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!

Happy Birthday to our December Babies!

Today we'd like to extend warm greetings to those team members celebrating their birthday in December. They are quite a talented bunch, too. Marci, Jamie and Patti...we are honored to call you three teammates! Blog readers, you will surely find many gift ideas in these members' shops as well as those run by the remainder of our team. Have a wonderful month, stay warm and create special memories!

3stitch creations - Highmeadow striped crochet afghan http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31204496

HevVin Designs - Queen for a day clutch http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32233350

Gardenia's Garb - Basic men's pirate shirt http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35084721

What's Your Bag?

The team has lots of crafty purse makers -- each one with a unique way of bringing cloth and thread together. Check out these sample pieces from a few of the team's talented seamstresses.

T-Rex Zipper Pouch tsurubride $45.00	ReUsable Baggie - S... SewDarnSimple $7.00
The Jennifer Clutch... andreabaker $35.00	Shoulder Tote - Bar... redux4u $24.00
Organic Pea's Z... kunklebaby $9.00	Stripped Owlie Bag ... marymoondesigns $45.00
Circle Handbag with... gardeniasgarb $15.00	New LA SACCHETTO in... ghigiarelli $76.00

Latest team member offerings...

Here are ten recent etsy listings from a handful of our members. Enjoy!

Windsor tie pendant http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24029526&ref=sr_gallery_11&&ga_search_query=etsy+team+columbus&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=4&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Bleeding heart pillow http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20240277&ref=sr_gallery_10&&ga_search_query=etsy+team+columbus&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=4&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Spring V Original http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12972478&ref=sr_gallery_21&&ga_search_query=etsy+team+columbus&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Crochet beret http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20328951&ref=sr_gallery_16&&ga_search_query=etsy+team+columbus&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Cell phone or gadget case http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25757422&ref=sr_gallery_8&&ga_search_query=etsy+team+columbus&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Vintage Williamsport bus token ring http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24979225&ref=sr_gallery_19&&ga_search_query=etsy+team+columbus&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=1&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Spring cat butt earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25232741&ref=sr_gallery_9&&ga_search_query=etsy+team+columbus&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=1&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Handpainted red chili oil bottle http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23661083&ref=sr_gallery_6&&ga_search_query=etsy+team+columbus&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=1&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Give peace a chance bib http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20282348&ref=sr_gallery_3&&ga_search_query=etsy+team+columbus&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=1&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Blue Piggy Orwell Clutch http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25813444&ref=sr_gallery_2&&ga_search_query=etsy+team+columbus&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=1&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

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/

Wednesday Item of the day from Sew Darn Simple

Greetings friends! Today we'd like you to meet team member Susan of Sew Darn Simple. She has been sewing since she was a young girl. In addition to sewing, Susan crochets and cross-stitches, and does some home interior design, too.

Her shop contains purses, wallets, checkbook covers, cell phone cases, tissue covers, cosmetic bags and eyeglass cases like the one you see here. It is lined and has a lightweight padding with velcro closure. She has many other fabrics in stock and custom orders are welcome.

Stop by her shop to see all of her cute and practical accessories. An eyeglass case is the perfect item to pick up for your sunglasses now that the weather is getting nicer! Namaste.

http://sewdarnsimple.etsy.com/

AND

http://www.sewdarnsimple.com/

Member profile: HevVin Designs, Jamie Hevener

Hello, I'd like to take a moment to officially introduce myself to all of you at Etsy Team Columbus.

My name is Jamie Hevener and I have a small home business in Hilliard, Ohio called HevVin Designs. My house is always busy, with a spirited eleven year old daughter and her after school friends, computer guru husband and two big dogs.

I make bags and accessories using my own patterns and collection of vintage fabrics, recycled clothing and some newer fabrics. Sometimes, I will throw in an antique button or two. It all happens down in the basement, which I refer to as my studio.

The name HevVin Designs comes from the combination of my last name, Hevener and vintage. Since my father opened his first antique store in 1976, I have been in love with antique textiles and the fine detailing that went into the weaving of them. I really can't get enough of them. All my life I have enjoyed drawing, painting, and working with textiles.

My favorite quote is by Joseph Campbell which says, "Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls."

Right now, my business is mainly on www.hevvindesigns.etsy.com. I have my creations in a couple of consignment shops: Kloset Kraze and Gourmet Body Treats. Some of my business consists of custom orders. And now, it's time to get ready for shows like Eco Chic Craftacular and Comfest.

Eventually, I would like to own or at least be part owner of a gallery that promotes local artists and artisans. I want to be able to give back to my community and make sure there is a place for future artists and artisans to follow their bliss, too.

Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of Etsy Team Columbus. It has been a pleasure getting to meet everyone, so far.

Jamie Hevener

HevVin Designs

http://hevvindesigns.etsy.com/