STUFF HAPPENS

I guess I took a vacation from blogging!

It was not my plan, but . . . . STUFF HAPPENS.

I moved. Big job. Still not finished with everything.

Our mom moved. Still helping her unpack.

MY COMPUTER DIED (violin music, please) a death so horrible that all - ALL - data is lost.

And the voices you hear in the background??? The sisters . . . .
"Want a little cheese with that whine?"

That's all for today. Getting to work.
Susan

P.S. I'd post a picture , but NO Pictures. Waaaaaaaaahhhh.

WE PUT THE FUN IN DYSFUNCTIONAL

Susan Moved.
Our Mother Moved. And is moving again.
Nancy drove cross country from California to Minnesota for a visit.
Georgia drove cross country from California to Minnesota for a visit.

(Two separate visits - had they been on the same route they could have waved as they passed each other coming and going.)

That's just the highlights from the past few weeks.

Kids, sisters, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sons, daughters . . . . . . . .

It's the same everywhere. Issues. Relationships. Communication. Drama. Comings and goings.

And, we hope . . . . . laughter.


Our customers love this Dysfunctional Family bag.
The fabric is very hard to find and we have a short supply.
A unique bag.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45826287/fabric-tote-bag-medium-sized-purse

Night Thoughts

It's raining outside.

I love the sound of the rain drops on my window.

I'm listening to a CD, made for me by a friend. Yo Yo Ma. Lovely piece with vocal - "Simple Gifts."

I performed that many times, but, alas, not with Yo Yo Ma.

My studio is coming together. Too many things for my scaled down room.

Excited to get back to work.

Sweet boy Jordan. Can't decide his favorite: the sound of rain, or Yo Yo Ma.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY

I Googled "Patriotic Photos" this morning, thinking I'd find some nice picture for the blog.

Found It!!

See how my mind goes to fabric??

No, we don't have this fabric, it's just a photo I found online. If you find it anywhere, let us know.

Here in Minnesota, it is not looking like a very nice day for picnics, grilling, swimming and fireworks. It was pouring down rain when I woke up, is now gray and cloudy and SO HUMID, it feels like a tropical rainforest.

Have fun today. I'm cranking up the air conditioning.

HAVE A GREAT JULY 4TH WEEKEND

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42848160/coffee-cuff-reusable-coffee-cup-sleeve

http://www.etsy.com/listing/39826540/checkbook-cover-patriotic-americana-red

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48685449/cell-phone-bag-hangs-from-your-purse-or

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42661093/coffee-cuff-reusable-coffee-cup-sleeve

CHECK OUT THESE PATRIOTIC ACCESSORIES

VISITING WITH NANCY

Usually we have 2 sisters in California and 1 in Minnesota. We've flipped that this past week as Nancy and son, Michael, are visiting in Minnesota. We've had fun doing family things:

. taking Susan to get her car fixed
. picking up huge boxes of photo copies and delivering them to our resident attorney
. accompanying our Mom to Free Pie Day
. sitting in a parking lot during a torrential rain and lightening storm
. enjoying a decadent dessert at a local restaurant
. enjoying a great breakfast at a local restaurant
. enjoying a great dinner at a local restaurant

And, there was a sailing race, an outdoor band concert, an air show, a tornado warning!

Good times in Minnesota - and a few super-sized mosquito bites.

We did not sew.

Nancy has some cute wristlets on the site - finished before her vacation. Georgia has a little different design - both are adorable. Take a look:

http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_query=wristlets&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_7020101

LOVING THE WINE COUNTRY

Georgia lives in the mountains in northern California. She has a 45-minute drive to the nearest town to buy groceries, get some gas, pick up books at the library or buy fabric! The winding road passes many beautiful vinyards and wineries providing great scenery for Georgia (and visiting sisters) throughout the growing season. The wineries in her area are gaining popularity and are destinations for day trips for tourists as well as neighbors in the area.

Here's a new bag in our shop, created by Georgia, inspired by the local wine country.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/50115079/fabric-tote-bag-medium-sized-purse-wine

FOLLOWING UP ON EARLIER POST

We received a nice Convo from our custom order customer I wrote about earlier this morning:

"Thanks again. I think Etsy is the bomb. I love unique things and all you talented artists are so creative and accommodating! It's a breath of fresh air in a mass-produced world."

How nice - and thanks to all our customers who make our work fun.

CUSTOM ORDERS

We love CUSTOM ORDERS. It's fun to work with a customer, choosing designs, adapting designs according to customer needs, selecting fabrics and linings . . . . .

The CONVO'S fly back and forth accompanied by photos . . . .

And a final design is approved.

We create the bag or accessory and photo the finished product, listing it as a special order in our Etsy shop. Our bags are made in California and Minnesota. We each make certain bags, so when you request a custom order, you will work directly with the designer of that particular bag or accessory.

