KEEP AUSTIN WHIMISICAL

Round Rock entrepreneur reupholsters Austinites' creative lives with whimsical DIY book

Wendy Conklin teaches about upholstery and living a more creative life, hand-in-hand.

Photo courtesy of Abby Grace Photography

What started as a chair reupholstery hobby has now become a burgeoning DIY brand, with a new book on the way in March. Round Rock entrepreneur Wendy Conklin is giving readers a look at how they can bring more fun into their lives and into their homes with her first book, Life Whimsy.

Life Whimsy is Conklin’s guide for those looking to become more creative in all aspects of their lives, with insightful advice and tips sprinkled on every page. In between vibrant photos, readers can expect to find “the secret to unlocking [their] creative genius” even without inherent artistic tendencies, according to a press release.

In a world where simpler, more modern styles are on trend, Conklin breaks the rules and turns a simple beige space into something fanciful. Conklin is a former teacher turned creative professional and is the CEO of Chair Whimsy, a business dedicated to whimsical reupholstery design and education. She writes about simple techniques to meld readers’ newfound creativity into their professions, including the more traditionally-noncreative, white-collar fields. She delves into personal rejuvenation through “the magic of play” and provides advice on how to start and grow a small business.

Conklin explains in the release that finding her inner creative has been the “perfect balm for [her] soul.” She noticed that people often “leave their creative spirit in the schoolyard sandbox” in between everyday distractions and a fear of trying something new. She hopes Life Whimsy acts as a reader’s “permission slip” to embrace their passions.

Cottages & Bungalows editorial director Kelly McMaster describes Life Whimsy as “happiness on paper” with its colorful layout and encouraging writing.

“Wendy’s personal journey is a thoroughly inspiring page-turner, but not only inspiration, Wendy also tells the reader ‘how’ to create a life full of joy,” she explains. “With practical advice, exercises, and tutorials, it’s a gorgeous addition to your library and one you will reach for again and again.”

Life Whimsy is slated for release on March 25 and can be pre-ordered on Conklin’s website.

round rock entrepreneur chair whimsy wendy conklin life whimsy book life whimsy books interior design design homes diy

New

Historic Austin museum will close for more than a year for restoration

Photo courtesy of the City of Austin

The Elisabet Ney Museum will close at the end of 2024 and reopen in mid-2026.

Every building needs some maintenance here or there, and the historic Elisabet Ney Museum needs some extra-special care. Formerly the art studio and residence of its namesake, it's been standing since 1892. It'll spend 2025 in relative solitude, as it undergoes renovation for a year and a half with no visitors allowed.

The museum will close to the public December 30, 2024, and open again in the summer of 2026 if all goes according to plan, a news release from the City of Austin shares. It'll be a quiet period compared to the 21,000 people visiting from around the world each year.

According to a museum overview on the city's website, Elisabet Ney, a European portrait sculptor, bought the property and called her new studio Formosa. She worked on sculptures depicting important Texans like Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, and collected works of European contemporaries.

The building at 304 East 44th St. includes 3,700 square feet of museum space, which was converted by Ney's friends after her death in 1907. It retains its unique look that juxtaposes a Neo-Classical main studio from 1892 with a later addition from 1902 including a tower for her husband, Edmund, to write in. It is also on 2.5 acres of land, which has largely been restored to its natural state with native species.

A press release lists these tasks (verbatim) within the scope of the new work, referred to as the Capital Improvement Project (CIP):

Restoration of original exterior wood doors and windows
Upgrades and replacement of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
Replacement of the exhibit and general lighting systems
Repairs to the roof, masonry, plumbing, and interior finishes.

There will also be work to do outside of the building. Workers will replace the pedestrian bridge across Waller Creek, stabilize a 20,000-square-foot portion of the bank, and make the grounds more accessible by adding new pathways.

Funding comes from several sources, according to a release: "the 2012 Bond, Proposition 14, the Parkland Dedication Fund, the Historic Preservation Fund, Partners in Preservation through the National Trust, and contributions from the Friends of the Elisabet Ney Museum."

museums galleries history texas

KEEP AUSTIN WHIMISICAL

Round Rock entrepreneur reupholsters Austinites' creative lives with whimsical DIY book

A frozen custard closure and New Year's menus renew Austin food news

Pflugerville chef brings Vietnamese eats to Hutto with new concept

All of the restaurant and bar closures that rocked Austin in 2024

New

Historic Austin museum will close for more than a year for restoration