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Thanks for a great day!

2011-11-20T09:11:00.000-05:00

This is half of my space at the Ridge Fine Art & Handmade Wares Show yesterday. I was so busy I forgot to take more pictures. The show was held at a new location this year, and I think it was a lot better and more fun to be in one room, instead of the 2 rooms it had been split into previously. The show draws a great crowd of regulars that I've seen come back each year in my 3 years there. I'm happy to be a part of it! Thanks to the founder Siouxsan Miller - or as she calls herself, the 'mother hen' - for putting on such a great event.

Here's some new stuff

2011-10-15T10:53:00.000-04:00

I've been really, really bad about keeping up with my website, posting photos, updating bags, etc. Working full time and making stuff in my spare time doesn't leave a lot of extra time for the upkeep. I like doing the web stuff actually, but when I do get free time I'd rather go make something! So here's what I've been up to lately, and there's more where this came from:

Ridge Show, November 19

2011-10-09T07:56:00.001-04:00

The Ridge Fine Art & Handmade Wares Show
Saturday, November 19, 2011
10AM to 5PM

NEW LOCATION:
Drayton Ave. Presbyterian Church
2441 Pinecrest
Ferndale, MI 48220

Click here for the event website and more info.

Here's what's coming with me to the Berkley Art Bash

2011-06-05T09:17:00.001-04:00

Before every show, I line up all the goods and take a picture. Then after the show I mark off the ones that sold. Pretty scientific inventory system, I know. Here's the current lot that I'll be bringing with me next weekend. I'll also have a 'sale' bin, which will have some of my older bags at DEEP discounts! I found the little wire bin at a garage sale for 50 cents (woohoo!) and whipped up a little sale sign for it - made out of fabric scraps, of course. Pretty cute, I must say.

Inspired by.....

2011-05-22T20:13:00.002-04:00

I got some sweet 1990s sewing magazines at a garage sale last weekend (free) - see the fancy pictures! But I actually ended up getting more than just a laugh out of these... I learned about something called "quilt as you go," which was featured in one of the magazines. I'm not a real quilter, but I do a little unofficial quilting on some of my bags. Well, quilt as you go is a quicker method of quilting - kind of freestyle quilting I guess. It takes a lot less planning and can cover up mistakes. It still takes some time to do, but I really love the results. I made the two bags below today after my discovery.

Berkley Art Bash

2011-05-16T21:10:00.001-04:00

Click to visit the Berkley Art Bash site for complete details, including a list of artists.

New stuff

2011-05-16T21:01:00.000-04:00

Love this scrap

2011-04-03T08:55:00.000-04:00

The front of this bag is a beautiful floral piece.... hmmm, how to describe it... it's got raised leaves and flowers - I think they are knit or something. And if you look close, there's a little lion in the bottom corner. I combined it with an old army green raincoat that had some nice giant pockets - one of which takes up the whole back of the bag. Long strap so you can wear it cross-body.

This one might not make it to market!

2011-04-03T08:41:00.000-04:00

I always like what I make, but occasionally I make a bag that I just LOVE... and this one is it. My plan yesterday was to take an inventory for my upcoming show, and if anything, make some smaller stuff. Well, I didn't get very far because I spotted a beautiful ensemble of scraps in pretty browns and blues (my favorite combo) in my fabric stash and one thing lead to another and next thing you know, I'm making a giant bag. But I just LOVE all of the pieces that went into this one and didn't want to waste a single bit. This is the result - a big ol' bag that would be great for the beach (with a brown bathing suit of course... ooh, gotta go shopping). Anyway, I'm so in love with this bag that I might have to keep it.

New stuff

2011-04-02T09:49:00.000-04:00

Save the date - Saturday, April 16

2011-03-27T09:37:00.001-04:00

I just learned that I've been accepted to participate in this event - it's called Youtique and it's put on by Michigan Artisans, a group that supports Michigan artists and crafters. Looks pretty cool and I'm excited to be a part of it. Click on the graphic to view it full size for details.

First haul of the season...

2011-03-19T19:01:00.000-04:00

A pretty tray from an estate sale in a gorgeous Franklin home.

What's a shopping trip without a new purse?

Too bad this is how big it is. haha.

Fun fabrics from the estate sale and a couple thrift shops.

WHEW!!!

