Sunday, December 5, 2010

Win $20 SewArtsy Gift Certificate During Week 6 of the Nine Weeks of Amy

Generally speaking I look at my sewing studio and see a giant mess. So how does such cute stuff come out of it all? Let me take you on a journey through my process.

I love color and detail, so I begin by choosing my base. I'll get stuck on one or two dark fabrics to use as foundational fabrics for my bags - most recently it’s been a dark charcoal gray and a deep blue denim. Once I feel my foundational fabrics, then I can hit my closet of cotton quilting-weight fabrics for inspiration of color and print. My stash is significantly smaller than it used to be as I’ve tried to use it up instead of buying more (very hard to do when you have a slight fabric addiction!), and because I’ve sold a bit in my Etsy store as a destash (not so hard when you know your fabric is going to better home where it has more chance to be used!). Very little of what I have is new, but there have been a few fabric lines that I haven’t been able to resist lately!

I have to then decide if I am going to do a cut out shape applique or do a stripe pattern, or work on a new idea. I love to lay out fabrics together and see what I can do with the combinations – perhaps a mushroom top and stem, or a more complicated design like an owl. Sometimes I just get struck by one fabric, and make it something more simple. All of my applique designs start out as my drawings, then are scaled and hand cut by me before being stitched onto the foundational fabric. Getting time to sit and draw is a real luxury for me, so it's always an exciting time when I get to debut something new!

Once the bag is finished it is time to dress it up! Right now my favorite embellishments are buttons and hot fix crystals. I think they add a bit of whimsy to my items, and they either add more color or enhance the color in the prints themselves. I try not to go overboard with the embellishments because I don’t want them to distract from the design. Sometimes adding a ribbon and/or bead to a zipper pull also helps me feel the project is truly finished.

Because I also have an affection for small and cute, in my shop you'll also find rings where I use up my scraps of fabric, some embellished and some plain, and I also dress up my buttons and turn them into rings as well. I hope you enjoy browsing!

If you’d like to learn more about me and how I got started, see this recent blog post on our Amys’ blog!

This week, to celebrate my giveaway and the holiday season, my prices have been reduced 15%. To enter the giveaway to win a $20 gift certificate from SewArtsy, first, go browse through my shop; then come back here and leave a comment on this page telling me what your favorite item is from my shop.

You can also earn additional entries by:
- following @amysinthearts on Twitter
- following @sewartsyamy on Twitter
- sharing this giveaway on Twitter by tagging @amysinthearts and/or @sewartsyamy in your tweet
- following the Amys in the Arts Blog

- following the SewArtsy Blog
- becoming a fan of Amys in the Arts Facebook page
- becoming a fan of the SewArtsy Facebook page

-sharing this giveaway on your Facebook page
- posting a link to this giveaway on your blog
- adding the Amys In The Arts button to your blog

-And, finally, a purchase from my shop this week will earn you an additional 5 entries to this giveaway!

To get credit for your additional entries, please be sure to let us know what you’ve done by leaving separate comments for each entry that you've completed.

This giveaway will end at 11:59 pm, Saturday, December 11. I will randomly pick a winner from all entries, and notify the winner on Sunday, December 12. I look forward to reading each of your comments!

Amy Roundtree

SewArtsy

SewArtsy Etsy Shop

SewArtsy Blog

SewArtsy on Facebook

SewArtsy on Twitter

98 comments:

Lee said...

I love the http://www.etsy.com/listing/32201317/on-sale-this-week-evening-clutch-ooak - it lovely

Lee said...

i follow amy in the arts

Lee said...

i follow the sew artsy blog too.

Anonymous said...

I looove the Evening Clutch OOAK Butterfly Applique.
ghainskom at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I follow this blog
ghainskom at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I follow the sewartsy blog
ghainskom at yahoo dot com

RaettigFamily said...

I like the Forest Green and White, Snowball Series ring

mvegan said...

I love the pouches and Owl bag!

Audrey said...

LOVE the Tote Bag, Twill, Gray, Cotton Print, Weave, Applique, Yellow, Gray, Gold, Flower, Dot, For Women, Stylish Bags
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55654640/on-sale-this-week-tote-bag-twill-gray

audreyscountrycrafts at gmail dot com

Elsina said...

My favorites are

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63429815/on-sale-this-week-zippered-pouch-blue

and

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63611761/on-sale-this-week-zippered-pouch-clutch

gorgeous!!

Elsina said...

I am following @amysinthearts on Twitter (EMSarts)

Elsina said...

I am following @sewartsyamy on Twitter (EMSarts)

Elsina said...

