Julie Vision Designs

Takin' a Little Break

2011-07-05T15:51:00.001-04:00

I've decided that I'm going to take a little etsy break for a few months. In honor of this, I've extended Junes 15% off coupon code JUSTFORFUN through July. After July, I'll be putting the shop on vacation mode until further notice. Take advantage of the discount now before I close my doors for a while!

Please do note that I will still take custom orders, even after the shop is temporally closed.

If you want information on custom items, please contact me at julievisiondesigns (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thanks for all the support you have given me and the shop! I'll be back in a bit with new designs!

June Coupon Code!

2011-06-09T13:01:00.002-04:00

Hello Julie Vision Fans!!!

Just for fun, I thought a coupon code was in order! Use code JUSTFORFUN to get 15% off your Julie Vision order in the month of June.

Epi-Pants

2011-04-13T22:55:00.001-04:00

A quick break from my posts about why you should buy items to support the earthquake relief in Japan to tell you about something awesome. And to make fun of myself for just a second. :-)

A few months ago, my mom bought me one of these epi-pen pouches from Pillow Sew Cute on etsy. It's a super cute pouch that makes your epi-pen and allergy meds easy to find in your purse. As many of you know, I'm the allergy Queen, evidenced by the hives usually found on my face. My mom was also a fan of the fact that the pouch can hook on your belt loop (or anything else) via the hook on the side. Hence, we call it my Eip-Pants. (Don't worry, I'll totally take epi-pants wearing shots when I go camping in June. Because a girl cannot go into the woods without her epi-pants!)

Well, here is where the story gets hilarious and awesome and, well, just a little sad, but in a funny way. So, my primary allergy is to latex, which happens to be found in TONS of stuff at the gym. And I just joined a gym. I think you can see where this is going.

It has come to this: carry the epi-pen and Benadryl to the gym, OR don't go to the gym. As much as I like to use this as an excuse to never go to the gym again, my cupcake habit has made the gym more than necessary. SO, what do I do? I contacted Karen of Pillow Sew Cute and asked her to custom make me an epi-pen case that will hook on my water bottle so I can easily carry it around while I'm working out. She came up with something PERFECT! Check it out!!! Double plus bonus? It is a great place to stash my locker key while I work out, too.

Karen makes her epi-pen pouches (as well as useful first aid pouches called 'ouch pouches' and 'boobie bags' for nursing moms) in a bunch of fun patterns. If you need to carry stuff like band aids, meds, epi-pens and/or any other tid-bits of this nature, check out Karen's shop!

I was in no way compensated for this post, I'm just really happy with my purchase and I like to share when I find something good! Thanks, Karen!!!

The Devastation Continues - Another Earthquake Strikes Japan

2011-04-07T12:01:00.000-04:00

News headlines are reporting another 7.4 magnitude earthquake has just hit Japan. More tsunami warnings have been issued.

Like always, we need to remember that people of this planet need to work together and help each other out.

Jenn and I do not make any money on the 'Help For Japan' times that we sell; 100% of the proceeds go to the Red Cross for their relief work in Japan. You can purchase 'Help For Japan' items here, or you can email us directly. You can also send us your own shirt/bag/whatever and we will print the 'Help For Japan' logo on it in exchange for a $10 donation. Email julievisiondesigns (at) gmail (dot) com or cutandpasteillustrations (at) gmail (dot) com.

Help For Japan - Art can help save the world!

2011-04-06T16:13:00.003-04:00

The ...jennross in julievision... Help For Japan Collection is ready. Three items, waiting for people to decide that today they will skip Starbucks and buy a bookmark or a post card instead. Or maybe that, instead of having a few cocktails tonight, you buy a shirt. 100% of the proceeds from these items goes to the Red Cross for their work in Japan.

Maybe you use this as an opportunity to talk to your kids about what happened in Japan, and why it's important for the world's citizens to do what we can to take care of each other. Maybe you buy your child a bookmark so that the conversation is replayed in their head every time they slide it between the pages of a book.

Maybe you buy some post cards and send some over-due notes through the mail. The 'Help For Japan' image then travels. It's seen by postal workers, by whoever you sent it to, by that person's friends and family. Just by saying 'hi', you've now kept the ongoing struggle of the disaster recovery in the forefront of some one's mind.

Maybe you get a T-Shirt. Maybe you see 10, 20 or 30 people in your day. If you take public transit, maybe you see 100 people. Every one of them will see the logo. Every one of them will remember that, even though the headlines have moved on, Japan is still working to rebuild.

Maybe your wallet is stretched just as far as it can go right now, so instead of investing your money, you take a few moments to blog about this, post it on your facebook, tweet it, or email it to some friends and family.

Whatever you do with this opportunity, Jenn and I both thank you for helping us to help do what little we can for those recovering on the other side of the Earth.

It's a small planet; it works better when we help each other out.

Items can be purchased HERE.

You can also email me directly to purchase items. If you are comfortable doing this, PLEASE do! This will eeliminate etsy fees on the purchase, which means more money for the Red Cross! julievisiondesigns (at) gmail (dot) com. Or email Jenn directly at cutandpasteillustrations (at) gmail (dot) com.

The Bookmark ($1.50)

The Post Card ($1.50)

The T-Shirt ($20.00)
(unisex sizes S-XL)

***UPDATED!!***
If you are not a fan of unisex sized shirts, send us any shirt you want (or bag, or anything fabric!) and, for a $10 donation, we will print the image on anything you want! Email me or Jenn for details!

Help For Japan - Order your items now!

2011-04-04T22:00:00.002-04:00

The ...jennross in julievision... Help For Japan items are not here and ready for sale!

There are....
T-shirts ($20)
Bookmarks ($1.50)
Postcards ($1.50)
(See this post for pictures of the items or go to my store here)

You can purchase items HERE in my etsy shop, OR, if you know us, please buy from either Jenn or I directly, as this will save on etsy and paypal fees. The fewer fees we pay, the more money goes to the Red Cross. 100% of our proceeds is going directly to the Red Cross. You can contact us at julievisiondesigns (at) gmail (dot) com.

Here is a peek at the T-shirt printing that went on Sunday night!

**Please let the ever-present Windex be proof of how we cleaned everything before we set T-shirts on it!

Help for Japan by ...jennross in julievision...

2011-03-24T13:58:00.002-04:00

First- Thanks to everyone for the positive feedback that we received regarding our ideas to raise some money to help with the relief efforts in Japan.

Here is an update on the project so far:

Jenn and I have come up with three items to sell (so far) - Bookmarks, Post Cards, and T-Shirts.

The bookmarks will be be glossy on both sides and look like this:

The postcards will be be glossy on the front, matte on the back and look like this:

And, finally, the T-Shirts will be white with red printing and look like this:

Costs will be as follows:

      Bookmarks - $1.50 each
      Postcards - $1.50 each
      T-Shirts - $20.00 each (unisex sizes S, M, L & XL)

100% of ALL proceeds will be given to the American Red Cross for their relief efforts in Japan.

As soon as the bookmarks and postcards arrive from the printers, they will be available for purchase in my etsy shop. I'll update and let you know when they arrive!

As for the T-Shirts- We are about to place the order for the blank shirts so we can start printing! What would be super helpful as we place this order is a head count on who is sure they are going to want a shirt. If you know you want one, please comment here or shoot me an email. We are trying to keep our overhead costs on this low to both protect our wallets and to raise the most funds possible for the Red Cross. If you know you want something other than a unisex sized shirts (such as a hoodie, child's size, woman's sizes, a size larger than XL, or a tote bag) let me know ASAP and I can get you a price. If you let me know now, I can order whatever anyone wants when I place my initial T-shirt order. You don't have to pay for anything until we have your shirt ready to ship!

Thanks again to everyone for their support on this project! Both Jen and I are really excited to start printing some shirts and raising some money!

**UPDATE**
I placed an order today, but if you still want something other than a unisex sized T, let me know. We may do another order or it may be something I can get through a local supplier.

Looking for a Way to Help -- Please Give Us Your Opinion!

2011-03-18T11:35:00.003-04:00

Hey Everyone-

Like others, Jenn, as in (...jennross in julievision... and ...jennross...illustrations...) and I have been deeply saddened by the recent tragic earthquake/tsunami that devastated Japan. We, like a lot of you out there, want to help, but don't have the cash to shell out a big donation to any of the great organizations that are sending relief and assistance.

We were thinking..........

Who out there would be willing to buy a hand screen printed T-Shirt or some post cards (or any other item you might suggest!) to support the Red Cross' Japan relief fund?

We designed the following image as a prototype, but we didn't want to go into production without first chatting with all you out there-- Comment or email or tweet and let us know-- would you pay $2 for a post card or $15-$20 (cost to be determined when shirt costs are determined) for a shirt with this image, if you knew 100% of the proceeds were going to the Red Cross' efforts in Japan? Maybe we could price out some tote bags?

Commenting/tweeting/sharing your opinion is not an obligation to buy, we are just looking to see what your hearts and your wallets are saying. We know what it's like to want to help and not have the cash! We are hoping positive vibes are as helpful as actual $. But $ will help too, hence our thoughts on T-Shirts!

Priest in a Purse (No, for real, I'm not joking)

2011-03-15T11:38:00.000-04:00

My AMAZING co-worker Melissa helped conspire with her mother-in-law so that we could create this bag for her sister-in-law's upcoming wedding. We started with the bride's First Communion dress and a photo of her at her first communion, and well, check it out:

Somehow, it appears I failed to take a picture of the inside of the bag, but it has a lovely blue lining (something blue!) and the photograph (as seen above transferred to fabric) is sewn to the inside Overall, we were able to utilize five different aspects of the dress in the bag.

The bride-to-be received the bag at her shower last weekend and I'm told it was a success!

How is it March???

2011-03-07T15:22:00.001-05:00

So, it's like, suddenly I rolled over and it was March. WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?

I'll admit it: I've been slacking on the sewing.

I'll also admit: I've been having a lot of fun with friends, learning the ways of soap making, and practicing a few new crafts that are fun for me and for gifts, but probably won't show up in the shop.

Some things that are coming soon...
- I promised myself I'd sew at LEAST two bags this month. Keep your eyes open for new items in the shop!

- I made a custom bridal bag at the end of last year that I've had to keep quiet about because the bride doesn't know about it yet! Next week, I will post about it!

I can't wait to get things rolling again!

...jennrosss...injulievision....

2011-02-02T18:34:00.004-05:00

I've been making sneaky hints that there is a collaboration between Julie Vision Designs and ...jennross...illustrations. We decided that together, our crafting skills could be UNSTOPPABLE-- you hear me??? UNSTOPPABLE!!! And that's kind of exactly what happened. Take a look at our first two screen printing experiments!! (and yes, we do always wear pajamas...is there any other way to craft??)

Beard Hat

2011-02-01T10:20:00.001-05:00

Need I say more???

