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'

New Designs from SimJaTa

Refreshed from the Bank Holiday outing, Bags of Swank by SimJaTa has been trying some new designs. As much as I love tote bags I must realise not everyone has the desire to cart round the kitchen sink when they leave the house, some people have more sense and use a 'smaller' bag.
So SimJaTa set to work to try create a clutch bag, as you see not quite got there yet but it is still on the drawing board.

The Boho style bag with the Old English Sheepdogs and Bearded Collies started out smaller but grew, I did like the end result though, so this bag will be on sale in the Folksy shop soon.
The second bag is going back to SimJaTa roots, and has been upcycled aside from the vintage Paisley fabric to the flap and sides, the rest of the bag is made from upcycled fabric and handle, the bag charm on the side I found in a drawer from my long gone jewellery making days as I thought this set off the bag nicely. Again, I was happy with the results and this too will be available to purchase in my Folksy shop soon - maybe even this week! So do watch out for that one.

Raring to go today with a clean slate ready to create something different, just a visit to the Post Office to go with the weekends custom order, and another awaiting photograph - a friend of mine was looking at the photo's of her dog on my Facebook page, showed her friend who is now interested in a Custom Bag with her dog on, just shows the power of networking does help (see today's Folksy Blog).

Hope you are all refreshed from the lovely weekend.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

When the going gets tough - its off to the sheep

As the song goes "When the going gets tough - the tough get going" and in our case that is off to visit our fantastic friends and their sheep. What can be better than a tranquil few hours spent away from too many working hours spending quality time with friends and loved ones? So, we took Dad for an outing too, and the grand age of 73 he still has a great time visiting the sheep, last year was the first time he had held a new lamb.
The photo's show Dad cuddling one of the larger lambs, and one of me too (dont get used to that) some of the herd charging towards us for some sheep nuts, one lamb over my shoulder being rather vocal, for something so small sure can belt out some noise.
Nearby are also a couple of nesting swans, this is the cob enjoying a rest from guard duty.

Before this we even ventured out for lunch with Mum and Dad, unfortunatly Mum cant visit the sheep just now as she is unable to walk that distance anymore, but this week she is taking delivery of her brand new 'Granny Wizz machine' so should be able to come with us next time.

Great day off for us all, poor OH has been battling trying to fix the old car in the garage for some transport this week to no avail as yet - day off did him good too, back to it tomorrow for us both (After a nice relaxing dog walk of course).

Hope everyone is enjoying the fine weather, nice and sunny here but rather a strong wind as you can see by the wonderful hair do in the picture.

Oh, just one bag today - has to be this one..




~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~