2011-03-05T17:27:00.000-05:00

I just got home from the Royal Oak Artists' Market, which was today and yesterday, and I'm exhausted! I did the show at Leon & Lulu last weekend and I don't normally do back to back shows like that, so I feel like I've been working for 2 weeks straight and I don't really know what day it is. I'm glad tomorrow is Sunday and not Monday, so I have some time to regroup before going back to work on Monday. Oh, and another thing I already knew, but was reinforced in the last two weeks is, I love my hobby and I love doing shows - it's so much fun to set up my own little 'boutique' and to meet so many interesting people. And, I sold a few things, so that makes it even more fun.

So, if we talked last week at Leon and Lulu, or this weekend at Royal Oak, I really enjoyed it, and I sincerely want to thank you for your interest in my stuff! It is truly my passion, and I appreciate your compliments and support.

Royal Oak Artists' Market

My display at Leon & Lulu

This one got a lot of looks and finally sold at Royal Oak.

One of my faves, sold to a nice lady from Pleasant Ridge.

My pride & joy... heehee... my handmade sign.

New, new, new.....

2011-02-13T09:50:00.001-05:00

Looks like leather but it's not!

Which way to the beach?

The body of this bag used to be a skirt; inside was a shirt.

Skirt pocket recycled and repositioned with a cute new button.

First patchwork bag in awhile...

The green part of this bag used to be a coat.

Accented by a funky hollow bead.

Catch me at the Leon & Lulu Artist Market!

2011-02-13T09:36:00.000-05:00

I just found out I'll be a part of this show, too! Better get back to the machine!!! Here's the scoop:

Feb 27 & March 1, 2011
Sunday, February 27th from 11am - 5 pm
Tuesday, March 1st from 3 pm - 8 pm

Highlights: Leon & Lulu invites everyone to meet local artists and craftspeople and discover the handmade crafts being made in Michigan and surrounding areas. Leon & Lulu is an eclectic mix of upscale furniture, unforgettable gifts, and accessories located in the historic Ambassador Roller Rink at 96 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson, MI 48017

2011 Royal Oak Artist Market Show & Sale

2011-02-06T10:08:00.003-05:00

I just received notice of my acceptance to this NEW show at the Royal Oak Farmers' Market facility the first weekend in March. Here's the scoop:

March 4 & 5, 2011
2011 Royal Oak Artist Market Show & Sale

FRIDAY, MARCH 4 2pm – 8pm
Special Preview Friday 5pm – 8pm
SATURDAY, MARCH 5 9am – 2pm

The Royal Oak Artist Market Show & Sale is a juried Fine Art Show in its inaugural year. It is held at the Farmers Market, 316 East 11 Mile Road, in downtown Royal Oak, MI 48067. Click here to visit their website.

Studio23 in the News

2011-02-05T16:55:00.002-05:00

My bags and I were featured in two local newspaper articles last November, in promotion for the Ridge show. I was honored to be interviewed, and they even used pictures of my bags. The articles were in the Woodward Talk and the local Observer & Eccentric. Just sorta getting around to putting them up... Check 'em out - woohoo!

Hello, Cutie

2011-02-01T19:28:00.002-05:00

The colors in this photo are slightly off but it's a rich purple with green accents, and the flap is a pretty chartreuse - and none of the colors look quite as harsh as they do here. Someone was feeling a little too lazy to take another picture.

The back story on this bag

2011-02-01T07:53:00.001-05:00

I loved the heavy blue fabric I used for the base of this bag - it was just so sturdy and such a pretty slate blue color... but when I finished it, it was like blah - too plain and boring! So I found a pattern on the internet (because I can't draw freehand) and this little birdy found a home, and the bag also got a nice outside pocket! Now little birdy just needs a new home.

Estate Sale Find

2011-02-01T07:52:00.002-05:00

I found this pretty fabric at an estate sale... The large orange piece was a twin bedspread and the print piece was a tablecloth. The owner told me that the bedspread was from the 30s (wow, really?) and the fabric is just gorgeous, with a little texture and a few shades of orange. There's still quite a bit left after I made a nice roomy purse and a small drawstring pouch. Hmmmm, what to make next.

I see a trend here.....

2011-02-01T07:49:00.002-05:00

Flaps! These bags were inspired by a new bunch of fabric I got - a lot of smaller pieces that were actually only good for just a flap or the body of a small bag, but so cute I couldn't pass up using. So there you go!

