CRAFTEROO - Tote bag Swap

I decided to sign up for this swap as I fancied a change from beading for a while. Then I started getting orders for beaded Christmas decorations and began to regret signing up :( This weekend, I decided to just get my sewing machine out and get on with it - well, it was a bit of a failure! I made a bag but would not be happy to send it to anyone as I had twisted the handles the wrong way! Today, I found some plain tote bags that I had ordered ages ago, with the intention of doing up. I decided to use one as the foundation for mine, and incorporate the handles into my make. So, today I made a bag that I love. The plain tote is the lining for my own make, and I have included a little extra to the design which I think is cute. I hope the recipient likes it - full pics when she has received it.

Lots of Things!

These are two of the three pictures that I have decided to make as teacher presents for the end of the school year. They work out to cost around £5.25 each, not including time obviously.

Above them are two presents that I bought for my friend's 40th. I got them from Folksy, from...

Natalie Farrell (make-up bag)

Snowdon (Fridge Magnets)

Both of them are totally gorgeous. I have loved Natalie's bags for a very long time and wanted to buy one for myself, but never had an excuse. Now I know that they are even more fantastic in the flesh, I will forget needing the reason and just buy myself one!

A ring I Bought From Tia's Glass

I have liked the work on this maker's Folksy shop for ages. I happened to be looking through Esty and found her there too. As it happened, I saw this ring and just had to have it. It was a bit of a difficult decision between about 4 or 5 rings in the shop. As you can see, it came beautifully packaged in a lovely box, and an organza bag. Thanks to Tia's Glass for the quick serivce too.

Earrings For Course and Blog Giveaway From Calico Heart

Not a good picture of the bag as it is full of my stuff! The inside has a lovely lining and the other side is denimy material. If you want better pictures, go to My Calico Heart Thanks again Stephanie.

The earrings go with the necklace in my last post. I am inordinately pleased with them as they are totally hand-made, except for the ear-wires. I made the hoops and everything...(saddo, but pleased with myself!)

C & G Course/TTNP

Last Friday's project was to make an amulet bag from tubular peyote stitch. I used delica beads as I love the way the finished item looks like material - smooth and sleek. Peyote is my favourite stitch so this week was great for me! We will eventually have to make two amulet bags (one with netting), and both have to have different straps and fringing. I decided to use faceted beads in the fringing and matched it in the strap, which still needs to be finished. This strap is going to double up as my TTNP for the Crafter...oo forum.

Time For Tea Swap

My items arrived today! Thanks to Vonnie at Blotted Copy Book who sent me this...

Thanks Vonnie - the bag and candle are especially brilliant - really funky. I will probably light the candle while crafting this evening!

Vogue Pattern Bag

Of course I started with the easiest of the four on the pattern! No zips or buttons to contend with. The fabric is a cottony faux denim - very lightweight but fairly strong. It would make a great beach bag.

Santa Baby...

Please hurry down the chimney for me...

Coin Purse - any colour scheme - they are all fabulous

And/Or

This bag...

Looking for things to buy is a very risky business you know!

Nicknots

I found this lovely crafter on Folksy, when I was looking for a Christmas present for my mum. I ended up buying a bag similar to this one, for a little girl who was having her 8th birthday party last weekend.

The bag was beautifully made and came within two days, in very professional wrapping. The mum told me today that her daughter LOVED it! I would really recommend using this seller.

Two drawstring bags

These were made from a pattern given to me by Amanda Walker, when I was taking her 'Soft Furnishings' course via Greyfriars. Amanda is a fantastic person and a fab designer. You will see her in Crafts Beautiful and Quick and Crafty every month. She also makes wonderful hats!

A Daisy Bag for a Daisy Girl

This bag has been made for my son's 'girlfriend'. He is 6 and she is 7! It is her party on Sunday and he was really chuffed when I said I would make a bag for her. He thinks my makes are lovely (bless him). I really hope that, at 7, she is not too cool for a bag like this. She is fairly girly so should like the flower/pink combination.