I love fabric...

Ok, besides being my new hobby, handbags are my new obsession! And I think I'm addicted to buying fabric. I love the colors and textures...reds, greens & golds...chenille, velvet, corduroy...it's all wonderful. And when I look at all the fabrics next to each other, I picture what they would look like all sewn together into a neat little bag with handles.

I went fabric shopping tonight and spent more money than I had planned on. Some of it was on sale, but not all. I kept trying to put things back, but couldn't. But I look at it as an investment in my business. I am planning on making bags out of all of the fabrics I bought. I want to start selling a few and see how it goes. I love making handbags, and like other women, can't seem to have enough of them! Hopefully, there will be women out there that love my new creations as much as I do. I guess I better get sewing!

My New Hobby

I recently looked all over for the perfect handbag. I already have a large hand-made tote bag that I bought at a farmers market before Christmas. I love it, but it's rather large. I wanted something smaller, with a certain kind of upholstery fabric and a certain number of pockets inside. Oh, and a handle long enough to go over my shoulder. (I'm not picky at all! :-) But I couldn't find one anywhere. Then I decided, as always, if you want something done right...do it yourself! It can't be that hard, right?

So, I went shopping on President's Day (lucky for me, because there was a 50% off everything sale at JoAnn Fabric). I found some GORGEOUS red velvet tapestry/upholstery fabric, some other coordinating fabrics to go with it, and a pattern of course. Then, my 4-year-old and I took a number and waited for OVER AN HOUR just to get the fabric cut. Everyone and their sister was shopping for fabric, apparently.

Today I made a "practice" bag with some cheap fabric just to see how the thing would go together, and to experiment a little bit with adding pockets, etc. After a little frustration, and some seam ripping, I actually finished the thing! It even has two pockets and a pen holder! The only problem...I forgot to put in the magnetic clasp before stitching the lining into the exterior of the bag...oops. And, I didn't make the handle long enough. So, this bag will now be handed over to my son to do with as he pleases. When I get brave enough to cut the expensive fabric, I'll complete the "real" bag. I will post pictures when the masterpiece is complete! In the meantime, here is a picture of the prototype.

The Sugared Plum Boutique

Come to another fun holiday show and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! The Sugared Plum Holiday Boutique will take place in Herriman, Utah on Dec. 14-15, 2007. I will have a booth there selling my books and jewelry. There will also be many other great Utah artisans selling their handmade goods. Check out the details and see who's participating by visiting the Sugared Plum blog.

Holiday Goodness Giveaway

Learn how you can win a $20 gift certificate from Becky Sharp Designs! If you have a blog, you can enter. Find out how on my friend Ann's blog right HERE.

I would also like to report that the Holiday Open House in Salt Lake City at Central Book Exchange was a success! Many women came and loved my jewelry! They purchased some for themselves and as gifts for others. I received many comments about how perfect the jewelry is for people that are normally hard to buy gifts for. I even sold two of my hand-bound books. Overall, I am very pleased. Thanks for everyone's support!

Holiday Open House

Any woman who loves books and jewelry and who is going to be in the Salt Lake City area this Friday, November 30th, is invited to a Holiday Open House at my sister's book store. The store is called Central Book Exchange, located in Sugar House on 1100 E across the street from The Soup Kitchen. The open house is a "girl's night out" to eat, mingle and shop for great holiday gifts, including all of the books at the store, and featuring stained glass jewelry by me! It will go from 7-10 pm and it will be a lot of fun. So come see us on Friday night!

First Sale on Etsy!

Yeah! I finally made a sale on Etsy, a necklace and a book! I am so excited to break through the newbie barrier. Maybe now people won't be so hesitant to buy from me. It really is wonderful to be picked out of the endless sea of merchants on Etsy, where there is SO much to choose from, and so much competition. The day got even better when I made a sale on my main website, also: two necklaces that were new listings. I just love it when people like something that I've created. It makes me even happier when those people then wear the jewelry proudly, or use the book for something important. I never thought this could be so fulfilling! Thanks for listening to my happy ramblings!

Website Updates

My 25% off sale is now 30% off! And I've added an awesome new feature to my website: Design-a-Pendant. Check it out!