Heather’s pattern is free to download and was very simple to use. Her directions and diagrams were great, and this is a great way to use up those skinny pieces of fabric left over. Check it out!

I made these to send off to our Joy and a few other friends who are melting in Mexico.

All you need:
(2) – 24″w x 18″h pieces, cut folded for outer bag and lining (or whatever size you desire)
(1) – 12″w x 10″h piece for outer pocket
1 yard of nylon strap
1 piece of cardboard the size of middle bottom of bag
(1) set of snaps or ribbon for closure

1. Fold over top edge of pocket and sew.
2. Choose a front for the bag and pin pocket into place, folding other 3 sides under and sew into place. Then I sewed a straight seam down the middle of my pocket to divide the pocket into 2.
3. Sew the bottom seam and square the corners of outer bag. Repeat for lining. (w or w/o pocket)
4. Measure piece of cardboard based on the squared bottom you now have looking down into your bag. Place cardboard piece on bottom of outer bag. Turn lining bag inside out and drop down into outer bag, lining up the bottom square over cardboard and top edges.
5. With thread and needle sew in 4 places around the outside edges of the cardboard to hold into place. Do not pull too hard on thread or the vinyl can rip. This will secure that the cardboard does not slip.
6. I hammered a silver snap toward the top middle of the bag but am a little worried this may rip when pulled open. I think I will insert ribbon in the next one to just make a center tie.
7. Your bag now is completely assembled except the the unsewn top seam. Fold bag and lining edges over 1/2″ all around, match and pin together. Cut yard of strap in half and line up your 2 straps along the top edge. Sew final seam around top of bag.

You can see that the bag is a little floppy but I used it at the beach and liked it! The fabric and strap total only cost me about $6, and I bought a few packaged vinyl tablecloths in some cool prints for only $3 that I am eager to try.

I can’t believe it’s almost time!! Brian, Lucy and I are leaving for Nogales Monday morning. This is a picture from the Cuirim House where we’ll be staying. I am nervous, excited, scared, anxious and thrilled among other things. We will be gone for 51 days but who is counting??

The suitcases are out and filling up. Lucy’s laundry is done and her bag is almost packed. I just got this itch to sew and do more poly clay before I leave. I sorta feel like I did before I had Lucy. Like I needed to try EVERYTHING, cause when she got here I wouldn’t be able to do anything. So I should do it all now! I’m really trying to pace myself but my crafty side is taking over. I just can’t stop. Brian, can I please make some Fimo stuff tonight??

I made her this sheet/blanket from this super soft fabric. It’s really light weight and it will be nice for Mexico cause it’s so hot there. She looks like Mary in a Christmas play..

And i’ve been trying my hand at some Polymer clay techniques. I even had a “poly party” and I’m doing another one before I leave. I’m slightly obsessed. Here’s what we came up with before we baked them.

God provided all of the funds we needed for travel and we are so thankful. I put up an Etsy shop with my Cuirim Craft Fair left overs. What ever sells will go toward the rest of our time there. If you would like to order something, my mom is going to be shipping it since I’ll have no internet in Nogales. This will be quite the adventure. I’ll post more clay, knitting and sewing goodies when I get back. I just wanted to say good-bye for the summer. May your summer be filled with crafty goodness and excitement. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. If you’d like to see more Mexico pictures go here.

UPDATE: The swap entry is now closed. We will be doing another towards the end of the summer, so if you didn’t get a chance to participate in this one, have no fear, you’ll get another chance.

UPDATE: Due to the amount of participants already signed up, we’ve decided to close the swap entry on Tuesday, April 3. If you want to sign up, hurry and do so before Tuesday at 12 noon, EST.

While we missed the opportunity to do Valentine’s day and Easter craft swaps, we’ve decided to do one for the summer. This can include anything that you love about summer – flowers, butterflies, birds, whatever, and can range from sunglass cases to beach totes. You’ll just need to get a Priority Mail Flat Rate Box (11-7/8 x 3-3/8 x 13-5/8 inches) and stuff it as full as you can. Shipping will cost you $8.10 regardless of weight or destination (in the continental U.S.). Now, for all the technicals:

1) Drop us an email ([email protected]) to let us know if you will be participating in the swap. Please include your name, web or blog address (if you have one), shipping information, and if you would ship internationally. Also, tell us a little about yourself, if you have any children, what your favorite crafts are, anything that you love or are interested in. Sign up will begin today and continue until Friday, April 6 Tuesday, April 3. Once you email us, we will be contacting you by Monday, April 9 to let you know who you will be sending your swap items to.

2) If you sign up you must complete the swap or you will not be eligible for participation in future swaps. If you are unable to send your items, for whatever reason, you must contact the swap admin (Candace) as soon as possible. Please be mindful that this needs to be reciprocal – if you sign up, please follow through. In the same regards, we will try and accomodate everyone, however we at Crafty Daisies will not be responsible for items not shipped.

3) Packages must be sent out by Friday, May 4. If you can not send packages by this date, please contact the swap admin.

4) One of the items in the swap must be handmade. All other items can be handmade as well, or can be an assortment of craft-related items, regional items (such as seeds, photographs, etc), or anything fun and pretty.

5) Have fun!!!!