END OF YEAR INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE!

I have decided to do an end of year sale section in my etsy shop because I have so many new styles and fabrics to introduce in 2008! I have had a great year on Etsy and my one year anniversary is January 15th. WOW has it really been a year already? Well, to celebrate my Etsyversary- I will need to give some serious thought as to what promo I should do. A JPAT giveaway? An out of this world sale? A customer appreciation drawing? If you have any ideas don't hesitate to comment or even convo me , I really am open to all suggestions. Here is just one of several items in my Sale Section!

oh and BTW HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Proto- type simple wallet

I have been working for the past month on a simple yet functional wallet. One that serves ones needs yet is small and simple. I made one already and it sold within one day when I listed it in my shop. I am in the process of fine tuning it. Here is another proto-type. Hope to have many more color selections in the coming New Year.

My oldest daughters wish list

Ever since I bought this fabric back in April my oldest daughter has been admiring it. Then one day about 2 weeks ago she made her Christmas list and one of the items on her list was a "JPATPURSE" in carnival creme with the label on the outside. I asked her what style bag but made no promises because this fabric was selling fast. Well I was able to save out just enough to do this bag up a few days ago!!! I know she will be so excited! She is a sweet teenager who asks for very little. Both of my daughters are my biggest fans so I was happy to be able to do this for her. Now, what about my youngest daughter? Well, she does love the scottie dog fabric, hummm.....

A very busy Etsy shop week!

I broke my one day record sales on December 6th- 30 items where sold in my Etsy shop that day!!! I was so very excited but very busy trying to keep my listings fresh. I have done some of my own shopping on Etsy also! Well, the missing fabric from an early post was finally made into this small coin purse today! Many more new fabrics and styles to come. I am currently working on a new simple wallet which sold in my shop as a proto- type!! Well back to it!

Peanut Butter blossoms-YUM!

Who doesn't love these cookies? Every since my two daughters were little toddlers we have been making cookies together. Christmas time of course was especially busy. Now that they are both teenagers, it is harder to get the time between their schedules and mine. Well, this weekend we all found the time to make these holiday favorites! They loved it just as much now as they did when they were little. Happy baking everyone!!!

Oh my blog

How I have neglected you!!!! I have no excuse. I am on my way to the store because my husbands Birthday is Thursday and I am going to make him that Coca-cola cake! YUM!!! I will take a pic. Meantime here is my latest listing on Etsy.

Gypsy Paisley blue- WOW!!!

Such a wonderful and vibrant color. It has silver accents around the paisley making it so elegant and classy looking. When you buy fabric online you never really know what it is going to look like in person! This one was a very welcome surprise! :)

The missing Fabric!

After closer inspection of my fabric order the other day, I realized that they sent me double of one and forgot this gorgeous yet super wild gyspy pink fun fabric. I contacted them and it came yesterday! Wow it is just so cool looking! Love it! Glad I noticed the error!!

Olive Harmony Flat bottom coin purse

I don't know what it is about this fabric but I just love it! So I made one of these for myself and my etsy shop . It really is a very retro look with such a nice olive color.

NEW Designer Fabrics just arrived!!!!

I was like a kid with a toy when some of my new designer fabrics arrived on my front step this afternoon! They all look so gorgeous I just don't know which one to start with!!! My daughters were laughing at me because of my excitment! I still have many more still to arrive. What fun!!! So keep checking my shop for all the new items for those holiday gift giving ideas!!!! :)

You gotta love my Ginger

She loves, loves blankets so when my daughter and I were at JoAnn's last weekend we picked up a yard of this doggie bone fleece. She is the cutest dog and so sweet.

What a selection!

My youngest daughter was looking at my inventory the other day and after a few minutes she said " Man, you sure do have a great selection of coin purses!". I looked over at her and she had lined them up like you see in this photo. So I told her to grab the camera and take a pic. She is right! Often I get so caught up in sewing and listing that I don't realize how many I do have at any given time! Thanks sweetie!!

This weekend- Hopefully will start my bag!

