Slacking...

Yup...I admit it.  I'm a slacker at blogging. 

A lot has been going on here in our household and we are finally seeing the light of day.  In November we had to take my mother out of her home and move her into a group/adult foster care home.  Although at the time it was very hard, I knew in the back of my mind that it was the best thing I could do for her.  As each month passes I am reminded that it is in God's hands.  He has shown me that I don't have to worry about her, he is in control.  I can hear him say "I got this"!

She is doing wonderful and I couldn't ask for a better home for her. 

With all this taking place, I had to give up a few things and that was blogging and keeping up on twitter.  I hope to ease back into things and reconnect with all of you!  I am also back in full swing with my business.  I just got accepted to the MSU Spring Craft Show so I am busy sewing up a storm.  I cannot wait!  So thanks for being patient with me and it's good to be back!

My handmade Christmas List

I wonder if my husband will see this blog post on his own...I doubt it...he has a hard time knowing how to turn on electronics except for his TV's...but I still love him dearly!  Maybe I'll print this out for him...well then that will mean he would have to go on etsy.com to purchase them...hmmmm, I guess I'll have to figure this one out...maybe leave him a love note with my username and password and of course some money in my paypal account.. lol!

Anyway, enough of me blabbing...over the past year I have been "hearting" a bunch of handmade goodies on etsy.com so I thought I would share them with you. 

The letter R - Love it...this would be perfect in our living room on our wall that I want to decorate.

Love love love this top from JoClothing...she is a local designer here in Grand Rapids and I just love her items.

Love this top too by Jmorco...she has some kick butt workout clothes and bikinis...now just need the bod for them!  ;)

Would kill for this vinyl palm tree at the bottom of my basement stairs...LOVE IT!

Every hockey mom needs a belt like this...go Falcons, go Stars!

Everyone needs a thumb ring...I think this one by Lisa from StudioJewel ROCKS!

I think these boot cuffs are so stinking cute...and for $15...wowzer!

OMG!!  I love ellembee...she is another Michigan artist.  I've got a few of her tops but this one ROCKS!

Terra is da bomb over at Genesis One Designs...love this bracelet.  Her style is just awesome!  Plus she is another local artist and fellow hockey mom and fellow high school classmate...Love her!

There is something sexy about a chunky mans watch on a women...call me crazy but I like the look!  Carol from Creativeurges is another local artist that has all handmade leather goods.

Well that kinda does it for me...what's on your wish list?  Leave me a link in the comments!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Yes, I know...I haven't been blogging in a long time.   I took on a lot this fall with my kids school and hockey teams so I had to let some things go, but I'm getting into a groove again where I am managing my time a lot better.  You will be hearing from me more often.

So, I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for your support over the past few years that I have been in business. You are truly a blessing and I am thankful for every one of you!!

If you're considering doing some handmade gift giving for this holiday season, please consider an Island Girl Bag or accessory. I am not scheduled to do any more craft shows this year but you can view all of my goodies on www.islandgirlbags.com. You can also see all of my ready to ship items at www.islandgirlbags.etsy.com. Also, if you are in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area you can email me at marybeth@islandgirlbags.com to schedule a private visit to my studio.

Please feel free to take advantage of my Thanksgiving weekend sale. The details are as follows:

• Check out IslandGirlBags.com for custom orders. Use code THANKYOU for 20% off Thursday, 11/24/11 through Monday, 11/28/11. Note: order deadline for Christmas delivery is December 2.

• Go to my Etsy shop for ready-to-ship items. Everything in the Etsy shop is already 20% off Thursday, 11/24/11 though Monday, 11/28/11. **Blog readers can get an extra 5% off with code THANKYOU in the coupon code field during checkout.**

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Sparkle,

MaryBeth

P.S. If you have friends or family that would enjoy my products, please feel free to forward on this newsletter so they can take advantage of my coupon also.

Facebook Fan Deal

Today and Today only for my Facebook Fans!

Take 40% off your total order at:

www.islandgirlbags.com

and

www.islandgirlbags.etsy.com

Are you a fan yet?

If not...go to www.facebook.com/islandgirlbags to "like"

and get the 40% off coupon.

Offer good on August 22, 2011 from 9am-9pm est. 

GIVEAWAY TIME

 

Since I reached 200 in sales in my Etsy Shop, I am ready to celebrate with a giveaway!

 

 Here is the deal. Go to my website www.islandgirlbags.com, check out all the goodies and come back to tell me (leave a comment below) what one item you would want for the giveaway and what fabrics you would use!! You've got until Saturday at noon....Ready, Set, GO......

New in the Shop!

New goodies in the Shop!

Mini Messenger

Teacher's Tote

Coin Pouch

Coupon Pouch



Sew Spoiled Smart Pocket Pattern Review

A couple of weeks ago I got the privilege to do a pattern review for

Sew Spoiled's Smart Pocket!

here's Leah...isn't she the cutest!!

I absolutely loved this pattern.  Leah does a fabulous job with pictures, details, material lists (which I should have went by better), and just the overall flow of the pattern.

Each step has multiple pictures and tons of details.

I gathered my supplies:

 I cut all of the pieces out....this is where I should have been smarter.  I used fusible fleece interfacing, when I should have just used what Leah recommended....LIGHTWEIGHT interfacing.  I also used a heavier duty zipper, thinking that it was cuter.  I'd just stick to the multipurpose one.  Mine had too much bulk.

The strap was super easy to figure out.  Leah had a wonderful calculation right on the pattern to figure out where you should cut it at.  Mine was 20". Again the pictures and details were spot on!

I do have to admit that I have never made a key fob like this one.  I usually use webbing and then sew the fabric on top.  With this one, you use fabric for both pieces and some heavy duty interfacing.  It turned out stunning...LOVE IT!

I really had NO PROBLEMS with this pattern.  I just should have followed her materials list better with the interfacing and zipper.

It took me about an hour and half from start to finish. 

Here is my end result...going to go use it right now on my afternoon run!  TA TA!

Go check out Leah's other patterns HERE!

One's I highly recommend are:

Cabrio Tote

Wristlet

Happy Sewing!