Swans and Cuffs

Today has been a really nice day despite the dreary weather. I worked on a custom request through Etsy. I love how people come up with ideas for new designs for my work. This kind lady asked for me to take elements from one cuff I had already made and sold and change out a part for a new idea.

I love how it turned out. See the picts below.The first one I took before I finished all the tooling to show what the leather looks like before I dye it. I think I like it better than my original design. :)

I also watched several youtube videos on different elements of leather work. I watched this one video from a guy who makes saddles and even though I will probably never go there with my work I was so amazed at how beautiful his work was. I wish I could remember the video that showed him because it was just really great. I will never "go there" because they require a crazy amount of time and techniques. I like projects that I can finish in at least a few sittings. Even a "sitting" with say-the cuff above- took me all morning. More like all morning and early afternoon.

I really love working with leather.......

Work in Progress

Here is a crocheted pouch I am working on. It still needs snaps or buttons or something to keep it closed but I thought it would be fun to share it anyways. I made it because I realized that I didn't have anything nice to put my crochet hooks in while traveling. It doesn't have to be for hooks though. It would make a nice little makeup pouch or jewelry holder when you travel. You could probably use it as a wallet too.Although I will probably sell this one when it's finished (or should I say attempt to sell) I will probably make one for me too. I think it turned out cute. What do you think?

Taco Salad You Stink

This past weekend I was supposed to be selling my items in a craft show. I drove 3 hours for the show but also to see my mom who was sharing a table with me. We set up our tables and table cloths friday afternoon(the rest would be set up in the morning). After that I just HAD to have a taco salad from this specific place because it was SOOOO good the last time I had it.

As I munched on my salad I noticed that something tasted kind of off in there but I ignored it and finished it anyways. The next morning really early I started getting really sick to my stomach. I will spare you the details but it was awful! I was hoping I would feel better for the craft show but it just didn't happen. We both stayed home. Me on my moms couch most of the day watching a million episodes of some hgtv show.

I was totally bummed. I had spent lots of time crocheting tiny hair clips and getting ready for the show the few days before. When we set up our tables we joked how we hoped the car would be as empty as it was after we unloaded the van as it would be when we finished the show. Meaning we hoped we would sell EVERYTHING and wouldn't have to bring anything back. We had to go back later on that day to retrieve our tables and I realized that God must have a sense of humor because we did leave that day with a pretty empty van but not because we sold everything. So I guess I should be careful what I wish for.

Taco Salad you ruined everything! But on the bright side I got to hang with family and it was a nice change of scenery.

Hats

Middle Tn is having some really gross weather today. It's the type where you want to stay bundled up in warm blankets with movies and hot chocolate. Preferably my favorite Salted Caramel hot chocolate from Starbucks.Yummmmmmm.....might have to get some if the wind doesn't blow me over.

A very sweet lady asked me if I would make her granddaughters either hats or headbands-my choice. I have been making a lot of crocheted headbands lately and thought I would go the hat route. I found two cute patterns and got going. I made both hats and even though the pattern said they should fit children from 3-10 they came out super small. More like newborn baby or a little older. They are super cute but not exactly what I was shooting for. You can see them above.
 

sewing...by hand

I really enjoy reading this blog. A Japanese girl named Mai writes about her life as a new mother but most of all she writes about her crafts. She has an etsy store and sells hand sewn items. The fabrics she chooses are so cute and the little dolls, pouches, and other items she comes up with are equally as cute.


She showed how she made a little stuffed bunny and last night I attempted it. I haven't really hand sewn anything (except some leather stuff but it's a different kind of sewing to me) since I was young. It felt like it took forever to finish but in reality I think it was about 2 hours.It turned out pretty cute however the ears are just as long as the legs and it looks kind of strange. Oh well...it was fun.

Here is my little creation.I think I will name him Willis. I'm not sure why but it sounds fitting.

Movies

In case you didn't know-I am obsessed with movies. I love them! I just thought I would tell you....

Here are a few of my faves:
Shawshank Redemption
There Will Be Blood
Pans Labyrith (I love almost everything from this director)
Sweet Home Alabama

What are your favorites?

work

I often procrastinate when it comes to adding new items in my etsy store. It just takes sooooo long. You have to take the pictures, edit pictures, write descriptions, make tags, come up with a price, so on and so on. The price of my item doesn't really include all the time it takes to post it so as you can see-it's the stinky side of trying to have an online store.

Today for some reason-most likely because I slept like 12 hours- I have had the motivation to add new items. I think I added 4-5 so far. Here are a few....Not to shabby.... :)

New Prices in my Store

I decided to discount several items in my store today so please take a look again.
www.faradaisyjean.com