Hearts, hearts, hearts!!!

I'm a romantic at heart, and it's something I probably would not have admitted as a teenager, but I feel very comfortable admitting it now. I love the soft pink of a valentines day heart, enhanced with beads, jewels, and cotton rose fabric lining.

Pink Beaded Faux Fur Heart

And wouldn't that be nice if the heart had an opening so you could put a piece of jewelry inside or a love note?

White Fur Heart for Weddings

Check out the soft lilac pastel faux fur that I make hearts keepsake purses with.

Lilac Keepsake Heart

Here's other romantic purses to share with your loved one.  

And the winner is....

Congratulations to Denise of KKL Primitives who is the winner of the purple faux fur bag: http://www.etsy.com/listing/84860386/purple-madness-purse-etsy-free-shipping

Be the first to find out my next creations and it's easy to follow my blog: http://caroljoyfashions.blogspot.com/

Happy holidays!

Reminder of free drawing on December 1, 2011 for a faux fur bag!

Remember that December 1, 2011 is the day I choose a random follower on my blog to receive this FREE purple, faux fur bag from my fur shop.




It's easy to follow my blog: http://caroljoyfashions.blogspot.com/and plug your email address on the right side of the page and follow the directions. Voila, you are entered into the raffle!

Good luck to everyone!

Romantic Grey Faux Fur Items

These are three more treasuries that have romantic, soft grey items in them:

Charcoal Grey by Shayna Norwood: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzUzMjI1NXwxMjU1OTE1OTI5/charcoal-grey?index=1

In the land of the Wolf by Elena: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTAyMjkzNjZ8MTI0MDM0MzUxMg/in-the-land-of-the-wolf?index=3

These Cold Gray Skies by Karen Rudd: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTcyMTUwNjN8MTIzODk5MzEwMg/these-cold-gray-skies?index=4

These also feature my Grey Wolf Cozy Bag! http://www.etsy.com/listing/85450448/large-cozy-bag-grey-wolf-ready-to-ship?ref=tre-1214934566-2

Thank you!

Sale Sale Sale 30% off!

From now through Cyber Monday, 30% off any item in my store, just type "CyberMonday" for the coupon code!

Remember to "follow" my blog: http://caroljoyfashions.blogspot.com/

(look to the right side of my blog page for "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" and you can easily enter your email address) and you are entered to win a lavender faux fur bag(click below). Great for a Christmas gift too!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84860386/purple-madness-purse-etsy-free-shipping

I will be randomly selecting a name on December 1, 2011.

Three Treasuries

Can you tell what these three treasuries have in common?

Wild Fashion by oenopia: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA2MTA5OTR8MTIxOTM4NTc3OQ/wild-fashion?index=0

the road to enlightenment by Brooke: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI4MzM0NjJ8MTIxNDkzNDU2Ng/the-road-to-enlightenment?index=1

Shades of grey by evefashion: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTc3ODMzMzd8MTIwMTE5MzY2OQ/shades-of-grey?index=2

Answer: They all feature my Grey Wolf Cozy Bag! http://www.etsy.com/listing/85450448/large-cozy-bag-grey-wolf-ready-to-ship?ref=tre-1214934566-2

Thank you!

What I Am Thankful For

I have so many things to be thankful for.

Of course, I want to mention my supportive 'significant other'. He takes care things so I can spend my time sewing. I feel so lucky.

And I am thankful that I am able to do what I love to do, making things. I feel so warm inside when I finish something and I love how it looks. And I appreciate the wonderful feedback that people give me.

We're not rich, but I feel so rich inside. I wouldn't trade my life for the world!

Thank you!

Free Raffle for Purple Fur Bag!

Fur is just so IN this year, isn't it?

Well, follow me on my blog: http://caroljoyfashions.blogspot.com/

and you are entered into a free raffle for the Purple Madness Bag (click below)! The fur is extremely soft, long piled, very thick and the color is so pretty!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84860386/purple-madness-purse-etsy-free-shipping

I will be randomly selecting a name on December 1, 2011.

Good luck to everyone!

Free Shipping and I love Purple for the Holidays

I'm having free shipping at Carol Joy Fashions through December 31, 2011:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CarolJoyFashions

and I love purple for the holidays, check out these gorgeous etsy treasury lists!