Before and After

2011-01-26T08:03:00.000-05:00

I finally got around to cutting up this cute coat, which was given to me by my coworker (thanks, Cherese!). I was waiting for the right inspiration and it happened to be the piece of fabric that became the flap on this bag. I love the color combo of the finished product.

Cherry Blossom

2011-01-21T07:57:00.000-05:00

Fun Fabs for the New Year

2011-01-17T08:43:00.000-05:00

I have lots of good things in store for this year... I scored some exciting fabrics for my stash last weekend and can't wait to get going on using them. I've made a few bags so far and I can't stop thinking about what to do next! I have so many cool scraps, I almost don't know where to begin. For that reason, I'm doing a lot of smaller bags right now - just so I can hurry up and make MORE!!! I just applied to a couple of spring shows that I hope to be a part of, so I'll update my events page as soon as I hear anything, hopefully with good news. In the meantime, here are a couple of my new creations........

Pouf, there it is!

2011-01-02T21:37:00.002-05:00

This is what's called a French Pouf! I would have thought it was 'poof' but I looked it up and the tranlation from French to English is 'to sit on.'

I was cleaning up and organizing my sewing room and came across a book that had some cool stuff in it, and this is what I decided to try. I must say, it's pretty sweet!

I had no idea it was going to be this big, but if I had, I might have tried a smaller one for the first time, but it came out pretty good. Hmmmm, possible new product?

(Normally Jack doesn't test the merchandise, but since I'm keeping this one for myself, he gets to check it out.)

First bag of 2011

2011-01-02T09:37:00.000-05:00

This is the first bag of the new year, and the first bag on my new machine. I love this fabric - it's from a pillow sham that was sitting all alone on the clearance rack at TJ Maxx.... I felt sorry for it, being soooooo cute yet nobody was buying it, probably because there was only one of them. And the poor thing - all I could think about was cutting it up and what a cute purse it would make. So... it's sort of, but not exactly my usual salvaged/recycled/whatever-you-want-to-call-it fabric, but it was possibly going to go to waste, so I will let this one slide, will you?

Anyway, it's my new favorite style, the 'shopper' - perfect for shopping because you can wear it cross-body and be hands-free.

New Year, New Machine

2011-01-02T09:27:00.000-05:00

My Christmas present, just set up and ready for action!

Ridge Show Wrap-up

2010-11-28T08:41:00.000-05:00

Most of the goods....

My friend Renee and her two adorable kids.

Yours truly...

The Ridge show is a wrap! I love the set-up of this show... it's small enough that people take their time and browse, chat with you about your work, browse some more and come back and maybe buy something. I met a lot of nice people and got lots of leads for fabric and selling opportunities. Some of my 'regulars' came to see me, which is always quite an honor, and I made some new friends, too. I also love the space I have at this show... I can set up my little boutique and it's cozy and inviting. I like planning my display almost as much as I like making the bags. All in all, a great experience.

My friend Rene and her husband Jim.

My pal Ed Murphy.

My fellow yogi Julie (far right) and her fun friends.

My co-workers Loren, Melissa and Cherese.

Ridge Show Sneak Peek

2010-11-12T07:05:00.003-05:00

I haven't had a chance to post these to my 'available bags' link, but here are some of the bags that'll be coming with me to the Ridge Show next weekend. There are even more, I just haven't had time to get pictures of them all.

Your ipad never looked cuter!

2010-11-07T08:07:00.003-05:00

Wish I had an ipad, just so I could put it in one of these cute bags! Here's my latest product...

The floral one is a really heavy upholstery fabric that'll cuddle your ipad snugly. And I added a little quilting padding to the orange one for extra coziness. It has a little vintage image on the front for fun. Both have a foldover flap with velcro closure. I can't claim that they'll officially protect your ipad from all danger.... but I can promise they'll make it look pretty darn cute.

Getting ready for the Ridge

2010-11-06T10:27:00.003-04:00

I'm busy getting ready for the Ridge Show, coming up in 2 weeks... hope to see you there for some great holiday shopping!

It's Friday, November 19, 6-9pm and Saturday, November 20, 10am-5pm at the Pleasant Ridge Community Center.

