SimJaTa goes to Lockerbie

I am very pleased to announce that a selection of my tote bags/shoulder bags are now on sale at The Tartan Tea Room in Lockerbie.
My thanks to Sarah the boss lady, for agreeing to showcase my bags in her wonderful tea rooms, with the most amazing cakes ever, and a selection of craft items.

I should also thank my amazing husband for carefully driving the bags up to Lockerbie on Saturday, kitted out in his new 'Bags of Swank by SimJaTa' polo shirt (I thought I better draw the line at 'driver'). He did pop in to collect the handmade jams for our Woof Beginnings next show while he was there from the expert jam and preserve maker Alison (www.alisonsjamsandchutneys.co.uk).
I should also thank said husband for then spending the next day helping me buy a new computer after mine died a death, and reloading everything back onto it over the last few days.

With my Folksy shops, and now 5 outlets selling my Bags of Swank by SimJaTa products I think that is sufficient for one person for now.

Wishing everyone out in blogland every success for the new financial year.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Folksy Friday - Patchwork Showcase

For this week I would like to highlight some of the talented Patchwork crafters on Folksy. A topic was started on the forums by Audreys Cat, so I hope she doesnt mind my using her idea. Dont forget, to admire the work of the crafter further you simply click on the picture to be magically transported to their shop on Folksy.

I will begin with Audreys Cat, and her pretty patchwork cushion - she also has some great patchwork fabric on sale in her shop.



Another lovely cushion here from Craftysewsew



Auntyjoan had this lovely card in her shop, but since making out my list it has sold - but no worries there are other similar cards stil for sale, and also great personalised plaques (I know as I bought one)



ShabbybySharon, has this amazing quilt shown here with the matching tote bag which is also available



luvlii, has this great cushion set in her shop



hjdcrafts has a wonderful cosy throw



An upcycled theme here from JDArt with one of her patchwork bags



Yet more upcycling from Dharmaflyer with her fantastic peace cushion



Lynwood Crafts has this very smart backpack in her shop



From Beehoneydesigns a silk patchwork bag, most unique



Lastly from here at Bags of Swank by SimJaTa, a gorilla and her baby



..and also what is known as a 'cheater' patchwork fabric, looks like patchwork but isnt, just a bright cheery fabric



Quite a large selection I know, and these are just the people who added to the topic on Folksy. For these and many other talents for the unique, handcrafted gift dont forget to visit Folksy for your gifts and personal treats. Make yourself and the ones you love happy.

Have a Great weekend.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

SimJaTa features - Cosmic Eden

I was wondering what to write about today, and struggling with feeling very sorry for myself after a particular horrid visit to the dentist, thankfully its all over now (bar the numb mouth) for another few months. When I came upon one of my fellow crafters needing a bit of a lift.

So, here are some of the fabulous creations by Cosmic Eden. I have selected one of my favourites from the first 4 pages of her lovely Folksy shop, why not take a look for yourself at what else is on offer, simply click on the photo's to be taken to the item for further details and you can take a look at the rest of the lovely jewellery whilst you are there.

These are lovely, not just the butterfly but there is also a rabbit and a swallow featuring on page one



This necklace is adorable, if anyone would like to treat me for my birthday (its only 2 weeks away!) this would be good please.



Now I just love lavender, you can almost smell the aroma just looking at this (unless you dont like lavender, then you can just imagine something else)



How about this for the little lady? I dont know any little ones, but if I did this would be a must have




Hope you enjoyed the few items I have shown, please do go take a look at the rest, Cosmic works very hard and as you can see has a superb talent there.

Before you all think I have gone totally soft, dont go away now.. Please do take a look at the lastest wonderful bags at Bags of Swank by SimJaTa





Thanks for reading, have a good week and stay dry with impending rain.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Fishy Folksy Friday by SimJaTa

Introducing this weeks Folksy Friday by Bags of Swank by SimJaTa, on the theme of Fish for this week.

Folksy Friday is one of the opportunities for me to show off the rest of the talent that can be found on Folksy, the best UK Craft Site.

