And What is Your Passion?

I really enjoy what I do with my sewing machine.  I like thinking of new things to make and designing new things.  I get enjoyment from a finished product.  I want my creations to be enjoyed by others for a long time to come.

I received in my email box an article about a couple who have a very successful Etsy shop: Paloma's Nest at http://www.etsy.com/shop/palomasnest. As it turns out, Caroline Colom Vasquez and Jose Vasquez-Corbalan also offer handcrafted consulting at @http://handcraftedconsulting.com/.  

I like to check out other handcrafters for help with ideas for my shop and for ways I can improve my chances for success.  You might get inspiration, too.  And if you would like to read more from Caroline and Jose, they are writing a monthly article on the blog "Poppytalk" in the Business Matters column.  And Poppytalk is worth check out, too!  Get to it here: http://www.poppytalk.blogspot.com/

Oh, where does our time go?

Thanks for visiting.
Renee

Autumn Cover Up

I so like the Summer when we can feel free with very light clothing when outside.  But it does not take long for me to "freeze" when the cooler weather comes...like now.  To minimize outer wear, I go with a cape.  And this cape pattern is wonderful because it actually has sleeves...no draping that cape up and down your arms.  The sleeves are very loose fitting as is the whole cape.  Since I live in the South West, I wear capes all winter.

I made this medium chocolate brown version, and it's listed for sale at, ReneesBags.etsy.com.  One size fits most and totally right for cool mornings, evenings and daytime. Casual and an easy pick-me-up for that quick trip to the store.

I like wearing the cape and made two for myself last season.  One is a camel or buckskin color and the other is a kitty cat print. No matter which one I wear, there will always be someone somewhere who gives a compliment.  I almost gave it to a lady in a doctor's office waiting room who was there for her cancer treatments, too.  The poor lady loved the cape and looked like she needed a hug that I know the cape would have provided. The cape is so cuddly and warm, and yet it is airy and not to hot.

Until the next time,
Peace,
Renee
(Just in case you are wondering, my cancer has been gone for 4 years!)

The New Jewelry Match Maker

Time to unveil the Match Maker; the Jewelry Match Maker. This is a “wow” idea! Please tell me what you think.  It’s never too late to redesign.  You have heard of the Kindle I, II, III, and the iPhone I, II, III, and etc. and etc.  Well, I’m not going to get carried away with my design.  It actually works great just like it is.  Oh my, I should patent this!

No need to untangle those long chain or bead necklaces anymore. No need to find a place to store that bulky jewelry.  The whole set will be right at your finger tips…at the ready, on the hanger with the outfit. Keep the earrings there, too. Unhook the necklace, slide it through and hook together. Split rings in the top allow the holder to separate for long beads that have no clasps.  The whole thing slips easily over the hanger. The holders are made of vinyl with a separate earring holder sewn onto the front side

The Match Maker is great for traveling. If you want, slide the beads into a small plastic zipper bag while it hangs with the outfit.  These are great for gift giving, and I have them in my shop: ReneesBags.etsy.com.

Thank you for looking.
Renee

And the Match Maker is Being Born

I am developing a new idea.  First I have to make a prototype and try it out myself.  With my make shift "Match Maker", it seems to work great. Designing it, making it and then offering it for sale is another story.

I have been drawing, measuring and cutting.
Here are my first photos:

In a day or two I will have the finished product to show you.  In the meantime, I will do the sewing, and I have to shop for one more thing to finish it up.  You will love it.


I will tweet (@NeonSunsetEtsy) a link to here when it is done, and then get it posted to my shop (ReneesBags.etsy.com)

Bye for now!
Renee

Autumn Time is a Grand Time

My area of the world has just come through a long and hot Summer.  We will still have very hot weather ahead but with cool down times, too.  The fall months are a time we really look forward to and my new Treasury on Etsy is ready for your enjoyment.

I keep busy with the process of filling my shops on Etsy with new and interesting items.  One of the things a lot of shop owners like to do is feature items from different shops in a collection of 16 all with something in common.  I have put together a collection of blue and orange Autumn themed products.  I hope you enjoy.  At the time of making the Treasury, all items were for sale. Click anywhere for a larger view of the collection.