A Purple Christmas by PaintingByElaine

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/OTM4MzIxOXwxMTUwODU2NTI5/a-purple-christmas?index=0

and

Shades of Purple by AngelsNEverlastings

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODExNjEwNXwxMTM0NzEzMTkz/little-things-in-shades-of-purple?index=1

Great shopping lists

Check out this green and gold treasury, thanks to Sharon Marshall from marshgator1 on Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTE3MDI2MDN8MTExMjYzMzIzMA/be-bold-go-green-and-gold-for-the?index=0

and

this Black Tan and Grey Treasury list from Tami Cicale from adorablelittleme on Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTAyODg3MDB8MTExMTk1MDU1Mg/hot-and-trending-black-tan-and-grey?index=1

Have you ever seen a 7" bird charm?

I took this bird off a necklace that I bought at an estate sale. I looked all over the internet to find another huge bird like this. I only found one and they called it a runway piece. Hmmmm?

Anyway, take a look, this is pretty cool. I love how the ruby red eyes match the vintage upholstery fabric of the bag.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/100766603/the-ultimate-chick-bag-circle-burgundy

Upcoming Shows in Las Vegas

Here's a list of my upcoming shows--if you mention that you saw this on my blog, let me know, you get 10% off your purchase!

1) Lakes Lutheran Craft Show
The Lakes Lutheran Church 8200 W. Sahara, Las Vegas, NV
(702) 363-2515
Friday, November 11, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, November 12, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

2) Lummis Elementary School
9000 Hillpoint, Las Vegas, NV
(702) 799-4380
Saturday, November 19 8:00 AM - 12 Noon

3) Bilbray Elementary School
9370 Brent Ln, Las Vegas
(702) 799-4646
Saturday, December 3

Hope to see you!

It Reminds Me of Ketchup and Mustard

I love colors, and I think this bag is really cute, I especially love that red button that I think goes perfectly with black and mustard yellow. And the handles are a wonderful faux leather!

I especially love the lining, how perfectly it goes with the colors of the purse--andy khaki goes with almost anything!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84979813/khaki-flowers-bag-purse-cotton-yellow

Office Gift Ideas?

Here's a help as to what to buy your fellow office workers, the boss, maybe the newspaper boy:



http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQ3Nzk0NDh8OTk4MzMzMDY5/office-gift-ideas?index=0

What's better than a cozy bag?

What's better than a cozy bag?

A bigger cozy bag! One thing that's pretty apparent, the female persuade want big, big, big bags!

I increased the size 4 inches across, and still the all around pockets, that seems pretty popular.

These are two cozy bags to compare. The one on the top is a medium size, and the bottom picture is a large bag.


http://www.etsy.com/listing/65072825/medium-cozy-bag-brown-bunny?ref=pr_shop

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84434679/large-cozy-bag-brown-bunny-ready-to-ship?ref=pr_shop

Breast Cancer Pin

I'm really pleased at how these pins came out--they are so pretty and feminine.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83688179/fur-ribbon-pin-breast-association-fake

I salute you, breast cancer survivors, and all the woman who have battled before you!

For the Tea Lovers on Your List

I think this fabric is so pretty--I made it into a nice, sturdy, largish tote with a zipper on the top and pockets inside.

Plus, I love faux leather!

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/83453958

Pouch Pairs

Well, these groupings are more than just a pair, but I like how Pouch Pairs sound!

Anyway, I've been finding some really cool fabrics and making a group of things out of the same fabric. These group pictures look awesome! Check out these closeups:

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/83453938?transaction_id=83453938

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/76175827?transaction_id=76175827

This Fabric Reminds Me of a Romance Novel

She knew he was trouble as soon as she met his dark, angry eyes. Such pretty eyes too, why did men always get the thick eyelashes?

She wasn't some namby, pamby push around kind of girl either. She was a solid 40 year old woman, darn it all, and had been married before, and was well versed at this relationship business.

She'd told herself to calm down when he made an obvious move to talk to her, and he'd commented on the avocado she'd forgotten she was holding.

"Press down on the end, see if it gives any." He'd said,and then sort of ducked his head, like a bashful boy realizing he'd spoken out of turn.

Well that did it. That did it. little boy cute yes, but oh, so yummy, in a grown up sort of way.


http://www.etsy.com/listing/75803656/shot-through-the-heart-ornament

Faux/Fake Fur is still Fabulous!

