Valerie Salmon's Blog

It's Back-to-School

My kids went back to school last Tuesday (already!).  

My eldest, Lauren, started Middle School so I made a magnetic 4-pocket organizer for her locker, along with an ID holder.  I thought I'd share them so that it can inspire any seamstresses out there.  I loved having everything coordinate.  :)

Scrapbooks etc. Work

Have you flipped through the December issue of BHG Scrapbooks etc. yet?

You may have come across these projects.

This is the stamped (with some simple sewing) apron worn by my daughter, Lauren.  Adorable!

By the way, you can purchase a complete kit to recreate this apron by going to the SBE Shop.

The layout below is in the ScrapLab feature.

I'm unsure if I'll get to post again before Christmas.  But, just in case I don't, I'd like to wish you all a wonderful & joyous holiday season!!!

 

 

Patchwork Coasters

Did you know that March is Project-a-Day month at Fiskars?

 Check out their new website and all the cool projects.

Here is one of my contributions this month:  Handmade Coasters

Get the how-to here.

 

Jingle Bells SLR Camera Strap

Hey SLR owners, show your festive spirit as you take photos this holiday season with this "jolly" camera strap slipcover!

I made one as a special request for a friend.  It turned out so cute, I made several extra ones that are ready-to-go!  These can ship immediately and in your hands within days.

First come, first-served.  

For the non-holiday fabric strap slipcovers, click here.

 

Features:

• 3 coordinating cotton fabrics make up this slipcover to go over your existing SLR strap
• lined with interfacing for sturdiness 
• top-stitched edges 
• handmade by valerie salmon
• measurements:  2 1/4" wide X 22" long
• The opening at the ends is 2 inches.  Measure the widest part of your camera strap to ensure fit.  This should fit most Nikons & Canon SLR straps. 

<-- slipcover goes over your existing camera strap. 

Cost:  $20.00

Shipping/Handling:  $2.00 (US only)

 

New article at Fiskars

This article is all about DIY winter & holiday pin ideas.

Click here for the article.  Lots of awesome and super creative ideas there!  

Here's mine.  It's all hand-sewn.  You can make one, too.  Can you see this on a coat, a sweater, a scarf, or a handbag?

A giveaway from the Boutique

November is Project-a-Day month at Fiskars.  You must check the site out daily for continuous inspiration!  This month is all about handcrafted holiday gift ideas for us crafty folks.

Today's project is one I created that is inspired by the Bella bag in my Boutique.  It's a smaller version for the special young girls in your lives.  I've also added the cutest flower pin that is removable and can be used as a brooch.  

Here is the direct link to the project on Fiskarscrafts.com with information on how to make one.

 

As you can see, this one is for my daughter Lauren.  Isn't it adorable?!

How would you like to win one of my handmade boutique items?  Now is your chance to enter a drawing for 2 giveaways!  Just post a comment right now and I will select random winners to be recipients a camera strap slipcover and a custom key fob.

Leave your posts no later than Sunday, November 15.  I will announce the winners shortly after.  Good luck!!

   

Been sewing again...

I could sure use an extra 5 hours each day!  There's just so many projects I want to create and not enough time.  Do you ever feel this way?

In between all the paper-crafting work, I gladly fit in some projects to get my sewing fix.  I am in total bliss when I am sewing!

Here a few pretty things that I can smile about:

I added an "Ava" bag with this new damask print I found.  It is now an option on the Bella Bag page in the Boutique.

 

I have been wanting to make these applique'd baby onesies for quite some time.  I have a new baby girl in mind to gift these to.  I finally had the chance to get caught up with all my "paper" work to play with these.  It brings me such joy to make these adorable things!

 

I have to share this handy organizer I made for my mother-in-law during her last visit.

She occasionally uses a wheeled-walker, which she brought with her.  She mentioned wanting something for it to put items into.  Now, this was inspired by the purse organizers I make, but this one is custom to her needs.  It has three divided pockets and even has a flap to keep the items enclosed.  I also made her a water bottle holder.  All is removable, of course.  She loves it!

  

Now, this next one is not a sewing project, but I wanted to share it anyway.  It's another beaded watch for my niece Alex, who is 10 years old.  Her favorite colors are that of the sea.  I hear that she loves it so much, she won't tell her mom where she hides it, for fear that her mom will wear it.  LOL!  I don't blame her -- it is so dang cute!

 

So, dust off those sewing machines and make something pretty!

More SLR strap examples

Someone has been a busy sewing bee.  Yup, me.

This has been such a refreshing change from all the paper-crafting.  If I had it my way, I would have my hand in every crafty thing imaginable.  But for now, paper-crafting and sewing is more than enough.

You guys are keeping me busy with the orders and lots of awesome interest on the new Scarlet Lime combo, which I adore.

I have also had some requests for other custom items.  And I am always up for a challenge... because I'd like to think I can make anything.  lol.  So, do not be surprised when you see a new item in the boutique.  If you have some suggestions on a cool idea, let me know and I will consider it as a possibility.

Wanted to show you a few new examples of the SLR strap cover below.  These are some that have been ordered, so these are spoken for... but I make them to order so, check out the info page if you are interested.

I just switched mine out to the "Peg" combo.  I love that I easily switch them out.  

Some of you may know, I LOVE LOVE Halloween... so, I am thinking of making a camera slipcover with a halloween theme!  Now, if things slow down just a bit in my craft room, I promise to make one and show you.

And yes, I haven't forgotten that I owe you a photo of that cropper's apron I made.  :)

Have a great week, all!

  

    

Scarlet Lime Giveaway Opportunities!

Hey, have you heard that Scarlet Lime turns 2 in September?

Lots of fun things going on and opportunities to win some cool giveaways!  Just check out the August newsletter just released.

I am sponsoring a giveaway of a Limited Edition purse organizer set just for Scarlet Lime fans - Yes, in SL colors!  Check it out below.

To be eligible, make sure you post a comment on Christy's blog post to be entered into a random drawing!

You can win a purse org/tissue set or one of two key fob wristlets.  Good luck, gals!!

Go to the Scarlet Lime Purse Organizer page to see more.

I also added some fun new fabric combos, too.

'Had some inquiries about getting the tissue holder on its own.  So I added that to the boutique.

You can get it included as a bonus when you buy a purse organizer.

Lately, I have been getting inquiries from non-US residents wanting to place orders.

I have limited the shipping within the US for a few reasons, but the Canadians are wearing me down.  LOL!

So... I can make some exceptions if you really, really must (and I don't blame you) have the goods.  ;P  

It's probably best if you could get a couple of your friends to combine an order to save on shipping.

Just email me of your interest and I'll look into the shipping rate for your country.

Thanks so much for your support.

Please know that I truly appreciate it.

New in the Boutique

Remember the SLR camera strap cover I posted about recently?

Well, I had several inquiries about it, so I added it to the boutique.

Click here for the Info page.

I'm even more proud to wear my SLR around my neck nowadays!  It's oh-so-stylish!  I had to sport in on at the kids' school on the first day of school, and then at Ian's first football practice yesterday.  :D

  

I'd like to add more to the little shop but I haven't had much spare time lately.  My plan is to continue sewing.  After such a long paused period, I didn't realize how much I missed it.  Plus, it's a wonderful break from the continuous paper-crafting that goes on in this craft room.

I still want to show you this cool cropper's apron I made.  

You will love it when you see it.  I just need to set up my tripod to get a photo of it on me.  lol.

Lots of errands & things to do today.  It's another busy one!