holiday bootcamp

I, Sabrina Thompson (owner of Bella & Bruiser), pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere!

Goals Goals Goals

Ok so the plan is to make (or finish) between 2 and 5 projects (there will be extra credit for more than 5 in a day) every day and to post at least one on my etsy, artfire, and cafe handmade.  I expect everyone to keep me honest and working toward my goals!  So today is day one and I am working on some heads and a plate all with decoupage.  I will have pics up by tonight :) 

Cricut applique

ok there are a few tuitorials available for how to cut fabric with your cricut but I have tried it and been only sorta successful...so why am I providing you with a tuitorial?  Excellent question!  This is sorta a what not to do tuitorial.  The first big thing is the kind of backing you use on your fabric.  Dont go with the cheapest...this is one of those "you get what you pay for" items, so use Pellon WonderUnder "The paperbacked adhesive web that turns any fabric into a fusible fabric." - Pellon website.  The other thing is the blade and settings on your machine.  Dont leave the machine speed on max with a blade that has been in your machine since you bought it (unless you've never used it)  The results are a torn up shredded mess!  Finaly dont use a highly detailed small image,  make sure the image is large enough to allow the details to show. Try these settings on your machine Pressure Max (5), Speed Low (2), Blade 6. I have created appliques with my cricut but there was a great deal of cussing and throwing things before I got there so learn from my mistakes.  Go forth and create beautiful appliques!

where does the time go

Monday - kids to school, work on homework and hopefully my crafts, pick up boys, go to schoool, come home, go to bed
Tuesday -  kids to school, work on homework and hopefully my crafts, pick up boys, go to schoool, come home, go to bed
Wednesday - kids to school, work on homework and hopefully my crafts, pick up boys, go to schoool, come home, go to bed
Thursday - kids to school, work on homework and hopefully my crafts, pick up boys, go to schoool, come home, go to bed
Friday - Kids to school, work on homework and hopefully my crafts, pick up boys, Yay no school!
Saturday - Laundry, clean, homework, family stuff
Sunday - Laundry, clean, homework, family stuff
Oh right thats where it goes...

SO much new stuff

I have been using the Tim Holtz alcohol inks and I love them.  They work on non-porous surfaces (like dominos) and they are awesome!!! little tip-get the little tim holtz tool but then buy sheets of plain white felt and cut your own squares.  It only takes a few drops of each ink and then you just dab it all over until you have blended it into something you like.  I will be posting some pics soon.  You can use it on tins, glass, acrylic, transparency, or whatever you can think up!

woo hoo I am a student...again

I am in fashion design school (finally) and I am loving it so far!  I am working on a few designs for a runway show in May and I am trying to build my portfolio so I can get a cool gig during Fashion Week.  I am also trying to ramp up my Bella & Bruiser site on etsy.  I think I have more than a few sleepless nights in my future...woo hoo