Rejoicing while Sewing

Another New Year's Post ;)

2010-12-31T11:43:00.000-08:00

This morning I was greeted by a freezing cold room (according to California norms) and a pounding headache. :P But as my coffee and advil begins to kick in, I've decided to write down some observations and hopes:

2010 was an interesting year to say the least
January brought my niece to live with us
February brought Tim's job loss
March took my patience and my niece
April brought spring break with my boys
May took my husband to Texas
June brought Ethan's 10TH!!!! birthday and a trip to Texas
July brought anxiety and (at that time) my inability to deal with it
August brought the realization that we would be staying in California for the remainder
September brought school and the comfort of schedules and routine
October brought Indian Summer temps and plans for holidays
November brought together family and crafting
December brought the introduction of nightly family worship and prayer

Months don't really bring us things, do they? But sometimes it feels that way. It's almost like every month is a new year.
I could write volumes about all that the Lord has taught us in the past year. I am so very thankful for how he has brought Tim and I closer together and to our boys. I am thankful for the tangible ways that the Lord has shown His love for us by anonymous gift-givers and friends who listen.

My hopes for 2011 are simple:

Yes, I do hope for a job for my husband
that nightly family worship and prayer continues
that, by God's grace, I can become more of the wife and mother that I was born to be.

My head is full of ideas, friends! :) And my hope is in the Lord, not the number of this year.

Have a wonderful New Year's eve!!!

~Larissa

Helpless

2010-12-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

Have you ever watched someone who is suffering and been absolutely helpless? Doesn't have to be something horrifying. . . maybe just someone who is in a lot of emotional pain and not a word you say will be able to console.
I was struck by this helplessness twice today:
On my way to pick up the boys from school, I passed by a familiar cemetery. It's the cemetery where many of my loved ones are buried, and so I always look over as I drive by. Don't really know why, probably just to try to see the spot where their bodies lie. Anyway, as I drove by today, there was a tent up with a freshly covered grave underneath. And sitting in a chair under the tent, was a man with his head on his hand, just looking at that fresh grave. In the seconds as I passed, I could tell that he was not very old. Probably around my age. But something about the way that he was sitting there struck me to the bone. I could feel his sorrow. As I continued driving, I thought about what this day must have been like for him, and how he must feel now, sitting all alone mourning whoever was in that grave. And I felt helpless.
Then tonight. Tonight is the night when Paul has cub scouts and Ethan and I get to have some special time together at Denney's. And he started talking. You see, just this week, his Tourette's tics have flared up for the first time in about 7 months. And they are back with a vengeance. It's very hard to listen to his talking getting interrupted by these tics and then see him grimace because of the pain. Helplessness. Nothing I can do can take my son's pain away. And believe me, I have tried.
While we were at Denney's, Ethan started playing with some things he brought with him, and I began working on my Bible study of the book of James. We are in chapter 5. Want to know what verse I read? "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray." (vs. 13)
I can't go back to that man in the cemetery to pray with him, but hubby and I can teach our son to pray. To cry out to our Heavenly Father who loves us. And the crazy thing is that before I could even share this with Ethan tonight, he prayed. He asked that the Lord would help the pain not be so great. That it would not be distracting to him in class. Tears are falling down my face even as I type this. . . . I am so thankful that the Lord prompted Ethan to pray to Him. And I am humbled and corrected for not going to Him the way that my 10-year-old has done. When I see someone suffering, my first response should always be to pray, either for them or with them! Why do I always try to figure out how to "fix" the situation?!?! Really. Who do I think that I am?
Now, I don't know if it is the Lord's will for Ethan to be healed, but I pray that Ethan will continue to lean on Him who has the power to heal and has Ethan's best interests in mind. Praise God that there is a remedy for helplessness: Prayer.

~Larissa

New Favorite Bread Recipe

2010-12-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

Well, I know I wrote a crazy-long post last week explaining the bread recipe that I use. That is a great recipe, but a friend of mine directed me to another one that is even better! Truly, this bread tastes and feels like no other bread I have ever made.
So, check it out and let me know what you think! :)

Delicious Whole Wheat Bread
makes 2 loaves
Crystal Miller

2 cups warm water
1/3 cup honey
1 T yeast
1/3 cut olive oil
2 t. salt
1/3 cup gluten flour
5 to 7 cups freshly ground whole wheat flour

In a large bowl or in a large mixer (such as a Kitchen Aid or Bosch type) combine the water, yeast and honey. Let sit for a few minutes to give the yeast a chance to start working. Add the salt, oil, gluten flour and 3 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. Continue to add more flour until the dough does not stick to the side of the bowl and does not feel sticky to the touch. Knead for 4 minutes in a Bosch mixer or 7 to 10 in other mixers or 10 to 15 minutes by hand.

When dough has finished kneading let it rise once until doubled in bulk (unless you are using a Bosch type mixer and in this case you can skip the 1st rising). Punch down dough and divide it into 2 pieces and form into loaves and set in bread pans.

Let it rise in a slightly warm oven (this means that you turn the oven on for just 2 or 3 min. or until you can feel the heat and then turn it off, if it is too hot then it will kill the yeast) for 15 to 25 minutes or until the dough is ½ inch above top of pan. Turn oven to 350 (without taking bread out) and bake for approx. 30 minutes or until golden brown.

www.thefamilyhomestead.com

~Larissa

I heart Pecans

2010-12-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

About 45 years ago, my grandparents, along with my dad and uncle, moved out to California from Oklahoma. Rural Oklahoma. From what I understand, my grandmother needed some medical attention, and they had some family out here, so they came and eventually settled in the Inland Empire on about a half an acre. Shortly after they moved in, my grandfather began to make that land his own by composting and planting. I wish you could see the pictures of that land. I remember as a child, running through the rows of corn, and around the tomato plants. Picking up the strange looking squash that looked like flying saucers. The land seemed to huge to me, and yet it was small and right in the middle of a city.
Along with all the vegetables and trees that he planted, he decided to plant some pecan trees. The story is that he had to order them from a grower in Georgia and that people laughed at him. They said the trees would never produce in California; what was he thinking?! Well, they did grow to become beautiful shade trees, but did not produce.
My grandparents were both gone to heaven by the time I was in high school, and so the mini farm died away. But the trees stayed. Mostly because they were easy to maintain, I suppose. And about 5 years ago, my uncle died in September. That November, the pecans emerged. It really was an amazing thing. All four tress, dripping with pecans. I can't even recall how many were harvested, but we just kept picking and picking.
Since that year, we haven't ever seen a crop like that, but the trees faithfully produce these wonderful nuts every year.
Those trees are especially a blessing to Tim and me. We dry the nuts and shell them every year to give as gifts in mason jars. This allows us to give gifts when we wouldn't be able to afford to. And people love the wonderful taste of these fresh, raw pecans. I also love the fact that the boys get to help pick them and spend time with a grandfather who they don't see very often. There's some sort of peace about that property that I will always love.