Plush Purple Hobo

2010-10-31T12:14:00.000-04:00

Truly, truly one of a kind

2010-10-31T12:09:00.004-04:00

This one won't even get close to being replicated... cuz it was kind of a pain to make. But I don't mind the way it turned out. I got a bunch of cool jersey material at my last fabric grab, so I wanted to experiment with it a little bit.... One thing lead to another, and this is what I ended up with. Mixed it with some corduroy, which I love working with, and a complementary print inside. I think it's cute! But just not practical to make for the amount of time it took.

NEW!

2010-10-03T09:08:00.004-04:00

I posted several new bags on my 'available bags' page. Click here to see them all.

Funky Cool for Fall

2010-09-13T09:48:00.002-04:00

I like the colors and weight of this one... seems perfect for strolling a fall art fair and would go great with one of those military jackets that I'm seeing everywhere. Yeah, like I'm some fashion stylist or something. haha. Anyway, I made this starting with the mustard colored men's jean jacket from a few posts ago. Then added a few scraps for the pockets on the front, and some soft pale rose corduroy on the inside, from a pair of pants. Long, over the shoulder strap for hands-free art browsing - see, it's perfect!

Hot off the machine

2010-08-08T11:58:00.004-04:00

Here are a couple new ones...
Heavy brown floral rounded purse; and small gold tote. The gold one is sort of a sister bag to one I made previously with a similar fabric (now owned by Nicole). But as usual, it's still one of a kind. with different color scheme, accent fabric and different proportions. Remember, no patterns here!

All this for 7 bucks!

2010-08-08T11:51:00.003-04:00

Hit the neighborhood garage sales yesterday and got some cool stuff..... heavy men's jean jacket (XL means LOTS of fabric); girls puffy red vest; Hello Kitty pajama pants; a big coffee mug for Matt since he keeps stealing mine; and two necklaces. Fabric stuff goes into the washing machine, mug into the dishwasher and the pendant necklace got a new cord and I wore it to a party last night! FUN!!!

2010-08-08T11:45:00.002-04:00

I've been adding to my fabric collection lately with some stuff that has great potential.... but the way I operate, I'll catch a glimpse of a certain fabric in my stash and all of a sudden I'm cutting away and then OOPS, I realize I should have taken a picture to show what the fabric was before it started to become one of my bags. So, here are some 'before' pix... I don't have any immediate plans for any of it, but you never know when the inspiration will hit and then it'll be too late.

Blue coat - heavy canvas-like material, with cool embroidered flowers
Cute red coat from my coworker cleaning out her closet before she moves (thanks, Cherese!)
Green velvety dress that I bought from a resale shop. I added the brown at the bottom because it was too short... still have yet to wear it but I think it'd make a really cute bag!
Men's heavy canvas like gold jean jacket - sweet score from a garage sale (see garage sale post)
Red girls down vest - garage sale; I saw the puffy down squares and invisioned an ipad case or something like that.

Research... yeah, that's it.

2010-08-08T11:22:00.002-04:00

I finally figured it all out - the reason why I still feel the need to keep buying purses, when I can actually make them.... it's all in the name of research! Yeah, that's what I'll call it anyway! I get lots of ideas and inspiration from the bags and purses I see everywhere... it's only natural that I'd want to have some of them, right? So here are some of my recent acquisitions for my 'studies' in pursemaking. All but the two on the right are from garage sales, bought for a couple bucks here and there; the ivory purse in front is from Catching Fireflies in Berkley, MI (one of my favorite local stores); the orange one is from a cute little shop - part new/part resale - in Caseville, MI called Jade's Closet.

Napkins for Denise

2010-07-16T07:42:00.004-04:00

Hmmmm, never really thought of using my stuff to create napkins, but this was a special request from my friend Denise in Pittsburgh, who was looking for an alternative to the throw-away style (good green thinking, Denise). I was surprised to find so many options within my stash.

A new style

2010-07-16T07:40:00.001-04:00

Berkley Art Bash, 2010

2010-06-13T09:23:00.004-04:00

It was HOT, HOT, HOT yesterday but it didn't stop the people from coming to the Berkley Art Bash. It was great to see some friends, family and returning customers, as well as meet some new people. All in all, a great day. Thanks for coming! From top to bottom: my booth; some of my favorite customers Del and Nicole; one of my new favorite bags; my coworkers who came to see me; and my assistant, Finnegan.

Here's what I've been up to.....

2010-06-05T12:48:00.004-04:00

These are the latest... all of which can be seen at the Berkley Art Bash on Saturday, June 12. Click here for more info.

