... after the rain ...

Hops and I took a short walk back into the forest to check out the creek after some crazy rain we just had here today and yesterday. The sun came out and it was so pretty I just had to get some shots. So if you've never visited here are some pictures in my yard.

... the bridge to the forest ...

... giants ...

... hops being cute ...

... hops, the forest dog ...

What a pretty day. I love cold sunny days mostly because you can where 10 layers of cuteness.

love,
~*michelle*~

Vintage Cotton Fabrics

I go through piles of fabric at thrift stores in search of vintage cotton fabrics. They are the softest and most beautiful fabrics to me and I finally started to use them. Today I made the cutest a-line skirt just in time for Spring which is, unfortunately, not quite here yet. As soon as I finish the waist I will post a picture and hopefully I will be able to list a couple on etsy.

love,
~*michelle*~

I really like tiny sewing machines

Tiny Drawstring Bags

Finally, I have stopped sewing long enough for a photo shoot. I am posting them right now! These little bags can be used for tiny little things! Sunglasses, make-up, gift wrap, jewelry, phone, camera, wallet, a deck of cards, lingerie, endless possiblilities. I have shiny satiny ones and vintage cotton ones all with draw string closure. Even more fabrics coming soon! As part of the Eco Etsy FREE & GREEN March Madness Promotion these are free with each purchase of $25 or more, I will send one of your choice.

Enjoy!

love, ~*michelle*~

Why do I consider my shoppe eco-friendly?

Hello friends,

Since we are in the month of "Team Eco Etsy Free & Green March Madness" I thought I would use this post to inform you why I consider my products to be earth friendly.

~ At least 95% of my fabric comes from around town. I prefer to support local shops whenever I can which saves gas and I also get to chat with friendly faces instead of the cold computer.

~ All of my totes can be used when shopping instead of those nasty paper and plastic ones which would probably end up in the ocean. Use one every time you shop for increased amounts of awesomeness.

~ Most of my bags are made with vintage or upcycled fabrics. I like to use materials that need a new home or might otherwise be thrown into a yucky landfill.

~ A lot of my packaging materials are from shipments that come into work. Instead of recycling it all I use it again for my own shipping needs. REUSE!!!

Those are some of the reasons why I consider my bags to be green, thanks for reading :)

love,
~*michelle*~

Team Eco Etsy March Madness

Hi all! I hope you are ready for this month's promotion, I sure am! Follow the link here March Madness to see all the amazing Etsy shops (including my own) who are giving away free nifty gifts of green goodness with each order!

I am giving away either a t-shirt grocery tote or a draw string accessories bag. After you place your order with any one of the shops you type the promo code "Free and Green" in the message to seller box. The message to seller can be found when completing your Etsy transaction. Also, make note of which freebie you would prefer in the message to seller box.

Other participating shops sell all sorts of goods that are considered earth-friendly and are all handmade. What more could you want!!! Spread the word!

All of the shops that are part of EcoEtsy can be found by searching from Etsy's home page using the keyword "teamecoetsy", although not all of these shops are participating in March Madness, they are still part of a team that promotes REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.

love,
~*michelle*~
team eco etsy

What's Next Danikai?

Hello friends,

Just wanted to update everyone on all the new things you will being seeing in my shoppe. During the month of March I will be participating in a EcoEtsy promotion. Details to come so check back to see what specials I will be offering all month long.

Also, I am getting the hang of zippers so I am looking forward to adding them to my purses! The zipper seems to really set the purse apart from my totes and I think it will be a much needed addition. I will still be doing magnetic closures for all of us who prefer that instead.

I have a couple prototypes for tiny drawstring bags which are perfect for organizing all the small stuff that is so easy to overlook. The tiny bags will be perfect for makeup, sunglasses, snacks, and will be made from light weight vintage fabrics.

Another style I am perfecting is the clutch. I am going to be working with heavier fabrics than I previously have used for this style which I am hoping will give it a nice structure in the palm of your hand. I am thinking I will alternate between zipper, magnetic buttons, and a small piece of velcro; this way you can chose whichever you like best. Since I have tons of zebra fabric scraps left over I will be making my first batch from that fabric. Lots of cute bright colors will line the interiors and I am so excited to get started!

Until next time!

love,
~*michelle*~

Full of Ideas

Another weekend of sewing lies ahead and here is a
sample of fabrics that will be turned into grocery totes.
HoooooRAY!

I have some plans for the near future to add zippers to purses and improve my clutch design. Also I will be creating a collection of three different bags all with the same essential structure but each having their own special element to make three separate styles. I am very excited to share more but it is all being stored in sketches and notes at this point. Stay tuned.

My bostonian friend, Rochelle, sent me some a-m-a-z-i-n-g books for my birthday. One is how to turn my craft into a legitimate business and is chock full of ideas and tips on how to get started. I have already finished and I am feeling the entrepreneurial spirit once again.
The second book she got me has me ampt to start printing my own designs on fabrics. The book has easy step by step processes on several printing methods that can be done easily on a tight budget. Look forward to that too!

I am asking all my customers to send me a pic of them with my bag (or bags as many have become quite the fans, thanks!) so I can post them. In return I will be sending a nifty surprise gift. Yep, just for sending me a picture to my email ocean.grrl18@gmail.com

I have to give the biggest praise and thanks to Todd who has been doing some shoppe renovations for me on etsy. I have some gorgeous photos and a new banner and there is some more little tidbits to come. THANK YOU TODD!!!!!

love to all,
~*michelle*~

New Look

Our shops have new banners thanks to Todd and they are pretty snazzy....



Bring some good karma into your life and let us know what you think.

love, michelle & todd

Another Year

Are you ready for even more new bags? Well, they are on their way!

I have been trying to stay on top of the sewing pile (new years resolution # 271) and have been doing fairly well considering all the other things that keep me preoccupied (todd, hops, museum, 30 rock, the interweb, oh ya and that whole wedding thing).

I have even finished projects that were lying around for six months or worse christmas presents that were never completed (sorry Danielle, #1 sister extraordanaire)! I am well stocked (labels, cards, fabric, needles, thread) so I should be getting lots of work done. I am excited and I think this next year will be better than the last which was great!

I bought some cards that will be sent with each danikai order (thanks tommymama.etsy.com ), just as a final touch for all my wonderful customers. Did you hear? Danikai just went INTERNATIONAL! I sold two bags to Japan and one to Canada. I really need to fine tune the int'l shipping however so it doesn't end up costing anyone an arm and a leg. Maybe you have some tips from your own experience....?

Thanks for reading and shopping and doing what you do ;)

love,
~*michelle*~