Easy as 1, 2, 3

While looking for a new “How To” I wanted to incorporate the upcoming holiday along with my inability to sew. I hear all the great artists talking about felting, sewing, crocheting etc. and it is all way over my head; however, I did find a great looking felt purse that even I, and those that are sewing impaired, can make.

What You Need
• 1 yard white wool felt
• 3 sheets 8-1/2-x-11-inch paper for pattern
• Tape
• Scissors
• 1 skein red cotton floss
• Needle
• Red felt
• 1 button
• 1/2 yard cording
• Crafts glue

How to Make It
1. Wash the white felt and let it air-dry.
2. To make the pattern, tape the long end of one sheet of paper to the long end of the next; add the third sheet of paper in the same way.
3. Use scissors to cut the top piece of the pattern into a V that will become the purse flap.
4. Place the paper on the white felt and cut all around.
5. Fold the bottom third of the felt over the middle third; stitch the sides together using a blanket embroidery stitch, to create the purse pouch.
Also, stitch around the V flap to keep a uniformed look.
6. Cut four petal shapes from red felt and glue them to the point of the V.
7. Stitch a button in the center to finish.
8. To make the handle, cover the cording with a scrap of white felt and glue the ends shut.
9. Stitch the handle neatly to the back side of the bag.

After you have tried this great How To, take pictures and send them to us!

Come back in 2 weeks for another Hand Made How to!
Enjoy
EsThings

Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you’d been sneak attacked?

Truepennie: It took a little while for me to realize what had happened. I thought at first that my cousin and all her friends had suddenly decided to buy a bunch of stuff, but then I saw the “sneak attack” comments, I got really confused. Finally I saw the message from Joyce (HappyCloudMoments) and realized what had happened. At that point, I was just speechless! And I felt so special and privileged to have been one of the lucky few chosen. I was at work when all of this happened, but luckily it was a slow day so I was able to absorb everything and then figure out all the next steps that I needed to do.

Eco-Friendly Medium Size Plarn Bag from Truepennie

I think sneak attacks are a tremendous surprise to unsuspecting shop owners, one that truly is special and makes one’s whole week. It’s a great way to help newbies figure out the last remaining steps (creating invoices, figuring out actual shipping costs, etc) and it’s great to be on record as having sales and feedback as a seller. I’d definitely like to participate in attacks on other shops.

KatieandEmma:It was very exciting! I didn’t know that there was such a thing but it is a lot of fun! Sneak attack is such a great idea. There are so many talented people out there and it is a great way to get noticed.

A True Friend card from KatieandEmma

Celeste: Anything else you would like our blog readers to know?

Truepennie: As for me, even though I live in Boston now, I’m a born and bred Californian and I think that still comes through in my creations. I love being able to do what I can to help out the environment, but being a part-time crafter, my space, time, and abilities are limited. My boyfriend and I both love using found objects and upcycling materials, but we have to limit ourselves since the materials have a tendency to take over the whole apartment so that soon the only space left is where the two greyhounds are sleeping. Right now I’m working on more designs and color options for the flowers, different designs for the headbands, and upcycling old t-shirts and other clothes into bags as well. I have a lot of old hawaiian shirts from the days when my boyfriend was a manager at Trader Joe’s, that I’m hoping will turn into brightly colored bags without the cheese factor. I’m loving the trend that’s taken hold now-a-days with reusing and repurposing old stuff and am really glad to be a part of it.

Dark Blue Organza Flower Hair Clip from Truepennie

KatieandEmma: I am still trying to get more cards out there. I have added quite a few since the sneak attack so feel free to stop by again sometime! Thanks for choosing my shop!!

Its Your Day card from KatieandEmma