Goodbye, cute jacket... Hello, cute purse!

2010-06-05T12:38:00.004-04:00

Yes, this was a really cute jacket (originally from Ann Taylor Loft). But it never fit quite right so I'd try it on and try it on, but never wore it over the course of the two years it was in my closet. I finally gave up, cut the poor thing up and it became my newest purse. I started and finished in one sitting this morning, kind of mad-scientist style once I got the idea. I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner!

Fun with Fobs... or... Aren't these FOBulous?

2010-05-23T20:13:00.003-04:00

This project was a lot of fun because I got to work with a lot of different materials and got quicker results than working on one bag. I made a bunch of "key fobs". I guess that's what they're called anyway - not quite sure what fob means. But they're great for keeping track of your keys in your purse or wherever. I made myself one and I love it. I'll have a bunch of these at the Berkley Bash..... check 'em out... some plain, some with attached fabric flowers, and even a giant one with a pocket.

Coming up: Berkley Art Bash, June 12

2010-05-23T10:44:00.002-04:00

Saturday, June 12
10am-6pm
12 Mile Rd.
Downtown Berkley, MI

New patchwork bags

2010-03-14T09:31:00.003-04:00

Cutie for a cutie

2010-02-21T13:15:00.004-05:00

This one is for our 3-year-old niece's birthday next weekend... she loves pink and orange and Dora the Explorer. I think this might be one of my favorites so far.

New stash, new bag

2010-02-21T13:00:00.002-05:00

My friend Stephanie recently invited me along on a fabric free-for-all... her friend from the design studio where they both worked was cleaning out her supply of scraps. She had bags and bags of stuff, and I left with a ton of great pieces that I have LOTS of projects planned for. This is the first bag to come from my new stash.

Possibly for Pat

2010-01-24T09:54:00.003-05:00

This one was made with a special customer in mind... we'll see if she likes it.

New for the New Year!

2010-01-24T09:36:00.010-05:00

Here's what's comin' out of my shop since the beginning of the new year.

Vintage, baby

2009-11-29T08:45:00.002-05:00

Special Order for Corsu

2009-11-29T08:34:00.005-05:00

Great days at the Ridge!

2009-11-22T11:07:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures from my booth at the Ridge Show this weekend. It was nice to talk with all the great customers I met there. They were very complimentary of my stuff and I hope to see a lot of them again. If you were one of them, thanks a lot!!! More pictures here.

Pièce de résistance

2009-11-16T07:51:00.001-05:00

This baby will make its debut at the Ridge Show this weekend (see the box at right for details). Gotta see it to believe it. hahahahaha. I must say, it IS pretty sweet!

Love you, pretty bag

2009-11-16T07:48:00.000-05:00

I just love how this one came out.... nice and big and cozy. It was another one that was inspired by the flap scrap - I had just one piece of the print fabric and couldn't let it go to waste. And luckily had just enough of the black and teal corduroy to make it work.

New, new and new.

2009-11-02T08:03:00.001-05:00

This one's for the birds!

2009-11-02T07:51:00.001-05:00

This is my new favorite style - the over-the-shoulder bag with a flap. The real reason the flap style came about is because I only had one piece of the bird print fabric and couldn't decide what to do with it. It was so cute, I didn't want to see it NOT get used, but there wasn't quite enough to make a whole bag out of it and then AHA, what about a flap? Perfect!

New stuff

2009-10-16T18:19:00.003-04:00

Haven't posted anything in a while, but that doesn't mean I haven't been sewing.... Here are a few of the purses I've made recently.

Take me to the Cider Mill!

2009-09-04T18:43:00.005-04:00

These two bags just scream FALL! I didn't really make them with fall in mind, but I must say, the colors are very warm and cozy and the timing is appropriate. They are each made from 100% recycled fabrics... some floral, some solids, some stripes. The top one is a brown corduroy with a floral print, which I used for the bottom, the lining and a special outside flower pocket.

Mark your calendars for the Ridge Show!

