Bridesmaids Gift Idea

Who says bridesmaid gifts have to be generic objects with zero appeal? Charm your chums with keepsakes that challenge tradition -- your maids deserve much more than the usual key chain or faux strand of pearls. While shopping, keep each individual maid in mind, choosing imaginative and stylish gifts that come from the heart. From crafty and tasty to just plain indulgent. Here is some clever idea for a present they'll love and will never forget.

PERSONALIZE IT!!! Made to order bags by MARERI

★ screenprinted single letter monogram inside the bag

★message inscription IRON-On transfer for additional

A smaller handbag, just to carry the essentials. This is the perfect accessory to carry a few essentials around.Two darts in the bottom give this clutch 2" in depth for a comfortable cradle in your hand or tuck under your arm.Measures approximately 10" at the widest point x 6" high (when closed) x 2" deep.

Renegade Craft Fair, Brooklyn NY

I attended the 5th Annual Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn and it's an amazing handmade crafts event that brings together some of the country's most talented Indie designers and crafters (like myself, MARERI) for a handcrafted-goods shopping extravaganza. The prices are decent, and with vendors selling everything ranging from stationeries, jewelries, soaps, clothing and accessories and lots of screenprinted T-shirts. ALL HANDMADES!!! "sweatshop" free products :) I will definitely try to get a booth next year!

If you're a fan of the Brooklyn-based Etsy site, if you like shopping for handmade goods, or if you're just looking for unique gifts, then you'll want to stop by Brooklyn's fifth annual Renegade Craft Fair. This year's event took place on June 6 and June 7, from 11am to 7pm at McCarren Park in Brooklyn, NY.


SLAPP HAPPIE

Orangy Porangy

Bridesmaid Wristlets

Made from Japanese imported fabric Echino by Etsuko Furuya and embellished with grossgrain ribbon and sparkly vintage button. This super cute, ultra-handy clutch is perfect for throwing in your keys, phone, some cash and little bit of make-up when you are on the go. Totally practical and great to give as a gift on any occasion.

Evening Wristlet Clutch

The Plum Satin Evening Wristlet Clutch is approximately 12" wide, 5" tall, with a 2" dart bottom pleat. Large enough to carry your cell phone, wallet, checkbook, keys, lip care and is perfect for all your most needed essentials.

The exterior is constructed of a satin. A brooch is pinned into on the front. Inside is lined with a wool fabric. All my bags are reinforced with padded interfacing and double stitching to keep your bag looking great even with everyday use. The perfect gift for a bridal party.

Laptop Bags

Here's my latest creation LAPTOP BAGS. Sophisticated protection for your laptop . It's chic and has a cool factor. Dual purpose laptop sleeve or bag. For any size screen laptop. Just slide in your laptop. It can go into your favorite shoulder bag or use it as is. The bag is big enough to carry a laptop as well as the accessories such as mouse and power cord.

There are 4 layers of fabric plus entirely lined with 2 layers of sturdy batting to provide extra protection. The bag closes with a magnetic clasp and easy to carry with a handle strengthened with a sturdy 5” drop jute handles. Bird design on the front is made with felt appliqué. It has 1 inner pocket.

MARERI Spring Clutch Wristlets

A smaller handbag, just to carry the essentials. This is the perfect accessory to carry a few essentials around in when on errands. A purse, for the nights on the town when you need cash and a credit card and that is about it. This is the perfect gift for any girl out there; the size is just right.2 darts in the bottom give this clutch 2.25" in depth and strap on the right side of the pouch for a comfortable cradle in your hand or tuck under your arm.REMOVABLE Strap Measures approximately 12" at the widest point x 5" high x 2.25" deep.

mareri.etsy.com

Orange Bird Clutch

This is one of my Etsy customer appreciation photo and she featured my Orange clutch on her blog this week. Thanks http://universityofiowameg.blogspot.com/

The Inkspot Workshop

The Inkspot Workshop featured my latest bag the "Mustard Laptop Bag/Sleeve". Their shop sells fabulous handmade stationeries and more.

Need something custom designed just for you? Not a problem. They have just about every design in their shop can be made into notecards, invitations, announcements, gift tags and stickers and more. Go check them out. (click on the pic)

Reversible Pouch Tutorial

This simple reversible purse is a wonderful project for beginning and advanced sewers alike. From Martha.

Handmade Stokings

From handkerchiefs to quilts to sweaters to baby socks, there are plenty of creative and beautiful handmade stocking ideas over on Martha.

1000Markets

MARERI just join 1000MARKETS Handmade haven.

1000markets are more than just collections of products;
they are full of people and stories. They have voices and
personalities.

The merchants are small, independent, artisan businesses
built by people who love their craft. They make and sell
unique products, based on their own vision, personality and
story. Working together, these artisans create marketplace
communities - gathering places where merchants can
exchange ideas, and customers can browse and talk.

There are many awesome markets which include different items with a common theme. I am part of the HANDMADE HAVEN market, which is really awesome and has a great holiday gift guide!

