Plans and Projects...

The last couple weeks have been on the hectic and busy side- I feel like I've been trying to cram in more than usual...although that has also included fun time with friends and fitting in a short run every couple of days (only because I can't do a long run yet!). For that reason, not a whole lot of new work has resulted from me in the last few days...but I have been glazing, and enough to fire the kiln today so there will be some restocking of the website happening this week.

So even though there's not so much new from me, I have a knockout bracelet to share made by Dawn of Northern Adornments... I love that she was able to find a matte finish wire for her Viking Knit to pair with the Spruce bracelet bar. Check out how perfect that weave is!

Despite my busy bee-ness this week I have managed to spend endless chunks of time fabric hunting online. After my visit to the wonderful fabric/yarn/book/gift shop a couple of weeks ago with my neighbor where I picked up some super funky fabric, I decided that I needed to dust off the sewing machine again. The amazing fabric (which I can't find a pic of online so you'll just have to wait for the finished product!) is destined for a super cute apron using this pattern... I think I might change up the pocket a bit and go for a smaller, side pocket instead of a large centered one though. Also while at The Grove, I discovered Amy Butler's Style Stitches book with the most adorable mix of handbag patterns.



I was so smitten with this particular bag...that I decided to take a huge leap of faith in my novice sewing skills and give it a shot! I chose this amazing peacock pattern for the outside of the bag... and this pretty design for the interior. The bag pattern includes dividers to keep everything organized inside so I'll be using a nice grass green in the background color of the interior fabric. The biggest challenge was finding home decor fabrics that I loved in the same online shop as the trim fabric for my apron! The purse fabric is a little trickier to locate as it needs to be 54" wide instead of the usual quilting/apparel width of 44-45". Luckily I was able to find what I needed at Fabric.com...although I still need to pick up the supporting materials for the handbag. I may have to procrastinate on it for a little while though to work up the nerve!

Just a quick reminder that my CSN stores contest is still running until Thursday so if you haven't entered, hop over to that post to comment!

Woo Hoo for Giveaways!!!

I promised a giveaway and this one is a doozy! The wonderful folks at CSN Stores have offered a $45 gift certificate code for use at any of their shops...CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find anything you need whether it be swingsets, fitness equipment, or even cute cookware!

Now this would certainly exceed the $45 gift certificate but could you imagine having this storage system to hold all your beads?

Actually, I might need to start saving up for that sucker!

A more immediate use of $45 would be this awesome 10 roll colored masking tape set and dispenser...have I mentioned my deep-seated love of stationary and home office products?

Unfortunately I prefer to hoard such things, tucked safely away so I can pull them out to admire every now and then...

Anyhoo, you're probably wondering how you can get the $45 for yourself (or perhaps you're wondering how you can win it so you can buy me the tape dispenser?)...either way, it's as easy as easy can be...no skill testing questions, no mandatory following (because you know who you are and you'll just unfollow after the winner is announced, won't you?) and no need to promise me your undying gratitude if you're the winner. Just leave me a comment on this post before noon PST on Thursday, January 27th. If you'd like to say something nice I'll think you're a lovely person but it won't improve your chances of winning. I'll use a random number generator to choose the winner.

**Please make sure your email address is in your comment or that you have email responses approved in your Blogger profile** If you win and I don't have an email address within one mouse click, I will draw another winner.

*Open to residents of the US and Canada only...sorry international folks, but CSN does not ship elsewhere at this time*

This giveaway is sponsored by CSN stores. I have received no monetary compensation for hosting the giveaway and the opinions of the items above are my own.

Good luck to all!