2009-08-27T06:57:00.001-04:00

Studio23 art will be among 19 local artists participating in this year's Ridge Fine Art & Handmade Wares Show. This is a great show because of its size (small - so it's cozy, fun and not overwhelming like some of the huge art fairs), and because of its artists (all from Michigan, with unique handmade goods). Here are the details:

NOVEMBER 20 & 21
Friday 6pm-9pm
Saturday 10am-5pm

Pleasant Ridge Community Center
4 Ridge Road

More details are available at www.siouxsan.com

Special order for cousin Kris

2009-08-16T10:24:00.004-04:00

From an old favorite pair of jeans with too many holes to wear anymore, this bag was created on special request from my cousin. I was nervous to cut up those soft, cozy jeans at first, but once I got going, it all came together.

Retro Cutie

2009-08-10T07:02:00.002-04:00

This was a really cool fabric scrap... wish I had more, but it was just big enough for what you see here - medium purse/small tote. It's about 11 inches wide when laid flat, 10 inches tall and a few inches deep with a squared bottom. Decorated with a white handmade glass bead. Oh, and also a wood button just for kicks - it doesn't do anything but look cute (there is a magnetic snap closure).

Studio23art is on Etsy!

2009-08-07T08:11:00.001-04:00

If you're not familiar with etsy, it is known as "your place to buy & sell all things handmade." If you've never visited, you should give it a look - click here. It's great for gift-giving, especially if you're looking for something unique and handmade. You can find just about anything there, and now you'll find my bags and eventually some beads there! Of course you can still buy something the old-fashioned way by just contacting me - this is just another venue for getting my stuff out there. Happy shopping!

Hello, Yellow

2009-07-26T09:01:00.003-04:00

Who wears bright yellow denim shorts? Nobody! That's why they got cut up and made into a bag! Not so great for shorts, but the perfect compliment for this sunny floral print, which came from a skirt.

New style

2009-07-25T18:14:00.005-04:00

This one has a loooooong strap, so you can wear it crossed over - almost like a messenger bag but still kind of in the shape of a purse. Brown with a floral print on the outside, and a green paisley-ish print with pockets on the inside. I'm going to try a few more of these..

Peace, Love and a cute beach bag

2009-07-22T08:01:00.002-04:00

This bag used to be the cutest pair of cargo pants - with butterfly and flower stitching and even the word "LOVE" embroidered in a couple places. Only problem was, they never fit me quite right. I tried to stretch them, pull them, etc., but they didn't have any pockets on the rear, and that's kind of not a good look if you ask me. They've been hanging in my closet for about 5 years now - 'bout time they got cut up, don't you think?!?

Brown Beauty

2009-07-22T07:48:00.001-04:00

I can't remember where I got this brown floral print, but I know I've had it for a while, just waiting for the right inspiration. The additional finds of some complementary brown materials completed the idea and here's the result.

Bye bye, cute skirt

2009-07-14T08:30:00.003-04:00

I remembered the 'before' picture this time. Not a great picture but you can kind of tell what a cute skirt it was. I got it at the thrift store and would have kept it for myself, but seeing how I don't generally wear skirts, except for special occasions..... I cut it up!!!

Special Order

2009-07-13T08:24:00.004-04:00

This bag was made by special request.... It's a 'second edition' of a previous bag that was very popular, but it's still one of a kind, with lots of its own unique qualities.

This one's for me!

2009-07-12T17:16:00.006-04:00

I needed a new summer purse, so this baby's mine! This was a skirt originally (darn, forgot the 'before' picture again) but the pattern just screamed summer purse. I really liked the pleats at the top so I worked them into the design. I've been carrying it for a few weeks now and it works. I'll be making some more of this style - I have some good fabric that I'm excited to work with, and I'm off this week, so let's get to it!

Mark your calendars for the Ridge Show!

2009-07-10T07:32:00.001-04:00

We've been accepted to this year's Ridge Fine Art & Handmade Wares Show where we'll feature our handmade bags. The show is November 21 and 22; 6-9pm Friday and 10-5 Saturday. This is the perfect opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done and buy handmade from Michigan artists. More details to come, but in the meantime, you can read about it by clicking here, and then on the "Ridge Show" tab on the left.

Fresh picked from the garden

2009-06-27T15:29:00.003-04:00

Parting is such sweet sorrow...

2009-06-14T09:37:00.004-04:00

Oh, how bittersweet... These are three of my favorite bags so far, and they were bought yesterday at Berkley. I hate to say goodbye, but I was happy that they went to good homes. :) A really sweet couple bought the purple and green patchwork bag; and a pair of sisters bought the orange print bag and the other patchwork bag.

A great day at the Berkley Art Bash!