~Larissa

Homemade Advent Calendar

2010-12-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Every year I make the goal to follow an advent calendar with the boys, and every year, so far, I (we) have failed to follow through. So I decided we need more than a piece of paper or a candy filled countdown calendar to use. . . but we don't have the extra money to purchase what I had pictured in my mind. I knew I would have to make one. :)
Then I remembered that I bought this (McCall's M5778) pattern weeks ago to make little Christmas tree decorations. That pattern also includes a Christmas card holder, which is in the shape of a big Christmas tree. Perfect! Here's what I did:

1. Cut pattern. I used some green fabric (I think it's a bottomweight) that I was given, but I would recommend using 72" green felt from Joann's.

(I had to use my kitchen table!)

2. If you are not using the felt, you'll need to iron on interfacing. Decor Bond works really well if you have heavier weight fabric like this bottomweight that I used.

(You might need to piece the interfacing)

3. Pinning the fabric with right sides together, sew around the Christmas tree, leaving an opening for turning at the bottom. (About 5 inches) Now, if you're using the felt, you can just sew the two layers together. No turning is necessary. :)

4. Clip corners and turn the tree right side out. Press and top stitch the entire tree, including the opening at the bottom. (If using felt, skip this step)

5. Sew on the ric rack in desired placement.

6. Mark desired locations for the 25 paper clips, and then hand sew them on to the tree.

(You only need 3-4 stitches per clip)

7. Hot Glue on the buttons

8. Cut out desired shapes for ornaments and number them. At some point, I'd like to make mine a little nicer, but these will work for now. :)

9. I used this site for the daily Bible reading and Christmas hymns. Then I just wrote them on a white label and stuck them on the backs of the ornaments. Nothing fancy. ;)

10. Hang! Okay, well, I didn't hang mine. . . . I used tape! :S I know I'll regret it next month when I take it down, but I really didn't want to make holes in the wall, and I don't have any of those command hooks. If you would like to use hooks, just makes some loops out of ribbon or left over ric rack and glue them onto the back of the tree. :)

I hope this post serves as an encouragement to start some new traditions and get crafty! :) You can do it!!!

~Larissa

Amazing, make-u-feel-accomplised, Bread recipe

2010-11-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

Seriously. I feel like superwoman after pulling this bread out of the oven! There's something about the work that goes into kneading it, the smell of it, and just knowing that I will be slicing it up to use for sandwiches and dinner everyday, that makes me smile. This is just one tangible way of being a Titus 2 woman, and I love it. :)
So on to the recipe. I found this amazing recipe on allrecipes.com here. And, to be perfectly honest with you, the only reason I chose it was because of all the ratings it has. There are also tons of ideas in the comments that are great.
Here's the recipe (with my comments included):

Simple Whole Wheat Bread

3 Cups of warm water (110 degrees)
2 (.25 ounces) pachages of yeast (or 4 1/2 teaspoons)
1/3 cup honey (or agave nectar or maple syrup)
5 Cups of bread flour (yes, you need to use bread flour)
3 Tablespoons of melted butter
1/3 cup of honey (see above)
1 Tablespoon of salt
3 1/2 cups of wheat flour

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water (make sure that it's around 110 degrees. If it's too hot, you will kill the yeast. And if it's not warm enough, it will take too long to rise) , 1/3 cup of honey and the yeast. Stir to combine. There will be little chunks of the yeast, but that's okay. Then add the 5 cups of bread flour by stirring while scraping the sides of the bowl. Let this set for about 30 minutes, or until it is big and bubbly.

2. Mix in 3 Tablespoons of melted butter, 1/3 cup of honey and salt, just stir it all in. Then stir in 2 cups of the whole wheat flour. You may have to use your hands a bit, but the idea is that it is not super sticky so that you can start kneading. So after the 2 cups of wheat flour are mixed in, through some wheat flour on the counter and take the dough out of the bowl. There will still be some parts of the dough that are pretty sticky, so just kind of push those parts into the flour on the counter and start forming a mound. (I hope that makes sense. . ) Keep adding the wheat flour about 1/2 a cup at a time. You'll need to add more flour to the counter and to the top of the dough as you are kneading. Now, I don't know if this is the professional way to knead, but the way I do it is to push the dough forward with the palms of my hands, fold it over, turn it, then push again. If you are still confused, watch this. By the time you are done kneading, you will have added about 2 1/2 more cups of wheat flour and the dough will only be slight sticky.
Place your dough in a large, greased bowl, turning once so that it has a thin layer of the grease, then cover the bowl with a damp dishtowel.
You're going to let this rise for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled.

3. Whoohoo! You're almost done, and this is my favorite part. :) Once your dough has risen to double the size that it was, you punch it down. That's right. Make a fist and punch down in the center of that big bowl of dough. It is truly satisfying! :D

4. Now you grease your 9 x 5 loaf pans (I believe glass ones are the best if you have them), and divide the dough into three, equal sized loaves.

5. At this point, you can either put all three loaves into the pans, or roll out one or two to add ingredients. To roll the dough, you just lightly flour the counter, roll it out to about 5 x 10 inches and spread the ingredients on the dough. I've used cinnamon and sugar, cinnamon and raisins, dried cranberries and pecans or walnuts, really anything that sounds good in bread! Then just roll it up and pinch off the ends. Then place in the loaf pan.

6. Once the loaves are in the pans, you will need to cover them up again and let them rise until they are about an inch above the pan. (about another hour)

7. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. Once the loaves have risen, stick them all in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. You'll know they're done when the top and the sides are browned. If your sides and bottom are still white, then the inside of your bread will be doughy. Believe me. :(
The top may get a little crispy, which I like. But if you want a softer top, you can spread butter on the top of the loaf right when it gets out of the oven.

