Summer Hiatus

We all get restless. Myself in particular. Like one morning I decided 10 years was long enough to have stretched ears. Or the time I threw out my coffeemaker and switched over to tea. It's become quite clear that I am giving owlswakeup a break for the summer, and that's totally okay. I can't pressure myself into thinking that I should keep going when I am genuinely not in the mood to do so. So a vacation it is.

However, a recent fabric shopping trip got my head filled with all sorts of new ideas. SO. My new plan is not to try to be as productive as I was in the spring and feel sad when I fail to do so, but to get ready to get back into it in the fall. My plan for now is to plan.

Until then.

One More Week!

Eeek! Only one more week until the TEST Springtime Marketplace! I'll admit, I kinda (really) slacked this week. Didn't do nearly as much as I should have. So now the final few days will be last minute errand running and sewing! I only have a few more things I'd like to make so if it doesn't get done, it's not the end of the world. I also need to get change from the bank, snacks for the day, more paper bags etc. The little things! For now I have borrowed a suitcase from my friend and have started getting myself organized by packing things as I think of them. Still on the lookout for the final piece for my display. I got that basket on the right last week and it's not quite right but in a pinch it will do!

Can't wait!

TEST Lookbook

Helloooo!

The gorgeous lookbook is out for the TEST Springtime Marketplace! Check it out! Lots of amazing sellers are going to be there. Can you find me?

Not much to report over on my end; busy spending this week getting the display elements ready which includes a test run of my table as well as making my sign! I'll definitely post pictures when I'm done! This is going to be a busy weekend :D

The table cloth I borrowed from my mom is perfect.

TEST Springtime Marketplace

Guess what? I'm doing a craft show!

The fabulous ladies at the Toronto Etsy Street Team are running the show on Saturday, June 1st at 918 Bathurst Street. Check out the Facebook event!

It's my first one and while I have been to many shows, I have absolutely no idea what to expect being behind the table. How much stuff do I make? What should my display be? I NEED A SIGN?? Ahhh!

In the coming weeks my focus will be on getting my display/stock ready so I will still be blogging, but there won't be any DIY tutorials for a bit!

I've already put in an order for business cards and started thrifting for display items ;) Today I need to buy replacement blades for my rotary cutter before I start cutting all the fabric ever.

I might add things to my Etsy shop between now and then, but this month is going to be such a whirlwind that I can't make any promises!

Wish me luck!

Insta-Weekend

Yesterday was crafty-errand day. Did some serious supply shopping (while it was hailing, I must add), discovered my favourite bead store—Chaton Beads—closed forever, then checked out the glorious City of Craft and was so overwhelmed with inspiration that I went home and made way too many necklaces.

Find me on Instagram @owlswakeup to see the rest of my pics!

Leather and Sewing Supply never fails to get me drooling.

Looking for the perfect strap for a tote bag for my friend.

Some truly amazing artisans at City of Craft! Something to aspire to ;)

The bead obsession in full swing.

New clutches and another necklace DIY coming soon!

New Clutches

New fabrics trickling into the shop today! Still lots more to come…

It's been a busy week of sewing things, shipping things, shopping for things, applying to craft-show-related things (ohgodohgodohgod)… So for now, check out the new things!

Green and Yellow Vine Clutch

Pink Floral Tapestry Clutch

Purple Lace Foldover Clutch

Pink Floral Tapestry Foldover Clutch

OWU Spotlight: Envelope Clutch

Is it the weekend yet? Almost? Thank goodness! I have been so excited for this coming long weekend. It means tons of free time for friends, sewing and, of course, more DIYs ;) I have a few on my mind so keep your eyes peeled over the next few days!

For now, I wanted to feature my envelope clutches. I had a mild crisis with this one, but it all came together in the end. What I really like about this style is that it can easily be dressed up or down, and the shape really shows off the beautiful tapestry patterns. :)

1. Blue and Gold
2. Pale Gold and Green
3. Black and Gold
4. Blue and Brown Leaf

Have an amazing chocolate-filled weekend!

New Things!

Hello! It's shop update time!

Just a few things this round, but I have obtained some lovely spring fabrics that are just itching to be made into new goodies so watch out for those coming SOON! I have a feeling I'm going to a lot more productive as evenings are getting brighter and I no longer want to curl up in a ball of sadness.

Click here to see what's new!

Black and Gold Tapestry Box Clutch

Blue and Gold Tapestry Box Clutch

Pale Yellow Tapestry Large Clutch

OWU Spotlight: Large Clutch

Hellooo! It is absolutely gorgeous in Toronto this weekend, I am finding any excuse to get outside!! After seeing a dude in shorts last night I think it's safe to say we're done with winter, no? :)

Today's owlswakeup spotlight is the Large Clutch. This design was one of the very first in my shop and after doing the model shoot I was reminded of how much I love it! It's a great size with fun fabric combinations and versatility. My next update will hopefully have some new versions of this style.

Hi!

1. Cream Diamonds
2. Black and Gold Tapestry
3. Blue and Brown Leaves
4. Cream and Taupe Floral

Have a wonderful weekend!

A Small Update [3-2-13]

Behold! A few new things in the shop today:

Meet the four new lovelies :)

Blue and Brown Leaf Patterned Envelope Clutch

Black and Gold Tapestry and Black Vinyl Tote Bag

Black Cotton and Brass Studded Pouches

Also be sure to check out the rest of the new photos throughout the shop! It's been a long week of photo editing so I hope you like the new look!

New Year, New Goals, New (Old) Blog

HELLO!

It has quite literally been years since I have posted but I am hoping this year will bring more time dedicated to this space! Sooo…what is new with you? A couple months ago, I did something I have wanted to do for a looong time. I opened an Etsy store!

Well, to be fair, the store was technically opened in January 2011, but I was making crochet PDF patterns then. Unfortunately, my motivation wore thin on that project and I put my shop in vacation mode for several months until I finally had an idea I could run with.

Right now, my shop has a focus on clutches and pouches made with tapestry fabrics:

There has been a steep learning curve, let me tell ya. Not only do you have to settle on a consistent image/brand, but there are a lot of behind-the-scenes aspects that I had to pick up on the fly. For example, product photography, photoshoppin', Canada Post-in', bookkeepin', (reasonable) goal settin' etc etc. Lots of things that take away from the actual sewin'! Not that I haven't loved every minute of it!

After discussions with awesome friends, I have tons of inspiration for new designs for the New Year! I even have set the ominous goal of doing a craft show or two. Imagine…selling to actual humans! What are your crafty New Year's resolutions?