Tissue Pack Covers

This is the perfect solution for keeping your mini pack of tissues neat and orderly. Will fit handily in a coat pocket, your purse, in the car, on your desk, or wherever else you may need a tissue! I just made these this afternoon and I think they are the CUTEST!! I plan to make a ton more because they were so fun! I'm sending the four pictured here to my niece's massage shop and I have three others that are for sale in my etsy store.

Eye Pillows

My niece owns her own massage shop. She had asked me if I could make eye pillows and cases for them. She said that her shop is decorated in a Tuscany style and wanted the cases to match as closely as possible. So, I went online to see how big an eye pillow was, since I had no idea, and took down the measurements.

I finally got the inclination to make them today. They came out very nicely. I filled them with rice so she can scent them herself and heat them if necessary. The prints I used were the closest I could come to in a Tuscany style. I made her four extra cases also. I hope they will do.

The black bags are the eye pillows themselves and the printed fabrics are the cases. I made her a total of six pillows and 10 cases. The first picture shows what the cases look like with the pillows inside of them.

Vacation

I'm so excited---I have from today until after the 1st off work!!! My
boss closes the shop down for the holidays and inventory. Plus she's
getting the old carpet ripped out and putting in hardwood floors so
it'll be a "new" place when I go back!

I'm also excited because I have quite a few ideas of things I want to
make for my etsy shop and now I'll actually have some time to do it!!
I know you girls know how I feel about wanting to make this and that
and never having the time--gets frustrating!

I'm thinking of making purse sets--the purse with matching accessories
like checkbook cover, notepad holder, tissue pack---what do you think?
Do you think people would be more interested in those or if they were
just sold separately? I may try just a couple of purse sets to see.

Anyway, I just had to share my excitement over my vacation. Oh--and
I'm feeling a bit better too--I haven't been in near as much pain as I
was a week or so ago. Hopefully I'll stay that way during my vacation
so I can sew lol.

Finished Notepad Holders

I made five notepad holders so far. They are so fun to make! I am including a 3' x 5" notepad along with a mini pen with each holder. They are all listed in my etsy shop. I plan to make more after the holidays.

I'm thinking of selling the pattern for them also because they would be a great project for beginners. Also for people who are looking for something quick and easy to make for gifts

WIP Update

Just an update on my latest Works-in-Progress. I am currently making small notepad holders for my etsy shop. I have two made but want to make at least five altogether before I list them. This way it gives buyers a few selections to choose from. I hope to work on these today since I don't believe I'll be called in to work. It's a good day to sew since the weather is bad also (freezing rain on top of snow makes for slickery roads!).

After I finish these, I have a couple of personal projects to make, and then I plan to make some tissue packs for purses! Very cute and functional! They are all cut out and ready to go so they won't take me long to stitch up and list!

Drawstring Bag

I finally finished my winter purse! I decided to try a drawstring bag--and it turned out great! I'm very happy with this one. I think it turned out very cute. I ran out of the polka dot fabric that I used for the lining and binding on the pockets, so decided to go with a solid bright pink fabric for the straps and drawstrings. However, since they were made from a solid fabric with no pattern, I decided to add decorative stitching on them using a blue that matches the background color of the purse body.

I also made a "case" that I slipped a piece of plastic canvas in so the bottom of the bag would be stable and hold it's shape. It's removable so if I need to wash the purse, I can just take it out.

Winter Kitties Ditty Bag

I thought after a hard week at work, getting that big order finished and sent in plenty of time for Christmas, and putting up with gallbladder problems, I deserved a little treat. So, I made myself a new winter purse.

I had found the cutest kitty fabric that features little kittens wearing hats and scarves about three weeks ago! I couldn't resist it! I just haven't had time to make anything with it before now.

So, this is the Ditty Bag, as I named it. Well, unfortunately it won't suit my needs :( Not to worry--I still have plenty of leftover fabric so I can make myself another purse that better suits me! I just listed this one in my etsy store. I hope someone falls in love with it and buys it lol.