Here's a recent custom order:

Our customer contacted us on June 14. She liked our Lite - Wallet on a String, and wondered if we had some sunflower fabric that we could use to make a bag for her. Georgia replied and told her YES! We'd love to!

June 15 the customer sent us a link to a fabric she liked, and we dug through our stash to see what we had that was close. Found it! In Minnesota! Fabric was mailed (takes 2 days) to California. The customer then decided she'd like a second bag, and again, sent us a link to a fabric she liked from our shop.

June 16, Georgia suggested that our customer take a measurement to determine the exact length of the strap and that was incorporated into the bag. We can do that with custom orders.
The customer also requested a thicker cord and we were able to do that as well.

June 21 - Both bags finished, listed on Etsy, paid for by the customer.
June 22 - Bags shipped.

We are proud of our quick turn around time and fast shipping. The turn around on this bag was a little longer than Georgia's usual as she had to be out of town over the weekend for a wedding.

Please contact us with your ideas. We will be happy to work with you.

A Lovely Weekend

Great Girlfriends
Good Food
Music
Theater
Conversation
Companionship
Productivity
Relaxation
Family
Friends
Sweet Pets
Quiet

Life Is Good!

SMUG LITTLE PUGS

IF YOU LOVE THIS . . . . . . . . .



THESE ARE FOR YOU!

WALLET ON A STRING - THE LITE BAG
http://www.etsy.com/listing/43895661/wallet-on-a-string-small-purse-zipper

TOTE BAG
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39970405/fabric-tote-bag-medium-sized-purse-pugs


WALLET ON A STRING - LITTLE BIGGER BAG
http://www.etsy.com/listing/44466826/wallet-on-a-string-small-purse-zippered

ZIPPERED COSMETIC BAG -MEDIUM SIZE

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43898639/cosmetics-bag-medium-padded-zippered


EVERYBODY, ALL TOGETHER NOW . . .
AAAWWWWWWWWW

FREE PIE DAY

Most of the time we sew and work on the computer. But sometimes we take a little break.

Nancy and Georgia can be seen at their local casino from time to time. Or at a Giants baseball game. (California)

Susan likes theater productions at the Guthrie theater, or a concert at Orchestra Hall. (Minnesota)

But today, in Minnesota, it is FREE PIE DAY for Susan and OUR MOM, Georgene.

A local restaurant offers free pie with every purchase. So, here's how we do it:

We show up for breakfast at 10:30 a.m. when the promotion begins. We order breakfast. The food is great. We accept the FREE PIE and opt to have them box it to take with us. We hang out together until lunch time and we eat the FREE PIE for lunch. We spend the day together doing errands and hanging out. Then, we return to the restaurant for a later dinner, usually something light, and again are rewarded with FREE PIE, which we take home and enjoy the following day!

Have a good day and may you find FREE PIE!

RAIN! AGAIN!

ANOTHER DAY OF DREARY RAIN.

THE ANIMALS ARE PAIRING UP.

SPEAKING OF ANIMALS . . . . . . .

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42062403/wristlet-small-purse-detachable-strap

NEW LISTING - SOPHISTICATED SUNFLOWER

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49374304/pleated-purse-handbag-sophisticated

Georgia's new creation. Too, too pretty.

OH, FER CUTE!

Wallet on a String
http://www.etsy.com/listing/48512360/wallet-on-a-string-small-bag-zippered

Demo Photo
All this stuff fits into our Wallet On A String Bag
Hands Free!!

This is Georgia's newest creation, just listed on Etsy. As we say here in Minnesota, when we really like something . . . .

"Oh, fer cute!"

SUMMER = FLIP FLOPS

Our friend, Donna, is the Flip Flop Queen. She has lots of them to wear on her feet, plus bags we've made for her, and lots of cute clothing items.

Do you have a friend like this? Check these links to see what we have in our shops today. Your "flip flop" girlfriend will appreciate a thoughtful friendship gift.

http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_query=flip+flops&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_9177540

http://www.etsy.com/listing/23072311/hobo-bag-slouch-bag-with-embroidered

SEARCHING FOR BETTY BOOB

One of the tools we use in our business is Google Analytics. We can access data on a daily basis to tell us how many people visited our shop, what search engines they used to get there, what key words they used to find us.

Susan was looking at today's report and laughed when she noticed someone had search for "Betty Boob" and found us!

We have a number of fabrics featuring the adorable Betty Boop - and I guess Betty Boob was close enough to get her to our shop.

Want to find her?

http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_query=betty+boop&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_9177540

WHAT COLOR BITCH ARE YOU??

