

You carry a heavy load.

But nothing like the guys behind Ref-use home furnishings.

The Austin-based duo hawks over dumpsters to collect plywood waste destined for landfills from obliging cabinet and woodworking shops. Then they haul the scraps to their milling warehouse, where they sand and shape them into modern tables, chairs, and shelves.

The look is super basic (no curvy legs or fanciful accents), as are the finishes: four stains (i.e., smoky gray, dirty brown) and ten paint colors (bright orange and purple to dark blue and earthy green). All paints and clear coats are nontoxic and formaldehyde free.

Get a load of that.


Available at Dh Collection, 3320 West 7th Street, Fort Worth (817-877-1994). To see styles, go to ref-use.com. Map It

Monday, June 22, 2009

Urban Farming Looks so Cool

So, in the Dallas, TX area the new fad is Urban Farming (keeping your own chickens and goats in the city limits). I myself grew up an urban farm and never realized it until recently. We had 12 acres in town (about one whole block) with a blackberry patch, cows, horses, honey bees, 3 orchards and a huge garden. We also had a windmill so we never paid a water bill. It really made me appreciate how things are grown, not to waste, and the value of knowing what goes into one's food.
After a year of composting and gardening I have been thinking of raising my own chickens. Once I found this it's on. Now the set up is a little pricey but organic eggs are totally worth it. My kids and I have decided to save our pennies for chickens.
Check this out:
Chicks Dig It
Eglu Modern Chicken Coop
rule the roost!

They say you shouldn’t count your chickens before they hatch.

But bet on enjoying your own incredible, edible eggs with help from Omlet, whose new Eglu Cube makes it possible for city dwellers to own chickens.

Depending on your outdoor space, you can opt for a six-foot (for six chicks) or nine-foot (for up to ten) run. You’ll need to clean the roost once a week, but it’s easy with slide-out dropping trays and plastic surfaces you can hose down.

The party fowls will be warm in winter and cool in summer thanks to twin-walled insulation. The steel weldmesh run keeps out pesky rodents, and a skirt lies on the ground to prevent foxes and other predators from digging their way in.

Three hens can lay their goods in the secluded nesting booth, and an egg port makes collecting easy.

So you won’t have to scramble.


Available online at
omlet.us.

Hens in your backyard and fresh eggs every morning!
If you have been thinking about keeping a couple of chickens for a while but just didn̢۪t know where to start, or you have a small flock of faithful hens who you would like to reward with a new house then Omlet can help!

Using the experience of thousands of delighted customers we have developed the eglu and our personal service to offer you a truly innovative, practical and fun way of keeping chickens. Collecting fresh eggs from hens in your backyard not only ensures you get fantastic tasting eggs but you also get a good feeling inside from knowing exactly where your food comes from.

The Goodlife

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Tarts on DFW Around Town

Buy Indie Wednesday: Vinyl Keepsakes Rock With Texas Tarts, punk jewelry doesn't have to be disposable

By LYNDSAY KNECHT MILNE

Updated 7:45 AM CDT, Wed, Jun 3, 2009

Texas Tarts

A peek at the Burning Heart Black Vinyl earrings in Texas Tarts' shop tells you all you need to know about Jacky Sylvie's best pieces: they're slick, geometric, and true-hearted '80s punk.

Where does the insatiable vinyl collector go after their bins are full?

They could find a new supplier -- or an ideological opposite -- in Jacky Sylvie of Texas Tarts, who recycles old albums to make earrings, necklaces, cuffs and belt buckles that feature the addictive sheen of recorded history.

Concerned music fans uncomfortable with the warping of perfectly good wax should know up front that some works are spared by default. If Sylvie comes across records by the Beatles or Elvis on her Ebay and Craigslist hunts for specific colors, for instance, those finds will be purposed for listening only.

Our favs from Tarts' Etsy shop:

The deal: Come on Eileen Vinyl Necklace, $10. The most literal of TT's necklaces features a tiny plastic record charm against a clear vinyl pendant. A lightning bolt tops off the layer of goodies, sold on a tough black chord.

The splurge: Beat It Charm Bracelet, $30. Traditional wrist trinkets not your jingle? TT gives James Avery the finger with this piece, a bangle-style bracelet with hand-cut shapes in uniform black vinyl dangling from the round.

