Jan 31, 2009

New Bags and stuff

I have been making and creating and not really listing. So I'm going to dive into that today. But before I go, here's a quick glimpse of what's to come:Striped leather Monty Tote!


Exotic yellow fish under black floral leather!


Sueded fish and black embossed leather card case!

Jan 30, 2009

My Day In Court

So..... I had to go to traffic court. I'd start off by explaining why I was there, but it's a long story. Essentially I was told I had an expired license that didn't exist. At first I thought it was identity theft, and then I realized everyone's a moron. I'm not quite sure if I should be relieved.

Anyhow, I was terribly nervous. I'd never been to court before and I was picturing something out of Law & Order: palatial courtrooms with marble floors, stern judges and silence that echoes when not broken by my cracking voice.

What I got was the equivalent of the free clinic. A mile long line herding all of us into one room where we're herded some more. I'd swear I heard someone moo.

The characters throughout this whole ordeal were fascinating! The alcoholic who was there for an open container charge already had beer on his breath at 9 am. The obnoxious girl who just wants to fight (and ended up leaving and missing her appearance before the judge). The mothers with children, the teens whose parents came to fight for them, the immigrants who needed a court translator. The convicts who were quickly shuffled back to jail.
Probably the most interesting thing to me was that I seemed over-dressed. I knew that one must dress with respect to the court, so I put on my nicest outfit, which I feared was not nice enough. Once I arrived I realized the only people dressed up were the lawyers and one or two teenagers whose parents picked out their clothes.

I can't help but think it helped my case.
The judge ended up dismissing my charge and even a ticket I had already paid (to be sent back to me in the mail). Not only did I avoid court costs, but they gave me money! I had a quick vision of the few remaining citizens tearing me limb from limb, since no one else got such a deal.
The court clerk told me I was free to go, but I barely heard her; I was already out the door, looking forward to some lunch at Chick-Fil-A.

Hopefully I'll never ever have to do this again.

Jan 29, 2009

driving shoes are good for business

Driving shoes are for driving. I don't know if you know that, or if you even know what driving shoes are. They're the moccasin-shaped shoe with funny little rubber bumps for a sole. They're also very comfortable.
However, they are for driving. The little bumps that go up the heel are for grip on the pedal. But, since they're so darn comfortable and cute, everyone wears them as a new pair of sneakers and when their shoe falls apart (as it will, since they're not for everyday wear) they come to us.
And we fix them.So, thank you, driving shoe.


In other shoe-repair news, I've discovered I enjoy re-lacing boat shoes.
Who knew?

Jan 27, 2009

Googles and Gators

I set up the google analytics for my Etsy store this month. The map feature is probably my favorite tool, with all the little bubbles representing cities visitors came from.
It seems I get quite a bit of views internationally, too. I think I have too much fun checking out the various sections of the map, seeing viewers in Russia, Japan, and Spain. My biggest fans seem to be in the UK and Australia. I feel loved.

And check out my latest cuff - a gorgeous brown alligator tail under slick green upholstery leather!

Jan 25, 2009

Wowsa

Woot! Woot!
On the front page of Etsy yesterday, in this beautiful treasury made by ShannaMichele!

And since she showcased us, I figure she could use some showing off -
First of all, I adore her banner.
Secondly, there is some AWESOME jewelry in this store:
Like this gorgeous On The Sea So Green bracelet!


And this one: Cocoa Zebra Jasper and Pearl bracelet.

Check out her shop for more!

Jan 24, 2009

Another New bag

I really like this one and I'm having a hard time getting the colors to show up right. Our weather hasn't been cooperating the past few days.The center strip is some vintage fabric paired with green and brown leather.
Hopefully I'll have it listed in just a few minutes....

Jan 22, 2009

STOLEN!

Some awful excuse for a human stole my most expensive Buddy Bag! I keep them on display at our B&M shop and someone must have walked out the door with it! My dad likes to keep our front door wide open to let in a cross breeze but I've been insisting we keep it closed so we can hear when people walk in and out. It's just a small family business and almost always there is only one person on the counter, if that, since we all have our own work to do.
I wonder how much those sensors are that beep when someone walks through it's laser beam?

So, if you see anyone with this bag PLEASE let me know, They DID NOT buy it!
I'm so sad right now.....

the frozen south

WHY is it so cold?
Last night was a freezing 30 degrees. I know people in northern states can't really muster the sympathy for me, but this is South Florida! I'm wearing a sweater and a coat as I sit inside my house to type this. Why? Because we don't use heaters in Florida. And because 40 degrees is about 35 degrees too cold. Hopefully the sun will come out and we'll warm up a bit.
Hurry up sun!!
I'm. so. cold.


Jan 21, 2009

Fancy New Bag

I made a cute little bag yesterday out of silk fabric and leather. I'm in love.

I should make some more in this style. Or a different style.
I'm so indecisive today......

Jan 20, 2009

Inauguration Day

Goodbye Bush - Hello Obama!I'm glued to my television right now.
Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Jan 19, 2009

Happy Birthday Sister!

Today is my sister's birthday!
As per tradition, I will not be wishing her a happy one until exactly 5:12 pm (the time she was born). Every year it drives her nuts and so I must do it again.

So in honor of Jennifer, here are some wonderful Etsy items she would adore:This gorgeous ring by: bijougirldesigns!

This stunning necklace by RoyalPrincess!And this awesome shirt by RedBootsDesign!

I wish I had some extra money to spend :)
Happy Birthday Sis!

Jan 17, 2009

Mrs. Albee

Who like Mrs. Albee??

My mom does. She won all these figurines when she sold Avon years ago. My family now equivocates Avon with some sort of hell-ish devil company. Not necessarily because of evil business practices, but mostly the Avon products that showed up in our stockings and birthday presents for years and years. In fact, to this day you could open up any closet in the house and I can guarantee at least three Avon products will be inside.
But, back to Mrs. P.F.E. Albee.
Since these larger figurines do little more than sit around in dust-covered boxes, my mom wants me to sell them all.

Know any Albee fans?

Jan 16, 2009

Coin purses

I spent all morning dealing with insurance companies (really just listening to hold music) and developed such a headache I had to lie down for a cat nap. At least I still have some of my Chick-Fil-A sweet tea left over for an afternoon burst!
I've made a few new coin purses and card cases lately. Here's a cute purple and black. Hopefull I'll be able to get this one listed before work tonight!

Jan 15, 2009

what did you DO?

ARRGGGHHH!!
My car! My beautiful car!
Yesterday on our way home from work Allen and I tried to stop at a gas station. The gas station was closed and the gentleman in front of me decided backing over my hood would be a better decision than pulling forward to make a U-turn.
Argh!!


Jan 14, 2009

Still a SALE

I added some more items to my clearance section. I'm hesitant to add more to my Etsy shop since it's so full, but I'm too excited about them. You know, that, "Wow! Look at this amazing thing I just created! I've got to show this off!" feeling....
I may have to spend more time on my other online stores on Coriandr and 1000markets.

So here's some SALE items!Skeletal Cuff - $11.00

Giraffe-O-Gator cuff - $14.00

Jan 13, 2009

Time to clean

My dad got me a new shelf for my workspace today so I spent most of today cleaning and re-organizing. I ended up throwing quite a bit away (hooray!) and clearing out some bags of scraps to sell.It may not look like much to celebrate, but you should've seen it before! No, wait, you shouldn't have.
And I found Don Quixote hidden away under some junk. So now he has a special spot on the shelf.I have a lot more to do tomorrow; this was only half the battle. Wish me luck!

Jan 12, 2009

sweet salty smells

Ah, Dubois Park is just as I remembered.
Most of the 'remodeling' must have involved adding sandbags and a fence. We got there a bit late so I didn't go swimming (the lagoon was very cold and it was low tide), but sometimes all one needs is a little sunbath and their toes in the sand.
And a naked boy tried to steal my french fries! Which is okay, mostly since he's so darn cute.
We left as the sun went down and the no-see-ums started getting feisty. Allen and I will have to do this again. Sometime soon.

More pictures of beach fun on my other blog.

Jan 11, 2009

a Day at the Beach

I've got my swimsuit on and I'm ready to GO! Unfortunately, we're not supposed to meet our friends at the beach until 3pm so I'm a little too over-excited. I may just have to go early....
I used to go to this park all the time as a kid. There's a big lagoon area where you can swim safely away from boats and fishermen, and a huge beach on the other side facing the Atlantic. The last few times I've been out here the lagoon part was closed because they were remodeling (whatever that means - I guess they just shoved dirt and rocks around) so I'm excited to see if it's just as wonderful as I remember.

In the meantime - here's some fancy sandals for the beach!


Jan 8, 2009

badge a minit blues

Well, unfortunately for me, I have just a tiny bit of patience. After years of attempted improvement, I've managed to make my attention for something last beyond 1-2 attempts and have stretched it into 6 or 7. But then it's over and I get sent into tantrum mode, where things get broken and words like, "This is stupid!" get tossed around.
My point, you ask?

My darling Badge-a-minit is the point. After downloading the instructions off of their website, I attempted my badge-making to no avail. The plastic always manages to pull up on one side, making an imperfect and terrible seal. Of course, the instructions state that this is their most common complaint and it has to do with mucking up steps 3 and 4.
Well, thhpt. That doesn't really help me knowing that everyone else sucks at using this thing, too.
I tried to draw little arrows on the picture above, to illustrate where the separation occurs, but I'm sure if you've worked with one of these machines, you'll know what I'm talking about.
So, those of you who've battled the badge-a-Minit before, do you have any advise or words of comfort? I'm assuming practice makes perfect, but I may just run out of supplies before I get there.....

Jan 7, 2009

Another New Toy!

I got myself a Badge-A-Minit! Well, my mom got it for me at a rummage sale. But I'm so excited! It's used and in lots of pieces and so far I haven't had any luck actually making it work but.... I have a badge-a-minit! Hooray!! On the downside, the box that had most of the pinbacks also contained what appeared to be unhatched reptile eggs. So.... those will have to be cleaned. The pinbacks, not the eggs.

And I guess now I need to find a tutorial online and find out if I'm missing any pieces.


Jan 6, 2009

just a little

bug. a butterfly on a card case. I really need to get some of this stuff listed! :o

Jan 5, 2009

It's a brand new bag

A brand new bag that I can't show you because I forgot to take pictures of it.
Yesterday my amazing friend Naomi (aka - Bicycleocean) and I went on a sewing adventure to make her a new messenger-type bag. We both absolutely suck at following patterns and directions so the most we could hope for was sheer willpower to push us through the task at hand, And it worked! By the end of the day she had a really awesome purse that would rock your socks. But you'll have to take my word for it.

While she worked on her bag I found a new obsession with bugs:

My mother found a bunch of my old stamps that I had as a kid, including a bunch of creepy-crawlies! I love the seemingly screen-printed appearance it gives.

Jan 3, 2009

my new toy

The other night, while cleaning under a booth at my restaurant night job, I found a tiny lost toy. Not just any toy, mind you, but a bitty crossbow! After many failed attempts to launch toothpicks at my unsuspecting co-workers, I realized there was a hole in one side that had to be plugged for adequate toothpick-launching action. This problem was easily fixed by wadding a small piece of paper into a ball.
Hooray!
Many toothpicks were scattered about as spent ammunition. The kitchen staff was cowering in fear. My boss was left shaking his head and asking if I could find something less likely to send someone to the hospital with an impaled cornea.
More searching revealed that coffee stirrers fit quite nicely.
My co-workers better watch out tonight -.....

Bwahahahaahah!

Jan 2, 2009

Is it sandal weather yet?

Well, not today, but here in Florida we never really stop wearing our flip flops and fancy, strappy sandals. Today I'm going to try and come up with a new style before work tonight at the night job. We'll see how that goes.....

Here's two pair of sandals I already have listed in our store:



These are both made using exotic fish hide. The pair on the left has pink and orange sueded and the pair on the right is made with a blue sueded hide I dyed over silver.

Jan 1, 2009

weird

so..... I have these cool 3-D bug stickers.
After days of letting my mind wander over where I'll put them, I had an idea to sew them to leather. They're made from a thick plastic material and the one on my cell phone seems durable enough, so I went ahead with my idea.

Now I have this cute little coin purse with a bug:

I really wanted to use one of my larger stickers (about 2" long) but this was a first attempt, so I used a little green guy.
What do you think?