Mmm Mmm, Good!

Before I get to the post, I need to let you know (or remind you) about this month's giveaway.  I'm giving away this Harry Potter charm bracelet with the Hogwarts crest and the crests of all the Houses.  To win, you must post your favorite Hogwarts House on my Facebook page.  Each post counts as one "ticket" and you may post as many times as you like.  You can post through Monday night and I'll announce the winner Tuesday (Sept. 20th).  Good luck!

Last month I had the opportunity to make a custom purse for a Campbell's Soup Test Kitchen employee who was retiring.  Her co-worker contacted me and said she already had a book (well, a notebook) and fabric.  I had never made a purse from a book (much less fabric) I had never seen but I thought I'd give it a try.  The fact this was for a Campbell's Test Kitchen employee was exciting!  I, like every other kid in America, grew up on Chicken and Stars (and still love it!).  Campbell's is such an iconic brand that carries a certain sense of nostalgia and Americana.  I'm a sucker for anything "retro" so this was right up my alley.

I got the notebook and fabric and instantly knew I would have to do some "tweaking."  The notebook was a deep burgundy color and the fabric was lime green with tomato red accents.  I knew it would work fine but I needed another fabric to bridge the notebook and Campbell's fabric for a more cohesive look.  I went through my fabric and scored big: a red and white checkered fabric I had used on another nostalgic purse.  Luckily, the fabric had red and burgundy in it.  Kismet, baby!  I decided to use the fabric for the bottom and for the pockets inside the purse.  I was so relieved when it all came together and actually worked!

I use a button closure on all my purses and I try to do something special or different for each one.  There was only one choice for this purse: it had to be a mini can of soup.  First, I tried making a Shrinky Dink one.  It came out really cute but it was so flat.  For the button to work, it needed to be shaped like a can of soup.  Searching through my craft pile, inspiration struck: a mini thread bobbin!  Since it already had a hole running through the middle, it would make a great toggle.  I was able to find a picture of a wrapper online and sized it on Photoshop.  A few coats of Modge Podge and ta-dah!

Cute, no?

The retiree was thrilled with the purse.  I felt so honored to take part in such a big life event like a retirement.  It makes the silly things I do so much more meaningful.  My customer put a lot of trust in me and I appreciate that. She was an amazing customer . . . I wish all custom orders were like this!  I was an absolute dream and I'm grateful I got to do it!

Puh-lease, Angelina

This weekend, Angelina Jolie wore a "fashion forward" Louis Vuitton clutch that was handcuffed to her wrist to the premiere of "Moneyball."  

Puh-lease.  I was making handcuff clutches over 6 MONTHS AGO.

I know it's hard but do try to keep up, Louis and Angelina.  ; )

HodgePodge Sneak Peek!

Well, it's that time of year again . . . craft fair time!  

This year will be my second year with a booth at HodgePodge, my hometown's craft fair.  Last year was my first time and I learned a lot.  I did reasonably well and made a pretty good profit.  I'm super excited for this year since I have a lot of new items I didn't have last time.  I'll actually have lots of jewelry this year: book spine bracelets (which I came up with AFTER HodgePodge last year), book themed pendants and charm bracelets made from book pages.  For this post, I think I'll just show off purses.  I'll post pics of my jewelry soon!

Last week I purchased a special purse hanger on eBay (for $35!).  Check out how cute (and please try to ignore my mess on the table)!

It only holds 10 purses, so I'll have to find other ways to display them.  Speaking of purses, I already have two made especially for the fair.  I wanted to have a better selection of classics this year, so I'm not posting these on Etsy.  Here is an exclusive sneak peek!

I made this brooch inspired button for the purse closure.  The image was cut from the book and I coated it in some sealer.

Yes, that is Alice in Wonderland fabric!  It's covered in the original John Tenniel illustrations--love it!

Here is a shabby chic "Pride and Prejudice."  The book cover was faded and had spots but I think that only adds to the charm.

A similar brooch-like button for this purse, again made from a book illustration.  It's purty.  ; )  Right now I'm working on a "Wizard of Oz" book clutch that is very different from the classic style of these two.  Imagine if Tim Burton had directed the adaptation and you'll have an idea of the style.  I'm very excited to show it off . . . which I will in a couple of days when it's done!