Setting up shop . . .

This week was about getting organized. Somehow I feel a bit less organized than expected. I got my sewing machine serviced, purchased notions and findings as well as other implements of creativity so that I could improve my product - now to put them all in the right place so that I remember that I have them and I can reach them immediately when needed.

So far, so good; but, it's a lot of stuff. I know there are people out there with much more stuff than me and . . . I'm happy for me. I have concluded through this process that less is more. I toy with the idea of creating a studio space outside of my home. Maybe a small shed or outbuilding? Right now, everything is in my unfinished basement space which is clean and dry - how much more simple can I get than that? My dogs can visit, I'm not far away from my chores . . . wait, maybe I want to be . . . You see my confusion . . .

Being a creative person I should be having an easier time making a creative space, you would think . . . I'm trying to pull together a mixed media studio, with one section flowing into the next. If I had any advice at all for others at this time, it would be to purge the unnecessaries.

As for me, back to the drawing board . . .

Gallery Photos

Small Sack

Small Sack - homage to packman

Medium Backpack

Medium Backpack

Medium Backpack

Small Brownie Sack

Medium Sack - Maryland Lamb

X-Tra Large Tote, Interior View

X-Tra Large Tote

Large Tote, Across the Body or Over Shoulder Strap

Medium Clutch with 3 Finger Handle Design

Large Tote - Salem Sheep

Medium Purse with Over the Shoulder Strap

Large Tote - Salem Sheep

Large Tote

Large Tote with Across Body or Over Shoulder Strap

X-Tra Large Tote

Large Sack with Over the Shoulder Strap

Small Sack

Medium Purse with Across the Body or Over Shoulder Strap

Medium Sack

Medium Sack

Large Bookbag

Medium Purse with Across the Body or Over Shoulder Strap

Large Bookbag

Small Clutch

Small Purse with Across Body or Over Shoulder Strap

Small Purse with Across Body or Over Shoulder Strap

Medium Purse with Across Body or Over Shoulder Strap

Tool Wrap

Tool Wrap

Small Purse

Small Purse

Small Clutch

Small Sack

Medium Bookbag

Large Bookbag

Small Sack

Medium Brownie with Wooden Fish Buttons

1st Small Brownie

Summer is here!

Finally, the weather turned, it's sizzling outside and we're getting just enough rain to keep my gardens moist. This has been a good year! I've done very little in the garden and everything still looks good.

I've also been organizing my studio space, trying to make everything work together. I am also busting out my sewing machine to line some of the felted bags and see where that takes me - design wise . . . Got some cool stretch poplin fabric and hoping for the best.

Great Day!

First thing today I got to take my dogs to the vet - woohoooo! Then they got baths - grrrrr . . . Bugsy eventually got sick on the carpet . . . something always happens to him after he gets shots. He either blows up like a balloon or gets a tender tummy. Poor Baby!

Then I lovingly made pasta from scratch for dinner (I say lovingly because I made some last night and couldn't stop fantasizing about having it again . . . stored some in the freezer for next week too). Sooooo good with fresh herbs from the garden!!!!

I also got to take some great close-up photos in my garden . . . perfect overcast day! There are so many cool pics that I can't decide which ones to post . . .

This isn't even half of them . . .

I did get back to my bags - before and after eating the pasta. Tonight's creation is all pink and will have beautiful pink embellishments that I purchased recently at my "honey hole" - some things must be kept secret . . .

Head Cold - UGH!

Why is it that getting sick slows everything down? My mind and my hands want to create but the rest of my body is saying - woah! I've been taking this down time to 'collect" research instead. I'm buying a book today on the history of handbags - what better resource to have in my arsenal? I'm also cruising through magazines and organizing the research material that I already have for inspiration. Notice I'm not writing that I'm reading - my brains feel like scrambled eggs and I can't seem to hold any thoughts still in my head. So, I just prepare because when I come out the other end of this thing, I'll be ready to roll . . .

Happy Father's Day!

I hope that everyone enjoys today!!! I thought that I lost my camera this morning and became frantic when it seemed that I was losing other things as well - it always seems to happen when we go away. I get distracted when putting things back where they belong (usually because my husband is trying to get me to do something else). Rushing just to get the job done, I never seem to have time to even register a memory to help me when I need to find those things again. I know that it's me but why can't my husband think for himself. It seems that if I am in the building, he loses his ability to function or even think independently . . . Happy Father's Day!

Back from the getaway . . .

What a creative getaway - I didn't expect it at all. We were in Chestertown, Maryland and I was able to purchase some nice wool at their Farmer's Market on Saturday . . . now to reconnect with that farmer to buy more. I was able to crochet this bag on the front porch of the bed and breakfast (Brampton B&B) where we stayed - their cat Slipper layed by my side, just checking out the yarn as I worked; and, yes, he did pounce on it when I was close to finished . . . a slice of heaven that day . . . And, all of the towns we visited had Main Streets with crafty stores, charging my batteries . . .

I have made 3 bags since and totally forgot to take pictures before making my deliveries for their sale/gifting - arrrrgh! I was given an antique wool winder and 3 skeins of very oily wool by someone who knows of my penchant for felting bags . . . with that wool, I felted a bag for her and embellished it with pearls and mother of pearl buttons - good karma, right?!