Custom Orders

One of the things I love to do, is work with customers to create personalized items. It's so fun to design an item based on their ideas, and turn it into a creation that they love. Most bags that I make are gifts, diaper bags for new moms, or most recently a tote bag for a graduating nursing student. The most recent bag was made for a baby shower, since the parent's-to-be are big fans of John Deere I designed the bag around that theme.

Spring Shows

May was a busy month, filled with last minute trips to Joann Fabrics, and sewing up a storm. The Duncan Craft Club held it's first spring show, due to a large number of requests for us to host one. Many new crafters joined us, and overall it was a successful event!

The following weekend I participated in the Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar at the state fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. It was a one day show, and it was an amazing experience to be surrounded by artists and crafters who are passionate about what they do.

The final show I participated in was at the Goodyear Factory in Lawton, OK. This was a three day event for the employees to purchase tires at a discount, and to shop with local vendors at the same time. Some of the same crafters who were at the Duncan show, also had booths at this event. This has to be the best part of crafting, making connections with others who enjoy the creative process as much as you do.

DIAPER BAGS!

I have been busy perfecting my two diaper bag patterns. Since I'm not a mom (yet!), I rely on my friends who are moms for ideas. From their input, I added more pockets, and changed the straps to a 'skinny' style. I also created a new bag design that is smaller then the original, but still retains the original shape. The beauty of these bags remains the fact that they don't look like a typical diaper bag. Once the little one grows up, it can be converted to a tote bag for mom or a sleepover bag for grandma's house.

Made in America

I found two new products that I just have to rave about: Beacon Gem-Tac Embellishing Glue, and Tree House Studio sequins. Both of these products are made in America, a rarity among craft supplies, and on top of that both are reasonably priced. So if you are in need of craft glue check out beaconcreates.com, or if you are in the market for some sequins go to craftsetc.com.
Happy crafting!

While I love to look at fabric in craft stores, my main passion for fabric hunting is at thrift stores and garage sales. These are the best places to find decorator quality fabric, vintage curtains, and rolls of unused fabric from unfinished home dec projects.

This set of bags came from a single curtain panel that I bought at a thrift store. It was half off day (Every other week this particular thrift store sells everything for half off!) and the aisles were packed. I was headed towards the tablecloth section when I saw a sliver of pink stripes peeking out from the rack. When I pulled it out, I could instantly see what I would make of it.

These are the results of a day spent thrifting, and a day at the sewing machine.

Spring

After a few weeks of crazy winter weather (an ice storm, and tornado warnings two weeks later), I'm ready for spring! Here are a couple of finished bags that I've done as I wait for spring to officially arrive. My favorite is the small floral purse with wooden handles, so dainty and perfect for Easter Sunday.

Be An Original Don't Buy Fake Purses

Over the past few years I have noticed a change in the way women buy handbags in 'Middle America'. Women who could afford designer handbags (Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton etc.) wore them with pride, since very few people could attain such a status symbol. Obtaining a 'fake' Louis Vuitton bag used to take a trip to NYC, and a search for street vendors who sold the knock off you wanted.

Now, all women have to do is either go online, head to the local flea market, or go to local 'accessory stores' that sells a plethora of items that are knock offs.
For as little as $5.00, you can get a 'Coach' purse at a flea market, or a 'LV' handbag for $10.00 at the local gift store.

Sadly the women who purchase these items, are in the dark about where the merchandise comes from. The majority of these counterfeits are made by child laborers from impoverished countries around the world. The atrocities they suffer just to bring cheap,giraffe print, Dooney and Burke counterfeit bags to flea markets across this country would break your heart.

To read an in depth article about this, check out Harper's Bazaar January 2009 issue. They have also set up a website (fakesareneverinfashion.com) where you can learn more about this issue, and find ways to help put an end to this terrible fashion statement.
I'll get off my soapbox now!

Websites to check out:
fakesareneverinfashion.com
stopfakes.gov
confuciusfoundation.org