To view the items in more detail, and to be taken to the shops of this great talent below, simply click on the photograph of each item.

To Begin is Audrey's Art with her ACEO of the Angel Fish



Pop-up Zoo Greetings Cards has this excellent fish birthday card



From Nofkants Curios you will find many of these great keyrings or handbag charms, this one was my favourite, made from carved black agate gemstone



Shoogly beads has more stunning jewellery in her shop, here is her Driftwood Bracelet



From artmagic, is this ACEO entitled 'Queen of the Sea'



A superb collection of charms make up this bracelet from Putting on the Charms



Last of all, are two tote bags (or shopping bags) from Bags of Swank by SimJaTa, little and large version of cute fish






I hope you have enjoyed this weeks selection of fish themed choices. Have a super weekend, and lets hope this lovely spring weather continues for us all.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa ~

The Folksy Crafter - by SimJaTa

What a lovely day today, far too nice to be working - thats my excuse anyway, all us crafters need a break from time to time, so today is mine. I thought I would share my little verse with you all (dont worry, I wont give up the day job)

The Folksy Crafter

First thing in the morning switch on the PC
Have there been any overnight sales for me?
Next is onto the forums, just for a quick peek
But whilst I am there maybe more goodies to seek
Or perhaps someone looking for a craft from me
Just one more look in ‘fancy a cuppa’ bit
Often the place to find the crafter’s wit

Hours can pass by, watch the crafters at chat
Sometimes wonder how we find time to craft
Busy busy on line to promote
Anyone want to buy a Tote?
Really must get down to some work
Being our own boss is the crafters perk
This next item will be the one to sell
Off the shelf it will fly by the sales fairy spell

Each item made with loving care and design
Why has it not sold yet? Can be heard as we whine
All our items are made to bring in the readies
But sadly the UK has to watch all the pennies
One last plea from the Folksy Crafters here
Come treat yourself on Folksy for gifts to hold dear


~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Happy Birthday to Alfie

Tomorrow our boy Alfie will have reached 3 years old. Isnt he handsome?

Alfie came to us on October 31st 2009 at 18 months old, not the easiest of dogs having had no socialisation, not a clue how to behave around other dogs and a bit on the dominant side. After 'that op' and some training classes and a lot of hard work he is getting much better, he still attends dog club training for obediance shows, is training at scent work each week (one day to be part of a team to search for lost dogs) and does agility. Alfie now even has some playmates on his walk, he plays with a super daft retriever called Zac and a chocolate Labrador equally as daft called Hugo, these are his favourite friends.

In honour of Alfie's birthday, here are some of my Labrador Tote Bags for sale in my Folksy shop, just click on the photo's to be taken to my shop for further details.







Tomorrow Alfie will have a special walk in the sunshine and maybe something nice and tasty for his tea. We might even go mad and buy him a brand new ball, ball is one of his favourites.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Folksy Friday, A touch of Art Deco

Good Afternoon all, for this week's Folksy Friday I have chosen the theme of Art Deco. I have recently discovered some fabrics in this theme and taken an interest - so took a look around Folksy and found some wonderful treasures in this theme, here are just a few I have chosen to show you. To see all these items in further detail and the other lovelies in the shops simply click the picture to be taken to the individual shop.

Starting with "Silk Purse, Sow's ear" and this fabulous ring



Next is "Milliebead" often featured here on my blog, as just so much variety to choose from in her shop



I struggled to choose a card in this shop, so many great ones to choose from, here is "Cards with a Difference"



A Stained Glass Art Deco panel from "Amy Orange Juice"



Hand crafted beret from the talented "Imogen's Imagination"



Vintage Travel Necklace from "Kitsch Kitten"



..and finally from here at Bags of Swank by SimjaTa a shoulder bag featuring Art Deco music notes, the second in the Art Deco collection (first was sold) and another to appear later next week, with Art Nouvaux Swans.



I hope you have enjoyed this weeks choices, these are just some of my favourites, there are many more Art Deco theme crafts on Folksy, which is of course simply the best on-line shopping experience.

Have a great weekend.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa ~