It's almost here!!!

Etsy Dallas 2nd annual Jingle Bash is a few weeks away. I plan on going into crafty overdrive to get ready for this show. I've asked some of the awesome Etsy Dallas members to give us a sneak peak at what we will be seeing from them at Jingle Bash.

Alicia of LaAlica was kind enough to share a little about the goodies she will be selling at this years Jingle Bash:

LaAlicia's Eco-Chic Itsy-Bitsy Pouch - Orange

Let last month’s magazines, catalogs and uninvited mail hold your necessities. Words, colors, images selected with care team up to weave hand-cut, hand-woven, recycled paper into this colorful, ecochic itsy-bitsy pouch. Each one is a unique globe friendly request to save mother earth’s resources. Measurements 6" x 3.5" x 1" with dark green zipper.

My studies have included classical music, design, advertising and the human condition. Coming up with fresh ideas is a process that has always intrigued me. I love to exercise my imagination regularly.

My absolutely fave thing about the Jingle Bash is customers who truly appreciate the quality of handmade goods!

-Make sure to stop by and check out all LaAlicia's lovely eco chic products at the Bash.

New Portfolio

I ran across these plain black reusable portfolios at the art supply store for $1.70. They did the job they were meant to to, but everyone in the art department at school was carrying them around. I needed mine to be different. So I headed to the fabric store , bought 1 1/2 yd of fabric and started sewing. This is what I ended up with. Bet no one on campus has one like it :)

School Has Begun!

School started last week. I was very nervous, putting my little one in daycare, my oldest going full day to school and me going back after 5 years. It's been hectic, but I'm starting to get into the swing of things. I like my classes so far, I'm enjoying breaking out of my usual thought process for new projects. I thought I'd share my first project with you. We are to make a self portrait using photos, that doesn't mean me taking pictures of myself myspace style, holding the camera facing me while driving, or facing the camera at the mirror to show how awesome I look :) We are to collage photos that represent ourselves. They can not be cut, cropped or computer altered in any form. Here is a sneak peak of what I have so far. Strange huh. Well let me explain. I have two children, boys, and they are a huge part of who I am. Not only that but there have been countless times that I've heard, "wow he looks just like you" "He has your eyes" "They look so much alike" "Did you clone yourself" the list goes on. So what I have done is photographed myself and my children, taken different features and made 1 face. This is not the final piece, I'm still playing with eyes and noses. The project is due next week, so far my prof is diggin the idea. Lets hope I get an A.

Back to School

Etsy Buy Handmade longoriagirls

Yup, it's that time again. Back to school, time to buy supplies. 1 week left of summer here at our house, so now that I've got the kids ready it's time to get myself ready. This summer I went back to school. 5 years after graduating college I'm back. I'm working on my bachelors, and getting a teaching degree :) I think my favorite part is getting ready and buying fresh new supplies. There is something about a brand new notebook, and the smell of a new box of crayons that makes me smile. I decided to share my Etsy favorites for back to school.

I'm back

I've been away for a while on vacation, busy with order and back to teaching. I taught two screen printing classes this week. One was a Twilight themed class, the tweens had a blast making their team Jacob shirts. They are ready for the new movie to come out. Take a look at their wonderful work.

Surfside Finds

Etsy Buy Handmade longoriagirls

I'm in desperate need of a trip to the beach. In order to get ready I decided to share my favorite surf side picks. Just looking at these will hold me over until I get my toes in the sand.

Input Please

I'm working on adding new products to my site and was thinking of some creative ways to show my product. When I first designed my website I really wanted to do illustrated silhouettes with the actual shirts on them. But I threw out the idea for some reason. Now I'm back to it. What do you think? Illustrated silhouette or actual photo? Which draws your attention?

Thanks,
Stephanie