Frayed Rainbow Dreams

I finished another wristlet.  This one I made out of that bright and colorful rainbow cotton print with turquoise print for the lining.  I made fringe from both of those prints to put across the front, and the handle is frayed  with a touch of gold accents and has a gold swivel clip to make the handle removable.  This is a purse waiting to have some fun.

Happy sewing.

Sisters Wristlet

It was my youngest sisters birthday a few days ago.  I made this pretty wristlet for her.  I embroidered Sisters on the inside edge.  She is an amazing woman and I'm so proud of the person she is.  Happy Birthday Deb, I love you. 

I made this bag as simply as possible.  It has a blue flower on the front with a ladybug, I made this on a removable pin, so that she can take it off if she likes.  I added swarovski crystal beads amongst the turquoise fabric twisted handle, this handle is also removable.  I think she will like it.

Time to shop for Christmas cards

I've been thinking about starting some of my Christmas shopping, and I think where I am going to start is on Artfire.  This was my first online shop and I really like the fact that they let artisans have a free shop.  I know that when I start to sell enough I will change to a pro shop, but for now I can show & sell my handmade items here without having to commit to pay a monthly fee.  I put together a curated collection today featuring Artfire Basic shops that have Christmas cards, if you would like to check it out here is my Basic Cristmas cards collection.  Maybe you will see something you like, if so I'm sure they will appreciate the business.

One of my ideas when I do my shopping is to look at basic shops that I like first and then go through some of the pro shops that I like.  So, when you start to think about doing some Christmas shopping and you want something unique think about shopping handmade, check out Artfire they have so many amazing artists in so many different areas.  One thing I feel I must say is always be a bit wary when buying online, shop smart, check out the shop see if they have a bio or policies in place do they have a banner and avatar and last but not least send a short message to the person and see if they respond in a timely manner.  Anyone that is truly legit will answer and be pleased to hear from you.  I wish you all happy shopping.

So Here is my latest project I'm working on:

I'm thinking of calling this one windows. ???? I'm not sure about it maybe I'll think of something better.

More yumminess .............

Ok, I've made another version of these easy cookies this version is Lemon Pecan:

I used a lemon cake mix and added 1 cup toasted chopped pecans.  In the background you will see fresh frozed blueberries.  How I do the blueberries is I wash the berries gently and let them sit in colander for a few minutes then put them on a couple paper towels to dry, when there dry place them on a tray (that will fit in your freezer) in a single layer.  Place the blueberries in the freezer until completely frozen.  When berries are frozen place in freezer tight bag, get as much air out as possible then seal bag.  The nice thing about doing it this way is that you can reach in & get as many or as few as you want. 

August Giveaway

Wow, I can't believe we are half way through August.  Its time to get to back to school shopping, actually this is my last back to school shopping.  My youngest is a senior in high school, I remember when my oldest child started kindergarten I was so sad, and that is how I feel this year.  I will be going into a new phase of my life.  and that is what I hope my sewing will be a big part of that new and exciting life.
This month I am giving away these 2 cute bracelets, with dangling hearts, moons, & stars surrounded by colored barrel beads that will look so cute floating around your wrist. They will arrive in a pretty pink fabric gift bag perfect for a nice little gift for yourself or for you to give to someone.
To enter go to either my Artfire studio and / or my Etsy shop, find an item you like and come back here and leave your name and the item you like in the comments section. Then send your email address to me at  kathisewnsew@att.net (this is just my way of keeping your email address private).  Good luck, and I look forward to your comments.

Thanks for stopping be to see me, and enjoy the rest of your summer.

July Giveaway Winner

And the winner of the ladybug & flowers mousepad is .................. Robin.  Robin, I will be sending this cute mousepad to you this week, send your mailing address to me at (kathisewnsew@att.net)  Have a great day everyone and check back in later this month for a new kathisewnsew giveaway.  Congratulation to Robin.

Quick & Easy Strawberry Cookies

I found this recipe  for cake mix cookies one day when I was looking for something sweet to make but it couldn't have flour (because I was out) and I came across this recipe.  The first time I made them I used a golden cake mix  and I didn't add anything to them but when they were done I put this yummy brownie frosting, they were so good.  So today I am making them with a strawberry cake mix and I added some strawberries.  I used 5 strawberries (cleaned, destemmed, and diced up) put them in a little pot added 1 Tbls. orange juice (because thats what I had) and 1 tsp. sugar (optional) cooked over low heat for 3-5 min. stir them often and squish them down.  You could use strawberry jam if you don't have fresh berries.   Let cool.  add the strawberry mixture to the prepared cookie dough, mix together.  Bake as directed on the recipe.  Oh yummy, first batch is done, they smell amazing and such a pretty pink color.