Cosmetic Bag/Coin Purse
Babe In Total Control of Herself

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49005209/coin-purse-small-padded-zippered-pouch

If you are a Babe
In
Total
Control of
Herself

Or you know one . . . . .
Or two . . . .

You'll love this little bag as a treat for yourself
or a cute gift for your girlfriends.

Choose from one of four color choices in our most popular fabric!

We can make any of our items from this fabric and you choose the color.
We love to do custom orders.

Warning: we are running out of red.

BUGS!

Cell Phone Bag
BUGS!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39861305/cell-phone-bag-hangs-from-purse-or-jeans

Kleenex Tissue Purse Pack Cover
BUGS!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/47074515/kleenex-pocket-size-tissue-pack-cover

Small Zippered Pouch
Cosmetic Bag or Coin Purse
BUGS!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/41672373/coin-purse-small-padded-zippered-pouch

Bug Hunt

Going on a bug hunt

Going to find some bugs.

Look in every corner.

Peek under all the rugs.

Going on a bug hunt

Going to get my fill

Of dragonflies in ponds

Or ants upon a hill.

Going on a bug hunt

I'm sure to find a fly.

Mosquitoes and beetles,

A pretty butterfly.

Going on a bug hunt

Going to look at night

I'll surely find a moth

Circling around a light.

Going on a bug hunt

Looking up a tree

Searching in a flower

I'll find a honeybee.

Going on a bug hunt

We'll look here and there.

Up and down, all around

Bugs are everywhere!

New Studio in Minnesota

Cosmetic Bag
Wavy Stripes - Pink and Orange

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40028071/cosmetics-bag-medium-padded-zippered

Notepad Holder
Wavy Stripes - Pink and Orange

http://www.etsy.com/listing/39907788/notepad-holder-with-pen-journal-pink-and

Coffee Cuff
Wavy Stripes - Pink and Orange
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39867091/coffee-cuff-reusable-coffee-cup-sleeve

Business Card Holder
Wavy Stripes - Pink and Orange
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40029596/business-card-holder-mini-wallet-gift

Large Reversible Tote
Wavy Stripes - Pink and Orange
http://www.etsy.com/listing/33530878/large-reversible-tote-bag-cross-body

Susan has moved her studio from Minnesota to . . . . . . Minnesota! Actually, just a 15 minute drive from her old studio. The new studio is a "high rise", (does third floor qualify?) with a large corner window nestled in the tree tops. All is green. Which should turn orange, red and yellow in the fall judging by the types of trees. And . . . . . will be brown and snowy white throughout the winter.

The walls of the studio are painted a vibrant orange! Orange is said to produce energy and creativity. We're hoping for some great things.

And, speaking of orange . . . . . . .

PAINTING DAYS

CELL PHONE BAG
Paint Tubes
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39863601/cell-phone-bag-hangs-from-purse-or-jeans

Susan is moving her studio to a new location in the next few days. Yesterday, and today,

and tomorrow, and tomorrow and tomorrow - creeps forward at this petty pace . . . . .

Wait, that was Shakespeare class . . .

For a few days she'll be painting her new place - which brought this cute cell phone bag to mind.

JUST BECAUSE IT SAYS "SOLD" . . . . . .

Pleated Purse
Recently Sold

Just because it says "SOLD", doesn't necessarily mean it's not available.
Our bags are not massed produced, and most are one of a kind.
And, while we have hundreds of fabrics, most are purchased in 1 - 3 yard lengths.
In many cases we can make a second or third bag from the same fabric.

When you shop in our store, click on the "sales" (we now have 254 sales in bagitdesigns) and you'll see everything we've sold in the past 14 months.
You may see something you like.

Convo (Etsy speak for conversation) us by clicking on the "conversations" link at the top of the page and ask us if we can make another of the item you like. We can, if we have the fabric, and we love to do it!

The gal who purchased our pleated bag left the following very nice feedback:

Outstanding seller!
I received my bag in 4 days!
Great product, very nicely made!
My daughter will love it for her b-day!
Highly recommend this shop!!!

It's nice customers and friendly transactions that make this job fun.

Here's To The Girlfriends!

Cosmetic Bag - Coin Purse - Zippered Pouch

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40007733/coin-purse-small-padded-zippered-pouch

Thank God for Girlfriends

I recently found several pages I printed from the internet with cute quotes that are fun to share with my girlfriends. And, they're good for a blog when the author is too tired, too busy, or too brain dead to come up with something original. I plead guilty to all of the above. Thus, this quote:

"Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends."

Nothing says, "I love you, girlfriend," like a new cute little bag.
Or a chocolate bar.
Or a chocolate bar in a new cute little bag.