I am following the Amys in the Arts Blog

Elsina said...

I am following the SewArtsy Blog

Elsina said...

I am a fan of Amys in the Arts Facebook page

Elsina said...

I am a fan of the SewArtsy Facebook page. I like http://www.facebook.com/pages/SewArtsy/60867638520?ref=ts&v=wall. The link you gave (http://artist.to/sewartsy) gives me a wrong page.

Emily R. said...

Love this pouch

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63429815/on-sale-this-week-zippered-pouch-blue

HarajukuGirl92@gmail.com

The Pickled Panda said...

I love this http://www.etsy.com/listing/40843693/on-sale-this-week-hair-clippy-caddy-amy

pickledpandasATgmailDOTcom

Mystica said...

I really like the evening clutch, butterfly applique. Thank you for sharing.

Cerena Leigh said...

i love the butterfly applique clutch!



Cerena-Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

Cerena Leigh said...

i follow your blog!



Cerena-Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

Cerena Leigh said...

i follow you on twitter

@cerenaleigh


Cerena-Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

Cerena Leigh said...

i follow sewartsyamy on twitter @cerenaleigh



Cerena-Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

dctm said...

My favorite is the Pouch with the nest

Christie C
dctm at bellsouth dot net

M said...

I think the denim paisley owl bag is pretty sweet.

mDOTkurokoATgmailDOTcom

The Clines said...

I love this pouch: Zippered Pouch, Clutch, Cotton Print, Gray, Yellow, Orange, High Society, Floral, Paisley, Modern, Applique.

teresacline2001(at)yahoo(dot)com

Karen said...

I love this!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63607463/on-sale-this-week-zippered-pouch-clutch

Great colors!

nitzan said...

i really love the Pencil Case Button and Embroidery Flower

thank you for the chance to win !

nitzan.sc atgmail dot com

nitzan said...

I am following the Amys in the Arts Blog

nitzan said...

I am following the SewArtsy Blog

Angie said...

I love her tote bag...especially the pink woven look one! Cute!

rennieangie at gmail dot com

Angie said...

i follow your blog via GFC

rennieangie at gmail dot com

Dita Maulani said...

This one is lovely!
This Week Pencil Case Button and Embroidery Flower

Dita
dita.maulani(at)gmail.com

herent said...

I love the owl gift tote. My 3 year old son would adore packing it around with treasures in it.
herent@comcast.net

TopHat said...

The Hair Clippy Caddie is a great idea! I love it!

hrfarley at gmail dot com

Melody said...

I like Pencil Case Button And Embroidery Flower.

melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

Melody said...

I'm a blog follower.

melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

Michelle Frame said...

I love the Hair Clippy Caddy Amy Butler, yellow and gray
mframe00@gmail.com

Michelle Frame said...

I follow Amy's in the arts on twitter
mframe00@gmail.com

Michelle Frame said...

I follow Sew Artsy Amy on twitter

mframe00@gmail.com

Michelle Frame said...

I like Amys in the ARts on FB
mframe00@gmail.com

fisiwoman said...

Enter me please! My fav item is This Week Zip Pouch Large Baa Baa Lamb Sheep Applique.

Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

following @amysinthearts on Twitter (@fisiwoman)

Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

following @sewartsyamy on Twitter (@fisiwoman)

Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/fisiwoman/status/11913484514107393

Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

following the Amys in the Arts Blog via GFC, as fisiwoman.

Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

following the SewArtsy Blog on GFC

Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

I'm a fan of Amys in the Arts Facebook page (Ana Belén R M)

Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

Post it on my FB wall:
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=158604197518370&id=100000825276857

Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain

Tina @ PlumbPretty said...

I love this clutch! http://www.etsy.com/listing/63606318/on-sale-this-week-zippered-pouch-clutch

Thanks,
Tina
http://plumbprettyjewelry.com

Tina @ PlumbPretty said...

following @amysinthearts on twitter
@plumbpretty

thanks,
Tina
http://plumbprettyjewelry.com

Tina @ PlumbPretty said...

following @SewArtsyAmy
@plumbpretty

thanks,
Tina
http://plumbprettyjewelry.com

Tina @ PlumbPretty said...

following the SewArtsy Blog

Tina

justcreatepeace said...

I tweeted this promotion @justcreatepeace

justcreatepeace said...

I liked sewartsyamy on facebook (Justine Pursell) and added you to my favorite pages at Sunshine Creations

justcreatepeace said...

I follow the blog (purselljustine@gmail.com)

justcreatepeace said...

