Back to School Bag

Finished the book bags for my nieces. Here's the last one.

I Built a Hanging Pantry

I needed a spice rack. The cabinet war between medications and spices was an issue of overpopulation. The story in pictures:


(The phone jack remains to be dealt with.) Yes, I did it all myself.

Sewing Space

*To see notes on these photos, peek at my Flickr page.As much as it humbles me to look at snapshots of super-organized studio space splashed with natural light and coordinated decor, I have affection for my basement workshop. It could certainly be lighter and prettier,but I so thoroughly enjoy my time in this area that it's always a welcome sight.I suppose this open space suits me more than a magazine-worthy studio anyway. There's promise in unfinished areas. *To read notes on some of these photos, peek at my Flickr page.

Stunt Jumper

My son launches his body at the couch from a perch atop the coffee table. Perhaps it's poor form to be unconcerned about this, but I find his mini-daredevil streak endearing. He's not much of a risk taker or thrill seeker (afraid of slides, even) so I'm glad he finds pleasure in performing this feat a dozen times a day. He even comes up with comic-book style onomatopoeia and dialog to pronounce before, during, and after his jumps!
"Up, up, and AWAY!""To infinity, and beyond!""Look out below!"

Made to Order

I recently treated my nieces to their first fabric store experience. They each chose fabrics for messenger bags they want for school. The first one is complete and pictured here.

My second niece, a third grader, proclaimed, "we should go to New York and shop at Mood!" I'm going to work extra hard on her bag!

Summer Treats

The fruits of my labor:
An old spice jar filled with perennials.

An olive oil jar with perennials and nine bark leaves.

I always try to fill this hanging vase beside my kitchen sink. Flowers are such a treat, it's worth all the weeding. Home made bread is also worth the labor. (Pardon we pajama-clad bakers!)

Packing and Shipping

Re-using boxes for shipping does not always translate to "ugly". I find clean, undamaged, plain brown and white boxes all of the time, inside other packaging. This box came inside a commercial box that held a file cabinet dolly ordered for work.I certainly overdid the stamping on this one, but usually keep it to one of each of these three: a "thank you," my business logo, and the reduce-reuse-recycle slogan. The rough corrugation on this box made it tough to get the stamps to look clear and even, which lead me to keep going, and going. (Address removed to protect customer privacy)
On the inside, I avoid layers of plastic, tissue, popcorn, or any other unnecessary filler. A simple ribbon, personal note, and item tag with care instructions is all I include.

I know there are many who feel my style is too minimal and therefore lacking panache or taste, but when I receive over-packaged items it is a major turn-off. I don't like having to recycle or re-purpose all that garbage, I don't like thinking about having paid extra for that crud, and I don't like sorting through a package of miscellaneous whatnots like cheap samples, piles of unrelated business cards, or promotional junk just to find what I bought.

That's my mind, and it's not changing! :)