The Silence

Please accept my apologies to the blogs I follow with no comments from me of late!! Seems 'some of us' have a problem on blogger, were we can no longer comment on blogs, this has been looked into by blogger but as of last Tuesday 24th May still no fix available.
I have therefore begun work on a NEW blog on wordpress for Bags of Swank by SimJaTa, due to my lack of technical ability this is prooving to be a bit of a challenge and may well take some time before I announce the new blog, and indeed work out how to showcase the shared talents on Folksy.

With some help from some of the talented people on Folksy who already have some simply splendid blogs on wordpress I am sure I will get there in time, and hope to have a shiny new blog that will hopefully be at least half as good as the ones I have been shown.

'IF' this post does actually work I will continue to update both Bags of Swank by SimJaTa, and the future 'June Bugs' from Folksy on here.

Meanwhile I have been busy with new items on Folksy, and currently working on some custom orders - as always not enough hours in the day to manage the work I would like and work on a new blog.

Here are a couple of my latest items I have enjoyed working on, some new even brighter bags and gadget cases, I have also added some costmetics bags to the Folksy shop.





Hoping your weather is being kinder to you all than it is here, just back from a rather wet doggie walk, which required a full change of clothing.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Today's Folksy Mayhem Luxuries

Been a bit lax on the blog posts of late, this lack of car thing has eaten up more available hours, but all sorted now and will show off the new SimJaTamobile soon.

So, here are today's wonderful luxury treasures from the Folksy Mayhers today, these are just a small selection, why not pop over to Folksy to see the rest of the super treats and gifts available. To see further details of the goodies below and visit the rest of the available treasures, simply click the picture.

To begin, here is one of "Dottie Designs" memory books, this one is for an 18th birthday, and can also be personalised.



Something different from "Diomo Glass" this attractive pressed flowers panel



Now, I know I make bags myself - but this is why I can appreciate the beauty of this one by "Audreys Cat", a 1950's Vintage Fabric Shoulder Bag



From "Josie - Mary" a crochet heart, with the wonderful aroma of Lavender



What stunning jewellery can be made from these lovely charms from "Pink Chihuahua Kisses"



"The Whimsical Wren" has this unique vintaj quartz necklace



..and finally from right here at Bags of Swank by SimJaTa a lovely bright bag for the summer holidays




Hope you have enjoyed todays wonderful Folksy Treats. All fabulous crafters, if you were to purchase today your items would be sent out beautifully wrapped and with you as soon as Royal Mail fetch them.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Tuesday's Folksy Mayhem Goodies

Another superb selection of fabulous crafts on offer today from the Folksy Mayhem Crafters, my only problem is how to choose. So as not to over do it, I have just selected a few from today, but if there is anyone out there who does not yet know of the fabulous crafts available on Folksy be sure to visit and take a look. Meanwhile, for the ones below simply 'click' on the photograph to be taken to further details and look at the rest of that sellers outstanding shop of beautiful crafts.

To begin is 'Uniquely Yours' with her Gadget Case in blues and purples



A very attractive Turquoise handmade necklace from "MarthaMooBeads"



"Pollykrafts" has some lovely shabby chic lavender Bags, here is just one from today



A Lola filigree heart necklace seen here from "Clover Jeweles" today



From one of the best soap makers (I know as I have one)"Scrub up Lovely" today's is a soothing and calming soap with Apricot Kernal



This caught my eye as being stunning and unusual, a heart polymer clay pendant by "By Creative Hands"



Lastly, from me here at "Bags of Swank by SimJaTa" gorgeous tote bag with Folk Art Cats



I hope you have enjoyed looking at today's selection as much as I have. All the above crafters work very hard at what they do, and take the greatest care both with their items, packaging and Customer Service.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Goodbye to the bus

No, that wasnt the goodbye. That was last year after getting stuck on the beach, but otherwise my pride and joy, complete with paw prints and bumper stickers for Bags of Swank.
Let me start at the beginnning, at Easter OH had his car written off in a rather nasty accident were he was very lucky to be unharmed. His other car was waiting on repair in the garage proving to be a rather large job, scenario still on going. Then, last weekend my bus (seen above) was vandalised, putting me off the road for a week, and us being a vehicle free household - this in itself caused a lot of difficulties. Move forward to this Saturday, car fixed!! Hurray, I drove it ONCE to go tend to my Mum who has been unwell this weekend. Yesterday the end came, the engine died, the beloved bus is no more.
No, the exercise of walking 4 large dogs on foot is not good for my arthritic knees and back, I usually walk on sand which I can manage fine.

If anyone out there can find a plus side please let me know, as I am really struggling with this just now.

Sorry for the gloomy post, normal service will be resumed in a day or so when I hope to get back to the Folksy Mayhemers and show some goodies.

Happy Handmade birthday Sian

Its my friend Sian's birthday. Hopefully she will like her gifts many with the help of Folksy. I have made the above cosmetics bag, as not only does she like Longhorn Cows (dont ask) but also has a dog and 2 black cats. Inside the bag is some Avon SSS, yes thats not Folksy but much needed for her outdoor work as it acts as a repellant. Also some simply lovely soap, very well presented and from "Earth Kandi" on Folksy, seen here (just click on photo to be taken to shops below)



I also bought myself one, this is called Angel Archangel Zadkiel Soap, and is fabulous, very nice soap and smells amazing - I will be back for more of this soon.




Here is the best bit, my Mum is making a card with this amazing piece of artwork by Audrey's Art, when I put out an appeal for Longhorn Cows on Folksy nobody else could help, but Dawn went off and produced this..



There are other amazing ACEO's in her shop, which can be found by clicking on the below photo of this one that is for sale, one of my favourites of course as its a dog.