I've seen lots of buzz on the internet and the stores about fake fur for the coming season. Well, good, because I have lots of fake fur too. :)

The jist of what I'm reading is that fake fur has been improved over the years...it's more luxurious, more real looking, easier to take care of.

I'll vouch for that. Except for my obvious fake furs (the red, green and aqua ones) I can't believe how plush my bambi/bunny furs are. And the grey long haired is always a showstopper.

Some of the Faux Fur that I use to create my purses

I love the combination of fur and shiny fabrics like sequin. Or with colorful beads and buttons.

 

Fur and Sequins Bag

Faux fur jewelry coming soon!

I Love You With All My Heart!

I just started a new line of delicate purses and keepsake holders--I made them from plush fur and they are fully lined...great as bridesmaids gifts, too!

http://http://www.etsy.com/listing/72344252/i-love-you-with-all-my-heart-small-purse

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72340871/i-love-you-with-all-my-heart-purse-in?ref=v1_other_2

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72339323/i-love-you-with-all-my-heart-purse-in?ref=v1_other_2

Matching Shoes and Purses

IsabellaGolightly put together shoes and matching purses in this really pretty treasury, and thanks for including me!

http://http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d89253ec8b06d914781da96/shoes-and-handbags-part-vi#4d89523686af8eef08198434

Bambi Looking Bag & Asking Where to Get Great Fake Fur

I went to Florida and all I got was this fake fur!  I think this hobo style is the perfect bag for this type of fur.

Fawn Cozy Bag in my Fur Shop

Well, that's not entirely accurate...I also bought earings and incense and a pair of sandals...

We traveled to the Tampa Bay area in February to scope out areas for a business, but we also looked at fabric and bead stores, which is where I bought this great fur!

I still have sticker shock, though. I can't believe how expensive fake fur is compared to a couple of years ago. And there's not as much variety either.

Anyone have suggestions about where to buy cool, unusual fake fur?

Can You See the Faces In This Bag?

This is so cool, can you see the faces in this bag?  Do you see the man's and woman's face in the orange part of this bag?  He has a beard and appears to be wearing some type of hat, he looks like a famous painter to me.  She is in the upper right hand part of the bag--and she seems to be wear a long gown and has a crown on her head. 

Or am I plum crazy?!

 

What's Black & white & read all over?

This bag!

This retro themed romantic cartoon fabric is so cool...I've made two bags with it so far. For some reason, I can show a woman a really dressy bag and one with this fabric, and this one wins hands down.

Check it out if you have time:


http://www.etsy.com/listing/69901975/freak-out-bag?ref=v1_other_2

Doing What You Love

I just read a great article on Etsy written by a woman who makes pottery. She was torn--in order to make great sales, she needed to make what was popular, and she did not feel fulfilled making those types of items.

The article talked about artists needing to make a living v wanting to make what was in their heart.

I think we can all understand this dilemma.

They had great suggestions though. They talked about making sure you had a real creative outlet, like joining artists groups or if you're able to, making what is in your heart, it doesn't matter if it sells.

It was a nice article.

The Most Beautiful Button in the World (to me)

The most beautiful button in the world to me (as you must expect) is flashy, bright, noticeable, ostentatious, colorful and big.

Not surprising, uhmmm?

Well, I had this lovely, large button for a while and I kept trying to match it up. It's funny, but you can choose a piece of fabric this is the exact colors of a button, and it can look horrible together.

I can't explain it, but I get a kind of !ping! in my head when a combination looks right. The other night, I finally matched up a humdinger of a combo and I wanted to share it with you.

Thanks for paying attention to my blather. I've had fun. :)


http://www.etsy.com/listing/66389117/cozy-bag-bohemian-rainbow

The Saga Continues - How to Take Care of Fake Fur

I wanted to show you before and after pictures of fake fur that I washed and what the fur looks like after it's made it into a purse.

The first picture is a little frightening, because it looks like a drown rat! And this is very thick fur, too, so the drying time was about 36 hours. I dried this fur in my condo, not outside and it was sprinkling outside, which extends the drying time.

So, I guess my message is, be patient, be careful, and go slowly when cleaning fake fur.

You can check The Brown Bunny Cozy Purse out on my website:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65072825/cozy-bag-brown-bunny