Simply XSBaggage

A little late but...

I thought I'd share photos from the Olympic Medical Center Auxiliary Arts & Crafts Christmas Show that I participated in a couple of weeks ago (I know, I'm ALOT late showing these. 'Tis the season!)

 

I have a corner space at this show, so I have to put a little extra brain power into how I'm going to set up to take advantage of it.

Keeping it safe + functional is important.

I used my vintage linens and, of course, my pink Christmas tree.

 

The show was not as busy as it has been in previous years. All season long I've seen customers being much more careful with how they spend their money. I've been so very grateful for all of my customers, and especially the returning ones. I had lots of those this year, and it just feels really good to know that they are so happy with their purchase from you that they come back to shop again! Thank you lovely customers!

No more shows for me for awhile. But that doesn't mean I won't be sewing. I'll spend the next couple of months re-stocking my inventory, and working on a couple of new ideas that I want to try.

And I'm already filling out and sending in applications for July shows! Always looking ahead! It's what keeps me motivated during these quiet months.

Have a fantastic Tuesday!

Cyber Monday Sale

According to Wikipedia: Cyber Monday is a marketing propaganda term that refers to the Monday immediately following Black Friday being the busiest day of the year for retail electronic commerce in the United States.

So, like any good online retailer, I'm taking advantage of this 'marketing propaganda' and extending a sale to all of my lovely customers and blog readers.

My Wristlet Key Fobs are a great gift idea for co-workers, Moms, Teachers, and friends. And now for a limited time I'm offering them to you three for $15.!! That's a savings of $4.50!

I have over 30 styles in the shop right now, so hop on over here for the best selection! Your order will come wrapped and ready for gift-giving. (Please specify if you'd like them wrapped separately.)

I want to thank all of my customers who came out to the Sequim Open Aire Market at the Sequim Boys & Girls Club on Friday and Saturday. You all rock and I appreciate all of you!

Snow, Snow, and MORE Snow!

Today was the first day in weeks that I didn't work in my shop for 15 hours or more. Since before Thanksgiving I've been working pretty much 24/7. I've been starting around 4:30 a.m. and working through until 8:30 or 9:00 at night. My only reprieve has been the two mornings a week when I get to go play with Isaac for a couple of hours. 

I am so thankful for my husband who's been picking up the slack around the house and who also doesn't mind 'winging it' for meals. And also for Nikki, who comes to do the 'deep cleaning' that needs to be done around our home every other week. That alone is a stress relief for me!

But today I took the afternoon off and it felt great! We've been having some incredibly cold and snowy weather, unusual for Port Angeles. I curled up on the couch with the blanket and pillows and settled in watching the storm coverage on TV. There's a Blizzard Warning for our area and we could get up to a foot of snow tonight! And there seems to be no end in sight for snow!

Wow! 

Lucky for me we have a cozy little home and plenty of food to eat if we get snowed in! I'm so glad we didn't have this storm last weekend, when I held my Holiday Open House! Oh! Here are pictures of my house set up to be a little shopping boutique:

And, the most serious shopper of the day was:

my grandson Isaac! hmmm which Key Fob should I get....?

I hope you're all staying warm and cozy this weekend!

The Winter Light

There's something about the way sun illuminates my home this time of year that I love. The sunrise yesterday was all pink and blue and glowing. 

I sat for a few minutes with my cup of coffee and just enjoyed it in my cozy little home.

Later in the day, I noticed how the afternoon sun made a cool reflection in my attic studio.

The low winter sun sure changes the shadows and contrasts.

Yesterday and today were both frosty mornings here, but rain is predicted for the weekend. 

For local peeps: I'll be at the Olympic Medical Center Auxiliary Arts and Crafts Christmas Show the next two days. It's held at the Vern Burton Community Center,  from 9am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Come by, say hi, and mention that you're a blog friend for 10% off your total purchase!

Happy Halloween! I have to admit it's not my most favorite holiday, but I do have great memories of sewing costumes and getting my boys ready to go out Trick or Treating. My pumpkin carving, cupcake decorating days are over, but it's still fun to have the Cinderellas, Frankensteins, and Clowns come to the door for their treats. 

