Bagel Creations

Fun Feature and Catching Up

2010-12-07T21:57:00.000-08:00

Where has the time gone!?! It always seems no matter what I do, this time of year just sneaks up on me. I am in full crazy sewing mode. I am busy sewing and shipping lots and lots of Chico Cozies. These bundles are moving fast!

Yesterday I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was featured in IndieSpotting's 12 Days of Christmas. I just love Indiespotting. You can find the greatest handmade items and let me just tell you that An Indie Christmas is full of great gift ideas!

image credit

That's my pretty little wristlet there in the bottom left corner.

Well, I must get back to my sewing machine! I have lots of fun new ideas swimming around my head for the new year, so be on the lookout for fun new stuff. Oh, and I really need a holiday curtain for my kitchen and some new pillow covers for my couch... Hopefully I can share those soon!

One More Day!

2010-10-24T11:46:00.001-07:00

There's one more day left to enter my giveaway over at Everything Etsy! You only have until midnight on Monday, October 25th! That's tomorrow!

You could win this super cute bag!

So, hurry up and go enter!

P.S. There's a discount code over there, too!

New Pillows!

2010-09-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

OK, so they aren't really new pillows. Just new pillow covers.

The other day I came across this awesome tutorial that Kim over at Everything Etsy shared and just had to give it a try. Here is my version...

I made covers for the two pillows on our couch (please don't pay attention to grubby kid handprints on the couch).

I chose to use a brown background, because, well, I have 2 little boys... and one big boy. Enough said.

I used scraps that I just haven't been able to part with for the leaves. Now I get to look at those gorgeous fabrics all the time!

My new pillows make me so happy! Fall is my absolute favorite season and these are very Fall-ish.

I think these pillows will have a bit of the "worn and weathered" look before long. The edges of my leaves will fray with all of the jumping and flopping the boys do on the couch, not to mention the Wipeout stunts that my 2-year old is perfecting... (You can kind of already see where the boys have smooshed and rumpled up the pillows.) But such is life as a mom of 2 boys. The frayed edges add a special charm!

Oh, and now I'm working on curtains for my kitchen! I'll share those soon, too!

Special Order

2010-09-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me to make a set of custom pouches for her girls' weekend.

She wanted the girls' initials appliqued on each one.
I had this yummy fabric I've been wanting to make into something fantastic.
I think they turned out pretty great.

What do you think?

Happy Labor Day!

2010-09-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

We're heading to the cabin for the long Labor Day weekend. Yippee!!! The kids are already back in school, but this is still like our end of the summer celebration. I'm looking forward to a few days filled with sitting on the dock, looking for pollywogs, pretty sunsets over the lake and maybe a cocktail or two. Hope you get the chance to do something fun and relax a bit!

I've been stocking Bagel Creations with some new pouches, key fobs, and a fun new line of wristlets. While I'm away, enjoy Free Shipping over at both Bagel Creations and The Chico Cozy!

Time for School

2010-08-17T12:12:00.001-07:00

It's been a rough day over here. My little guy has started pre-school and after 2 days, he's just not happy about it. Today I had to leave him in tears. Which resulted in me in tears...

I know it'll get better. And I know he's going to love it. But, right now... this just stinks.

Here are a few fun finds for little ones from some of my fellow Busy Moms of Etsy to brighten the day.

Toddler and Kids Cotton Flower Cloche from zbelle.

Pocket Mirror with Drawstring Bag from Heather Jane Design.

Numbers Prints 123 by Grace Hester Designs.

Speedy the Turtle - Funny Toddler T by Cantaloupe Corner.

Here's hoping for no tears on Thursday.

Happy Morning Surprise

2010-08-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

The other morning I opened the shade in my bedroom window to be greeted by these beauties growing along our garden fence...

Not sure where they came from, but they sure were a pretty surprise! So bright in the morning sun! Their white centers almost seem to glow in the sunlight.

I think they are Morning Glories...

Which I've heard grow like crazy and can take over your yard in the blink of an eye! We'll see what happens... I'm really enjoying these in the mornings for now.

Summer Fun!

