How 2 - Make a Reversible Purse!

This is a great project for anyone who has not done much sewing. There are no fancy stitches. No buttons, zippers or tricky bits either. The total construction time is about two hours, after you've assembled all of your materials.

This is also a great project for anyone who loves purses, but has trouble finding THE PERFECT PURSE. You pick the size, the color and the length of the strap. And it's reversible. So if your plans change, just flip it inside out and have a completely different look.

Finally, this project will give you basic purse assembly skills. After this one, you can make another one -- maybe with TWO straps! Or with a button loop instead of a flap! Your design. You decide.

To start, download the PDF.

Sew Easy Purse - It's Reversible!

Friday's Featured Item of the day by Silverflame

Team member Kristin is the creative force behind etsy shop Silverflame. You might find a variety of items for sale there...including vintage beads, patterns, fabric and gorgeous handcrafted stone and sterling jewelry. Here is a copy of her self-written profile:

I started making jewelry in my high school art class, and it was then that I decided to become an artist. I was living in Texas, and I studied jewelry making, metalsmithing, and lapidary arts in college. I apprenticed, too. I have been a jeweler for 20 years, and I’m still learning. In fact, I’m taking classes right now at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center with an emphasis on lost wax casting and faceted stone setting. My fascination with metals and stones will never end. I cut and polish many of my own stones, so they are completely unique and serve as inspiration and focal points for my jewelry designs. I see my jewelry as tiny sculpture, made to adorn the human body. My work is greatly influenced by historical jewelry, especially ancient excavated pieces. All of my jewelry is one-of-a-kind. My pieces are all different expressions of the beauty I see around me.

*Now friends, focus your attention on this breathtaking ring design. Using an amethyst colored Brazilian agate...Kristin has created a chunky yet feminine accessory and signature piece. You cannot help but marvel at the translucent and opaque layers of purple, lavendar, gray and white. The billowing and bubbly patterns of the stone have been ground and polished for maximum effect within the ring setting. And speaking of the setting...it is sterling silver and has a unique waterfall design.

We hope you'll visit Kristin's shop for more examples of her art and supplies. Here is a direct link:

http://silverflame.etsy.com/

Thursday's Featured item of the day from AmyD

One of the hippest members of our team is an uber-talented mama named Amy D. This crafty chica even has her own brick and mortar storefront in addition to her etsy shop. She's a dynamo with a sewing machine and serger.

Amy claims she has been sewing since 8th grade home ec class (oh I remember those days...) and was encouraged to create by both her mother and grandmother. Her original handmade clothing for the family is usually made with recycled materials. You really can't beat the way she gives new life to these threads...increasing their cool quotient along the way.

In addition to clothing (skirts, dresses, t's, aprons, etc), Amy also offers felt coffee cozies and pins. The felt she uses is made from recycled soda bottles. So, protect your hands from that simmering beverage AND help the environment.

Here is a link to Amy's etsy storefront and also her shop address so you can browse through her plentiful inventory in person! Have a great day.

http://amyd.etsy.com/

219 E. Arcadia Columbus, OH

Monday's Featured Item of the day from Andrea Baker

Greetings readers! Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend and a Happy Easter. Today we would like you to become better acquainted with team member Andrea Baker. She designs unique business card/checkbook cozies, aprons, pins, paper goods and more. Here is an excerpt from her Shop profile:

My name is Andrea. I enjoy sewing and crafting. I've been sewing now for a few years and rather enjoy it. I have 2 beautiful girls (12 yrs and 3 yrs). I also have a very supportive husband who is a professional magician. Most of my time is taken up by several things, my children, my husband, and my obsession with sewing and creating!!

Check out this adorable denim puppy-themed apron in the photograph above. Isn't it darling? Who do you know that would love receiving it for a gift? Or maybe it's time to treat yourself to a little pick-me-up?

We have many links to pass along to you for Andrea and her lovely wares. Besides our group, she also is associated with 3 other teams whose information is provided here too. Take a moment out of your busy day to browse or shop! Enjoy.

This moms life : The life and times of Andrea Baker Blog:

http://www.andreabakerdesigns.com/

myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/handmade_by_andrea

flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/people/momma_of_two_girls/

cafemom:

http://www.cafemom.com/home/andreabaker

My husbands Etsy Shop:

http://carrollbaker.etsy.com/

{Memberships}♥

FAM Fabulous Artistic Moms

Our blog http://fam-fabulousartisticmoms.blogspot.com/

Cafemom Etsy Mom's Street Team

Our blog http://cafemometsymoms.blogspot.com/

Carried Away Etsy Team

Our blog http://www.carriedawayteam.blogspot.com/