The Loot

I have been a bad blogger. But I have a good excuse. George accidentally deleted all my files on our computer. He was attempting to burn them all, but instead they disappeared. That means my biz was kinda in limbo. All of the forms I had made, all the photos I had taken, ads and logos, etc--gone. So instead of doing holiday things before Christmas we had to go and buy Data Rescue II and try to get all my files back. And then George left for his parent's house, so I got to deal with it. Luckily files were rescued, but there's just a ton of junk. You have to go through it all to find the files though. Ugh. And I had everything so well organized. It's practically like starting from scratch. George has been doing penance by going through the files too. But we still haven't found everything or even half.
So that's my excuse. After sitting in front of the computer dealing with all of the lost files, I really didn't have the energy to sit down again and blog. (Plus the digi cam was with George in Columbus and I like to have photos with my posts.)
So Christmas was good. It's quiet at my parent's house because we don't have much family. But here's some loot I'm happy to have!
-Long Way Round DVD from George. I adore Ewan McGregor even more now. I didn't get to see much of it when it aired on Bravo and then they moved it to the 2am slot. But it's good. I have one more episode to go. He also gave my Project Runway First Season. Good thing too. I think we finally taped over the final episode.


-Garbage Land:On the Secret Trail of Trash from Beth. What a good friend to get me this book. I didn't know about it but it is exactly the kind of book I like--on the trail of something. I started it and already I'm inspired to go through all my trash for one day to examine what it says about me. At work today I saved all the paper I normally would have thrown out and cut it into scraps that I can write notes on. That's one thing I know I'm bad at--throwing away paper at work. It will be one of my resolutions for the New Year to conserve and reuse paper in the office. I also requested to be taken off numerous catalog mailing lists. I don't need them, I shop online anyway. I need to look into putting a stop to more junk mail. See how inspiring this book is?
- Bee Necklace from Pimienta Negra from myself! I needed a little gift for myself right before the holidays so I got it for myself. It's lovely and I want to get a photo of it on myself.
-The Print Gocco from my parents. I am very excited about this although I haven't had time to watch the instructional video yet. I have lots of ideas on how to use this fantastic little device. Be on the look out for an expansion of the Mustachio Collection courtesy of the Gocco.

Last minute DIY gifts

Due to computer issues I don't have time to make a whole post of my own, but I wanted to link to another great last minute DIY gift. Record bowls--that's right bowls made from old vinyl records-- are lots of fun to make. You can make them four pointed, shallow, or tall. Once you get the hang of how hot your oven needs to be and get some good bowls to use as templates, these are fast and easy to make. They're great for holding candy or other wrapped food items, odds and ends like keys, and if you put a glass bowl in the bottom of the record bowl you can also serve things like salsa in them. I also made these for people last Christmas along with the sushi magnets (in the post below).

Directions for making record bowls can be found here!

The BUST Craftacular review

I feel like I'm still recovering from the Bust Holiday Craftacular. It was a crazy, jam packed show. Apparently over 4,000 shoppers came through the venue and it sure felt like it at times. All the vendors were smooshed against each other, but it was better behind the table than out front. The 12 hours flew by because people were always streaming by and looking at things, and asking questions, chatting and buying. Mostly gift items sold--all my hotpads, some fabric pins, most of m scarves, a few handbags, clutches, and totes. People were trying not to buy things for themselves. Too bad. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Lots of people took cards and signed up for my mailing list.

My friend Beth took god care of George and I, even bringing us Thai food for dinner. Here she is displaying my table.

The venue was big. I only have photos of the big front room. I was right behind Jenny Hart from Sublime Stitching and across from Leah Kramer's (the founder of Craftster.org) Magpie store. It was like being surrounded by craft roalty! But everyone was so sweet. There were two other rooms as well. I got to wander around just a bit. Be on the lookout for Lizzie's Lollies. She makes these amazing fudgy chunky chocolate mounds. George's cousin who stopped by and modeled scarves got us one. They were sold out by the time I went to buy one for the ride home.

I have many more observations, etc. but I have to catch up. I'm behind on all my other holidays things, baking for co-workers, getting presents, wrapping, etc because I've been so focused on the show. I need to take a little tiny break. But I already have so many ideas for new lines, patterns, and bags.

