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'

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~

Easter Weekend

As you know from my previous post this weekend was spent fund-raising and spreading awareness for Woof Beginnings. Friday was the day to set up, great fun was had trying to erect the new small marquee, especially after working out the instructions did not correspond with the poles in the box, so after a couple of hours of trying the instructions were abadonded and after another couple of hours of trying and help from some of the other stall holders we managed to get the thing resembling how it should. Saturday morning from 8am was setting up which turned out to take much longer than we thought too, so the photo is of it 'almost' done. The good news was despite the strong wind there it stayed for the whole event, and this time no imploding or blowing away. I always enjoy watching the birds of prey, though I am a bit nervous of them - but was brave enough to take a couple of pictures of the babies and the barn owl.

Not the best of amounts raised after 3 long days - we only took £79, but then of course the public do not have the same amount of pennies these days to give out. We did raise awareness and manage to send a few people along to the various rescue's we support in the hope of homing some needy dogs, so thats the main thing.

A dampener on the weekend was OH got his car written off in a nasty crash on Sunday evening, him and Alfie were very lucky and both intact despite the car resembling a banana wrapped around the traffic light it was punted into. Took a good few hours after the paramedics, traffic police and tow truck had sorted it all out, and a visit to A&E to have OH checked over. The car has now been crushed into a box. Certainly focus's the mind toward what is really important in life.

No work done for a few days, though I have picked up a custom order on-line so must be getting on with that today. So I hope nobody minds my just showing of a couple of items at the end of this as a reminder what is available in my shop.









Hope everyone had a good weekend, and please remember to cherish those you love - as in the blink of an eye things can suddenly be so different.

~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~