8. After you remove your loaves of yummy-smelling bread from the oven, make sure to let it cool for a bit before attempting to remove from the pans. You may need to run a butter knife along the edges, but most of the time, they just fall right out. Use a good serrated knife and dig in! :)

Please don't be intimidated by this process of bread-making! Grab a friend and try it together! Oh, and one last thing. Yesterday I said that it cost a little under a dollar to make this bread. I don't think that's entirely accurate. It's difficult to calculate the exact amount, but it probably comes out to around $1.50. The most expensive part is the honey, so use what you have. Maple syrup, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, etc. :) Also, much to my dismay, I use **gulp** bleached bread flour. . . I know. . . but when a 25lb bag is about $6.50 at Costco, it's really hard to spend $18 at Winco for the wheat bread flour. When my budget allows for it, though, I will switch for sure.
Okay, have fun baking!

~Larissa

Baking Day!

2010-11-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

The aspect of Tim's job loss that has probably affected me the most is in the area of our food budget. I am a stay at home mom, so I am constantly preparing meals and snacks. And when we don't have the money to buy the food that I would normally use, things get a little hairy. . well I get a little cranky. ;)
Over the last few months, I have been working to develop my baking and cooking skills to better use foods that are inexpensive: read: whole foods, fresh food!
Now, I had already been cooking mostly all of our dinners from scratch for some time, but our baked goods and snacks were a different story. Good bread and healthy snacks are expensive! So I had to make a choice. I could either buy cheap "wheat" bread at the dollar store, or I could learn how to make wholesome and tasty bread for my family for a little less than a dollar per loaf.
As I have been perfecting my skills and baking away, one problem kept arising. . . . where can I fit this into my schedule??!?! And then I remembered a great post written by Abbi at Proverbs31 living: http://proverbs31living.blogspot.com/2009/09/baking-day.html
What a concept! Most of us are either home everyday, or we dedicate a day of the week to stay home to do laundry or other household chores. Why not use that time to bake as well? Really. Most of the time involved in baking is in letting the dough rise or baking it in the oven. During those times, keep on going with your normal tasks. :)
Monday is my baking day, so I thought I'd share with you whats on my menu for today:

-Banana muffins
-Honey wheat bread
-Wheat sandwich rolls
-Molasses Cookies

I usually try to make one breakfast item for those mornings when I don't have time to cook breakfast. . . . err, when I don't get out of bed on time. ;) Loaf bread is made every week, and this week I am trying out these sandwich rolls. And then I make one or two sweet snacks for lunches and for hubby's sweet tooth. :)
Really, I can't express to you enough how much this has saved us! I'll write more about this again, and provide recipes. But start thinking about items on your grocery list that you can replace with homemade goodness.
Now, I'm off to go take the umbrella out of the patio before it flies away in this crazy wind! :)

~Larissa

Lies. . . .

2010-11-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

I shared this on Facebook about two weeks ago, but I needed a reminder today. ;)

Jesus did not die so that I can have material pleasures in life. What does that stir up in your heart? I’ll tell you what it stirred up in my heart this morning when this thought came to me: I have been holding on to some sort of prosperity gospel for some time now. I know. Is that possible? It’s not like I consciously have said, “I believe that God will give me a Mercedes if I believe in Him.” But think about it for a moment. . . . .

Tim has been unemployed in the traditional sense for almost nine months now. The Lord has provided for us in many ways, but there has been no full-time job offers in 9 months of sending out resumes and applying at hundreds of different places. And, to be honest with you, I go through seasons of being “okay” with this. The times when I am “okay,” there are usually other prospects of a job on the horizon for me to look to. And then when I am not “okay” I am swallowed up by anxiety and grief. So, over the past few days, I have been praying and thinking about this: Why am I so freaked out about Tim’s being unemployed?

I think most people would agree that losing one’s job is one of the worst things that can happen to a family. Why is that? Well, losing a job can mean losing a home, losing a car, losing the ability to buy things when you want to, losing the ability to be comfortable, losing the ability to provide food for your family, losing some freedoms. Okay, look at that list again. . . everything on it is related to money and possessions.

And during this time of Tim’s job loss, I have prayed in earnest that the Lord would provide a job for Tim so that we can resume our lives. So that we wouldn’t have to rely on other people, etc, etc. And when the Lord hasn’t answered my prayers, I have been resentful. Wondering, “where is Your faithfulness, O God?!”

And here’s where it hit me: Jesus did not die so that you could be comfortable here on earth. He did not die so that I could have all the material possessions I want. EVEN if what I desire is good and not excessive. Yep.. . ..

Not very may of you are in the situation that Tim and I are in right now. But I want to challenge you to think about this. We can be really critical when it comes to people believing in a prosperity kind of gospel. Let’s be more critical about what we truly believe. I am horrified to think that this was in my heart for so long, truly horrified. So think about what your reaction would be if you or your husband lost your/his job today. How would you respond? What would you be anxious about? Let’s guard our hearts from consumerism and the temptation to see money as the only way that God blesses His people.

His faithfulness is in what He has already done! He died a gruesome death, raised up from the grave, and is now preparing a place for us while He intercedes on our behalf! Praise God for His goodness and unbelievable grace upon those who believe!.

I have a feeling I will be rehearsing the gospel to myself even more often for a while, and praying that my eyes will be open and aware of any of this sin that could come crawling back into my thoughts. And I don’t know what is in store for Tim and I. But I do know that my salvation is secure, and that I’m here to be used by God, and that’s all that I need to know.

Please share your thoughts! :)

~Larissa

Rivers of Joy

2010-10-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

"I will sing of Your mercy that leads me through valleys of sorrow to rivers of joy. . "

I heard this song for the first time today on Pandora.com. I have not lost anyone recently, but over the last 7 years, I have lost quite a few loved ones. But that's not why this song hit me today. There is pain and grief associated with job loss and the journey to employment. I don't talk about it a lot because I would rather focus on the work that God is doing in us and His faithfulness. The truth is, though, that it is extremely difficult at times, and Tim and I have to make a conscience effort to rely on God's grace to continue moving forward to get through this time. We have to purposefully praise Him and "sing of His mercy."

love, love, love

2010-05-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I don't normally write about mushy love stuff. . . but I am going to today. :)

In approximately 6.5 hours, the boys and I will be picking Tim up from the airport. He has been in Texas for six days, but it has felt like months have gone by! This is the longest he has ever been away from us.

