Shop is closed!

It's been a lot of fun but it is time to close the shop.  Thanks for the support over the past years!

Shop hiatus

I tried starting up custom requests again in January and that didn't work out so well.  The new job is taking up so much time that it leaves little time for making bags and these bags are time consuming.  Previously, I would allow one week to finish a bag once I had all the details finalized and would finish it within three days.  The last one I made took over two weeks!  And that doesn't include the delays I had finalizing the details because I couldn't get to the fabric store during the week.  Apparently, my previously favorite source for bag linings think that quilters don't work during the week or can wait until the weekend.  That long wait between scouting trips means that fabric might be sold out or moved so I wouldn't be able to find it again and then we'd have to start all over.

Put all together, I don't think I can make custom bags in a reasonable amount of time anymore.  I'm not quite ready to admit defeat though.  Even though it was stressful and I felt terrible about the delays, I still really enjoyed making the bag.  I loved the choices made and wouldn't have been crushed it the person requesting it had decided to pass on it.  My old bag is starting to look a little worn and this purple is really gorgeous!  =)

Anyway, I've been letting the listings expire rather than renewing them while trying to decide what path I should take.  Unfortunately, I still haven't decided and the last ones are due to expire today.  I do know that my schedule doesn't allow much time for bags so no new dice shaped bags are coming for the next several months.  I am hoping to bring back the listings for bags I have on hand and make more drawstring bags.  The drawstring bags are much quicker to make and I have a ton of ideas and fabric.  So, the shop is going to take a bit of a break while I sort out things.

Changing focus

Almost three years ago, I took the opportunity to quit a job I wasn't keen on and take care of my aging dog while working full time on my business.  Since then, I have sold many bags and really enjoyed so much about the process.  But my favorite part has been working with people to create a custom bag for them.  I like coming up with crazy combinations on my own but then the bag sits there, and at times, for a really long time.  Creating custom bags is obviously different.  I am helping create something that someone wants and that has been the highlight of the past several years.

So I am changing my focus.  I am trying to clear out what bags I have on hand and will go to making custom bags exclusively.  So, that means sales in December!

20% off December 1st through December 12th

30% off most items December 13th through December 24th

40% off most items December 25th through December 31st

Waiting will result in a better deal but less selection as well.  Anything that is left after the 31st will remain in the shop at full price until sold or the listing expires, whichever comes first.  And then it's gone from the shop!

January 1st will see the reopening of custom requests.  More details on that later!

Post Thanksgiving sale coming up!

Bags are currently on sale if you want to have the full selection but if you're looking for the best deal, Saturday through Monday (25th-27th) is the time!  Bags will be on sale for 40% off and free standard shipping within the continental US!  Get your holiday shopping started early and not worry about if it will arrive in time!  =)  I plan to have other sales going on in December but this is the best sale that will happen if you don't want a potentially late gift for Christmas.

TL;DR - Big sale starting Saturday, November 25th in my Etsy store!

Sale in the shop!

It's Halloween season and that means a sale!  At least in my shop, that's what it means.  =)  All bags are 10% off and free standard shipping!  There is also a partial Viserys Targaryen costume for sale that I made earlier this summer for a masquerade entry at San Diego Comic Con.  This was worn just for the masquerade so barely even worn.  It was made for a fairly tall guy (6'6") so the fit might be off for a lot of people out there but if you're a tall person who never has sleeves long enough, this might be for you.  Check out the listing for details and contact me with any questions!

It's July and that means San Diego Comic Con!

Instagram has pretty much taken over my posting time so the blog has been rather neglected.  I sit down to write a post and realize that I've already posted everything on Instagram and tell myself I'll leave something for the blog next week.  Oops.

In shop news, I'm not accepting any custom requests until the end of July.  With San Diego Comic Con approaching, I don't have enough time to properly address any requests.

However, I will be showing my bags at the SDCC Art Show this year!  The location has moved to the Manchester Grand Hyatt in Grand Ballroom C on the lobby level of the hotel.  With the move, they have made it open to the public!  Even if you don't have a badge for SDCC, you can stop by and check out the art show.  If you do have a badge but not for all of the days, you can go on a day you don't have a badge.  Hours have also been changed - Thursday-Saturday: 11:00AM-9:00PM and Sunday 12:00-7:00PM.

I have been posting pics of the bags I intend to take on Instagram so check that out if you're interested in a sneak peak.  Almost done posting the DC comics based bags and will be moving to Marvel on Monday.

And because I like to post pics (hence my Instagram account getting all of my attention), here's a pic of the last custom request I had!  A spindown was requested and I will probably have to make more even though it was difficult at times to remember that the numbers were to be sewn in a different order...  =)

ConDorBag!

I tried vending at a convention for the first time at ConDorCon March 3-5.  I met a lot of great people, sold a few bags, and learned quite a bit.  Not everything went smoothly but it was a good weekend overall.  And I now have a few more ideas to try out!

Since this was my first time vending, I was a bit unsure of what to expect.  I was going to bring knitting because I can't seem to just sit and wait.  Bryan suggested bringing a bag to sew and I stared at him in stunned silence.  Why didn't I think of this on my own?  And why didn't this idea come a bit sooner?  Kinda of like, why didn't I think of embroidering Isoppie shirts until it was too late to find shirts to embroider?  As it was, geeky shirts were more fun anyway and I had just enough time to embroider a new bag before we had to leave.

And this is the result!  And why I call it ConDorBag.  I worked on it Friday, Saturday, and a little bit on Sunday.  It is a dark navy with rust colored numbers and a batik lining.