I'm Ready (and other things)

I am ready to go to the Bust Craftacular. I am packed into two large plastic bins. Plus I have my trusty little red suitcase that will serve as my toolbox and office. And I can't forget that wonderful IKEA coat rack! Everything is tagged and priced, I have receipts, lots of change, biz cards, promo packs, pens galore, my inventory list. I really hope I'm not forgetting anything.
This is going to be a long weekend. But I very happy to be staying with a very good friend of mine in NYC. I think friendly faces that I know will make a big difference in this experience. George and I contacted some other folks we know in the city, but I don't know if we'll see them or not. Especially if the transit strike goes into effect. I just checked the latest news and it's still up in the air.

In other news, have you heard about the demise of the print Gocco? The print Gocco is this great little device that lets you make screen prints on a table top. It's really big in Japan, but now that company wants to move on. Find out more about this at SaveGocco.com.


I am getting a Gocco for Christmas and I'm really excited about it. But now with this news, it's bittersweet. Should I start hoarding Gocco supplies? I also got the attachment that allows you to print on fabric. This has been doubly excited. I already do some stenciling on fabric, but being able to print it would be so much cleaner and easier. Somehow I see hoarding of the fabric ink in my future.
I'll have a full report and photos from the bust Craftacular, perhaps by Sunday. And I still want to get some DIY gift ideas up here. In fact, let me put up one link.
These sushi magnets were not my idea, but there are so sweet. I made the whole group as presents for people last year and I still see them up on people's fridges. Some creative Craftster came up with these and shared the pattern. Get it here.

Busy Bee

I haven't had a chance to post because I've been swamped. I'm trying to finish up everything for the upcoming Bust Holiday Craftacular show. It's not just the sewing I'm dealing with, but the hang tags, pricing, display materials, etc. I made a trip to IKEA for a coat rack to hang all my tote bags from. Thank goodness to IKEA. Their coat rack looks clean and was cheaper than other racks I saw at Target, etc.


On top of all the show chaos, I've gotten a lot of orders lately. If you were thinking about getting a scarf, do it now. They were featured on Great Green Goods and I've gotten a number of orders.
I have been meaning to post some fun and silly DIY Christmas and gifts. Hopefully those things will go up throughout the week. Just to get you excited, imagine--a fuzzy Christmas stocking clutch.
Back to the sweat shop!

Stocking Stuffers

Stocking Stuffers
Bake Sale Designs Penguin Stuffy for fun
Scraps of Paper Floppy Disk Journals because you can't remember the last time you used one
Meomi stuff because it's all so cool
Sewing Stars Mr. Bunny Mood pouches or anything Mr. Bunny!
Button Arcade buttons to pin on everything.
And don't forget the obvious--candy! Whip some candy cane bark up yourself. It's easy and addictive. Directions are below.


You need:
12 candy canes
2 pounds white chocolate (or one pound each dark chocolate and white chocolate for layers)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil

First, line a 11x17 baking sheet with wax paper. Break up the white chocolate/dark chocolate and melt it either on the stovetop or in the microwave. Break up the candy canes too. Stir the candy canes pieces and the peppermint oil into the melted chocolate. Pour it all on to the baking sheet and let cool in the fridge about 20-30 minutes. Once cooled you can break it up and put it in little containers or cellophane bags. YUM!

Bake Sale Designs Sightings

One of the most important parts of doing business on the web is visibility. So I'm always happy to see where Bake Sale Designs pops up. Sometimes it's something I know about and sometimes it's a pleasant surprise.
Here are some of the latest sightings!
A new site called Giftgams.com. My cute little Trim the Tree card with my one-inch buttons in featured towards the bottom.

Indieshopping.com features my Retro hotpads, plus some other great gift ideas.

Fern House Studio mentions my little penguin stuffy ornaments.

Goodnight Sweet Pea likes my new scarf designs. Mmmm, blueberries.

The Crafters for Critters Holiday Guide makes my scarf look good. I should tie them like that!

Gift Guide 2

Today I've got some picks for the ladies in your life. There's so much more out there, but I just wanted to pick a few things. Up next are stocking stuffers!

