Someday, Soon...

For the last few years, I've had in mind a fabulous scenario....

Something a little like this... (If you own this photo, email me so I can credit you)

I'm working in my studio, a building separate from our gorgeous white weatherboard. I'm working on new designs; I'm on the phone with stores that sell my handmade wares; I'm popping into one of those stores to check on my stock; I'm meeting with a customer about their custom design; I'm home when the kids get home from school; I'm making dinner; enjoying a wine and a laugh with Mr Frog; I'm making a bit of money; and life is good.

Perhaps I'll need a little more room, but could it be any cuter? (Via Pinterest,"Found on Sheerluxe.com)

It's only since the birth of my daughter that that little scenario has been fleshed out in my head, clear enough that I can hear the sounds that go along with it. It's almost a memory.

I thought I had been working hard enough on my little business. I thought I was doing the best I could. And to some degree perhaps I was. The last two years have been hard. I didn't know having a baby and raising that person was going to be so hard. And time consuming. And energy sucking. And did I mention time consuming?

I couldn't possibly know how awesome, and how exhausting, motherhood could be.

A few weeks ago, we put the Tadpole into Family Daycare. It took ages for me to "get around" to arranging it. I kept "forgetting" to check out childcare centres and look into Family Daycare. I felt too guilty. It's not like I'm going back to work. (I'd still feel guilty but that would be different.) It's mostly so I can have a break to do what I want to do. To take some time just for me. Could I BE more selfish?!

It's just one day a week.

Tadpole thinks it's awesome.

She loves it because she gets to do stuff like this all the time!

And I am becoming the business woman I always hoped I really was.

Creative people really struggle with the business side of trying to make a living out of their talents. I really struggle.

But that scene in my head just won't quit.

So neither will I.


What's the scene in your head? What do you want your life to look like?

Tell me!

MC

I made these. And I took the photo, did the editing, made it fancy and even did a photo shoot of the bags in action. I'm the BOSS!

Here Comes the Bride

Don't panic. Mr frog and I are not getting married for the fourth time.

I'm doing this:

My first Wedding Fair.

Since making a beautiful bag for my sisters wedding a few years ago (including bags for me and her other bridesmaid), I've been meaning to get into the Wedding Biz.

It's just that, well...

I'm a chicken. A big fat one.

It seems the fear of failure is WAY stronger than not only common sense, but optimism too.

But then Bailey from The Vintage Press made me an incredibly generous offer that I just couldn't refuse. I couldn't say no to an offer of support from someone whose market table makes me drool, could I?

No.

So. I've been preparing like a maniac.

The early stages, cutting out fabric.

Machine sewing...

...and some hand sewing.

Apparently posing for pictures while working is very serious business. Also, I admit I seriously considered putting make up on and changing my clothes to take these pictures. That just seemed like too much work.

Anyhoo, I've made a collection of Bridal bags for the big day. I mean, my big day. And maybe yours.

Ivory silk lined in blue satin (for your "something blue")

For the retro/natural bride.

Inspired by my original wedding dress, Broderie Anglaise over pink satin.

Simple; white satin and some gold bling.

Inspired by Vera Wang, Pink chiffon over white satin.

Sexy bridesmaids.

"Something blue" coin purses.

Yeah... I've been busy.

Not only did I need to make new bags, but I needed to change my table set up. Obviously, for the expo I won't have my regular bags and book covers, it'll just be bridal stuff. So, here's how my mock up looked:

The photo album will have pictures of Madame Clochette bags in action, and some of my other bags.

The LOVE sign has been painted a dark red.

I'm still undecided about the flowers

I love how these ladies look against the black and white.

Then of course there are packaging, and dust covers, and order forms to be made...

Ok, they didn't have to, but how cool do they look!?

All of this has been done in between looking after Mr Frog and Tadpole. 10 minutes here, half an hour there. It has been incredibly frustrating, and all consuming.

The big day is nearly here.

Cross your fingers people.

And your toes.

And pray.

And hope,
 that my instincts are right.

MC