Heartfelt Thanks…
The day after Thanksgiving may be my favorite day of the year! I finally have the green light to take all the storage bins out of the attic labeled “Christmas decos”, Bing Crosby croons away White Christmas throughout the house, and the long hours slaving away over the stove on Thanksgiving gift me with a…
Read MoreBook Review: Home Style By City by Ida Magntorn
Howdy everyone! We’re facing some hectic weeks ahead, working our hardest to get everyone situated for the holiday season. On top of that, our SEVEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY is approaching at the end of the month! Can you imagine that?! Whew! Soon we’ll have to share a toast together. We also have an exciting new project in…
Read MoreClass Update + Discount!
It’s been incredible to think that I’ve seen a full year of classes go through the shop! We’ve met dozens of amazing people and have shared a lot of home-baked goods prepared by our resident baker, Katherine. All along the way we’ve photographed their work to upload to Facebook. Now students can download photos from class…
Read MoreSpruce Upholstery Tip: Organizing Your Workspace
A clean and organized workspace makes an efficient one. I have to take breaks throughout the day to tidy my area and gather all of my hand tools that mysteriously walk off. As you might imagine, there are many tools and materials I use throughout the day, so it would be unfair for me to…
Read MoreLocal Business Snapshot: Photographer Ryann Ford
Imagine being paid to jet set across the globe and take photos of gorgeous places for major publications such The New York Times, Southern Living and Esquire. Enter Austin-based photographer Ryann Ford, who has spent most of her adult life doing just that. Envious much? Just a couple of years ago, Amanda was spending some quality time with Ryann,…
Read MoreLearn How to Make an Alphabet Stool with Amanda on Creativebug!
First, there was the alphabet. Then, there was alphabet soup. And now, Amanda brings us alphabet stools! A, B, see your way over to Creativebug to learn the basic woodworking and upholstery techniques necessary to create these super cute, custom stools! And as long as you’re there, check out some of the other great tutorials Spruce has…
Read MoreNew Spruce Team Member: Introducing Kristen!
We are so grateful and excited to have some new Sprucettes here to help man the ship! Most recently, we began working with the lovely Kristen Williams. Kristen is an honorary Texan hailing from Grand Prairie, Texas. She matriculated at the University of Texas here in Austin, and after a stint in New York City (working…
Read MoreNew Spruce Retail
In the midst of summer projects, we’ve managed to sprinkle in some new retail projects. Take a look at our freshest finds and some extra-special pieces for the taking. 1. Handmade sari blankets from India. $75 ea. 2. Back to the Beach Chair. Chunky texture in cream, blue, and green; mid-century frame; $1095. 3. Neon…
Read MoreSpruce Upholstery Tip: Staple Lengths
Upholstery staples come in several different lengths. The most commonly used lengths are 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″. I like to keep a box of each at my station at all times so I can quickly swap out sizes when working on different parts of a project. Let me elaborate on how I use each of these staples…
Read MoreBefore and Afters: Back to School 2014 Edition
Why is this year going so fast??? Stop it!!! After a long summer, it’s time again to send the kiddos off to class and for parents to get back to those around-the-house projects. You know who you are! Moms and Dads of Austin and surrounding areas — it’s time you all do the same! Students,…
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