There are other cosmetics bags in my shop, along with tote bags, shoulder bags, handbags, messenger bags and mobile covers.
Along with lots of special gift idea's from the many other talents on Folksy - easily found by following my shop link on the right of page.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

More from the Folksy Mayhem Folks

I think I am getting far too addicted to this new club, may be something to do with the warm welcome? Just love watching the new crafts added throughout the day, the hard part is choosing the favourites, I forced myself to choose just 7 today - was not an easy task. But I did also do some tweeting earlier of some of the other items, also tried not to duplicate from my last choices although of course I do favour some shops.

Also enjoying browsing and today's blog as I am 'meant' to be tidying up the front garden - promised myself I would do it today, but it just might rain (before I get around to getting out there)

To begin today is an ACEO from the Nostalgia Collection by "Maxine Veronica Art"



Stunning Earrings with sky blue flowers from "Milliebead"



Here from "Diomo Glass" some sunshine for all year round for your window sill



One of my, (and my Mums) favourite jewellers "Bessie loves" with this lovely brass butterfly necklace



This is something totally different, completely caught my eye - sure it will yours too, how about this for a totally individual gift from "Spirit of the Woods"



From "Lynwoodcrafts" this really pretty lavender bag, just after I choose this picture I noticed another one of 3 - what a great set.



From "Pants and Paper" great quality gift tags, finish off a Folksy gift in style




Lastly, from "Bags of Swank by SimJaTa" a gift for the horse person, tote bag with wild horses




Hope you enjoyed today's choices, for more information and to look at the rest of the wonderful shops above, simply click on the picture to be taken to their shop.

Not raining yet, suppose I really should make for the garden.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

SimJaTa joins the Mayhem Club

Sounds very grand doesnt it? Well let me explain. The Mayhem Group is Folksy's daily listing club, they have a new name each month. I am a bit fashionably late I'm afriad it being the 8th of May already, but still better late than never. Must admit although I have watched the group on occasion I never really knew what it was all about, the gist is (thank you again Natalie) you try to list an item each day on the daily thread named on the forum (no penalites if you dont manage it), then you promote it. Via facebook, Twitter and indeed right here on Blogger. First being sure to click on each item in turn to boost the views.

OK, done the listing, done the clicking and done some tweeting, so next is my first blog to show off a few of today's Mayhem listings, but what a tough choice! So many lovely things to choose from, and I can only select a few - so here are my choices for today.

I had to admire the upcycling and skill behind Oblue Thrashion Carved Culture, for today she has this excellent Skateboard Belt Buckle



From Lilly's Night Garden a very attractive A6 notebook, Green Daisies that includes some pressed flowers for added effect, how sweet is this?



First I must thank Natalie from Nofkants Curios for taking the time to explain the Mayhem Group to me, and for all the work and time she puts in, taking me all my time to keep up just being a part of it. From Natalies shop today are these seriously cute hand knitted baby shoes.



I was also drawn to this lovely card from 'Cards with a Difference' called Seraphina mouse dioroma card



I love this Swallow Brooch from Silk Purse, Sow's Ear - called SugarPlum Bird Brooch



This Ivy Leaf Sterling Silver Pendant is from Damselfly Gemma, very unique item.




Not forgetting my own 2 additions today, from Bags of Swank by SimJaTa a matching tote bag and cosmetics bag, featuring sophisticated and rather bright cats.






Sure hope I can keep up the pace, will certainly give it my best shot for this month. But really must tear myself away and go do some work so I have a months worth of items to join in with.

Hope you enjoy my selection.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Folksy Friday ~Cosmetics/make up bags

Thank Folksy its Friday! For this week I wanted to show off the rest of the cosmetics bags found on Folksy, so here are my 3 volunteers who were willing to do that. Like bag making in general, cosmetic bags too come in all shapes and sizes ready for that personal preferance.

My first 2 are from Eva B Designs, starting off with a space saving roll out cosmetics bag very handy to pop into your luggage. Then a Retro Cotton make up bag. (dont forget, simply click on the pictures to be taken for further details and to take a look at what else is on offer in each shop)





Next from Nostalgia Knits a very handy make up brush roll



From Audrey's Cat, a 60s Patchwork Vintage fabric make up bag, and blue atomic vintage fabric bag.





Not forgetting the very first one from Bags of Swank by SimJaTa, the vintage swan cosmetic bag to match the tote bag also in Folksy shop.



I think all these costmetic/make up bags are superb, they look fantastic and are all reasonably priced, ideal treat for yourself or to give as a useful and attractive gift.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Inspiration leading to new items by SimJaTa

Today I have introduced a new range to Bags of Swank by SimJaTa. The 'Cosmetic Bag', the one in the above picture has not been listed yet, maybe at weekend - so keep checking.

Never under estimate the power of blogging. I was reading one of my favourite blogs by Uniquely Yours this morning, were she featured 'Bathroom Items' including some fabulous handmade soaps which can also be found on Folksy. I have been really struggling what to get my friend Sian for her birthday next week, whilst trying to support a fellow crafter on Folksy and found some great idea's on that blog. Then, I thought (light bulb moment) I could make her a cosmetics bag to put some items in - why not give it a go? So, I made 2 today and liked them so much I have added one to my shop.

You can find the lady responsible for my inspiration here (links to her fab blog are on the profile page)



I did also managed to finally conquor the Clutch Bag, also still to come in the Folksy shop (links on top right of page).

So, here is todays new listing - the very first Cosmetics Bag by SimJaTa




Also in my shop is a matching tote bag




So, today's lesson - keep reading those blogs out there you never know what they can lead too.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa'