It's a Portfolio

Hey, look what I made. I took another pattern that was created for a smaller portfolio with pockets, and enlarged it so that it will hold a 8.5 x 11 pad of paper and some files. And I think it turned out great! The pocket on the inside on the right is just about right for a folder or papers to keep them snug and away from danger, and the extra pocket on top of the other pocket is small for things like a CD or pictures.
So, the other side with the pretty flowers has a hole at the top and will hold a regular sized pad of paper. And it has chipboard in it so that you can have a solid backing. Closed with a ribbon. Excellent.
These colors are for my sister, she loved the two together. And it turned out great with the ribbon on the outside.

So, now I am going to crow a little. Chevas sold some of my soap today - a bar of lovely buttermilk oatmeal. I have been using a bar this weekend and I love it's lather and the little bit of exfoliating it does. Yummy smell as well. I spent the weekend cutting up soap and putting it in the racks to dry. Next week, I am taking a couple of days of vacation and making even more soap. Now if I can only figure out how Quickbooks works...

Happy New Year!

Well, it's here and we are still here! What a year this will be, with all of the changes in the world. For me, I am just wondering what my shop will bring this year. I am making a resolution to work at getting my shop off of the ground. To sell things each and every month, and to create new things that people find useful and interesting. I am also going to dedicate myself to documenting the costs of my business so that I understand what is working for me and what is not.
I kind of stopped sewing for a month while the holidays were approaching so that we could get ready for the parties and guests, and my attitude towards my business was not improving. These past couple of days I have been able to sew items again and make some soap, and it really makes the way I feel so much better, it's like therapy for the business. I am actually sewing and just dreaming up ideas. So, you can look forward to seeing my new ideas as I have some time off over the next couple of weeks and I have to get ready for shows in March.
My hubby and I went to the Clear Sight Eye Center on Tuesday so he could see if he is a candidate for LASIK eye surgery. He is, so he's going to get the surgery on next Friday. They were very nice at the place, and I just wanted him to have the surgery at the place with the laser for cutting the flap on the eye, which they have. It's kind of an expensive surgery, about $3500 for both eyes, but the benefits I think are enormous. So, I will let you know how that goes, but I am anticipating that he will say it's the best money he's spent (next to our wedding!)

Visits and Thoughts

I just got home from KS visiting family and I think we made it in the nick of time. From what I heard, the roads were turning to ice behind us. We left about 8:30 am today and I am glad we did because with 5 people it's not fun to be stuck somewhere. But we had lots of fun, and the kids got some presents. They got a race track they love and puzzles they have put together a million times. And I am sitting here wrapped up in my turquoise crocheted blanket so warm and cozy.

But most of all, I was inspired by my sister in law, Kim. She is so crafty with scrapbooking stuff. She made the cutest letter/sayings for decor in her house, and now I think I am going to do a few for my craft show in March and see how they go over. Just regular sayings like "Believe" or "Princess" so that they are universal, but if I think of something Easter related it would work. I officially signed up for my first craft show, March 14 in Stillwater, OK. My sister is going to do it with me. I have been buying a few display items so that I can make a really interesting booth that people will like. I will put up some idea pictures when I get the stuff in. I also bought a mannequin type body form so that I don't have to rely on my sister to pose for the handbags. And a foam head for the beanie caps I make.

So, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I am looking forward to sewing and whipping up a few new soap recipes. Then in January, I am going to start working on placing my soaps in stores. So, if you own a shop and want to sell handmade soap, let me know!