It's been a while

So it's been quite a while since my last blog post, and I've decided that it's time to come back.

Being away from my blog doesn't mean that I've given up on designing and making brand new bags, and I think this is a good time as ever to introduce them to the blogosphere... so let's get started.

Once of my favorite creations has been my Neo bag.

Neo in Red Corduroy

This bag is a fantastic padded laptop bag that not only fits your laptop in a special felt lined padded compartment but is also large enough to be used as an overnight bag or a gym bag.  Basically reducing three bags into one!

The Neo comes in a variety of colors and fabrics including an Military Green that's truly military grade heavy duty canvas, Blue cordura and many others.  Be sure to check out my Neo bags at my Etsy Store.

Wally!

Other new bags that have been added to my shop include the Eden iPad sleeve, available in a few faux leather options, and the Wally iPhone Wallet.  As with all my bags these Apple friendly products are all 100% vegan friendly!

So that's it with updates for now... but now that I'm back be sure to tune in for more information including some of my fav finds on Etsy!

And of course, wishing all of you a very happy holiday season and a great new years!

See you in all in 2012!

Featured in a Treasury - Gifts for Him...

Treasury by Fudumudu

The Brown Canvas Yogi was just featured in a great Etsy treasury by shop owner Fudumudu.  The theme of this treasury is "Gifts for Him...", I love treasuries that have gift ideas for men! With the holiday season coming close it's time we all started thinking of what to buy for our loved ones, and this treasury has great gift ideas for the men in your lives!

I have to mention that I absolutely must have the Men ZipUp Jacket that is featured, it looks very stylish and very well made.

So a very special thanks to Fudumudu, who by the way has a wonderful store with amazing knitted items from jewelry to clutches.  I am particularly impressed with the craftsmanship of the necklaces, I would have never thought of knitting cuffs, let alone cuffs into a necklace! Really fantastic. Although as a bag maker I have to admit that my favorite item from her store is the Cassette Clutch, made from 100% cotton yarn, this clutch is great for every season and is perfectly made.

Cassette Clutch by Fudumudu

Don't forget to check out the Gifts for Him... treasury and Fudumudu's store for more great Holiday gift ideas, and as always, if you're looking for a bag, be sure to check out my Etsy store (I had to slide it in there somewhere).

Why I need this Key Fob

I hate shopping carts...hate them!  There is no rhyme or reason for my dislike of shopping carts, honestly, I wish I could justify this with some sort of concrete reasoning, but unfortunately I have none.  That being said, I also hate putting keys in my pants pocket, in my defense at least I have a reason for this. Somehow I find myself being stabbed with the keys at some point or another, and that my friends, is not a fun experience. I do however keep my keys in my messenger bag, but due to my hatred of shopping carts, find them difficult to find whilst carrying 20 bags of groceries.

By TracyDesigns

Why am I rambling on about all this you ask? Well, while perusing the Etsy aisles I came across TracyDesigns who not only makes amazing quilted items, such as hot pads and of course quilts, but also great wristlet key fobs. The key fobs are the best solution to my shop cart/key in pocket hating dilemma. Now I can easily keep my keys around my wrist and not have to start juggling grocery bags around like I'm in Cirque Du Soleil .

Tracy Designs has loads of key fobs to choose from, and even has some Awareness Wristlests, but my favorite one of all is the Black and White Barcode Wristlet Key Fob Keychain. It goes together well with my whole food shopping scenario, although I hope no one tries to scan my wrist in the checkout line :).  All of the key fobs in Tracy's store are handmade with the highest standards, so be sure to visit her shop and checkout all her great items, I guarantee you'll find something you like!

Featured in a Treasury - Pink, Red, White, Black

Pink, Red, White, Black treasury by Dryw

Woke up to see that I sold a Grey Yogi... I love the Yogi, it's the bag I use on a daily basis (although sometimes I switch it up with the Helena).   I also woke up to see that the iPear Messenger Bag was featured in a gorgeous treasury by Etsy seller Dryw.

This is a first for the iPear and it always gives me the warm fuzzies when one of my bags is featured in a treasury! So a great big thanks to Dryw for the feature.

Going through Dryw's store I came across several beautiful pieces, but two of them really caught my eye.  The first is the Aliens Play Marbles with Galaxies necklace, which I actually featured in a treasury a few days ago.

The second item I loved was the Make a Wish - Mini Bottle Pendant. As a child, and let's be honest even today, I loved blowing dandelion seeds into the air and making a wish. This pendant brings me back to those moments, and is truly a unique item.

Make a Wish by Dryw

Original with a Delicious Name

By Mel's Art Buffet

Browsing through Mel's Art Buffet, I noticed myself getting a bit hungry, although it took me a few minutes to figure out why. One wouldn't think of working up an appetite when looking at jewelry, but with names like Black Cherry Ice Cream and Honey Nut Chex Crunch, I guess you can't help hitting the pantry for a snack.  In all honesty this is a artist in my own heart!! Makes me want to call my next bag Nacho Bell Grande :)

All kidding aside, the pieces at Mel's Art Buffet shop are truly one of a kind and absolutely stunning! All the items have a similar theme thanks to the signature intricate thread inlay. My favorite item, by name and by looks, is the Beaded Necklace with Polymer Clay Pendant - Blackberry Glaze. This gorgeous necklace will make any outfit pop and help you stand out of the crowd.


Be sure to check out the other great items at Mel's Art Buffet Etsy store!

Item of the Day - Dahlia Whispers- Set of 3 Notecards

By RememberDecember 

If there is one thing I am always awed by is the amazing skill photographers have.  I notice that when I make treasuries on Etsy, if I don't pay attention, then most of the items I pick are prints.

These photographers are just so skilled at getting the perfect shot at the perfect angle that frankly my craft seems ordinary in comparison.

Today I was looking through the beautiful postcards at Etsy store owner RememberDecember, when I noticed these gorgeous notecards of a Dahlia flower. I am pretty much obsessed with nature and the beauty of it all so these photographs really grabbed my attention. These are great to send out to friends and family during the Holiday season, especially if they live in freezing cold areas and you want to make them crave the spring. Rude? Probably... but really not the issue here.

Anyway, be sure to check out all the other fantastic items at RememberDecember's store, the photographs are surreal!

Added Some More Stock

Front of Bag

A few weeks ago I sold off my last Niko Corduroy padded laptop bag in green.  I was unsure if I should make anymore, as there are a several other Niko's available, but my friend convinced me that green was the way to go and that I should stop being lazy and get on top if it.

So first off, a special thanks to my dear friend!

Secondly, I got them done and now listed some more Green Niko's at my Etsy store.  I've also made some new Grey Velvet and Rust Canvas Niko's, but need to take some pictures of those before I can upload them.

Back of Bag

Just a bit of background on the Niko.  This bag is a combination messenger and backpack.   The backpack straps can be detached and hidden in the back zipper pocket and the messenger strap is detachable as well as adjustable. The interior of the bag is padded and ideal for laptops up to 17".