Fabric

I've found some really beautiful fabric that I cannot wait to make a bag with.

The colors include soft shades of blue and a hint of mint green on an espresso background.

I just love it!!

On another note, I've had some inquiries for Colorblocked bags with black-toned fabrics. I'm on the lookout and hope to acquire some new fabrics soon. To be honest, I haven't seen any that I really like and most new Spring patterns/designs don't have a lot of black in them. I'll keep you posted.

Stacked Bag

I first have to say that Camille Star Handbags would never be what it is without my wonderful husband. He is a huge help to me and does all the grunt work behind-the-scenes. Grommets, rivets, and zippers - need I say more!

One night while I was sewing and he was hammering, he said, "You know that bag over there. You should really put a pocket on the front of that bag. Everywhere I look, people have a little pocket in the front of their purses now. Put it right between those carrying straps."

First, I had to catch my breath! I've now officially turned my husband into a purse watcher too! Second, I thought, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Sometimes when you're so saturated in your work and exposed to it constantly, I feel like your creativity and inspiration can burn out. You almost have to remove yourself from your projects or look at them through another's eyes (like my husbands!).

So, I created a new Stacked bag with a front zippered pocket. The perfect sized compartment for storing your phone, keys, baby pacifier, you name it.

I've introduced the first one to my Etsy shop and hope to add more this upcoming week.

Happy Spring Everyone!

New Fabric

I love, love, love this new fabric!!! Not sure if it's the combo of creamy leche, white and black or the modern chrysanthemum pattern, but it's absolutely beautiful.

I'll be adding this Colorblocked bag to my Etsy shop shortly.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Nuggets of Wisdom

I started my Spring cleaning this week. Let me tell you, it was long overdue!

While cleaning my bedroom I discovered a stash of my favorite quotes, sayings and expressions that I've collected over the years. Whenever something speaks to me or resonates with my own life, I either write it down or rip it out. I've found great nuggets of wisdom from magazines, desktop calendars, anywhere, and everywhere.

So from time to time, I'll share some of them with you. Hopefully they'll speak to you right where you need it. Who can't use some uplifting and encouraging words?

Friendship

Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person,
Having neither to weigh thoughts,
Nor measure words - but pouring them
All right out - just as they are -
Chaff and grain together -
Certain that a faithful hand will
Take and sift them -
Keep what is worth keeping -
And with the breath of kindness
Blow the rest away.

by Dina Maria Mulock Craik

Sneak Peek

I've started ordering some new fabrics for Spring, and I'm really excited about them. Here's a sneak peak of one of them that will be posted in my shop by tomorrow.

I love the yellow gold tone and the individual cranberry bird.



Stay tuned to my Etsy shop as I add new bags this week!

Happy Monday~

Easter Gifts

I realize Easter isn't until the beginning of April, but I like to start planning now for Easter baskets. I promise I'm not obsessive compulsive and I'm not that well organized. There's a couple of reasons for this.

1. I've found myself unprepared way too many times in the past and have actually learned from this mistake. I've discovered that when you have children (especially under the age of five), unexpected things do happen so you don't always get to do what you want when you want. I guess it's that whole act of "self-sacrifice" when you have children.

2. If I wait until the last minute all of the good stuff is gone and I'm stuck with buying junk that happens to be at the store I'm at during that moment. You know what I mean. The junk that falls apart within it's first couple of uses. The junk that they really could care less about.

3. If I plan in advance, my creativity tends to be at it's best. I have more time to think about my children's actual likes and interests - what makes them tick, what makes them excited. There's actual thought put behind each gift.

So here's what I've gotten so far:

~window chalk. This is in the Crayola aisle usually and is in the form of a roll-on stick. My kids love to paint on our patio glass doors and decorate all of our windows for each Holiday. I know these will keep them entertained while encouraging their artsy spirit.

~gum. My kids LOVE gum, which is kind of funny because my husband and I never chew it. They think it's the greatest so each kid will get their own pack of gum.

~Highlights magazine. My kids can't get enough of this magazine. We have a subscription (thanks to Grammy), but you can get a single issue at Borders. I'm a Borders reward member (which is free) so I get 30% coupons in my email once a week. They have even come out with a puzzle & hidden pictures edition that is really neat that I plan to use my coupon on. My kids like to do these in the car or at restaurants.

~books thanks to Scholastic. My kids always bring home Scholastic book orders and there's always several books listed for $1-$3 (plus there's no shipping).

~character & holiday socks. I've found lots of cute ones in the Target dollar spot section.

~art/craft supplies from Michaels. They always have 40% coupons so stock up on pipe cleaners, markers, glittery stuff, etc.

~and candy, of course!

Please leave me a comment if you have any other suggestions.