Fun Stuff

So, I haven't been listing as many new bags lately-partly because I've been busy with other projects and partly because sales were low and I was feeling discouraged. Anyway, here's a peek at what I've been working on outside of bag making.

Our family Christmas cards (45 handmade freakin cards!)























Scarves for some gifts



































Clipboards my mom ordered for some of her fellow teachers





















































Dress for Bella

To list or not to list, that is the question

Whipped this one up this afternoon with some new fabric and can't decide whether to list it or send it as a random act of kindness to a friend. I know she likes my bags and I think this one is her taste. Hmmmm, what to do? Maybe I'll list it, give it a week to sell, and then if it doesn't, I'll know it was meant to be hers.

New Fabric

I've already used several of the fabrics that I got at an after Thanksgiving sale but these are the three remaining. I love the little bear print but have no idea what I'll do with it. Still trying to decide whether it's too baby-ish for an adult bag. I may just use it for something for my girls.


The second pic is definitely not bag fabric. Actually, none of them are really my taste but they were all clearance fabrics and will be good for some skirts or dresses for Bella. She's in another twirling phase so I've been busy making her some twirl jumpers (that I'm far too embarrassed of to show here).

Just Listed

Very pleased with how this one turned out. I really like this very simple and basic style for showing off beautiful, large scale fabrics. And this is the first time I've added a little sash on the side and I really like how it looks. A nice touch of added color and pattern and just makes the simple shape a little more interesting.

Back in action

Bella seems to be on the mend so I was able to get back in my sewing room this morning. I think the break did me good, I'm feeling motivated and creative again and it doesn't hurt that I got a bunch of new fabric this morning.

I love everything about this bag. The peachy pink floral is even prettier in person, I heart dots, and of course, more brown. Love the style too, I'll probably do a few more like this soon. And, I really think it's the perfect size for a mom. Enough room for your wallet and cell phone and a sippy cup and snack for baby. But not so huge that you feel like you're carrying around a small piece of luggage all day.

Don't forget about my holiday sale going on this weekend. Prices will go back up after Sunday so shop now for great deals.

Holiday Sale

I've lowered prices on every bag in my Etsy store for the holiday weekend. The sale prices will be effective now through Monday. I'm hoping to move some inventory quickly so if you've been watching a bag, now's your chance to get it at a great price.

Taking some "sick days"

I realized I haven't posted anything new in over a week so thought I'd give any readers out there a quick update. The little cold bug that had been traveling through our house has turned into pneumonia in my older daughter. Needless to say, she's requiring a lot of care and attention and by the time my sewing time arrives each day, I'm just too wiped out to do anything. She just got a big shot of antibiotics today and we'll go back in tomorrow to see how she's progressing. Please keep her in your thoughts, she's been through a lot the past few days.
We've had to cancel our holiday travel plans so Bella can stay home and recover so I may be able to get in some sewing time this weekend.

Back to my roots....sort of

Back when I first started bag making, this was the style I did on virtually every bag...along with everyone else on Ebay. While I like the style, it became very cookie cutter for me and was really hard to differentiate myself from the hundreds of other bag makers doing this exact style on Ebay. Since I have literally hundreds of yards of ribbon stock piled, I decided I better start experimenting with this style again.

I'm really pleased with how this one turned out. I tried to mix up the standard fabric-ribbon-fabric look by using the dotted ribbon with zig zag stitching and think it's just enough detail to make this bag stand out.

And, it's a really generously sized bag. Perfect for the mom of a newborn who still has to tote her entire nursery with her everywhere she goes or a mom with more than one young un'.

Just listed

It's been a slow sewing week. Both girls are sick and they're bringing mama down with them. I finished this one during the Tater's morning nap and am hoping to list another bag during her afternoon nap today.
I really want to make another bag with that adorable Japanese doll fabric but can't decide what to pair it with. I'm really itching to buy new fabric again but we're entering the Christmas financial crunch so I'll have to live vicariously through my friend Jona who just posted some adorable fabric finds on her blog... http://www.jonag.typepad.com/

Caring for your bag

Ok, lets start at the beginning. Your bag may be wrinkled once you gets to you. Don't be afraid to use your iron (with steam) to freshen it up a little. Just slip the bag over the end of your ironing board, like you do with a shirt, and touch up any wrinkles.
Ok, now onto washing. Crafty Mama bags are meant to be practical and for everyday use by other moms like me. But, they're also meant to be cherished and well cared for, kind of like a special dress. Do keep your bag clean. I don't want you carrying around your coffee stained bag and proudly proclaiming it's one of my creations. For a little dirt here and there, I recommend spot cleaning with soap and warm water on a white wash cloth. For more heavy wear, soak in a mild detergent (like Woolite), use a washcloth to gently work out any heavy dirt, and then hang dry. Once dry, iron back into shape. All bags are treated with scotch guard before shipping to help in fighting stains.

In summary... your bag isn't your favorite pair of jeans. Don't throw it in the washer on "heavy duty". Treat it like it's special but don't be afraid to keep it clean.

Another Christmas bag

I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself. I really love Christmas and since I can't put up the tree before Thanksgiving without being embarrassed, I'll have to relieve my holiday spirit by making some Christmas bags. I really like this one. Yes, Christmas colors, but not, "I'm going to throw up if I see another gingerbread man" fabric. And on that note, the lining is made from cute little tossed gingerbread men fabric:)

Last one for today

Sorry, last one for today. I only have another hour or so of freedom left and I think I'm going to clean up my craft room a little and scrapbook.

Another marathon sewing day?

For the first time ever, I'm home all alone this afternoon. Sure, Steve has taken both girls on a quick errand and usually takes Bella to the beach during Matea's afternoon nap on Saturdays. But today is the first time he's taken them both out of the house for a large portion of the day. So, I was all geared up for another marathon sewing day but now I have a headache and the thought of sitting in our comfy recliner, drinking my diet pepsi, and watching house flipping shows sounds nice. We'll see which way I go.

Anyhow, just listed this one on Etsy. I'll just say again that I really love this fabric. Found it in the bargain bin at my local fabric store and kind of wish I would have bought another yard. I usually only buy one yard of each fabric because I get tired of it rather quickly but this one has so many colors in it, there are tons of possibilities for different color and pattern combos.

Also got some new fabric in the mail today for some custom orders I'm working on...skulls! Not my usual fabric choice but really cute. Andrea, if you're reading this (and who are we kidding, you're a long time stalker, I know you are), do you want to see pics before I send the bags to you? I'm still a few weeks away from finishing them but wanted to know how surprised you want to be.

SALE!!!!

Make sure to check out my store for sale prices on a bunch of bags. Remember, the more bags you buy, the more new fabric I get to buy. It's all a vicious cycle.