Missy Martinez

Born in Houston, TX in 1978 to San Antonio natives, moved back to San Antonio in 1993. Fiber artist, seamstress, teacher, organizer, painter, musician, gardener, entrepreneur, and general all around creator and crafter.

The DIY Factory – Owner, operator, sewing and art instructor. (2010 - 2011)

A boutique, gallery, studio, and classroom. The DIY Factory was San Antonio’s source for handmade goodness. The boutique featured a diverse offering of locally handmade gifts, art, housewares, fashions and accessories. All Local – All Handmade! In addition, The DIY Factory offered project-based classes, workshops and camps in sewing, ceramics, knitting, art and general crafts for adults and children, as well as “lab hours” for students to explore their creativity outside of structured classes. Customers short on time could get crafty at one of the Craft n’ Go tables stocked with supplies and instruction on making a variety of projects. The DIY Factory hosted monthly events and provided a meeting space for local like-minded groups.

https://www.facebook.com/thediyfactory

http://www.sacurrent.com/ArtSlut/archives/2011/05/18/diy-to-die-for-at-the-diy-factory

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sacultura/conexion/article/Factory-a-crafter-s-dream-1156332.php

Sew Deluxe – Owner, operator, sewing instructor. (2009 - 2010)

San Antonio's first sewing lounge. An artist-owned studio space created to inspire and promote the Do-It-Yourself ethic by providing a supportive and fun environment for the free exchange of ideas between all skill levels. Offered sewing and crafting technique classes and project-based workshops for all ages. Lounge hours were available for patrons to utilize the tools, equipment and studio space with assistance from the experienced staff.

http://sewdeluxe.blogspot.com/

The DIY Factory Annual Show - Founder and Producer. (2007 & 2008)

An annual celebration of creativity that brought together a diverse group of cutting edge independent craftsters, artisans, designers, and musicians to showcase their talents to the general public in a market type setting. It gave many people their first opportunity at being a vendor and allowed those that were “old hands” at selling their goods a fresh and new type of market to connect to the community. Each year the DIY Factory showcased over 50 alternative craft vendors, fashion designers, and local musicians epitomizing the DIY ethic. It included a “make and take table” for guests of all ages, and in 2008 a clothing swap with upcycle stations was introduced and local non-profits were invited to share the educational materials with guests.

http://thediyfactory.blogspot.com/

http://www.sacurrent.com/sanantonio/diy-factory-promotes-independent-artists/Content?oid=2281708

Alamo City Craft Union – Founding member (2007 – 2011)

A ragtag group of San Antonio artists who banded together to share ideas, create a co-op of materials, collaborate on projects, and pool resources to create and participate in events and schemes to get their individual and collective artwork out in front of the public.