C is for Cookie

2011-01-17T21:01:00.004-05:00

I made this hat and these gloves for Jenn of ...jennross..illustrations... as a Christmas gift. It was only after they were done that I realized the resemblance to Cookie Monster. Luckily, Jenn likes the C is for Cookie look.

(Also pictured: My boyfriend, Cooper, the wonder dog.)

Keep posted for pictures and information regarding Jenn and my joint venture, ...jennrossinjulievision... which we officially launched today!

I'm not sure which dress to wear to the party

2011-01-12T20:42:00.006-05:00

As some of you may have noticed, Julie Vision Designs is having a bit of a dilemma in terms of finding a new look. It's time for an update for sure, but what to do???

I love my little eyes peeking out logo that I've been using so far. However, the labels I use in my items are black damask with pink writing. I designed a whole new look for Julie Vision to match the labels....but had logo editing remorse and went back to a slightly edited version of the original.

SO-- I NEED YOUR HELP TO DECIDE!!

Which of these do you prefer-- the current look:

(Look #1)

OR

(Look #2)

Thanks for your help!!
I see giveaways in the future, as soon as I get my new products up and listed!
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COUPON!!!!!!! (yay!)

2011-01-10T11:53:00.001-05:00

The holidays are over, so it's time to do some shopping that is all about you!

Use coupon code ALLABOUTME for 10% off your Julie Vision Designs order!!

Valid now through the end of January, 2011!

Lather, rinse, repeat....

2011-01-09T23:07:00.003-05:00

I mentioned Julie Vision Designs has been deep in research and development for some new and fun things; things that are easier done in a teeeeeeny tiiiiiiny apartment than sewing. (I'm still sewing, I just also need some more small apartment friendly crafts for instant gratification....phenomenal Julie powers-- iddy biddy living space!)

Last week you saw the start of my yarn work (more to come!). This weekend I tried something entirely new! With some amazing tutorials from Erin, I learned to make soap!

We made two kinds-- a cinnamon, cocoa, and clove; and a honey almond with bee pollen and cornmeal.

I. Have. A. New. Obsession.

I'm not a slacker, I just play one on the Internet

2011-01-05T22:57:00.007-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

So, from my lack of posting and my lack of putting new things in the shop, it would appear like I've been a slacker. This is only partly true. I may have been slacking a little, but I've also been perfecting new skills! I've been crocheting and (trying to) knit like a crazy lady! The crocheting and I are BFFs.....me and knitting still need some work in our relationship, perhaps couples therapy, but we WILL make it work!!

Where I have been a slacker is with taking pictures! I FAIL bit time on that front. Of all the presents I made this holiday season, I managed to take a picture of only one. (I'm going to stalk everyone else and make them let me photograph them retroactively).

BEHOLD! The hat I crocheted for my friend Dina, who pulled of an INCREDIBLE last minute visit for New Years.

For fun, here is a picture of me with Dina on Guy Fawkes day, November 5, 2006, and a picture of us hiking the cliffs at Birling Gap in early 2007. This New Years was the first time I've seen Dina since she left England in the summer of 2007. Clearly my excitement is demonstrated by the size of the bow. :-)

GIVEAWAY WINNER!!!! - Holiday Cards by jennross illustraions

2010-11-30T13:57:00.005-05:00

The winner of the jennross illustrations holiday cards is.....

KATY!!!!
(Yay)

Thanks to everyone who entered!
All the cards featured in the giveaway are now for sale in Jenn's Etsy Shop. (Go give the shop some love! Start hearting things! I oh so love when people heart my stuff on etsy!!)
AND- Jenn is offering FREE SHIPPING on all holiday card orders!!
Also-- Jenn has just joined twitter, so follow her and keep up with all the information on jennross illustrations!

Need Holiday Cards? Becuase these RULE. (and I'm giving some away) UPDATED- Etsy Link

2010-11-24T21:07:00.007-05:00

Need holiday cards??? You NEED these!!

These holiday cards were designed by local Chicago based, Michigan grown artist Jenn Ross. Each card is a print of an original paper cut design, which make them appear almost three dimensional in parts.

Jenn had the fantastic idea to offer these as both post cards and traditional greeting cards. She and I are both a fan of the post cards, as they reduce paper waste and cost less in postage. So, not only do these cards support emerging artists, they also do their bit to reduce paper waste in such a mail-heavy season.

Costs: $2 per postcard, $5 per traditional card.

Cards are available in each of the following designs:

They are really unique and fantastic, I promise!!!

Jenn is now live on etsy! Quick!! Go place your order!! If you have any questions, you can email her at: cutandpasteillustrations (at) gmail (dot) com. You can also leave a comment here and I will forward your questions/orders on to her. She will take payment via paypal.

You can peek at some of Jenn's other work on her Flickr stream, or also see her live and in action at shows around the Chicago area. I'll let you know when/where the next show will be as soon as I know!

Also-- EVEN MORE exciting than the cards-- Jenn and I will be entering into 'Jenn Ross in Julie Vision', a joint collaboration of our skills! More on that into the new year!

OH, and ALSO exciting? I'm giving an assortment of 10 of these postcards away to one of you lucky readers!!!

Here is how to enter:
1) Comment! Tell me which design you like best. Or really tell me anything. Just say Hi!!
2) Follow my blog. Leave a comment saying you follow.
3) Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway. Leave a separate comment with a link to your tweet.
4) Blog about this giveaway and leave another comment with a link to your post.

Winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday, November 30th. Entries close at NOON Central Standard Time. This giveaway is open to everyone world wide.

Open Books

2010-11-18T11:43:00.006-05:00

Fun part of my job:
Being on the team that is planning a book drive in support of Open Books.

Open books is a non-profit organization that promotes literacy throughout the city of Chicago through a variety of successful programs. Self described, they are “a nonprofit social venture that operates an extraordinary bookstore, provides community programs, and mobilizes passionate volunteers to promote literacy in Chicago and beyond.” Open Books generates funds by selling donated, gently used books in their bookstore, and uses those funds to further their mission of spreading and improving literacy for children and adults in the Chicago community. Check out the Open Books Website for information on what they do and how they do it!

This holiday season, the Chicago Booth staff will be supporting Open Books by collecting donations of gently used books.

Donate gently used books of all kinds between now and December 14, 2010!

If you are in Chicago, you can drop books off at any of the following locations:

Harper Center: Suite 209
Gleacher Center: Suite 514
CRSP: 17th Floor Lunch Area
401 N. Michigan: Suite 901

Also-- please take some time to check out all the ways you can help Open Books, be it by donating your time, gently used items, or contributing financially.

No, I just drive around with diapers in my trunk all the time.

2010-11-13T18:54:00.011-05:00

Don't care about the nostalgia at the start of this post? No worries. Scroll down for a budget minded diaper cake how-to.)

Today was my friend Kristen's baby shower. I went to college with Kristen and her husband, Jared, and was actually roommates with Kristen my senior year of college, so this baby is quite and exciting event.

For reference/fun:

Me, Kristen and our other two housemates. (You've met Carol, she is mommy to the drool monster, and you can read Anat here.)

And this is the time I knighted Jared. (Or cut his head off, the pic leaves room for interpretation)

Today's shower was hosted by Kristen's mom and her amazing, adorable friend Daniela, (who also happens to be my dentist, and I highly recommend her, should you need a dentist.) My only role, other than to show up and eat pizza and cupcakes, was to make a diaper cake.

I thought it would be fun to have everyone invited to the shower, as well as mom's Kristen admires, and other blogging mom's she reads daily, each write Kristen a note with a bit of advice for a first time mom. With the help of Daniela and Kristen's mom, I was able to email everyone invited to the shower, and we were able to collect a TON of advice for Kristen. I then found cards that looked like baby onsies and printed the notes inside of the cards and used them to decorate the diaper cake.

HERE IS WHERE THINGS GET FUNNY:

About 3 weeks before the shower, I was out with Kristen and Jared and we, for some reason, opened the trunk of my car, where there was a case of diapers. (Strangely enough, these diapers weren't even for her cake, they were for another friend.) At first we laughed at diapers being in my trunk, as I have no kids, but then Kristen worked into the conversation that the one thing she didn't want at her shower was a diaper cake. [Insert me trying not to freak out here.] I the LIED and was all, "no one is planning a diaper cake," when really I was texting Daniela in a panic. As the emails were sent and things were in the works, we decided to go through with the cake, and I'm glad we did, because it was SUPER cute and SUPER fun to make.

Before I go any further, I need to thank those of you in the internet universe who contributed to this project! Kristen admitted to being moved to tears when she read all the notes!!

Without further ado-- I present, THE CAKE!! (pic one is pre-adding the notes, pics two and three are after they were added)

Even better? This diaper cake was done on a budget!! I wanted the cake to be cute, but I had also already purchased a gift for Kristen and Jared, so I wanted to be budget minded. [Don't worry, Kristen is the kind of girl who would be proud of me for this, so I can admit it out loud!]

Here is what I did:

- I stared shopping early. I watched fliers for when diapers went on sale, so I got a case of 112 name brand diapers, new born size, for $17.00.

-I shopped at the dollar store. (Yes, I just admitted that. I love the dollar store.) I was able to find some basic items there, such as the packs of washcloths that makeup the top layer of the cake, the bottle brush that is also hidden in the top layer, and the ribbon decorating the outside. The dollar store is also a good place to find toys and small items to decorate the outside of the cake, and find the tray to build the cake on. My only word of caution is stuff at the dollar store is not always marked BPA free, etc., so I'm very selective in my choices in terms of toys.

- I took the tray from work. (No, I didn't steal it!) My office handles a lot of catered events and plastic trays are thrown in the garbage daily. I just waited until I saw one I liked, then I washed it and took it home rather than throwing it away.

In terms of constructing the cake, IT WAS EASY!!!!

1) Roll the diapers and secure them with rubber bands. I rolled starting at the crotch of the diaper so that the top of the diaper was always on the outside of the roll, and, since there were newborn sized, I rolled them two at a time. This made the rolls thicker and it makes Kristen's life easier when deconstructing the cake, as there are fewer rolls to take apart.

2) Start with the bottom layer first. Since the bottom layer is the biggest, I used a tiny bit of double stick tape to secure it to the tray. Don't use too much-- you don't want to render the diapers unusable!! Once you have stacked enough rolled diapers to make the size layer you want, use ribbon or string to secure them tightly together. Since my bottom layer was large, I actually tied string around the inner part of the layer while I was building, this way, the whole cake would not fall apart if I moved it, etc.

3) Stack your next layer on top of the bottom layer and secure in the same way. I did not use any tape in between layers to secure them, but I did use a bottle brush in the top layer, and the handle functioned to secure the layers together down the center of the cake. (see step 4)

4) For my top layer, I put a bottle brush in the center and then secured baby wash cloths around it using a rubber band. [Hint: if your bottle brush is double ended, put a sandwich bag over the bottom side of the brush or else it will rip the diapers when you put it down the center of the cake.]