Catnip Mice

I had joined a "group" called The Spotted Box a few months ago. You make samples of your work, send it to the group leader, and she packs them in various boxes and then sells the boxes on etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6010437) or hyenacart (http://www.thespottedbox.com/). It's a great promotional tool as the people who buy the boxes see your work and maybe order from you. I've only sent once so far.

This time I decided that I wanted to send for December. So, instead of making just 20 samples, I made 60. If you send 60 or more you get a free box. My intention was to get a free box so I could see what other shops make, how they package their samples, etc. So, I made 20 each of mini felt dog bones, coasters, and catnip mice.

The catnip mice were by far my favorites. They turned out so cute--and my own creation to boot! I just had to post a blog about them and a picture. I'm considering making some more of these along with bigger bones to sell in my etsy shop. I may sell them three in a package since they're small--and since cats tend to lose their toys lol.

Big Order Finished

I have finally finished my big order!! She got eight coloring totes, four litter bags, two visor organizers, two double glasses cases, a large pouch case, and a purse w/matching checkbook cover and notepad holder. Here are some pictures of the order. It only took me two weeks!

Now I have to think of what to make next!! Any suggestions?

Big Order

I'm very excited!! I just had a regular customer order a TON of things from me for Christmas!! She wants four litter bags, two visor organizers, eight coloring totes, a double eyeglass case (got that one done tonight), notepad holder, purse, checkbook cover (all of those to match), and a wipes case!

So, today I was busy getting everything cut out and ready to go. There are two items I have to take to JoAnn's tomorrow so I can find lining fabric to match them (with all my fabric you'd think I'd have SOMETHING), but otherwise, everything else is ready to go.

So, if you don't see any posts about new projects or ideas I'm working on, that's why--too busy getting this order filled.

Book Weights

My idea for the book weights worked out perfectly!! I only had to make one prototype and didn't have to make any changes to it! That's VERY exciting. Most of the time, when you come up with a new idea, there are several changes you end up having to make and it can be a long process before you finally make the finished product.

I used up a lot of my scrap fabric to make several of these. I listed three of them in my etsy shop. I have several more ready to go--just have to add the weight to them--and I'll be listing those also. I'm very excited about these and hope they do well.

Diaper Bag Woes

The diaper bag I've been working on didn't come out as well as I would have liked. The top w/the zipper was too small. Not sure how that happened. So, I had to scratch that because I didn't have enough fabric to make another (that's what happens when you buy clearance fabric unfortunately). So, I decided I could either leave it as an open bag or find some way to have it close. I sewed ribbon on it for a closure. Looks ok, but not sure how practical that will be.

If that weren't bad enough, the changing pad didn't come out very well either. The wipes cover is ok, but I'm so not good at binding, so I'm not happy with it either. It just turned out to be one of those projects that didn't want to cooperate.

I told my niece I'll send it to her and she can judge it for herself. If she doesn't want it, that's fine. I told her I'd make her bibs, burp cloths, or something else instead. I really don't want to try another diaper bag. I've made these before so I'm not sure why I had such a problem with this one. Maybe it's because I don't really like the girl it's going to?

Holiday Coasters

I made some reversible holiday coasters for my etsy shop today. Not only are they reversible (Thanksgiving on one side, Christmas on another), they're also scented!! Nutmeg on the Thanksgiving side and cinnamon on the Christmas side! You can see them in my coaster section: www.LilBitSassy.etsy.com
I also have two more styles I want to make but I want to see if I can find peppermint scent first.

WIP (works in progress)

Just an update on what I'm working on. Firstly, I have a diaper bag I'm in the process of making for my niece for a friend of hers. I'm very late with this project. She wanted it by the middle of this month and I just started it this weekend. I was just so busy with my new job, etc that I hadn't had time time to get to it. But I did manage to get it cut out, prepped, and got some of it sewn together. I had to get more fabric for the lining (did that yesterday) so I plan on definitely working on it this weekend.

