National Anxiety Month 2

Now that you're all stirred up. Here are three movies to help put you to sleep. If these don't do it, go to see Arthur Ganson's dream machines in person at the Mebane Gallery, on the first floor of Goldsmith Hall at the University of Texas in Austin. (don't stress but hurry, the show closes on May 6th 2009).

National Anxiety Month 1

Since April has been designated as National Anxiety Month, here is a little something to keep you up at night.

Playing with Intense Heat

One can never have too many hand-made ornate cat food bowls. Or sushi platters. Or personalized gifts laying in wait for the Holidays. So don't you dare miss this fun and fascinating workshop given by the devine Ms. K.

Kathleen Ash has been working professionally in glass for over 26 years. Many of her award winning creations have graced the pages of some of Paisley's favorite house porn magazines. Come learn from the Queen of Slumped Glass at her fabulous studio just outside of Austin. You'll learn basic glass fusing techniques, (and some not so basic tricks) and build and fuse several pieces to take home with you. There will also be the opportunity to order additional fusing supplies at wholesale prices.

When: Saturday, March 21st 10am - 4pm and March 22nd 10am - 4pm
Where: Studio K, 407 Arroyo Vista, Manchaca Texas
How: Cost is $250. Materials, tools and a yummy lunch are included.
Go to www.StudioKGlass.com for contact info

Tucson Gem and Mineral Show part 2

Parents, if there every was a reason to pull your children out of school, this is it. Fly, drive or piggy-back ride them to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show next February, and they are sure to leave with a new-found curiosity about the world around them. Salomé believes a curious child's thirst for information, experiences and skills will lead him or her on a lifelong journey toward becoming a happily engaged and intelligent adult... just like Paisley.

Tucson Gem and Mineral Show part 1

Starting at the very end of January and running for more than two weeks, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show attracts thousands of buyers, sellers, artists, nature lovers, art collectors, alternative types, Paisley and Salomé. Dozens of separate shows take over the entire city of Tucson and transform it into a funky international scene.

Cheesy hotels turn into bustling showrooms. Glimpse into any open door; beds are piled high with rubies, meteorites, hand made beads, Hill Tribe Silver and carved jade. Parking lots hold wooly mammoth tusks, fully articulated dinosaur skeletons, ethnographic art and man-sized fossils. Huge white tents on show-grounds are filled with purveyors of specialty tools, fine gemstones, carved bone, leather work, and more.

Last minute gifts

Nothing says Merry Christmas like an insulated lunch bag made of Indonesian litter.

80,000 tons of flexible plastic packaging are manufactured each year in Indonesia and proper recycling is practically nonexistent. The XSProject is working with Trash pickers and craftspeople in Jakarta, paying them a fair price and producing very well made, funky, (and CLEAN) items.

Paisley buys his in Bali, but you can visit the excellent XSProject website and online store to see the entire line of bags, wallets and other carry-alls. According to the site, all orders are processed within 24hours, (Paisley suspects US orders are shipped from the US), so there's still time enough to make it under the tree. (Paisley accepts no advertising, favors, candy, etc. for any endorsements)

Mad for Mod

Mod Green Pod world headquarters, Austin TX

Paisley has a crush on the lovely Ms. Mims. Her upholstery weight 100% certified organic fabrics are printed here in the US, use non-toxic pigments and comply with stringent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for NO off-gassing into Paisley's pristine home. In keeping with her green philosophy, her wallpapers use water-based inks on cellulose paper.

But most importantly, her Mod Green Pod designs defy the earthy-crunchy, yoga-mat-toting, tofu-munching aesthetic. (not that there's anything wrong with that). Visit the Mod Green Pod online store to see for yourself.