2010-07-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

Aren't summer trips fun? I'm really looking forward to my annual summer trip back East to Philadelphia. I always bring my boys and we always have a fantastic time. We hit the beach, eat lots of soft pretzels and water ice and visit with family and friends.

In anticipation of this year's trip, I decided I needed a new tote to carry around all of my essentials... diapers, wipes, a few toys, snacks, my wallet, a camera, sunglasses... oh, you get the point. Needless to say, it needs to be a pretty big tote!

I decided that I wanted to use fabrics from Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet Collection. I am in love with these fabrics! I added a solid taupe twill, a few pockets, and a heavy muslin lining. It's sturdy, pretty, and will hold just about anything I need!

And I admit it, I may be cheating a little... But, I'm already using it! I just couldn't wait!

Make sure you head over to Everything Etsy to check out all the other great creations in the I Made It! {Blog Party Thursday}

New Ruffle Tote

2010-06-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

Are you seeing ruffles everywhere? They are certainly popping up everywhere you look and they are super cute! I've been experimenting a bit with them, and so when my friend asked me to create a gift for her sister, I thought, "I have just the thing!" What do you think?

I am really happy with how it turned out.

I even made a little zip pouch to match,

I was really tempted to keep it for myself...

But I really hope her sister loves it!

So, I've already gone fabric shopping to whip up some more of these! My sewing machine is going to see a lot of ruffles this week! Keep an eye on the shop... these babies are sure to be listed soon!

Make sure you stop by Everything Etsy to see lots of other great projects in the I Made It! {Thursday Blog Party}

Thursday Night Market!

2010-04-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

This past Thurday was the first night of this season's Thursday Night Market in Downtown Chico! It was tons of fun and it was great to see everyone! I met lots of new people and was so happy to see some familiar faces from last season. So fun!

I was very busy the last few weeks getting ready. I had lots of new goodies. I whipped up a stack of super cute little coin purses...

And a stack of fun pencil pouches...

Of course, I had lots of new Chico Cozies! Lots of fun new patterns this year...

I made several new totes with repurposed denim and pretty spring fabrics...

And these new ruffled totes... So cute!!! Perfect for carrying books to class...

Here's my set up. Notice the fun new screen that my super-talented hubby put together for me to hang my bags on...

From another angle...

I was so excited to be back at the market! I'm always working on something new, so you never know what I will have from week to week. Of course I have my Possible Bags, card holders, key chains and other favorites, too! Stop by and say hi next week!

Introducing...

2010-03-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

...my newest creation!!! The Anything Is Possible Bag!!! I'm so excited! The idea for this bag has been swimming around in my head for some time now. I wanted to make something bigger than my wristlet, The Possible Bag, but not too big as to be cumbersome. I think I got it. This purse is big enough for a wallet, cell phone, checkbook, a little make-up, and a few little odds and ends. It still has one zipper compartment and a front snap pocket. The strap is long enough to go over your shoulder and detachable so you can use the longer adjustable strap that I make.

I love it! And I'm loving the new Meadowsweet fabrics that I used.

I customized this one for me with two little pockets inside the front snap pocket. I have two phones (one for work, one personal), so this is just perfect! And when I'm not at work, I can use the other pocket for my iPod!

OK, I'm off to add a few of these to my Etsy shop! I have a few already made in super cute fabrics with more to come. You'll have to stop by to see for yourself!

And the Winner is...

2010-03-15T23:01:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Adjustable Coffee Cozy Giveaway is...

Friendliest Ghost! Congratulations!

She chose the Adjustable Coffee Cozy in Wood.

Thanks to everyone who participated. That was fun! I may have to do more of these... be on the lookout!

March Giveaway!

2010-03-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's March! The trees are budding and the flowers are blooming here in northern California! To celebrate, I thought I would have a little giveaway!

The lucky winner will receive a Chico Cozy of their choosing from my shop! Chico Cozies are adjustable coffee cozies for your to-go cup. They are insulated which makes them great for hot and cold drinks. They are totally adjustable thanks to a button and an elastic loop. Plus, they come in super cute prints! Sure to get you noticed while you sip a treat at the local coffee shop!

