I think I've made a decision.

I've been going back and forth for a long time about whether or not to start up an etsy store. The big reason I haven't is that I would hate to begin to create just for the sake of a sale. I've made a decision; I'm going to do it. I actually worked on three projects for my soon to be shop (oh that's even scary saying that) today. 

Two tiny 6" Dresdens, destined to be a pair of mug rugs.

I've decided that since I love making tiny things, and I like the thrill of finishing projects, I should make small projects. I'll make them a couple at a time and work with modern/popular fabrics that I enjoy. I figure I don't need 10 fabric journal covers... so maybe someone would like to buy one of those? Same with mug rugs... I've got about a million of them and love the mug rug swap so they'll keep coming! I love the creativity of a small project. I can try out a new thing, but am not at much loss if it doesn't work out. Wish me luck.

Fabric Basket and Journal Covers!

Here they are. Fabric Journal covers! I'm so excited about these! I had the idea in my head to do one of these for my Urban Home Goods Swap partner, and that's how I came to be making 2" stars... I actually could have made them smaller because in my head this top journal cover should have three stars on it! It all worked out in the end though because I just couldn't leave that last star alone, I made a cover for myself too! I love paper, and I love fabric! These journals have been sitting on my shelf for about a year, I bought them on clearance at the bookstore I work at (can't beat $0.50 for a journal with nice unlined paper). They were just crying out from my shelf to be covered in tiny stars! The inside cover of the light grey/navy one has some pretty tree of life fabric, and the navy/AMH Good Folks one has Owls on the inside. I used this tutorial, and it worked out great!! The interfacing gives the cover just enough sturdiness to make it feel wonderful! I can't stop looking at them. It might actually make me take up real journaling again (I have probably 2 dozen full journals from college... can't bear to get rid of them). Maybe it'll be more of a spiritual journal. That may be good. :)

Next up. You may know that I like to be as generous as I can with swaps... well this round of the Urban Home Goods Swap they changed it up making it manditory to only send two handmade items. I'm struggling with that. I wanted to make a bigger item (like a pillow or sewing machine cover) and a couple/few little items. I mostly wanted to do this to have an excuse to really put my heart into some little projects. When I make things for myself they tend not to be as polished as swap things I'd send out, example: this fabric bucket.

I took my time on it, I made it all pretty and even etc, but had it been for a swap I'd have made that band of navy a band of patchwork with embroidery and such. Nope. For me it's quick and easy. I guess it's just a good thing to try it out before getting all fancy, but still. So I'd like to make my partner a pretty and detailed (and much bigger than this) fabric basket, but I'm thinking of going the pillow route instead. To me a bucket just isn't a "big item." Will the swap police yell at me if I "accidentally" send three items? hehe. Oh and I want to make a hoop too. Scatterbrained I guess. PS: this bucket was made with this tutorial, minus the patchwork. It worked like a breeze. My little girl will surely like to put her little treasures in there.

By the way. We got some snow, did you? 20" is enough for me. I'm ready for spring!