Tote bags and Etsy

I have been happily busy in my art/sewing room.  Starting my Etsy store, Poppy Cat Sews, has been a long time coming but I just don't seem to be getting enough different items made for listing.  It's not that I haven't been productive.  I've finished several tote bags in the past couple of weeks and one is going to be listed and available very soon.  The rest, well, they already have a new home.  *smile*

I also plan on sewing and listing some fabric cuff bracelets.  Each one I make I end out keeping for myself.  (shame on me)  There are going to be some running wallet cuffs available in a week or so.  I made one at a friend's request and she really liked it.  They will fit around your wrist or ankle and have room to hold a military ID, keys, and some money.

Can you think of anything that you would like to see available?  I'd really like to know what people are interested in.

I made two of these.  One was an end of the year teacher gift and the other was purchased as a diaper bag.  I wouldn't mind having one of these myself.

This one went as an end of the year teacher's gift.

I bet the person who bought this one as a gift ends out keeping it for herself.  She is moving to Hawaii, how could she not keep it?

This tote was fun to make - the person who bought it got to help pick out the material and design it.

Finally, a tote to list on Etsy.  The orange, green, and brown paisley looks really cute with the pink leopard interior.

Praise Him - Mixed Media Painting

A wonderful friend from my Bible Study class asked me if I could paint her a picture.  She wanted one that reminded her of God's glory but didn't smack people in the face of it when they came to visit.  A picture that had meaning for her. 

She showed me a picture that she had found in a catalog that she liked as an example. I  struggled at the beginning of this painting because I wanted to please my friend who had commissioned me to paint for her - I didn't want her to buy the painting just to be nice.  I wanted her to love it.  After a few days of stagnant work I realized that I have to be true to my style and just started painting (forgetting the example).

The lesson I learned... be true to myself.  Once I relaxed and stopped worrying the picture came together in a day.  It looks nothing like the examples and I am glad.  I wouldn't want it any other way.  I worked over five hours straight and didn't realize it until my family called me for dinner.  The "zone" was happening and that is when I know I love what I am doing.

I love the picture.  It is whimsical and fun but has meaning.  The special secret is that the church is made from her own journal page, which I asked for a photo.  I have painted other pictures like this that have hidden photos and memorabilia. 

My Mom loved nature and gardening.  Someday I will paint myself a picture that includes something with her handwriting.  Handwriting is so personal and brings back so many memories.   I  am going to list this painting on my Etsy store, Poppy Cat Sews, as a custom made piece.   I hope I get to paint for someone soon.  Sharing my art and making something personal for someone else is so rewarding.

On a side note, the study was Brave - Honest Questions Women Ask by Angela Thomas.  It was excellent.