Today's post is a bit like Ambrosia ....

Just a nice little mix of stuff, swirled together with some whipped cream. (I actually *really* like ambrosia ... and that green pistachio kind my mom used to make ... now I'm hungry)

Anyway.

There are some great things going on in Austin over the next couple of days and weeks that I wanted to let you know about. Let's get started with tonight (and every Thursday, actually)

Arts & Drafts at Rio Rita
I haven't been to this yet, but I'm going tonight with a couple of good friends. I've been dying to hook up with a social crafting club in Austin. Heck, I've even wanted to start one, but just haven't had the time or energy. Hoorah for one already in the mix! You can check out their Myspace page for more information - and pictures. I see velvet-y couches. I see folks crafting. I see beer. I'm.so.there.

Don't Shop; Swap!
In case you didn't catch my feature over on Craftzine.com, this is a brilliant event put on by Kathie Sever and Bernadette Noll of the Future Craft Collective. Instead of cramming in to stores this weekend to save a measly $8 for every $100 you spend, do something that's good for your DIY skillz and the environment. It's a back to school clothing swap (complete with sewing machines and volunteers to help you modify clothes if you want to). The event will be this Saturday, August 16, from 10AM - 2PM at Zilker Elementary School. You can read more about it over at Craftzine.com and get all the details on the Future Craft Collective Web site.

Jennifer Perkin's Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewlery and Craft08 Release Party!
I am beyond thrilled to be teaming up with the rockin' Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club to celebrate the release of her new book, Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry. Mark your calendars for August 30 from 3-6 PM, 'cause we'll be hosting a blow out craftabulous event at Craft-O-Rama. It's like a crafty double-header. Remember how much fun the Craft07 Release Party was? Now take that and toss in the coolest kitsch jewelry gal celebrating her rad new book and you can imagine that this even will be off the hizook.

Did I just type "hizook?" I can't help it, I'm that excited. Stay tuned to the blog for more information as we get closer to the event.

Hopefully I'll get to see some of you crafty Austin-ites at one - or all - of these events. Who's with me?