In a Creating Mood...Vintage Pillowcase Tote Bags

vintage pillowcase tote bag in yummy yellow

another vintage pillowcase tote bag in orange orange

close-up detail of vintage doilies used as front pocket and cottage detailing 

little fabric tabs using modern fabrics

on my mannequin

close-up of vintage doilies and modern trim

modern fabric trim tags and vintage velvet ribbon tag

vintage button details

 I told you I was in a sewing mood...it just takes me awhile to get started.  I LoVe LoVe LoVe fabric...the color, the designs, the textures, the trims.  But, sewing in general kinda makes me get the whillies sometimes because I gotta really "think" about how to do it.  My young summer sewing classes come to mind.  Sewing is a much more time consuming thing for me than jewelry making.  There's a ton more steps...but maybe it's just bc I don't do it as often as I would like.  Maybe if I keep on doing it, I'll get way way faster where I can do "breathe" sewing where it just comes so naturally I don't even think about it. That's the way I do jewelry..."breathe" jewelry making.

Anyhoo, I got an itching to start using my lovely fabrics..both vintage and modern. And the gorgeous trims ribbons buttons and other thingamajiggys that I've collected over the years...they all seem to be giving me that mermaid call.

So, this week, I dragged out my containers of materials and shoe boxes of trims and got "close" to them again.  Inspired, I made these 2 vintage pillowcase tote bags.  I learned the technique from Tif at her Dottie Angel weekend retreat sewing class last September in Seattle WA.  I wear my tote bag I made at Tif's class all the time. And, gals always always stop me and tell me that it's super cute...thanks, I know...oooo, not too modest aren't I?

But, this time, I changed up the design and gave it my own twist...adjusting the Length and added the flip over collar at the top.  I found that the original design from Tif was a bit toooooo long for me.  I'm only 5' 1" and my arms have a hard time digging to the bottom of the long tote.  So, I came up with my own way to shorten it and give me a top cuff to embellish.  Now, I can easily reach into the bottom of the bag and there's still plenty of room.

Love them!  I'm going to make more...and make more things with my fabric.  I'll show you more photos when I'm done.

Wedding Season...My Cousin's Wedding Card

Handmade Wedding Card and Matching Envelope

Butterflies are Free...

 

 

 

Matching Envelope to go with Wedding Card

This year, we have several Weddings to attend.  The first of the season is my cousin Lisa's wedding.  I created this Wedding card for her and Galen.  I just love butterflies.  They always make me think of Freedom, Joy, and Love. 

I was wondering...how did I get to this design?  You know, when I create my cards, they just "happen". I just let my mind go and my hands start picking up papers, stamps, stamp pads, etc.  I enjoy creating these small works of art...it relaxes me and happens quite naturally.  If I'm having a "hard" time creating, I put it down and walk away and return to it later.  Other times, it just flows like water and I move from one step to the next.  Just adding as I see fit.  Very similar process I use to create jewelry.

Have a great Summer everyone!

Vintage Spools of Thread....My Color Inspiration

These vintage spools of thread are making me "itch" to start sewing again

or maybe I'll use these colors in my next jewelry designs...hmmmm

What's New with Stacy? A Facebook Fan Page..."Stacy's Designs 88 Jewelry"

Hi all! I know that I've been MIA for a bit. My apologies. I've been getting my life organized and revamped. And, one of the new things is my own Facebook Fan Page! Yayyyy!

Here's my Facebook Fan Page "Stacy's Designs 88 Jewelry"...  Click HERE to go there now

Please check it out.  When you click on my Fan Page, then while In there, Click on "Like" near the top area so you can always get updates from my Fan Page.

On my Fan Page, I'll be posting daily with new jewelry from All 3 of my shops..Stacy's Designs 88, Blue Lovebirds, and Lilikoi Cottage. Also, I'll be giving helpful jewelry tips, asking your opinion on my latest jewelry designs, you can request certain gemstones and "speak" to me, etc. etc. It'll be a fan page in the works.

Please leave comments there so I can comment back.  See you there.  :)

And, I will start posting regularly here on my Blog.  I think I'll start doing more DIY crafts so you can get inspired too.

Happy Valentine's Day

Birthstone Gemstone and Initial Charms Necklaces...in My Shop Now

My Two Loves aka Mother and Child Necklace

Your choice of 2 birthstone Gemstones

and 

Your choice of Initials on Sterling Silver Leaf Charms

 

Initial Leaf and Gemstone Birthstone Charm Necklace

Sterling Silver necklace with Your Choice of Gemstone Birthstone

and Initial on Sterling Silver Leaf Charm

 Three Loves aka Mother & Her Children Necklace

Your choice of 3 Birthstone Gemstones

In Gold

 Gold Starfish Birthstone Gemstone Charm Necklace

 New! 24K electroplated Real Starfish
**SOLD OUT!!!**

My Gold Sand Dollar Birthstone Charm Necklace
New! 24K electroplated Real Sand Dollar 

The Hot thing now is personalization of your jewelry.  Everyone wants to wear their birthstones and have their initial or full name or of their loved ones.  Get yours now...

In my shop, Stacy's Designs 88 (click Here to go there), I have several different Birthstone & Initial necklaces for you to choose from.   

Over the years, I've handpicked a large collection of real Gemstones.  I have All the Birthstones for each of the 12 months. In the listing, you'll see the choices of gemstones for you to choose from. 

Recently, I purchased my new supplies and their Fabulous! I really love my 24K electroplated charms. Real Sand Dollars, Sea Horses, and Starfishes have been electroplated in Real Gold...24K.  Also, got my hands on these Gorgeous Sterling Silver Leaf charms. I handstamp them with your Initial. My Two Loves necklaces have been very Popular.

These necklaces will make the perfect gift for your Loved one and for Yourself. ♥

Click Here to get to my shop and purchase now.

Vintage Footstool...Project from Tif's Workshop

Vintage Footstool Transformation...

I purchased the above stool from an Etsy shopowner. 

I loved the little feet and her dark mahagony color. 

She's the perfect size for me to use when sitting on my couch 

so my feet don't "dangle" down. 

 At Tif's workshop in September 2010, 

I created this footstool topper using vintage light Aqua fabric and

sewed on vintage doilies and handsewed on vintage Mother of Pearl buttons. 

This little pretty looks very good in her new cottage home. 

♥