Well, after much thought I have decided on this fabric - olive and brown retro. I think I will make it very similar to this bag. This was a custom order I did a few months ago. My wallet is large so I will have to make it abit longer and the strap longer so I can wear it across my body but otherwise very much like this one. Thanks for all those who commented. This fabric kinda was also the best choice because it is the one I have the most yardage of right now too. So if all goes smoothly I will be able to make it this weekend. :))))

Time for me to make myself a purse for Fall

I am going to make myself a purse for this fall/winter. I now just have to decide which fabric. I have narrowed it down to one of these. I actually love them all but still am undecided. Please feel free to give your input on which one I should pick. It will be a long strap with zipper bag. I like to carry a purse that I can wear across my body letting my hands to be free. I better decide soon or I maybe out of luck on my choice.

Very quick- A wake up call!!!!

This is a very quick little note since I have a wonderful custom order that I must finish today. I will just bring up the subject of my tireless promoting. I have made a very difficult decision to just stop it for awhile. I will go back to my original mission when I started on Etsy. Create, list and come what may. Promoting can be fun but also very draining. I will not get caught up in it anymore. To be honeset I just need a break from it. I will focus my energies back into what I love - sewing and creating my items. So with that said maybe I will be able to blog more... but maybe not!!! LOL

BTW-this coin purse zipper pouch will wake you up!!!

Three Harmony

I am currently into these three piece wristlets I have designed. I have only done a few and this is my latest one from the Harmony design line. I have just purchased yet another set of new fabrics so I am sure I will be making more of this style. They are fun to create. Sure they do take much more time but the results are worth it. This one is especially nice for fall!!!!

Trying to prepare

Since this will be my first year selling during the holidays I feel as though I am walking into a dark tunnel. How do I prepare? Do I make as much as possible now while I have the time or do I wait to see what items have the most demand? I am also making an assumption that I will be so busy that I will only have time to list, sale and ship. I may be in for a surprise. I may not be any more busy then I am now. I am looking forward to increased sales but I sometimes think that I am getting my hopes up for nothing. If there is anybody out there that has been thru an Etsy holiday season please feel free to contact me or comment here and take my dark tunnel feeling away!!!! :)

Just alittle free time!

I actually don't blog as much as I thought I would - I have never been much of a writer. In high school and college I truly hated all my English classes. My favorite subjects were of course Math and Science. And they still are! I started my college education in Nursing. But do to family problems I had to drop out after the first year. Forced to make a living on my own I went to medical assistant school and started working for Doctors. After several years of being so poor I realized that I must get my degree. So I would work from 7 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. then go onto evening classes. It was a very difficult time for me in many ways but I knew I must keep going. At the rate I was going it would take me about 10 years to get my degree. Time was going to pass anyway so I just going. I met my future husband when I was 24 years old. After a long distance relationship for over a year I moved from Arizona to St. Louis, MO. I continued on my current track working and going to school. My husband had a dream to move to North Carolina and after being together for over 3 years he finally landed the job of his dreams in Raleigh/Durham. So we moved to NC and we were married a few months later. Now after almost 8 years of going to school part-time I was able to finish my degree at North Carolina State in Accounting. I ended up working in the corporate world for over 20 years but what is funny after all that hard work- I am now doing what I really love- creating, sewing and being my own boss !!!!!!

Oriental Fabrics are so IN!

I was not going to venture into the Oriental/Asian fabrics due to the fact that there seems to be a flood of them of Etsy. But then I came across some that I personally just love. This is one of them. Ginkgo Fall Leaves- I just love the way each leave has gold accents- gorgeous. So I did go ahead and purchase a very small amount of 3 different oriental fabrics. So keep watching my Etsy shop for more beautiful new oriental items!!!

Custom orders -how they vary

I think what is really amazing is the ability for somebody to have a custom order made for their own special style. Here is one I did recently that truly spoke of its unique and one of a kind look. Custom orders truly do come in all sizes, shapes and COLORS!!! I have no problem fulfilling their requests. In addition, this special request helped me to teach myself how to add a zipper pocket in the inside lining.
After all is that not what indie fashion is all about- your own style.

Olive made me do it!

All my life I have been a lavender, purple, pastel kind of gal. But here lately I have taken a total switch to olive, green, browns. I think it is really do to the latest trends in the fabric designers. This zip-let wristlet is just one example of that trend. I would not of been caught dead claiming to love these colors as little as 5 years ago. But now I am proud to say "Olive made me do it"!

Purse Wallet

I made this wallet to meet all a womens needs. It really does have it all. Zipper pouch for cash, credit card slots, 2 extra pockets inside, and three on the outside for cell phone or ipod. Just listed on my etsy shop. Made with gorgeous fabric by Moda. Please come take a look when you get a few minutes. You may find it is just what you are looking for.

