It's time to accessorize...check out these purses

I've been on a crochet kick lately, especially purses.  Or as they say down here, handbags. :-)

I have 2 listed on The Craft Star so far...

I had an old pattern cut from a magazine of a large summer beaded bag and about 18 or 20 years ago I had made a red one for me, a white one for my step-daughter, and a brown (I think) one for Amanda.  When I "re"found the pattern, I modified the pattern some to create this lilac beaded handbag.  I shortened the size of the bag, and the strap.  Then I reinforced the strap with a cord inside.  I made the back longer then the front to create the flap, and added a scalloped edge.  Then I lined the bag with pretty light purple cotton fabric to stop anything from poking through the stitches.  This purse is listed in my Craft Star shop.

I found some left over bright yellow yarn in my stash and after a little searching, I found the pattern for this small bag on the Lion Brand website.  But instead of a crochet strap, I used some cool acrylic handles I purchased at Hancock Fabric.  Of course, this one is lined also.

This last bag I made when I saw the new neon yarn for sale at Michaels.  And I had a 40% coupon, whoohoo.  I used the same pattern as the beaded bag, but without the beads.  It was a bit of a pain since each row is a different color, so there was a lot of ends to weave it, but I love the finished product.  So much  so that I kept this bag for myself. :-D

If you like these bags, but maybe in a different color, I can do that for you, just let me know.

And because I don't like to hog the limelight all to myself, and I love to promote handmade, here's a few other bags I discovered on my favorite sites, The Craft Star and Handmade Artists.

duct tape handbag

Honolulu vintage clutch

leather handbag

felted sweaters shoulder bag

sunshine and rain bag

mens tie purse

Aren't they all wonderful?  Click on the links in the captions to go and visit the individual shops.
Be blessed,
Debbi

Back to school specials

Yes, I admit, I have circled the date on my calendar and I am counting the days till my girls

GO BACK TO SCHOOL! 

I think, no, I know, I am more excited than they are, lol.  But to help them get excited, I did some shopping for back to school specials and here they are....

For the collage bound student, WhetherBags on Etsy has this daytripper / messenger bag on sale for an amazing 57% off.  This bag is made from vegan-dyed organic cotton canvas with a hemp canvas liner and strap.  There is one inner pocket and it closes with cotton snap tape.  Lisa is retiring this style, and there is only 1 left, so you better get it now.



While this item is not on sale right now, I have to share with you the amazing work of Blue Highways over at Handmadeartists.com.  She makes the most beautiful journals, all hand cut and bound.  The details on these journals, and the fact that Andrea retires the fabric after only 3 books, makes these well worth the money.  You can find a journal in all sizes and for all reasons, lined and unlined.  Any student would love to complete her English essays in a journal like this one.  And this one, with the bright orange butterflies, is by far my favorite.  It even has a name, Unquestionable Peace.

Now, for the little girl in all of us, Sassafras Gifts is having a Back to School Special....20% off hair accessories.  I for one, know that I need to get my girls out of bed early enough that they can change their outfits 5 times, and fix their hair, all before the bus arrives.  Oh, the hard life of a middle schooler, lol.  Now these Zebra Gerber Daisy hair clips are adorable for grammer school, and still fun and funky enough for the older girls.  And with 18 pieces in this set, share time!!!

There is still time to order and receive these items before the first day of school, or click on the links above and check them out today.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Besteam feature on Pecanieregirl

This week for the BESTeam, I get to talk about Pecanieregirl, and wonderful shop on Etsy that caters to the gramma in all of us.  Based in the small town of Livoinia, LA, Pecanieregirl offers a wide range of products for the little ones in your life.  You can find baby and toddler clothing, towels and nap mat covers, tote bags, and all sorts of other accessories for the babies in your lives.  Check out this little girl zebra onesie, with a matching cap.  

personalized zebra print onesie with cap

Almost every product offered comes with personalized monogramming, so you can be sure to have the best gift for your next baby shower.  Pecanieregirl has been open for less then 2 years, and already had almost 350 sales, with 100% positive feedback, so you know that your satisfaction is guaranteed.

personalized blue elmo backpack

 Not everything in this shop is just for girls, there are plenty of items for your baby boy, like this great Elmo backpack.  What a great way to pack up for a sleepover at gramma's, or for your busy child's play dates.  There are also monogrammed sippy cups and bibs, and lots of camo!  And for the big girl in your home, how about a pretty hair bow?  Or matching bows for mommy and her little girl?

ready for summer loopy bow

There is so much available here, that there can be no excuse to not find that perfect gift for baby showers or birthday celebrations.  You can also start planning for Christmas 2011 with this, my favorite item at Pecanieregirl!

dear santa bloomers

You can keep up with Pecanieregirl thru their blog, facebook, and twitter.
So, don't just sit there any longer, it's time to visit Pecanieregirl!

Curry Kay Designs

Even though I'm still on vacation, it's time again to meet another BESTeam member. This week I got to check out the shop of CurryKayDesigns. Laura is the creative force behind CurryKayDesigns, and wonderful designs they are. When she's not busy with her favorite pastimes such as baking cheescakes and playing tennis with her husband, she is busy whipping up the cutest aprons, towels, and totes. She also has a great blog on her web site. So be sure to stop by, explore her site, and leave a message (with your order of course). Here is a small sample of all she has to offer.

You can also follow her on facebook and twitter.