I liked the Amys In The Arts Facebook page and added it to my page's favorites (sunshine creations)

justcreatepeace said...

I follow amysinthearts on twitter @justcreatepeace

justcreatepeace said...

I follow sewartsyamy on twitter @justcreatepeace

justcreatepeace said...

I mentioned this promotion on my facebook page (justine pursell)

justcreatepeace said...

I love this listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/63352789/on-sale-this-week-fabric-covered-button and this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/51006850/on-sale-this-week-card-case-key-chain

Anonymous said...

My faves are your zippered clutches. But I can't decide between these two:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57252570/on-sale-this-week-pouch-clutch-cotton

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63611761/on-sale-this-week-zippered-pouch-clutch

The patterns are so well thought out!

windowfog [at] gmail . com

Unknown said...

I like Tote Bag, Twill, Gray, Cotton Print, Weave, Applique, Blue, Black, White, Flower, Dot, For Women, Stylish Bags by SewArtsy on Etsy!!!

ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Following the SewArtsy Blog!

ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I like Amys in the Arts on Facebook!

(oksana vladimirovna)

ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I like SewArtsy on Facebook!

(oksana vladimirovna)

ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I love the Zip Pouch Large Baa Baa Lamb Sheep Applique


giveawaymommy at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Twitter follower of @amysinthearts

@giveawaymommy


giveawaymommy at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

twitter follower of @SewArtsyAmy


@giveawaymommy


giveawaymommy at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/giveawaymommy/status/12566482479218688


giveawaymommy at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I am a gfc follower (melissa R)


giveawaymommy at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

sewartsyblog gfc follower (melissa R)


giveawaymommy at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

amys in the arts fb follower (melissa R)


giveawaymommy at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

sewartsy fb follower (melissa R)


giveawaymommy at yahoo dot com

Lee said...

I really like the horse tote!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39640009/on-sale-this-week-gift-tote-dark-blue

Lee said...

i follow amy in the arts blog

Lee said...

i follow sewartsy blog

Anonymous said...

Your stuff is so cute!

I absolutely love the Pencil Case Button and Embroidery Flower, the Dark Blue Denim with Owl Tote, and the Zip Pouch I Heart Chocolate.

fashuneesta[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I follow @amysinthearts on Twitter- @giveawaygirlie.

fashuneesta[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I follow @SewArtsyAmy on Twitter- @giveawaygirlie.

fashuneesta[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/giveawaygirlie/status/13071411333566464

Anonymous said...

I follow Amys in the Arts via GFC as malkatz.

fashuneesta[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I "like" Amys In The Arts on Facebook.

fashuneesta[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I "like" SewArtsy on Facebook.

fashuneesta[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

My favorite is the item is the slouch hat!

fashuneesta[at]aol[dot]com

Tania QT said...

I REALLY LOVE THIS: http://www.etsy.com/listing/63075611/on-sale-this-week-tote-bag-twill-gray

Tania QT said...

I follow this streamy blog!

Tania QT said...

Fan in FB!

Melissa D said...

I love the "weave" pattern tote bags!

Amy said...

I love the zippered pouches, like this one:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63606318/on-sale-this-week-zippered-pouch-clutch

I also follow both twitter accounts, and am a Facebook fan.

Mandee said...

I love this bag. perfect cuz my birthday is tomorrow:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55544511/on-sale-this-week-tote-bag-twill-gray

Ms. M said...

My fave is Tote Bag, Twill, Gray, Blue, Cotton Print, Applique, Amy Butler, Cotton Print, Flower, Crystals, For Women, Stylish Bags.
fablanche3petal@gmail.com

Jodi Faye said...

I really like the
ON SALE This Week Tote Bag, Twill, Gray, Blue, Cotton Print, Applique, Amy Butler, Cotton Print, Flower, Crystals, For Women, Stylish Bags by SewArtsy on Etsy
joditrinklein at gmail.com

Laura J Harrison said...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55544511/on-sale-this-week-tote-bag-twill-gray
Yep, this is way cute, I think.
geneveve2 at gmail dot com

Laura J Harrison said...

following @amysinthearts on Twitter
grandmasezso (geneveve2 at gmail dot com)

Laura J Harrison said...

SewArtsyAmy TWITTER FOLLOWER: I follow on Twitter as grandmasezso (geneveve2 at gmail dot com)

Laura J Harrison said...

http://twitter.com/GrandmaSezSo/status/13657555662282752
grandmasezso (geneveve2 at gmail dot com)

Laura J Harrison said...

GFC: I follow via Google Friend Connect (geneveve2 at gmail dot com)