September 9 - Little Labels on a Budget

After researching DIY labels online and spending $$$ on some embroidered labels, I headed to my local Michael's to buy some inkjet transfer sheets to try my hand at creating my own labels.

I followed the directions on the product package exactly.

I used the Photoshop design of my Etsy avatar to create a 8.5" x 11" sheet of 1.5" x 1/5" labels.  Here is the test print of my label sheet.

I then flipped them horizontally so they would print correctly.

I then used a wooden cutting board covered in a pillowcase and my iron to transfer the image onto a piece of white muslin.  The instructions were clear on not using an ironing board.

After ironing, letting the sheet cool, and carefully peeling the transfer sheet from the muslin - I cut the labels into 1.5 inch squares using my rotary cutter.

I was able to get 35 labels on a 8.5"x11" sheet of the transfer paper that came in a package of 10 sheets.  Using my 50% off coupon, I was able to purchase the transfer paper for $5.00 + tax.  I was able to produce these cute little labels for around 2 cents each and I like they way they turned out!

The transfer medium I used left the labels feeling like they were a little coated in plastic, and the edges don't ravel.  I plan to use these inside some carrying bags that I am making for sets of bean bags to sell in my Etsy shop.  Here is the first application of these cute little "budget" labels.

September 8 - Little Owl Softie

I finished a little owl soft toy today.  This owl has a rattle insert and no buttons - so he is "baby safe."

September 7 - Emma, bean bags, and Charlie

I picked up Emma from school today for a sleep over at our house tonight.  We stopped for a frozen yogurt and to pick up groceries on the way home.  We have made a deal that when ever she comes over for a visit, she gets to pick one bean bag from my pile.  Today, she could not make up her mind.  It was between the bluebird I just finished and a little gray and multi-colored polka dot chicken.  She ended up with both.  As usual, both Emma and our dogs enjoyed her visit with us.

September 6 - little orange chicken

I finished a little orange and white polka dot chicken bean bag today.  I have been working to modify the pattern I designed to simplify it a bit.  Here is the finished product.  I tucked a little tag in where the tail joins the body.

September 5 - Bluebird, Robin, and Christmas Bean Bags

I spent some time today finishing up some bean bags - future inventory for my Etsy shop.  Here are some shots of the new bluebird, the bluebird with the robin I had made previously, and two sets of Christmas bean bags.  The last shot shows the muslin insert filled with beans that I made to stuff the Christmas bean bags.  The bluebird and robin are filled with poly-pellets and a little bit of polyfill stuffing.

September 4 - Little pieces

My shot today is of a little pile of cutout fabric pieces on my ironing board that are waiting to be sewn into a bluebird bean bag.

September 3 - Burgers for lunch

Dan and I spent some time outside eating lunch today at a local favorite burger spot.  Here is my shot of the day.

September 2 - Bunnies

I spent some time today on a bunny soft toy and bean bag.  The soft toy was made in pink with a green wool felt eye and the bean bag is in a periwinkle blue with a button eye.

September 1 - Emma, Charlie, and Greenie

Emma came over today to play with Charlie.  As usual, she brought her blankie along.  Her blankie has changed names over the years from blankie, to green blankie, and then shortened to "Greenie."  She is at the stage where it is hard to get a shot of her that is not posed.  She enjoys vamping for the camera. Here are some of the shots from today in black and white.

August 31 - Charlie caught in the act!

Since we switched Charlie's food to the same as Sophie's, we have noticed that Charlie likes to finish Sophie's food.  I caught him in the act in today's photo!

August 30 - Owl Soft Toys

I finished these little owls today by stuffing them with polyester fiberfill and using wool felt for the eyes instead of buttons so they would be safe for a baby or small child.

I used the same pattern that I made for the bean bag.

August 29 - dinner out

We had dinner out this evening at our favorite Wing place.  We enjoy sitting outside on the patio and relaxing.  This has gotten to be a weekly trip lately.

August 28 - penguins and packaging

I spent some time today working on a penguin pattern and finishing up some label designs.

August 27 - dinner prep

We had sausage and peppers for dinner this evening.   My shot of the day is the bowl of peppers and onions prepped and ready to cook.  I use a recipe of Giada's that I found on foodnetwork.com - it is a family favorite!

August 26 - penguin toy design

I started the day with a goal to complete a design for a penguin bean bag/soft toy.  After studying patterns and Google images of penguins for several hours, I started on my own design.  After drawing, redrawing, cutting and sewing - I had one lone penguin.  His neck looked a little too long, so I made some modifications.  I stopped before I finished the second one to take some photographs.  I like to photograph in natural light and the day was quickly drawing to a close.  Here are the shots of my penguin design project - try number 1 and 2.

Note that my husband's comment on these shots was, "It looks like the standing one is protecting his wounded partner."

August 25 - packaging design

I spent some time today working on packaging design for my bean bags.  Here is what I choose.  I will be listing products on Etsy after we return from our September vacation to California.  I am working on inventory now.

August 24 - fabric shopping

On my way home from Greenville today, I stopped at one of my favorite fabric shops - Mary Jo's in Gastonia, NC.  I stocked up on some small prints in bright colors to replenish my stash.

August 23 - little goldfish

I made an orange fish today and accidentally reversed the main body piece when I was sewing it together.  I joined the end of the tail to the head section instead of the larger side that should have been joined.  It made the body a slight bit smaller and the tail larger.  I actually liked the way it turned out and will repeat this for the orange fish I make up.  I think the larger tail looks more like a goldfish.

August 22 - little labels

The little labels I ordered from on etsy from worldwidelabel.etsy.com arrived today.  I immediately sewed one into my latest fish.  I love them!

August 21 - pattern cover shot

I spent time today trying to finish a pattern cover for my "Little Fishy" pattern.  Here are the shots I took today and chose for the pattern and tutorial cover.