craftgrrl | Misc.

Last week I rec'vd notification that the jury accepted me to be a craft vendor for the Arlington County Fair. Which is a huge deal for me as it's a HUGE-ASS fair that last year had approx. 40,000 people visit the grounds and exhibits. When Mike came in with the letter, it was like getting letters from colleges or something. He assured me that the thick envelope was a good sign. He was right!

So now, um, I got to make stuff. LOTS of stuff.

I'm set at trickle right now apparently, as I've only gotten like 4 things done in the last 5 days.

And of course I made a new bag for myself. Yeah, I'm nutso.

Here's the one I'm using for myself currently. It's a necco wafer print. I likey.

Mike said that he likes the button, "even though it doesn't match".
I said that if you look closely, it quite does, the pewter is inlaid with colored enamels, green, burgundy, and blue. It coordinates nicely. (insert stinkeye)

Oh and I didn't make that wallet, but totally wish I did! I've had that thing for like 8 years or something. It's a fossil. Literally. Ha.

Turquoise, plaid, and brown? Sure! Why not!
The exterior pockets are functional and are on both sides.

This bag and a lot of my others are based off of the (infamous?)jordy bag tutorial. If you'd like to start making your own bags, I highly recommend these instructions as a great place to start.

I got the tortoise d-rings from j. caroline creative. They have a lot of great fabrics and ribbon and purse hardware and handles. I always get my orders quickly and their stuff is real cute as well as good quality.

I like to call this one my polly pocket purse.
It's just so darned cute. It's little, but not too little.

The nickel swivel clip is great for attaching keys to when you're like me and you can never find them at the bottom of your purse or bag. I got the clips from j. caroline as well.

Okay, now for something completely different. Someone I know had asked if I do bridal type bags. Like for a bride (her sister) to use for her wedding day, to put like lipstick, a comb, tissues, condoms in. Okay, not condoms. But you know, small necessities for the big day.
I wasn't sure if I could do something relatively nice and fancy and elegant and all, because well, I make bags out of twill and canvas with like butterflies and stuff.
But whatev, I decided to challenge myself a bit. I told her that I would do something and if she likes it, great, if not, no big deal.

What I learned:

-satin is kind of a bitch to work with.
-don't pull on any strays
-have a gallon of fray check around you at all times
-fancy buttons are ridiculously expensive
-stick to what you know

No, I'm kidding on that last one. It's always nice to try something different and I'm glad I did.

Here are 2 options that I gave her:

I did the flower by hand, using the satin fabric and a shell button.