Lily and Will Diaper Bag - Simplicity Pattern 2924

One of my childhood friends is going to be a mommy of a little girl!! I am so happy for her :) I wanted to make her a baby item that would be reflective of her impeccable taste and also incorporate a delicate and feminine baby theme. Fabric shopping for nursery prints has been tough lately! Don't get me wrong, there's lots of great stuff out there, but it seems like it's a lot of the same stuff - overly commercialized and predictable. So, I was ecstatic when I came across the most darling fabric by Moda: Lily and Will by Bunny Hill.
Lily and Willy by Bunny Hill for Moda Fabrics
 The designs come in blue, green and pink. The fabric is an updated twist on a very classic design. Simply precious.
Added bonus: the damask patterns have tiny bunnies hiding in it!

When I saw this fabric I immediately knew I wanted to make a diaper bag out of it to show off all its precious aspects. I used Simplicity pattern 2924 because it provides tons of pockets (an essential feature for any mom) and an easy flap closure. I also thought this style would be advantageous for showcasing the specific aspects of the different fabrics in the collection.
First, I pressed all the fabric. One cannot underestimate the importance of pressing your fabric before you begin cutting the fabric and throughout the construction process. By doing this you will create a neat and professional looking item.
I organized all the fabric to get a better idea of which designs I wanted to use for each aspect of the bag, i.e., straps, flap, exterior, interior, etc.
Then, I cut each pattern piece with the necessary fabrics and interfacing. Placing the transparent pattern over each fabric prior to cutting allowed me to ensure even pattern placement. I did not want the pattern to be off-centered. I was especially meticulous when cutting the flap piece as I wanted the large bunny pattern to be perfectly centered on the front of the bag. 

Exterior front and back pocket fabric
With the front flap fabric, I first measured the height and width of the flap piece itself.
 Then, I measured the height and width of the design I was attempting to center on the front of the flap. I subtracted the design's measurements from the overall dimensions of the flap and divided that number by two (because there are two sides).
 I placed the transparent pattern over the fabric at a distance of the number found above for the length and width of the flap. This resulted in a perfectly centered pattern on the front flap.
Once all the pieces were cut, I organized them for easy access to begin sewing them together. This also helped to assure that I had cut the proper amounts and had sufficient fabric to complete the diaper bag.
I followed the instructions for constructing the bag according to the Simplicity pattern 2924 and this is the result:
Simplicity Pattern 2924 Diaper Bag using Lily and Will by Bunny Hill fabrics

Diaper Bag Exterior

Side pocket with elastic at the rim - securely holds items in place!

Exterior of bag with back pocket

Interior with pockets. These pockets also have elastic at the rim to securely hold items in place.
 This bag is uber feminine and so so so darling! I really liked  using this pattern as well because it's easy to change the style of the bag and still keep the wonderful features like alllll those pockets! I can't wait to make more of these beauties :)

Gender Neutral Baby Blanket

I found out a few months ago that my cousins are having a baby!! So exciting! Upon hearing the news one of the first things I did was wonder what new Baby will be like when he or she arrives... and whether Baby will be a he or a she. Understandably, not all parents-to-be want to determine their baby's gender before Baby arrives and there is definitely a level of excitement in waiting for that news :)
The next thing  I did was brainstorm several gift ideas that I could make the wonderful parents-to-be for their little bundle of joy and decided I'd like to make a baby blanket. However, I found it a bit challenging to find nursery prints that were gender neutral. I was overwhelmed by PINK and BLUE in the baby aisles of fabric stores. They were also littered with the typical locomotives, airplanes and boats for boys and butterflies and flowers for girls. Don't get me wrong, these fabrics were down right cute, but only appropriate when the gender of Baby is known.

Organic Redy Set Go by Anne Kelle
The main yellow and green nursery fabrics were rather unimpressive designs of plaids, stripes and polka dots. Disappointingly, the softest type of fabric I could find with these neutral colors was flannel. I was really wanting to find a super soft chenille.
Green Plaid Fabric
Yellow Heart Fabric
The next thing I thought of was using black and white fabrics with a burst of color like red or orange. I think that would be great for a diaper bag or something that the parents would mostly carry, but I wanted something "baby" for Baby.
Courtesy: http://bit.ly/cs0CPf
I came upon this incredibly soft fabric in a baby animal print. It's adorable! I think baby animals are a rather safe theme for gender neutral baby items. I incorporated a pale yellow border to add to the neutrality of the blanket. I love the yellows and greens of the fabric and the baby animals  on it are so darn cute!