5) Once all your layers are constructed, start decorating!!! I covered the outside of each layer in a strip of baby flannel (usually $2.99-5.99 a yard at most stores, and I used aprox. 1/2 yard), and then tied organza ribbon around each layer. I secured the flannel with small pieces of packing tape, and once the ribbon was added, you can't see the tape at all. The ribbon also secured the teething toys and spoons on the front of the cake. Instead of flannel, you can also cover each layer in receiving blankets or play it simple and just use ribbon. I chose flannel because it was cute, budget friendly, and it makes good cleaning rags when you are done with it, so it's not a total waste.

6) When everything else was done, I put the notes around the border of the cake, and it turned out super cute.

What I love about diaper cakes is that it is a cute way to give practical things to the expecting parents. A few notes of caution before you begin--

- It's easy to go over board and spend TONS on money. Set a budget in your head before you being.

- Keep allergies in mind! As someone with a latex allergy, I have to be careful what types of plastics I touch. So, if you have an expecting mom with allergies, make sure you get latex free rubber bands and check toys to be sure they are latex free. This is not something I would ever have though about before developing this allergy 4 years ago!

- I saved all the packaging from the toys/spoons/stuff I had to unwrap to make the cake. This way, Kristen had all the info on what she could put in the microwave, dishwasher, etc. I also saved the rewards points numbers off the diaper package and gave them to Kristen in case she starts collecting them after the baby is born.

- To those of us without kids-- your house/apartment will smell like clean diapers for a week after you make this, FYI. (It's kind of a clean, baby-powdery smell).

FINALLY-- HAVE FUN!!! I really enjoyed working on this project! Even get a few friends together and make an afternoon of it! [Note: best to secure layers before cracking open the wine.] :-P

Tweet Tweet Tweet

2010-11-05T12:33:00.005-04:00

Have I mentioned out loud that I'm becoming one of those people who loves twitter? There. I said it.

I got into twitter reluctantly, discovering it was great for spreading the word about my shop. What happened next? I made friends. Like, real friends. I know it sounds strange to you non-twitter users, but it's true!! In the mix of promoting the shop, using twitter for customer service issued, and for doing fun things like summonsing the More Mobile to come to my place of employment, I've 'met' some really fantastic people.

One of those people is Tristina, who blogs here, and who featured one of my bags in her "my favorite things" post because she is adorable. (and I expect her favorite things to go viral, just like Oprah's.) ;-)

I still have my moments where I feel awkward in the tweet-o-verse, but I'm coming around. As long as there are cupcake trucks to be summonsed, you know I won't be far behind.....

You like twitter, too?? Follow me! @JVdesigns. I'm really random. That's about all I can guarantee! Leave a comment and I'll follow you, too! (This way I know you aren't a bot) (Not that bots don't sometimes amuse me....I had a few tweets picked up by a shankbot....that still makes me giggle....)

**Sidebar**
Most sad story ever?? The More Mobile came RIGHT OUTSIDE my office while I was NOT THERE. I could have cried.

Underground Etsy - The Commerece of Trading

2010-11-04T15:46:00.005-04:00

These days, money is tight; and, for a lot of handmade artists and etsy sellers, sales are down or just not happening. This is sad, but it has opened the door to an underground kind of commerce that I enjoy as much as 'actual' sales.

If you are like me, you are addicted to etsy and other handmade sites, but often lack the cash to buy what you want. What do you do? Arrange a trade. For the past year, I've been trading goods with other etsy sellers as a means of doing business, and I thought I would post about it in an effort to encourage other sellers to do the same, because it is AWESOME.

The whole thing started when another seller and I were joking about trading and suddenly were like, why not?? So we did. I got an awesome scarf and she got a mullet tote! Since then, I've traded with another of other artists and am kind of shameless about approaching other sellers when they have something I want!

Sound like fun?? IT IS. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

1) Don't be discouraged if someone says no to a trade. Someone saying no is not an insult; trading is not for everyone. And, sometimes I have to say no just because I don't have a need for what's being offered, not because I don't like it!

2) Don't be afraid to say no! If someone approaches you about a trade and you are not interested, don't feel pressured to say yes. Just like real shopping, you don't always want/need what is in every store.

3) Be fair. What something is 'worth' in a trade is a bit subjective, but make sure you reach an agreement you are comfortable with. Also, be sure you are being fair to the other artist!

This holiday season, work what you've got! You don't need cash to get the things you want if you find the right people!

**DISCLAIMER**
Trading has been great for me! I totally encourage everyone to try, but cannot be responsible for any trade gone bad,or any other ramification I don't know about or can't predict! Isn't it sad I need to stick this on here???

Check it out!!

2010-11-02T09:42:00.006-04:00

Check it out!! My 'Mum's the Word' bag been featured in this awesome blog!

I love the way this blogger found items that personify and represent the month of November and I love the great trivia tidbits I picked up while reading!

Here is what she says about my bag....

"The chrysanthemum is November's birth flower - and while there are many types of these mums - I personally love the spider mum! ! In Japan chrysanthemums called "kikus" are exchanged between friends as a symbol of the virtue and value of their friendship. (Mum's the Word Clutch from JulieVision.)"

Check out her post for other great items and fun facts!!

Holiday Orders

2010-10-15T17:22:00.002-04:00

It may still be October, but if you want to give one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, now is the time to order!

If you want something custom but aren't sure what, email me and we can come up with something together! julievisiondesigns at gmail dot com!

Write Pink - Army of Women - 1,000,000 Strong

2010-10-01T03:00:00.006-04:00

Subtitled: My Friend Vicky is a Rockstar

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Awareness always made me kind of giggle, because at this point, who isn't aware of breast cancer?? BUT, the Army of Women is using this month to make people aware of what they do and how they are working to fight cancer, which I think is pretty awesome. In honor of this, they have asked bloggers world wide to dedicate their October 1st posts to spreading awareness of the Army of Women 1,000,000 strong campaign, which strives to register 1,000,000 men and women, cancer survivors and those unaffected by cancer, to be kept up to date on the most recent studies and research projects. They hope that by registering you will choose to be part of a research project, but there is NO obligation to do so.

When I became away of the Write-Pink blogging project, I immediately knew what type of post I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to ask my friend Vicky, a (kick-ass) breast cancer survivor, to share some of her experiences. I wanted her to do this because 1) she is awesome and 2) she was 26 years old at the time of her diagnosis,so I'm hoping that hearing this will help more of us young women (and men) be more vigilant about our self screenings. What Vicky doesn't mention in her post is that she is also a co-author of "Cancer Under the Radar" a book written by young adult cancer patients/survivors regarding what it is like to go through cancer treatment as a young person.

Without further ado, I proudly share with you Vicky's Story:

My friend Julie emailed me earlier this week asking me if I wanted to contribute to her blog for Write Pink. October is breast cancer awareness month and hijacking everyone’s blog is (as I see it) a very strategic way of getting the word out. Next stop: Twitter. And no, we don’t care what you are eating for lunch.

My first thought was – what the hell am I going to write about? It is Julie’s blog after all. That means I should keep it relatively tame or the internet police may come after her. After careful consideration, I decided that I would write about my diagnosis and my first two weeks post-diagnosis. I chose this for 2 reasons:

1) It was one of the hardest periods of my treatment

2) Julie was around – and this way I get to tell you funny stories about our blog-queen.

Let’s rewind to March 2008. I had been living in Oxford for about 6 months – working towards a Master’s in Water (the greatest resource ever). When I wasn’t in class, I was either at the pool, running to the Trout Inn or biking. I was a so-called triathlete*. I had made great friends within the College and my department – I was on top of the world. Then, things came crashing down. I had a biopsy scheduled for March 27 2008 for a lump in my breast. I had seen my GP – who reassured me it was likely nothing – after all, I was 26 at the time. I was not concerned at all – I even brought books to get some essay work done while waiting for the results. I was a graduate student after all, and time was at a premium. I remember going from room to room for a physical, then an ultrasound, and finally the biopsy, etc –this seemed like protocol – and I wasn’t nervous. After a short wait, I was called back into the room – as I walked in, I noticed on the table 5 or 6 brochures with titles like “You have cancer – now what?”, “Chemotherapy”, etc. I think this is weird, but don’t clue in – as I turned around, I saw a nurse walking in behind me – and her nametag said “ Caro - Cancer Care Sister”. At this point my first thought is “F%$k me, this is bad”. The doctor then told me the obvious “You have cancer”. Adding to this nonsense, I had to stick around for another hour or two while they ran more tests. Not fun at all. They stuck a poor medical student on me to make sure I wouldn’t run off or freak out. Oh, and they were fairly confident it had spread to my lymphnodes. Not good.

When I finally got to go home, I went to see my friend Nicole – and I remember just word vomiting “I have cancer”. What the hell do you do when your friend says that?? Well, she did what any good friend would do – she took me to the bar. She had to head to Germany later that night – so she couldn’t come with me for my follow up. She offered to stay – but I figured why ruin two people’s weekends? So – she ordered (seriously, she did) me to tell Julie and make her come with me for my follow up the next day. So this is where our lovely blog-queen comes into play. I called her, and the conversation went something like this:

Vicky: Hello

Julie: Hi, what’s up?

Vicky: Hmmm, You’re in London right?

Julie: Yeah. What’s up?

Vicky: When do you get back?

Julie: Tonight around 2am.

Vicky: Oh ok. It’s because I’ve got this thing I need to go to tomorrow around 8am and I was hoping you could come..

Julie: That’s a bit early – what’s going on?

Vicky: I have cancer

Julie (in a stern voice): Vicky, cancer jokes aren’t funny

Vicky: Right…

Julie: Oh shit, you’re serious. For sure I’ll come. I’ll meet you in the quad. Are you okay? Call me if you need anything.

Julie’s response to my “I have cancer” is likely my favorite one. The next day, we met in the quad and headed to the hospital. Unfortunately, I had not really paid attention where I was supposed to go for the follow up within the hospital (in my defense when they gave me the information, I was trying to digest the whole “you have cancer” ridiculousness). After some running around, playing in the Radcliffe and Churchill labyrinths, and dragging our friend into the mess – we finally figured it out. I remember at the follow up thinking maybe there was still a chance they were wrong. But then one of the doctors said that this test will give us information about grade, etc – I remembering turning to Julie saying “Oh, I guess I really do have cancer”. Right after we left the hospital, she took a page from Nicole’s book – we went for pizza and ice cream. I had 6 more days to wait until the results of the biopsy – providing information on grade and if it would respond to hormonal treatment. The week ahead was bound to suck.