I really didn't think it would be hard without him here. About four years ago, he was working retail and we rarely saw him, and I was okay. So how bad could six days be? Well, I have definitely learned a few things while he was away:

- He makes me laugh harder than anyone else can

- As much as I think he is the one who leaves stuff all around the house. . . I see now that I do it too :/

- He is my motivation to take care of our home

- Dinners were not the same.

- I do not sleep well at all in bed alone.

- The love that the boys have for him has brought me to tears this week

There are so many other things that I could write. . . .

It's so crazy to think that ten years ago, I appreciated Tim's good looks above almost anything else. I still like the fact that he is good-looking ;) but I love the man that the Lord has made him to be. He is the one that God chose to be my husband, the leader of our home, the father of our boys, and I am so very thankful.

I am deserving of hell, and yet, by the grace of God, I get to be married to this wonderful man! Thank you, God!!

Where am I standing right now???

2010-05-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

photo credit: http://soon2be40.wordpress.com/2009/02/

Most of the time I assume that I am standing on the solid ground of Christ. Do you ever do that? Just assume? Well, this is what happens when you assume: You are taken off-guard when you start sinking.
There is so much uncertainty in my life right now. Where is Tim going to find a job? In CA or TX? What kind of job will he have? How will we pay our bills? What or how much should we tell the boys? Financial decisions, etc., etc., etc.
And for the past few weeks, I would say that I was standing on solid ground. . wavering slightly, but on solid ground nonetheless. Last night the rubber met the road. For whatever reason, I was completely overwhelmed and hopeless about our situation. And I allowed myself to stay there most of the night into the early morning hours. Where was I standing then? Definitely not solid ground, that's for sure. I was sinking. It was even a physical feeling of suffocating. I started frantically looking for jobs for Tim online. Reading about the places to live in Texas, looking at church websites. .. craziness. All at midnight.
So I finally went to bed around 1am, only to wake up at least once an hour. The awesome thing is that every time I awoke, the words of The Solid Rock were singing in my mind. It's the old hymn that rings with so much amazing truth. The Lord used this hymn in a mighty way in me today. He is so faithful. I am so undeserving.

The Solid Rock
My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand -
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In ev'ry high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand -
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand -
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found,
Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand -
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.

Ahhhhhh!!!!!!

2010-03-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

Shouting. Honestly, I don't shout (in fright) very often. When I do, it's gotta be something that has really taken me by surprise.

So I really had to laugh out loud while reading this verse in Leviticus:

"Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces." Leviticus 9:23b-24

Can you picture it? Here is a tabernacle full of people, watching as the priest offered the sacrifices. And all of a sudden the glory of the Lord is made visible, and then the people shouted and fell on their faces. It just makes me laugh. . . and it also makes me think.. .

The people shouted and fell on their faces because it surprised them. But they had been hearing about the Lord and bringing sacrifices, and not expecting anything to happen. . . do you see where I'm headed?

How many times do we pray and not expect to see the Lord work? I can say that I have had many instances when I have prayed for something, the Lord answered my prayers, and then I was astonished. . . almost in disbelief that He made it happen. I have acted like those people who shouted and fell on their faces.

Now, I'm not saying that we shouldn't fear the Lord, or be in amazement of all that he is capable of doing. But I am saying that we need to think about how powerful and all-knowing He is, and not let that take us by surprise when He allows us to see Him at work. Also, that we need to pray in faith, knowing that He is fully able to answer everything that is in accordance to His will.

There are so many things in my life right now that seem to be impossible to fix. But I know that my Father who created this universe can remedy all in His timing. And I am so completely thankful that He is capable. And I'm also grateful that He chooses to show us His power, even when we aren't expecting it. :)

~Larissa

The itch. . .

2010-03-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been about five months since my last sale on Etsy. I did do a few shows in November and December, but I'm starting to get the itch to begin sewing again.

The studio was closed in January, so all of my studio equiptment is back in our spare bedroom. Which means that space is limited, and there is no way for me to produce on a large scale. And that's a good thing. One thing that I'd really like to see happen this time is more of a balance between sewing and family. It's so easy for me to get more excited about sewing and marketing than washing dishes, doing homework, and taking care of my husband. ;)

So, be watching! There's a lot of new stuff that I'd like to start making. . . like a children's bag line and some accessories for boys! I'm excited!!!!!

~Larissa

2010-03-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

This is truly an amazing song that the Lord is using to minister to my heart. Learning to walk with Jesus upon the waves is not easy. . .

house-warming

2009-12-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

There is really nothing better than walking into a home that smells warm. You know, like something wonderful has been baking. . . the smell of cinnamon and cloves. Well I love to bake, but it doesn't happen everyday. But that doesn't mean that my house can't smell that way! My mother-in-law showed me this wonderfully easy way to warm up my home, and I have used it every year since. :) You can use any large pot and fill it 3/4 up with warm water. Add orange or apple slices, a handful of whole cloves, whole allspice and a couple of cinnamon sticks. Then just turn the range on low and soon your house will smell and feel fantastic.

The other awesome benefit to this is that it will add some moisture to the air, which is really nice when the air gets so dry.

And this is December 2nd, 23 more days until Christmas! Our little activity today is to re-read Luke 1:26-32 and then talk about how Mary might have felt after the angel told her what was going to happen. And we didn't work on the lyrics to O Holy Night, last night, but I am hopeful that we will today. :)

Have a great day!

~Larissa

countdown. . .

2009-12-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

"December the first to Christmas
Is the longest day of the year.
Santa dear old Santa
Never will appear.

How many days 'till Christmas?
It's mighty hard to count
So this little candy ribbon
Will tell you the exact amount.

Untie a candy every night
While the sandman casts his spell
And Christmas Eve will be here
By the time you reach the bell!"

