Something New

I have made a lot of bags over the years. Totes, purses, clutches, wristlets, mini-wallets, just to name a few. I had never made a drawstring bag, though--until now. I used the new Chelsea pattern from Venezie Designs and made several!! Aren't these cute?

I really enjoyed making bags from this pattern and I plan to make many more! The pattern designer is a bag maker herself, so she knows what fellow bag makers want and expect from a pattern--like a template for the bag body.

This is a very soft, comfortable bag to carry and it holds a lot. My customers have been very pleased with the performance of this bag. I think my next project with this pattern will be a dance bag. If you decide to try this pattern, let me know what you make!!

Would you bid on this purse?

I was contacted by the Fundraising Coordinator of the small, private school my children attended for elementary and middle grades. She was seeking a contribution for a silent auction to be held this weekend in conjunction with their Fall Festival. It was a tough decision--not whether or not to participate, but what to make! This is what I decided on. Sure hope it sells!!

My Shopping Connection

I was so honored to have this little clutch featured on MyShoppingConnection.

The publishers of MyShoppingConnection support small business and love to showcase indie designers online. Erika Pitera, editor-in-chief, has such a terrific job. She "pre-shops" for those of us who love to shop online, finds interesting and unique products and posts those finds all in one spot! I love to check IndieSpotting daily to see what she's found.

http://bit.ly/IndieSpotting

If you find something fabulous or better yet, if you make something fabulous, Erika wants to see it, too. It's quick and easy to send her a submission.

Thank you, Erika!

http://bit.ly/GalleriaFinds

Not Fall Yet, No Longer Summer

My teenagers return to school next week and their older sister returns to teach in the classroom soon after. It's still very, very hot in Florida and there are still many visitors here on vacation. Football teams have started practice but the first games are still a month away. So while it doesn't seem like fall yet, the summer is winding down for my family.

The freedom from schedule and extra rest has been wonderful, but I welcome a return to routine and I long for crisp weather.

What does the change in season hold for you?

New Places, New Friends

Have you visited my Artfire Shop? I have yet to learn all the particulars but I am very excited to be "in on the ground floor" of this new venture. I've already made my first purchase there! My beautiful new banner and avatar came from this Artfire shop:
http://www.lifesmomentscaptured.artfire.com/

She did such a wonderful job and it was such fun getting to know her. Even though I'm a newcomer, I feel I have a friend there already. Thanks, Dawn!!


I'd love for you to look around at my new shop.
http://www.pursesbagsandsewmuchmore.artfire.com/

She's a busy blogger!

Many thanks to Audrey of http://www.audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com for the lovely feature she has posted in her blog. I’ve just entered the world of blogging and have so much to learn! Audrey, however, has three blogs!! So, of course, she is a source of inspiration to me. I can’t quite figure out how people like Audrey get it all done. How DOES she keep up with it all—and two teenagers, too? Take a look at her profile. See what I mean? Oh, she also has an Etsy shop, too. www.audreyscountrycrafts.etsy.com

I think I can learn a lot from Audrey and the busy people like her who populate the blogosphere.

Thanks, Audrey!

A Special Purse

I had a custom order last week in my Etsy shop for a special purse--for a bride. I wanted it to be exactly what she wanted. She told me what she hoped for, I worked to create something special and she was very pleased with the bag. I was pleased that she trusted me to contribute to her wedding plans.

Best wishes, Gen!

New year, new beginnings!

Here's one of my new beginnings--a blog. An adventure begins. It's a bit daunting but I'm eager to learn. Anyone have encouraging words to share?