To enter please leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite item is in my shop, Bagel Creations.

Receive an additional entry for each of the following:

*Follow my Blog

*Follow me on Twitter

*Become a fan of Bagel Creations on Facebook

*Tweet about this giveaway

*Blog about the giveaway (leave a link to your blog post)

*Purchase something from my shop for 5 additional entries!!!

Good luck!

The giveaway ends at midnight PST on Sunday, March 14th. The winner will be announced on March 15th.

New Spring Totes

2010-03-02T22:17:00.000-08:00

So, I've had some of this really great fabric and I've been dying to use it. I finally made some great Spring Totes and they really did turn out great!

These are all at Made in Chico now. I was super excited to take them over there, so if you see one you must have... you'll have to head to Made in Chico and pick it up. That one in the first picture with the pretty reds and greens? I had a hard time giving that one up....

Sunshine

2010-02-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

What started off as a gray rainy day has turned into a bright sunny day here in Chico. I ventured out this morning and strolled around our Saturday morning Farmer's Market. I wish I had had my camera... beautiful daffodils and gorgeous fruits and vegetables for sale!

These are daffodils from my own backyard. The sunshine feels so good! Spring is on its way!

Cards and Stickers!

2010-02-23T08:36:00.001-08:00

I'm so very excited! I recently received my order of mini cards and stickers from The Art of Joy. I absolutely love Joy's artwork and love to include her cards with my Etsy orders. Look at how awesome her cards are...

This time, I also decided to get some stickers to brighten up the outside of my packages a bit. What do you think?

Joy is always adding fun new designs. Plus, she has personalized address labels, calendars, and of course, cards and stickers in lots of other fun designs!

I'm off to pack orders and use more of my cards and stickers! Fun!!!

New Beginnings

2010-01-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

Although a little late, I'm still thinking about the start of the New Year. The holiday rush was a real whirlwind for me and I took some much needed time at the holidays to unwind and spend some time with the 3 fantastic boys in my life. So, now I'm ready. Ready for the New Year with fresh energy and fresh ideas. So, I think with the New Year, it's time for some new beginnings. Time to get back on track in lots of ways. Time to organize in lots of areas. These are things I know that I need to do. I also know that I need to create. I have lots of ideas swimming around in my brain just trying to get out and materialize themselves. Luckily, I have some fabulous new material for just such an occassion! But seriously, here's to new beginnings and a fabulous 2010! I can't wait to get started!

These photos were taken on New Year's Day. I thought this beautiful full rainbow was quite fitting for the first day of the New Year...

Chico Cozy Giveaway

2009-10-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

Jane at Jacaranda Designs is hosting a giveaway for one of my Chico Cozies over on her blog!

Jane makes beautiful jewelry... I just love her posy bracelets!

Halloween Posy Bracelet

Go enter the giveaway here!

Wholesale!

2009-10-02T22:01:00.000-07:00

Finished up a wholesale order and delivered it today! Very exciting! Stay tuned to find out where these cozies will soon be available!

Monterey

2009-09-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

We took advantage of the long Labor Day weekend and took a trip to Monterey. Our older son loves the aquarium and it was the little one's first time. He was a little unsure the first day, but it didn't take him long to warm up. There were soon lots of "ooh's and ahh's".

We got to play in the tide pools and check out lots of ocean critters.

Shane got to boogie board. The weather was beautiful for the weekend... sunny and warm!

And Wyatt stalked the birds on the beach...

Grace Hester Designs

2009-09-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

Wow! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind including a trip to Monterey! So much fun! I will be posting pictures from our trip later this weekend. Today I really want to share with you about this weekend's featured Busy Mom of Etsy, Grace Hester Designs! Grace creates beautiful prints that are just perfect to give as gifts or to grace your own home with. She is super sweet and is so nice to work with. She is open to custom orders and enjoys creating special pieces for individuals. Her pieces are sure to become treasured keepsakes! I have two myself!

This one is super cute and would look great in a child's bedroom. I love all the animals!