P.S. TT accessories were featured in the Futuretopia-themed photo shoot for the Dallas Observer's Best of 2008 issue.

And now, a few words with designer Jacky Sylvie:

AT: Name three records you recently used to make accessories out of.

JS: Ha, people always ask me that. My last three creations came from Good Old Country Gospel, The "B.S." Song [by] Cotton-Eyed Joe and Strawberry Shortcake's Country Jamboree. (Hmm, I'm sensing a country theme here.)

AT: What album could you never retire for use in a product? I.e., what good finds have you saved for the recycling pile?

JS: There are actually lots I wouldn't use. I would never use any Elvis (may he rest in peace), Beatles, Joan Jett or Shawn Cassidy (I covet my Hardy Boys record player.) I recently received two mint Prince LPs, Purple Rain and When Doves Cry, that will never be used.

AT: If you could get any rock star to wear your jewelry as a sponsor, who would it be and why?

JS: There are actually two that I would love to wear my goods. First, Joan Jett, because she is just pure, hardcore rock and roll and I love that she always wears black. And Gwen Stefani because she has such unique style, makes bold choices and yet is still feminine. .

Copyright NBC Local Media

Friday, May 29, 2009

Pin Ups



What do you get when you mix hot rods, beautiful pin ups. original clothes by Poisoned Creations and a one of a kind necklace by Texas Tarts? Awesomeness that's what.

The beautiful Miss Vhaven at the 2007 Lonestar Roundup in Austin, Texas.

For clothing visi:t http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24246326

Monday, May 11, 2009

Seed Markers

I just love when something old and unwanted can be revamped and made useful again (yes, like a good record). Since Spring showers are upon us in Dallas and I just planted a veggie garden I couldn't pass up sharing these oh so sweet plant markers. Enjoy.


Fun seed markers from designer esther coombs.

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itching to start gardening and unhappy with the existing options for seed markers, esther decided to reuse old china plates she had and found wood to create these playful ceramic seed markers. if you’re looking for a unique and playful way to decorate your spring garden, esther will happily create an order just for you-just specify which vegetables or herbs, etc. you would like drawn on the marker. click here for more information and to shop online.

il_fullxfull69685902

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Handmade Steel Furniture Made from Old Cars

Still a little high on hair wax, neck tattoos and the smell of grease from Austin's Lonestar Roundup a couple weekends ago. I came across this must have table made from a car hood. I would give anything for this in my living room (and so would my husband).


Handmade Steel Furniture Made from Old Cars

I came across The Weld House today, and love the concept - new furniture made from reclaimed sheet metal. Joel Hester’s studio makes furniture from 20+ year-old cars, and the products are beautiful.

Before:

After:

Cool. He’s located in Texas, and for handmade piece of art, the prices are actually quite resonable. Check out the website for more information.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Tarts in Doggy Fashion Show


SCOOP: Wine on the Roof
Texas Tarts will be creating a one-of-a-kind outfit to help benefit the East Lake Pet Orphanage.
Canine couture and fine wine combine at the Eighth Annual Wine on the Roof, an elegant evening in celebration of homeless pets and East Lake Pet Orphanage. Pair with your fellow Fido-lovers and peruse a dazzling silent auction and enjoy fine wines paired with a delightful seasonal menu. Featuring a “Project Runway” themed fashion show with pets modeling Canine Couture and Feline Finery by local fashion designers.

ELPO Wine on the Roof.jpg

East Lake Pet Orphanage, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is a no-kill shelter that places dogs, cats and other animals into permanent, loving homes. In cooperation with both public and private like-minded organizations, the shelter educates the general public on the importance of spaying/neutering and responsible pet ownership through classes, media and public activities. It’s fabulous furry philanthropy.

When: Saturday, May 9th, 7 p.m.

Where: East Lake Veterinary Hospital
10101 East Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75238

Cost: Attendance is limited. Tickets are $55 in advance & $60 at the door.

