Living life and loving it... most of the time

Yudu not know how excited I am...

2012-02-02T18:50:00.003-06:00

It has been more than a year since I laid my eyes on a Yudu screenprinting machine and trying to be practical, I have held off, knowing that I did not have the time for it. I told myself after New Year's, I would look into it and with great luck, I found one on Craigslist - yeah!

I have a couple of sewing projects to get done before I get too carried away, but not being able to leave my new toy alone, I had to at least play with it a little bit...

It's not bragging if it's true right ?

2.4.12 and 213

2012-01-19T07:49:00.009-06:00

In only 2.5 weeks I will be vending at the Fifth Annual Valentine Craftacular in Madison, WI. I have done the summer one a couple of times and had a great time, so I am looking forward to this mid-winter treat.

The fun starts at 10am at on Feb 4 at the East Side Club in Madison and goes until 4pm. Stop by if you are in the area!

Speaking of vending, I have decided to rent my own little spot at Studio 213 on College Ave in Appleton. I set up shop this past weekend (once again, no camera). In terms of displaying my wares at shows, it is the smallest spot I have had to work with (no 10 x 10 booth there) and I had to get creative. I like the results and will hopefully have a few pictures in the next couple of weeks.

I've Decided to Share

2012-01-13T16:04:00.003-06:00

Click here for a link to my dragonfly magnet pattern - enjoy!

It's Not Easy to Say Goodbye...

2012-01-09T21:07:00.010-06:00

Okay, so maybe my title was a little dramatic. I was only referring to getting rid of stuff as one of my New Year's resolutions. I was able to finally throw away the gloves with holes in them (having one cold finger on a winter day is very annoying, but I suppose an optimist would say at least you have nine warm ones). I was able to put the gloves we don't use in the give away pile, but for some reason I am stumped on what to do with the pair-less gloves in the photo above. Maybe it's because I still can't believe the ending of Castaway (you know - with Tom Hanks and the Volleyball).

Another resolution I made is to turn my original designs into patterns. I started with something simpler - my dragonfly magnet that can also be turned into a broach.

I plan on moving onto my wallet, then a few purses and hopefully have time for a few more original designs.

Someone I am definitely keeping is my husband (of 9 years this spring). We rang in the New Year with a couple of friends while watching some live music. We made it all the way to 12:30 - boy how things have changed...

Here's to 2012!

Last One of the Year

2011-12-09T07:21:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow I am going to be selling my wares at Jennifer Bellin's Customer Appreciation Open House. I was there last year and except for the blizzard conditions on the way home, it was a blast.

I wanted to post a photo of all the mittens I will be bringing, but they are not full assembled yet... but they will be. Yes it is 7:30 on Fri morning and I really need to get ready for work and will be busy until about 9pm, but the Open House doesn't start until 11 on Sat morning - so I have plenty of time... I'll see you there with mittens in hand to put on your hands :)

Handmade for the Holidays!

2011-11-19T06:11:00.004-06:00

Today I am vending at Handmade for the Holidays at Becket's located at 1 City Center in Oshkosh - I can't wait! Considering the fact that it starts in just under 4 hours - guess I don't have to wait very long.

Hope to see you there!

PS: I thought this was my last show for the year, but Jennifer Bellin, who hosts an annual open house (this year it's Dec 10) to promote her message business in Neenah has asked me back this year - more details to follow...

So - How You Doin'?

2011-11-02T18:27:00.005-05:00

I love / hate fabric sales. It is my belief that I would save money if there were no fabric sales because I wouldn't get so greedy. I was "just looking" the other day at my local Hancock Fabrics and found some great fabric on sale that will be perfect for clothespin bags this spring.

The weather outside is so gloomy tonight so I thought I would post a photo from this weekend which will probably be the last day my yard will look so pleasant until May {sigh}.

My work had a Halloween Potluck so I commissioned my friend who bakes WAY better than I do to make a pineapple upside down cake. I then took it home and made it into a p"eye"napple upside down cake with a pack of gummy body parts. The other items are noses and fingers (although I was told by one co-worker that it wasn't a bachelorette party... eehhh)

Wrist Warmers

2011-10-23T10:20:00.002-05:00

Inspired by a clean(er) sewing area, I decided to try something new for my last two shows of the year. I think they turned out pretty well and can't wait to show them off for the Gallery Walk at Emma Jeans Boutique on 11/05 and at Handmade for the Holidays on 11/19.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

2011-10-16T20:30:00.003-05:00

This song is constantly stuck in my head!

PS - sorry for the lame link to youtube but it's worth it.

Pattern, Pumpkin, Began, Cleanin'

2011-10-16T18:57:00.009-05:00

Okay, not that anybody's keeping track, but I haven't posted in quite awhile, so here is what's been going on...

Pattern: Other than mittens and a few random hats - oh and some scrunchies when I briefly had access to a machine in 1991 - I have never made any wearable items so I bough the above pattern for a summery dress in the hopes that I could have it ready by time the warm weather rolls around again (I know it says "see & sew", but the reason I have so much original stuff is because I am really bad at following patterns).

Pumpkin: Last week a friend of mine came over for our 5th annual pumpkin carving event. Hers are the two on the top - the spaceship she finished by putting a little alien figure in the spaceship beam which turned out really cute. Mine are the other two photos. Unfortunately due to warm weather an a little rain, they are a little soft and my not make it to Halloween...

Began (pronounced like "vegan"): This weekend I vended at The Sandra Began Holiday Preview and Fundraising Event. The crowd was great, the venue was beautiful and although I felt like my display was amateur compared to my fellow vendors, it is much better than it was and looking at all the other displays I got a lot of inspiration on how to improve for future events. Thanks Sandra!

Cleanin': there are no photos for this part of the post because I was really embarrassed with how out of hand I let me sewing area get. I dedicated part of the day to organizing and getting rid of unnecessary items. I am now inspired to get back in there and mess it up again :)

Back in Action

2011-08-19T15:08:00.006-05:00

After a little hiatus from the sewing machine, I received a custom order which has motivated me to get back to makin' stuff. I used an iron on transfer to make this cute wristlet even cuter with the recipient's 2 little boys (above).