Modern Alphabet Print 11 X 14 Featuring Animal Silhouette Shapes with Names

I also love this one! Giraffes are my absolute favorite! These number prints are new in Grace's shop and she is offering them at an unbeatable price this weekend. You can get a 4x6 print for $3.50 which includes US shipping!

Introductory Price and Free Shipping US - Number 3 (Three) Print with Giraffes 4 X 6 Print

And if you want all three??? You can get them for just $10!

Introductory Price and Free Shipping US - Set of All Three 4 X 6 Number Prints

So, get on over to her shop and check it out! She also has birthdate prints, wedding and anniversary art, and other treasures for you to browse!

Flying Frog Apparel

2009-09-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

My Etsy team, The Busy Moms of Etsy, is full of absolutely awesome talent! This is the first in a line of features of some of our fabulous moms! Flying Frog Apparel is a super cute shop!

Super cute shirts...

Darling barrettes...

And fabulous headbands...

Make sure you stop by her shop and check it out!

How Exciting!

2009-07-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

I was on the front page of Etsy today!

Weekend Getaway

2009-06-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

My hubby and I had a weekend getaway for our 6th anniversary this weekend... with no kids!!! We went to my in-law's cabin at Philbrook Lake. The lake is just so beautiful and peaceful. Brooks did quite a bit of fishing, mostly from our dock.

I went out for a few kayak rides. I love to kayak into the Channel. The water twists through the willows and you can watch ducks, woodpeckers, quail, fish, and all kinds of wildflife. The sound of the wind blowing through the trees is just magical. I could just hang out in there all day.

We had a really nice weekend. Quiet, peaceful.... Now, it's back to the hustle and bustle that is life with two kids. I'll be heading to the creek with the kids this week as the temperature in Chico will be in the 100's. During naps I'll be busy sewing. I have orders to get out and another Thursday Night Market to get ready for. Happy Monday!

The Possible Bag

2009-05-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to introduce this new design! I designed The Possible Bag out of my need to have a small bag that I could carry easily while hauling around my 18 month old son.

I used to carry around a zip pouch with my cell phone in it. However, by the time I unzipped it and wrestled my phone out, I usually missed the call! And I had my cash and cards in a separate pouch. So, this fun little number features one zip pocket and one snap pocket. I slip my cell phone in the snap pocket and then slip my cash, cards, and my lip gloss in the zip pocket.

The wristlet has a swivel clip on it so I can wear it on my wrist or clip it to the stroller, shopping cart, a larger bag, or my belt loop. I can even clip my keys to it!

I just love this little bag and I really like making them! I'm excited to make more in lots of fun fabrics. I'll be listing them soon in my Etsy shop!

Awesome Giveaway!

2009-04-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

Pop on over to A Giveway A Day! and check out this beautiful necklace! You can enter for a chance to win it! Katherine's shop is just beautiful! Oh, I hope I win!

Pay-It-Forward Giveaway!

2009-04-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

This is going to be so much fun! This sort of resembles a chain letter/e-mail (which I really despise), but this one has a really cool twist to it! It’s totally not doom and gloom if you don’t participate, but if you do, it could just be great! And the whole pay-it-forward part… I’m all about spreading some love these days!

So, here’s the deal. Whoever participates in this giveaway makes something for the first 5 people to comment on their blog, and those 5 people have to take note of the following to receive their gift:

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.
2. What I create will be just for you, with love.
3. It’ll be done this year (2009).
4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. Or it may be monstrous and annoying. Heck, I might bake something for you and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that’s for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something strange.
6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your blog post.
7. Send your mailing address - after I contact you. (Be sure to leave a working email!)

IMPORTANT: This offer is null and void if I do not see you post your own blog to pay this forward (please do so within 24 hours of my contacting you to make it easy).

The first five to comment on this post and agree to do the following (mention that you are going to do the "Pay-it-Forward" Project" in your comment so I know) will receive something (oh, the possibilities) made by me.

Who Doesn't Love a Giveaway?

2009-03-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

I'm giving away one of my Chico Cozies!!! To get in on the fun go to Megan's Munchies and enter! You could win this...
Good Luck!

