My name is Amy Ybarra Murphy. I am a photographer, printmaker, art teacher, mother and crafter. I recently moved to the Austin area from the D.C. area. I am originally from Texas but spent most of my adult years in VA. I’m currently getting readjusted to Texas, but must admit that I miss being close to the hub of the free world. However, I love Austin’s avoidance of anything political and embracing of the “weird”.
Anyway, I am a once art-snob who always struggled with my love of craft. I’m so glad that art and craft have become reconsciled now! Because I always struggled with hating elitism and loving the handmade, and yet wanting to feel that my art work was not repititive or over-done. I am glad that craft has reclaimed its alignment with individualism. Anyhow, that is the purpose of this site; to promote individulism through craft and through using recycled materials. Because yes it’s been done before, but it hasn’t been done by me. Everyone is going to do things differently and put their own spin on a project. It’s just adding to the collective conscience and it’s how we grow and build upon one another’s ideas. It’s how humans have survived this long and it’s how we have progessed as a species. So, go on and spin, then!
Just found your site….from Craftster.org….You are sooooo creative! Love your ideas….very inspiring! I especially like your recycled crafts….yes, I go by several thrift stores monthly for crafting/sewing supplies.
BTW, I’m from Hondo, Texas….just west of San Antonio. Just wanted to drop a line and say, “Wow! Great Stuff!” 
Thanks! I appreciate your comments and the support from the crafting community in all of Texas.
Amy just happened onto your website and love your projects and the detail you go into to describe them. I just started my own website too. Take a look if you have time. I’m also a crafter and am originally from San Antonio. I’ve always loved Austin and I’m sure you will grow to love it too. I’ll keep up with your site. Good luck, Cyndi
Hey Amy!
Just found your site — and LOVE it! I’m linking to you, okay? I love the photo/bleach pen activity — I want to try that out and play.
Nice work!
Tammy
Hi Amy!
Your projects are great!!!! I’m from Durham and love playing with all different types of crafts. I’m going to link to you. Great stuff!
http://craftbooksreview.blogspot.com
hi amy,
i have happened upon your site a couple of times and it’s so lovely. i am going to have a go at the cork stamps (we seem to have lot’s of corks, don’t know why;P) and then make a little book for my niece for her birthday.
thanks for all the great ideas!
(i am going to link to your site too)
Like your blog, Thanks for sharing idea. I’m artist and designer, Nice to meet you.
Wow, I love all that you’ve done! I can’t wait to try it all out and show my old art teacher and friends~!
Oh wow ,I followed so many links and found you!!!!!!!!!!!
I am amazed at all the fun stuff here. I need a few days just to read all the information and then play. Thanks so much for all this information!!!!! rosebudinnh/ Rose G.
I know I’ve already left a few comments. But I just wanted to let you know how happy I am to have found your website! It’s like finding buried treasure! Thanks so much for sharing all of your knowledge. You make things much more accessible for those of us who have just started and a little scared to take that first step. I am inspired!
I am so impressed with your site and all of your crafts. I LOVE LOVE LOVE how you have recycled and repurposed things. You are an inspiration.
Amy, I’m so glad to see what you’re up to…the website actually shows the richness of your life experience, art production, visual thinking, etc. and your happiness in Austin. We miss you at Mason but are so pleased to be in touch.
All best wishes,
Renee
Hey Amy, great site – i love your creativity. i was looking for a “subscribe” function in the website, email or RSS… did i miss it? Keep it up!
Rikki
Amy, I really love your tutorials!
)
Thank you for them
Therefore I awarded you
Good luck and lots of success with your new shop
Susann
Hey,
Just stumbleUpon your page. It is awesome !
Since I moved for myself because of studies, I have started doing more crafty things and your page is really inspiring. Living in Norway means long dark nights in the winther, perfect for craft making.
Again, love your page and crafs.
Loved your detailed instructions on making rubber stamps using silicon caulk. There was a man, Justin Roth, on HGTV’s “That’s Clever” the other day and he used the caulk as a mold for his faux relic. It got me to thinking that the silicon caulk could work for making rubber stamps, and might be easier than trying to make a linoleum block print. That’s when I Googled silicon caulk rubber stamps and found your site. What a treasure trove. I’m hoping to find time to go through your archives for all your tutorials & crafts. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.
Hi there
I love all the things you are doing and i get a feeling of recognition when i read about your Arts with a big A vs. Craft frustrations. It was only after i finished art school that i had the guts to start being a printmaker but i am still feeling the whole ‘has to be original and not smelling of craft’ thing going on back then. Other than that art school was great and i wouldn’t miss it but the Art World still scares me.
So thanks for being who you are!
I just found you site and I love it. I live in Round Rock and love going to the Goodwill Blue Hanger Outlet in Austin. I have found some really neat stuff to use in my crafting and so cheap. Plus, buying there helps so many people. Keep up the good work with you fantastic tutorials.