Tomorrow I will be bringing the last of my litter of clothespin bags to the Appleton Downtown Farm Market (as well as all the other fun stuff I have to offer). I can't believe these are all I have left and two of them have been pre-adopted!

And Me Without My Camera...

2011-07-28T19:21:00.007-05:00

Okay - that's a lie, I had my camera and once again didn't think of taking any pictures until I was putting away my stuff and my camera bag was in the way.

Anyway, on Sunday I participated in the 7th Annual Summer Craftacular in Madison, WI hosted by the Glitter Workshop and let me just say the good people and tourists of Madison were very kind to yours truly.

Not only did I sell a few items, but I had some great "neighbors" that were fun to visit with. To my right was Amy from Modish Life who sold adorable children's clothing, in fact, the stuff was so cute it almost made me wish I kids of my own (I said almost). On my right was Venessa from BailyBelle Creations who sold some really fun jewelry including these really clever fan necklaces.

I also ran into Betsy from Artess, who happened to have just finished teaching a screen printing class - how perfect - and gave me a few pointers and list of supplies for the beginner (screen printing is going to be my new phase after the new year - I can't wait!)

Here's an update on what's new - nothing - ugh...

I've been working extra hours at the old day job so the sewing machine has been sitting dormant, but my next items up on the cutting block are: gadget pouches, cat bags with zippered mouths & can you believe it...MITTENS (it almost seems like a crime to think about it when I am sitting here with the air conditioning on).

Mauk and Mindy

2011-07-05T20:58:00.004-05:00

This past Friday my friend Mindy & her mom opened the doors to their new shop, EmmaJeans Boutique, on Main St in Oshkosh during the Gallery Walk and of course I had to run down and check it out (as I have a few items there too).

I have also been entertaining getting back into screen printing, something I really enjoyed during college (oh so long ago) and that fire was fatefully fueled when I happened to run into my former serigraphy professor who, of course, has always encouraged my interest.

This weekend my husband wants to run down to Milwaukee and I might just have to stop in at Utrecht (at his insistance haha) to launch my next phase of creativity...

PS: Sorry about the title Mindy, but I couldn't resist :)

For the Birds

2011-06-27T20:40:00.006-05:00

I have been saying that I am going to buy one of these birdhouses for the last year and I finally went and bought one on Saturday at the Downtown Appleton Farm Market. They are made by a father & son team who unfortunately do not have a web site, but believe me they had so many whimsical houses, that it was hard to make a decision. I only wish my house was this cute.

I have been meaning to make a gadget / phone pouch (substitute a cooler word than pouch and tell me what it is, because I don't know about "pouch", other than it is technically an accurate description). Anyway - here they are and I made sure that in addition to my little phone, they would fit an iPhone as well as the htc phones.

I was inspired to include the little strap by a friend of mine that told me that her phone fell out of her pocket while biking. Now she can just hang the "pouch" over her handlebars and no worries - in fact I even kept one for myself (a rare occurrence) and took my cell with me on my bike ride (an even more rare occurrence) and was pleased with how it was functional, yet not in the way.

Showtime!

2011-06-19T11:04:00.005-05:00

Yeah! My summer show season kicked off for me yesterday at the Appleton Downtown Art & Farm Market. The weather couldn't have been better and the crowd was great. All in all I would say it was a good show.

I think I almost have my setup to my liking. My friend took to photo above with her phone. I had planned on getting more pictures of the market, but I was so focused on not forgetting any of my show stuff that the camera was left at home.

I don't do the markets every week, but I will be at the Appleton Market on the third Saturdays of July, August & September as well as a few out of town shows. I have also been invited to be the featured artist at Eco Candle Company in Appleton for Art on the Town on July 15th.

On a side note, the duck that was referred to in the title of the previous post had made a nest and laid eggs in our flower bed. We were counting down the days until they hatched, but unfortunately she left one afternoon and never returned. Oh, why is nature so cruel...

8 Years, 4 Cats & 1 Duck Later

2011-05-30T14:46:00.008-05:00

Tomorrow my husband and I will be celebrating our 8 year anniversary and it makes me wonder - where does the time go?

Although these pictures are from our wedding day, I think they still are a pretty accurate representation of how we look today (give or take a few pounds), but fortunately no gray hairs yet haha.

Did I Mention...

2011-05-05T13:43:00.002-05:00

That I got a mention :)

Thank You Women Magazine for mentioning my items in your graduation gift guide!

Bag Lady

2011-04-29T11:02:00.004-05:00

The past few weeks I have been working on some bags for my upcoming shows this summer.

A couple of Becky Bags (above)

The yet unnamed smaller version of the Lazy Day Tote (above)

The Beginning of Spring Marks the End of an Era

2011-03-20T13:11:00.007-05:00

Okay, so maybe my title is a little dramatic, but after canceling my cell phone plan about 9 years ago, I decided to get a new one - so now I have caught up in technology to my 12 year old niece :)

I finished up a new batch of Heidis (see photos below) that I am really excited about. Last month I made a custom one that turned out really cute and since it is one of my more unique styles, I decided to do a small batch for my upcoming shows.

Thinking Spring

2011-03-11T07:02:00.008-06:00

Not everybody wanted to pose, but here is a sampling of my latest.

Next week I will be participating in the Think Spring craft show in Lake Geneva. In keeping with the theme of looking ahead to warmer weather I made up a new batch of clothespin bags.

For fun I replaced my usual little tag with a heart on the backside (maybe I was subliminally inspired by Xavier Roberts, the creator of the Cabbage Patch Kids).

In other news, Michelle at Dainty Daisies has decided to close up shop to free up more time to work on her own projects. I picked up my stuff yesterday and I believe the shop will be officially closed at the end of the month.

I have more bags and another animal...

