Black and White is IN

I came across several rolls of vintage (err,probably 60-70's) vinyl wallpaper. I have had it for years and it only just recently occurred to me to try sewing with it! It sews up fabulously, and is pretty darn durable, but still a bit thin. I mad some whole bags out of it and they came out great.
My only concern is how long it would last - I mean I know how rough I am on bags, and I have to imagine most gals on the go throw theirs around quite a bit too.

It has so many different ladies and types of styles on it, the projects one could do seem endless...

So, I decided to hunt out some nice light weight black canvas and make summer totes. I put a big rectangle of the vinyl on each side, and added pre-made white cotton straps. I like them! I am considering adding a simple bit of trim or a flower or something, as I cannot help myself in that department. This first one is in the Etsy shop today. Its only $20.00. Say you saw it on my blog and you can have it for $15.00!!!! Fruitcake thyself right now....

Dug up all last years vintage inspired beaded earrings - they are on SALE ( cheep cheep!) - right now in my ETSY shop. Its the last of them,as this years earrings will be created from tiny bits of trim. ( Check back soon to see a sneak peak! )

New project...Sassy Headbands!

For Spring and Summer I will be bringing something new to my shows. This project is great because it uses all the smaller and odd pieces laying around the studio; plus it gives my yo yo madness a place to be. I even took the time to make a matching little fabric sleeve over the elastic in the back so as not to snag your hair. yay! They look really cute on, but I didn't take any pics of them being worn just yet. I am also happy, because I found the right sized tall clear bags for them and I ordered some new logo stickers to seal the deal. They will look Sweet and Sassy indeed!

I think I will try putting some in my Etsy shop too. Email me if your interested!

Son of Fruticake!

Meet Jeff, the magical flying pickle. Yes, I said pickle. His big secret is that he can't really fly, he hides a jet pack under his cape. He was created by Finn, my silly 8 year old son. I was very proud of him for making his first felt softie, all on his own. He drew the picture and pattern out, cut it, sewed it by hand and eevn made a comic book to go with it.

Ahhh, does crafty mom's heart good. ( and it kept him occupied so I could get stuff done! HA!)

Inspiration and getting your craft on...

I was sewing up a storm for a new project ( not to be revealed yet!) when the husband wanted to get out of the house and go to the book store. I had to be bribed with a coffee of course.... It is nice to sit int he big comfy chairs and read the books and not have to buy them. I checked out the new Craftivity, and this book by by Sally Jean Alexander. I was not all that in love with the first, but the second one was very inspiring. It probably only highly appeals to those who love vintagey ephemera and such, and that would be me! Maybe it was just the quiet mood the recent snowstorm instilled.

I immediately went home and dug out my findings tins and made this pretty little thing for myself. I should get things I make once in a while, right?

Better Pics will get me everywhere....

I have know for a while that I am many things, but a photographer not being one of them. I am at peace with this and have decided that my lovelies can be used to barter better skills. ( I would love to discuss bringing back more bartering into this century but thats a blog of a different color) I have asked my dear friend Kim to please please take better pics and photo shop them into fabulousness. Thankfully she likes my stuff and said yes. yay! I promise, I will learn myself, but for now I have bribed the right person.

As far as doing craft shows, it pays to have really good images of your work. I have interviewed seasoned vets and they say that they have gotten into shows, and better sales because of good photos. I believe in this now. Even the top Etsy sellers have vouched for this on forums. You can see the difference in their whole presentation. So, this year I vow to get better pics, cuter product cards, and sweeter packaging. I am going all out. Join me in the crafty madness....won't you?

PS> This Bag is "Prudence", she is filled with detail and in my Etsy shop. She would love to welcome in Spring with you!

Yo Yo Madness???

Today was a very lazy Sunday. I did do housework,but not as much sewing as I should have. I managed to get this flower done, cause I have it in my head to make the images for website icons myself.
It's made of a really soft recycled sweater that go t washed and shrank by accident. sigh!

We did sneek out and see 300 , and I got a yummy starbucks mocha, so that was the cherry on the lazy day sundae. I would say that I really liked the colorization and the battle scenes were well choreographed. Even though it was almost 2 hours, you sorta felt like they could have given you abit more in some way? But, I kinda gave up dissecting movies, the nice escape into a fantasy for a few hours is good enough for me. Plus, we saw a kick ass trailer for the new Quinten T. movie, I am emailing our movie date couple right now!

I was going to have my awesome illustrator husband do the drawings for the icons, but it takes forever since I am not a paying client. ha ha! I have to play with the website myself and it takes alot of time and I never seem to be quite satisfied with how its going. The fantasy is still having enough funds to just hand it over to a web genius and have them make me the prettiest little site you ever did see. One can dream....

So, for now, I got better lighting, and photoshop installed. Lets see how much magic I can make on my own.
The most important part is making the goodies......off I go to make more flowers. hi ho hi ho......

PS. I am going to try and start posting works in progress in my flickr photos, if ya wanna visit me there too.

Bags are showing up again!

I have posted new bags to Etsy and will be all week.
**My new Goal for March is to MAKE and POST one new bag everyday! I have been working on a secret new bag that will be a limited edition production piece, perfect for summer. They will be fun, I promise.
I am even thinking of having a contest to give one of the first 10 I make away. come back and see next week.
**Hint: Black and white is the new it right now. Plus if you look though my Etsy listings, I have actaully told what they will be!

Ciao for now, my fruity friends!