Austin Creative

We are so lucky to have all of the talented folks living in Austin. I suppose that talent is found in any town, but it seems to be abundant here. I am amazed by the creative people and expressions of art that I am in contact with. Have you noticed the pipes and poles around town that have been wrapped in knitted mufflers? (Who thought of that?)

I've been an advocate for reducing, reusing, and recycling for years now, but to see that idea actually producing really cool, usable items inspires me. Neighborhood friends Kathie Sever and Bernadette Noll, co-founders of The Future Craft Collective, invite children and adults who have some experience with a needle and thread (but, not much experience required) to come and spend an afternoon dismantling and then re-designing a truly new and completely unique "piece." I use the word loosely, because the end product could be a beautiful hat, scarf, wallet or re-usable lunch bag. The possibilities are endless. They call it, "UP cycling." (Kathie and Bern were creating these unique pieces way before other corporations got wind of it!)

Check out the FCC website at www.futurecraftcollective.com. Oh, did I mention that they have a book deal? Their book will be published some time in 2011!