2011-02-18T13:24:00.007-06:00

At last - I finally finished the rest of the "Jenny Girls" and am really pleased how they turned out! They measure approx 9" tall x 10" wide. There is an open divided pocket and a zipper pocket in the inside. The strap is approx 24" long.

In other news we adopted Anderson last week. He's finally getting a little braver, so I was able to get a couple of photos without spooking him.

I was devastated this past fall when we lost our cat Orvis to kidney failure. As painful as it was to see him go, I didn't rule out ever getting another animal. We happened to see this guy at an adoption event at Petco, but didn't think it was a good decision as he is older and we have two other cats.

Anderson stuck in the back of my mind as did his story - he was taken from a hoarding situation in 2008, then adopted by an older man who passed away in the fall so he was taken back to the shelter.

He is nine, which makes him less likely to be adopted and they don't put down any of the animals there, so I kept thinking of him spending the rest of his days in a kennel and I couldn't let that happen - so we took him home :)

Na na na na na- Go Pack Go!

2011-02-07T19:33:00.007-06:00

Am I a hardcore football fan?

Hmmmmm - okay - no

Do I like an excuse to cheer and make noise?

Hmmmmm - okay - yes (and while you can see me blowing the horn, what you cannot see is that I actually splurged and bought a Packers sweatshirt for the big game)

Hey - it's Wisconsin Baby - and when it's this cold you got to get your kicks where you can ha ha!

Shrimp, ham rolls and a meatball sandwhich - ahh the finer things in life :)

Thanks to this special request I got back into the creative groove (I was in a funk) and started a new batch of "Jenny Girls". I finished this one (very sharp if I do say so myself) to deliver as promised and I have a few more in the works that will be done by the end of the week.

A Little Reminder

2011-01-13T14:38:00.005-06:00

I saw this commercial awhile back (and posted it almost 1.5 years ago) and it really inspired me - not the beer part, but Jim Koch's drive to do what he loved.

I thought I would post it again as a little push for those of you who want to make a change for the New Year.

And should all aquaintance be forgot...

2011-01-01T16:26:00.006-06:00

It means you had a really fun New Year's Eve :)

We joined some friends last night to toast in the New Year. It was a lot of fun, especially with the help of local favorite band, Tate Rooper, who made it hard to stay in our seats.

Oh - and as much fun as we had, I was able remember all our aquaintances when we finally decided to go home.

Me and my wonderful husband (who puts us with my neurotic crafting compulsion)

2 of my favorites - margaritas and popcorn. They are part of the reason that I have a difficult time keeping those pesky resolutions.

Tate Rooper rocks in the New Year!

I finally treated myself to a new bag (see photos below). It is yet unnamed, but it's fun to have something new as I had been carrying around my previous bag for more than a year. Like they say, a shoemaker's son is never shod (has new shoes, but shod sounds cooler).

Letting the cat out of the bag - err, making a bag that looks like a cat....

2010-12-29T20:38:00.006-06:00

Open up and say, "ahhhh"

Here is 1 of the 2 gifts I actually made. This guy was a Christmas gift for my niece. He measures about 15" tall x 12" wide and I put a 2" wide oval on the bottom to give the bag a little depth. It was a lot of fun to make and I think he may have some friends that turn up at the farm market this summer.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T09:46:00.002-06:00

Is it lame to repost something, even if it was over a year since I posted this video?

I was on my way to pick up my last gift (a food item, so I wanted it as fresh as possible) and I heard this song and I couldn't help but smile.

Enjoy...

I got purses - people...

2010-12-09T17:01:00.007-06:00

I finally sewed the buttons on the bags above so they are DONE :)

I then went on to make a batch of Lazy Day Totes which I actually finished instead of leaving one little detail hanging out there for 3 weeks until 1 hour before I need them.

I will be bringing the whole lot of them (except for the couple that have already found homes) to Jennifer Bellin's Message Open House on Saturday 12/11.

Updates or should I say outdates...

2010-12-02T21:49:00.004-06:00

Okay, so I have been meaning to post this for the last week, but anyway on Thanksgiving I met up with some friends to take part in the Oshkosh, WI Festival Foods Turkey Trot. in my case it was more of a Turkey Stroll, but I finished (not the very last) the 5 mile route!

If you notice my Etsy page is a little lighter, earlier in the week I brought some mittens, wallets, mini wallets, hairpins and coffee sleeves to 192 Main which is an eclectic gallery located at (drumroll please) 192 Main Street, Menasha, WI.

I also finally finished my larger version of the Double Flap Snap (still a working title, but why change now) bags, although I have not had the chance to take photos of them. I started a small batch of Lazy Day Totes which I am really excited about. I got some new fabrics and I am looooving the the color combos. Once those are done I have a few Christmas gifts to work on, I would tell you what they are, but I don't want to spoil any surprises :)

I made some mittens, then some more...

2010-11-22T20:21:00.004-06:00

This past week I made a bunch of mittens with matching scarves for the Sigma Holiday House that was on Saturday. Thankfully they went over really well (I prayed that I would sell at least one pair after drowning in fleece all week).

They wouldn't have taken so long, but I had to assume that the majority of my customers have two hands, thus creating twice the work.

Martinis, Mittens & a Magazine Mention

2010-11-16T20:48:00.004-06:00

On Saturday we had our annual "Ladies Night" that started with a Hibachi style dinner at Nakashimas in Appleton and ended up the St. James for martinis (my favorite is the Cloud 9).

Ladies night was a nice reprieve from the "mitten-palooza" I have been working on for my Christmas show this week. The brown fleece has little gnomes on it and they are sooooo cute!

This month's copy of Wisconsin Trails magazine gave me a mention. That wristlet next to the number 5 was made by yours truly.

All in all, I would say it's been a pretty productive week...

A New Design

2010-11-12T19:31:00.005-06:00

A request for a bag gave me an excuse to try out a new design. It is not named, nor did I even give it a working title. I gave that responsibility to it's new owner as she is the first to receive this style of bag.