Little did I know that Julie spearheaded something called “Vicky duty”. My friends were on a rotation of hanging out with me, entertaining me and just trying to keep me distracted. What was amazing is they were all graduate students at a top University, ridiculously overworked and busy – and they all found time to babysit me. Julie was 2 weeks away from finals, and didn’t even bat an eyelash. This is reason #89 why you should buy from her store. Not just cause her bags are awesome, but because she risked her academic future to make sure I wouldn’t be found crying in a fetal position in the college cafeteria. Adding to a cancer diagnosis – I had to decide if I wanted to have treatment in the UK while completing my master’s course, or return to Canada and delay my degree.

That week was a haze – lots of pizza, ice cream and drinks. And then, the big day - I remember Julie and my flatmate Rhi coming with me to my appointment with my surgeon. They literally held my hand while my doctor went over the results – taking extensive notes as any good Oxford student does. Overall: results were good – grade 2, and ER and PR positive (this is good). Though he stressed the fact that I was young, the tumor size was large and it had spread to lymphnodes. I was worried. He also commented on my tuque – I think secretly he wanted it. His dry humor was a good sign I thought. The next steps after getting results: go for a battery of tests including a CT scan and a bone scan. Julie was the lucky lady who came with me for my bone scan - and that day was epic.

We headed to the Radcliffe for my bone scan – and found the ward in under one hour (considered record time for the Oxford hospitals). We walked into the room, checked in and they injected me with a radioactive dye. Julie then noticed a sign on the bathroom door: “THIS TOILET IS FOR RADIOACTIVE PATIENTS ONLY”. Julie thought this was the funniest thing. I was not impressed. She actually wanted me to go stand by the sign so she could take a picture. I refused. She still took a picture of the sign. Now, while I appreciated the humor of it, I refused to be in the picture as I didn’t want to seem like a clown. I figured my life is in these people’s hand – and I should try and act like a semi-grown up. After the scan, we went to find my nurse in another ward – and I manage to set off a Geiger counter in the process. Yes, I am awesome like that. Another time I’ll have to tell you about the time I set off the radiation detectors at the Canada-US border.

As I finished up these tests, I had to decide. Canada or UK? I opted for Canada in the end – I didn’t want to deal with exams along with chemotherapy? I mean, would I really be able to pull off the mortarboard with no hair? I didn’t think so. So, there we were – 2 weeks after my diagnosis, and I was packing to move back to Canada. Not how I expected to leave Oxford – and no idea what was ahead. I touched down in Montreal a few hours later – and the reality of it all set in. The next day I had my appointment with my Canadian surgeon. She walked into the examination room, did a quick physical and then asked me how I was doing. In an unconvincing voice I said “fine”. To which she replied “You realize you will be fine – we are going to cure you”. That was the moment that the nightmare ended and the fighting began.

I am not sure if you’ve enjoyed a vague recount of my diagnosis, but I can tell you it was the hardest part – I had no idea what was ahead and I was scared to find out. But my friends were amazing at keeping me vaguely sane and preventing me from not making stupid decisions like running off into the Alaskan wilderness to find my Future Life Partner (FLP – please pass this term on).

I’ve been in remission (knock on wood) for over 1.5 years and out of treatment for 3 months. Since all this nonsense, I have: completed my master’s, backpacked Europe, competed in a triathlon (and a half-marathon next month) and gone on a 10 day whitewater kayaking expedition with other young adult cancer survivors… The lesson here is live life. And if you know a survivor - take a moment today and tell them how awesome they are.

*So-called triathlete: A person who bikes and runs relatively well, but who’s swimming resembles more flailing around

Vicky on her Cancer Survivor Whitewater Kayaking Trip. She built that 'tent' herself! I always said she could build a shelter in the tundra somewhere with nothing but a match stick, some bubble gum and an empty tin can.

Radioactive toilets!!!! If only I hadn't been trying to slyly take the picture unnoticed, I could have gotten a better close up!

Your turn! Join with the Army of Women! Join their registry and/or dedicate today's blog post to sharing stories and joining together to kick cancer in the ass once and for all!

Fall Treats - Apple Dumplings

2010-09-29T17:13:00.005-04:00

Those of you who don't know me in real life have no idea how much I enjoy my baked goods. And, how much I enjoy my fall-themed baked goods! Seeing as I share a birthday with Johnny Appleseed (for real!), I thought this year would be best spent with good friends, picking apples and baking my grandma's apple dumplings.

Erin blogged about our dumpling adventures here, and I've been inundated with requests for Grandma's recipe.SO, without further ado, here it is:

Apple Dumpling
4 cups flour 1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder (heaping)
4 tbsp. sugar
1 1/3 cups shortening (Crisco butter flavored)
1 1/3 cups milk
12 apples

Cut shortening into the flour,salt and sugar mixture until it is fine as for pie dough add milk and mix lightly. Roll half the dough into a large circle and cut it into 6 wedges, wrap an apple in each wedge and fill with sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake at 375 for 55 to 65 minutes or until apple is soft when tested with tooth pick.

And, because Grandma taught me to share, here are the notes she gave me when she sent me the recipe:

"I like to bake mine as above and then top with a Carmel sauce before serving the recipe you will find below. But some people like to mix a sugar syrup and bake the apples in it. It's just what every you like. If you like you dumplings to be square you will only need about 9 apples for the same recipe. It take more to bring all four side up and make little sealed pockets down all four side but they do look prettier them the pie shaped ones that you just kinda mash the dough around. The pie shape cuts are the ones I make."

Apple Dumpling Carmel Sauce
1 cup water
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Mix all the above in small pot and bring to a boil.
Dissolve 2 Tbsp. cornstarch in 1/4 cut water. Add this to the first mixture and cook until thickened. Remove from stove and add 2 tbsp butter. Serve over dumplings.

Apple syrup to bake in;

1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
6 drops red food coloring (optional)
3 tbls. butter
combine brown sugar, water and cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove and add butter, pour over apples. Bake and baste while baking.

Rumpled To Runway AUCTION to support the OCRF

2010-09-10T09:43:00.005-04:00

Did you see Corrin carry her Julie Vision bag down the runway at the NYC fashion week Rumpled to Runway event hosted by Kelly Ripa??

If not, you can catch the footage on Corrin's blog here.

Even more exciting than my bag on a runway is the fact that the very same bag is now being auctioned off here in support of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Auction is open now and will close September 15th and midnight. Bid on a cute bag for a great cause!

Please spread the word!

Can't remember which bag we are talking about? That's OK! Here are some pictures to remind you!

Do you Like Me? (COUPON!)

2010-09-09T12:02:00.001-04:00

If you like me on facebook, you know that I just issuse a coupon..... ;-P

Lots of New Stuff in the Shop!!!

2010-09-07T12:06:00.002-04:00

Pssst......

2010-09-03T17:21:00.002-04:00

Next week is an exciting week!

1st - you can expect the shop to see some new items at some point next week!

2nd - Wed. September 8th is the Rumpled To Runway show in New York, where a Julie Vision bag will be on a fashion week runway, in a show hosted by Kelly Ripa! Also, the bag will be auctioned off to beneft the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. You can watch the show live online! See Here for details!

3rd- Hot tip!! I'll be posting a COUPON on my facebook page sometime after the holiday weekend. Like me on facebook so you can join in on the savings!!

HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY WEEKEND!!!!

A Very Roommate Wedding

2010-08-30T10:12:00.005-04:00

This past weekend I traveled to Indianapolis for one of my former college roommate's bridal showers. (FUN!!) I was excited because I made the bride-to-be her bridal handbag as part of her shower gift. (I realized half way through the drive back to Chicago that I think I left the price tag on the store bought half of her gift. D'oh!!)

Her wedding is being done in black and white polka dots with accents of red, SO, using the ribbon from her invitation, I came up with this:

I love this bag because it is FUN, and because it uses elements from her invitation, therefore, doubles as partial scrapbook. Also, it was a bit less formal than a traditional bridal bag due to the color and the dots, but the elegance of the fabrics allows it to maintain it's bridal elegance. I can't wait for October so I can see this bag in action at the wedding!

Want your own custom wedding bag? Or a custom bag for another occasion? Contact me! julievisiondesigns [@] gmail.com!

Rumpled to Runway - Benefit for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

2010-08-20T13:58:00.009-04:00

I know I've been kind of quiet since my move, but I'm back and I'm REALLY excited about what I'm up to next!

Corrin, who you can find here, here, and here, has been sponsored by Elextrolux to attend Fashion Week in New York city and participate in the Rumpled to Runway Benefit for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Her challenge? To find a fashion week fabulous outfit to model at the Rumpled to Runway Benefit and then to ROCK IT in New York City on September 8th. Her outfit must be white with teal accessories, to represent the colors of ovarian cancer awareness. Information on the event is here on Corrin's blog.

Did I mention Corrin will be carrying a Julie Vision Designs bag on the runway?? In New York?? DURING FASHION WEEK??

YES!!! As one of her teal accessories, Corrin will be carrying this bag with her down the runway:

When Corrin put out a call on Twitter (follow her! @CorrinRenee) (oh and, follow me, too, while you are at it @JVdeisngs) for bag designers with teal bags, I was super excited! I was excited 1) because this is a great cause and 2) because this particular teal bag is named "The Water is Wide", which I think is a beautiful representation for a project designed to raise money to fight a disease that effects women of all ages world wide. Not only that, it is going to New York Fashion Week at an event that is celebrating real women, in all their rumpled glory, rather than just the tooth-pick girls we see on TV.

Oh, wait, you wanted more awesome?? How about this:

When fashion week is over and all the fashionistas go home, Corrin is going to AUCTION OFF this bag, on her blog and donate ALL the money to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Stay tuned both here and on Corrin's blog for more details as they materialize!

Want to do something RIGHT NOW that can benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund?

Electrolux, Corrin's sponsor, has got you covered:

Electrolux has committed to donating $750,000 to OCRF and starting September 8th, a donation will be made for each Perfect Steam™ washer and dryer purchased. If you’re not in the market for new appliances, $1 will also be donated to OCRF every time you press the Perfect Steam™ button at www.Kelly-Confidential.com. By participating, you have the chance to win daily shopping sprees and a Perfect Steam™ washer and dryer from Electrolux!

If you are impatient, like me, and don't want to wait until September 8th, go to www.Kelly-Confidential.com and create a virtual banana split. Each time you do it, Electrolux will make a $1 donation.

The information presented here regarding Electrolux and www.Kelly-Confidential.com have been taken from Corrin's blog and the www.Kelly-Confidential.com website. If you want more information, please go to either site to obtain details.

Quite Strong

2010-08-20T09:48:00.003-04:00

I recently learned about something FANTASTIC.
Quite Strong, which is, in thier own words:

"Quite Strong is a collaborative made up of five female Chicago-based creatives. Professionally we are designers, art directors, web developers and illustrators. Personally, we are dreamers, crafters, lovers, bikers, nerds and wanna-be foodies. We love Chicago, we relish creativity, and we want to share what we’re into with you."

Seriously-- go to thier website RIGHT NOW, becuase they are awesome.

AND, they've added me to thier Lust List.