Here is the original link to see the Treasury in my shop, ReneesBags:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTYyNDIwNTZ8MjcyMDcxNjI2NQ/our-vibrant-autumn-in-blue-and-orange?ref=pr_treasury
If you want details of an item, just click the title under each photo. Happy Browsing!

We Have the Answers...Now!

As fast as it takes to type search words, anyone with Internet access can find out the answers to most anything.  I love it!  And I would like to say, "if the President of the United States can say, 'I am evolving', I will say that when it comes to being Vegetarian".
I typed "low carb casseroles" into Google search and came up with this idea. I totally changed the original recipe to suit me and what I already had.  I call them, "Pop Up Omelets".
Ingredients can easily be changed to suit you, too. (Sorry my "inside" photos' color is a little off.  I'll remember that for the next time)

  POP UP OMELETS

10 eggs, whisk good (I removed 5 yokes)
1/4 cup Jalapeno Peppers, chopped (I used jarred)
1/2 cup cooked sausage (I used veggie sausage)
1 1/2 cups any shredded cheese
salt and pepper to taste.

Stir together, pour into oiled muffin pan and bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Makes 9 omelet poppers.

These can be frozen.  To eat, just pop into the micro wave. Yumm with fresh fruit.

Kitchen Remodel - Yes or No

Tough times can bring on more hanging out in the kitchen. The Internet is such a great source for new recipes and new cooking ideas. In the meantime, there is a slim chance we will remodel or upscale what we already have in our kitchen. 

My Pinterest boards are a great reminder of where I find good ideas ( pinterest.com/reneesbags ) and I plan to post some of the remodel ideas here as well. We have a medium size galley kitchen.  I am looking for storage ideas and for eating bar ideas.  Let me know if you have a good idea for a galley kitchen or know of a good Internet site. We can dream together.

I found this photo here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2264887/thumbs/mehand-s-galley-kitchen-ideas

Exploring Internet with Pinterest

I recently found a new way to search and explore the Internet.  I am a "picture" person and creating pin boards of the things that interest me is a great way to return to that subject and to share what I find.  My latest is a newly acquired taste for asparagus. Under my "Good Food" pin board at  http://www.pinterest.com/reneesbags/good-food/, is a picture of asparagus. When clicking on the photo, it takes me to the corresponding article with some great information.  The article is short and sweet...just my speed.  Here is the photo from the good people at Allyou magazine ( http://www.allyou.com/food/how-to-cook-asparagus-00411000074591/ ).

 Pinterest makes it very easy to pin photos of almost everything and anything you want to see again or share with your family or the world. I have created several different pin boards for many different subjects (not just food). I am learning how to use Pinterest, and it is well worth the time it takes to get the hang of it.

Maybe I will see you there!

Peace in your Kitchen,
Renee

Okay, so my doctor wants me on low carbs because of my high cholesterol count. He says to me, "Eat all the cheese and eggs you want".  What? Cheese and eggs?  He did not say one thing about beans and legumes...I love those!  And it's a good thing I do since I do not eat meat, and I need to be creative to get enough protein.  Slowly, slowly I am down a couple pounds (the "slow" is because of those almonds, walnuts and pecans). This is good protein, but I snack too much. I call this diet "Earth Food".  Hmmm, like Earth Day.

And what are you doing for Earth Day.  I like this celebration.  I think each year it gets more and more publicity.  The schools here are big into it.  We recycle big at my house.  I am into recycling in my sewing and handmade shop: ReneesBags.etsy.com.  I just love going to the local second hand store to see what goodies I can find.  I needed a 3 yard piece of fabric to make a long, narrow apron tie.  Three yards of fabric would be an outrageous price compared to a beautiful, large, unwanted foot stool cover I found.  And now I have some really great coordinating fabric to use on another project.  Here is the apron:

I call it a work apron because of all the pockets. You can use it with any of your projects like crafts, painting, house keeping and even working out doors.  When done, just keep the pockets loaded with your tools, roll it up and it will be ready again when you are.  Easy washer and dryer care.

Till the next time, Happy Earth Day!.

Renee

Veggie Eating is Not Enough

Ok, so I found out today that I have to go on a low carb diet. Essentially, The Atkins Diet. My cholesterol is too high, and the carbohydrates that I eat cause me to produce too much insulin. The name for this condition is dyslipidemia. In short, when I eat one slice of bread, my body thinks I ate two slices of bread. The low carb diet should take care of the problem or at least make it better.