This little number measures 9" tall x 10" wide x 2" deep. It has about a 20" strap and a split pocket as well as a zippered pocket on the inside. It is kept closed with a magnetic snap at the top.

Speaking of getting things done, check out these samplings of mini wallets and wallets I finally finished up (a selection will be available in my Etsy shop)...

I am "Truly" Excited...

2010-11-06T08:43:00.003-05:00

There is a sweet little shop in Bear Lake, MN where you can find all sorts of wonderful handmade items and in a few days you will be able to find items made by my hands too!

If you are in that area, be sure to stop at Truly..., 2175 4th St, White Bear Lake, MN

Where's the Party?

2010-11-04T21:11:00.005-05:00

I don't know which part I like better, the dog joining the Macarena, or the dude checking out the Snuggie centerfold - woo wooo (my attempt at spelling the noise made by a cat-call whistle).

Let's Get It Started! (But Not Finished)

2010-10-25T19:59:00.005-05:00

This is my latest set of bags, a larger version of the "Double Flap Snap". There were 6, but I actually finished one because it was a custom order. The remainder of them need straps & buttons sewn on (I will admit they were taped on for the photos) and threads clipped, which I will get to... eventually.

Brewsky Power!

2010-10-24T17:58:00.003-05:00

On Friday night my husband and I joined a couple of friends for Brew Fest, a beer tasting in Neenah, WI. It is a charity event for St. Gabriel's PTO and this year they planned on putting the money towards automating the school library.

All I have to say is - if it's for the children, I'll drink to that :)

Giddy-up!

2010-10-19T20:53:00.002-05:00

Some of the other riders that were there on Saturday (not my family)

This was my view - Sadie, a very nice, but pokey horse

On Saturday I took my nieces horseback riding at Blue Haven Stables for their birthdays. Now that they are a little older, I try to do birthday activities rather than gifts. I don't get to see them that often, so it gives me an excuse to spend time with them.

Across the Pond

2010-10-15T14:21:00.004-05:00

Earlier in the summer I had a wholesale order for some of my cute / sassy wallets that were to be sold at the Julie Sion Boutique in Paris that would be opening this fall.

I shipped them out and never heard back from the customer. The other day I was looking at her blog and she had a post about the opening of her new boutique (I think - I don't speak a word of French, but that I gathered from the photos). If you look on the right side of the little table on the left you can see my wallets :)

Pumpkins...

2010-10-15T13:59:00.006-05:00

It is amazing how much a candle can enhance the look of a scribbled on and butchered pumpkin.

In preparation for Halloween I got together with a friend for our 4th annual pumpkin carving. It was a lovely day, so we were able to keep the mess outside.

darn knit {anyway}

2010-09-24T09:40:00.004-05:00

I would like to thank the fabulous ladies of darn knit {anyway} for featuring me in their "Meet the Artist" section on their website.

I recently sent them some new items including coffee sleeves, magnets and the cutest little hairpins. If you are in the Stillwater, MN area, stop in and take a look.

I am so there

2010-09-17T08:40:00.002-05:00

Last week my husband and I made our way to Ann Arbor, MI for his cousin's wedding. We made a quick stop in Madison to drop some of my items off at Anthology located at 218 State Street. It is an adorable shop filled to the gills with a variety of handmade items from several artists, and I am pleased to be one of them.

New Items for the Shop (Etsy that is)

2010-08-18T06:28:00.003-05:00

I just finished two custom "Becky" style bags and it was on to some new stuff for my Etsy shop...

Patchwork magnets - sweet treats, dragonflies and odd little ducks.

Coffee / hot beverage sleeves make your drink a little hotter (visually) while keeping your hands a little cooler.

Big Cat!

2010-08-03T20:23:00.003-05:00

Yeah! I finished my custom order for a matching clothespin bag and laundry bag. I have never made anything that large before, so I was pretty happy with the end result. (Those are my husband's legs in the photos - mine aren't that hairy).

A few people have asked me if I ever have a hard time letting go of the things I make and I say, "no, when they buy my favorites I am happy to know there are other people out there with the same taste as me." But now as I am getting ready to put this order in a box and send it on it's way, I almost want to keep him.

Oh well - I need to get that box taped up so I can move on to my next order...

Dainty Daisies

2010-07-30T17:34:00.003-05:00

This morning I dropped off some wallets & mini wallets at Dainty Daisies in Oshkosh (WI). If you are in that area you really must stop in and peruse this adorable little shop filled with handmade one of a kind items!

New Stuff

2010-07-20T20:38:00.005-05:00

I've been sewing up a storm in the last few weeks trying to get some new stuff together for my show last Saturday (as well as upcoming shows).

A couple of my new clothespin bags, Vince (upper) and Dubs (lower)

Some new wristlets - once again I cut out forty, but I only assembled what I knew I could get done for last Saturday's show. I do plan on getting the rest done by the end of August...ish.

Two of the five "Double Flap Snap" bags that I finished a couple of weeks ago.

And the winner is....

2010-07-16T08:13:00.002-05:00

The Mixed Tape mini wallet goes to Allison!

Check out this video...

2010-06-29T18:59:00.007-05:00

Outagamie County Airport did a Facebook promo of the Downtown Appleton Farm Market and I'm in it!

PS - I have been asked to fill in at the Downtown Farm Market again this Saturday (7/3). Stop in and say, "hi".

Giveaway: I made you a tape...

2010-06-28T22:00:00.010-05:00

This mini wallet brings to mind the days of making mixed tapes or better yet - waiting by the radio until your favorite song came on so you could record it.

Leave a comment about the first tape you ever bought or received, or who made you your favorite mixed tape and you could win this mini wallet. The winner will be chosen via random number generator on July 15, 2010. Don't forget to include an email so I can contact you if you win.

For those of you who never owned a cassette, comment about the first song / album you had to have whether it be CD or mp3.

Good Luck!

PS: If anyone cares - my first cassette was Madonna's "Like a Virgin". My brother sold me his walkman & threw in the tape.