This little countdown calendar is something that my grandmother gave to me when I was a small child. I don't know if she made or bought it, but it is something that I've always cherished. Of course when I was little, I loved the idea of getting a candy every day and thinking about Christmas day getting closer. . . but I had no idea of what I was missing.
As an adult, and a lover of tradition, I really would like to hang this treasure up and have my boys "countdown" the days. . . but I just can't. It is very important to us that the boys really understand why Christmas is so exciting. And, even though it's sometimes hard for me to grasp, we want to dwell on what really happened that night. So this year we are using a little Advent Calendar that they brought home from Sunday School last week. I'll be sharing what we are doing each day to show you how easy it is, and to keep us accountable the following this through with our boys. Tonight is simply to read Luke 1:26-32 of Mary's encounter with the angel. :) I'm also hoping to teach them the words to O Holy Night so that we can sing it together. .
I would love to hear what you all are doing with your families to count down the to birth of Christ this year!

First verse of O Holy Night (so powerful!!!!)

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night, Of our dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world, in sin and error pining.
'Til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
Oh, night divine! Oh, night when Christ was born!
Oh, night divine! Oh, night, Oh night divine!

Not really Vacation

2009-10-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

I clicked on a button on Etsy this morning that said Vacation Mode. This settting puts your shop in a mode where no one can see your items, buy from you, or convo you. How I wish that I were clicking on this setting because I was going on some fabulous vacation. The fact is that I need time to be Mom right now.
I will still be sewing, but just not on such a large scale. Sewing has really become such an outlet of creativity for me. I can't imagine ever stopping now. I also am loving the idea of getting together with other ladies to sew and learn from each other. More to come on that. . :)
But for now I am just going to be finishing up my remaining Etsy orders, prepare for some shows that are coming up, begin packing up my studio, and then embracing for this new chapter in my life. whoohoo.

Open House!

2009-10-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the event page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rejoice-Bags/46677104397?ref=ts#/event.php?eid=167782092783&ref=mf

I will have my studio open from 10am until 9pm on October 16th. There will be bags on display and available to purchase. You'll also be able to get information about my new sewing classes and home parties! :)

7408 Morris

Riverside, CA 92503

(it's off Van Buren by the golf course and Riverside Airport)

Hope to see you there!

~Larissa

New Opening Date!

2009-09-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Because of some scheduling issues, we are changing the Studio Opening date from October 9th, to the 16th.

Once again, more information will be coming, but please plan on coming! :)

a year later

2009-09-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

For some reason I've been thinking about this time last year, all morning. This time last year, we were at the peak of financial distress as Tim had been without a job for at least 7 months. We had depleted our savings/tax refund money. The food on our table was coming from the church's food pantry. Bill collectors were calling 50million times a day. It was possibly the lowest time of my life. Little did we know that a few weeks later, Tim would be working at a ministry!
Maybe the Lord is reminding me of His faithfulness today. He carried us through that awful time, and He will continue to carry us now.
We all have so much going on right now. Here's what I'm clinging onto right now:

"For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. . . " 2 Corinthians 4:15-17

and, as always:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5-16-18

Please let me know if there's any way that I can be praying for you this week. :)

~Larissa

gettin' there

2009-09-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the end of week 2 of working at the studio! Things are definately getting easier as the days go by. I am starting to develop a new routine, and I am getting used to having no "kid noise" around. :)
The #1 motivator for me right now is getting ready for my studio opening party happening on the 9th of October! Lots of bags to make, and I've got to finish decorating this place! Start marking your calendars, and I'll be posting more information about the opening in the coming weeks.
Have a great day everyone!

~Larissa

First Official Work Day and Pics of my Studio!

2009-09-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

So I know that I'm excited about having time to work at the studio while theboys are at school, but it isn't without some anxiety. . . . . The realization that I am going to be working in a building, by myself, all day. This should be interesting. ;)
Here are some pics of the new place, though. And remember that it is still a work in progress! For those of you in Riverside, I'm going to try to have an opening sometime at the end of September, begining of October. Or you can just come by to visit anytime between 9 and 2!

My awesome cutting table and fabric (along with a load of stuff under it that doesn't have a home yet! )

My remnants

Awesome vintage couch in the lobby that I found at the S.A.!!!!

The view from that awesome vintage couch!

Fall bags are available!!!

2009-09-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it's still hot here in SoCal, but we can pretend that it's almost fall with fun tweeds and fall colors. . . right?! :)

http://rejoicebags.etsy.com

Laptop Satchel

2009-08-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Check out this new bag here: http://weybrightphotography.blogspot.com/ (scroll down)

These new bags aren't available in my etsy shop yet, so if you would like one, just leave a comment here, and I will contact you. :)

~Larissa

Bring on the tweed!

2009-08-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

We had a great photoshoot last night for my Fall collection. Thanks again to Matt, Kelly and Megan; you guys are amazing! :)
Here is a glimpse of what's to come: http://weybrightphotography.blogspot.com/2009/08/rejoicebagscom.html

. . . .

2009-08-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

okay, so I decided to take a break from blogging and twittering. . . . . but I'm back! So much has been going on with Rejoice! Bags, it's been crazy. :) The most recent activity: moving into our new studio!!! I am still in disbelief. Stay tuned, pictures are coming . . . . and I might need some decorating advice. :)

~Larissa

The House Guest

2009-05-11T13:49:00.001-07:00

Meet Amber Rose, our house guest for the next two weeks. She belongs to my in-laws, and she is a total sweetie. I am not a huge dog person, but for some reason, Amber has really grown on me the last couple of days, and she is earning her keep as my new workout partner. I have really been struggling to get up in the morning to walk, and now I have a reason to get up to walk. I love it! What am I going to do when she goes home????!!!!! :(

A new love

2009-04-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about them, but succulents have totally caught my eye and my heart! I found these at the Flower Mart in LA last week. Something just tells me that I will have more retro looking plants in my backyard in the near future. . . . :)

For some reason this one reminds me of that cartoon, The Snorks! Remember that fun show?!

Had to do it!

2009-04-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

Really, I'm not trying to show of my adorable little boy, but I really wanted to let you all know about this awesome etsy shop that sells awesome bowties and neckties for little boys. So go check her shop out, it's amazing! www.butteredtoast.etsy.com

I'm a follower. . .