I have decided it is important for me to stick to my diet plan. Plus, the secondary bonus is loosing weight. Yep, 20 pounds lower on the scale would be great!

Since I consider myself vegetarian, except for eating fish, eggs and cheese, I will have to cut out a few staples: pasta and pizza dough and potatoes (French fries) and sandwiches and sugar. But I love all kinds of other food which is on the diet. I think this will work!

The doctor wants to see my diet journal, but I do not have to count calories or limit the non-carb foods. In 2 months I get another lab test to see how it is going. So wish me luck.

In addition to what the doctor gave me, I found a really cool web site on this subject:
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/ I did some pinning of their information. That is Pinterest.com and this is my page: pinterest.com/reneesretro . You might want to consider signing up for pinterest. It is another way to run across lots of really neat things.
Tom, my significant other, is hooked on it, too (well, sort of).

I will check back another time to let you know how I am doing.

Renee

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

iPad 2 Case, iPad Blue Denim Cover, Handmade iPad Sleeve, Denim iPad Case, Blue Denim Hip Bag - $22.00

Handmade Denim iPad Sleeve,



I really like designing and sewing new things. I have made iPad 2 cases, and now that the iPad 3 is coming out, please check the measurements if you have the new one. This iPad envelope-style, quilted case is easily slipped into your bag, brief case, carry-on or back pack ready for use when you are away from home. The envelope design has a flap with a hook and loop closure. It is like an envelope pocket for your iPad and protects your device while at home or away.



The ...

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Sun City West, AZ Arts and Craft Festival

Spring Arts and Crafts Fair
Saturday, March 24, 8am to 3pm
Come and join us at this super great, fun affair!!

One of Phoenix Valley's largest craft fairs is at Sun City West's Recreation Center Campus, at 19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd., includes the Arts and Crafts Courtyard, the Social Hall and the Village Store. Parking and admission are free.

Thousands of one-of-a-kind items are featured in this annual extravaganza. From popular metal work, clay and ceramic pieces to fine art, fun holiday crafts and utilitarian items, the fair boasts a wide range of offerings. Other items include jewelry, handmade quilts, leather, stained glass, calligraphy, baskets, silk flowers, porcelain pieces, decorative art painting, wooden objects, copper enameling, woven works and much more.

Breakfast, lunch and various beverages and snacks will be available for purchase at great prices.

Here is a list of all their clubs and activities: http://www.scwclubs.com/ I belong to the sewing group and they have wonderful quilts, purses, doll clothes, kitchen items, aprons, and many, many things for you, your family and your friends. This is a huge sale and you will have a very good time.


Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Trying to get organized so I can be organized

It has been a while since checking in here on the blog.  I wanted to post some information about a new project.  Since I mostly have it done, I'll let you in on it now.  I have what those with sewing machines call "a stash".  A stash can drive you nuts if it is not organized.  It doesn't take long to build up a pile of assorted fabrics.

Not long ago I was reading on another blog, SmashedPeasNCarrots - http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2010/11/mini-fabric-bolts-and-some-studio.html, about how she organized her stash.  I believe she is the first person to post the idea on her blog. She purchased comic book boards at her local comic book store to fold her stash pieces.  The boards are acid free and great for holding the folded fabric.  If you go to her blog you will see her
h u g e stash.  She also has an Etsy shop: SmashedPeasNCarrots.etsy.com

Here are my before and after photos.  No real big deal, but it helps me a lot when I want to start a new sewing project.  And it is nice to look at!

Before:

And here is after:

My shelves will not hold the fabric boards upright, so I just stack them with the folded edge plainly in sight.  There were 100 boards in the package, and I used every one!  This is about all my fabric, but I'm going to order more boards: Amazon.com - $12 for 100.

That's about it for now, folks.

I have to get my tax information in order for the tax lady.
Oh, and by the way, here is my Etsy shop: RenesBags.etsy.com
AND here is my new retro shop: ReneesRetro.etsy.com

Bye,
Renee

Yeah for Shop Small!  Today is Shop Small Business Saturday...That's ME! Thank you to everyone who has visited my shop, liked my shop, told someone about my shop, wished me "Good Luck" this shopping season...etc, etc.  Thank you.  Thank you.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NeonSunset

Pumpkin Pie Again

It is hard to believe another year has gone by, and all America is getting ready for a big holiday.  That also means big food.  Lots of food!  And then lots of shopping.  It used to be in my family we would always exchange names for our Christmas gift drawing...aunts and uncles and everybody.  It was so much fun.  My family is much smaller today, and we pretty much know what each other would like to have.

