Artists often remind us of our humanity during a crisis, and these COVID-19 based Loteria images by San Antonio artist Rafael Gonzales Jr. offer a funny and very cool slice of Texas cuulture.
Pandemic Loteria is available for purchase at Feliz Modern. You better act fast, the first press run of these sold out quickly. There are so many great items in this shop, I’m following them on Instagram so I remember them for holiday gifts.
Gonzales has T-shirts, prints, and more in his online shop. Shop here Instagram
Erin Flores and her husband Tiger own Earthen Metals, a family run Blacksmith shop in downtown Elgin. They specialize in unique hand forged metal work in steel, bronze, copper, aluminum and stainless steel to make home decor items, outdoor cooking tools, jewelry and more.
They live in Elgin with their children and pets and are both very active members of the community. Their shop is one of my favorite spots in Elgin, and they offer Blacksmithing classes.
1. Why did you move to Elgin?
We moved here because of affordable shop space.
2. What compels you to spend time creating?
I like making stuff.
3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.
Learning how to take care of my Mom who is suffering from Alzheimer.
Instagram.
Making bread.
4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?
Currently making Bronze necklaces Reading: Rick Riordan Watching: ‘Grimm” on Amazon. Listening to: Ska
Susan Fricks is the the owner/creator of the FiberObsessions brand of hand-dyed and hand-spun fibers, and hand-woven textiles.
Susan has been working with fiber since her earliest memories, having learned to knit and crochet when she was just 5 or 6 years old from her mother. She has been an avid spinner since the early 80’s, weaving since 1988.
She opened a yarn shop, Yarnorama, in Paige, Texas in March of 2008. Her shop has become a hub for knitters, weavers, spinners, and fiber enthusiasts from around the state.
She lives in Paige with her husband John, a lovely garden and a few cats.
1. Why did you move to The Bastrop area?
Way back in 2003, my husband John and I started looking for property to begin an organic farm. When we found a piece of land here we loved, it was an easy choice.
2. What compels you to spend time creating?
That is what feeds my soul. Taking everyday materials and transforming them into something beautiful for the home, or to wear makes me happy.
3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.
Just 3? Lol.
1. To be less impatient. Things will get done when they get done. And that’s ok.
2. Having friends makes all the difference in the rough times.
3. The work never gets easier, so stop expecting it to.
4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m going through all my handwoven fabrics and doing all the finishing so they can finally go out into the world. And I’m dyeing fiber and yarns. Listening to Joan Baez, and listening to hum of nonsensical TV shows just for the background noise.
Bean & Noodle 