Christmas is over. Boo. Did you get everything you were hoping and dreaming for?? Me either. I should tell you that the reason I didn't get everything is because I was dreaming for world peace.... but that's a lie. It's because I wanted a treadmill (and someone else who would run on it for me), no luck. One thing I can almost always count on for Christmas is a new bag. My mother is the Queen of Bags. She is a true connoisseur. She started buying me purses when I was about four, maybe even earlier! My husband was less than thrilled with my collection of handbags and I truly think he is at a loss for why a person needs so many different kinds. I've stopped trying to explain and he has stopped asking so I think we have reached an understanding.
Hi! I'm Allison. I'm a wife, a stay at home mom to two young kids, and the owner of Daisy Lane Design. I mostly design bags, totes and purses, but I love trying new things and often find myself up to my elbows (ok, over my head) in new projects. I made my first bag as a Christmas present for my best friend, Holly, in 2007. Within a few weeks, she showed up at my house with fabric and orders for three more Holly Bags. Most of my bags are named for the people who inspired them. I make my own patterns, but oftentimes someone will ask "can you make a bag that....?" and then a new bag is born. I do a lot of custom orders.
#4 - Head over to Facebook again and "Like" The Pinterest Project page and leave a comment here that says you did it.
Look at that, you have FOUR chances to enter!! The lucky winner will be announced on January 6th! This could be your shot to make up for your bad Christmas presents (or just get another cute bag for your collection!)
Because I love bags and because I love Etsy and because I know that I am not the only person in the world that didn't get everything that they wanted for Christmas and because well, January can be sort of a bummer month and Miranda and I thought we should kick it off with some fun, I want to introduce you to Allison. She is the owner, seamstress and creative genius behind Daisy Lane Design...look at all her cute bags!!
(Oh and guess what?? She is going to GIVE YOU A BAG!!! Well, you have to win it, but still.. a FREE BAG!!)
I first realized I might be able to make something of this little venture when I started posting pictures of my stuff on Facebook. The response was unexpected! Of course all of my first customers were my friends, but it gave me the boost I needed to explore getting serious.
About that time, I discovered Lisa Lam and her blog, u-handbag.typepad.com. For anyone looking to learn about bag making, Lisa is a generous and gracious teacher. (She also has a fab book, and another on the way!) Armed with some new skills, I dove into the local craft scene, a Facebook page and an etsy store. It's busy, but it's fun and I am so glad I took this leap. This "work" makes me happy, is something I can do during the hours my kids are at school or napping, and is starting to contribute to our family. What more could I ask for?
A few months ago, a friend of mine found a great jacket at the thrift store that she thought I could turn into an interesting bag. It lingered in my closet for several months while I worked up the nerve to cut it up. Once I took that first cut, the bag came together like a jigsaw puzzle - snip a piece off, make it work for a bag. It was really fun! I posted the bag to my Facebook page and it sold that day. Apparently, other people were interested in the idea as well. So I was off on a treasure hunt for more amazing jackets that really wanted to be bags. This is my 6th jacket bag and I'm as in love with the idea as ever. I never know exactly what they are going to look like. They are casual and slouchy and nipped and tucked in places to make up for the fact that they were once a worn garment, and they are completely one of a kind.
The bag I am giving away is a medium sized purse. It measures 17" across on the bottom, 16" across on the top and 14" at the cinched "waist". It stands 11" tall with a 14" strap. The front pockets, original to the jacket, are working and perfect for a cell or your keys. There is a little peek-a-boo of the inside fabric on the bottom to even out the front cut of the jacket. The inside of the bag has an open pocket and the bag closes with a magnetic snap.
Isn't she so cute? Don't you want that cute brown bag?? I know, I do too. Here's how you can get it...
#1 - Go look at Daisy Lane Designs shop and come back and comment about what bags you like.
#2 - Head over to Facebook and "Like" Daisy Lane Designs and then come back here and comment that you did it.
#3 - Follow our blog publicly (through Google Connect) and leave a comment here that says you did it.#4 - Head over to Facebook again and "Like" The Pinterest Project page and leave a comment here that says you did it.
Look at that, you have FOUR chances to enter!! The lucky winner will be announced on January 6th! This could be your shot to make up for your bad Christmas presents (or just get another cute bag for your collection!)