Have a SPOOKY Halloween!

Nostalgia

So, we walked down on Friday night to watch the 4th of July Parade. The starting point was in front of the County Courthouse, which happens to be about 5 city blocks from our home. One of these days I'll take some pictures of the old courthouse to post here. 

Watching the parade is kind of nostalgic. I remember watching parades with my family when I was young. And, when my boys were small, we always watched the parades. This year I watched the parade with my boys again, and, !bonus! my daughter-in-law. The only one missing was my grandson. But he was riding in the parade with his Grandpa. So cute!!!

Here's my son the patriotic one:

And my other son, the photographer:

And here's someone I used to work with, who I thought was my friend but, um, is she holding up the finger I think she's holding up?:

Zoeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And here are some heroes:

Ooorah!! Once a Marine, Always a Marine! 

I've had a productive Monday, working on some summer-y things. Yes, the weather is finally warming up and it has inspired me.

These will be listed in the shop shortly. I'm also working on a brand new handbag pattern. It's one that I designed last week. I'll have pictures of the new bags later in the week. I'm super excited. It's a design that I've been thinking about for a long time, and I am really happy with my new pattern results. More on that later!

Independence Day

It's the fourth of July, (a U.S. National Holiday) and for most Americans it means picnics, fireworks, parades and spending time with family and friends. It's a day to celebrate the history, government, and traditions of the United States, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Many of us will hear our National Anthem sung today. Some renditions will be great, and some not so great (think Roseanne Barr in 1990). My son, Jeff, sent me a link yesterday, I'd like to share one version of 'The Star Spangled Banner' that I think is the best I've ever heard. I hope you enjoy it, and enjoy your day today, however you choose to spend it.

Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts

I meant to post this yesterday, but ran out of time as I was getting ready to start my weekend at the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts. Yesterday was the first day of the four day event. 

We had a little rain at the start in the morning, but the rest of the day was perfect. Not too hot, not cold, and best of all NO wind!! I've got a great location this year and can actually enjoy the outdoor music. Hours today are 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, same hours Sunday, and Monday will be 11:00 am - 6:00 pm. 

They have so much great entertainment lined up! You should come on down if you're in the area. Oh, and there's a nice selection of food vendors too. I had a Strawberry-Banana Smoothie for lunch yesterday that was to die for! They swirl chocolate (!) inside the cup before they pour the smoothie in. yum!

Enjoy the long weekend! 

World-Wide Distribution

So the holiday rush is on!! It's been a busy week here at XSBaggage & Co. headquarters. Wrapping up lots of packages and preparing them for mailing all over the world.

Some of the places I've sent packages to this week are:
Connecticut
Wisconsin
California
New South Wales Australia
New York
North Carolina
South Carolina

Toronto Ontario
Massachusetts
Louisiana
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Texas

Okay, so I'm dashing away now to package more orders that need to go out today. And then I think I'll be caught up and ready to take a little break...maybe. Maybe not, because I have a few more new things that I want to list over here. I'm so thankful for every sale that I make, and I appreciate every customer!

Showers and Sparkle

I'm back in the studio today after a busy weekend at the OMC Craft Fair.

The Vern Burton Community Center was festive with pretty, sparkly lights and Holiday music playing all weekend.

Of coooourse...the pink glitter tree greatly added to the festive, holiday feel.

This is a fun show to do and there are so many wonderful, talented artists participating! I'm kind of sad that this was my last show for the season, unless I decide to hold a home Trunk Show before Christmas. hmmm --note to self: need to make a decision about that soon.

We're getting rain-soaked here in the Pacific Northwest. Rivers have crested above flood stage, homes have floated away, and the main North/South Interstate is closed because it's under 8 feet of water in places. We haven't been directly affected by it here, other than everything just being soaked.

The sun is just now starting to peek through the clouds, making the wet leaves of the trees sparkle.

I'm off now to package up orders that have backed up over the weekend. I'm hoping to get out to the Post Office in between rain showers today.