I am so very busy these days. Kids got the cold and I've been working on my last batch of bags for the summer. It will be my last try as a Etsy seller, if goes well I keep moving on this idea, if not, I will probably quit. I am taking notes of everything I put on each bag. Calculating precisely my expenses and the time I give to them. These totes I am making are getting really well made and I am proud of them. I allow myself to work 2 or 3 hours a day only. It's hard with kids around me. I don't work every day, some days are just impossible. I have this need of making something to myself, I like working, I like challenges, I like to see the results. I like to sketch an idea and put in practise...
I am migrating to a Mac computer and I am waiting for some super cool programs like Photoshop CS3 to install on this great machine. Oooh, I am so happy. My Sony laptop goes to hubby and the older one, the first laptop we got, goes to my brother. I am really loving this new computer. It's awesome. It has 1 GB of memory and I can add 3 more GBs. It's not difficult to deal with it, it's different, but it's a great choice. The images on this mac are incredibly beautiful. I have to forgive my ignorance, because not long ago I brought this computer home and I took it back to the store...I thought I did not really needed it. Maybe I didn't, maybe I don't...whatever...I am very satisfied now!
I will be back when I get more time! Have a nice holiday!
Oh man, I had a funny dream last night. I was in my parents home, everything looked the way it was when I was a teen and I had a pig. A baby pig that spoke and used to follow me everywhere I went. A buddy pig, very pretty and pink!!! I am kinda impressed with this dream. I think is the first time I dream with a pig!! He was clean and he wanted to take showers too.
So, I had a very nice swap with Anita from Germany. You can see what I sent to her on here. She made me lovely Tilda rosettes that I can use in some projects in the future. Right now, I embellish my inspiration board with them. She also made me 8 birds, with a pretty red flowered fabric as you can see on the photo. I loved to open the package and my kids got so excited about it. Everytime someone rings the bell they rush to the door wit a big smile and greet the deliver guy with me! Anita was generous making some paper tags all stamped with intricate drawings and she printed labels on fusible fabric for me. I also got 2 Cath Kidston catalogs and german mags, chocolate and a glass jar filled with fabric yo-yos and a delicious heart sachet. So here is just a glimpse of these fabulous goodies...
During this week I worked on these bags that I made for me and two for the shop. I've seen some people carrying eco friendly bags, taking them to the grocerie store, those made of coffe bags, and another day at the fabric shop I saw burlap (jute) on the shelves and I wondered what could be done with it. I was a bit skeptical about making bags with burlap for 2 reasons: the texture is not smooth and it can be itchy on our skin and because it frays really easy after you cut it. I did it carefully, sewing twice on the edges to prevent fray and I have enjoyed stitching the swirl on the front with a soft green yard. The sides and the botton has fusible interface, the craft type, it makes the fabric pretty sturdy. I really like the natural fibers like this burlap and linen and mix them with colorful cotton fabric and the crocheted laces. I wish to find other colors of it, but not luck around here. I just find ivory color. I want beige, like milk+coffe color. Should I dye them? I am inspired by the japanese zakka style. Also, the natural textiles conects me with the earth as I am so earthy person. So, my burlap bag is not for sale. I would like to ask your sincere feedback. I myself like it very much, it makes a great beach bag and next time in Sedona, I am sure taking it with me.
The one below made with a beautiful embroidered linen. It is not for sale either!
The one above and this one and below are very similar to the ones I made last summer. The difference is that they are not floppy, because they have quilter's batting between layers making them very soft and better constructed. I am also using the natural rope as closure instead of ribbon.
So, it happened and I did not see it. Darn it. I missed it. I can't believe! Before going to bed, I checked my messages and I looked over my Etsy shop to see what was going on and I thought strange to get over 40 hearts in just few hours...well, I imagined that I was in "treasury", but I did not expect the same treasury in the front page. WOW! Big thanks to 3Fun that have included one of my photographs on her gorgeous colorful treasury today!!!
Lots of views...this is what treasury can do for you...609 and up! No sales yet! Ha!
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I've been thinking about this. I think I am being too strict with myself. Is anybody out there reinventing the wheel anyway? What's creativity? Thinking, thinking, thinking...
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"If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe." (Carl Sagan)
All right, last night I had a blast! Hahaha! It's funny how ideas come up so quickly and these yummy (you will agree that you can almost drink, bite them all!) pincushions weren't in my mind lately. I have a box of stuff that I must drop at the Goodwill and these ceramic cups were in the box too. The other 4 cups broke up a long time ago and their plates as well. So, "wait a second", I thought to myself..." I think I can use these cups and those styrofoam balls that I bought to make Christmas ornaments". If they just fit right, if they are exactly the size needed...do you konw what I mean? They do fit, they do work. Great. Instead of stuffing, styrofoam balls! I just had to apply some hot glue on the edges of the cup to secure the ball (covered with fabric) on place. I see myself thrifting for cups...
Phew, Despite all the rush around here...I got these finished today!! I am really drawn to patchwork and linen fabric. I could just spend all day long at Joann admiring fabric patterns, but next purchases I will get online, via Etsy, Reprodepot or Super Buzzy and try some japanese imports: cute, darling, different, interesting!
It's so difficult not to publish personal whisperings...but I guess this way I am saving more time and avoiding curiosity over my life. I don't mind if more than half of the blog's visitors are gone to land somewhere else. I tell you, I am truly enjoying the way it is now...
The bag I made for a friend as a gift and the pouch is available at my Etsy shop!
So, I had to select some supplies, set up the table in the family room where the light is much better and I am back sewing for fall and winter. I chose earth colors, some are vibrant, lots of laces and delicate appliques. This bag below is similar to the ones I made last spring, but I added quilt batting, so it's not a floppy bag. I will try to trace my own patterns for the next ones. I have some more tutorials for us, the next one it will be the "refrigerator bulletin board". If you have visited this blog quite a while, you've seen it before, but at this time, it will be a step by step tutorial. I will be back as soon as I can.
Zee
♥
mom of 2 little boys, wife, cats, photography, Photoshop, crafts,
sewing, handmade things, Rio de Janeiro, Arizona...
hey, my mother language is
portuguese!
If you like what you see, get a cup of tea and enjoy! Thanks!
♥