This was the first baby blanket I've ever made and I had so much fun doing it. There's something incredibly special about creating gifts for those you care about. I hope Baby spends lots of time cuddling with and playing on this blanket!

Kate Spain - Central Park

Although I'm relatively new to the world of quilting fabrics and designers, I am in LOVE with Kate Spain's designs. I have incorporated her Fandango fabrics into many of my creations and those items have been among the most popular in my shop.
Kate Spain's Fandango Collection
Jewelry roll in Kate Spain's Fandango Azure

Jewelry roll interior

Pleated clutch in Kate Spain's Fandango in Floral Cream
Pleated clutch exterior back

I recently came across Kate Spain's newest collection, Central Park. It is heaven! The patterns and colors are to die for. I also adore the fact that the playful patterns and colors are appropriate for any age. I think these fabrics would make wonderful items for babies, teenagers, and adults of all ages.

Plaza Bundle

Metro Bundle


Esplanade

Floral Seneca Pink

North Meadow Ivory

North Meadow Reservoir

Zoo Lawn Ivory

Trefoil Reservoir

Linden Trees Plaza
I can't wait to get to work on new gifts using these fabrics :)

Fabulous Holiday Season

THANK YOU!!! to all of my wonderful Etsy customers who made my first holiday season as a shop owner successful and a lot of fun!
Pleated clutch with hand-sewn flowers
I love the connection between buyer and seller that Etsy provides and the holiday gift orders were no exception. I'm so happy that my customers were able to find that "special something" in my shop for their loved ones. Each purchase had a story behind it and many customers included sweet notes with their purchase such as "This is perfect for my mom." or "The colors are just right for my friend!"
Kindle case in Dan Bennet's Wild Garden
I also had several special requests for specific fabric, ribbon colors and design elements. All of these things just add to the unique experience that each customer provides :)
Jewelry roll with ribbon tie closure in Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow
Jewelry roll in Lila Tuller's Eden

I look forward to all that's in store for my little shop in the year ahead!

Team Discovery Member Giveaway: Around the World Origami Mobile by SpareBedroomStudio

The item Team Discovery is offering today is an Around the World origami crane mobile made by team member SpareBedroomStudio.

The cranes are each about 4" and the mobile hangs approximately 3 feet!


Here is the mobile one of you will win:
 

To purchase:

Can't wait for the chance to win this mobile? Don't worry! It's available for immediate purchase in Sparebedroomstudio's Etsy shop here

To win:

Mandatory entry: Visit Sparebedroomstudio on Etsy, browse around, and leave a comment here telling us what your favorite item is! Make sure to include your email address or a way to contact you if you win!


Extra entries (make sure you leave a separate comment for each). Current fans are eligible!

1 entry: Heart Sparebedroomstudio's Etsy shop and leave a comment here with your Etsy username.

1 entry: Follow our blog publicly and leave a comment here. You can follow by clicking follow in the left sidebar or at the very top left of the screen. 



1 entry: Follow Sparebedroomstudio's blog publicly and leave a comment here.


1 entry: Submit this giveaway to a linky or link-up list and leave the link here.

1 entry: Blog about this giveaway and leave a link here.

1 entry: Follow our team on Twitter and leave a comment here with your twitter username.



1 entry: Follow Sparebedstudio on Twitter and leave a comment here.

1 entry: Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link here. You can tweet once per day and each tweet will count as another entry, just make sure you leave a separate comment for each tweet. There is a retweet this button at the bottom for your convenience! Otherwise, feel free to use this tweet or something similar: 


RT @EtsyDiscovery Win #handmade origami crane map mobile!
 #etsy #blog #giveaway Ends 11/21!  http://bit.ly/bHe9z3

1 entry: Grab our button and put it on your blog. Leave a link here.

1 entry: Feature Sparebedroomstudio on your blog and leave a link here.

1 entry: Enter another of our current giveaways and leave a comment here telling us which one.

10 entries: Purchase an item from Sparebedroomstudio and leave 10 comments, one with the link to the transaction.

The giveaway will end at midnight eastern time on Saturday, November 21.

The winners will be chosen by random.org on November 22. The winner will be announced here and he or she will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address. If a winner cannot be contacted or does not respond, another winner will be chosen after 48 hours.