What Luck!

2010-06-26T21:53:00.008-05:00

What better way to start a journey to a country concert than to ride the in back of a pick-up truck (I am from a rural area, so the memories came flooding back...)

Backstage during the Jason Aldean concert.

I do not claim to be a country fan. I don't mind the music, but I don't go seeking it out either, but a series of fortunate events led my husband and I to be able to watch the show from backstage at Country USA in Oshkosh. It was quite a rush to be on the inside looking out for once.

As luck would also have it I received a last minute phone call from the people that put on the Downtown Appleton Farm Market. I was told someone had cancelled and they asked if I would like a spot in the market for today.

I accepted and the weather cooperated and the people cooperated (thank you to all who stopped in and looked & bought) and I was not disappointed. The only problem is now I need to make more stuff!

Show Setup

2010-06-18T08:11:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday I participated in my first outdoor show. I was pleased that my setup came together under the tent considering I had only laid the items out on the tables/shelf inside the house.

The show wasn't what I would call a booming financial success, but it was a good learning experience and I met some cool people, plus now I have all my stuff together for outdoor shows.

I have just started a small batch of what I call the "Double Flap Snap" (a name I still don't care for, but can't seem to find a reasonable replacement). As soon as I get them cut out I'll post a few pictures. I am pretty excited about some of the color combos.

April Smith and the Great Picture Show

2010-06-10T16:59:00.004-05:00

My husband recently bought me this April Smith album as part of my anniversary gift. It's a really fun album and although I enjoy the whole thing, Colors is my favorite song and I think I made my husband second guess his gift when I listened to it several times over on a recent long car ride.

Show Prep

2010-06-08T21:11:00.005-05:00

This weekend I am participating in my first outdoor show. In addition to wrapping up a couple of projects, I have been working on my setup. In order to do so I brought my tables and shelves into the sewing room, so now not only is there fabric everywhere, it's really hard to move around too.

I thought I found a setup that I like, but I hesitate to put my tables away just yet in case I think of a different arrangement. I don't think I have put so much effort into a project since college.

Crop Circle (with eyes and a mouth)

2010-06-04T07:56:00.004-05:00

This mysterious smiley face appeared in the field by my parents' house. Was it extra terrestrial? - or extra time on the lawn mower - no one will ever know...

Kittens!

2010-05-31T06:54:00.003-05:00

A stray cat charmed her way into my parents hearts and home and when she started to grow in size, my mom said she didn't think she needed kittens in the house. Well as you can see they are quite cozy... in a basket... under a desk... in the house.

Hawai-I like it...

2010-05-23T20:01:00.007-05:00

In the past couple of weeks I have acquired some fabric items that I am really excited about.

To be honest, I generally do not seek out vintage fabric or items to "upcycle" but here are a couple of items that I needed in my stash...

The first photo is of a shirt that I believe was bought as a souvenir at the Falls of Clyde in Hawaii. I found it at a yard sale and the tag was still on it (no price or date on the tag, but judging by the style - at least 20+ years ago?).

The seller wanted more than I wanted to spend, so I admit that I haggled a little. I did give in to a final price when she said that the shirt was really expensive. When I gave her the money I told her that is going to make a very nice bag for someone. I could tell by her reaction that she was curious, but still holding on to the regret of purchasing such an expensive shirt oh-so-many years ago.

The second photo is vintage fabric that my husband's grandmother bought in Hawaii back in the 60's.

I saw a project that my mother-in-law was working on and complimented her on the fabric. She said it was her mother's and that since it took here this long to make something with it, why didn't I take the remaining yardage. What a treat - I can't wait to use it!

Clothespin Bags

2010-05-19T06:31:00.005-05:00

Here's a couple of pictures of my latest project - a new set of clothespin bags.

They will all be ready in the next couple of days to help with the laundry - except for the orange guy on the upper right - he'll just eat your socks :)

Women Magazine Has Excellent Taste

2010-05-05T18:51:00.007-05:00

I will link to the online edition when it becomes available, but for now I am posting a (mediocre) photo of my article in the Fox Cities (Wisconsin) Women Magazine. My items are the purse, wallet and mini wallets on the top and left side of the page.

On to the next...

2010-05-02T10:07:00.006-05:00

I am finally finished with the 13 totes I have been working on. The reason I always end up making more than I really feel like finishing (I did start and finish all 13) is because I start pulling out all these colors that I must use and before I know it I cannot say no to making one for each color.

I am about to go upstairs and work on my next project, which I am looking forward to, well - that is until it is half done, then I will be ready for the next.

Out of the Way

2010-05-01T14:13:00.005-05:00

Lindsay helped my husband unpack and assemble the new desk.

When I started getting into sewing I would make something (as in 1 thing) now and again, and since our house is small, I would set up in the dining room and clean up when the project was finished. As the projects and time sewing has increased, so did the amount of fabric, cutting implements and necessary cutting spaces, which then overflowed into the living room.

We finally decided to get a new desk and keep the computer contained to a little area of the dining room (where it will not shed treads or drop pins) and move my stuff upstairs to the now former computer room.

It is soooooooooooooooo relaxing to hang out in the living room without my projects looking at me and asking why they are not being worked on. Plus - I don't have to try to find a spot to put everything when company comes over.

Buy & Run

2010-04-26T20:16:00.003-05:00

Thank you HomespunHandmaiden for featuring one of my mini wallets in your $10 and under buy & run treasury!

Show Time!

2010-04-23T08:01:00.004-05:00

Due to a series of fortunate events, (a last minute cancellation and I was invited to take the cancelling party's place), I had the opportunity to see Legally Blonde - The Musical at the Appleton PAC. I am not going to pretend to be an expert on musicals, but this was really a high energy show that didn't slow down until the last bows were taken.

If you happen to read this "Cancelling Party", you missed a very good show.

I "Bag" Your Pardon

2010-04-12T06:16:00.004-05:00

Ohhhh, so maybe my post title wasn't the best pun, but I think working on all these bags is affecting me.

My current project is 13 tote bags (photos above) that will be approx 12 wide x 10" tall x 3" deep. They will have an interior zipper pocket and a regular pocket. I had thought about putting a zippered divider pocket in these like the Becky Bag has, but I didn't want to take up any space in the main area, so they could be filled with a lot of stuff!

I am working on the linings and am hoping to have them complete in the next couple of weeks.

Stella of the Desert

2010-04-06T16:53:00.005-05:00

I had originally wanted to post pictures of my current project (but I actually have to have pictures in order to post them), a group of tote bags, but I received this photo this morning from the woman who adopted Stella, this cute clothesline helper. I am really enjoying the vegetation in this image as I live in Wisconsin and don't see much desert growth around here.

I have my first summer show coming up on 6/12, which seems like forever away, but I think it's only (gasp) 9 weeks and I have soooo much to do, including another set of clothespin bags.

I Heart Vintique

2010-04-03T08:54:00.002-05:00

You can now find my stuff in one of the coolest shops in downtown Neenah, WI - Vintique!

It's Tortoise Weather!

2010-04-02T07:31:00.008-05:00

It's finally warmed up around here - in fact it's been warm enough to let Buzz, the Russian Box Tortoise, outside (under adult supervision of course).

I also celebrated the warm weather by hanging my swing up. Things got a little out of hand when I broke out a brewsky (Sam Adams Blackberry Witbier - similar to Leinie's Berrywiess, but not so sweet) and a new flyer from Joann Fabrics.

Our backyard is fenced in, so if I'm out, I usually let the fuzzies out too. Orvis came by the swing to hang out, but refused to look at the camera.

Ultimate Ladies Day 2010

2010-03-28T07:20:00.006-05:00

Yesterday I joined my friend for Ultimate Ladies Day in Neenah, WI. It started with breakfast at the Holiday Inn (yes the photo above is a table set for breakfast - champagne + orange juice = tasty mimosas!). Once breakfast was over we were set loose on the town with a bag full of coupons and many of the local businesses having activities that we could participate in.

It was a fun to visit all these places that are 5 minutes away and for some reason I never really go to - plus I got a manicure and learned how to change a bike tire!

I have also come to the realization that I will never be a photo-journalist as I kept thinking about taking pictures, but didn't follow through.

Little Birdies Fly Away...

2010-03-26T18:01:00.005-05:00

The winner of my tweet little mini wallet is #8 - riteousbyfaith of Teapots and Robots - Congratulations!

On a side note - I finally finished and photographed my wallets. I sent some to darn knit {anyway} and the rest (pictured above) will be listed in my Etsy shop in the next few days.

What's In Your Wallet?

2010-03-22T05:53:00.006-05:00

This past weekend I attended the Winter Farm Market in downtown Appleton. I changed my setup and really wanted to take a picture, but for some reason I kept putting it off and then I didn't think of it until I had half of my stuff put away at the end - oh well, there's always next time.

Once again I am working on a new batch of wallets - about 30 this time. I am done with all the sewing and just need to finish adding snaps and give them a final press, then I am going to take a short sewing sabatical (and then I might have something else to talk about).

Tweet Little Giveaway

2010-03-13T06:51:00.005-06:00

Although the weather has warmed up to a balmy 45 degrees, it has been dreary and rainy here for the past few days so I thought this mini wallet might brighten things up (it's only coincidence that this both my giveaways have been bird themed).

Just leave a comment under this post and I will pick one on Friday 3/26 using a random number generator.

Good Luck!

Introducing the Becky Bag...

2010-03-02T19:46:00.006-06:00

Last year around Memorial day I made a bag for my friend using an original pattern. Since her name is Becky, I told her any more bags that I made using that pattern would be named after her - and here they are:

Eartha Jean

Positively Poppy

Eartha

Empress

Rio

Viv

Farm Market

2010-02-27T20:14:00.008-06:00

I want to thank everybody who stopped at my table today as this was my first craft show. I would have to say it was slow, but I had fun and would definitely do it again. I almost forgot to take a picture, so the one above is a little hurried.

My mother-in-law was nice enough to sit with me. She was selling the adorable soft sculptured baby dolls on the right.

How flattering - My "Lenny Blu" wallet (bottom left) was featured in a treasury. Thanks Misobel!

Winter Fun

2010-02-25T06:40:00.008-06:00

This past Sunday I went to Sylvan Hill in Wausau, WI with my mom, brother and two nieces. The weather was perfect, the sledding tubes were very fast and best of all they had a tow rope that pulled the tubes (and the riders) uphill - so no huffing & puffing required!

I would have liked to get a picture while sliding down the hill, but I was going so fast, that I was afraid that I would have lost the camera - not to mention that most of the way down I had my eyes squeezed shut.

No walking required - a tow rope takes you to the top of the hill!

My mom & niece wait their turn to go down

Overlooking one of the sledding hills

And the Winner Is...

2010-02-19T07:09:00.004-06:00

Thank you to everybody who left comments on my "It's a Giveaway!" post. Today is the one year anniversary of my first Etsy sale, and to celebrate I decided to give away one of my patchwork scarves.

The random number generator picked 21 and the 21st comment was left by Pamela- Congratulations!

Thank You Appleton Post Crescent!

2010-02-17T18:11:00.003-06:00

Yeah - I am very excited to be featured on the Appleton Post Crescent's Crave Blog!

Almost Finished!

2010-02-12T19:09:00.003-06:00

I am finally finishing up my wristlets. I think that is the last time I do such a large group for awhile- my lame saying about this project has been, "if one is fun, then forty must be a blast!"

The Farm Market is only two weeks out and I fear that I am not going to get make all the things that I wanted for it. I started cutting out a few purses this week - far less than forty and it went so quick I thought I was forgetting something.

