lindsey marcella

busy as a bee

Or is it beaver?...I can't remember! Anyways, today I was busy getting orders finished and shipped, as well as a present or too!

My first set out included some bracelets and necklaces, and a request for something red. Instead of a basic beaded necklace, I put together something with chain and wrapped wire. I think this was the overall look she was going for, so I hope she likes it!

I also got 5 other orders out today, which felt like a big accomplishment! After all the work, I decided to make some fun stuff:

These are some amethyst and rose quartz beads that I've been saving. I found some qorgeously delicate figuro sterling silver chain and strung the beads on. It's so dainty, but the stone's weight pulls it down so it lays perfectly! Because the chain is so small, I used some wire to wrap the ss clasps on. Needless to say I've already put an extra amethyst one away for myself!

I'm getting excited about the upcoming shows. Of course it feels like there's never enough time, but it'll work out. I want to rework some new tags on Illustrator, and I'm still trying to learn Dreamweaver to rework my site. Anyone a pro that can help out!? It's an overwhelming program for a newbie!

update!

My shop has been updated! Click on the link to visit, and to see the new updates click on "New necklaces and purses 10/20" on the left side. I have seperated these new items for browsing ease. It's not a large update, just some necklaces and purses that I was planning on saving for my first show of the season in November, but because of response I'll give a "preview"! All of the necklaces are sterling silver and crystal, and all of the purses are cotton, with interfacing, batting on some, and a lining.

As I mentioned, there are also free gifts with purchases! If you get one of the necklaces, you will also receive a complimentary pair of matching earrings! PLUS a surprise freebie too! With a purse purchase your gift will be a complete surprise, but believe me it'll be useful! And as always, shipping is completely free to you. If you have any questions you can always email me at linques {at} gmail {dot} com OR lindsey892 {at} aol {dot} com.

WIP Friday. Yes, I'm actually working on things. And it feels good. First up are some extra earrings and keychains. The basic idea of the keychains came from Autum's blog. She makes them to match her purses which I think is so cute! The only thing I've done differently is use 3/4" d-rings bc that's what I had on hand, and I didn't press the edges in before sewing. I just folded the fabric in half lengthwise, stitched it up, turned it right sides out, and pressed. But to hide the seam, I pressed the fabric open, so the seam is hidden in the back. Just a little shortcut for someone who routinely burns herself on her iron...

And finally, this little swing coat. It is so cute on. It is slightly cropped, with a nice big pleat in the back to add fullness. All that is left is to hem the sleeves and cut away some loose ends. Maybe add a lining too; I'm not sure yet. Here's the back:

Oh, and one last thing that makes me very happy. A nice little perk about where I work: we can order a car, not have to worry about title/reg, and keep it for just 10,000-15,000 miles for a very small price. I have just found out my car is in production and I should be able to get it the end of January. I can NOT wait! Especially since I was supposed to turn in my current lease last weekend. Luckily I got a 2 month extension for that, but there will still be a month with no vehicle...Derek will be my personal driver! Too bad I can't walk everywhere here like I did in New York!

I've got a new rack!

No, not that kind of new rack! My aunt was kind enough to think of me on a recent garage sale excursion, and got me a wonderful rack. I've got it displayed with purses, but I think it would also work really well with necklaces too. Ahh...such possibilities!

That being said, I did make a trip to Cleveland this weekend, and had a great time with my mom. Not only did I get to pick up the rack, but we also had a nice fall shopping trip. That does mean that I didn't get any crafting done either though. I am not even going to do anything today because I have the task of boxing up the summer stuff and getting all of the warm stuff hung up or folded in drawers. That's not an easy job!

I'm also not sure what my next project will be. I think I would like to do some sewing, which will be a little hard because I don't know what I want to make next. I have a lovely pile of fabrics that I just don't have the heart to cut up unless I know exactly what I want. Maybe I'll do some online perusing of some stores for inspiration...

new packaging day

Today I received my new packaging for Linques! Before my color was purple, but honestly I was sick of it. I decided to go a little lighter, and went with the natural boxes, sable pouches, and blue bags. I love them. I was almost out of my old stash anyways, so now was the perfect time to change things up a bit. I got everything from Paper Mart, and I would suggest checking them out if you need boxes, bags, tissue, etc etc. They have a great selection and good prices compared with other places I've bought from. Shipping's kind of expensive though, but that's only because they have to ship the large orders of boxes seperately, so I had 5 big boxes to come home to!I have been buying from them for 5 years now, and have always been happy with their service and products. It was hard to match up colors online though, that's why the browns are a little off. I kind of like it that way though.

Tonight is going to be a busy non-crafty night unfortunately. Tomorrow is my friend's b-day so I will be having her over, and I think it's only appropriate that I clean up a bit, especially my front (craft) room. I also need to plan what to make her. Definitely some sort of cake, and I'm thinking spinach lasagna. I do still have to finish her bag, but that's only connecting the lining to the outside so that doesn't really count as crafting. I should have more pictures in a few days!

Slash and Pivot

Happy Saturday! It's a gorgeous day out, but a little chilly here. It's really turning into fall! There was even a frost advisory this morning.

I finished up this little guy yesterday. I like it's versatility; kind of springy but good for fall too. I also like the self fabric tie instead of ribbon. It's always nice when something works out the way I envisioned!

Here's the pocket:

Couldn't stop it from being wobbly in the picture, but I fused a violet flower to it!

Every time I make a new bag I make a new pattern, or just draft it right on the fabric. Even for bags of the same shape. Probable because when I do make a pattern I just tape together some printer paper, so it's not the most everlasting thing there!

But, the benefit of a fashion design degree is that I can draft patterns, and yesterday I really wanted to do just that. So I drew up a sketch and went to work. Here's what I came up with:

And for this inside, I actually used a facing (this is the lining, just right side out):

And this will be the closure:

That button didn't really photograph well, but it's a beautiful vintage floral button that matches the fabric almost perfectly.

I'm not sure if you guys draft your own patterns, but it really is pretty fun, especially for something as small as a bag. It's neat to see your sketch, pattern, and finished thing. I still have my pattern, so maybe I'll post a little tutorial on making a pattern with gathers, like mine. That's where the slash and pivot technique comes in. Stay tuned!!

I sincerely want to thank everyone that has either left a comment or emailed me. Your kindness is very appreciated, and I'm so lucky to be making some new friends! A few of you have asked if I sell my purses. The answer is yes, but I don't have any on my site right now, only jewelry. If there is a purse you have liked, you can always ask me about it. I am planning on putting some on my site, but probably not for a week or so. I'll keep you updated!!