I'm also planning on making reversible holiday coasters for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I had some really cute fabrics for those. I managed to get them cut out today while watching "Wife Swap" on TV this afternoon. There will be four different coasters (12 of each one). I hope these sell well as they're so cute when finished! I plan on putting some on my etsy site and maybe sending some to my other niece's massage shop.

I did manage to get a package sent to my niece's massage shop today that included Halloween bags (the same ones I posted here), glasses cases, checkbook covers, a wallet, and a purse. Hopefully they'll do well in her shop.

So, that's the latest Sassy news!! Will post pictures of the diaper bag when finished.

I found some beautiful Moda 5" charm packs at the quilt shop yesterday, so I decided to buy a pack. What a wonderful collection! There were a total of 45 fall and Halloween prints and solids! So, I brought them home and had to decide what to do with them. I made coasters! With all the fun prints to choose from, I made them reversible. You can find them in my etsy shop in the "Coasters" category.

Bejeweled Bats

So here are my cute little bejeweled bats!! They're made from organic felt and are 8" from wing to wing and 4" tall. I attached Halloween ribbon to them so they'll be able to hang anywhere. They're decorated with pretty rhinestones. The bodies are also lightly stuffed.

Treat Bags

I finished my Halloween treat bags!!! They are now in my etsy store waiting for a trick or treater to snatch them up! I think they worked out well and are too cute! I may have to make these every year to sell--depending upon how well they sell. Maybe make different characters!

Halloween Magnets

I did manage to finish up a set of Halloween magnets yesterday. They are now listed in my etsy store. I have more of these ready to finish (attaching legs, eyes, noses, bows, etc.) but I wanted to get them listed so people would know they're available. Today I work on treat bags!

Halloween Project Plans

I purchased some felt today to make Halloween treat bags with. I'd like to try to make ghosts, witches, pumpkins, and Frankenstein. So, my plan for the weekend is to get those made and listed in my etsy store. We'll see how far I get lol.

I also have some cute witch, cat, and spider magnets made out of plastic canvas. I need to finish those by attaching ears, legs, hats, and eyes. I would also like to get them listed in my etsy shop by the end of the weekend. I think I'll sell those in groups of three.

If I have time, I would also like to try to make some Halloween coasters. I would like to do some primitive ones and others out of Halloween fabric. I need to get all of my Halloween crafting done within the next two weeks so we'll see how it goes.

Hannah Montana Coloring Totes

These two coloring book totes were a custom order from a wonderful woman who ordered most of her Christmas items from me last year. She's a great customer because she just tells me what she wants and allows me to be as creative as I want to be. These coloring totes are for her granddaughters for Christmas this year. I made each one with different handles, lining, and pockets. I know how kids can fight over things lol.

Teddy Mini Skirt Purse

I finally finished the Teddy Mini Skirt Purse for my SIL. This will be her Christmas present. I also plan to make matching accessories to go with it: checkbook cover and notepad holder.


The first picture is the back of the purse and the second picture is the front.

B-day Mae Pt. 2

I made two extra skirts to go with the Mae doll that I made for Mike's great niece's b-day. She took Mae out of the gift bag, exclaimed how cute she was, and then put her down and went to the next present lol. I think she liked her though. There was just so much chaos going on with so many kids and so many other presents to open. So, hopefully when things settle down, she'll take a liking to Mae.

B-Day Doll

Mike's great niece's 6th b-day is Saturday so I made her this little Mae doll. Isn't she adorable?? Another design from Bit of Whimsy dolls. I just love them! This is the third Whimsy doll I've made this month--two for b-days and one for Christmas.

Squirrel Checkbook Cover

Just finished this checkbook cover for a customer from my etsy shop. She wanted something with squirrels that would depict her new business so this is it! I think it's adorable fabric. She actually bought it and sent it to me so I only charged her $3 to make the cover.

I truly enjoy doing custom orders. It challenges my creativity and makes me feel so satisfied when I make something unique for a customer.

Custom Orders

I'm going to be kept busy soon. I have quite a few custom orders to work on. Two of them are from my Sassy store. One is a checkbook cover w/squirrels (she's providing the fabric). The other is for a shorter purse organizer. They're both quick projects so won't take me long.

I also have a few other custom orders to fill for a lady who had ordered a few purses, totes, wallets, and checkbook covers from me last year for Christmas gifts. She's ordering more this year. So far, she wants coloring bags, notepad holders, litter bags, and visor organizers. Mostly small things. They won't take long either.

Now all I need is the time especially since I will be working two jobs in the next couple of weeks with no days off.

Florabelle

Here's Florabelle! Isn't she cute? She's another Bit of Whimsy pattern. She's a Christmas gift for my niece. She was so fun and easy! I added some extra touches to her also: the ribbon bow and collar, eyelashes, and a nose.

You may be wondering why she's holding a stuffed pickle. Well, it's a bit of a joke you see. When I asked my niece (she's 12) what her favorite things were so that I could make her something she'd like for Christmas, she said she liked monkeys and pickles. I told her I wasn't sending her pickles so she said, "How about a monkey with a pickle?". She's a bit of a smart aleck.--so here's her monkey with a pickle!

Small Notepad Holders

I've finally finished my smaller notepad holders for Christmas!! I'm VERY happy about that. They came out wonderfully well I think. I will definitely have to make some of these to sell. I think they'd not only be handy to carry in your purse, but very unique as well!

My Birthday

Today is my 41st b-day! Yay me!! Haven't really done anything special to celebrate. I believe the older you get, the less you care about making a big to-do about b-days. At least that's the way it is with me. But, here's what's happened so far today:

Mike made biscuits and gravy for breakfast (he even went to the store at 7 am to get the biscuits).
We went to the shooting range (always fun).
He took me to Compadres for lunch.
I took a nap.
I did laundry.
My Boogie Face called me (he's my great nephew--that was great!).

That's about it. Normal day lol. Tonight is the Steelers game but unless we go to the firehall, we won't be watching it. Can't get the channel that's airing it. Bummer there. Good thing it's just pre-season or I'd be mad.

My First Whimsy Doll

I'm so excited!! I made my very first doll from Bit of Whimsy! I decided to make the guinea pig for my great niece's 5th b-day--didn't she turn out cute? I realize her ears aren't exactly right, but I think that just adds a bit of character to her. I even decided to make a carrier for her so my niece could tote her around if she wanted.

I must say that the Bit of Whimsy designs are very easy to follow and fun to make!! You should check out her patterns. I have a link for her etsy store on my blog. If you're not a sewer then that's ok--she also sells premade dolls.

Reorganizing

Yesterday I finally got up the nerve to move my filing cabinet containing my patterns to the bigger room upstairs. No problem moving it after I emptied it, but then I decided to reorganize the patterns a bit.

I have cross stitch, plastic canvas, some sewing, and some scrap booking patterns in the cabinet (it's a taller four drawer). I already had them in categories (i.e. animals, dolls, home dec, etc) so that wasn't a problem. However, I did go through them all and tossed some (don't worry--they were all freebies I printed out on the computer) that I didn't think I would use.

After doing that, I found room for my shipping supplies (envelopes, address labels, etc.) that I use for my etsy stores! I was pretty happy about that since I had all of it in a plastic container before. Now it'll be easier to get to and find when I have to send something I sold on etsy.

Now all that's left to do is to clean up the aftermath. Why is it when you decide to reorganize or "clean up" that you end up making a bigger mess? It's a good thing I have Thursday and Friday off!

Oops!

I was making the small notebook holders this afternoon and I didn't make them big enough. I forgot to take into account that they were going to be folded in half. I'm glad I only made one before I figured out my mistake lol. So, I'll have to remeasure and try it again! Will post pics when I get them right.

