The Search is On!

I need help finding the handles that I used on the new bag. I would like to be able to make this bag to sell. However, I need to find the handles first. I have been unable to find them online. I thought that maybe I should ask for help from my faithful readers.
Here are the stats. 10" tall, 13.5" wide plastic (or whatever) handles that have a place to pass the bag through so it can be attached and removed from the handles.
If you help me find something close to these, there will be a reward! Maybe even one of the bags!

It is almost 2:00 and there are only 4 comments

Kick it into high gear folks! There are only 6 hours left in the giveaway. Email your friends and enemies (everyone deserves a chance to win). Have them comment so we can get to the fun stuff!
Seriously, talk to me people!

Sneak Preview

I have a big job ahead of me. I make custom bags for all of Jodi's brides and their bridesmaids. I have done this before. I can make bags. This shouldn't be a problem, right? Problem is - It's summer! I don't feel like sewing when the sun is shining so I wait until dark. Then there are so many distractions. It just seems that I can't get myself into the studio and get them done. They are all cut, ready for some assembly.
Well, I got the brides bag started. It needs some insides and a shoulder strap, but I have to admit, this one is beautiful. This wedding is going to be gorgeous. The color combination is fun and trendy, yet the fabric is a classic pattern.
Best part is that I get to work the wedding. I may even get to see the bride with her new bag. Wouldn't that be fun?!?
Don't even ask me to make this bag for you. It is a custom design for In Any Event. But, I am sure I could come up with something equally fabulous if you are interested in a new bag. Just let me know.

For All You Blog Stalkers Out There.....

I can see from my statistics counter that there are a lot of people out there who drop by my blog, but never comment. You mean that you have absolutely nothing to say about what I post??? I can't believe it! My posts are so exciting and insightful - it must move you to tears on most days.
Anyway, I am having a giveaway, but there are some rules.
1. I must get at least 10 comments by Thursday at 8:00 pm (Michigan time).
2. You can only comment once.
3. Your comment should contain at least one item that you would like to see covered on the blog.
I will let the random number generator select the winner on Thursday night at 8:00 pm (Michigan time).
I realize that the blog is a bit random. I started it for business, but then found that I liked to post a lot of different things here. What do you think?

I still have to decide what the giveaway will be.....fabric, trims, random goodness from my studio...Why don't you vote for that in your comment as well. I know that the Farmers Market fabrics are in high demand right now and I happen to have a small stash. :)

So, show your love fellow bloggers!

The Wonderful World of Wicked

Yesterday, Coco and I went to the Wharton Center in Lansing to see Wicked. This was supposed to be a gift for her, but it turned out to be a wonderful show. I had no idea what to expect, but I laughed and cried. A fantastic show that I would recommend to everyone. On the way home, we stopped for dinner and talked about school and friends and stuff. It was a great time. I always appreciate spending time with her. It seems like it happens less, now that she is older, so I savor the moments.




I was inspired by these pillowcase dresses. My girls are always wanting to wear dresses to play outside. Often, they are church dresses and I don't want them to be playing in the sandbox and running through the sprinkler in them. So, I made these dresses for them. It took about an hour to make both of them. Now they want to come into my studio and design their own dresses. We will have to see how those turn out.




On Friday, I stopped at the local "goodwill" type place and found a handbag with great handles. I forgot to take a before pic, but it was made out of brown placemats. Not the best looking bag I ever saw. I took it home and made this bag. I used a button to secure the flaps so that I can make other bottoms and use the same handles. They can even be completely different shape bags. I am excited to see how many bags I can make using these handles. All for 75 cents!

Fun Weekend Ahead

This weekend, Coco and I are going to go out of town to see Wicked. I am excited! Coco has wanted to see this musical for 3 years. They did music from it for her first band show her freshman year of high school. I thought it would be a good early birthday gift for her to take her on a special day. Seeing as I can't think of anything else to get for her (ideas are more than welcome), it may be the only thing she gets on time.
She had pre-band camp (whoever invented this lovely thing is crazy) this week. This is all the "fun" of band camp, only it is held a the high school each day. Five days of playing and marching before the actual band camp next week. She always has lots of fun, but it is very hard work. Marching outside in the hot sun for 8+ hours a day is not my idea of a good time. I guess it is easier for kids. Anyway, when she was a freshman, I started a tradition with her. I got little gifts and a card of encouragement for each day. I wrapped them all up and labeled them with the appropriate day. So, after a hard day, she had something to look forward to.
She just told me that her and her friends sit around each night and open the stuff. Sometimes she lets them read the card (depending on what it says). She told me that she has saved every card for the last three years. Sometimes the card is from me, sometimes from her dad and some from both of us. This year is no different. Hopefully, all of the encouraging words and sugar highs will help her get through band camp again this year.
She is a little sad about leaving Melvin so I made her a little kitty from this pattern. She loved it. I forgot to take a picture, so here is the pic off the pattern cover.

