Busily Working

I have been working all weekend on new ideas. So far I have made a few more pouches, a new style of tote bag, and I have begun work on my first piece of apparel to sell. I've done costumes for plays and have mended and made various garments before, but this is the first thing I've made with the intention to sell. It's called the Puck Skirt, a fantastical tulled skirt for little girls of all ages with an adjustable waist and layers of fun woodland colored fabric. It is on the short side, so older girls would be advised to wear it with leggings or even over a pair of jeans for a festival, a costume party, or any time whimsy takes you. I hope to finish it tomorrow and have a friend model it so I can post pictures.
I have also recently aquired some red tulle, so I'm contemplating making a gothic version if this one goes well.
I've been burning some delicious incense, alternately lavender and honey vanilla to freshen up the stale indoor air. I hate not being able to have the windows open. In spite of the cold, I cracked one open for a few minutes today.

Sale!

I sold one of my felted rose pouches with cream ribbon ties today! A friend of a friend had heard I was making bags and asked to see some of them. The pouches are my favorite style to make. They are simple but classic and versatile; they can be used as a gift bag for jewlery and other small trinkets, change purses, belt pouches or wrist sachets for Renaissance Faires or Celtic Festivals.
As soon as I start making a semi-regular income from my crafts I will invest in a decent camera. Until then, I'm afraid the pictures won't be that great.

Other Uses for the Scholar's Tote

Here is an example of the teal velveteen Scholar's Tote being used as a charming hat by a young woman named Becca. The extra fabric also made a fetching cape to complete the ensemble.

The Scholar's Tote

I love this bag. I always carry books around with me, so I need a bag that will accomidate that (hence the name). This picture is of the first bag I made using this particular pattern. The main body of the bag is cotton, and the sides and bottom are made of lined vinyl. I have just made a slightly smaller version (still the perfect size for a composition book) in teal velveteen.
Here it is loaded with books:

Taking Flight

Blackbird Crafts is becoming official.
I have been sewing and making things for years and have always favored handmade to machine made. Whenever I go to festivals I find myself truly admiring those that work with their hands and make things skillfully. I decided that that is what I want to do. Though I am still an apprentice in many ways, and will probably never make any money at it, I want to enjoy myself.
In a few weeks I will have my Etsy shop set up and then I will start scoping out venues to sell my products. Currently my main focus is bags, but I'm also dabbling in jewlery and soap making. The soap may eventually expand into lotions and lip balms as well, but all must be laboriously tested (usually on myself, though sometimes friends and family also voulnteer).
If anyone is reading this, thank you. I hope you enjoy reading about my journey into the world of microscopic bussiness and that you will feel free to suggest venues and projects and share your own ideas as well.