Amazing Handmade

2009-03-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

The wonders of handmade artists never ceases to amaze. I recently purchased this gorgeous locket from polarity. I just love it!

And I also recently discovered Oakenstone Handmade. She makes an oatmeal soap that is to die for!

I love using oatmeal soap and when I found this great handmade one, it prompted me to try to look for other things that I regularly use in the handmade arena. I found some pretty cool stuff.

Picnic Basket Crafts makes eco-friendly replacement pads for those mop systems so many of us use.

Kat's Kards N Krafts makes a variety of cleaning products. All natural diswashing detergent? Makes sense to me!

I found fun facial scrubbies at Two Seaside Babes.

And check out this batter bowl from Hardy Pottery.

What are you going to buy that's handmade?

Etsy Community Trying to Help a Family in Need

2009-03-04T07:01:00.001-08:00

While browsing through the forums on Etsy yesterday, I came across a thread about a little boy who was tragically killed in a crosswalk accident last week. Having 2 boys myself, I couldn't help but feel for this family. Members of the etsy community have reached out to donate the proceeds of some of their sales to the family to help defray the costs of the funeral. You can read more about Zachary here.

Please check out this thread and see if there isn't something that you must have! Proceeds go to benefit Zachary's Fund. Thanks!

Rainy Day

2009-02-17T07:59:00.000-08:00

It seems it has been raining for days here in northern California. We've had quite a few gray dreary days and this weather is supposed to continue throughout the week. I really can't complain, though. We need the rain so badly. After a very dry winter, the rain is welcome. I decided to search Etsy for rain inspired items. I hope you like them.

Blue Umbrella by garyjwhitehead

Little Rain Cloud Earrings by ShySiren

Rainy Day Blue Tshirt by diffractionfiber

Rainy Day by teefeebijoux

rainy day by Jillian1234

Rainy Day - necklace by bellabijoujewellery

IndieSpotting

2009-02-13T15:04:00.000-08:00

Today I had an item listed on IndieSpotting. IndieSpotting is a gallery that showcases indie and handmade goods that are available online. It's an awesome site to wander around for some inspiration and to find irresistable items. You can also submit items to be included in the gallery. Go check it out!

Cool Birthday Cakes

2009-02-11T06:10:00.001-08:00

My son is really into Star Wars right now and wanted a birthday cake that looked like a lightsaber. A friend had shared this site with me some time ago, so I checked it out. They had several examples of lightsaber cakes, so I picked one to try and this is how it turned out.

I made a chocolate marshmallow cake roll, which was pretty tasty. I rolled the sections in different thicknesses, so it looked like his retractable light saber toy. I was pretty happy with it. At least everyone could tell what it was, and my son really liked it, so that's really all that matters.

I've used this site before to find fun birthday cake ideas. There are tons of cakes and usually there are at least basic instructions to help you out. If you're looking for cake inspiration, I highly recommend it!

Saturday Shopping

2009-02-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

I decided to shop for hedgehogs this morning on Etsy. Here are a few cool things I found...

Hedgehog Pendant by NBDesigns

Cute Little Hedgehog by printmakerjenn

Hedgehog Bracelet by patchworkpossum

Hedgehog by SandraHealy

Hedgehog Pincushion by squirrelmomma

Fat Hedgehog by sweetestpea

Why Bagel?

2009-01-30T07:55:00.001-08:00

I've had several people ask me why I've decided to use the name "Bagel Creations". Bagel is a nickname that I acquired from a friend's husband. He could never remember how to pronounce my last name which has a nice German ring to it. One day I finally said to him, "It rhymes with bagel!" as he tried to remember how to pronounce it... again. Since then, I've been "Bagel". My husband even started calling me Bagel after we met. So, it is actually very endearing to me, and I really don't mind being associated with a starchy carbohydrate. When somebody calls me "Bagel" it just reminds me of my good friends and those that I love the most. What better inspiration can an artist have?

Getting Started

2009-01-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog! Over the next few days I will be setting up my blog and getting organized. I hope to post about my adventures in the crafting world, cool things that I find, techniques, supplies and most anything that applies to being crafty! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll come back as I get settled in here!