My newest bag ~ Pack a Tote

I've been working on a new style of bag.  Its lightweight, it can be machine washed & dried.  this bag may not look like it but it expands to a roomy tote bag.  I like these bags to take camping, I find a little space in my suit case and put it in and when we are there I can use them to tote things to the beach or on a hike.  Take them to a farmers market to put all your treasures, and if it gets a little soiled just toss it in the washer & drier and its fresh and clean again.  OK here they are:

So, this is what I've been up to lately. 
Going out to dinner tonight, Chinese food I think.  I just hate to go out because its sooooooooo  hot.

Mousepad Giveaway ~ does your mouse need a new place to rest?

This cute mousepad could be yours.

Go check out my shops at Etsy & or Artfire, then come back here and leave a link or the title of the item you like in the comments section & email me (kathisewnsew@att.net) your email address (I will only use it to contact the winner so that I can get the mailing address to send the mousepad).  No purchase necessary to enter.  Giveaway ends July 31 2010. 

~ Its like a cloud ~

I've been busy with a new bag.  I think its so pretty,  Its soft & puffy, femine, light, easily packable, its roomier than it looks.  This bag will come with a couple of reversable pouches wince it has no pockets, I call these little pouches removable pockets.  I have finished 3 and going to have a couple more before I put up pics.  These purses remind me of pretty colorful clouds.  I will hopefully be able to put some pics up by the first of next week.

What a beautiful summer evening.  Go enjoy.

Just enjoying my day.

Its so nice out today, theres a nice breeze, its not to hot, and housework is almost done.  Think I will go make a purse, I'm thinking summery, big flowers, maybe some ruffles maybe not.
I'm trying to get rid of most of my beading supplies, I just don't have room for everything I like.  To my friends & fam if you would like some for a project or 2 leave me a comment with colors you like and whether it be a necklace, bracelet etc. (thats so I know what kind of clasp or closure) and I will put together a little goody bag for you.
Have a Great Day......

What would you do?

Every once in a while something I make doesn't come out the way  I would like it to.  Ususally I give it away or stuff it in a drawer. So I've been thinking, most of the time there just fine they just have something that makes it less than perfect. Such as these:

These 2 mousepads are fine except the fabric isn't lying flat like I like it, it has a wavy effect.  I put them on my desk, and although they work just as well I just don't want to sell them like that.  One of the things I was thinking was doing a  pay it forward type of thing.  What I'm wondering about this is will people get them and think what a horrible seamstress I am, when all it is is a mistake.  Here is a bit of a side angle, maybe the waves are a bit visible this way.

I'm not sure what to do yet, but I will contemplate this a bit longer.
I thought I would show what else I'm working on now.  I needed a dress to wear to my nephew's wedding this summer, so I am going to make it.  Its not finished, but here is how it is at this point.

And here is a close up of the pretty fabric.

So, I think that will be nice for a beach wedding.  Looking forward to it.
Looks like its going to be a hot one today so, stay cool.

Yay......

I made another sale.  I sold this mousepad a couple days ago.

Its on it way to New York.  These mouse pads work so well, I sure hope she likes it. 

Fathers Day

I thought I would share what I'm going to do for my hubby for fathers day.  I'm going to make these cake balls with chocolate (since he loves anything chocolate).  I think we will BBQ steaks.  I'm looking for a salad recipe he might like I will post it here when I find it.  I think I will get the kids to help clean his truck inside and out.  A cd mix of some of his faves.

I listed my new mouse pads yesterday, check them out if you get a chance.

Mousepads ~ does your mouse need a new place to rest? ~ Mouse pads

Ive been busy sewing lately.  I'm making mouse pads  with a Christmas theme.  I'm going to list them as either a single one or you can buy 2 and same some $ and you can pick which 2 you want, you can keep one for yourself and give one away, or keep them both for yourself so you can have a little change at your desk.  this first one I'll call little Christmas angel:

This one is sweet candy canes:

I hand sew on a non~slip backing.  These mousepads are thin, but when you set it down to use it you know it wont move until you pick it up and move it.  they can be handwashed when they need to freshened up.

They make great gifts and they can be rolled up and tucked into a Christmas stocking.  Put a splash of you at your desk with a new mousepad.  Here are some other ones I've been working on:

I am going to start listing these on etsy next week.

Ok fam, I know you stop by from time to time.  How bout when you do you say hi in my comment section.  I like it when it happens, it always makes me smile.  If you would like you can leave a comment about one of the purses I made that was gifted or bought that you have.  I will post a picture of that purse with your comment.  It would be fun to see the purses, bags, wristlets etc. that I have sold over this last year.  I'm working on new pics of the purses I'm going to start on Artfire.  I should start putting listing up today or tomorrow at the latest.
I've listed one of my wristlets on Ebay ~ summer flip flops wristlet at a much lower price than my etsy shop price, this is because I started selling my purses on ebay a little bit over a year ago.  so if you like this wristlet the time is now, it won't get any lower.

summer sandals wristlet









I started using twitter  a little while ago.  I've tried using it a bit, but I just don't get it yet.  I will keep trying, I wont give up. It seems to work for others.
http://twitter.com/kathisewnsew