Girls Just Want to Have FUN--Fun Totes, That Is!

Our College-Age Daughter had just one request as she headed back to school this year. Conversation went something like this.

"Dad. Can you make me a very cool Duffel? I have all the material."

"Sure, Youngin. What did you have in mind?"

"How about Poka Dots on the Outside and the USAF material on the inside?"


"Uh, Well, that won't exactly match, ya know but if that's what you want, I will make it."

"That's what I want, Dad."

Nice to have it done and it turned out much better than I anticipated with the minimal amount of material. You might see I got a little creative with the handles and the side panels to make sure I had enough.

US Army Class B Tote

All I have to say is, "Wow. I am amazed at how well this US Army "Class B" Duffel turned out!" What do you think?

Crazy Busy Lately!

Man, Have I missed being online to keep you up to date with cool projects. That's what happens when retirement planning and organizational move overlap at the SAME EXACT TIME. Whew! Things are nuts around here.

Brand New! US Army Enlisted Heritage Duffle Tote

I made this US Army Duffle Tote for my friend, Ed, who also gave me an extra uniform in a trade. I am sure he'll love this bag more than the uniform he used to wear. The coolest features of this bag are the reused pockets, zipper, rank, and name tag. What do you think? Got a Military Uniform you would like to wear on your shoulder since you no longer wear it for work? Let me know.

Spacious Zippered Shoulder Totes!

Man, I DO love this spacious zippered shoulder-strapped tote style. Lined completely inside with the classic Kuenzi Fab "Firm Bottom" feature. Six and Eight pocket options on the outside makes me (or my girls) want to KEEP EACH AND EVERY ONE of them but we will sell them nonetheless...as long as I also make a similar tote for each of my ladies. Just enough cool points in each of these bags to be super glad to own one but also seriously thrilled knowing you are the ONLY one with one JUST LIKE YOURS as they are all made slightly different. You also might be able to see a couple pen/pencil slots on a couple designs.

The $2 Craft Show

The US custom handbag entrepreneur must have "loins of steel," to paraphrase Sean Connery. Why? Because there may be a few unintentional non-profit craft shows (as I had yesterday in Williamsburg, Virginia) where for one reason or another NOTHING SELLS. Well, not exactly nothing sold. My wife recommended I make bookmarks out of scrap material so as to "honor the environment" and I actually sold three (3) bookmarks for customer named price of $2. So, after paying $40 registration fee and driving 2.5 hours south of DC to Williamsburg (and you KNOW the price of gas), a couple of cheap breakfast meals and a large coffee followed by a light dinner before returning and yesterday's SILVER LINING is five-fold: 1) I had a wonderful day alone with my eldest daughter, 2) We met a bunch of nice people including vendors, 3) We learned a lesson or two about EVENT COORDINATION and MANAGEMENT (including one thing NOT to do), 4) We garnered lots of compliments on the Styling and Quality of our Products, and 5) Enjoyed an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day in one of Virginia's nicest towns. So, all told, yesterday was a Financial Loss but a Personal Gain with likely long term Business Dividends. I suppose you are wondering what NOT to do if you are coordinating events? Hmmm. I am NOT going to tell you in this post but check back soon for a post on the topic "Lessons Learned about Craft Show/Event Management." Oh, and the best part of yesterday's show was the opportunity to meet and support US Veterans and their families which is ALWAYS A WIN!

In The Beginning...

I often read the early works of authors so I can tell from "whence they came." Well, we all started somewhere and I was digging around for MY OWN EARLY WORKS and here is a favorite oldie but goodie.

Anyone Can Sew

I think ANYONE can sew if they want to but each sewer is as different as fingerprints and that uniqueness intrigues me. Now where did I put that sewing pattern? NOT!! What's a pattern?

Making Great Connections: The Virginia Generals

At a Wine and Craft Show in Manassas in May 2011, I met Frank, the Founder and Owner of the East Coast's First Professional Development Football League franchise--The Virginia Generals (www.vageneralsfootball.com). Frank asked me if I would make his wife a team tote and gave me basic requirements. After a few email exchanges we had the color scheme and more specific details but still Frank left the concept in my artistic hands. Within a week it was done and you can tell ME what you think of the product. OBTW, the PDFL and VA Generals LOGOs are ONLY authorized to me so please do not "borrow" them from this blog. Also, the concept products with PDFL and VA Generals Logos are my own designs and are not authorized for use by anyone else.

Just Getting a Good Start

I have been busy virtually chasing craft fairs and shows to see if I can line them up with my schedule. Am debating whether or not to go down to Williamsburg on Sunday, June 12 for the Colonial Artisan Craft Show. Certainly interested in NoVA Craft Shows and Fairs primarily but its important to build my client list across the state and other borders as well. I am also on Etsy but so far limited success although lots of people have viewed the products.