2009-04-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, well I have been known for saying that I would never. . . I see it as rather narcissistic and meaningless. Well, I guess I did see it that way. But after many hours of research and contemplating, I do follow and am being followed on twitter. If you would like to join me in following others and maybe following me too, you can here: www.twitter.com/rejoicebags
There is a lot going on here right now. . . . big things are coming. . . . . :) Have a great day!

life

2009-04-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

Let me be real with you: It really is not easy to serve your family, homeschool, keep up the house (to a livable mess), run a new and growing business, and be one woman. There are many days that I think to myself, yeah, I'm doing okay, I've got everything under control. And then BAM a child gets really sick, I get a rush of orders, etc, etc, etc.

So this is pretty much what happened last week. I had this ultimate plan of how to get all of my bags done for the show, how to still get schooling done and recooperate from it all and get back to business this week. Well, needless to say, that plan did not work out. And you know what, life goes on. I am learning that sometimes I just have to let some things go, and ask God to grant me the grace to keep going. He is so faithful! And honestly, I have to remember that my husband and children ALWAYS come before Rejoice! Bags.

Moral: when things get bonkers, scale back and get back to what you know God's word says. If you're a woman, you make sure that your family is taken care of, and then the business stuff falls into place. Man, I really need to tape this to my head so that I remember it more often!

Someone suggested an awesome book to me this week called Shopping for Time by Carolyn Mahaney. Let me know if you have read it and what you thought about it. . . .
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1134649&item_no=349139

Love at first sight!

2009-04-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

I don't want to sell it. . . . .but this bag will be available for purchase this Thursday night at the Life Arts Building, 3485 University Ave. (corner of University and Lemon), Riverside, CA 92501, from 6-9
don't you just love the sparkles???

Spring/Summer '09 Photos

2009-03-29T22:35:00.000-07:00

New photos and styles will be up on my website in the coming days, but I couldn't wait to share one with you! This is a cross-body bag that has an adjustable strap, which means it can also be a shoulder bag. A personal favorite of mine because of its adaptability. :) More info on this bag is coming soon!
And make sure to check out this incredible photographer's website: www.weybrightphotography.com

Disbelief

2009-03-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

Back in January I joined in with the masses and typed out my goals/resolutions for this new year. If we are all totally honest with ourselves, we never really expect a lot of those goals to actually come to fruition. . . well at least I don't. Well, in about a month and a half, I can officially mark off one of my goals. Crazy, isn't it! And it just happens to be the loftiyest goals that I was aiming for!
So what is it?! The Lord has provided some industrial space for me to move Rejoice! Bags into! I am in total disbelief that this is happening, but in May Rejoice! Bags will no longer be run out of my home studio. This means so much: I will be able to hire people to help me, which means more bags, which means bigger business! So I write all this with the realization that this is still all tentative until I actually move in. In the meantime, I will continue to trust the Lord and know that He always has my best interests in mind. :)

Mission Completion

2009-03-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

Well, it took a lot longer than expected, but here is my new, better organized studio!

I used to have a card table sitting practically in the middle of the room just for my Janome sewing machine to sit on. My husband and I just found this little folding table a few weeks ago that fits perfectly as a return off my Juki table, and is a great size for the Janome. Now I can just turn to the side when I need to sew something more delicate. :)

To be honest with you, it's still not really where I want it to be. But I definitely feel that I am better utilizing the space that I have now. So here's a little tour.

When I am sitting at my Juki, this is the closet to my left. I removed the closet doors shortly after this room became my studio so the room would feel more open and I could have more space. Because I work mostly with upholtery fabrics, I have these giant rolls to deal with. So for the time being, this is where they live.

This is the left side of the closet where I store lighter weight cottons on bolts. I also have some hanging on hangers, but that is only because I haven't taken the time to put that all on to bolts as well. FYI Joanns will give you used cardboard bolts for free if you ask. . . :) This is also where I wrap packages for mailing.

And this is my cutting area. Lord willing, someday I will have my ideal table to cut on, but for now this one works just fine. :)

There are other things that I want to share, but I'll wait for another time. :)

confession

2009-03-11T07:59:00.001-07:00

Okay, well I went to visit a friend yesterday, and ended up not getting home until 8pm. :) So no progress on the studio yet, but maybe today. . . . . .

A Neccessary Mess

2009-03-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it didn't start out as a neccessary mess, though. After the show last Thursday, my studio was in ruins! But this is kind of an ongoing problem. I have a small space, and I have not been doing a very good job at keeping it organized. So what started as just a mess, is now a neccessary mess of reorganizing. :)

So I started last night by just getting rid of a lot of fabric off of those shelves, and put it either onto cardboard bolts or rolls. I realized that I had forgotten about a lot of stuff that I have, and also that I really won't ever use some of it.

My new idea is to box up some of that fabric in Rubbermaids and then stick swatches of the contained fabric on the side and/or lid. That way I won't have to rummage through the box if i ever need something. :)

So check back in to see my progress. My goal is to get the rest of this cleaned up tonight, and then post up some "after" pics tomorrow!

What exhaustion does to you. . . . .

2009-03-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

These pictures were taken the morning of the art show this past Thursday. The funny thing is that I totally don't remember taking them! I was just going through my photo card, and stumbled upon them. . . . crazy!

Isn't it amazing that I was sewing these bags, and I was hardly coherent?! God is good!

Success!

2009-03-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

The Art Show was last night, and turned out to be a total success! Thanks to all of you who stopped by, it was really fun to see so many friends there. So I'm off to start planning for next month's show and an upcoming photo shoot. Pictures of the new red bags are on the way!

Giveaway!

2009-03-02T09:08:00.000-08:00

Three more days 'till the Art Show! And as an added incentive to come out to see my bags, I'm giving away these cute Pocket Purses. Just RSVP by commenting on this post, and come by on Thursday night to pick out your Pocket Purse! I hope to see you there!

Thursday, March 5th, 6-9pm

Life Arts Building, 2nd Floor, Studio 24

3485 University Ave.

Riverside, CA 92501

Countdown: 5 Days!!

