Up-cycling fabric swatches 101

I love donations! Thanks to my new friend for donating lots of unique fabric swatches. 

I think I'll make some IPad covers.

And some clutches, and........ it is a surprise.

Light is important

I made a photo light box..

Now I have pretty (Purdy) photos

Local love every week

Last week I made my first treasury list on Etsy. I was a little timid and not sure what to include, too many options. I played around for hours looking at clothes, jewelry, wall decals, knitted scarves and hats, wall art, and the list goes on and on. I finally typed in the word "chevron" in my search and found an abundance of baby items, so that is where I started.  Now to this date I have made about four treasuries, that comes to two a week. I don't think I am obsessed yet, but it really could happen. The treasury I did yesterday was called "Local Love" and it included all shop owners that lived in Cincinnati. I was surprised how excited folks were about this treasury. I had comments from people saying "hi" to each other and one was excited that she and her sister were both in the same treasury (I had no idea they were sisters). Then last night someone commented on Facebook that she was a Cincinnatian that sold on Etsy but was not included in the list. That made me think.......we do have a plethora of talent in this area, can I continue making a Local Love treasury every week. And with that thought I decided that Yes, I can. If you live in the Nati then be excited, send me your listing, email me, I want to see your stuff on etsy. Each treasury is only 16 listings and I try to make them flow in some way. I'm excited, hope you are too! 

Paper Garland by The Blushing Buttercup

Coaster set by City Stock Pile

Here is a link to the Local Love treasury #1
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/OTUyNzkzMnwyNzIzOTg1NDQw/local-love?index=0

Next Local Love treasury will be Friday 2/22/13

Valentines Day special on Etsy

Want a special, unique, pretty, awesome, never seen before gift for the one you love. Look no further, we can help. All red items on our etsy page are 10% off now until 2/14.........what are you waiting for. Enter code red10 at checkout.

Got Crafts?

Attention all crafty folks that like to seller their crafty stuff. February is the month to get organized and plan your craft schedule. I have complied a sweet list of some super amazing local markets that are looking for vendors. As you can see most of these applications close by the end of February, so that means you need to register now.

Here are some awesome craft events. Start applying.

INDIEana Handicraft Exchange - Indiana- applications open now
The City Flea - Cincinnati -  applications open 2/21
Crafty Supermarket - Cincinnati - applications open now until 2/28
Craftin' Outlaws - Columbus -  applications open now to 2/28
Columbus Craftacular - Columbus - applications open now to 2/22

By the way, I guess we should let you all know what is in store for Purdy this year. We are planning to offer our up-cycled stuff in our esty shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/PurdyEveryday and locally at boutiques in and around Cincinnati. Currently, we have stuff at Marketside Mercantile in Northside and Younique Boutique in Harrison. 

Younique Boutique has lots of our necktie purses for sale including this one.

We have headband, necktie bracelets, and wrist purses at Market side Mercantile

Peace!
Joy and Christina

Spring cleaning in 15 degree weather

 I recently got rid of all my hand-me-down living room furniture, now I have an empty room. It is hard for me to justify buying a new couch, chairs, end table, etc. Since I am not going to buy new furniture I enjoy browsing World Market's living room displays online, but I know it is just a fantasy.

The interesting thing is that since the furniture removal, the room has become a place to hang out. Yeah, it is strange to think an empty room would be inviting. I was thinking that some floor  pillows would make the space even better. Okay, floor pillows are freaking expensive. Yikes, I can't afford pillows either. The other day I went fabric shopping at a new store called Silk Road Textiles. I found some nice fabric for a good price. My successful week ended with 3 new beautiful, affordable pillows. I even stuffed one of the pillows with scrap fabric.

Stuffing pillow with scrap material.

The scrap piece pillow

I am sure others have been frustrated by the price of purchasing pillows, so I am going to write a tutorial later this week.

Handmade for Newtown

I donated one of my wrist bracelets to The Heart Auctions which is running an auction for the families of Newtown, Connecticut.

"From The Heart Auctions is proud to be partnering up with one of our long time supporters imagine gnats and new partner Casa Crafty to bring some relief to the town heard round to the world, Newtown, Connecticut, with an auction to benefit Newtown Parent Connection." From the Heart Auctions Facebook Page.

 
The action runs today thru jan 18, click below to bid.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.230627576973396.49188.230255717010582&type=1&l=61dbbf823b




Here are some of the items I am loving!

Customs anyone?

 Thought I would post a couple of the custom orders that I did for 2012. 

This is the first bag that I have added stitch detailing to the shoulder strap.

I forgot to get a picture of the finished bag. Here it is just pieced together.

Pin it...to your shirt

Last month, I made some necktie pins, but never made the time to post any pictures. Here ya go!

 

 

******Head bands too******


 

 

 

 

Pins and headbands will be listed at http://www.etsy.com/shop/PurdyEveryday soon.