New Design ~Work in progress

Here is a new one for me, some work in progress.. as it will take me some time to get this finished thought you might like to take a look at how things take shape. I am hoping this will be fabulous when its done, but remember my first attempt at the raggy bag? so who knows, lets see how it pans out during the week (or so)







I started off by selecting some fabric, decided to go for green's, with the zillion and one boxes in my craft room to go at this took some time.
So,fabric selected off to the iron to press the fronts and backs. Then (and here is were I really wish I actually did do any maths at school) cut all the batting to fit inside each fabric sandwich.
The first of the new bit, some fancy quilting done on each piece of fabric - must say this was a fun part too, hope you can see on the pictures once it was all laid out to be almost bag shaped.
Then all sewn together to actually 'be' bag shaped.

Still a very long way to go, most of the bits I need I am now at the mercy of the postman to fetch them so that could slow things down. I still have the handle to decide on, and made a decision on fastners which of course I didnt have any of so just ordered them too, again to begin that wait for the postman.

Tomorrow I am going to practice some embellishments for this bag, and for others in the future.

I just hope I can achieve the designs that are in my head, and that they will be loved as much as I enjoy creating them.

I will update my blog with the finished article when its ready, but I wouldnt hold your breath, may well be next weekend.

~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~

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~

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~

Folksy Friday - The Special Ones Part 1.

Good Afternoon, and welcome to this weeks Folksy Friday. Having said I would showcase all the wonderful people who contributed to my blog giveaway I had not actually realised how many this involved, so will have to be in two parts or gives an overloaded look which is no good.
So, here is the first part of Folksy Friday highlighting half of the Special ones from Folksy and one extra shop that is not a Folksy shop but still deserving of the same recognition. Dont forget, all you have to do is just click the photograph to be taken for further details, and a look around the rest of that sellers shop.

To Begin here is an item from Sugarmice, I think these earrings are such fun and very unique



Next is Nithria cards, this one is my favourite should be as I have already purchased one for my Mum on Mothers Day, it is on its way to me complete with a chosen verse



Julie Monk Photography has a shop full of wonderful Photographs, either to display or to purchase on cards



From Crystal Velvet I have selected one of her fabulous fun sock monkeys from her shop RaRa Bazaar



As my own birthday is in April, I just love these April earrings by Red Moon



JinJa Jewellery has this gorgeous bracelet amounst her collection



Here at Bags of Swank by SimJaTa, recently added is this lovely family of cute foxes on a Tote Bag/Shoulder Bag.



Lastly, but my no means least is my friend Mick at Shpangle Jewellery, with his fabulous unique designs (hope this works) not on Folksy but his own website



I hope to treat you to part 2 tomorrow, have a good weekend.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Whats new and still to come at Bags of Swank by SimJaTa

Seen here is my latest creation, another of those fabrics I fell in love with, might just make one of these for myself - super bright and cheery bag, though it seems many of my creations are these days. This one is next to be listed so you will have to wait a day or so for it to appear in my Folksy shop.

Just listed today is this Art Deco Music notes bag, again the fabric spoke to me - and I just had to create with it.



Just click on the picture to see further angles of the bag, and details. Like all my latest bags they have plenty of organiser pockets, for all your precious items to be safe and easy to reach, and I still have my FREE pen offer with the bags.

The bags brought to you today are from a very happy and warm SimJaTa Studio, we now have hot water and heating after 10 days without, so rest assured the weather should start to warm up now, -4 mornings were not the best around here for the last week, and its surprising how we get so used to the luxury of hot water!

Next blog post will be Folksy Friday, so be sure to check back to see the lovely items on show from the great people who supported my recent giveaway. Have a good week.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Bags of Swank by SimJaTa - Blog Giveaway

To Celebrate my 50th sale on Folksy, and my first year as Bags of Swank by SimJaTa I am giving you the chance to win your very own 'Bags of Swank by SimJaTa' bag.

Nothing too complicated, simply leave a comment below naming or linking your 3 favorite bags from the shop on Folksy (link to shop at side of page), why you like them would be great too but not necessary.

The winner will be drawn by number generator on the afternoon of Sunday 6th March 2011, and the prize will be the bag of your choice from my Folksy shop (hopefully one of the ones you have chosen - if not already sold. Only one entry each please.

Its been a good year, not only do I sell on line with my Folksy shop, but also stock 4 shops, which hopefully will soon be 5, fingers crossed. I am now picking up more custom orders too, customers are enjoying choosing their own fabrics and some using their own photographs printed onto cotton and incorporated into their choice of colour designs.

Looking forward to viewing your choices, and Good Luck.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Bags of Swank Little n Large

Beginning of a new week, and the idea's are flowing. So, here is another new concept from Bags of Swank by SimJaTa the Mini Tote Bag, my original idea was as a Mums and Tots set, but then it did occur to me maybe not everybody had the need for a huge tote bag? I suppose not everyone carries the kitchen sink around. So, I have introduced My first Mini tote bag to my Folksy shop today.



Although I simply cannot stop with the organisation style, with the addition of a FREE pen inside the slot, lots of pockets and a cord with lobster clasp for keys, here is the happy fish big sister shopping bag.




These photographs will take you straight to the Folksy shop, were further photo's show other angles and the inside of the bags.

Today I am working on the second set to feature Ladybirds, see how they are received.

After having a few days off for one thing and another, the bag making is now back in full flow. Colours getting brighter all the time, as the weather seems to become more dreary, here at Bags of Swank by SimJaTa - we like to stay upbeat and bright.

Alfie's Christmas Party

The highlight of the Christmas Calender is, the Dog Club Christmas Party. Here you see our Alfie, with his girlfriend Skye having both dressed up for the occasion.
Fun night with party games and spot prizes, all for the dogs of course.

Seen also, is some daft woman trying to balance a large ball on a tiny spoon whilst walking the dog - yes, that was me. I did drop it a few times but Alfie retrieved it and gave it back, totally bemused by the whole thing.

Such a social animal that I am (NOT) tonight is my Christmas visit to my friend for a catch up and a few drinkies. We have no snow here as yet, but if it does I will be walking there and back, complete with snow chains so no chance of falling.

Its great to have a bit of a rest, seems the on-line sales are slowing down due to the weather, my last one was yesterday. My shops are still open and I will post out on the same day, but of course Royal Mail cannot now guarentee deliveries for Christmas, such a shame with all the wonderful goodies on sale at Folksy, and every chance the goods will get through, maybe I should have invented the pdf I.O.U in a pretty design? with "Your SimJaTa gift is on its way to you", perhaps look into that next year LOL.
Kept busy today finishing off my daughters Tote Bag in Goth design, then tomorrow one more Elephant bag to do for my Auntie and thats my gifts all finished. Then time to start on some new designs for Bags of Swank by SimJaTa for the new year, though really I should catch up on my paperwork first, been saying for months I will do it during the Christmas break, but far too excited to work on new designs, might have to get OH to lock the craft room door till I have done the paperwork.

Hope everyone out there has a super pre-Christmas weekend, and stays safe in the snowy conditions.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Bailey Calender and Christmas Shoppers

Meet Bailey, Bailey is the rather large golden retriever I walk for his Dad. Bailey belonged to a lady I used to dog walk with, she sadly passed over a couple of years back leaving Bailey with her son who is unable to walk him. Last year we made up a calender of all the dogs on our walk to raise funds in memory of Bailey's Mum for the local hospice, we raised £500! This year for one reason and another I have not done the walkers calender, Bailey's Dad was most disappointed so I have got together a collection of Bailey photo's and I am making him his very own calender with just Bailey. Its calender central here, as this year we are also making calenders to raise funds for Woof Beginnings, the lady at the post office is my new very best friend!
You may also notice a picture here of one of the Bags of Swank collection of Christmas Shopping bags, these are fun bags for the festive season - I have one myself and they do generate a lot of interest locally.
One of my tasks today is my Mother in laws present, I am making her a 'dragon' bag LOL, bet there is not many of you would get away with that? No she is not a dragon really, she is lovely but she likes Dragons so she should love this one. I have a few Christmas gifts to make still, but trying to slot them in with other orders and stock for the shops.

Dont forget, as well as great bags at Bags of Swank by SimJaTa, and superb scarves at Special by SimJaTa, there are also lots of fabulous gifts available on Folksy from the very hard working crafters out there - so do go take a look at www.Folksy.com for your last minute shopping, almost everything is sent out within 24hrs so superb service along with great choices.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Not Just Dogs

Although here at Bags of Swank by SimJaTa I do seem to find myself knee deep in custom tote bags for dog people, I do on occasion receive other photo's too, like this recent cat one (if I manage to get the photo to load), customer asked for black and tan fabric, so hoping she likes this batik fabric.

I also just added this lovely squirrel scarf to the Special by SimJaTa shop, last of the fabric and seems there is no more out there, I had used this fabric for the bags in the Mere Sands shop, was the first Squirrel fabric I found - as usual I did not purchase enough at the time and now its nowhere to be found, what a shame.

The weather seems to have brightened up today and much warmer, so nice bright sunny aspect to work in today, better get back to it. Productive day to all..



~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~