Make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry. The more entries you post, the more chances you have to win!

This giveaway is open worldwide. 

If you would like us to host your next giveaway or if you'd like further details, please feel free to email info@waterwaif.com or send a convo on Etsy. 

Artist Spotlight: Deanna Saracki

Deanna Saracki is an incredible artist! Her creations include fine art sculptures, paintings, and graphic design. Deanna and I are childhood friends and I have been inspired by many of her works over the years. Please enjoy the following interview with Deanna and some wonderful examples of her art work.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Deanna and I currently reside in Ontario, Canada with my fiancĂ©. We moved from sunny Florida to be closer to family. When in Florida, I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing. Florida Gulf Coast University educated me on how to develop my work as an artist. From this, I refined my artistic skills in drawing, painting, carpentry, welding, ceramics, and more.  My Senior Project focused on the female form; myself as representation. I challenged myself in creating an exhibition that wasn’t just full of art, but packed with ideas of the female body and its ability to be more than beautiful, more than something erotic or sexual. Instead, it is neither naked nor nude, but natural. Impact Grafx, Inc. was my first graphic design job that embraced my creativity and encouraged me to develop my originality in design. There, I expanded my skills in Adobe Create Suite, branding and identity, website design, photography, and customer liaison during the development phase of new projects.
Naked I & II - Terracotta clay

Nude I & II - Porcelain clay

Spellbound I & II - Plater Gypsona bandages and wood
Content - Photography
Today, I love having my own business as a freelance graphic designer and professional artist at Deanna’s Art & Design. My graphic design skills are focused on making clean, attention-grabbing design and experimenting/learning new techniques to bring into my projects. As an artist, I explore all mediums and applications. My latest art projects include a belly cast of my pregnant cousin and a painting of my backyard. Fall is here and I am looking forward to expanding the tree painting to include the changing colors of the leaves, as well as winter and spring.

Logan Avery - Plaster bandages
Paradiso of Summer - Acrylic
I have been making Christmas gifts for family and friends since 2005 and try to do something different every year. Below is an example of my 2008 Christmas gift. There are sand dollars that I found on the coasts of Florida. I feel the best gift one could give is your time and energy into creating something for those you love. 
Florida sand dollar ornaments

2. In addition to creating art, how else do you spend your time? What are your favorite hobbies, places to go, people to see?
I love color, music, traveling and the outdoors. My fiancé and I love to go hiking, camping, play indoor/beach volleyball, go to concerts, art openings and explore all the wonders nature bring to us. I am continually influenced by my surroundings.
3. Were you always drawn to art? If so, how did this manifest growing up? If not, what made you first want to become an artist?
Art has stimulated my heart for as long as I can remember. A drive of energy fills my body enabling me to work for hours at a time. Those energies and emotions for life, love, and happiness pour into my work. The use of different applications, styles, and mediums forever drive my passion for art.
Tulips - Acrylic
Self portrait - Digital photography
Graphics, sculpture, photography, ceramics, drawing, painting, carpentry, and welding have been of great interest and influence to me. I enjoy every style of art because it permits me to express my feelings in different ways. My expressionism changes continuously, allowing me to transfer them into my work. My creativity and drive to hone my skills drives me to succeed as a professional artist.
Apples - Acrylic
Boats - Acrylic
4. Your artwork is so unique! How do you come up with the designs?
My inspirations come from nature, color and people. I love to paint these mediums and are an extension of who I am.
5. Where do you draw your inspiration?
My love of life and affection play a critical role in my artwork. Most of my subject matter is of life; such as trees, flowers, and landscapes. I love to draw the human form, abstract sculptures, pastel flowers, illustrated faces of clay and computer generated designs. This love showcases my capabilities.

6. How do you promote your work?
I mostly promote my work through networking, word of mouth, exhibitions, my website and other sites. My raison d'etre is to: Expand your horizons, keep smiling, laugh often, but most of all love all that you do in your Art.

7. What advice would you give other artists that are new to selling their work?
Keep challenging yourself and never give up. If you believe in yourself; you will be successful. Surround yourself with intelligent people who are positive, supportive and won’t bring you down. After all, success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. Never be afraid to try something once. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve your condition.
8. Where do you see yourself in five years?
I still see myself creating art, exhibiting in local art galleries, selling more artwork, having my own studio and pregnant with a child.
Deanna's work can be found at: