New + Improved Zipper Bags!

I've been hard at work creating more amazing Hoot & Bumble products for you. I am so excited to share with you my latest works. These new zipper bags are better than ever & I know you are going to love them!

This whole Hoot & Bumble journey has been a learning experience for me. From day 1, I have worked hard to bring you quality products, and I am always searching for ways to make them better. I hope the pride I take in my work shows. 

I have played around with different ways to create each piece I make, and it has been so fun to watch my products evolve into what they are today.

My newest secret? Interfacing! I have started using a thicker interfacing that is much sturdier than the previous interfacing I was using. This new interfacing gives my bags more shape, allows them to stand freely on their own, and I love how they look and feel like much better quality! I am also boxing the bottom of the bags, and I love how it looks. Who knew a few small changes would make a world of difference?!

I have two new sizes of zipper bags to choose from in a variety of amazing fabrics. 

My large zipper bags are approx. { 8"x 6 1/2"x 2" (at the bottom)} in size, and make a great make up bag. They are small enough to fit in my Hoot & Bumble tote bag, but large enough to hold all of my make up, and some toiletries. But that's not all they can be used for; use them around the house to organize things like coupons, wires, medicines, hair accessories, etc, carry in your diaper bag for those small baby items, or even throw one in your purse as a catch all for all those random things that don't have a home. The fun prints and bright colors look amazing, and with so many styles to choose from, who can resist?!

My small zipper bags are just lovely. They are approx. { 8"x 4"x 2" (at the bottom)}, and are the perfect size to throw in your purse for some extra organization. They make fabulous pencil/pen holders, or they can hold your feminine products. I have two in my tote- one for my feminine products, and one for my lip gloss, mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow. I'm seriously addicted.

As always we still carry our most popular item- wristlets! I will have a few new styles to choose from, in my new and improved version of the zip bags soon.

I have also reviewed my prices, and I am able to lower some prices on certain items. You'll notice that the older bags are lower priced than the new products. This is to make room for the new and improved items.

Here's the link to the Hoot & Bumble Online Shop ;)

You better snag a bag now before they sell out! 

{Shop OPEN!}

{I'm doing my happy dance}

Because I can sit back and breathe for a few short minutes. This week has been major crunch time [with a few late nights] trying to meet the deadline I set for myself to get my shop open. {I finally did it} Phew.

I'd like to introduce to you, the Hoot & Bumble Online Shop, where you can purchase my handmade creations. Or you can click on the tab above ^ from anywhere on the blog :)

My favorite creations in my shop are the tote bags. They are so much fun to create, and I love watching them come together. I can't wait to make more for the shop! 

They are such a great size, and can really hold a lot. They look great too!

{Funny Story} The first one I made for the shop, is now the one I carry around. Wanna know why? One set of pockets were sewn in upside down. Oops. I won't make that mistake again. But at least I have a bag for myself now ;)

So far I've used my bag as an every day tote back and forth to work or out for errands, but I also took it to the pool a few times. It was perfect for my towel, and a book. & I loved having pockets to put my keys and phone in. I also took it to the library one day and carried about 7 books home in it. It would make a great gift as a stylish diaper bag for a new mom {or yourself}.

Of course, I have other items in my shop too, that are just as amazing. Check out the wristlets, zipper pouches, and coin purses. There's even a little something for the kiddies :)

I am leaving for a weekend away with my best friend {kidless} tomorrow, so all orders will ship out on Monday. You can use coupon code GRAND10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order. Coupon expires on Sunday July 21, 2013. 

Also, next week look for details about how YOU can win some Hoot & Bumble goodies in my first giveaway!

Thanks for reading :)

Sunshine Sunday- family updates

The countdown to my vacation is down to the final 5 days. I work through Thursday this week and then I'm off for 10 days. To start off my vacation I get an entire girls weekend in Charlottesville,VA with my best friend- kid less! The hubs has the minion to himself all weekend. I've never been away for a weekend, and I'm sooo looking forward to it. We have a lot of amazing things planned for the weekend. I will update when I return :)

My parents went back to Ohio a few days ago, and we are still recovering from spending so much time with them. We miss them so much already, and can't wait to go visit them. {We are anxiously awaiting and counting down until they come home for good in April or May of 2014}.

I am spending my weekend cleaning up the house {to prepare it for a weekend of Daddy and Jackson next weekend}, spending time with family, relaxing, and of course, sewing, sewing, sewing!

In the mean time, I am finishing up the stocking of my shop for launch this Thursday night! Go ahead, be excited! I can't wait to give the grand opening announcement!

My dentist visit + shop update

//Yesterday I had my second set of cavities filled {ever}. They were working on my two front teeth, of which I had a cavity in the middle. It was on the back of the teeth, but visible from the front, so there was a black spot in between my two front teeth. Blah. 

//The needles to numb my mouth hurt pretty bad. More blah. And the whole thing was quite uncomfortable.

//But, alas, no more black in between my front teeth! Which I'm pretty excited about. I still need a bunch of work, but this is one step closer to the smile I've always dreamed of.

//Now for my shop update - Because we've had a busy week visiting with my parents and enjoying the holiday, I am pushing my online shop grand opening to July 18th. I really want to make sure it's ready before launching. With these extra few days I know it will be even more great! Yeah baby!

my sewing journey + more shop updates!

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” 

― Scott Adams

//Growing up we had a vintage sewing machine in our front closet. You see, my mom doesn't know how to sew. But my dad does. I was always very curious about the sewing machine in the closet that was rarely used.

//When I became an adult, I decided I wanted to learn how to sew. My dad let me borrow that vintage sewing machine from the closet, and he taught me how to thread it, and run something through it {This is one of my favorite memories of my dad.} I love being able to say my dad taught me how to sew. I also love that it was him that taught me this life skill that is my favorite hobby. I don't think he knows how special that is to me. This was the beginning of something huge for me.

//A short while later, I asked for a sewing machine, and got one from my parents for Christmas. That was two and a half years ago. Other than my dad teaching me the basics, the rest of my sewing skills are self taught, with help from YouTube, and crafting blogs I have found on Pinterest.

//I've always been creative. That doesn't mean I've always been good at what I set out to do. That took patience, determination, and perseverance. I once made a hand sewn pillow out of some old denim jeans. It looked awful but {I'm pretty sure my mom still has it}. Like the above quote says, "Art is knowing which mistakes to keep". Part of the fun for me when making my most recent creations has been the trial and error. I have a few mess up zipper bags, that are not usable sitting around here. I would finish a project, and then tweak it when I moved on to the next one. I kept doing that until I got it just how I wanted it. I allowed myself to make mistakes. When you think about it, isn't that what life is all about anyway? Being allowed to make mistakes, and then deciding where to go from there?

{Don't be afraid to make mistakes people. That is how art is made.}

//In other news, as a result of me working on new pieces all of my free time, plus some this weekend, I was able to drop off a large number of pieces at The Shop & Studio tonight! Yeah baby! My display is so fun!

//I am working on stocking my online shop in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for that. I'm also thinking that a giveaway is going to happen at that time! Sew fun! ;)

new beginnings

Lately, inspiration and motivation  has been all around me. From watching my favorite handmade business blogger, brand her business, to my friend, Lincy following her dreams and opening up a shop and studio {Grand Opening Weekend starts tonight!}. Inspiration is everywhere, if you open your eyes and looks for it. I guess, I've been looking.

Ever since I was a child I've had dreams of opening up a handmade business. Over the years I've tried my hand at many different crafts, and attempting small businesses. Some I've loved and have been good at, others- not so much {like crocheting & button accessories}. These things didn't work out because my heart wasn't in it. I was trying to sell stuff I didn't care for myself. That just doesn't work.

Hoot & Bumble has been recently created as a name for my brand. I am beyond excited to announce that my handmade items will have a space in The Shop & Studio! I am so thrilled to be a part of The Shop, and the vision Lincy has for it. It's truly going to be amazing. && I'm{finally} going to have my handmade products out there! 

Not only will my items be in The Shop, I have other plans in the works for my new brand. Stay tuned for the online shop that should be opening up in the next few weeks! In the meantime, check out the grand GRAND Opening Weekend at The Shop. Click here for details.

I am at a crossroads in my job right now, and I'm not sure what lays ahead. I am a nanny and my youngest charge is starting kindergarten in the fall. As sad as I am about this, I am excited for new beginnings. I am determined to make Hoot & Bumble a success and part of my family's new beginning.

A recent theme I've noticed in my life has been about following dreams. I notice it everywhere in my day to day life and it has been so encouraging. This is why I have decided that now is the time to launch Hoot & Bumble full swing. I'm using the summer to get the ball rolling. I have big visions for this brand, and I'm going places.

I could not do any of this without the support from my soul mate and husband. I am so very grateful to have him by my side, encouraging me to reach for the stars. 

So with great anticipation, and pride, I introduce to you, Hoot & Bumble- my handmade business brand.

For some sneak peeks at what I'm working on, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. You can also check out The Shop & Studio in Delaware City to find my items and much more!

You can also reach me at HootandBumble@gmail.com. 

I'm following my dreams. Are you?