New Etsy Shop and promo

OK, you probably will think I am crazy, but I just opened another shop on Etsy. My new shop is called Zakken (http://www.zakken.etsy.com/). I sell  messengers and market totes in (mostly) eco friendly fabrics. I decided to go with simple designs in solid colors that go with everything and are suitable for men and women. Well...maybe NOT the Market Totes...for guys that is...
Anyway, check it out and leave me a convo to let me know what you think. As a promo, the first three people who leave me a convo on Zakken will receive a 20% discount on any Zakken  or Bag du Jour (http://www.bagdujour.etsy.com/) bag. I will post the winners' name on this blog.
Here is a sampling of my new bags... 

 Take care.

My first bag from "The Bag Making Bible by Lisa Lam"

I FINALLY received The Bag Making Bible that I ordered back in October. It's a long story... Anyway, I really like this book. You can make eight different bags with many variations. I love the explanations that go with each pattern: insert a zipper, make piped handles, darts, gussets, etc... This is information I could have gleaned from the Internet, but is great to have in one place!

After perusing the book for a few days, I decided to jump straight to the Great Getaway Bag (section 6). I made a "prototype" out of cheap cotton to gauge the size of the bag (finished bag dimensions are not included in the directions). Wow, it's huge! Love it!
So I looked for possible fabric combinations in my stash and this is what I came up with:

The pink and green home decoration weight fabric is for the exterior, the green canvas is the lining.

The pattern pieces are full size and very easy to handle. I first traced them onto wax paper, and then onto posterboard- it lasts longer and is easier to trace around.

Of course, I had to alter the design a bit: I did not like the handles as they were described in the book, so I made two 1 1/2" wide handles long enough to wear over the shoulder. I also modified the closure on the front pocket and added a double pocket in the back.

With Lisa's great explanations and tips, the zipper top was a BREEZE to put together - and it looks great...at least  I think so :)

I haven't put the lining together yet, but it shouldn't be too hard.

Here are some more pictures:

The front

The front pocket



The back

Oh, and did I mention that I am making this bag for my best friend? It's a surprise :)

I can't wait to see her face when I give her the bag.

I have other fabric combination ideas that I can't wait to try for this pattern. I will try to post one in my Etsy shop within the next two weeks. Check it out at bagdujour.etsy.com

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think of the bag...

New Year's Resolutions

Well, better late than never... I have been thinking about my new year resolutions this past week. Mine are not about weight, eating habits, or more exercise. They have more to do with finding balance, and inner peace. Hopefully this will lead to more joy in and around me.
Here we go:
1. I will be more patient at home, at work, on the road- so what if people don't use their signals, don't stop at stop signs, or drift in my lane at 20mph  less than I am doing...
2. I will not worry about things that are beyond my control - I can't carry the weight of the world on my shoulders....
3. I will give fewer lectures, more hugs
4. I will develop a thicker skin - it's not about me...
5. I will laugh more, cry less - better for wrinkles
6. I will not take it personally - see # 4
7. I will get back into yoga - breaaaaathe
8. I will continue my eco friendly efforts- YAY for natural  and organic food, cleaning products, sheets, and fabrics.
9. I will focus on the positive people around me, not the negative ones (OK, I'll TRY really hard)
10. I will be a better mom, wife, friend (last but certainly not least)

Ooooo, it looks like I'll be busy... It does feel good to have it written down.
Now, what are YOUR resolutions?

Here is a picture of my new Organic Cotton Tote. It is made of a very nice organic cotton canvas, very smooth to the touch, but tough. The lining is cotton canvas in flax. For the handles, I used a repurposed men's leather belt in chestnut brown.It is for sale in my Etsy shop (www.bagdujour.etsy.com) as well as in my Cargoh shop www.cargoh.com/store/bag-du-jour.

New Shop on Cargoh

I am so excited.... I applied to have a shop on Cargoh.com, a new venue for artists (not that call myself an artist) to sell their stuff, and I was approved :).  Cargoh is an online marketplace based in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. There you can find gorgeous stores from around world. 
Check out my Cargoh shop at http://www.cargoh.com/store/bag-du-jour and let me know what you think. It's a little sparse right now -  I sold a messenger bag there after less than a week of my shop's opening:)- but I will post more items this evening, including my newest messenger in olive green.

Sale on Etsy

Hi all,
What a fun day that was! Family and friends around the table, delicious food and great conversation. I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful too.
I did take the time to put some items on sale in my Etsy shop. The sale will be all day Saturday, from midnight to midnight. Check it out at http://bagdujour.etsy.com.
A bientot~

Happy Thanksgiving

The weather is turning gray and chilly. Is there snow in the forecast? We could have a white Thanksgiving on the Front Range...
So far today, I have made several dishes for our Thanksgiving feast tomorrow (sweet potatoes, stuffing, cranberry compote , green beans, and more potatoes). Things are looking good...
I might have time to escape to my studio and make a couple of bags before it's time to pick up the turkey - or take a nap :)
I love this day. Everything seems to slow down, a bit like the calm before the storm, and I am enjoying every minute...
I wish you all a very happy and peaceful  Thanksgiving holiday.