NEW FABRIC COMING!!!!!!

He he he he!!!! I feel like a little kid leaving the candy shop with my bag full of penny candies (oh how I miss penny candy stores!!) I LOVE this new fabric. I am waiting on pins and needles until it gets here! I can't wait to get it! I LOVE the red and turquoise - so great for spring. Also, how COOL is the orange and yellow pop - so retro! What will I make with this??? I am in the process of addding other new fabrics to my selections - FABRICS - If you have been thinking about designing your own bag - I have some fab fabric coming!!!

My kids had a FAB Birthday Party!!

We had a GREAT time. Look at my 2 little ones snuggled together on the chair! I can't believe that they are 4 and 2!!! YIKES!!! Does time fly.

As the party was winding down, my son REALLY wanted to open his gifts. He was told that he could open them when the other kids went home. So, he walked around and told everyone if they could or could not stay!!! He told my friend, "OK, you are an adult with children so you can go home now." And to others without kids he said, "You can stay 'cause you don't have kids."

Well, I guess it worked for him because all of a sudden my house was clear!! He had motivation. I didn't even find out that this was happening until close to the very end! I hope my friends don't think that I was "kicking them out"!!!! Gotta love the things kids say!!!

Independent Designer Friday - Butercups And Buterflies

The Independent Designer of the Week is Buttercups And Butterfiles- a fun and whimsical Etsy shop specializing in everything from stone pendant necklaces to crocheted baby booties.

!Here is my favorite piece from Buttercups And Butterfiles - Blue Couch Tissue Box Cover. What a fun way to liven up any room in your house. This is truly a conversation piece :>

I asked Buttercups And Butterflies a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

I have a little bit of everything, Its simple and the items are so useful and unique. Our crafts are made by my daughter and I and we love working together to make people happy with our products.

How did you get started?

I was told by a friend through myspace about etsy. So I checked it out. I sold items at local fleamarkets and shows. But never thought of the idea of selling online till now. I love it, its great.

How long have you been crafting?

Since I was 8 Years old, I was young when I started. I'm 28 now and still going strong with it all. I dont think I'll ever stop crafting. Its so rewarding.

What is your inspiration?

My mother was the most inspiring person in my life. Now she still is even though she has passed on. Now my daughter gives me all the inspriation I need.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?

My Favorite piece would be the little blue sofa tissue box cover. Its a bright blue and its so adorable.

How do you market/advertise your wares?

Business cards, word of mouth, friends and family.

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?

Keep your chin up and stay positive, if a sale doesn't come today it will come the next day. Staying positive about things is what makes great products and if you have great products, you have happy customers. : )

I COMPLETELY agree with your last bit of advice. We all have good days and bad days. As long as we are true to ourselves, love what we do and put our heart in our work - we can make our businesses thrive!

Thanks so much for your advice and keep up with your adorable crafting!!

Planning a Birthday Party - friend and foe

Well, I am almost finished with the party for my kids - it's on Saturday. We're starting the day at a local moonbouce play area and coming back to out house for lunch and cake. My son will be 4 and is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine. He has been since he was 16 months old! I am so happy because those stinkers cost a fortune!! Anyway, he is having a Thomas cake (again!!). I decided to get it from Coldstone Creamery this year to get something different.

My daughter - who will be 2 (there birthdays ar 5 days apart :>) decided on a little mermaid cake. She was torn between the Hello Kitty, Princesses and Ariel - she finally made her decisions.

I have been working feverishly on my house in anticipation of this event. I really want to update my entire kitchen but won't do it for a couple of years. So, to keep me happy until I do that - I decided to paint everything that I could in my kitchen - walls, trim, cabinets - even the countertops! Yeah, i might be crazy but if I'm going to change it in a few years anyway, I thought, what the heck!! That's the picture above. Hmmm - you can either love it or hate it!!

So, I am off now to finish putting together my Independent Designer Friday post (and cleaning, laundry, cooking, etc.......)! I will be featuring TONS of lovely ladies and their respective (delicious :>) Etsy shops/websites! These are going to be some fabulous upcoming weeks!!

NEW Crayon Toddler Bags!!

I just finished a wholesale order for a boutique - Lass & Laddie. These are the La Petite Sweetcake Crayon Bags that were designed. They turned out so ADORABLE!!! I was so psyched to see all of them sitting in a group looking all pretty and springy in their bright colors! I was so proud to ship these little babies off. Each bag measures approx. 6 inches by 7 inches and is 2 1/2 inches deep. Just big enough to carry around some crayons (8 to be exact) in the little pockets, notepads, pencils and stickers. ALL the essentials for every little girl :>

Customize Tote with Nature

Here is one other project from Martha - I will do this as soon as we have leaves!! You use a canvas tote or pillow or curtains (you decide) and choose real leaves to embellish with fabric paint! So artistic, simple and fun :>

Embellish Tote with Nature

Handbag Tutorials!!!

Here are some cool and fun handbag tutorials to get you started on this Monday!!!

Strippy Handbag - cool stripe effect patchwork handbag.

Reversible Handbag Tutorial - nice everyday handbag.

Pleated handheld handbag - cute going out handbag - pretty for spring fabrics!

Reusable Grocery Bag Tote - Easy and made from 2 pillowcases!

Classy Pleated Clutch - cute and classy :>

Kids Beach Towel Tote Bag - a fun project to make for the upcoming summer season!

(Pictured at top from Martha Stewart.com)