The Dreaded Swimming Lessons

This is how my week started last week. The girls started swimming lessons. The girls who hate getting their hair washed. The girls who would rather do anything than get their face wet. These girls started swimming lessons with a wonderful swim instructor. She is very tough. No whining, no crying while in the pool, you go in willingly or she puts you in. Initially, I had doubts as to whether or not my kids could handle it. But, they can now officially swim! The last few days of lessons they were actually excited to go. Today they were upset because they could not go to Ms. Reita's to swim. It has been an amazing transformation. Now I just need to find a pool to take them to so they don't forget how much fun swimming is.

You are Invited

Since I don't have a lot of time, and I am budgeting so much for the cake, I ordered Coco's invites from Vista Print. This is a great place for cheap paper goods. Not the best quality, but right for this situation.
She picked them out herself. I am glad she found something she likes that I like too.

You say it's your Birthday......

Last night, my almost 18 year old step-daughter said "My birthday is coming up soon. When is my party?" Party? I thought. What Party? You never mentioned having a party? Well, it is my 18th birthday. That is kinda a big deal!
We went on like this for awhile and she finally wore me down. I am not sure when it will be, but she definitely knows what she wants. In June, I worked with Jodi on a very big birthday party. I took some of the leftover cake home for the girls and Coco decided that is the cake she wants. Oh, really? Does she not understand that this specific bakery specializes in high end cakes and is probably booked already? Plus, a simple cake would not do. Lets pick something with a lot of fondant flowers and fancy ganache.
I called Sweet Cakes Designs this morning and they happen to have some September openings and would love to do her cake. She is requesting something similar to this cake. However, it will only be one layer and be dark purples and dark teals. It will taste just like the cake I brought home. She will be thrilled.
Now I just have to plan a whole party around this cake.......

Family Stickers

Is this cute or what?? You can make your own family sticker at Pyzam
You an choose a head, glasses, clothes, hair and adjust height.
You could print it on stationary, a sticker for your car or just look at it.
I love this kind of stuff. Especially when it is free and easy!

This weekend I took Coco to go shopping for outfits for her senior pictures. While shopping, I found these great shoes on clearance. I bought both colors and since Coco and I have almost the same size feet, we can share them. They are by Zigi Soho and are the Glory style. Very cute little wedge with ruched satin uppers.
I wore the gold ones to Red's On the River in Rockford for dinner last night. Jim and I went with Jodi and her husband, Nathan. It was fabulous! I started with their signature Pomatini. It was fruity and delicious. I had the duck entree and the chocolate mouse cheesecake for dessert. The diet obviously went out the window. The food and service were great. I highly recommend.

Another Custom Bag Order

If you have read any of my previous blog entries you have, no doubt, heard about my great friend Jodi Bos. She has been an event planner for 15 years. She is great at what she does. In the last year her business has started booming and she needed some help. I have happily stepped in to help her. I spent much of the day with her yesterday and found out just how busy we are going to be in the next few months. I LOVE IT!!!
I also found out that I get to do a very fun and funky bag for her August bride. This one is going to be great. I will post some teasers, but you will not be able to see the bag until after the bride has it. Hint: It is orange, green and blue.....HOW FUN IS THAT????

Just because I hate a post without a picture......
Here are some dolls I made for my girls. I haven't seen them for awhile...the dolls that is.
They are made from a pattern I bought from BitofWhimsyPrims on etsy. They are really quick and easy to whip together. The long thin arms and legs are cute.

Heeeeere's Melvin!

Yes. It is official. I am insane. The girls have been wanting a pet for awhile now. We finally gave in and got a kitten. It is actually a great time to get him because Coco is here for two weeks and she will be able to keep an eye on him during the day.
The girls love him so much.....Maybe a little too much.
I am sure he will be a wonderful addition to our family. And he is even litter trained!

Week Up North

The girls and I spent the week up north at my parents house. We did the parade and fireworks yesterday and today I brought them to my aunt's house for some pictures. She has a great yard with tons of flowers and a wonderful playhouse.
Here are some of the best shots. Mind you, it took about 75 to get these. All the girls wanted to do was stay in the playhouse.

wordle.net

 

I found this cool site that makes a graphic image out of words that you use.
You can link it to your blog or you can enter words you want it to use.  It comes up with
a cool visual that you could consider art.  I love mine!  Check it out at wordle.net

You Never Know Who You'll Run Into

I have been a blog stalker on Craft Apple for awhile now. She has so many amazing ideas, I just keep coming back. Well, today she featured her brand new pattern for a Car Organizer. It has everything I need. I ordered immediately! I plan on making at least two for my van. One for me and one for the kiddos.
After I paid with paypal, Linda (Craft Apple herself) emailed me. You see, I had used my office email and not my handbags one. She learned where I work and it turns out we were at the same college for a couple of years, her dad is an alumnus of the school where I currently work, and she knows my city very well.
Only goes to show you to be kind to everyone online, because you never know who you'll run into...