Christmas Litter Bags

I got all my litter bags finished yesterday for Christmas. Yay me!! Now all I have to do is make small notebook holders for the girls, a checkbook cover for a brother, two purses, a monkey, and a tote lol. Sounds like a lot but it's really not. I'll be done WAY before Christmas! That makes me feel so great because I can concentrate on making more things for my etsy shop!!

Promotional Opportunity

I received a convo earlier today via my etsy shop. There is a group called The Spotted Box and they asked if I'd be interested in donating some of my sachets to put in their gift boxes. They make these boxes up using handmade items from a number of crafters and then sell them once a month on their website.

You have to donate 20 items (they can be different items) and send it by the first of every month. The boxes include a list of all items and the stores or sellers who donated them. I believe this is a wonderful promotional opportunity for me. I am going to try it and see what happens. I plan to sign up for Sept's box.

Pixie Doll & Other News

Well my first try at my own doll pattern didn't work out so good. What was supposed to be a pixie looked more like an alien lol. Back to the drawing board!

In other news: I had to see an orthopedic today because I've done something to my knee. Needless to say, I may have torn my cartilage. So I have to get an MRI taken on the 29th and back to see the doctor the 11th. If I didn't tear the cartilage, then it's physical therapy for me.

Pixie Doll Part 2

I worked on my pixie doll last night. Had to do some revising. The legs and arms were a bit too small width-wise so had to make them bigger. Also had to redo the hat. I got the revised arms finished but still have to re-cut the legs/shoes and hat and put them together again.

Surprisingly, I didn't get frustrated at all this. Must be because it wasn't hot in the house since we got our air put in yesterday. Very excited about that.

Pixie Doll Part 1

I've been thinking of trying to make my own doll patterns. I decided to start with a pixie doll. So, I made a pattern for one a couple of weeks ago. I haven't been able to get much further since I was concentrating on getting those notebook covers finished.

Anyway, last night while watching TV, I decided to get my fabrics together and cut them out for the doll. And that's what I did. I'm hoping to work on it today sometime. We're getting air put in the house today so it depends on how long that takes.

I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous about making the doll. I'm sure I'll have to do some tweaking along the way, but I think it'll be ok. We shall see. If it turns out ok, I may give this prototype to my great niece for her b-day. I will also post a pic of it on the blog.

Notebook Holders

Teens are so difficult to make/buy for!! I was racking my brain (which on some occasions doesn't take too much of an effort to do) trying to come up with something that my teen nieces would like and could use.

Well, this is what I created for them: notebook holders. I found these really great notebooks with designs I thought they would like and made a holder based on their dimensions. Instead of matching fabric to the notebook designs, I decided to use their favorite color schemes/themes. This way, no matter what the notebook looks like, the holder will always be a favorite of theirs.

I am also planning on making smaller sized holders to sell in my etsy shop.

Litter Bag

After buying a new vehicle, I decided I should have a small litter bag for it to catch those scraps of paper, gum wrappers, and receipts. This litter bag was so handy!!

I decided that it was handy enough that everyone would want one, so I made some for gifts and some to sell in my etsy shop! Go check them out--there are litter bags for men and women!

Coloring Book Totes

These are some of the coloring book totes I've made for my nieces and nephews for Christmas. I also have some for sale in my etsy shop--great gift ideas!!

Why a Blog You Ask?

I decided to start a blog for all my customers, family, and friends so that they can share the experiences of my creative process. In this blog you will discover what inspires me, where my ideas come from, and the joys and disappointments I may have while trying to make a new creation (sometimes it's not as easy as I'd like it to be!).

I welcome all comments and suggestions and don't mind constructive criticism. After all, we all have different ideas and ideas are what inspire, or what should, inspire us to do our best. So even if you're not a crafter, I will still welcome your advice! Don't be shy!

I hope you enjoy my blog and I hope it doesn't bore you to tears!