Jennifer Perkins and her fabulously kitschy line of jewelry, Naughty Secretary Club, have long been synonymous with all things Austin and all things craft. Along with her fellow Austin Craft Mafia members, Jennifer helped pioneer the diy resurgence and put Austin on the map as the craft mecca that it is today. Jennifer talked to the Austinist about this weekend's event and filled us in on what we'll see from NSC (And the other Craft Mafia ladies), why she's so excited for Renegade in Austin, and what she'll be picking up for herself in between demos at the Stitch Lab and selling wares at her booth. more ›

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Peyton’s Place is celebrating its grand opening tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be complimentary drinks, in-store makeovers (courtesy of Sage Salon), and a trunk show by jewelry designer Joani White. Peyton’s Place is on 215 Lavaca. Re- is going out of business! Voted Best Recycled Goods by Austin Chronicle, this little South Austin vintage store is calling it quits after over two years. Owner Chris Walker said he and his wife... more ›

An annual showcase and celebration of all things DIY, the Stitch Fashion Show and Guerrilla Craft Bazaar returns for its fourth installment this Saturday with an even bigger and better lineup. Back in 2003, local designers Jesse Kelly-Landes (Amet and Sasha), Tina Sparkles (Sparkle Craft), Karly Hand (Identity Crisis Clothing) and Jennifer Perkins (Naughty Secretary Club), dismayed that Austin lacked an effective outlet for independent designers to exhibit their work, orchestrated one of the city's... more ›

The DIY Network, already home to Austin Craft Mafia's new show, Stylelicious, just finished producing another program called Craft Lab, starring mafiosa and Naughty Secretary Club prioprietess Jennfer Perkins. Tony Federico, TV producer by day and self-admitted crafter, says the show's "more Ready Made and Bust magazine than Grandma's Bazaar - we're geared for a younger audience." It looks like they're already done with the first season, with guests including nationally-syndicated craft columnist Kathy Cano Murillo of Crafty Chica, collage artist Claudine Hellmuth, Traci Bautista and Jenny Harada. Tony says they're set to shoot a slew of episodes for their second season in the next couple of months, which will air sometime next year, but they're still looking for a bunch of "cool guests" to bring on the show. And by "cool," they mean "vivacious, interesting and engaging people to share their love of crafting on national television." Think you've got what it takes? Send 'em an email. Hell, they'll fly you out to LA if you're a good fit. More deets after the jump! more ›

The local design mavens known collectively as the Austin Craft Mafia -- members of which include Sparkle Craft, Naughty Secretary Club and Amet and Sasha -- have certainly made a name for themselves since forming back in 2003. With their various creations having been featured in a slew of magazines (Jane, Budget Living, Real Simple), various and sundry other Craft Mafias sprouting up all around the country, and the tremendous success of annual shows like Stitch, you'd think these fashionistas would be content in their extraordinary accomplishments, or at least exhausted. But, no. Last year, eight out of the ten mafiosa flew out to Los Angeles to film a new series for the DIY Network, called "Stylelicious." The 39 episodes each feature three of them showcasing a different type of wearable art, from purses to jewelry to clothing, along with special "field pieces" by local Austin designers (Mark Joiner, Will Heron, Amy Barber, Chia Guillory, Parts & Labour and more). DIY's synopsis puts it best:

Stylelicious makes life delicious! This half-hour series is a tasty concoction of fashion, accessories and fun as a round-robin group of fashionistas show viewers three unique takes on the same project. Viewers get three crafty points of view on each show as our designing divas tackle purses, shoes and all kinds of fashion treats. Viewers will be craving more and more of Stylelicious!

Just in time for Valentine's Day next week, local design boutique Sparkle Craft opens its studios for the very first time! Impresaria Tina Sparkles (the fashionista behind the fabulous) has rallied together a fantastic coterie of independent Austin labels - Amet & Sasha, *AnneMarie*, All Dressed Up & Shy, Lawless Revolution Wear, Naughty Secretary Club, OtterOtto by Donna Soo, Will Heron, Tokyo Valentine, and Sublime Stitching - to offer up an assortment of one-of-a-kind goods.... more ›

Our favorite posts by Austin bloggers for the week: Queen Kandis wonders about the Da Vinci Code hoopla. AroundAustin.com reviews Fonda San Miguel’s new book of recipes and art. In the Pink Texas has one of the best post titles ever: Cheney Argues Against Pulling Out. Yes, we’re easily amused. Kimberly at A Little Pollyanna mulls over her upcoming trip to Hawaii and we are sooo jealous. Grits for Breakfast reminds us that "It’s always... more ›

Stitch Austin, a fashion show and guerrilla craft bazaar affiliated with the Austin Craft Mafia just announced the date for this year's event. The mafiosa will be taking over Emo's on Sunday, November 13th. DJ Mel and DJ Jen (Ear Candy) are slated to be on hand, ensuring that folks have something to move to whether on the runway or on the floor. Applications are now open for anyone wanting to get their designs... more ›