What is a Lust List? It is thier list of other awesome female creatives.

Check me out!!

More than I'm excited to be on the Lust List, I'm excited for the chance to network with other ladies who enjoy art, craft, and building thier careers as strong women.

I'm back!

2010-07-10T09:36:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone! Thanks to everyone for sticking around during my move. I don't have internet at my new place yet, so I apologize that this post will be brief. Just wanted to say hi and let you all know that the shop is back open!!

I'm moving-- you get free shipping!!

2010-06-22T23:03:00.003-04:00

As many of you know, I've gotten a new 'day job' and am moving to Chicago. (YAY!!)

However, what I DO NOT want to do is move all my inventory. SO...... All orders between now and Monday, 6/28/2010 get FREE SHIPPING to US addresses!!!!! (I'll refund the equivalent of US shipping on all international orders.)

Use code MOVING in notes to seller during your order. Shipping costs will be refunded via paypal.

On Tuesday, 6/29/10, the shop will be temporarily closed while I move. It will reopen after the 4th of July.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!

Coolest. Products. Ever.

2010-06-19T18:49:00.005-04:00

So, I did my first craft show. It was fun, though sales were slow. That's not whats important-- this is what is important: I found two of the coolest products ever.

1) Undie Beaver by Proper Peach

It is a scented sachet for your undie drawer shaped like a beaver. Need I say more? And, even cooler? My friend Jen, who traveled from afar to attend the show, bought me one as a going away present. (Did I mention Julie Vision Designs is moving her base of operations to Chicago?)

2) Sneaky Gnome by Basment Art Creations (Lori O'Conner)

This little fella' is my new best friend. Lori was in the booth across from mine and we did a little swap. Seriously, how can you NOT want this face in your house? He has inspired a gnome themed bathroom in my new place in Chicago. Before you think I'm insane, I have a firm belief that every house needs at least one over-the-top room, and the bathroom is the least focal place to do so. I used to have an over-the-top palm tree bathroom, and in college my roommates and I had an over-the-top Rooster kitchen.

What are you favorite art fair/etsy items this week?

You know you want to.....

2010-06-17T13:09:00.001-04:00

....come to Art Meets Craft and see some Julie Vision Designs live and in living color! :-)

Click HERE for more info.

Crafting for a Cause: The Robert Dean Cochrane Memorial Scholarship Foundation

2010-06-14T09:23:00.005-04:00

Looking for an opportunity to do something good this summer?

The Robert Dean Cochrane Memorial Scholarship Foundation is hosting a fundraiser.

The Robert Dean Cochrane Memorial Scholarship Foundatio n is a scholarship fund that provides college scholarships to kids who are team-players, hard working, dedicated and committed athletes, but are NOT the star of the team. The fund was created in memory of Robby Cochrane, who was killed in a car accident during his senior year of high school. The fund was developed by Robby's parents, who continue to honor his memory by helping other children pay for college.

Want to do something to support this fantastic cause?
It's easy!

The R.D.C.M Scholarship Foundation is hosting it's 2nd annual
Poker Run for Robby
to raise money for the foundation.

This event will center around bikes and cars cruising past significant locations from Robby's life, as well as door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, poker tournament, and other family-friendly activities.
More information can be found here. A Julie Vision Designs handbag will be one of the prizes available at this event!

Here are some things you can do to support this great foundation!

1) If you live in the Detroit area, stop by the event! (see above flier for details)

2) If you are a business owner, crafter, or otherwise have access to cool stuff, donate something (or many somethings) to be used as prizes at the event. Think of how awesome it would be if every etsy seller who read this donated just one item from his/her shop!!!

3) Post a link to this post to promote this event! Facebook it, tweet it, blog it, whatever you can!

4) If you somehow have lots of money, give it to the foundation. :-)

Contact Tina (Rob's Mom) to get involved or to get more information:
248-884-4103
trgproductionsltd@att.net

On a personal note, I work with Robby's aunt and I know how much hard work his family puts into honoring his memory in this way. Show them some support!

Awesome the Bridesmaids, Awesome the Bride

2010-05-29T16:30:00.000-04:00

The only possible way to being this post is to say that I am the BEST. DOUBLE. AGENT. EVER. Ok, maybe not EVER, but I'm pretty pleased with myself. For the past few months, I have been involved in espionage. Not really. But I was sort of a spy and I most certainly kept my mouth shut.

My fabulous friend Jessica got married today. Her bridesmaids were my fabulous friends Jean and Jamie. Unannounced to opposite parties, Jessica commissioned me to make bridesmaids gifts for Jamie and Jean, and Jamie commissioned me to make a bridal bag for Jessica. (All these J names-- all I need to do is rhyme a little and I'm a Dr. Seuss book....) And, to make this double fun, I've known all the aforementioned ladies since middle school.

The sneaky started like this-- Jamie and I discussed me making Jessica a bag, so I knew I needed to see Jessica's dress. SO, when Jessica and I had a secret dinner date to discuss bridesmaid's bags, I told her that, in order to best make the bridesmaid's bags, I needed to see all the dresses from the wedding-- bridesmaids, brides, flower girls, etc. (Tee-hee...I was fibbing...the bridesmaid's bags don't even match the dresses!)

Having seen the dress, I then had Jamie go to the fabric store with me and pick out her favorite fabric/buttons/lining, etc. We came up with this:

We wanted to capture the texture and overall 'feeling' of the gown, while not over powering it or getting too busy. We had a little pipe-dream that if we kept it simple and elegant, she might be able to use it again. Jamie gave Jessica this as a gift at her shower a few weeks before the wedding....Jamie was still blissfully unaware that Julie Vision was further meddling in the wedding-ways. (muhahahaha)

Jessica wanted to give each of her bridesmaids a gift they could use outside the wedding, so though we originally set out to make bags that match the bridesmaid dresses, she then decided that it would be more fun to make bags that match each person.

Jamie is a French teacher and a world traveler. She lived abroad for several years and met her husband while living in France. I immediately knew what fabric to use for Jamie's bag, as I've been stalking the Michael Miller Eiffel Tower print for some time now. I used the pastel pink print, some cotton eyelet trim, black ribbon, and silver charms to create this:

I've found people either LOVE or HATE this design, but mostly, I had to use all my self control not to keep and/or steal it. I just hope Jamie feels the same way! (Except, she doesn't have to steal it because it is hers.)

After Jessica saw this post, she had the brilliant idea of having Jean's husband smuggle us one of the dresses worn by their daughter, Lillian, to make into a bag for Jean. Lillian is only 7 months old, so he had to be very crafty in his smuggling as not to be noticed. He was awesome and successfully scored us this dress that little Lillian wore for her very first Thanksgiving:

I transferred this photo onto fabric to sew into the lining of the handbag, and use the trim on the bottom of the dress for a ruffle. The final result was this:

Such is the telling of my life as a double agent.....Vision, Julie Vision.....shaken, not stirred......muhahahahahaa...

Pretty as a Princess

2010-05-22T12:00:00.003-04:00

I've been sewing so many bags in preparation for Art Meets Craft that I took a really fun opportunity to take a break and do something different for a moment.

A friend of mine's daughter, Maddie, turned three this week. (And, seriously, can't even express the cute! She is SO adorable!) Maddie is having a Pink Princess themed birthday party today. I used the aforementioned party theme to have NO SELF CONTROL in the pink princess section of the fabric store. I created two simple little dresses for Maddie, two hair bows, and two matching Barbie sized dresses.

These were so simple anyone with a sewing machine can do them! The fabric comes pre-smocked, so all you have to do is put a seam up the back and add some straps. On the pink one, I added the bow in front just using ribbon and a Cinderella button. I used the left over pieces to create the accents on the bows an the Barbie sized dresses. I used one of my old Barbies as a model-- she's not pictured here as, well-- lets just say she'd seen better days.

Art Meets Craft

2010-05-18T18:42:00.003-04:00

Date: Saturday, June 19, 2010
Time: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Pleasant Ridge Community Center, 4 Ridge Rd., Pleasant Ridge, MI

This event will showcase 20+ independent artists and crafters and tons of their handmade goods. The show includes photography, soy candles, ceramics, baby goods, handmade & vintage jewelry, paintings & prints...and many more handmade goods.

Please stop by and bring a friend to share in the fun.

All Things Grow
All Things Winged
Baclori
Cheryl's Bowtique
Christine Edwards Photography
Courtney Fischer Jewelry
Crazy Girl in Nature
Julie Vision Designs
Lighten Up Candles
LilacPOP
Linkel Designs
LMNOPrint
Maddymeg Designs
The Proper Peach
Rachel Quinlan
Softieville
Sparklepants
Ttishbite
White Dragon Essentials
WireDesigns
Woolly Mammoth Design

Thought Process of a Julie.....

2010-05-10T23:34:00.004-04:00

Thought Process of a Julie, as she prepares for a craft show, while attempting to work two 'real jobs' and find time to read all the amazing blogs of all the rest of you out there:

Radio silence continues, but that doesn't mean I don't think you are all awesome. :-)

Radio silence, fun things, and a giveaway

2010-05-05T07:07:00.002-04:00

Sorry I've produced a bit of radio silence here....I fear I will not be much better for a while. Between some fantastic travels and preparing for "Art Meets Craft" (June 19th at the Pleasant Ridge Community Center, 12-5pm), I've got my hands full! Did I mention you should all come out and see the great indy artists/etsy sellers who will be at "Art Meets Craft", peddling their wares??? More info will be coming your way in the next few weeks! Mark your calendars!

In the mean time, check out this AWESOME giveaway from Lisa Leonard Designs hosted by Beth. You know I love other indy artists-- and something I love even more is free stuff! And, once you enter the giveaway you can just sit back and read through Beth's blog because she, too, is awesome.

This is Julie....over and out....until I find a spare second again....and until I get some new pics of my latest creations!!! :-)

Crafting for a Cause - Michigan Special Olympics

2010-04-29T11:34:00.004-04:00

Calling All Knitters and Crocheters!

Hello crafting friends! Recently, I was made aware of a knitting project taking place to directly support the athletes competing in the Michigan Special Olympics. This information came to me from a friend of a friend of a friend who is directly involved with the cause.

The Michigan Special Olympics furnishes each athlete with a hand-made scarf in the official Special Olympics colors. To do this, they rely on knitters to create scarves and donate them. The image below contains all the information you need to create a scarf and where to send it to get it directly to the athletes. Worried about time? You have plenty! They don't need the scarves until January of 2011. (Details below) Oh how I wish I knew how to knit!

If you can knit and live in the Metro-Detroit area, you can drop your scarf off at my office and I'll ship it for you! E-mail me for details if you are interested.

Also, if you blog, tweet, or facebook, why not spread the word? Link to here or put up your own post!

Rainbow Fabrics

2010-04-28T08:38:00.003-04:00

A month or so ago I bought some AMAZING fabric from Rainbow Fabrics on etsy. How amazing, you ask? Here is one of the prints. I bought a few others at the same time and have them cut and ready to sew, but haven't gotten myself coordinated enough to actually sew them, but they are coming, I promise!