2009-02-28T12:37:00.000-08:00

Just 5 more days until the Art Show!!! I will be showing my new collection in the Life Arts building in downtown Riverside on Thursday, March 5th, 6-9pm.
3485 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
2nd Floor, Studio 24

Happy Ending

2009-02-26T16:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I definitely won't be getting any more of the green faux leather, but I did find this awesome red!!!! No bags are ready to photograph yet with it but here is a sneak preview. :)

****Countdown 7 days until the Art Show!!!****

Hard Lesson Learned

2009-02-20T00:26:00.000-08:00

Being a new business owner is never easy, but being a new business owner and a new designer is really hard! Here are a couple of lessons that I have learned so far:
~Never buy fabric from a local fabric store
~Never buy purse hardware from a local craft store
~Carpeting is not the best choice in a sewing studio

Okay, well those are just a few of the many, many lessons, but here is a huge one I learned this past Saturday:

~If you see a bolt of fabric that you like in Los Angeles, BUY THE WHOLE BOLT/ROLL!!!!!!!!

See that adorable green hobo bag in the photo above? There is a huge possibility that I will never be able to sew one of those again simply because I only bought 1 yard of the fabric to "try." When I went back to buy more of it, the entire bolt was gone, and the shop owner is unable to order any more of it. I am so sad, but now also totally paranoid! My next trip to LA, I could just come back with 10 rolls of fabric, who knows!!!

2009-02-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

Arts Walk, March 5th, 2009

I am so excited to participate in next month's Art Walk, which takes place in some of Riverside's most historic buildings downtown. My bags will be shown in the Life Arts Building (pictured above) in Studio 24. My computer is giving me problems tonight, so I am unable to upload pictures of the actual studio, but those will be coming soon! So for now, just plan on coming down on March 5th between 6pm and 9pm. Directions and more details will be posted in the coming weeks!

Networking and Marketing

2009-01-31T11:19:00.000-08:00

Whoa, sounds exciting, right? Yeah, not so much. But it is very crucial for Rejoice! Bags to get out there for people to see, and so networking and marketing are important. This is all very new to me. I have spent most of this week researching different ways that handmade businesses market their products and how successful they are. Also, I am embracing this new look that the business has taken on. It is a far cry from where we started, but I love it! My market has now opened up to women of all ages, instead of just women with children or babies. :) I am so excited to see what God is going to do with this business, and I am so thankful for all that He has already done!
One unexpected result: I have had several lovely women contact me with very similar testimonies as to what God has done in their lives over the past year! It is amazing to me how the Lord works in all of our lives, and how He uses people that we don't even know to encourage us and affirm the work that He is doing in our lives. What an amazing God we have! To quote from Milton Vincent's A Gospel Primer for Christians:
"My God is immense beyond imagination. He measured the entire universe with merely the span of His hand. He is unimaginably awesome in all of His perfections, absolutely righteous, holy and just in all of His ways. He has also been unbelievable good and merciful to me as the Creator and Sustainer of my life. Every breath, every heartbeat, every function of every organ in my body is a gift from Him."
So not only is networking important for the growth of Rejoice! Bags, it is also an awesome tool that the Lord is using to connect me to sisters in the Lord all over the world!

New Bag Pictures

2009-01-26T14:40:00.001-08:00

Well, so I lied, it won't be a couple of weeks, I have the few of the new photos today!!!! Yay!!

MIA

2009-01-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

Okay, it's been a while, but "we" at Rejoice! Bags have been busy! I can officially say "we" now that the Lord has provided that help that was so desperately needed. :) We finished sewing up those bags and then some, and also created at least two new designs. The biggest news?? The Lord provided an excellent photographer named Matt Weybright to photograph my bags this past Saturday! The shoot was beyond anything that I could have imagined it would be. I really believe that these photos will be the launching pad to getting my bags sold online and elsewhere.
While researching internet sales in the last couple of months, over and over again I have read about how important the photography is. The problem was that I needed the right photographer to portray the look I wanted for my bags. Then along came Matt. He is a friend of mine from our high school youth group and is now a professional photographer. The look of his photos is very urban and chic, I was totally impressed. You can check out his photos at weybrightphotography.com I know you'll love his work as much as I do!
You'll be able to see the new photos of my bags in coming weeks, but for now have fun checking out the ones on Matt's website! :)

What can happen when you have a helper

2009-01-05T14:39:00.000-08:00

This pile may not look like much to you, but it is a huge accomplishment for me that I could have never done without the help of my new helper, Lindsey! Disguised in that pile are actually seven bags just waiting to be sewn together. I have just recently realized how much easier my sewing can be when everything is cut out and interfaced before the sewing begins, but I really hated all the cutting and ironing that had to be done in order to do that. Then lo and behold, Lindsey came over and we tackled it together! So thank you, thank you, Lindsey, and I look forward to your coming over again very soon. :)

Whew!

2008-12-30T08:10:00.000-08:00

Well, as much as I love celebrating the birth of our Savior, I am glad that this Christmas season is over. For some reason, this year just felt really hectic and I really couldn't enjoy it. Honestly, I think that so much of my time and energy has been focused on making bags, that I didn't take the time to appreciate this season. I think this is a common problem, but I guess I am just more aware of it this year. So I am totally ready to take down the decorations and begin this new year!
Speaking of the new year, I guess I should start praying about what changes I need to make. Not that I am not already aware of more than a few, but I really want to pray about setting goals and relying on the Lord to accomplish them. Here are a few of my new year's "goals" for Rejoice! this year:
-To reach as many people as possible with the Gospel by incorporating that message into my bags
-To keep up with my bookkeeping
-To keep my sewing room organized at all times (more to come on this)
-To get to the point that I can rent/lease a small industrial space by the end of next year

So I know I have some pretty lofty goals for this business, but really those have been my goals from the beginning, and I just have lost track of them. It is easy to do the fun stuff like buying fabric and designing new bags, but I am praying that the Lord will show my ways to stay on top of the nitty gritty stuff. Anyone have any ideas???

Introducing Juki

2008-12-20T00:15:00.000-08:00

Here she is!!!!! An 1181-N Juki walking foot machine, or in plain english, my dream machine! I was so excited the other day that I was unable to fully unfold all that the Lord did to make this dream a reality. So here it is:
About a month ago my Janome started giving me problems. I needed a new needle plate, and so a friend of mine suggested that I talk to Ron at Sewing Machines Plus in San Marcos. Immediately he informed me that I needed an industrial machine, and that I was crazy for ever thinking that a little home sewing machine would cut through the layers that I am sewing. Anyway, so my journey to find the perfect machine began. After many hours searching random sights on Google, emailing people all over the country and visiting a store in LA, I determined that an 1181 was the perfect machine for me. The only problem was that I didn't have the $950 needed to make it mine. I was devastated! Tim and I started praying about how to come up with this money. We are still trying to keeps our heads above water financially, and our credit is in shambles because of the job loss, so financing was out of the question, and we weren't sure about asking our parents.
At the beginning of this week while sorting some fabric, it dawned on me that I could sell my court reporting equipment. I listed it all on craigslist that day without a lot of hope that it would sell. The next morning, a man called and made me an offer for $400, and I took it. At this point, I was just excited to be over half way to my goal of $950. Later that afternoon while searching craigslist for the thousandth time, I ran across an ad that I had somehow over looked in Orange County. The ad was for an 1181 and she was selling it for $600, just $80 more than what the Lord had provided. So Tim agreed that I could use some money from our budget to make up for the difference, and we picked it up tonight. I am still in shock; the Lord just always amazes me with his sovereignty. Once again, I am convinced that I constantly need to be reminded that I need to wait on the Lord more, and rely less on myself. The waiting can be horrible, but the outcome is often more than we could have ever imagined.
So does this new machine solve all our problems, of course not. But it has affirmed for me that I am moving in the right direction, and that I should continue to sew to pay off this debt that we are enslaved to. Glory be!

Yipee!!!!

2008-12-18T08:19:00.000-08:00

Whoohoo! My sewing machine ticker just jumped up by $400!!! That means that I am over half-way to being able to buy my new machine. What kind of machine am I saving for??? A Juki 1181. Not your everyday home machine, but I have just about killed my Janome by trying to sew through all the fabrics for my bags. This Juki is a heavy duty industrial sewing machine that will make my life and the look of my bags much better! I am just too excited to write anymore!!!!

do you need boundaries?

2008-12-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

Our cat, Stripy, cracks me up. He attempts to find the smallest box around the house to squeeze himself into, and then act like he's comfortable . . . . or maybe he really is comfortable. :) I told Tim that I think Stripy is in need of boundaries, and so he is making them for himself. Even though we all hate to admit it, everyone needs to know their limits, it is what makes us feel secure. To be honest, I haven't been in the Word a lot lately (because of a mixup of priorities) and I totally feel out of place, like I am wandering. I am convinced that the Word of God provides those boundaries that I need. It gives me reason for everything in life. Without it I am confused and wandering. So is Stripy comfortable, I think he is.

Finally.

2008-12-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

Well, it's only December 9th, and I finally got some of our Christmas decorations up. I don't know why I really don't get that excited about putting them up, but I really do like all the color it adds to our home once they are there. I am kind of a minimalist, partly by nature and partly because of not having the extra money to spend on decorating. So I don't go crazy with the Christmas stuff, but I really do like all the red and green against the wood pieces in our home. I know some people love all the grandeur of decorating and you are just mesmerized upon entering their home, but I just can't get into that. My parents' home is like that. Every holiday, their home is transformed, and it is beautiful. What kind of decorations to you tend to use for the holidays?

Choices, choices, choices

2008-12-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

Is there anything wrong with not being focused? Sometimes I just see it as part of being an artist (which I guess I am considering myself to be,) or just a part of the creative process. Other times I am just so frustrated that I keep having new ideas that send me off on another rabbit trail.
So my new idea is a baby sling that has some really cool features. I can't really divulge them yet, but once I make one, I will expound. I have had many requests for these, and they are much simpler to make than the bags. So do I continue to make all my different bags and these slings? Can I leave my name as Rejoice! Bags even though I sell other things? Being focused is not always a necessity, but it would sure help.

Why?!

2008-12-07T22:27:00.001-08:00

I don't know why I do this to myself! I am such a procrastinator! I have a custom bag due tomorrow, and I am still not done with it. I hate having to stress out to get things done, but it never stops me from waiting to start a bag. I am working on my getting more organized, so hopefully in the future I will work out a system to get things done way ahead of time. But that would take away all the fun, wouldn't it?!

Yeah, I'm a little disapointed

2008-12-06T18:35:00.000-08:00

So, the craft boutique didn't go as good as I had expected it to. I had expected that I would at least sell $100 of bags, but I barely brought in $50. That doesn't bring up my ticker much, but at least it is something. And I did get to practice setting up my table and my new display rack.
The day was not a loss for my friends that I was with either. One of them make $628!!!!! I have never heard of anyone making that much in one day at a boutique! Today just wasn't my day. One other thought I have. . . . the boutique was in a very posh area of San Diego called Point Loma. Most of the women there were carrying designer purses, and I am thinking that they really don't have any interest in bags that don't have a designer name.
Well, there is another one next week, and then there's always etsy. I am off to bed very soon.........

The tiredness has to wait

2008-12-05T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I definitely completed by list from yesterday and then some. If I had more energy, I would post a pic, but I still have more sewing to do, and the tiredness is setting in. I just have to put it off for a few more hours so that I can finish the last four bags that I need to get done for the boutique tomorrow.
I am so excited for tomorrow, but I am also trying to be realistic. It is so easy to get pumped up about selling everything, but then it stinks to not do so well. I am bringing a lot with me though, so the chances of making sales is very good. Every little bit counts toward my new machine!!!!
I really want to find a thermometer ticker to show my progress toward my goal of $500. . . . . . Can't look now, must go back to sewing!!!

Saturday's Boutique

2008-12-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

I'm totally excited about this Holiday Boutique on Saturday!! Not only do I get to hang out with some fun people, but I get to sell and market my bags too! I am totally convinced that boutiques are the way to go. What's the difference between a craft fair and a boutique? Craft fair = older people, usually outside, everything from old man woodcarvings to crocheted tissue box covers. Don't get me wrong, I love going to some craft fairs, but people that are shopping for woodcarvings, are probably not going to spend $80 on a diaper bag. This new trend of hosting boutique sales in someone's home is an awesome way to create an ambiance of an upscale shop and present your products in creative ways.
This will be my first boutique, so hopefully it will go very well, and I can continue to save for my industrial machine and supplies! I am getting really ahead of myself though, first I need to finish sewing what I am going to be selling.
List of sewing for today:
3 wallets or accessory bags
1 hipster
cut pieces for diaper bag

So I'll keep you up to date on my newest projects and business developments as I go along. If there is anything else you would like to know, please let me know!