Leave of Absence

Just a quicky to explain the quietness from Bags of Swank by SimJaTa and Special by SimJaTa over the next few days. Starting today really...

We have our WoofBeginnings
fund raiser this weekend. Set up our stall tomorrow (Friday) then ready for the Town and Country Fair in Southport for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Also our agility team are attending so Alfie will be performing, and maybe Jaja depending on just how brave we are feeling.

Today I have been sorting out the tombola prizes, so far we have managed 150 prizes for each of the days, so I have done day 1 and folding up over 1,000 raffle tickets and sticking on tickets, then packing up the boxes - didnt take too long, only the best part of 8 hours!! I very much doubt I will be seeing much of a sewing needle till Tuesday, or maybe Wednesday, feels very strange not to be working - but I suppose its a forced break and lets me come back all nice and refreshed ready for new designs. I will be missing out on Folksy Friday and Handmade Monday, so hope to read and catch up next week.

Before I go, here is the new bag I listed today on Folksy




..and if I get the time I will be listing the gadget pouch I made to match at some point too.

Luckily I have got ahead with the brooches so can start listing more of those in my other shop - Special By SimJaTa, like this one listed yesterday



The photo's take you straight to the shop, so please do go have a looksie, I will be available to post out up till tomorrow lunchtime, but sadly not until Tuesday after that.

Our main worry for the weekend is of course the weather, usually v.good for August bank holiday, but not looking so promising this time - Ali, if you are reading this perhaps you can send that prayer off to the weather gods again? As you know a weekend of hanging on to tent poles really is not ideal, and tombola tickets are really not so good in wind and rain.

Hope you all have a great weekend with whatever you have planned.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Rescue Dogs

I have been happy to observe recently that many of us crafters are also animal lovers, be it dogs like me and cats. So todays wafflings are on the rescue dog. The above photo shows four dogs from this mornings walkies, can you spot the rescue ones? no, of course not they are all dogs having fun. Zac the golden retriver (rescue), Alfie the black labrador (rescue) and their pals Charlie the mad yellow labrador and Bailey the darker golden retriever.



Here is our Jaja, looking so adoringly at my friend Sylvia - not because he loves her, but he does love her pocket of gravy bones. Jaja was adopted from Swindon Strictly Strays 8 years ago as a puppy, his Mum was rescued by them expecting a litter, Jaja was one of that litter, infact the largest of that litter. He has been a lucky dog, never known anything but love throughout his life.




This is our Alfie, adopted 31st October 2009 after a relationship breakup. Alfie did arrive with us with one or two 'issues' we are still getting there, he is ok with most dogs now, but still needs a little work. He does attend classes each week, along with agility, flyball and scent work to keep his brain working and keep him out of trouble the rest of the time.


Tess came to us from Labrador Rescue 9 years ago, she was a failed gundog who had then been homed to a delightful family (not) who beat her, she is still a nervous dog at times, sometimes you cannot remove the past no matter how you try. Tess is now around 11 years old but still enjoys playing with the younger dogs.



Zac, is my friend Sylvia's dog, he is from Retriever rescue. Also a very nervous dog with many an issue, he is quite happy as long as he is in familiar surroundings and with his friends, but reverts back to his nerves in strange places. His Mum no longer has holidays as Zac couldnt cope with them.

Last night I was looking here ManyTears
at the many dogs needing homes, heartbraking to see so many unwanted dogs. I may well have been lucky enough to find one a home with a local lady who was looking for a minature poodle having lost hers to old age earlier in the year, so thats one lucky dog out of so many.
Many Tears are one of the rescues my own organisation help to support, as well as crafting I am also area co-ordinator, and one of the founders of Woof Beginnings,
WoofBeginnings
we raise funds to help rescue dogs. Currently working towards our next show at the end of the month, collecting as many donations of prizes for our quality tombola as we can.

Hope you have enjoyed meeting some of our friends today, I have been told recently blogging should be about other aspects of our lives as well as crafting, so here you have an insight into mine.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

The June Bugs from Folksy

"June is busting out allover" well, ok it has been for 7 days now, sorry I am a bit late, but been busy with afore mentioned show, which was a success and we managed to raise just short of £360 for Woof Beginnings!!!

Anyway, to the point - remember the Mayhemers? well this month we have the June Bugs, where we can find the best crafters showcasing their wonderful talents with crafts for you to purchase on Folksy. Its easy too, all you need to do is click the pictures of the below scrumptious items for futher details, and to take a look around the rest of that crafters shop.

To begin is Nofkants Curios, not only a great crafter but the caretaker of the June Bugs, who looks after us all and calculates the amazing sales tally each month. Be sure to click on this wonderful knitted and crocheted handbag.



One of the talented card makers is "Cards with a Difference" with today's card a trio of bears



For something clever and totally different, this really attracted me this morning from "Lilly's Night Garden" this decorative box in the style of a flip flop



One of my favorite jewellery makers (I have some of her earrings) "Squintessential" and a gorgeous Summer Pastels Necklace



From "C Shell Designs" another one that caught my eye today, very attractive card for the Camper Van people



"Diomo Glass" has this lovely glass panel in her shop today, be sure to take a look at the other wonderful items she has there too



As someone who cannot draw for toffee, I am always amazed at the collection of wonderful art on Folksy, here is a watercolour painting from "Wellydog Gallery" I am very tempted by



This is lovely, and a great idea too, from "Clover Jewels" a bright eyes beaded glasses chain



Lastly from me at "Bags of Swank by SimJaTa" a visit from the Love Birds on this lighter weight tote bag, that can easily fold up in your handbag to take with you.




Hope you have enjoyed today's choices, I will endeaver to keep up a bit better this month so you wont miss out on all the wonderful items to be found on Folksy from the 'June Bugs'.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~