Baby It's Cold Outside

Okay, yes, the teens are cold. But add in the wind and you get this...

...negative teens. It is kind of funny to see the heat index at 10.

Bottom line - school is out. The roads are horrid. Ice underneath the snow makes for an interesting drive...as I found out last night on the way home from the Ypsilanti Holiday sale at Riverside Arts Center. Normally it would take about 45 minutes. Last night, doubled. Cars off the side of the road...a couple dozen easy, in just a 3 mile stretch. Thankfully it looked like no one was hurt. But 30mph was about the limit.

It was a happy ride though. Why? Because the show went well. It was 2 weekends long which helped. Big thanks to Dee for setting everything up! I sold most of my small zip pouches, some larger wristlets, a large painted tote and my large giraffe hobo bag that never even got as far as my shop. That felt nice :) I think I may make more...what do you think?

I have some fun prints in this same textured fabric - almost a burlap feel, but sturdier.

Now I have to decide what to do with the rest of the bags that I am no longer going to create more of. Sale? A fun giveaway? Or as someone at the show pointed out...I should keep them as is & just point out that not only are they handmade, but only X amount of that pattern was ever even made...generally less than 10 and never the same material twice. Hmmm...

Either way, I need to buckle down and make some Xmas gifts before I do anything else shop-wise. That is one problem with this time of year...I want to make everything for everyone and make it now. Can't happen. Two hands and one brain can only work so fast. Especially when you sprinkle in the 5 year old LOL!

Flint Spring Market and Changes

IMG_1476
Originally uploaded by flint handmade

What a blast! Craft shows are even that much better when you have friends nearby. I left yesterday's shows brimming with ideas. Where to start!?!





I can say one thing...changes are a comin'! I can't guarantee they will be super noticeable to you, but they sure will to me.To start the changes...a sale...of course. Why? Because the first change is nixing most of my bags. I am working on the shop rework now :)

Backpacks shall stay.

Clutches shall stay, but will be split in two.

The current bags are going to be made with skinny strap options. The 2nd part of the split is into a more embellished line. There will be ruffles and bows and flowers and doodads galore...but a slow galore. These bags will be upped when it comes to fabric choices. More along the lines of silk and linen. Sound fun?

Messenger bags will stay, but possibly as custom order only.

They are pricey, take many hours to complete - especially when you add in the embroidery- and do not move quickly. But I love them!

Totes will be only in the form of market totes. Bye Bye painted...except custom orders.

Market totes will be made in batches.

I have a futon cover (unslept on) that will make about 10 or so. I took a poll at the show on the finish - hemmed -v- bias tape...hemmed won...by lots! Funny thing - the bias tape bag was the 1st to go at the show. Go figure!

Wristlets, handbags, larger purses...TTFN!

Zip pouches will always be around.

They are too perfect for small and odd shaped fabric remainders. I want to get better about making tiny change sized pouches to go with each bag also.

The next change is an expansion. Monsters and fun creatures will start to take over.

I am going to take my current guys and add on to the family from my sketchbook. They will be named - I will be coordinating with my oldest for this. And each will become a small keychain and small stuffie. Some may get super sized. And in all sorts of colors. I have an idea for their display too...more on that later.

The other expansion is the fabric baskets...which have not made it into the shop just yet. I want to make 3 sizes, not just the one.

There is more, but I have yet to finish the pro/con list for them, so more on that later too. Yes, this part goes back to quilts & such I always talk about but never quite get to...now I hope I will :)
Phew! That's a lot!

Scrapbook Blogging

Um...that doesn't make lots of sense all by itself does it? What I mean is that I have been playing around with the digital scrapbooking on my blog background. Huh? Where? Well, not here. I have been "practicing" on a blog I started way back in April & never did anything with.

I followed that tutorial I told you about a few days ago. The one by Kevin and Amanda. I changed the colors, but went with the same layout. What do you think? It is so much easier than I thought. And bonus - I also started posting in the blog. Woo Hoo!!

I also used my scrapbook program for some Deal of the Day blog buttons ...

Note: this was yesterdays...but I just loved the pink & wanted to show it off

And I still don't know which program I prefer - Digital Scrapbook Artist or Scrapbook MAX! Anyone out here use either one? I'd love to hear from someone who's been using either one longer than my playtime this past week :)

Christmas in July

I have decided to go ahead with my Christmas in July sale....but because of a family vacation & craft show - it will be the 10 days instead of the 12 days of Christmas :)
I am offering 15% off all non-clearance items in both my ArtFire and Etsy shops.

The family vacation is in just a few days and my teenage son has graciously offered up his iTouch for me to use to check in on the shop. You know you are getting old when you need to get "permission" from your kid to use their stuff...because it is his...he saved up & bought it himself. I am proud of him for that. He has saved up for a Wii in the past too. I wonder what's next? And don't say car...I'm not ready to hear it yet :)

Our vacation is going to be with my husband's parents & sister (plus her hubby & kids of course). Our youngest kids are very close in age & will have a blast. The older ones will have fun - but with one being a teen & the other nearly a tween with a teen attitude, we will never know.

So I probably won't be back here for possibly over a week...instead I shall be Up North...with no real computer...or sewing machine...eegads! What am I going to do? Hand embroidery, phew! I knew there had to be something! LOL!

Catch you later this month!

4th Of July

The Blogfire carnival for this round is for your country's holiday this time of year. So for me, that's the 4th of July...Independence Day.

I am not a parade person, so I try to skip that...I have yet to be successful. Cross your fingers for this year :)

Now fireworks...fireworks I like. I have the opposite problem than the parades though - I rarely go see any. I can hear Detroit's from my home though. Once or twice we could see some over the tops of the trees. I just feel sorry for the dog - he goes and hides under the table.

The once consistent thing that I do like...my parent's pool party. Some years it is big, others it is small. But every year it is great to see everyone. What is big? Well, if most of my dad's side comes by, we can hover in the 40s...small would be about half that. Seeing everyone is not a once a year thing...more like 3-5 (Xmas, Labor Day, the 4th, Thanksgiving...) but my cousins rock & we always have a blast together. And now that most of us have kids - the place runs amok with kiddos!

The new thing for this year...my 4th of July Special :) I am going with the freedom theme...free shipping in all my shops now through Sunday midnight (or whenever I wake up Monday to change the banners).

This is my latest bag - pretty good for this holiday, don't ya think?

This bag is now listed in my Etsy team's shop - Carried Away Bags...
all proceeds go to Herobox.

Etsybloggers Trunk Show

YOU are INVITED!! Come see a LIVE virtual TRUNK SHOW this Friday night!! On Friday Jan. 30th @ 9PM EST, where twenty-six talented Etsy shops from all over the world will be showcasing a select few of their items ONLINE in the GALLERY of the EtsyLabs! Sales and special offers will apply only to the EtsyBloggers TRUNK SHOW attendees!

Everyone is welcome to attend, so come and join the fun here
on Friday Jan. 30th @ 9:PM EST.

In addition, the below 26 participating shops are having a SALE in their shops on Friday night in honor of the EtsyBloggers TRUNK SHOW!

Leakymouth
Specials for trunk show - 10% off

SpottedCowSoaps
20% off Valentines Section 1/30/09 ~ mention "Trunk Show" to receive discount
Handcrafted soaps, toiletries and crochet bath accessories

DorsetHillBeads
FREE U.S. SHIPPING
One of a kind handmade lampwork beads

tiltcreations
Free US Shipping
Handmade handbags and accessories

TulipsTreasureBox
10% discount and free USA shipping on any item $50 and up
Handmade Women's Jewelry

NicoDesigns
15% Off, valid 1/30/09
Mention "Trunk Show" in note to seller for discount
Messenger Bags and Accessories

NatureManipulated
10% OFF and FREE SHIPPING.
Visual, wearable and practical art

aliciemaeprints
10% off all prints, valid 1/30 only
Photography

miesmama
handmade felted bags, bowls and other goodies!
For free US Shipping and surprise gift! Just quote "trunk show" on 1/30 only.

memoriesforlifesb
10 % off everything in my shop!
Memories for Life Scrapbooks-Scrapbooks and More

Panoptica
10% OFF before shipping
Eclectic accessories and vintage goods

beckykazana
Free shipping on orders of $40 or more
Cards, prints and one of a kind gifts from Becky Kazana!

DevineDesignsJewelry
15% off every item in shop, and with purchase, you will receive a coupon for 10% off next purchase. Buyer please put "TRUNK SHOW" in notes to seller.

MamasMagicStudio
10% Off and Free U.S. Shipping
"Fraternal Earrings" and other beautiful beadwork

StormyDesigns
10% OFF with code "trunk show", valid 1/30 only
Hand-crafted jewelry, decor & more. Many OOAK.

abracapocus
10% off
Digital Art, Photography and Note Cards

impawsibletoresist
10% off
Doll Clothes and ACEOs

feltartistic
I will be offering Free gift with purchase - when mentioning "Trunk Show" in note to seller.

peacoxcreations
Two free apple scrubbies with any order!

AKeepersJackpot
Free shipping worldwide on any item from 1/29/09 through 2/1/09
Put TRUNK SHOW in the message to the seller to get the free shipping.

3rexesjewelry
Free Priority Shipping Upgrade & Valentine's Gift Wrapping..... Upon Request Please!
Mention Trunk Show in customer comment box.

storybeader
Free US shipping, and I'm offering 10% off on Jan. 30th
one-of-a-kind jewelry and original haiku with each necklace

lilbees
free shipping with code "trunk show", valid 1/30 only

brightblack
free shipping with code "trunk show", valid 1/30 only

quirkydolls
free shipping with " trunk show" code in order

Team Wide Holiday Sale!!!!

SALE!!!!!

Black Friday through Cyber Monday ... 11/28 - 12/1

Go to the etsy bloggers team shop to see a list of participating shops
and the deals they will have!

My shop will be a nice & easy, straight forward, 10% off every item! enjoy!

Shop handmade this holiday for unique and lovingly made gifts!

Summer is Over SALE

I have decided to put some of the more summery items for sale. I have ideas for more purses - and other things- and would like to get more items to a good home. This one is getting crowded :)

Here are some samples....

Peachy Diamond ... was $40, now $30

Watercolor Ribbon Wrapped was $40, now $30