2009-06-14T09:18:00.015-04:00

Well, the bash is over, and it was a fun one. A few sprinkles in the morning but it turned out to be a nice day, and the crowd was awesome. Lots of friendly people.... whether they bought something or not, everyone was especially nice and down-to-earth. This is my kind of art fair.

Berkley, here we come!

2009-06-08T07:21:00.002-04:00

Spent the weekend getting ready for the Berkley Art Bash this Saturday, June 13. Made a few more things, did some organizing (not much) and made this fancy banner for our display. I've been thinking about having a vinyl banner made, but last week I decided I could make my own. It's not done yet, but I think it's gonna be cool. The pic below shows all the bag goods for Saturday.

Hello, brown bag with flower.

2009-06-08T07:10:00.002-04:00

The brown print I used for the front of this bag is from a supply of vintage fabrics I bought at a garage sale - great stuff from the owner's grandmother's stash. There was only enough for one side, so the back is a solid brown. A smaller bag, this would be perfect to carry your lunch or a pair of shoes.

Hmmmm, what should I make?????

2009-06-01T07:16:00.003-04:00

Now THIS is what you call a great find. I can't believe nobody scooped up this beauty before I did! It's a really bright vintage Hawaiian print dress that's actually from Hawaii - the tag says so. I almost hate to cut it up and I'm really going to think about this one before I do.

Photo Op

2009-06-01T07:13:00.003-04:00

It was SO beautiful yesterday - the perfect day for some outdoor pictures. See the previous posts for the scoop on these bags.

Sassy Orange Print

2009-06-01T07:05:00.005-04:00

I LOVE this one.... but darnit, I forgot to take a before pic. It's made from a beautiful print skirt I scored at the thrift store that was very long and flowy, which was ideal because there was a lot of fabric - enough for both the outside and inside. The accent fabric is also from a cute orange skirt that I tried to keep for myself, but it just didn't fit right. It's my new fave - the big drawstring bag. Perfect for a day at the beach.

From this... to THIS!

2009-06-01T06:54:00.006-04:00

Here's what happens: I see a piece of fabric in my stash that all of a sudden I have an idea for. I'm so excited to get started that I forget to take the "before" picture. Sometimes it's just a scrap and doesn't need a before pic, but other times it's a skirt, pair of shorts or whatever, and it'd probably be interesting to see what it was before becoming a bag. So here you go..... This bag is made from a beautiful Waverly print that I got at a garage sale on Thursday, and a lovely green top that I pulled from the Swap-o-Rama scrap pile at the Green Street Fair few weeks ago (both all washed up and clean). Not exactly the latest fashion but a great piece of fabric. Put them together and you got yourself a fancy beach bag. The after pic doesn't really show it, but the bottom of the bag is green top. And this is my new favorite style - the big ol' beachy bag with a drawstring.

Two Pretties

2009-06-01T06:49:00.006-04:00

These are both purse size bags... both made from beautiful prints and contrasting accent fabrics - all recycled stuff.

Beach Bound!

2009-05-21T09:27:00.005-04:00

This bag was made with the beach in mind! Bright fun colors of lime green, orange and coral, mixed with the ruggedness of denim - this one will hold up nicely on the beach. It started with two thrifted "skorts" and it's now a bag big enough to hold a towel or two, plus all of your beach goodies with lots of pockets inside and out. This baby belongs in the Hamptons! hahahaha

Next up: Berkley Art Bash!

2009-05-14T07:12:00.000-04:00

This one's going to Arizona

2009-05-13T07:03:00.002-04:00

Made this one for a friend for her 4oth birthday... I've had this pretty fabric scrap for a long time and didn't want to waste it on just anything, but when I heard she was going to be in Arizona on her birthday, this seemed perfect - all light and desert-y. I love these colors - wish I had more of this fabric.

It's easy being green... and purple.

2009-05-10T07:35:00.008-04:00

I am inspired by last week's Green Street Fair to make all of my bags ALL green, not as in color, but as in 100% recycled/repurposed fabric. I realized it was too hard to tell people that my bags are made using "at least 50% recycled materials," when really, most of them are closer to 100%. But I had to say that because some of the first bags I made used half new fabrics. Well, I've decided to go 100%, with the exception of maybe using up some of the new fabric here and there. So in that spirit, here are two new ones that are 100% recycled fabric. They just happen to be the color green, too. I got hooked on the green/purple combo and couldn't stop.