Outside Advertising

I decided to try alittle advertising outside of Etsy. I needed a new banner and avatar anyway so I thought since Designs by Crystal did such a beautiful job maybe she could come up with my ad. I could not be more pleased!!! I gave her a general idea of what I wanted and WOW!!! I love her work. So if you ever need a banner, avatar or like me something different please consider Crystal she was just wonderful to work with. Fast too!!! So tell me what you think?

North Carolina Pottery Highway

While I was in N.C. on vacation for a week I finally made it to the 705 Pottery Highway. I had lived in N.C. prior to moving to Knoxville for over 12 years and had never been to Seagrove. Well, it ended up being a very fun day for myself and my two daughters. After visiting the museum and several pottery shops, we wanted to visit Freeman's Pottery. She specializes in miniature hand turned pottery. Here are the two I picked up! I just love these!!! My daughters also picked out a few very gorgeous ones. These are about 1 3/4" but she does many even smaller. She was a true inspiration to me. She has been in business full time for over 20 years. She does not sell online, just strictly by word of mouth, people coming to her shop home, and to several small shops. If you are ever in N.C. take a few minutes to visit the Pottery Highway!!

Went a little crazy at the quilters store

My local quilters shop had a 50% off sale yesterday. Well, I did stay within my budget but I still probably bought to much. I was in line when the doors opened and many of the fellow shoppers were actually buying whole bolts. So I kinda realized I needed to make my decisions fast. I think I did pretty well. You will see many of the fabrics in my Etsy shop in the coming month. Here is one that I finished right away. It is a totally new style for me. I just fell in love with the fabric. When I walked into the shop, I saw it and walked right over to it. I knew I had to have some of this gorgeous print. Please let me know in comments what you really think because it is so out there lol !!!!

My daughter being funny!!! She put on her helmet while at this old computer - she was afraid it was going to CRASH!!!

Family Reunions

Why are they so exhausting? We traveled to Southern California for a very quick family gathering. My parents live there and are in their mid 70's and one of my four sisters also lives there. We have to go to them since my sister is handicapped and recently had a big set back. I of course would of perferred a more peaceful, remote meeting place. Needless to say, we left here early Friday morning and came back very late Monday, but that was enough. I actually didn't take any pictures because I wanted to focus on visiting since it had been close to 4 years since I had seen some of my family. I have 4 older sisters and one younger brother. We all could not be more different. It was fun but draining. My youngest daughter did take pic's, so I maybe able to download some later. Now back to my summer home routine!

Car trash bag quilted John Deere

I have had several requests in the past several months for John Deere car trash bags. I was in North Carolina this past weekend and was finally able to buy 3 different patterns. I never know how much to get, so I played it conservative and only bought enough for about 8 bags. I may end up selling them all or I may end up using John Deere fabric as lining.. haha!!!

My new sew sign and area!

I love my new "sew" sign I order from littlebrownhouse on Etsy. The minute it came in the mail, I put it in my sewing area!!!! Now please ignore the rest of my messy area! LOL

Thoughts on Etsy Treasury

I have recently spent alot more time in the Etsy treasury. It is fun to look and leave comments. I myself have never been able to snag one. I have tried to no avail. So I have resigned to the fact that my computer may not be quick enough to handle getting one. I have noticed that for the most part the same people are able to get them. What are your thoughts on the treasury? I would really like to hear from you about this promotion tool. Also what is interesting are the buy and replace treasuries. I will admit that I have done these recently since I am in the process of buying gifts and presents for up coming Birthdays. So why not kill two birds with one stone right? I realize this is a sore subject with alot of fellow etsians, so I don't want to open any can of worms but once again what do you think of B & R's? I would be so interested in hearing all comments positive or negative. Thanks!!!

New format treasury- gave it a try!!!

I like some aspects of the new treasury- the best part was that I actually got one!!!LOL Never been able to before. I featured my competitors in very good spirit!!! I really admire them all!! So if you get a few moments come take a look!!!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=157

Patch pouches

I so enjoyed putting these designer fabs together to creat these pouches. The finished items are in my shop and I will also post them here in the next few days. I sure hope they sell cuz it would be a shame not to have fun again and make some more. I love trying to match them up but then I realized that it doesn't need to match teehee!!!

Garden Cheer!

