Making Reversible Tote Bags...

 Making reversible tote bags is something I have done for decades.  I love the utilitarian aspect of a good tote bag.  It can hold so many things...art supplies, groceries, books, electronic gadgets, return items back to the store and the list goes on and on.
Pink toile is just dreamy.  The scenes of daily life and the stories that can be told just looking at this wonderful fabric.  A couple of removable fabric and lace pins.

 Fun Parisian themed fabric on one side of the tote.  Good sturdy webbing handles covered in gathered coordinated fabric to add style and strength for carrying those heavy loads.

This one has a generous pocket either inside or outside depending on which fabric you turn over.  This pocket on the Parisian side is embellished with a lace doily and a lace and fabric removable flower pin.  Spending time sewing.  Making gifts.  Making items to sell in my etsy shoppe.  This is my favorite way to spend my waning summer days. 
Christmas in August has been a very good way for me to get a head start on the busy holidays that always get too stressed and hectic to enjoy.  I feel this year will be much calmer and much more enjoyable.
I have my list and I am checking it twice. 

Now for dinner...I let the crockpot do the work today.  Country Ribs slow cooking all day and Bushes Baked Beans with embellishments (oh yeah...embellishments aren't just for crafting!) and homemade cole slaw will complete this last of August Summer dinners. 
I am thankful Irene was calmer than expected and I pray for anyone still suffering the effects. 

August Christmas Continues...

 Every year I stockpile gifts for Christmas as the year progresses.  I keep a cupboard and a dresser just for these gifts so I know where they are come time to wrap and give.  However each year I find myself wanting to do more handmade gifts and every year I run out of time.  So this year I decided August would be my month to make some things ahead and have them ready.  I picked August because I missed July.  ;o)

 Here I am making very simple fabric postcards.  I love to mail things that surprise people when they get them and these postcards just might be the surprise. 

I bought this fabric and knew it would make great postcards.  The sizes are just slightly under the required 4" x 6" postal requirements but I knew how to work that.  I already had a stash of these very sturdy Strathmore watercolor postcard blanks so they became my base.  Then I cut Warm and Natural batting to fit the blanks.  I sewed the three pieces together and it looked too plain.  So I took a green stamp pad and rubbed the edges with the ink.  Now I like the look and consider these done.  Of course I am making more than the three I show in the photo. 
I hope this gives some of you inspiration and some easy ideas for your holiday gift giving. 
Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes.  I have had a wonderful month of celebrating.
Happy week to all and I do pray the weather is kind to each of you...

Another Generous Blogger Friend...

 I have said that August is my birthday month.  Well this must be proof.  When I opened the brown shipping box Mr. C told me these are my gifts he got me.  Hmmm...I don't think so! 

I happened to know this box came from the uber generous Celestina Marie.  Please visit her site http://larearose.blogspot.com/ if you aren't familiar with her blog or her beautiful designs. 

Needless to say Mr. C was simply hoping I would give him credit as he is not good about celebrating birthdays or holidays.  I am totally fine with this as he is very thoughtful and generous throughout the year when least expected.

As for the goodies inside this box!  Look at the dreamy pink French inspired paper, the pink silk petals, the soft pink tulle ribbon and the details on the boxes.  I was giddy like a little princess on her birthday getting ready to open these beautiful presents.

 This feminine gorgeous bottle complete with pink glittered roses and stopper.  Swoon...

 This adorable little birdhouse ornament handpainted by Celestina Marie herself both back and front. 

More swooning...

 Now my photos are out of order however this was an unexpected item she included.  A small very heavy handpainted paperweight book.  The tole painted roses are exquisite.

 And completely over the moon swooning on this piece.  My very own pink with rhinestone bling Eiffel Tower.  It is also a bank and I can put my money in it to take a trip to Paris...Do they make $1000 bills as this bank is tiny and I will need a lot of money?   :o)

 Oh dear...my photos are so out of order however I am very comfortable using blogger as my excuse since I am not familiar with the new version.    I think I am lucky any of my photos actually got onto this post. 

