This, That and The Other

On New Year's Day, I set a goal of Blogging once a week (I'm already a day late....and probably more than a dollar short)...so here is this week's post.

I decided to follow some general advice and be my own advertisement by using something I made.  So, I made myself a super cute tote bag that I had been wanting for ages and low and behold I was approached by someone to make another!  So I did...and I have enough fabric left over that I am planning on doing another take on it using the accent fabric for the main part.  It was very rewarding to know that other's really do like my work!

I completed a custom order for a customer wanting an apron.  This customer is a hairdresser and wanted a stylish apron that would protect her clothes from the chemicals she works with on a daily basis.  So...I laminated a fabric print of her choice, trimmed it, made pockets for her to use for her gadgets, tips and appointment cards.  I am hoping to offer more of these in the future.

And in that vein, with the CPSIA kind of leaving things up in the air, I am looking to branch out by doing more aprons, etc.  I have done several baby shower gifts and would like to start offering bridal shower gifts.  I recently assembled a bridal shower basket for a customer by monogramming kitchen towels and dish cloths and filling the basket with things many new brides could use.  I am currently working on a set to offer in my Etsy shop that can be customized....check back soon!

Lastly, I made a full apron using a fabric I adore!  I am waiting for a model to be available and then this will be up in my shop!

In an effort to stick to some of my other resolutions for my blog, I have been brainstorming ideas for regular features and kind of hitting a mental block.  I would love some input as to what you all would like to see...what is going to bring you back each week or each month.  At some point this year, I am hoping to do a giveaway, although I have nothing specific in mind.  If you have something you would like to be featured or just have an idea you would like to share, please comment!!!

New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year everyone!  Here's to another year past and a fresh new beginning.  How was your '08?  What do you hope for '09?  Here are some of my resolutions and goals for the new year:

Blog....

1.  Blog at least once a week.

2.  Create a recurring feature (maybe weekly, maybe monthly)

3.  Be more interesting.

4.  Do a giveaway.

Business....

1.  Do a craft show.

2.  Create 2 new bag designs.

3.  Create 2 new little girls' dress patterns.

4.  Advertise.

Personal...

1.  Be a better mom.

2.  Lose some weight. 

3.  Try at least 5 things I've never tried.

4.  Cut back on my pop consumption.

2008 went out very quietly.  We spent the evening with my family...eating, laughing, playing games.  We were home early and I don't think any of us saw the new year in this year....maybe next year.  (How boring are we....)  It is said that how you spend the first day of the year sets the tone for the rest of the year...what are you doing?  I worked and we are cleaning and putting away Christmas.  I am blogging right now so hopefully I will be better with that in the new year.

Below are the last few projects I completed last year.  I FINALLY made myself and after-diaper bag tote bag (you know, once you no longer need a diaper bag, but carry enough that the purse just doesn't cut it).  I also made a gift set for a friend to give as a shower gift.

Best Wishes for 2009!