Happy Friday & Sneak Peek at New Design for Teacher Wristlet

Happy Friday! It's school festival this weekend, so everyone at our house is busy.

This morning, I'm taking photos of my new wristlet bag design. Piping (or cording depending on where you're from) adds a nice touch of bright color and roomy square shape with rounded bottom holds all the necessities.

My children are giving their teachers wristlet bags this year filled with a few favorite pens, pencils and snacks for a great holiday gift.

Just the right size (7" x 7") to carry to school and has a handy interior pocket for holding ID card, credit card and cash.

You get the first peek!!

Look for this cute wristlet on Etsy at TheCraftyPanda.etsy.com tonight or tomorrow for your favorite teacher!

I'm off to bake brownies. I mix in Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Chips and add chopped pecans sprinkled on top. Brownies are fast to make and always delicious. The Crafty Panda Cubs will be so excited to see that Mom stopped sewing long enough to make after school treats!

Next week look for information on making a light box and more sneak peeks of my new designs. Have a wonderful weekend!

New Design for Gift Card Holders

I stopped work on the new clutch I'm designing because I had this brainstorm for creating cute gift card holders Monday night.

A friend mentioned that she was buying gift cards to a local grocery store for a few families that need a little help and could use food more than something to sit on a shelf this year. What a great idea!

I thought this gift could use a little fun too and instead of being stuck to a cardboard hanger or put in a store envelope, I designed a holder that can be used for a variety of things after the gift card has been redeemed. It's a gift that keeps on giving!

I listed a set of four on Etsy and am working on thirty more for the holidays, friends, craft fairs and more!

These are the ones listed on Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34314117

Hang these holders from the Christmas tree for a cute and functional decoration. Add Lottery Tickets, Gift Cards, Jewelry for the holidays or use as business card holder or wallet and add your keys to the loop for when you're on the go!

I'm back to working on the denim clutch and on a new design for a handbag. Sneak peeks to come!

Publications for Inspiration

I love the family of magazines published by Stampington & Company. If you are creative in some form, there are 32 magazines designed to inspire, celebrate and challenge your skills.


One of my favorites is Where Women Create. It takes you for a behind the scenes tour of studios where artistic women in all sorts of media work. There are some awe inspiring home studios, unique workspaces and cozy nooks. Lots of fun and great ideas for organizing your studio space or adding to your wish list. I think it's fun to see where other women create.

http://www.stampington.com/html/wwc.html

Another favorite featuring handbags, clutch, totes and more is Haute Handbags. Artists share their talent and designs. Many of these great artists are from Etsy!

One of my goals is to be featured in this publication! I'll keep you posted.

http://www.stampington.com/html/haute_handbags.html

If you create jewelry, handcrafted items, sew, blog, paper-craft and more there are publications for you. A bit more pricey than your average magazine at $14.99 USD, they are also more substantial and of better quality.

Interested in being published? Look for guidelines, calls and challenges at http://www.stampington.com/html/wanna_get_published.html.

Let me know your favorite publications for inspiration!

New Clutch Design

I volunteer weekly for a classroom of first graders. The girls always gather around to see what fun bag or wristlet I'm carrying to school that week.

Zipper bags and wristlets are perfect for holding my wallet, cell phone, lipstick and car keys while at school and special bonus - they easily fit in the school cubbies, so I can set my bag down while I'm elbow deep in paints or glue.

For two weeks I carried a Skulls & Crossbone flat bottm wristlet. The one below is listed in my shop. It's similar to the one I carry, but with a curved bottom.

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31639095

The girls are clamoring to see a new bag and I've been craving a cute clutch with a winter theme. It's been so hot here, that carrying a little winter on my wrist would be refreshing.

My new clutch design will feature a curvy flap to resemble snow drifts. I'm measuring and sketching.

I have a bolt of beautiful blue denim which would go well with this design. The color is rich; denim wears well and can be dressed up or down.

I also pulled from my stash some Cranston Village cotton fabric that has the same rich blue as the denim and beautiful berry reds and bright white snow. It's a nature print with animals surrounded by winter woods. I'm drawn to the berry reds and cardinals.

Watch in the next week as this clutch takes shape. Happy Friday to all!