Unusual Crafts To Enjoy on a Rainy Day

January 25, 2013 3:01 pm
If you're tired of traditional crafts and hobbies likes knitting, doing puzzles, and collecting coins or stamps, consider trying a new project. Below are a few suggestions for unique craft-making projects you can attempt right at home at Marquis at Barton Trails.
 
Papercutting
Papercutting is an absorbing art that involves cutting paper into intricate designs. Cultures all around the world have engaged in different forms of papercutting throughout history, and it is often associate with Chinese culture. You can start out simply and then progress to more complicated designs as your skills improve. This is a useful skill to hone when it comes time for  making cards for friends and family members. 
 
Quilling
This craft is yet another paper-based art, and it’s a fabulous option if you’re looking to immerse yourself in an extremely detailed and intricate activity that requires all of your attention. Quilling involves the use of paper strips that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create attractive designs. As an art form, quilling dates back to the Renaissance, when monks used quilling to adorn the covers of sacred books. Today, ithas become an increasingly popular because of the low cost of materials. 
 
Kumihimo
Kumihimo is the skill of braid-making, and it has it's roots in Japan. It involves a complex and satisfying process of finger-loop braiding in which you interlace strands in order to make cords and ribbons out of fine strands. Practitioners of Kumihimo use a foam disk to help them as they braid the strands together — these disks are available in a variety of sizes and styles so that you can make whatever kind of braid you wish, ranging from flat to circular to four-sided to hollow. 
 
Temari
This is another craft worth checking out if you enjoy intricacy and complexity while working with your hands. Temari is a Japanese art where craftspeople create beautiful and vividly colored decorative balls made of thread. This is an especially good option if you have experience with stitching-based crafts, and an added benefit is that Temari balls make lovely gifts. 
 
Tablet Weaving
This fun project, also known as card weaving, involves a weaving approach in which tablets or cards are used to create the shed through which the weft passes. This is an ideal form of weaving for narrow arenas of work such as thin straps, belts, or the trim on various garments. The materials and tools are relatively inexpensive, and once you get over the initial learning curve, you’re sure to find this an absorbing and rewarding activity. 
 

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Burgers and Beer at Hopdoddy Burger Bar

January 22, 2013 12:03 pm

After less than three years in business, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is already an Austin institution. Their simple menu features burgers, salads, beer, and other adult beverages. Burgers are reasonably priced and made from top quality ingredients. Hormone and antibiotic-free black angus beef is ground in house and grilled to perfection. Buns are baked from scratch twice daily, and they even cut their own fries.

In addition to several beef burgers on the menu, Hopdoddy offers turkey, lamb, tuna and veggie burgers. Be sure to top your patty with their homemade chipotle ketchup. Staff will guide you through their ordering process, which starts with bar items first — including many craft and local beer options in addition to mixed drinks — before placing your food order. This place is busy, so be prepared for a line out the door. Excited customers and tight seating make for a boisterous atmosphere, so it’s best suited to a night out with friends.   
 

Hopdoddy Burger Bar
1400 S Congress Ave
Ste A190
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 243-7505
www.yelp.com/biz/hopdoddy-burger-bar-austin

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Resident Referral Discount!

January 22, 2013 11:08 am

Don't forget about CWS's Resident Referral offer! Refer a person who leases at our property and receive $500 off of your rent after they have lived at the property for 30 days!

Category: Life at Marquis at Barton Trails Apartments Tags: , , ,


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