It's Getting Crafty in Here!

I must admit, my sewing machine was pretty dusty. I used to sew a lot before I became a mom. I was always scouring the fabric stores and craft supply store for deals, remnants, and notions to make one-of-a-kind accessories like handbags, belts and hair clips. I sold my creations at a few small boutiques and the occasional festival. In my vision for my business, I planned to upcycle kids clothing by using my supplies to spruce up slightly damaged items destined for landfills. I made a few outfits and sold them.

But once I took Gumdrop Swap from a home-operated web business to a retail location, there just wasn't enough time for me to repurpose all the things coming in. Over the last years, I have collected many projects that I still intend to do... eventually. I take custom orders from time to time for fabric ties appliqued onto onesies.

Lately I've been hankering for small projects that I can do while sitting at my desk at work. Customers have asked me if I have bow ties and I haven't had any swapped lately. I always wince when I get this request because I think, "I can make a bow tie." And it would be a perfect way to use all my small remnants of fabric. So, here goes, introducing Gumdrop Swap Couture Bow Ties. I am sewing small clips on the back which make them able to clip to any style collar shirt.

Everything is Coming Up Roses!

 I have thousands of new socks at Gumdrop Swap! That is not an exaggeration. I have designer socks most of them are Tic Tac Toe (Cricket Hosiery) brand which I've seen for sale at Lord & Taylor kids dept for $4.50 a pair! What the heck? Who can afford to pay that much for a pair of something knowing that it's 99% likely one of the pair will be eaten when they are laundered and disappear into the black hole of lost laundry? Socks at Gumdrop Swap are always $1 a pair. Some are solid colors, some have a cute pattern, others have a 3D element such as a bow, lace, appliqué, etc. Still ONLY $1! I've admitted I've never gone to business school but I'm trying to sell these socks because I got a good deal on the lot and there is no reason to hold onto them. They aren't making me any money just sitting there, lol. So, I was inspired when I saw someone selling  roses made of socks. I thought to myself, I can make those!  (A view from the top)Event Page

I didn't know how at the time but I knew what supplies it would take to get it done from my days of floral design as an assistant in the floral dept of a grocery store (my first job). It amazing how running this boutique draws from EVERY skill and talent God has blessed me with. Each seemingly random job I've done in the past has somehow come into play. The photos seen here are of my first attempt which I gifted for my cousin-in-laws' baby shower. The lost of the party actually placed it on a table thinking it was decoration. That was a compliment! I will make more for the Bridgeport Arts Festival this coming Saturday at McLevy Green in downtown Bridgeport.









I did 2 more arrangements today.

an another 7/14/10
 yellow wildflowers & white roses

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My Daughter's New Knit Friends

 

I saw an older post on "Operation Sweet Dreams" blog about a giveaway for finger puppets made by Wee Knits. She used a photo of a set of puppets in the likeness of the characters from Nick Jr's "Yo Gabba Gabba". If you don't know anything about this show... it's kind of the modern day "H.R. Pufnstuf". If that reference doesn't help, I'm probably older than you and you need to do some internet research. LOL! I quickly visited Wee Knit's etsy store to order the YGG group because my daughter loves this show. The puppets arrived within a few days and I am so delighted! The attention to detail is amazing. When I see creativity like this it makes me wanna sew again. I was once a crafty chica (pre-motherhood). I used to make handbags, belts, and hair accessories. But alas, the sewing machine was in the basement and I couldn't find time to get down there with a nursing newborn. I just moved my machine to the boutique and I hope once I get all the merchandise tagged I can find time to start creating again. And you can see my butterbean is quite pleased with her new friends. Thank you Wee Knits!