And, because Rainbow Fabrics is AWESOME, they gave me a shout on their blog. Check it out!!

Then, go shop. Did I mention you get a free fat quarter with your purchase?? Mine was a fabulous Alexander Henry print.
Oh Alexander Henry, how I love you....I have no idea if you are a real person or how old you are, but in my head, you look like the cover of a romance novel and are spending your time creating awesome fabric solely for the lack of me in your life....or something like that.

Sniffle Sniffle Spa

2010-04-20T10:38:00.009-04:00

This has NOTHING to do with my shop or creating things, but it is AWESOME, so I figured I'd post about it.

As some of you know, I have kind of ridiculous allergies. Like-- for real. Seriously. My sinuses are so constantly congested I don't even realize they are congested anymore. Which is why I was SUPER stoked at this month's special at Tantra Spa in Ferndale, MI.

Tantra Spa is on Woodward just north of 9 Mile, in that little brick building with the kooky dress store. (Detroiters, you know the one I'm talking about the-- AH, WHAT IS THAT IN THE WINDOW, OHITSADRESS store. I don't know the name of it.) Every month, they have one or two services on special at a discounted rate, and this month, they have their Sinus Relief Treatment on special for $30.00.

If you are like me, you love the spa, but your budget doesn't. In case you missed the post where I totally admit to having gotten a fancy graduate degree in the midst of a crappy economy and had to move home with my parents, that sentence should catch you up as to the status of my 'fancy spa treatments' budget.

The sinus treatment is a combination of aroma therapy, a facial, a massage and reflexology to relieve pressure/congestion in your sinuses. And, I must say, it was awesome. It was 30 minutes of total relaxation, resulting in the elimination of my omnipresent sinus headache and me leaving totally relaxed and smelling of yummy spa things. I'm not entirely sure everything that was done during the treatment-- as my eye were blissfully closed, but I know that the highlights were: hot stone massage on my face and reflexology on my feet. Yes, I said feet-- like the kind of reflexology where you think you are getting just an awesome foot rub, but really you are having something-something-scientific done that re-aligns something somewhere else and you feel awesome when it is done.

This was the third time I'd been to Tantra Spa; I'd been once before for their Christmas party as a guest of my friend Renee, a regular customer, and once for a pedicure. My mom has been for massages previously, and we both agree that it is our favorite little oasis. It is inviting, friendly, relaxing, and not at all pretentious like spas can sometimes be.

So, if you live around here and have allergies/a cold/just like to relax, you should totally go have a sinus treatment while it's on special! I give it the Julie Vision thumbs up. :-)

The lovely people at Tantra Spa have no idea I'm posting this and I have gotten no compensation for this post, I just really enjoyed my treatment yesterday and thought I'd share.

Busy Little Bee

2010-04-16T12:33:00.005-04:00

I've been a busy little Bee the past couple of weeks and, though I've conjured a few creations, I've not gotten them listed or even photographed yet. This month is busy-- with two trips to visit friends and one family wedding, so I may be quiet for another couple of weeks. BUT, rest assured, I will be back to flood your RSS feeds and favorite's lists with all sorts of useless nonsense again soon! :-)

For today, I thought I'd share one of my old favorites. This is one of my favorite bags. I was super excited when Erin posted it in her Birthday Shopping Post earlier this week. I like it so much I made myself one to carry to a wedding tomorrow, which is a bit of a big deal because I normally just keep the ones that don't turn out right.

What is your favorite item/accessory?? The one you wish you had two of in case one wears out/goes bad? (Or maybe you do have two???) SHARE SHARE SHARE!!!

Hey Baby, Nice Equipment ....

2010-04-10T10:00:00.001-04:00

If wizards don't choose wands; wands choose wizards, I am certain the same is true about sewing machines.

I sew all my items on a 1960s era Singer 503. The machine is actually one of two machines belonging to my mom, but I've totally claimed it; or, rather, it has claimed me.

Both machines my mom owns were purchased from Vintage Sewing. Julia, owner of Vintage Sewing, is a phenomenal expert! Like, she is the dog whisperer of sewing equipment....the Sewing Machine Whisperer....or something like that. Julia both refurbishes/sells vintage equipment, and sells parts and, as she said to me, 'other odd things'. (My mom and I got all are bobbins through her, etc.) She also hooked me up with the COOLEST old-school sewing table; the kind where the machine hooks inside and flips under so you can use it as a desk and then, LIKE MAGIC, pop your machine out and have loads of sewing space. Check it out:

What I have learned through my mom, my machine, and Julia is that vintage machines are the way to go. A couple of years ago my mom's machine from the 1970s needed a lot of maintenance. It was going to cost a couple hundred dollars to fix it, so she figured it was better to just get rid of it and buy a new one. Big. Mistake. The way it was explained to me was this: the new, basic level, couple hundred dollar machines are made of plastic and aluminum (mostly). Plastic and aluminum bend and/or break in ways that can't be easily fixed, if at all. Old machines are made or stronger metals which, if something breaks are simpler to repair. So, spending a couple hundred dollars to overhaul a vintage machine is a better investment than spending the same amount on a new one. (Unless you are going higher-end new....my aunt just got an amazing, AMAZING, Bernina that can embroider and do all sorts of fancy things...and I think it can cook dinner too...not sure.....my jealousy runs deep...) :-) Basically, like a lot of things, keeping it simple works. The older, simpler machines made of solid materials are work-horses. And, I'm in LOVE with mine. If you are on a budget, looking for a first machine, or simply don't need the bells and whistles of a fancy machine, I totally suggest you give vintage machines a try before buying a new one.

Someday, I will have a fancy-pants machine and a serger (or serger, how I want you!), and all sorts of fancy toys, but I also know that I will always have a vintage work-horse close by. I mean, how can you not love this baby?

What Other Creations??

2010-04-06T20:00:00.000-04:00

The banner on my shop and blog reads: Handmade Bags, Beads, and Other Creations. Someone inquired this week as to what those other creations are, seeing as my shop is full of bags and nothing else!

Those of you who have been with Julie Vision from the start know that when I first opened the etsy shop, it was almost all glass beads. I started lampworking beads when I was 13 years old; I took a class with my mom and have been a glass fanatic ever since. My mom is an AMAZING bead maker. I haven't made too many beads lately, because, in order to properly ventilate the studio where my mom and I make beads (and by studio, I mean garage,) we have to keep a door open. During the winter, this makes things complicated. It's complicated because when a cold breeze blows in through the opened door, it can cause the glass to crack or shatter while it is cooling. There are a variety of things we do to prevent this, but, because I have little to no patience, I generally don't make too many beads during the winter.

One of the other things I love to do but have not yet put in the shop is papercutting. I learned papercutting during a summer study program in California in between my junior and senior years of college. I worked with an amazing group of people and an amazing instructor, while staying/working on a 3000 acre ranch near Los Angeles, CA. I have never sold any of my paper cutting-- I do it mostly as gifts. And, sadly, I'm really bad at taking pictures of the stuff I do!! I made this frame mat for two wonderful friends in honor of their wedding:

Judaism if very important to these friends, so I wanted to include it in the piece. Hidden in the designs is the Hebrew text: אני לדודי ודודי לי (Ani l'dodi v'dodi li), which translates to: I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine. I also hid their names into the design so it is personal to them and their wedding.

I also made these two creations for Erin after her second son, Tommy, was born. She was kind enough to take pictures for m after she filled the frames with amazing photos taken by Beth, but I am so uncoordinated I DELETED the E-MAIL. (I know, I FAIL!!). But, because Erin is a rock-star, she sent them to me again!

What I love about papercutting is how easy it is to make ever object person to the recipient. Also, I love the different looks you can achieve by simply varying your background-- The wedding frame layered white and ivory papers for a very subtle, refined look; whereas the frames I made for Erin layered the cut paper over watercolor paintings that, in real life, have a stained-glass look to them.

Pretty much, I just love to make stuff. If I see something I like, I'm probably going to try and make it. If it goes well, you will probably see it here or on the shop! If you are interested in beads or papercutting you don't see in the shop, I'm happy to discuss designing custom items. Just e-mail me! juleivisiondesigns at gmail dot com.

Picture This

2010-04-04T00:00:00.003-04:00

I mentioned in a previous post that I had been doing some fun stuff with pictures. I showed you the clutch I made for my cousin, with one of her traveling photos sew into the lining, but I mentioned I couldn't reveal my other cool photo project until after Easter. WELL-- It's Easter, so I get to spill!!!!

One of my co-workers, Cathy, (who is fantastic, BTW), asked me to make a tote bag for her daughter, Lisa, as an Easter gift. Lisa is an in-home health care worker, so the idea was to create something unique that she could use to carry her equipment with her to work everyday. As Cathy, Lisa and I are all dog lovers, we thought it would also be fun to incorporate Lisa's K9 friends into the designs, as both a fun, personal element, as well as to create a conversation starter for Lisa and her patients.

Together, we came up with this:

Those cuties on either side of the bag are Lisa's dogs-- Harley and Akita. To keep it a surprise, we had to get the photos without being suspicious, and it turned out that we could only get ones taken with a cell phone. I was a little worried about how they would transfer to the fabric, but they transferred great!! Cathy and I both loved the final result, and I sincerely hope that Lisa does, too! I'll find out when I get to work tomorrow.

And, the best part? I had enough of the dog-themed lining fabric left to make a toy for my favorite four-legged friend. (She is a little camera shy.)

Interested in a photo tote? E-mail me! julievisiondesigns at gmail dot com.

I heart Etsy Sellers

2010-04-02T16:55:00.009-04:00

Like many of you, I really love etsy. I loved etsy long before I was an etsy seller, and usually use it as my go-to site for gift buying. I also think that one of the best ways to learn about etsy shops and sellers is to talk to each other about the good ones and spread the word! That being siad, through the magic of Twitter, I have met two AMAZING etsy sellers everyone should know about!

Please note: I have been meaning to post for a while now about two of my favorite etsy sellers. I keep thinking I'll get good photos of me with their work, but I've totally failed at that, so I decided to steal the photos out of their shops to save myself the embarrassment of looking like a heifer next to their awesome designs!

FIRST-- I have to tell you how much I love Twillypop, and its creator, Sara! I have two Twillypop necklaces in my wardrobe, Priscilla and Jet. (Who I totally call Joan Jet and Priscilla Presley. And, in my head, they rock out in my jewelry box.)

Check the ladies out!

Priscilla:

Jet:

What I love about these is how elegant they are, and that they can go from refined to edgy in an instant depending on what you pair them with. For example, I wore Priscilla with a pair of cute jeans and a simple top to a bachelorette party, and with dress pants and a formal top to the ballet. And, they are both really well constructed, so I never have that 'oh crap, I hope my necklace doesn't fall apart' feeling we've all had.