Visit MARERI @ 1000MARKETS

Feathers in Her Hair

Kenley isn't necessarily my favorite Project Runway designer, but there is one bit of her style that I really like. I love her feather look most. Watching Project Runway kept noticing how cute the feathers looked in her hair. I think a chic little hair feather might be fun and so I thought of making and hopefully sell some at my etsy shop.

$ 18 each at http://mareri.etsy.com/

Black Friday madness

My sister has been sewing up a storm. Home accessories and stuff. I encourged her to sell her handmades in Etsy.com. It's just a matter of time and she'll be an etsian soon.

Amy Butler Sewing Free Pattern

click here to download the "Nigella Yoga Bag" patternThis pattern includes instructions, pattern pieces and measurements.Example shown in the cover photo is made with Amy's Nigella fabrics.

click here to download the "Message in a Bag" patternThis pattern includes instructions and measurements.Example shown in the cover photo is made with Amy's Lotus paper collection.

Cozy Knitting Neck Scarf

Here's a new and trendy way to wear your scarf this winter
a PDF pattern available to buy at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17867385


Whit's Knits: Cashmere Fingerless Gloves

These fingerless gloves would make a great present. They are way too cozy to take off, let alone give away.

What makes these so special is Jade Sapphire's 100% mongolian cashmere. Nothing is softer, and no one dyes better colors. The employees at Purl are always talking about what Jade Sapphire color is our favorite (at least for that day!), what color looks good on whom, what shade of gray (or pink or green) is the most perfect. Someone's always pulling out a skein, saying, look at this one! Each skein is really a little piece of heaven.
So, be warned, you may need a back up present if you think you're making these for your sister! Ready to test your generosity? Visit my Cashmere Fingerless Gloves Project Journal. Thanks! - Whitney

"Must have" Sewing Book

"Must have" Book Anna Maria Horner's fabrics

If you couldn't make it to Quilt Market but need a quilty fix, download some desktop wallpaper made with Anna Maria Horner's fabrics. She has a new book coming out, Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing. If you want to win a free copy, a sewing machine, some fabric, and other goodies, click here to register. You can enter once a day until Nov. 14 when the sweepstakes closes.

Amy Butler's little stitches for little ones20 keepsake sewing projects for baby and momIn my new lavishly illustrated sewing projects book, you'll find all new charming and contemporary projects for the nursery, baby wear, soft toys, and many more surprises! The projects are designed for babies 0-12 months and their mothers, featuring beautiful photos of the finished designs by our friend Colin McGuire. It was fun to produce these little treasures, and I think you'll find many projects in here for all the wee ones in your world.Retail $24.95176 pages, 7 pattern sheets, wire binding (same format as In Stitches).

Winter Project

Nick and Norah Paper Flower CD Case
By lilybee

In honour of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, (which b.t.w is awesome and adorable) here's an uber-cute and COMPLETELY simple way to wrap mix-tapes (sigh... remember tapes?) for your best girl (or guy)

Hers e are more DIYs

Retro paper straw wreath at Styrofoam Crafts, pictured left

Snow Mum pillow from Amy Butler, pictured right

Fabric storage cubes at Crazy Mom Quilts

Paper patchwork notebook cover by iHanna

54 free apron patterns at TipNut

A prize ribbon pin at Craft Stylish

Folded paper flower CD sleeve from Curbly

Fall berry wreath at Martha Stewart

Wall stencil headboard from Good Housekeeping

Gifts to make: for babies and kids

Some things you can make for little ones:

Fifties-style bib at Living Creatively

Slip cover for a Boppy pillow from Walter+Veronica

Diaper bag by A Mingled Yarn

Roll-up travel baby chair at Canadian Living

No-sew fleece blanket at A Chelsea Morning

Felt play landscapes at PlumPudding

Decorative bunting at stitch.rip.repeat

Custom paper silhouettes at DesignSponge

Beanbag chair from Michael Miller

Felt food at Design Mom

Felt bears at Canadian Living (pictured above)(Image from Canadian Living)

Recycle Rice Bags

These Vibrant Recycled Rice Bags are beautifully handcrafted in Cambodia. It has straps that made it easy to carry over a shoulder. Each bag is a unique in style. Whether traveling, or shopping for groceries, you will be glad to be sporting this unbelievably cool and trendy recycled rice tote bag. Designs will vary, but all will feature indigenous designs and language.

Let’s go “GREEN”.

"Featured Pick" - In Style Gift Guide

"Handcrafted... long lasting" - TreeHugger.com

"Look chic at the farmers' market" - Self

Find and buy this bag: (click link below)

BAGS BAGS BAGS BAGS!!!

Get ready for your next trip to the beach or just shopping around with these beautiful totes. These sturdy totes are perfect for carrying your books, supplies, or for a quick trip to the store.
Each bag is a unique in style. Accentuate your ourfit and you will be glad to be sporting this unbelievably cool and trendy tote bags.