Because Everyone Needs a Pencil Case
New! Fabulous Back to School Pencil Case (I won’t tell if you use it for your cosmetics and are no longer in school!).
It’s August. How did that happen? We’ve been inundated with back to school promotional ads for weeks now (do kids ever get a summer?) and our own son has been busy prepping for his first classes in college. It seems like you just can’t escape the back-to-school fever.
I’m not ready for summer to be over. I feel like it just began! But, it’s inevitable. And you can feel the change in the weather here. While sunny and warmer, the air is crisper. The blackberries are ripening and the leaves are starting to suggest they won’t be all glossy green forever. We’re getting out to walk as much as possible: and when I’m not out soaking up this amazing weather, I’m in the studio.
Lately, I’ve been working with some very “Boho” fabric: it’s a bit of a change for me, I think. But I love these bits of vintage and it’s certainly colorful to be creating with them. So, for the next few days I’ll be listing some Boho chic items in the store.
First up is this Back-to-School, Boho inspired pencil case. It’s really adorable, and I’ll be honest, I can’t decide which “side” I like better. Either way, it’s really a wonderful little bag. And as the caption suggests, I promise not to tell if you’ve long had your diploma and you decide it’s just for you. But, wouldn’t it make a fun back-to-school gift? Maybe fill it with a few pencils and a Starbuck’s Gift Card? It might take the edge off of Summer ending!
So, stay tuned. There’s more Boho Magic coming this week. And then later in this month: ipad cases!
WIP: Something Blue
Working on new lingerie bags. Playing with denim and vintage feedsack. What are you up to?
Letting Go
Vintage pillowcases I’ve collected for crafting. But there is more yardage and vintage fabric in the store too. Check it out!
How do you know it’s time to destash? Time to sort through all of things (or ideas?) you’ve been hoarding? What makes it OK for you to let go of something. . . to give it away, or list it on ebay, or donate it to goodwill?
I’ve been struggling with this for a couple of weeks now. After making a concerted effort to get into the studio more (which means you’ll find more listings at Mireio, Yay!) I’m feeling so overwhelmed just walking through the door. Staring at the unorganized mounds of fabric debris from previous creative bursts, I’m starting to dread the necessary clean-up. Folding fabric, odd shaped fabric at that, is for the birds, friends. Not fun.
Beyond my laziness there is something deeper gnawing at me. I’m realizing that no matter how amazing the fabric is, I’m not finding any inspiration in it. Apparently, my muse is not a hoarder! She likes new and fresh and often shiny things in the corner. And maybe she is right! Because, when I catalog what I have… um, some of this stuff I’ve been hoarding for years. Waiting for just the right idea or project: ideas and projects that never materialize. At what point can I admit to myself that I’m never going to do anything with a particular piece of fabric beyond admire it?
Wow. That sentence was hard to type!
So, I’m starting to sort through this disasterpiece of a stash. Setting aside fabric for friends who quilt and craft, creating a pile of “What the heck was I thinking?” for goodwill, and at the urging of a few friends on Facebook I’m creating small craft packs of fabric and listing them in the store.
I’m trying to keep those fabric packs generous for the price (since shipping is so high on heavy fabric!). And I’m crossing my fingers that not only will all this excess fabric find its way to someone who can use it. . . but that in the process of letting go, I can find my way to making once again.
May Day Gifts: Fabric Wrapped Potted Plants
Who doesn’t love a sweet Viola wrapped up in vintage fabric and baker’s twine?
It’s hard to believe May is nearly here. I usually give little bouquets of lilacs to our neighbors for May Day—trimmed from our massive lilac in the back yard. But this year my tree is looking a bit put upon. Every time I venture into the backyard with shears it says, in what I imagine to be the most perfect of southern drawls, “You’re friendly with HOW many neighbors? You’re planning to cut HOW many bouquets?”
My lilac tree might have a point this year. New energy has moved onto our street and we’ve mended fences with others. The number of May Day gifts are growing past what my tree can endure without feeling naked when I’m done. Clearly, it’s time to plant more lilacs!
So, this year for May Day, I decided to wrap up some adorable violas in a stash of vintage hankies and pocket squares I’ve been hoarding. I love the result, don’t you? It’s an easy project to do! And you could just as easily use a bit of fabric if you don’t have hankies floating about. (Just pink the edges for a pretty touch and keep the edges from fraying too soon.)
I still need to find small tags to put on these lovelies; but then, I have until tomorrow. Nothing like a bit of procrastination.
Want to know how I made these? There’s a wee tutorial below the jump. And really, you still have time to spread a little joy in your neighborhood tomorrow.