Check out the Twillypop shop, the Twillypop blog, and Twillypop on Twitter!

My other new favorite is There She Sews, and its creator, Ryley.

I have a jersey knit Ruffle Scarf from There She Sews and it is FANTASTIC. Mine is a double strand, just like this one:

Here is what is so fabulous about these scarves-- they can be scarves, like, I use mine to keep warm with my sweater coat on those days when Detroit can't decide if it is summer or winter and does something weired and in-between; but I also wear it to work as an accessory. It breathes, so you don't get too warm if you wear it just to be pretty.

There She Sews also does amazing baby blankets! They are sooooo cute!! And, you have to know that Ryley is MADE OF CRAFT MAGIC, because she also decorates the most amazing special occasion cakes. Check them out here. (GO. DO IT. THEY ARE REALLY COOL. If I lived in Utah, I would invent reasons to need them, that is how cool they are.)

Check out the There She Sews Shop, Blog, and follow Ryley on Twitter.

It can be hard to get your shop going on etsy-- it takes a lot of work and is really dependant on word of mouth. If you have etsy sellers you love, SHOUT it where ever you can! Blog it, tweet it, facebook it, etc.

Today

2010-03-30T07:57:00.002-04:00

I thought a long time about posting this, and, after much deliberation, decided to do it. I debated if this was an appropriate forum-- this blog is for my shop, and I do my best to keep most of the random thoughts that cross my mind out of it.

I heard about this photo contest from Communal Global on Twitter. I don't know much about Communal Global, but I love this topic. I'm not a photographer. Frankly, I shoot a zillion pictures so that one comes out good and I can frame it, and the rest are blurry or unfocused, or whatever; but when I randomly clicked on the Communal Global link and read this contest description, I knew I had to enter. Not to win- but because the instant I read through the topic, one photo came to mind.

The topic of the contest is "Today". "Any day. Every day. Just a day."

This photo is not of today. Actually, it was taken almost two years ago. But I love this photo. And I love this day.

This day was bitter-sweet at the time, and totally wonderful now.

This is the last day spent with a friend before putting her on an airplane to travel 3500 miles and start Cancer treatment.

This is the day that my closest friends in Oxford stopped and lived. I was three days away from the exams that would decide the fate of my studies; we were in the midst of the most busy semester of most our grad-school degrees; and we stopped. We went out to lunch. We went punting. We got everyone together and went to the pub. We had fun together.

This picture was taken from a punt. It was the very start of Spring, still a little chilly, and we were the only punt on the river. We rammed the punt into the bank on multiple occasions and were scoffed at by ducks.

I think it might be the only day I really stopped. I smelled flowers and trees and the river. And, even with the situation being as it was, I enjoyed the day. In my year in Oxford, it's the only time I managed to stop long enough to go punting.

Oh, and my friend? She kicked cancer's ass. And ran a 5k during chemo. Take that, cancer.

PS- They totally just announced the You Capture is 'feet' and I'm double dipping and linking this to You Capture, as well. Which is kind of awesome, because I kind of love You Capture and the fine group of ladies behind it, I just don't normally have the forum to enter.

Musical Me

2010-03-28T20:04:00.005-04:00

I spent all weekend sewing and put tons of stuff in the shop!

Apparently, I was feeling musical this weekend, because I came up with the bags pictured below. (OK, I'm always feeling musical...I sing bad music in my car like it's nobody's business...and, my brother is a professional musician, so I ride his coat tails and pretend like I'm a professional musician....I look for any chance to speak in lyrics from musicals and offer Bill and Ted style 'use the lyrics' advice to people looking for more useful answers....anyway....I make bags...)

Music Department Storage Locker

We're Putting the Band Back Together

Rock On

And, finally, Havana:

I found all but one of these fabrics by obsessively searching the internet for something else, but I got distracted on a link that led to a shop full of musical fabrics and, needless to say, I bought fabric and forgot what I was looking for in the first place.

These bags, as well as several others, (including a Harry Potter clutch!) are all listed in the shop. Stop by at take a look at the new stuff!

Odds and Ends

2010-03-23T00:00:00.002-04:00

Just a couple of odds and ends I thought would be fun to post:

First, the WINNER of the "I See In Julie Vision" Giveaway, Keli, designed a super cute bag:

I'm excited for this to arrive to her...it should get there any day now!

Second, most of you know that I LOVE London. REALLY LOVE London. I never lived in London in my two years in the UK (I lived in Oxford and Portsmouth), and I have MAD love for Oxford, but there is something about London I've loved from the first time I set foot on UK soil. So, I had this crazy idea that turned out to be not so crazy.

Many of you know about Spoonflower, which is a site that lets you design your own fabric. I uploaded the London tube map to Spoonflower, printed fabric and made this:

I made the 'Mind the Gap' pocket with the same technique as printing photos onto fabric. I'm not sure the rule on selling these, as I don't own the rights to the tube map, but I did make one for each of my two American friends who also spent some time living abroad in the UK and loving it.

Now, I need to figure out how to do that Mary Poppins 'jump into the chalk drawing and transport yourself somewhere else' move so I can jump into my bag and land in England. I'll let you know how that goes....

Drool Monster

2010-03-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, I don't have kids. BUT, everyone I know does. Thus, I've commissioned a few baby items from time to time. Some of you are familiar with the Mullet Momma Collection, which is available in my shop/by request, but most my baby stuff has been as gifts for friends. Which brings me here, to the sweet hunk of cuteness below: Jason, AKA my fake nephew. (He's not fake, he's real; he's just not really my nephew...but I am Auntie The Julie. The 'The' is very necessary. It works for us. Don't ask.:-) )

This little fella' has had his fingers in my heart before he was even born, and consequently, I commissioned his diaper bag, as a shower gift for his mommy. (Modeled here by his proud Daddy the day Jason came home from the hospital)

And, because there is no one here to stop me, I'm posting this pic of me and the little man at two weeks of age just for fun. (I'm going to be so obnoxious if I have kids-- I'll be the lady who makes people in the bank look at the million pictures in her wallet....just you wait....)

And, to tell the truth, I love making baby stuff. I don't list/sell more of it because it is not always economical to make baby things now that places like Target and Walmart have them available so inexpensively. I love making the stuff, especially for people I love, but to sell it in my etsy shop I would have to charge more than people want to pay. ANYWAY-- I digress. My point is, that making baby stuff is fun. SO, when I asked Carol, Jason's mommy, what she wanted for her birthday, I was super stoked by what she asked for.

Jason, though cute and adorable, is a bit of a drool monster-- especially now that he is teething. For real. Have a look:

Carol didn't mind this at much when she was home on maternity leave, but now that she is working again and he is older and easier to take out to events, she noted that her options are either to have a giant puddle on her shoulder or to continuously balance a cloth diaper there at all times. Neither option is so much of a fashion statement. She asked me to come up with something better-- something that is absorbent; something that is as cute as a drool rag can be, considering its purpose is to collect drool; and something that is more securely fashioned than a diaper, so you can move around while wearing it and not worry about it sliding off.

After careful consideration, I came up with this, which I officially call 'THE DROOL MONSTER'.

The Drool Monster is made from terry cloth and lightweight cotton/linen blend fabrics. The terry cloth part is double-layered so that there is ample fabric for drool collection. The remainder is made from the cotton/linen blend so that it is cute and breathable-- because no one wants a sweaty drool monster.

I designed it to wrap across the body and close with rings right the waist or hip, whichever you prefer. This way, it is adjustable, stationary, and has a cute tail. Also, is should accommodate all/most body types.

I went with a ring closure for adjust-ability and ease of use. Since it is adjustable, you can use it no matter what phase of the baby-weight loss you are (or are not) in, and it can easily be used by other people. Plus, the rings eliminate the need for buttons, snaps, or Velcro, which are less user friendly and non-adjustable. Plus, rings won't snag your pantyhose the way Velcro would. (Please, don't tell me any of you are coordinated enough to deal with Velcro, a drooling baby and pantyhose....if you are, then we aren't friends.....) :-)

There are still some parts of the Drool Monster that I know need work, and that I hope Carol will take detailed notes on for me-- for example, Carol is just a bit taller than me (fine, almost a foot taller than me. I'm short, ok????). When I made the Drool Monster, I had to base the proportions on me and my dress form, so I'm not sure if I made it totally user friendly for someone taller. Also, there are a couple of places where the stitching is no where near as pretty as I'd like it to be, so I hope she will NEVER let anyone see those parts. :-)

So, moms out there, what do you think?? Do we think the Drool Monster is a good plan? What can I do to the Drool Monster to make it a good plan? I figured maybe some pockets or a link to hold a pacifier? Let me know what you think!

Take a Picture, It Will Last Longer

2010-03-19T00:00:00.002-04:00

I've been doing a lot of cool stuff with pictures lately-- which is a really fun way to personalize a bag in a unique way.

First, I made this bag as a congratulations gift for my cousin, who was recently accepted to a number of top rated grad schools AND got scholarships! (I know, I know, she is such an overachiever it is gross. ;-) ). This blog post is the first time she's getting to see the bag, so I'm super excited to be posting this!

She is an avid traveler, and just finished a Fulbright year in Germany (see overachiever above), so I wanted to incorporate her travels into the bag. I sent her an e-mail asking her favorite color, her favorite place she traveled, and her top three pictures she took while traveling.

She chose purple, and told me her favorite place was Egypt. One of the pictures she sent was of Egypt, so it was easy for me to choose which one to use. Additionally, she carries a toy Mr. Bump with her on all her adventures, so I thought it would be fun to incorporate that, as well-- I did this by editing him into the photo she sent. The final result was this picture:

I then printed the picture onto special fabric and sewed it into the lining of the purse.

I'm really loving the idea of putting pics on fabric and putting them inside bags. They aren't too showy or cheesy, as they are concealed, but you know they are there and you keep the image with you. Plus, the fabric, though it has a tendency to be a tiny bit wrinkly, captures the image sharply and permanently. When I first heard about this type of fabric, I thought it would either 1) fade, or 2) transfer poorly, kind of like an old-school iron on. However, it is neither of those! It takes the image in nearly full resolution and doesn't fade, blur or bleed. I'm working on a project for my mom that involves some scanned photos of my brother and I as kids, and even the scanned photos, which are obviously not as detailed a resolution as a digital pic, look great. (I'll show you some when I get my act together enough to take a picture of them!)

My second cool picture creation cannot be revealed until after Easter, as it was commissioned as an Easter gift for my co-worker's daughter. I'm super stoked to show it to you and it's taking all my self control not to! (wait, Julie, wait...it's only a few weeks!!)

What a bag with a picture in it?? E-mail me and we can designs a bag!!

Funky Finds GIVEAWAY

2010-03-16T09:22:00.002-04:00

Miss my big blog launch giveaway? No worries! I've got a giveaway going with Funky Funks March 16-21, 2010.

Check out Funky Finds for my giveaway and other great giveaways weekly!

New and Blue: Handmade Fashion for the Bride and Party

2010-03-14T21:58:00.003-04:00

Wedding season is near and I've been busy with some bride-y adventures. I have a couple of wedding bags in the works that I can't reveal yet, but I can show you a few things that are already finished.

When it comes to wedding gifts for my close friends, I love and hate registry lists. A registry lets you know what a couple wants, but when I know someone really well, I want to get them something more memorable and special.

If you feel the same way I do, consider a custom handbag as an accessory to your own wedding or as a memorable gift. The bag pictured below is currently for sale in my shop, however, I can custom make a bridal bag to compliment a particular bride's dress, wedding theme and budget.

What I love about the bag pictured here is the lining-- it ticks the box next to 'something blue' and sends loving wishes for a happy marriage with your bride all day long. Sewn into the lining is a bow with two dangling charms-- one containing a dictionary definition of 'love'; an the other is a wish bone.

Want something really special? Consider having a picture of the bride and groom or a special family member sewn into the lining of a custom bag! Pictures can be printed on special fabric and included in any Julie Vision Bag. (Pics of an example to come in a future post...I have a special bag I can't yet reveal because the person getting it doesn't know about it, yet!)

Additionally, I've recently completed a bag for my aunt to carry as step-mother of the groom at my cousin's wedding. She picked out her fabric so that it matched her dress perfectly and mailed it to me. I then created this:

I think handmade items, like these handbags, are great ways to personalize a gift to the bride, the moms, or the bridesmaids. Also, unlike bridal shops that offer a limited selection of bags, I can work with you to make a bag that matches your/her personality and budget.

So, you want to know about me, eh???

2010-03-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hello!

First of all, thank you all so much for following and spreading the Julie Vision love. I've had some requests to know a little bit about the Julie behind Julie Vision, so, without further ado, here is the long and short of it:

The most common adjectives used to described me are 'short' and 'random' and neither is a lie. 'Loudmouth' may also be in there. That is only sort of a lie. :-)

I am the daughter of an artist who will refuse to call herself that at all costs. She can paint, sew, decorate cakes, lampwork glass beads,-- you name it, she can do it. Thus, I grew up in a house full of crafts and learned to sew and lampwork at a young age. I had little formal training-- my mom and my also-crafty-and-awesomely-seamstressy aunt both taught me how to sew as I was growing up, and my mom and I took one lampworking class together when I was in the 8th grade. Since then, I've come in and out of art a number of times.

In college and my early career, I'd mostly fallen out of it with the exception of one paper-cutting course I took during a summer program between my junior and senior year of college. However, jumping into my student teaching and then beginning my career as a teacher, I didn't have much time for art or sewing. To be honest, like most teachers, I didn't have time for much of anything except for grading papers and going to work.

One day, on a whim, I applied for a job teaching in the UK, and three weeks later (on the 4th of July of all days!) I was hired. One month later I moved to Portsmouth, England. Best. Decision. Ever. (SERIOUSLY.) Moving overseas let me teach and travel, and led me to study for my Masters degree in International Education at the University of Oxford.

Having completed my degree, I returned to my home town of Detroit, MI, USA, ready to work for the betterment of American education....but ended up trapped by a crumbling economy. Education jobs being slashed left and right, I am currently doing office work for my parents' family business during the day, and teaching online at night.

And even though the whole 'move-back-home-and-find-yourself-jobless' scenario is not ideal (by a LONG SHOT), the silver lining is that it brought me back to doing arty things with my mom, like lampworking and sewing.

I starting sewing handbags just after returning to the USA. And, I'll totally admit that I started because I was to cheap to buy them from other etsy sellers! I'm a TOTAL etsy addict and used to stalk all the clutch purses from the other amazing etsy sellers. Convinced there was no reason for them to be expensive, I started making them. It turns out, they aren't as cheap to make as I thought they would be, but I try and keep my costs low so I can sell them as inexpensively as possible. I cut coupons, shop sales, and priced based on what my materials cost.

I love making bags that 'match people'. If I had tons of spare cash, I would make bags for everyone for free, just for fun. (OK, maybe I'd give some money to, like, a food bank and the local schools, etc....but then I'd make bags!) :-)

Throughout the process of opening my etsy store and starting this blog, I've really enjoyed getting to know other artists and crafters. I hope that writing here and posting about my work will allow me the opportunity to get to know more!

So I guess that is me. I'm short and random. And I talk a lot. And I love to travel and teach and sew. Oh, and I really like cupcakes. ;-)

(I know, the arrow was necessary, right?) :-)

Giveaway WINNER!!

2010-03-10T13:28:00.004-05:00

Thanks so much to everyone who entered the 'I see in Julie Vision' giveaway. I hope you keep following the blog, as I've really enjoyed getting to know many of you through emails, tweets and comments over the last week!

The lucky winner is #8, Keli who blogs here.

Also, everyone who entered AND everyone who is following the blog/twitter can enjoy at 10% off coupon. Use code: IFOLLOW. Please read the coupon instructions in my shop announcement. Coupon valid throughout the month of March.

I will be posting pictures of the bag I create for Keli once it is done!

Collecting Dust to Collecting Compliments: Re-purpose Your Memories

2010-03-07T00:00:00.001-05:00

***Looking for the Blog Launch Giveaway?? Click here!***

Do you have an heirloom piece of clothing gathering dust in a closet?

Your favorite baby clothes from when your kids were little piled in a box?

An article of clothing you wore as a little one crammed in the basement?

Why not re-purpose them in to something usable?

I found a few of my old dresses at my parent's' house recently. Most of them we donated, but there were a few we just couldn't part with. This one in particular:

I wore this one when I was two years old for the annual trip to the Sears' portrait studio. (I have copious photos of my brother and I with the tell-tale Sears' backdrop). I also wore it to dress up as Little Orphan Annie for Halloween circa 1984. Evidenced as follows:

This dress had not only sentimental value, but it was not storing well. The tight pleats in the skirt were becoming misshapen. I decided it was best turned into handbags. My mom wanted one that still resembled the dress, and I wanted one that used dress parts, but was modern enough to carry on a regular basis.

I came up with these:

For the first one, I took some of the skirt, ironed it flat, and used some of the trim from the bottom and a button (not original to the dress) to create the bauble on the front. The lining is white cotton, also not original to the dress. In bags like these, another option is to include a photo of the child wearing the dress in the lining. (Photo is printed on special cotton fabric designed for this type of use).

For the second one, I wanted to preserve as much of the original dress as possible. I used the exact front and back of the dress for the front and back of the bag. I also used fabric from the skirt for the lining, and the sleeves and collar to make a pocket on the inside.

The best part is my mom and I now both have a pieces of the dress. The funniest part of the whole process was 1) when I got this far and had the "AHH!! WHAT HAVE I DONE" moment:

And 2) when my mom saw the finished bags, picked up the dress-looking one and shouted "Oh my God! Don't EVER sell this!" And then, when I showed her the other one, replied, "Oh, you can sell that one." Gotta' love mom!

If you are interested in having one of your memories turned into a bag, e-mail me! (www.julievisiondesigns@gmail.com) We can discuss ideas/prices and come up with something you will be able to love and use while still holding your memory close. (Average price is $60.00 + shipping; price may be slightly more/less based on how much I add to the bag in materials and how labor intensive the design. +$15.00 if you want a photo incorporated the lining.)

This makes a great gift for your mom/grandma/daughter!

Need ideas? How about re-purposing a Christening gown, prom dress, flower girl dress, or wedding dress? These make great gifts for holidays, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Brides, or no occasion at all!

What's that you say? You have little boys but no girls?? I can also make bags from little boy's suits, T-Shirts, or any clothes at all! (I'm working on one made from my old Rainbow Brite PJ's). :-)

"I See in Julie Vision" Blog Launch Giveaway

2010-03-03T00:00:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Julie Vision!

This blog will feature information regarding my etsy shop, exclusive sale/coupons, and other cool information that strikes my fancy. :-)

I am a bead maker, a bag maker, a paper cutter, and pretty much all around crafter with craft ADD, so I constantly look for new crafty things. If you have a specific bag, bead or paper cutting project in mind, let me know! We can work together to create a design!

To get us started, I thought a GIVEAWAY was in order!

(YAY!)

I am giving away a custom clutch! That's right, you read correctly, a custom clutch designed exactly how you want it!

Here is how to enter:

- Follow this Blog. (this one is mandatory) Leave a comment once you are a follower!

For additional entries:

- Follow me on Twitter (one entry) Leave a comment once you are a follower!

- For TWO additional entries: take a photo using the 'I see in Julie Vision' image below. Be as creative as you can! Blog, facebook or tweet your photo. Leave a comment with a link to your blog post/facebook post/or tweet. (Actually, leave 2 comments, this way, you get both entries.)

In total-- you can earn 8 entries for this giveaway! (1 for being a follower of the blog, one for following on Twitter, 2 for tweeting a photo, 2 for blogging a photo, and 2 for facebooking a photo.) Remember to leave a separate comment for each entry.

Winner will be chosen Wednesday, March 10, 2010. (entries end at noon EST)

**This giveaway is for US addresses only. If you are not a US resident and would still like to enter, please be prepared to pay your own shipping costs. Shipping costs can be approximated here.

Winner will have choice of two frame styles and a variety of fabrics for the clutch.

Mullet Momma Collection: Unveiled

2010-03-01T21:52:00.010-05:00

The latest from Julie Vision Designs: The Mullet Momma Collection.

You've seen the mullet tote, well, this goes one step further! Better yet, you can WIN a Mullet Momma collection, as well as many other great prizes all week long here:

This set was designed for Beth, lady of honor here

Prices:
Tote Only: $25.00 (+shipping)
Mullet Momma Collection: $55.00 (+shipping)

E-mail me for details or to place an order! julievisiondesigns@gmail.com

New Inventory! - UPDATED INSIDER TIP

2010-03-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

Lots of new designs!

http://www.julievision.etsy.com/

Insider Tip: Official Blog launch + giveaway will be Saturday! Spread the word! *** Blog Launch Moved EARLIER!!! Stay Tuned!!!!

You're Invited....

2010-02-28T00:10:00.002-05:00

Julie Vision Designs is proud to be participating in:

Great Giveaways from Julie Vision and other great shops/retailers!!

Pardon My Dust...

2010-02-26T14:19:00.003-05:00

I'm almost ready to start!! The official launch will feature a giveaway, so follow now and stay tuned! In the mean time, I have a few giveaways scheduled with other sites-- one is a secret which I will reveal shortly, and the other is at www.funkyfinds.com.. Funky Finds does great weekly giveaways, so after you check out mine, go peek at the rest!

COMING SOON!

2010-02-25T09:40:00.001-05:00

Blog for Julie Vision Designs is coming soon! Come back and see us when we are fully functional!