I must admit that I have neglected my garden this year. I did get my tomatos in just a few weeks ago but little else has been done. In years past gardening has been my therapy. I know that it will be just a matter of days and I will have to start getting out there every morning. It has been so dry here lately- that I have watered but that is about it!! I just know I will be glad once I make my homemade salsa with my tomatos!!!

Nice long weekend break!

Well after the long weekend due to Memorial Day holiday, we got back into town last night. We went to the lake and it was plenty HOT to swim. I actually did get a little sun. We all needed a break, since the girls are now offically on summer time!!! I am going to try to get into my garden this week and finish what I started over 3 weeks ago. Then hopefully I will sit down and make a list of serious goals for the summer in my Etsy shop. First being to try to create this purse that has been floating around in my head for about a month. I need to sit down and draw it out. This is a flaw in my sewing. I usually kinda just start cutting. Teehee!!! I will do it right this time.

Extra work of bat quilting my handbags

Ever since I started this little business of making handbags and accessories I have been questioning the extra work ( and money) it takes me to buy then put the quilt batting in all my items. It adds so much extra time plus it does terrible things to my sew machine. The batting fibers get all inside my machine so I have two clean my machine every few days. Working with the thickness also is very tricky adding to it that I often use heavy weight interfacing in addition to batting to give more structure. So the big question is -Why do I do it? I could do what all the other bag makers do and just use interfacing. Just for fun I made myself a zipper pouch like all the others- man- that was fast, easy and alot cheaper!!! But did I like it as much? No- not even close- it felt and looked basic. Now don't get me wrong- I think some of my competitors are awesome!!! I am the only one on Etsy that does bat quilting of all my things, that I know of. But getting my uniqueness of my bags out there has been so difficult. Can't tell from a pic, can't get it across in my descriptions- only my customers know once they get their orders.
Will I stop doing it? NO!!! Because it goes back to what I always keep telling myself- I have to like and believe in my work!!! Please give me your thoughts and Thanks in advance!!!

New purse- really liking it!!!

I am really liking my new purse that I just listed. If it does well in shop I may decide to keep making this style. The removable clips make it great for if you just want a clutch type instead. Deciding on fabrics, then coming up with new styles and trying to figure out if others will like them is really hard for me. I try to think outside my own tastes as much as possible. At some point I guess I need to just concentrate on what I would like to carry if I was in the market for a new handbag. I mean really lets face it-when items don't sell who is stuck with them!!! teehee

Wholesale custom order done!

I did this custom order for 10 clutches this week. My complusion when I have a big job in front of me is just to get it done as soon as possible. Love all the colors in this pic.

Ginger is so good!

There is my little sweetie!!! She is looking a lot better once we found an eye doctor (vet) for her chronic eye condition. The meds the Vet put her on seem to be working!! 3 times a day I say to her " Ok Ginger I have to put medicine in your eye" and up on the couch she jumps. She patiently waits for me to put two different drops in her right eye. That is why Ginger is so good!

Simple Rose

On Mother's Day we were all getting ready to go out for an early Lunch. I prefer to eat my biggest meal then. So we were about to leave and my husband say " I will be right back". Well, my daughters and I are thinking where is he going now. He does this often- usually he doesn't even tell us when he leaves. About 10 minutes later he came in caring this beautiful rose!!!

I guess I'll keep him for now LOL!!!!

Tagged again!

Well I was tagged again by Amanda at Polyclarific and Artisian Jewelry. I of course could easily list 7 more facts and wierdo stuff about me since I have so many odd tendancies. But I won't go there just yet!! teehee.
I think today I am off to run errands (Target, Petsmart etc). I have been very bad since I started this handbag business about keeping the house a home. Don't get me wrong I have never been that idealitic wife and mother. I have always just done enough to get by- but this time I have let things slide so once again I am going to try to get organized. If I plan my day better then maybe I get still get all the things done I have to do and still do the things I want!!! Off to drop girls at school then to stores!

Which fabrics to buy?

I must say some of the hardest decisions I make is which fabrics to buy. What I like is often very different then what will sell. I find picking out fabrics so much easier when I have my daughters with me. Yesterday I went to a local quilting shop by myself, mainly looking for clip hooks. But they were having a 25% off sale- oh no!!! Well, I actually was very good and only bought 4 new fabrics. I think they all will be great but boy, do I have a hard time !!! I also don't buy large quanities because I maybe so wrong about what people will like. I tend to see how it goes. I guess that might be good since I try to create OOAK things. Now what to make is my next decision for today.

