Another Addition to Better Life Bags!

Introducing a new member of the Better Life Bag Accessory line!

 The Tissue Holder!  (Also perfect size for hiding feminine products... if you know what I mean).  Size is approximately 5x7.

It desperately needs a name in order to fit in with the other bags.  The first person to order one will get it named after them!

Plain bag $6.

Add a fabric flower and covered button $2 extra.

Order yours here.

Custom Bag Orders COMPLETE

I've had a really fun (and busy) week with custom orders.  Here's what I've finished so far:

A Cyndi Bag

I added a magnetic snap to the Cyndi.  It comes standard on all Cyndi bags from here on out (without raising the price).  I think it's nice to have a way to close your bag, don't you?  I'm working on a few bags that have zipper closures if that's your style!

A checkbook cover to match the Cyndi bag (she asked for the license slot on the front.  I think it's brilliant and is now an "add-on" for the checkbook cover at my shop).  I almost forgot to take my driver license out before sending this to her!

Two adorable changing pads.  The yellow one was a custom order.  The blue and plum swirl one is for sale at my shop.

I have two orders I'm currently working on: another changing pad with this print (it's really chocolate brown).

And one these kitchen towel purses.  Did you know they are on sale at my shop?  Only 3 left!

And just because I mentioned "birthing a bag" here, I thought I'd show you the process.

Basically, once I complete the outside of the bag and the inside lining, I turn them both inside and sew them together - leaving a small opening in the bottom of the inside lining to pull the entire bag through.  Confusing, yes, but here are some pictures.

The bag totally inside out.

Here's the tiny opening the entire bag needs to come through.

Here it comes.

See how it's like birthing?!  But less painful.

It's a girl!

Hope you enjoyed the inside look at how I make your custom bags!

Just birthed another custom bag order!

 

If anyone out there has made any sort of bag before, they know that the last step involves turning the entire bag inside out through a six inch slot.  I always feel like I'm a bag midwife "birthing" a new bag!  I'll post pictures of that process next time - it's really quite amazing - just like natural births!

Anyway, this birth of a bag turned out to be a beauty!  I'm totally in love with it and might just have to update my diaper bag to something similar to this.

 

 The designer of this bag (not me, mind you), was genius in what she wanted.  {Just found out that she is a blog reader of mine!  How many of you "silent readers" are out there?!}  She had me special order some fabric from a fabric designer she loves, Valori Wells.  And I then matched the green in it to something I found around town.

 

 Check out the cute trim she asked for around the flap.  And the cute fabric flowers make it that much more adorable!

 

It's got a pretty cute backside, too - don't you think?

 

I just love the expandable flat pockets on the side.  Perfect size for bottle and sippy cups!

And finally, the green glorious inside.  Complete with FOUR pockets!  Two big ones and two smaller ones for cell phones and chapstick (her idea).  

Extra pockets are only an additional $5.  These bags really are as customizable as you can imagine!

Well, there you have it, my latest creation for a happy (I hope) designer (customer).  I'm going to start calling all my customers "designers" because that's really what you are!  You guys come up with the greatest ideas!

Don't forget, if all of this "designing" scares you, you can always order premade, ready to ship bags at my shop.  Just look for the "Bags Ready to Ship" category on the right side.

Welcome to the Better Life Bag family, NolansMama!

*** The proceeds from her bag went to help with the Haiti Relief Effort via the RedCross ***

Checkbook Covers

Today, on "Threads for Thursday", I'm pleased to announce a new addition to the Better Life Bags family!

Checkbook Covers to match your Custom Bags!

Visit here to order your very own!

(Remember until March 1st, 10% of all transaction costs goes toward helping with Haiti Relief efforts!)

Easy Kitchen Apron - Vintage Feel

 Sign up for the Free Bag Giveaway here!

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I made this apron for a friend's birthday last week.

I downloaded the pattern from this awesome site.   

Seriously, have you checked out everything there?

Here are some of my favorites that I can't wait to try:

 

Max the Owl Pillow

 

Baby Building Blocks

 

Chalkboard Mat

 

Fabric Balls 

 

Personalized Name Pillow 

 

Recycled T-Shirt Hoodie

Don't they just look SO FUN to make?!  I want to buy them all!

 

Kitchen Towel Purse and Giveaway!

I was at Target the other day and found these:

I immediately envisioned a bag made from these dishtowels!  I couldn't wait to get started on it (plus it was a good excuse to try out a new bag closure I've been seeing in my head).

So, I headed home and 2 hours later emerged from my sewing fog with this:

What do you think?  Honestly, I couldn't believe how it turned out.  I love the two pockets on the outside... PERFECT for my cell phone in one and keys in the other (two things I'm always hunting for in my purse).  The inside fits everything I need (and when I say everything, I mean my calendar, a journal, a few diapers and wipes case, my sunglasses and case, a baby toy, plus more)!

I had to keep one for myself.  So, I went back to Target to get more dish towels and decided to sell them (in limited edition) on my etsy site for $35 plus $8 shipping.  Hurry, though - I've already sold one of the yellow/grey ones and once they're gone, they're gone!

(Remember, until March 1st all my proceeds are going toward the Haiti Relief Effort with Red Cross.  After that, I will resume giving the proceeds to low income entrepreneurs in developing countries.  "Better Life Bags... making lives better one purse at a time!")

Want one of these bags for FREE???

You guessed it... another GIVEAWAY!!!

Thanks to Kari from Ucreate - I'm featured on the side of her blog under her "Brand New Craft Blog" section!  So, to welcome all you visitors from Ucreate, I've decided to give away one of these kitchen towel bags (your choice of blue or yellow) to a lucky reader!

Here's how you enter: (leave all comments on this blog and make separate comments for each entry!)

1. Follow my blog (or tell me you already do) and leave a comment saying you do/did.

2. Increase your chances to win by joining our Facebook Fan Page, then come back here and leave a comment saying you did (or tell me you already are a fan)!

3. Want another chance to win? Go join our Better Life Bag Kiva team, then come back here and leave a comment saying you did (already have?  just leave a comment letting me know)!

4. For another entry, tell me how you've made someone's life better lately!  :)  Leave your story in a comment... and don't be shy!  We could all use some creative inspiration on how to make the lives of those around us better!!

Good luck!  Giveaway will end on February 20th at 10:00am!  
(only comments left on this blog in this post will be counted!)