A Steady Progression To Obsession: Part One

I started my purse making obsession by making one from a pair of jeans I really got tired of looking at in my closet. ( I think I was subconsciously influenced by my mom, who made a diaper bag for my brother from a pair of old jeans before this was even cool!)

I really didn't want to toss them out because they were GAP jeans, and you know what stuff from there costs! I truly got into this project, I even got rid of my little cheap craft sewing machine, as it wouldn't handle jean material, and got a real one! Think I was serious? I batiked the inside lining as well as the outer material. This purse was made from just the leg of the pants. I only wanted a small purse for the first try. I would recommend this to you if you starting on this venture, as it will not require you to purchase anything unless you want to add artistic and fashion aspects to your design. One less carbon footprint, right? This project was 98% made from recycled products! The other two percent were materials that needed to be purchased to finish off the purse. You can't have this one, sorry to say, it's long gone, but you can order the next one!

I then went on to make my second purse, which I now use as a gym bag for my car. (No pictures of this one, sorry. I may update later.) For the lining of this bag, I used a few GAP shirts that I again couldn’t part with, sewed some buttons in so that I would be able to take the lining out if I wanted to change up, and used a belt that a co-worker had given me, for the arm strap. This bag could carry your sink if you wanted!

 

By my third purse, I had become totally, and completely hooked. I had moved on from my jeans, I only had like two pair, and started on my son’s outgrown jeans. The result, pure awesomeness! At least I thought so. I included bedazzled jewels on the front, a pocket for my lipstick and pen, and made a removable inner bottom so that the purse would have stability. The lining for this one was a pillow case, and the strap was a belt, both of which I had gotten from the .99 store. Let me tell you, the .99 store can be your friend. If you don’t have one in your area, look to your local discount store for findings. This will be your home away from home.

More to come in Part Two of : A Steady Progression To Obsession

Use What U Got

Today's Tip: The next time you buy pot puree, strawberries, blue or raspberries, think about reusing the container to house gift bath, or other small products you have created in. It cuts down on your delivery time to friends, family, or clients. It also saves on fuel, as you have it (the container) on hand and don't have to go from store to store looking for a something small enough to house your masterpiece. You have also cut down on the use of petroleum based items, which should make you feel just a little bit better about your self, at least the part about cutting down on trash.  Now that second piece of double fudge chocolate cheese cake, I can't help you with. Don't be affraid to reuse those Dixi Cups either, they are a big help. If you can get out the salsa smell, you are in business!

Bee-U-T-ful Soap,lip balm, bath soak by Something Dirty: that'd be me :-)

Do include a note to the giftee/client stating why you chose that particular vessel, as it will help personalize your item, and the person is not left thinking that you are just a big cheappie, spreading that non fact about all about town. It's so much nicer to be known as a person who is green instead of cheap!

Drop me a line if any of these tips help.

Sampling

Today's Craft: Any



Today's Topic: Samples



Hello fellow crafters both old and new. This blog site will generally be focused on art and or crafting issues, but won't be limited to those subjects. I will attempt to give you new ways in which to perform certain tasks, short cuts, money saving tips, as well as some green ways to do it.

I am new to Blogger, so I thought that I would start off with something simple. Forgive the content display as I have not yet found how I'd like things to look.  Suggestions are welcomed.

Today's Tip: Want to give someone a sample, not the whole product? Don't have anything suitable for your product? Think again! Use those old paint by numbers paint containers for samples of oils, creams, soaps, or any powdered product. They close tightly, fit anywhere, and everyone has them. Clean out the old paint, let container dry, use a sharpe or paint marker to decorate, and you have a cute sample container. See, short and simple.



Let me know if these tips are helpful, leave a comment on my page.



Happy Sampling!