Arrrgh, Matey!

I've been creating like crazy around here, trying to get gifts done for Christmas - yes, it's worth it!
Anyway, I just finished Pete's Christmas present, and I'm having trouble not playing with it myself. Maybe blogging about it, will distract me enough, so I can get on with the rest of the gifts I need to make by Friday. (yes, it's worth it!)

I decided to make Peter a bag, for "pirating" - or for hunting treasures.
Here's his Pirate bag, made with scrap corduroy and lined with a used men's shirt:




Inside you'll find some extra special cargo:






I found a map at a local used book store for $1.00 + tax, and I just sewed it to double thick fabric, for easy rolling (as this is how pirates carry their treasure maps apparently). If I were a pirate I would make my maps tiny and laminate them, for easy traveling - but I guess that's not piratey enough these days.



I'm hoping to make a telescope and a compass to add to the bag too. And I like making the maps so much, I might add some to my shop and see what happens. I can't wait to see how he reacts to these maps (he's even been tearing apart road atlases to roll up the "treasure" maps in them!).

If I don't post before the holiday, I hope you have a very Happy Christmas, and are able to spend it with people who love you!
Jenn

It's Hip, come on!

Hey everyone, it's officially "shopping" season and it's time to look at the calendar. Wow, did you look? There aren't many days left until Christmas, and don't you have a LOT of people that you would like to delight with gifts?

This Saturday, from 11-7, the Flying M Coffeegarage, holds it's 3rd annual "Hip holiday Market". It is a fabulous collection of local artists, and their unique gifts - you will NOT want to miss it. This year there will be more artists than ever before, and if you haven't been to the M for a while, you'll note that there is a lot more room in the "garage"for the biggest market ever.

If you are planning on spending any cash this year, please consider shopping locally (no, not at your local Walmart), but by businesses that are owned by local people, who live in your community. And if it's possible, look for items that are made by hand by people you live near. A simple choice to purchase locally, will benefit our community and brings so much satisfaction. Meet the person who created the product, find out that they live within 10 miles of your home, and their handicraft is made without compromising or threatening your family's employment.

I hope to see you there! Join the local and handmade revolution.
Here's a sampling of what I will have to offer...





oh oh... here's a sweet article about this show (and a shout out to fellow crafters!