WHERE THIS WOMAN CREATES

Work Space Before

Thought you might be interested to see my workspace. This is a before picture, not today's before picture (it looked much worse than this), just a before picture in general. Today was one of those days where you go looking for something you know you have, but just can't find it. This morning I was trying to finish my "Frenchy Bag" by Amy Butler. I was at the point where I had to insert those magnetic snaps that keep your purse closed. I couldn't find them. So I decided it was time to clean up the work space. I have a big, old, heavy, beat-up desk that I absolutely love with pretty things on the top that are nice to look at, that is when I can see them through all the mess. I like to keep my creative utensils in unusual holders. Love picnic baskets with hinged lids, wooden cigar boxes, metal containers with lids and handles, hat boxes, etc., etc. I keep my rotary cutters in a ceramic bread box that has cherries painted on it, I use a couple of Victorian shaped boots as paintbrush holders, and I have a parade of bunnies that is supposed to hold tea light candles holding vintage spools of thread instead. Next to all that sits a miniature Eiffel Tower that I found at a tag sale, just because. I like apothecary jars because they are great for holding thread and buttons, or just to fill with seasonal candies, like jelly beans or gum drops, just because they are pretty to look at. I'm getting ready to fill several up with candy corn, marshmallow pumpkins, and brown, orange and black M&M's. I'm going to put them on my desk just for inspiration.

Bunny Parade

This is what it looks like when it's clean, too bad it doesn't last very long. Never did find those metal purse snaps. Wherever did I put them?!!

Work Space After

Where do you create?

S.W.A.K.

ENOUGH SAID...

I DID IT!

I did itI I cut into my Grand Revival Design fabric by Tanya Whelan. I'm making an Amy Butler "Frenchy Bag", remember? This is where it's at:

These are the front and back panels. I opted for beaded fringe. Couldn't help myself. I found the perfect beads at Knitting Central in Westport, CT. The only problem was I couldn't figure out how to attach them without some of the ribbon showing. So, after one try, I decided I didn't like it and took the ribbon off. What I ended up doing was dismantling the beads and sewing each piece of fringe on individually. I still have to do the other panel.

This is what it looks like on the inside of the front panel. I marked off where I wanted to put each piece of fringe, then, using a beading needle and some kind of special beading thread, I restrung each piece and knotted after each addition so if one fell off, the rest would stay put. Yes, it was tedious! But well worth it, I think.

This picture shows the front panel, the piece I cut out for the lining (blue fabric), and the pink and green pin stripe which will be used for the pocket. I can't wait to finish it!

S.W.A.K.

P.S. - Don't forget to enter your guess in the Halloween Contest/Giveaway!

GRAND REVIVAL FABRIC STASH

Here's my stash of Grand Revival fabrics designed by Tanya Whelan. The three on the right are my most recent acquisitions. I'm supposed to make a purse out of those three (the Amy Butler Frenchy Bag), but I always have a hard time cutting into fabric that I love so much. Help!

S.W.A.K.