Walmart

Gotta love Walmart. Today I went to one of the few Walmarts around here that still carry fabric. Oh the bliss at finding a wonderful cow print for only $2 a yard. How can this be? Joy, joy, joy, joy! I'm feeling quite happy despite the rain.

Sorry it's been so long...

Sorry it's been such a long time since I posted, but life sure can take hold and turn things upside down. Right after my last post I came down with a nasty case of colitis and wound up in the hospital for a few days. It took almost two weeks before I felt normal - whatever that is! Then my youngest got the flu (again) and pneumonia. Then Thanksgiving. And well, you know how it is. But I have been very busy working away! I actually just completed an order for 36 custom aprons for a wonderful group of ladies - the two owners of the company have been my son's physical and occupational therapists for years. They have 34 employees and decided to give each one a very individual apron as a Christmas gift this year. It's always so much fun to try and match personalities to fabrics - I think the group will have a fun time fighting over the aprons!

I also sent a load of bags, aprons and other fun goodies up to my sister in North Carolina. She was very generous and offered to man a booth for me at a local craft fair at her company. She made some fabulous sales, and seemed to make some really good contacts for me. So, if you are one of those folks that took one of my cards, please email me!

Today is the day I've been working toward. It's finally here! And I am so ready! But, I really have so much more to do to improve - I can see that before I even set up shop. I have ideas running around in my head - lots of fabulous ideas - little girl aprons, headbands, change purses, wrap skirts, .... the list goes on and on. I just need to figure out where to find the time. I guess it's the classic women's struggle of balance. Things around my home have fallen to the wayside - the fridge has never been so empty. But I really want to be successful at this - I will figure it all out.
So for now, wish my luck that all goes well. Stop by if you can and at least make me look good. I'll let you know tonight how it all goes.... plus lots of pictures!

Practice

Set up the tent/booth yesterday as a run-thru. It was good to figure out the details of how it's all going to fit together. Thanks to my wonderful friend and neighbor, Jessica for helping me hack thru the trellis. Of course, now I realize where things are lacking - and how much work I really still have to get this all together. So, today will be a short post. I must finish making wine bags!

Printers break - they run out of ink - paper gets jammed - and it always happens at the worst possible time! That has been my life all last night. Trying to print out order forms, labels, and item tags - and the printer just stopped working! Just another thing to work out.

Finally got everyone out of my hair today - all of the sickies have returned to school and work and now the real work can begin. I started sewing at 6:00 am and I just now stopped so that I could catch up with you all. The pieces of cake ornaments are turning out soooooo cute! Still trying to come up with another ornament, though.... the ideas are just flowing!

Made a list of all the things that need to get done before Saturday - it's pretty long. Oh Sue, quit your whining!!!! You can do it!

Sick, sick, sick!

Sickies are everywhere! The youngest started with the flu last week, then the oldest started feeling yucky. Last night my husband came home with a nasty cold, fever and the general blahhs! Then the middle kid started a fever. When it rains it pours! I just hope that I am the last great hold out of the bunch! I've got to make it to Saturday!!!

Started working on the cutest piece of cake Christmas decorations - or I guess then could be considered mini birthday presents as well. Might look cute on top of a present.

Also, got to work on the signage - almost there! Today will be a day of doctor visits mixed with a touch of sewing during any free moment I can snatch!

Time is running out!

It's crunch time! Last weekend before my first show. I got my business cards printed out - today's project is to work on the signage. I know what I want it to look like. Now, it's just doing it!

The show that I am a vendor at is the Windermere (FL) Fall Arts Festival. It will be held in little downtown Windermere on October 24th, from 9:00-4:00. Please come out and join me - I'll need all the support I can get!

I'll keep you posted on my progress! Time to get to work!

The Newbie

Thanks for visiting me - I'm brand spankin' new at this bloggin' thing, so bear with me as I get my feet wet.

I'm Suzy - as in Suzy Kaploozy. I'm a former graphic designer who took my passion for paper, texture and pattern and decided to try my hand at creating with fabric. It's been a lot of trial and error, but in general, I think I've got it right.

This blog is a way for me to organize my thoughts and get myself in the right direction as I start my latest creative endeavor. I really want this to succeed! I started making tote bags a few years ago (as Christmas gifts- because really, I didn't have that much cash to cover buying "real" gifts for all of those teachers, therapists, nurses, etc.... I'll get to that later.) Soooo, I made bags. And people really liked them. And then they said, "Suzy, you really should go into business." And I thought, "how can I do that - I barely have time to color my hair." But, my friends persisted, like friends tend to do. So, I've officially jumped off the deep end and have formed Kaploozy Handcrafted. I'm a sewing fool!!!

I'm a vendor in my first big Art fair on Oct. 24th. So, most of my work has been revolving around that. I'm almost ready - I'll be keeping you posted with the latest on all that.

I'm also working on APRONS - lots and lots of aprons! They are turning out so cute! I have an order of 36 due by Christmas. Sew, sew, sew.

Lastly, I am opening a web store on etsy. The site is almost complete, just need to build up the inventory. So... sew, sew, sew!