Call: 214.349.3576

Visit: www.ELPO.org

Monday, April 27, 2009

Dallas crafter gives jewelry a rock 'n' roll edge

This was just posted from DFW.com

Old record albums never looked so cool, thanks to Dallas' Texas Tarts.
By ERIN WHITE

If we say "crafts" and you think "macaroni necklace," you’ve got the seriously wrong idea about Jacky Sylvie, owner, crafter and mastermind behind Dallas-based handmade jewelry company Texas Tarts.

Sylvie’s chunky, bold jewelry, made of vintage vinyl records, has a decidedly tough edge — it’s whiskey on the rocks, not cherry Kool-Aid and animal crackers.

We chatted with Sylvie about how she makes her unique pieces, what it takes to make a living at making your own jewelry and what it means to be an indie crafter.

How did you get into using records to make jewelry? Do you have an art background?

I have absolutely no background in art, but I’ve got a ton of artistic friends and family who inspire me. I’d been looking for a creative outlet, and I was messing around with a box of old records I didn’t want to throw away. I’d seen a lot of people making record bowls. Eventually, I figured out how to make the cuffs. For a long time, I only did the cuffs. (Sylvie now does all kinds of jewelry. Price range is $5-$50.)

How do you make the jewelry?

I heat the records on low heat . . . (long answer edited so other crafters don’t bogart her style — it has to do with searching the entire known universe for awesomely colored vinyl), then I cut them, shape them and finish them.

So you need a way to heat the records . . . do you work in a kitchen? Or maybe use a blowtorch?

I actually have a small section of the garage where I do the heating. I do all the finishing in my laundry room, where I work on a really small desk. I have to be super organized. (Note: She does not use a blowtorch.)

You say you’re an indie crafter. As we’ve long associated crafting with our grandmothers and ugly crocheted things, we’re fascinated by this concept. Please explain.

Indie crafting is all about doing things locally and having it be handmade. Recycling is really big, and so is being conscious about where things come from. It’s about finding something that’s really quality and one-of-a-kind.

Is it also about attitude and sex appeal? The photos of your jewelry, what with the licking of things and occasional bit of underwear without pants, are pretty sexed up for, you know, crafts.

(Laughs) It is for me. I changed my look this year to go a lot more rock and roll. I like the sassy part of it and the attitude. Some of my stuff is a little bit racier. Not all of it. But a friend of mine did that photo shoot, and it got a little crazy.

We discovered Sylvie’s stuff at the super cool Coffee Haus in Arlington, but you can find her whole line at www.texastarts.com.

Article: http://www.dfw.com/entertainment/story/120998.html

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Pin Up and Tarts




The beautiful Heidi Van Horne wearing a Texas Tarts cuff at Lonestar Roundup in Austin. Awesome!
http://www.heidivanhorne.com/

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Funky Finds Spring Fling This Saturday




This Saturday come see the Tarts at the Funky Finds show at the Will Rodgers Memorial Center in Fort Worth from 10a to 6p. So much goodness in one place it should be illegal. Over 100 indie/handmade vendors, food, a raffle, and so much more. Also, come out and see the new necklaces and earrings from Texas Tarts.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Lonestar Roundup


Finally, Lonestar Roundup has arrived. I can't wait for the smell of oil, hair wax, and tires burning on the asphalt. In it's 8th year this show just keeps getting bigger and better. If you want to see the best the South has to offer in hot rods, rat rods, customs, bikes, pin ups, bands and vendors then head to the Austin Travis Fair grounds this Friday and Saturday. In the evening don't forget to check out Congress St. for car cruising, people watching and the great bars. Need to burn some cash? Well, check out this line up up of vendors: Texas Tarts, Poisoned Creations, Tara to the T, Amy's Kitch and Stich, Vanity Flair, Trophy Queen and so much more. This is what Texas is all about!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

New Soap Old Bottle

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i wanted to share these fun new cleaning products called ‘new soap, old bottle‘. NSOB sell brand name liquid soap packaged in old plastic soda bottles, plastic water bottles and glass beer bottles for. each bottle is cleaned, sanitized and processed for reuse as packaging for your favorite brand of liquid soap. this is something that many of you could (and might already) do on your own, but for those shoppers who’d prefer to buy rather than make, this is a fun alternative to the heavy plastic packaging you get with major brand soaps. click here for more info and to shop online.

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3424813044_93e43a4322