Wristlets... Wristlets... & Still - More Wristlets

2010-01-29T15:43:00.007-06:00

I have decided to make a "few" wristlets, 40 to be exact. Some will go to darn knit {anyway}, some will go to Bolio Home and the rest will be posted on Etsy and come with me to my very first craft show - the Winter Farm Market in Appleton, WI.

If you are in the area, I will be at the Farm Market on Saturday, February 27 from 9am-1pm - I am so excited, but there are soooo many things I want to make in the next 4 (ONLY 4) weeks!

Mr. Gunn - You Look Stunning in Red

2010-01-26T17:01:00.006-06:00

Yesterday I was surfin' the ol' web when I came across this gem by Sarah of Totally Severe.

In case you are wondering who is being depicted in this handcrafted delight, it is Tim Gunn of Project Runway, one of my favorite shows. Although you would not know it by the way I dress, it is the only show that has more than one season that I have seen every episode of (except for the All Star Challenge, but I'll catch that one of these days).

Thank you Sarah for making my day!

So Tastey

2010-01-20T20:13:00.007-06:00

I know this isn't the most flattering photo ever of a dessert, but I just wanted to share the recipe (from the WE Energies Cookie Book) for these awesome peanut butter cereal bars. Not only are they soooooooo gooooood, but they are super easy. In fact, I was able to make them before work and still be on time at 7:30am!

Peanut Butter Squares

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup sugar

1.5 cups peanut butter (chunky or creamy)

6 cups cereal (I use Corn Chex)

1 cup butterscotch chips

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine syrup & sugar; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; add peanut butter and mix until smooth. Pour over cereal; mix lightly. Press into a buttered 9x13 inch pan. Melt butterscotch and chocolate chips and spread over cereal mixture (I found that it is much easier to mix the butterscotch & chocolate chips in with the cereal - when you add the warm peanut butter mixture, it all melds together).

Enjoy!

It's a Giveaway!

2010-01-16T16:25:00.029-06:00

It was above freezing today so I was motivated to get outside for a walk. There were patches of snow on the sidewalks and in parking lots that were melting and it made me think of spring (I know - it's only January in Wisconsin, but a "nice" day gets a girl looking forward to t-shirts and shorts).

I've also been thinking about how it's been almost a year since I made my first sale on Etsy (as andreainpajamas) and as one thought led to another, I felt inspired to do a giveaway, so I want to give away my Migration Scarf (see pics above) on Feb 19, the 1 year anniversary of my first Etsy sale.

Just leave a comment on this post and make sure you have a link to your e-mail so I can contact you if you win.

Think Pink

2010-01-12T19:20:00.006-06:00

This performance is absolutely beautiful.

Decisions, Decisions

2010-01-09T11:09:00.006-06:00

Now that I'm almost done with the scarves above (there are a few that just need some threads clipped, but for some reason I am having a hard time just finishing the darn things already), I am going to make some more wristlets.

Normally I keep my fabric neatly folded and separated, but upon the realization that I wanted to use all my favorites, the only thing I could do was toss them all on my cutting table and mix and match and see which fabrics would (get ready for the pun) - make the cut.

Are you warm from the neck up or neck down? Umm no - just the neck

2010-01-02T17:53:00.007-06:00

Because the weather still looks like this:

Photo is from a Post-Christmas sleigh ride I took with my family last Sunday (I don't think the guy on the right likes to have his picture taken).

I felt that I needed to make a few of these:

I made a couple of patchwork scarves last year and gave them away. When the weather cooled off this year I couldn't wait to make a new set. I made 14 total this time, but so far only have pictures of these two. They are 6" wide by 60" long, are backed with flannel and have a layer of cotton batting in the middle. They will be posted over the next couple of weeks in my Etsy shop.

Resolutions Smesolutions

2010-01-01T10:06:00.005-06:00

After all that holiday eating, I decided that 2010 would be salads and water and vitamins, but shortly after midnight this was delivered to my table (upon my request). Do I at least get points for choosing chicken instead of beef?

Tanuki Power!

2009-12-28T06:22:00.007-06:00

Outside front of bag (back is plain)

Inside of bag

My niece is on a Mario kick and I wanted to make her something fun with Mario on it for Christmas. I couldn't find any Mario fabric except for some $40/yard import stuff, so I found a Tanuki (my favorite of the Mario versions) t-shirt and made this little activity bag for her.

A Gift of Song From Douglas Fir

2009-12-21T20:37:00.005-06:00

Mama's Got a Brand New Bag

2009-12-18T07:34:00.008-06:00

Yeah! I finished my set of bags that I had been working on for the past couple of weeks. The red and black and the brown corduroy are on their way to other parts of the country and the birds and the tattoo bag are posted in my shop.

I was also pleased that my new wallet pattern turned out. I was commissioned to made the black and red bag and the buyer wanted a matching wallet, but she needed one larger than my "little wallet". I combined my wallet with a wristlet and tada - a wallet with plenty of room and a place to keep your change and a few other little necessities.

The Jackson Street Polecats

2009-12-13T15:01:00.004-06:00

Last night we met a couple of friends out at Cranky Pat's (Neenah, WI) the watch the musical stylings of the Jackson Street Polecats. It was a good show and I can honestly say that I do not remember the last time I saw somebody publicly play the jug.

The man on the far right of the photo told a funny joke that I am about to butcher because it really is a joke that must be told verbally, but because I enjoyed it so much, I will share it with you anyway:

Two whales go to the bar. One whale turns to the other one and says, "eeeeeeeeeee ooooooooooo brrrrrrrrrrrrr ooooo aaaaaaaaa" (90 seconds of whale noises).

The other whale looks at him and says, "man - you are really drunk."

Enjoy :)

The Boss Throws a Christmas Party

2009-12-05T21:18:00.006-06:00

This is my favorite remake of a Christmas classic - everytime this song comes on the radio I literally "shush" everybody.

Work In Progress

2009-11-30T14:49:00.009-06:00

I am really happy with how these are coming together so I just couldn't wait until they were finished to take a couple of pix. The red and black purse has already been claimed, but the others will soon be available in my Etsy shop.

