11.14.2024

HANDMADE PURSES

 PURSES, TOTES, POUCHES and HANDBAGS

Reversible Tapestry and Faux Suede Shoulder Bag

The names of purses has changed over the years, many times I'm sure! I don't really know what they call purses nowadays and I suppose it depends on the size really. It probably depends on the style as well. The 'bag' above is what I call a 'shoulder bag' but I've seen them called hobo bags. 

Hobo bags can have all the things, zippered closure, pocket, detachable handles and all of that jazz, but I like a bag that you just throw your stuff in and go! For a quick shopping trip or for throwing in stuff for an overnight stay, there is no fuss and everything is right there.

This style of bag has a handle that you can tie long or shorter, depending on how it hangs and what feels best for you. I like it a bit long. It doesn't have a closure but I use a scarf to tie around the bottom of the handles, to ties it shut. Looks cool too!

I've had this pattern since my high school days, in late sixties and I have always loved it! The pattern has five various bags to make and some day I will make them all. But, I thought this was the best one to make to sell. Hopefully, I will find a good place to sell them! I missed the markets this year, we have a couple of them near me, so next year I'll prepare sooner.


I purchased this white coat tree for a great price and it's very sturdy! It screws together with it having three pieces so it fits in my car just fine if I take off the top section. The dowls fit snuggly into the base pole. It will be fine to display my bags! I do need to weigh it down if there is wind though.

Fabric Beads

BANGLES and BEADS

I am having a fine time making fabric beads for my purses, for the dangles I'll be designing. I just love them! Been wanting to make these out of paper for a very long while and have found that making them out of fabric is so much fun. Easy and relaxing hand work at night, while I'm watching Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot or Disney.

My method is proving to work well and it's a bit different from all the YouTube tutorials I've seen. I make mine without a pattern and without sewing but I do want to try putting some beadwork on them and glitter glue. I want to really 'jazz' them up and make dangles that easily attach to the purse, perhaps with a large sized key ring, so you can put both handles together and it will act as a closure for the bag.

I'm going to continue making these bags this winter, get ready for the spring markets, and will try to make more variety to them. I'll try adding pockets with hidden zippers, or Velcro. 

I also want to make a tutorial for YouTube too, so I'll try to work on that very soon.




10.10.2024

ART CHALLENGES 2024


 For the art challenge at Instagram hosted by Mab Graves, today's prompt is Black Lagoon. You can get a download of this as a cut-out paper doll that you print and cut at home!


DOWNLOAD HERE

You will download from my DropBox and you don't have to sign up for anything!

Check out the great entries for this challenge today! So many great artists are joining in and beginners too! We love everyone's work! Kids are drawing and painting too!

It's amazing what a great community it is at MABS DRAWLLOWEEN CLUB and you honestly will be inspired to create! Just for fun, no PRESSURE!

VISIT MY INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE

I started lated on this challenge but will play 'catch up' as the month continues. I did get a couple of other prompts made.

This was for day #9 - GOBLIN





THANKS FOR VIEWING MY ARTWORK! Leave a comment if you like! Enjoy creating!


8.17.2024

AUTUMN CRAFTS

 CRAFTS FOR FALL


Time for making those beautiful crafty home decor items and accents for the fall season!! I love crafting and trying to come up with something different and wonderful for decorating the whole house!




I've started making fabric pumpkins out of flannel fabric and some of the left over fabrics I've had laying around for years. I am in the trial and error phase, not sure what size I want the pumpkins to be so I am experimenting with different sizes and ways to make them. There are so many cute pumpkin crafts, some out of old sweaters, socks, rectangles of fabrics, cutting out pieces or using one piece of fabric. So many styles to choose from!

I was going for sewing them but now am thinking that I'll not sew as many and go for the one piece pumpkins. The stuffed kind are to my personal liking but if I can find those styrofoam pumpkins to cover, that will be good so I don't have to purchase a ton of non-toxic fiber filler.


After I finally get the process down the way I want, I'll make a bunch of pumpkins and then move on to something else, I'm sure. But, for now, here they are and I'm going to try to post a video at my YouTube channel of me making them. First I have to find a good way to film the video and that's half the battle!


I have designs on Spoonflower Fabrics and got this cute fat quarter kit!

I started by cutting them out at the edge of the border, then put them on top of black small ribbed corduroy fabric, traced them and cut that out. Now sewing and stuffing!



Notching the outside curves ...


Clipping the inside curves!

I'll post the photos when all of the pieces are done. I'm taking a craft break right now. But will be back with the finished product soon! Enjoy!
Turning a cat right sides out.