deeelightful summer totes

I have more totes to post for my shoppe but here's a little preview to hold you over until I get them all photographed. For these three totes, I used reclaimed and vintage fabrics. The two leafy looking ones are some beautiful cotton prints, one even seems to be hand stamped. These prints are from Finland and I got them at a garage sale along with a whole bunch more of these unusual Marimekko pieces, all from the early 90s. I can't wait to make more from this special find! I hope you enjoy these simple summer totes, more to come!

danikai on sale and model wanted

I just posted new photos of my bags. I am always experimenting with light and I think I found the perfect spot in the house for taking my photos. Natural light pours in my south facing bedroom window all day long. This allows for the most perfect bright photos. Good thing Todd has taught me so much about photography or I wouldn't know what I was doing. Just in time for the holidays and in an effort to make room for new stock, all my bags at the shop have been discounted up to 30% through the new year (1/1/10), enjoy!

Although I have become fairly comfortable behind the camera, I am still thinking that my photos are missing something so now I am looking for a model. If you or anyone you know is comfortable in front of the camera and is willing to trade a days worth of modeling for a bag of their choice and lunch or dinner let me know. We will most likely take photos here at my house and the park across the street. I am hoping this will give potential customers a better idea of proportions rather than just having the measurements listed.

Your Favorite Bags.

So for the last year I have been making these beautiful custom bags with this most wonderful fabric and these are the last two I will be making....Although there may be one more at Mog & Rue. Enjoy!

Yes, we are this cute in real life.

Chicken eggs from the chicken coop.

Life on the farm can be tough but we enjoy it very much.

I made ten new bags this weekend!!! I put to use some interior design fabric samples I got from a family friend who passed them on to me. These bags turned out super cute and I will hopefully be able to share them with you in the next couple of days after a little photo session. Here is a sneak peak of just a couple of the bags to be posted at Danikai soon...

New Year and New Bags

Hello all! I hope everyone had an awesome New Year! I got to see my wonderful family and everyone is excited to see what me and Todd decide to do as far as wedding plans go.... so much to do! Todd was able to reshoot a bunch of my photos on etsy. Check them out at my shoppe

I have a couple I.O.U.s I have to get done this weekend (I know, I am so bad) and then I will be adding fairly regularly after that. Let me know what you think of the new photos. Feedback brings you good karma.

A HUGE thank you to all who bought bags while I was in San Diego, you are the reason I do all this sewing of bags and bags and bags. thank you Thank You THANK YOU!!!!!!!

love,
~*michelle*~

Craft Fair Booth

This is just a small sample of new bags I have that are not posted on my shop. I have lots of new totes and shopping bags that I think everyone will enjoy! If they don't sell at the fair they will be posted on the 15th for your viewing pleasure :)

Theresa and I staged our booth for the craft fair this past Saturday. I think it is going to be quite lovely. For those of you who won't be able to make it :( I will be sure to get some pictures. We were not sure what to do and then it just all came together thanks to a shiny piece of gold fabric, trust me it looks awesome! I am so excited to show off all my creations.

My shop will be closed (i.e. "on vacation" mode) 12/10-12/14 in preparation for the craft fair. I have lots of organizing and inspecting to do so I think this will make things easier for me. Things will be up and running soon after, don't fret!

Did everyone have a family fun filled turkey day?!?! Todd and I went to see Role Models it was hilarious well at least the first half was then it just got silly. I am so excited to see my family in a few short weeks at Christmas. Oh and my little brother is turning 21! What kind of shenanigans could we possibly get into....

love,
~*michelle*~

p.s. I think I might throw my bobbin winder out the window for Hops to chew on, this thing is driving me insane!

New (to me) Fabric

I went down to San Diego to visit family a few weeks ago for my brother Andre's 25th birthday! It was so so so much fun. In 72 hours we packed in birthday celebration, fabric shopping, beer, hugs, etc. I wish I could do it every weekend. Actually every day would be better.

I also had time to rummage through my Aunt Susan's sewing room for fabric. This seemed overwhelming but I was up for the challenge! In three hours or so I managed to go through maybe a third of it and scored on some awesome fabric for my purses and bags. I have already made a few and posted them in my shop. I could only get half of it on the plane so I will definitely making another trip.

Using rare fabrics gives my bags a little extra something special. Now I am on the hunt for vintage fabric with funky mod prints and patterns. I have been experimenting with new designs and am open to suggestions.

love,
~*michelle*~