I survived!

My daughters 13th birthday sleep over! It turned out calmer then I thought it would. That is probably because I was dreading it so. But the good thing about it besides having the fun of all those teenagers in my house was three of the girls bought purses! LOL My husband put Monty Python and the Holy Grail on about 10:00 pm which helped get a lot of laughs. Around 2:30 am I was able to finally get them to fall asleep so then I could also.

SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL FOR MAY 5th

HAPPY SNS for May 5, 2007
20% OFF everything in my shop!!!!!!!
I listed many new items this week so don’t forget Mothers Day!
5:00 pm EST until 6:00 am EST
Please put SNS in notes at check out and wait for revised invoice!!!
*********************************************************

7 Things About Me You Probably Don't Give a @&%# About

I've been tagged by Gina at Mosaico to do this...
• Start with 7 random facts/habits about yourself• People who are tagged have to write their 7 things on their blog• Then choose another 7 people to get tagged and list their names• Don't forget to leave them a comment to tell them they have been tagged and to read your blog
1. I love Dogs
2. I can't stand to cook.
3. I will do the laundry- but never want to put it all away.
4. I have a weird sense of humor.
5. I read so much that I have checked out library books and start reading them only to realize I read it already!!!
6. I have to take a relaxing bath every night!
7. Even though I am an avid reader- I can't spell worth beans!
I'm tagging:
http://www.allysonhill.typepad.com/,http://breeleed.blogspot.com/,http://cornerstonelae.blogspot.com/,
http://www.fluffyflowers.typepad.com/,http://www.isewblog.blogspot.com/,http://jennaloudesigns.blogspot.com/,
http://retroattic.blogspot.com/

New designed wallet -Side pocket JPAT

I am excited to introduce this wallet I came up with. I was inspired because I am a lazy shopper. I use my credit card 99% of the time when I shop and I thought what a handy wallet if the cards were on the outside pockets but safely snug within the slots with velcro. I worked on this awhile. I am not a inventive type of person, it took me a few attempts. I think it turned out well enough for me to list on my Etsy shop. I have two more I will list later. My goal is to try to get the size down alittle. It is abit bigger than I would prefer. With time and playing around that may come. Now here is the thing about coming up with new designs and ideas, I guess this might be copied! Well, it is not so special that there is problably something very similar out there. I will just have to deal with it LOL !!! Please let me know what you think? It is very hard for me to be objective in situations like this. Thanks

Pink bloom!

I love this fabric! I just thought this was so pretty! I listed this wristlet today. Whenever I get new fabrics I have to hold on to them for about a week before I can decide what to make. I don't buy fabric in large quanities for fear of it not selling. So I give a lot of thought before I cut!

SNS Saturday Night Special for April 28th

HAPPY SNS for April 28, 2007
5:00 pm EST until 6:00 am EST

20% OFF everything in my shop!!!!

Please put SNS in notes at check out and wait for revised invoice!!!*********************************************************

Finally made myself something!

I needed a small bag for summer so I decided to take some of my fav. fabric and made this cute little zip-let (wristlet) for me!!!

My Mom decides her gift!

My Mom calls me up the other day and say " I want a tote bag it has to be neutral color and small and have at least 3 velcro closures on it. " I said ok , but can you please help me out with the color? She says " oh it doesn't matter just nothing to wild and how much are they?" I said Mom you don't have to pay me. Then she gets all upset and says yes I do- so I said I will make you one for Mother's Day. Well, she agrees with that and off I go to fabric store. Now I leave over 3000 miles away from dear old Mom so I am clueless what to buy. So I played it safe and got this very sweet fabric and made this tote. One thing I know I can count on with my Mom is her brutal honesty. If she doen't like it she will tell me!!! Wish me luck!!!

Mother's Day Gifts

I think this week I need start looking for a Mother's Day gift. She is 75 years old and lives in sunny Southern California. I am going to start looking at Etsy shops and post my findings here on my blog. I have always had trouble finding just the right thing because she lives in a very small home and really is not into THINGS!!! But I will give it a go!

Mommy what do you want for Mother's Day?

You are so wonderful- what would you like for Mother's Day?

We took this picture while at the Wild Animal Park in San Diego. Such a wonderful place for these gentle creatures.