But back to Thanksgiving.  Many people today are not so much into the turkey tradition.  As you might know, my favorite place to find a wonderful, huge recipe variety is on VegWeb.com.  Those wonderful people send out a newsletter by email, and you can find the Thanksgiving edition posted on their site at this link: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/211087/e1f0a13155/1493001999/ae708a6fca/ .  They only send it out if you sign up for it.

The November's newsletter features Thanksgiving Desserts and is loaded with Thanksgiving recipes and information.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and your friends!

Kitchen, etc.

I wanted to share the ideas I have for your kitchen or for Holiday gift giving.  Some of these items can be used as housewarming gifts, as “Thank you” gifts and for “I know you will like it” gifts.

These things are in my shop in the section titled, “Kitchen, etc.”.  Sadly for you, I sold a very cute cupcake hot pad, and a very sassy, pretty ruffled apron. 

Happily, I found a lonely, like new place mat at the second hand shop, and it became this lovely double oven mitt. http://www.etsy.com/listing/83891676/double-oven-mitt-pot-holder-2-hande

It needs a new kitchen to help get those heavy casseroles out of the oven or help get the hot dishes out of the wall-mount micro wave.  I added a pretty green fabric with tiny purple polka dots.

You will find 4 different table runners to choose from.  Here is a picture of the Christmas fabric table runner.http://www.etsy.com/listing/81512067/christmas-table-runner-reversible

It is fun to change the look of your table throughout the year.  Changing table runners actually changes the look of the whole room.

Aprons, now I have aprons…8 at this writing.  Just in time for Thanksgiving, I selected this apron to post here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81748784/fall-apron-womens-full-autumn-pumpkin

This apron and 5 others are up-cycled.  Like-new table cloths and pillow cases are now living as aprons…very retro and practical aprons.  The other 2 aprons are new polka dot fabric with 3 layers of ruffles.  Very fun to wear!  Some have pockets and some do not.  They all wash and dry beautifully.

My kitchen section needs some more ideas, and I would love to hear any suggestions you might have.  I thought of designing and sewing small appliance covers, more hot pads and a new item: an oven rack guard.  I have the special fire proof fabric and will post again when it is designed and listed.  In the meantime, let me know if you have any ideas!

Happy, healthy cooking and Peace in Your Kitchen!
Renee

Back in the Saddle

So here it is, much later in time, and I have revisited my blog.  I am the same person, with the same ideas, but with some new ideas.  Social media has a lot to do with that.

I now have an Internet shop with handmade items for you and the family: 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/neonsunset

I have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NeonSunsetEtsy

And I have a Twitter page:   https://twitter.com/#!/NeonSunsetEtsy

I hope those links work for you and that you have time to visit.

I will be back another time to post again.  In the meantime, I am setting up my shop with another new item.  It takes time because I try to list 3 different choices of the same item.

Video: Preparing BBQ Tofu

This recipe is for all those vegetarians out there who miss the BBQ flavor. Getting used to cooking with tofu doesn't take long, and another name for this recipe could be BBQ Hot Wings. Be sure to share this with your non-vegetarian friends and family...they will love it.

Video: Preparing General Tao's Tofu

Video embedding:



General Tao's Tofu is one of the most popular recipes on VegWeb.com. I know you will enjoy this tofu stir fry. You can vary the recipe according to what you have on hand in your kitchen or vary it according to your taste.

Video: Preparing Delectable Tofu Desserts

Video embedding:



Note:  This is my favorite video, but it mysteriously vanished.  I will work on getting it back.

Silken Chocolate Cherry Mousse and Pumpkin Tofu Pie

I continue to receive requests for educational videos and particularly directions on how to cook with tofu. The 2 recipes on this video have never let me down and I'm sure you will enjoy them, too. Again, thanks to the VegWeb.com recipe data base.

Let me know your experience with these recipes and any ideas you might have.

As always, Peace in Your Kitchen!

Renee