New bag collection starts...NOW!

I was so exhausted from making the yellow coat for the contest (see earlier entry) that I didn't think I had any more in me to make something else...but here it is! I just bought this fabric for an office couch that I inherited from a friend at work. It's pretty stained, so it definitely needed covering. Then I realized I bought 3 yards too many! But never fear...I love this fabric so much, that I thought it would be perfect for a new collection. Here's the bestselling design that I have from last December, made with this bold new pattern and color choice. The orange button is photoshopped in for now b/c I haven't gone to the store yet!

This bag comes with an inner pocket for wallets/keys/cell phone, just like the original Deep Shoulder Tote. It is for sale for $55. I hope to keep making more with the fabric I have left! Thanks for looking. :)

Becoming a Bag lady...

I had been on a creative hiatus, and recently got inspired to design/make totes for a crafts fair. It's been a lot of fun, and I hope I continue to get inspired to create more!

These do take a lot of time--from conceiving a design, patterning, cutting, to sewing...the process could take hours! Also, I was making each bag different, b/c I felt like it was more fun to design each one as I went, even though they ended up taking longer to create. Well, that is what art is about, isn't it? ;)

Special thanks to my friend A who graciously offered to help me design my logo based on my rough ideas--I love it! I never could have churned it out so quickly. Thanks A! Now I need to figure out a website for my "product". Here's a product page with the specs for the bags. Some fabrics are limited edition so bags cannot be reproduced, but others I still have fabric for. I am also working on more patterns too. Please feel free to let me know which you like and I can custom make one just for you!

In the next few months, I'll be working on a new collection of materials. Please check back!

Latest update 12/21/09: Blue/Gold fabric all out. Sorry! : (

Newest to the collection:
Deep Shoulder Tote in Tropical (SOLD OUT)


1. Reversible rectangular tote ($65 SOLD OUT currently)

2. Reversible tote with applique (SOLD OUT)

3. Petite knick-knack sac $30
in Tropical:

in Festive (NEW!):

4. Shoulder tote with magnetic snap $70 (only 1 left!)

5. Soft shopper bag with vintage button (SOLD OUT)

6. Fully lined shoulder tote with vintage button (SOLD OUT)

7. Soft wide tote w/inner pockets (SOLD OUT)


8. Soft petite knick-knack sacs! $15 (SOLD OUT!)

9. Canvas tote w/a twist $60
in Crimson:

or in Guacomole:

10. Bouquet tote: sturdy construction and roomy (sold out)

11. Deep soft canvas tote--especially roomy, with inner pockets $60 (JJ DESIGN BESTSELLER!)

Mustard yellow coat...

Before getting back into bag-designing/making, I decided to take a little creative detour and make a coat to enter into a coat design competition at a local fabric store. I put in about 40 hours in 2 weeks, on top of normal work hours, and so far spent close to $180 for the materials, but it's been amazing. I am *almost* done with the coat, and I can't wait to find out if I can win something...the grand prize is a Bernina Activa 200 (I think it's called). Anyway, still some more work to do, but wanted to post a few pics here. Perhaps a tutorial to come...if I can find the time!




I'm very very happy with how the back pleats came out with this boiled wool--the material lends itself to the design. The only problem is with the front, where there's facing and it's been stiffened with interfacing...anyway, working out the kinks tonight on that part.

The bad news is, my coat did not win! But here are the pics of the winners...if only I had known what style they were going for! oh well...

3rd batch of Portrait Paintings

I think I'm making improvement, but must keep painting. These were from my 3rd class with Randy Sexton, through Pixar University. I like that it's challenging me to see the different temperatures and values on the human face. Looking forward to painting more with my co-workers here!