FLAMIN' BLAZIN' HOT

SUNGLASSES CASE

http://www.etsy.com/listing/41466193/eyeglass-or-sunglasses-case-padded

COSMETICS BAG - COIN PURSE
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40864777/coin-purse-small-padded-zippered-pouch

CELL PHONE BAG
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39862850/cell-phone-bag-hangs-from-purse-or-jeans


It is hot here in Minnesota today. Tropically Hot. Humid.
HOT AS HELL!
My car thermometer said 96 degrees at one point this afternoon.
And, it is only May.
IT LOOKS LIKE A LONG HOT SUMMER.
For those of you who enjoy that sort of thing,
our flamin' accessories will drive up the heat while doing a blazin' job organizing items in your purse.

I'm heading for the shower.

Weddings, Graduations, Pollen, Allergies . . . . What Do They Have In Common???

KLEENEX!!!

We all get the sniffles - tears of joy, tears of sadness, stuffy noses, allergies . . . . . . and then we need a kleenex. Our kleenex/tissue holder provides a cute way to carry and protect a tissue pack in the purse, in the desk drawer, in a locker, or the glove compartment. These make a great gift. Check our shop to see what's available today - and check again later - we add new fabrics all the time.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Bagitdesigns2?section_id=6762257

WE HAVE GREAT CUSTOMERS

We just received a "convo" (Etsy term for conversation/correspondence) from a new customer:

I recently purchased the monkey purse and the wine purse...one for my mom and one for my sister.....I just had to write to you again and tell you how pleased I am with both purchases. Very quick service, beautifully made, exactly like pictured and a great buy!!!! Thank you so much. You and your sisters are very, very talented. I love the purses where the inside material goes with the outside material...same theme. GREAT!!! Can't wait to see your new ideas!!! Thanks again.
A. from Florida

We are so fortunate to have such supportive and kind customers. Thanks to all of you!

PRICE REDUCED ON OILCLOTH BAGS

PRICES REDUCED ON OILCLOTH BAGS
ORIGINALLY $45.00 - NOW $39.95

Click here to see what's available now
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BagItDesigns?section_id=5980921

AND KEEP CHECKING AS WE'RE ADDING NEW BAGS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

And Things That Go Bump In The Night . . . . .

Now this is creepy!

Living on a lake, surrounded by lots of trees, we're often visited by woodland creatures:
raccoons, deer, fox, a coyote, loons, geese, wood ducks, chipmunks, squirrels, an eagle . . . . .

And, many times over the years we've had a few little critters get inside the house:
mice (in the fall), chipmunks (in the summer - they sneak in through the open garage door, then dart into the house, following behind some unaware human occupant) . . . . . .

It adds excitement for a moment or two.

We're currently experiencing a little "excitement" that I fear will have an extended run with a very bad ending.

Some critter has found it's way into our chimney and worked it's way down to where the chimney meets the fireplace. It's a complicated and not at all up to code (gift of a previous owner) where fireplace and some furnace vents are all running in the same place. I may have that wrong, but I don't even begin to try to understand what's going on in there.

What's going on in there now is a CRITTER who somehow got in and cannot get OUT!
If he makes it into the fireplace, he'll be contained in there as our fireplace doors are secure.
So, as I write this, he's scurrying around scraping his little claws against the metal chimney liner. Think fingernails on a chalk board . . . . . . . . (shudder).

As long as I hear him, he's not dead. As soon as I do NOT hear him, he IS DEAD. And soon, he will stink. Badly. I haven't yet recovered from the critter who somehow worked his way into the dryer vent and expired. Gads! That was a task to get his tiny mouse corpse out of there!

By the way it sounds, I'm thinking small raccoon. With luck, it's a chipmunk WITH GIANT CLAWS.

Oh, the horror!

And you ask, "How do you know it's a he?"

DUH

MEET EMMA

EMMA - Joins the team - May 13, 2009

Meet Emma, our new Bag-It Designs team member. Emma's a skinny little thing with annoyingly perky breasts, but at about 5' 6" tall, we think she'll do a great job as a model for our "demo" photos, giving our customers a better idea about the size of our products.

You'll see her later with a Mother-Load or Tote Bag hanging from her shoulder, a Lite or Party Purse draped across her body, or a necklace or scarf around her neck.

We'll be taking photos over the next couple of weeks and you'll see Emma in our Etsy listings and here on the blog.

Tired Computer - Taking A Break??

My computer has been sooooo slooooooow today. Reading email was a chore. And now, that I'm feeling rather slow myself and ready to go to bed . . . . .

It's perked up!

I hope I'm as perky in the morning.

Good night!

FINDING BUTTERFLIES

Yesterday we featured our Mom, affectionately called "Grandma Georgene"by her kids, grandkids, and great grand kids. She is a huge fan of butterflies.

Click on this link and you'll find butterflies . . . . . .

http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_query=butterflies&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_9177540