Great day at the Green Street Fair!

2009-05-03T08:30:00.004-04:00

Thanks to all who came out to the Green Street Fair in Plymouth yesterday. It was a beautiful day and a really cool event to be involved in. Some pix from the day, from top to bottom: Never got a picture of this brown bag, so I snapped one while the person went to get cash to buy it; my awesome friend Anne and her sister Claire came out to visit; me with the goods; my friend Russ from grade school stopped by; and all the goods at the beginning of the day.

Reminder - Go green Saturday at the Green Street Fair in Plymouth!

2009-05-01T07:08:00.002-04:00

If you're looking for something to do tomorrow (Saturday), check out the Green Street Fair in downtown Plymouth. I'll be in there from 10-7 in the Handmade Detroit "Rethunk" booth, selling my bags. Click on this link to get directions to the area.

Go green this weekend at Plymouth's Green Street Fair

2009-04-27T06:39:00.000-04:00

I'll be a part of Handmade Detroit's booth this Saturday, May 2 at the Green Street Fair in downtown Plymouth. The event is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but if you can only go one day, come see ME on Saturday! I'll be selling my one-of-a-kind bags, handmade from recycled/repurposed materials. Click the logo for more info on Rethunk, or click here to go to the Green Street Fair site.

Happy Earth Day

2009-04-22T06:47:00.000-04:00

Getting ready for next weekend's (May 2) Green Street Fair...

This one is 100% recycled fabric. The outside is a really pretty rich blue with stripes - it's thick like burlap but softer. And the inside is a matching blue linen-y sort of material. I did something different with the straps this time and flared them out on each side. I didn't sew them all the way down either, just securely at the top. Check it out!

NEW - Purselets!

2009-04-19T15:37:00.004-04:00

These are somewhere between a wristlet and a purse, hence the name "purselet." Each one closes with a zipper, is lined and has a wrist strap for carrying. AND, each has a fun fabric flower, with a handmade bead in the center.

Going Green!

2009-04-15T21:31:00.005-04:00

Wahoo!!! I just found out I was accepted to the 'Rethunk Craft Fair' at this year’s Green Street Fair in downtown Plymouth May 1-3! This is the second year for the street fair, which is all about promoting the 'benefits of green, organic, and eco-friendly products and services.' The craft fair part of the street fair is put on by Handmade Detroit, a crafty group of Detroiters who promote local handmade goods. I'll be selling my bags, which I'm proud to say I create with 50% or more recycled/repurposed fabrics. I'll be selling on Saturday, May 2, 10am-7pm, in the Handmade Detroit tent. More details to come. Gotta go... gotta get sewing some more stuff!!!

Help, I can't stop sewing!

2009-03-29T17:12:00.003-04:00

I know these aren't exactly spring colors, but I had gray thread on the machine, and I really hate making a new bobbin and changing the thread. And these colors go with gray... so there you go.

OMG, love it!

2009-03-29T13:52:00.007-04:00

This one is 100% recycled fabric, and it is just so cute! Need to make more of these with all the cool fabrics I have right now. One for every outfit??? heehee

Oh no, I'm going to do what I said I never would and post a picture of my "assistant".... sorry, couldn't help it. fyi, don't worry - he doesn't touch the fabric - he just helps me with the photo shoots.

Bags.....

2009-03-28T12:32:00.006-04:00

Small purse for a night on the town

2009-03-28T11:22:00.002-04:00

Another spring bag

2009-03-28T08:01:00.004-04:00

Two New Cuties

2009-03-22T10:45:00.002-04:00

Thinking of Spring...

2009-03-13T07:30:00.003-04:00

This bag was inspired by the cute garden-y print of the fabric, and my desire to see some sunshine and plant life! Come on, already! And I loved the green corduroy that I used on Mary's bag (see previous post), so I mixed a little of that in, too. I used to think I had to have a big long piece of fabric to make a strap - no more! I've learned that there's a place for even the smallest scraps. Matter of fact, I like it better this way.

Happy Birthday, Mary!

2009-03-08T10:06:00.003-04:00

Inspired by my new adventures in quilting, this bag came together pretty quick when I spotted a few pieces of fabric laying next to each other that happened to look really good together... I thought they were colors that Mary would like, so off I went. Ta-da! She loved it. p.s. It's 99% recycled materials - everything but the thread.