When finished, they will be similar to the bag below.

Thanksgiving with the Mauks

2009-11-29T20:11:00.023-06:00

Today I went to my parents' house for Thanksgiving dinner and was reminded how fortunate I was to grow up with wide open spaces. I would have to say it was a very modest upbringing, but I don't think I would trade growing up on 40 acres for an Upper East Side Manhatten apartment anyday (to be honest though, I don't know that I would have said the same thing when I was 15).

My dad and nieces decorate one of the pine trees (God bless mom - she's finishing up the dishes).

My husband has help putting lights on the treehouse.

How does my niece feel about my husband's contribution to decorating the treehouse?

Walking out to the cabin - mom did get to join us, but did not get in the picture.

Dad designed and built this cabin a few years ago.

This wind generator powers the lights and power outlets in the cabin (note background - a fraction of my parents' "backyard"). My dad, who is very passionate about wind energy, did most of the design and fabrication for this wind generator. Read more about it on his blog: phloxpowerandluck.blogspot.com

Finally - Something for Me...

2009-11-22T16:02:00.010-06:00

After months of making things for others and of course big batches of wallets, I was excited to finally have a moment to sneak in a new winter purse for myself! It's working title is the Double Flap Snap until I can think of something better.

I don't mean to ruin the mystique of my pattern making process, but here it is:

I draw what I want in my sketchbook, then decide what pieces I am going to need. If any of the parts are not a rectangle, I cut a full size pattern piece out of craft paper. The photo below shows my sketch and pattern for the purse above.

Happy Birthday!

2009-11-12T14:02:00.013-06:00

A couple of months ago my friend Jen showed me a picture she took of her dog with her iPhone. I knew her birthday was coming up and wanted to make something special for her to thank her for being the first person to buy one of my handmade items.

The result is this 4" X 7" wristlet (made sure it was big enough for the iphone) featuring the ever adorable Earl.

I was even ambitious enough to put a label on the inside pocket!

When One Door Closes, Bolio Opens...

2009-11-08T20:27:00.013-06:00

Unfortunately Christa at Esrtwhiles, who was selling some of my handmade items, has decided to close her shop and move on to other ventures. At first I was a little bummed, but not far from her shop I happened to stop into Bolio, a new boutique on Menasha's Main Street and it seemed like a perfect venue.

I contacted Bolio (see the absolutely gorgeous photo above) and on Saturday I dropped off some of my wallets and mini wallets to add to thier fabulous inventory.

Mixed Blessing

2009-11-05T11:20:00.004-06:00

We are dreadfully slow at work, so I have the day off. While I don't like to have to take the day off under those circumstances, it does give me time to move the 50 (it seemed like a fine idea when I started cutting) mini-wallets I am working on in a forward direction.

Like I have said in the past, it is more fun to start than to actually finish a project, but darn it, I am going to get these all folded and snapped by Sunday!

Darn Knit {Anyway}

2009-10-21T21:03:00.009-05:00

Aimee from the sweet new boutique, Darn Knit {Anyway} in Stillwater, MN , has invited me to sell some of my cute, fun and sassy little wallets. I just finished up a group and some are on there way to her and the ones in the picture posted here are going to be listed in my Etsy shop.

In addition to work by regional artists, Darn Knit {Anyway} carries a wide variety of fabric & yarn and if that isn't enough - they will be offering classes on how to do all sorts of fun things with that fabric & yarn!

Skelator Makes Me Giggle

2009-10-12T19:10:00.003-05:00

Consignment Time!

2009-10-02T16:56:00.007-05:00

Great clothes, fun vintage stuff and now... Little Wallets!

If you are in the Menasha area, stop in at erstwhiles and check out all of Christa's treasures.

Thank You Jim Koch...

2009-09-27T12:37:00.003-05:00

There are people who will always dream about doing what they love, but never do because it is safer to stay where they are, but not Jim Koch of Sam Adams. I don't think I have ever been so inspired by a commercial.

Labor Day Weekend '09

2009-09-26T09:50:00.017-05:00

A few weeks ago my husband and I decided to jet off to Seattle for an extended Labor Day weekend. My Aunt Sheri lives out there and I haven't been to her place in over 10 years. I have seen her since then as she comes to Wisconsin a couple of times a year, but for some reason I just haven't made my way out there.

We had a great time and we will hopefully not wait as long for a return visit.

The majestic Snoqualmie Falls

Space Needle

Shaun & Sheri try on hats at the Bumbershoot Art Market

25 cents a dance - $1 for a good dance and $5 will get you the best dance ever

Sheri admires some outdoor ornaments

We took in some fun music

Feliz Compleaños! (Happy Birthday to Us!)

Having a few brewskies and learning the origins of Red Hook at the brewery tour

Plates - who needs 'em - we enjoyed seafood at the Crab Pot

Tasting and learning about tea in downtown Seattle.

Finally!

2009-08-30T20:06:00.009-05:00

At last, I have finished this purse. It is a larger version of a bag that I designed for myself. It measures approx 12.00" tall x 13.00" at its widest point and has a long strap that is adjustable. I am pretty pleased with this bag (and with the fact that is finally finished!).

I am also committed to making a matching wallet, but it needs to be larger than my "cute little wallet". I have some designs drawn up and I really would like to get that done before Halloween.

The pictures below are of the purse I designed for myself for the summer, but as September comes rolling in it means that I will have to design something more "fally".

Best Seat in the House

2009-08-25T17:25:00.006-05:00

This is one of my favorite spots to sit. I bought this swing a couple of years ago and much to my dismay it has not worn well.

I live in Wisconsin, so I take it in for the winter so it has only been exposed to the weather for a total of about 8 months, but regardless the seat split down the middle rendering it useless.

I was feeling somewhat handy so I brought it in the house and patched it up. I have a pretty decent sewing machine, but it's not something I would not make a habit of doing. Besides that with the rope and the wood handles - it was rather awkward to maneuver. I only had one style of outdoor fabric handy...

Look familiar?