For Her
Bake Sale Designs Bags and Clutches for all her essentials

Jewelry
Bake Sale Designs Fabric Flower Pin for a hint of spring in the middle of winter
Fancy JewelsText Ring or Text Bracelet to tell her how you feel



Clothing
Bake Sale Designs Scarves to keep her warm too
Damned Dollies Hoodies because she's got attitude
Random Nicole's Easy Rider Skirt because they're so pretty
lekkner t-shirt reconstruction for that favorite t-shirt she can't quite part with

Bath and Beauty
Heather Joy's Etsy Shop Lip Balm for super soft lips
Squeaky Queen Soap Laboratory Hot Chocolate Soap to keep her clean

Gift Guide

It's the season for taking some time out and helping others, right? Well, I wanted to share with you some pretty cool gifts that may help you shave some time off all that holiday shopping. Or maybe there's something you'll wind up putting on your own wish list. Today it's some pickings for the guys.

For Him
Bake Sale Design Retro Hotpad for the cooks
Bake Sale Design Scarves to keep him warm
Gerbera Designs Special Edition I-Pod Covers to keep his gadgets warm
Lime I-Pod slips to keep his gadgets in style


Built by Wendy Hanson Brothers Tee for any hockey lover
Fancy Jewels Astro Key Chain so even his keys are cool
Happy Owl Glassworks Cufflinks for a style no one else will have
Squeaky Queen Soap Laboratory Gin and Tonic Soap to keep him clean

The Mustachio Collection

Introducing the Mustachio Collection! Now everyone can sport a mustache so luxuriant it can only be called a mustachio. This is a little something I've had under wraps for awhile. Two totes are up in the shop right now, but there's a whole collection in the works for the new year. Because come on--you know your new year's resolution is gonna be to get a fab mustachio.

Cute and Cuddly Overload

I haven't gotten any sewing done today. This morning I volunteered at the SPCA Pet Santa Photo Session. About 100 people and even more pets came to pose with Santa. There were even some very brave kitties. I wouldn't want to put my cats through that. Moco would not stand for it. But dogs seem to tolerate social events better. I think my favorites were the doggie who posed on Santa's lap wearing a yarmulke. And the lady that brought in her SEVEN Siamese cats! Poor Santa. I'm glad I was only registering people and their pets.
Here's a photo of Mr. Pink just because I think it's hilarious. He looks like an old fang face. The truth is Mr. Pink and a youngin'. George just happened to snap the photo in mid yawn.

I have, however, done an extensive update on my shop. Ten new bags are up! Probably the largest update since the start of the shop. I also have some penguin ornaments--a smaller version of the emperor penguin stuffy.

Pretty stamps

In my business, I spend a lot of time at the post office. Well, maybe not a lot of time, but I make many trips. It's made me notice more of the special pretty stamps the post office issues. These gorgeous quilts ones are amazing. I'm not a quilter, but I sure can admire this work. I like these more contemporary looking ones compared to the traditional looking ones. Surprisingly enough they were created between 1940 and 2001 by African-American women in Gee's Bend, AL. I think it's the colors and shapes I like most. I know they are really works of art to be hung on a wall, but I kinda want to snuggle under a quilt so pretty. Of course it would covered with cat hair so that may not be such a good idea.
You might also notice the price on those stamps. Yup, the price is going up yet again. But that means you get use those fun 1 and 2 cent stamps.

And because they are just so cute, I also wanted to point out the favorite children's book characters stamps. My favorite is the Wild Thing creature popping up. Maybe all bills should be required to use these fun stamps and bring a chuckle to everyone's' day.

Things that make me sad (and happy)

I'm addicted to Craftster.org. Honestly, I check it every weekday. Right now it's down and switching to a new server, therefore depriving me of it's goodness. I know it's not malicious. I just hope Craftster makes it through this change unscathed. If you don't know about Craftster, you should. I miss you Craftster!


I know I've mentioned it before, but the lack of sunlight after 4:45pm over here on the east coast also makes me sad. It just feels so late in the evening and close to bedtime that it's often hard for me to get things done. It also makes it hard to take good photos for my shop. Natural light is the best light.
But tonight I'm having apple cranberry stuffing filled salmon. Yum. That makes me happy. I most certainly did not make that myself. I came from Whole Foods and George had to leave a leg behind to pay for it. Although I did find a recipe for making your own salmon burgers. Is it dinnertime yet?

One more thing that makes me happy is being able to go to art openings and such in support of friends. Ethan has an exhibit of his photographs documenting Gspot Gallery in Baltimore this Saturday evening. Plus there will be more food and they always have a good spread. I think it time for dinner...