This is the trio of lovelies that Celestina Marie actually offered as a give to celebrate her 38th wedding anniversary.  Go figure...our good fortune due to her good fortune.  I am still convinced that bloggers are the truly most generous giving souls on this planet. 

This spoon is probably my very favorite of her pieces.  I had been coveting these on her etsy shoppe waiting for just the right moment to acquire one.  I am truly blessed as now I do have my very own spoon and it is even more exquisite in person.    I do have some gifts in mind that I shall need to purchase for and these are perfect.  I hope you take a very close look at her shoppe to see what you might fall in love with. 

Thank you so very much Celestina Marie.  I feel so fortunate to be able to share you as my blogger friend.  When I went back to your profile and read your credentials I completely understand how you would be chosen to visit the White House and create ornaments for one of the annual Christmas trees.  Your work is truly special and I am so proud to be the lucky recipient of your generosity. 

I will be thanking you properly very soon my dear.

Happy weekend to all and may you enjoy this end of summer to its fullest...Labor Day is just ahead...

Squeezing Summer Sunshine Cards...

 I recently went into the studio with nothing in mind and this is what was created.  I took some fabric given to me by Sherry of http://sherrysimpleblog.blogspot.com/ and some card and envelope stock and began cutting, gluing, stamping and adding buttons and lace.
Our weather this summer has been so perfect that I just wanted to "squeeze every drop of summer sunshine" possible. 

I made seven sets and then mailed them out to some of my followers as a surprise.  I put the card and envelope into a larger envelope so they were receiving an unused card that they can either send along to someone else or put in their handmade stash of goodies.
I had fun and love spending time in my studio.  It is always extra nice when I have no preset notion and then the end result makes me very happy.  I smile each time I see these photos.  Of course I didn't keep one for myself.  You know how it is...make for everyone else and send them along.   At least I thought to take a photo. 
Very simple, very quick and very Summer!
Hope everyone is enjoying the remaining days of sunshine...For those of you with extreme heat I wish you cooler weather to enjoy.
In true Summer style I made potato salad for dinner tonight along with cold roasted chicken in pure picnic mode.  And of course watermelon for dessert!  What's for dinner at your house?

Charms Received...Amazing...

I was thinking of doing a swap as I follow quite a few blogs that participate in swaps and it always looks so fun to see what everyone makes and receives.  Well...I did participate in my very first swap that was for charms.  It was hosted and organized and completed by the very talented Roni of http://inkstainswithroni.blogspot.com/ I cannot express enough how thrilled I am with this swap.Thank you to Roni and everyone who participated.  Here is a group photo of the box I received.  I was like a child filled with wonder and excitement on Christmas morning when I opened this box of charms.  Each and every charm is lovingly handmade and so clever and precious.  Thank you to each artist I was lucky enough to get one of your charms.

 This is one of the three sets of charms I made and submitted.  I used black O-rings, copper wire and beads.  I attached a lobster clasp to each one for easy use.

 This charm is larger and I wanted it to represent the beautiful pine trees I live amongst.  I added beads, fancy yarns, some copper wire and a lobster clasp. 

Each set of charms (I made three sets) were five per set.  This set is double sided with truffle pictures and small beads for some bling.  So far I think this charm was very popular because who doesn't like chocolate...even if it is a photo of chocolate!
I will definitely be participating again early next year when Roni hosts this swap once more.  It truly was a delightful experience. 
Now I must get busy and thank each of my charm makers.  We did include our info and I have already received some emails thanking me for my charms. 
I spent my morning at my local Chamber helping visitors.  Our weather is just perfect.  Then Mr. C came along and took me to lunch at my favorite Beach Hut Deli for my California sandwich.  Life is good.
May your week progress with all the wonderful things that make you happy...