Cosmo Bag Finish

Let me start by saying this was the most challenging sewing project I have taken on, to date. And I ROCKED it! (No modesty here, folks.) This is the first project I have done from a book/pattern that didn't have a PDF tutorial with it. I really like those PDF tutorials. They take the guess work out of sewing (at least most do). Following the instructions for this bag were a bit confusing at times (I chalk it up to being a true blue beginner), but all in all it wasn't so bad. However, it was very tedious. Cutting all the pattern pieces for both fabric and interfacing and then fusing them together took forever. As in a whole day. Then there was the sewing, clipping curves and pressing, which took another day and a half. Total time spent: 2.5 days, but totally worth it. What do you think?

This bag is HUGE, which happens to be what I am needing in a diaper bag. Yes, I do have diaper bags, but none of them are big enough. If this bag isn't big enough then Delilah will have to start carrying her own stuff. I can't wait to put it to use!

Now on to another project with interfacing...a t-shirt quilt. 

Cosmo Bag Fabric

Below are the fabrics I am going to use for my Cosmo Bag. As I have posted before, I joined the Amy Butler's Style Stitches Sew Along with My Crafty Crap. I am planning on this bag mostly being a Diaper Bag so I went with some whimsical fabric in my favorite colors. I plan to document my journey as best as I can. This will be my first time working from a pattern (with not tutorial in place). I can't wait to get started.

Sweet Divinity by The Quilted Fish (Riley Blake Designs)

New Business Venture

The past week or so I have been working on a new business venture. I am going to start a Scrap 4 Hire business. I am very excited about this! If you are interested in learning more about this, please click on the 'Scrap 4 Hire' tab at the top of this page.

I will still continue to sew and blog about it. It will just be more financially feasible to buy all those yummy fabrics if I have a little extra income coming in.

Wish me luck!

Check out the AWESOME Giveaway

One of my favorite craft blogs, I Heart Naptime, is giving away a Silhouette SD. I have been drooling over this miracle machine for quite a while now, but it just isn't in the budget right now. I really hope to win the giveaway, but it would be just as awesome if one of my friends won too. So pop on over and enter to win. Good Luck!

Scrapbooking Mania

I haven't done a lot of sewing lately. The weather around here has me stuck in the house, which would normally be ideal for sewing, but due to lack of motivation and some necessary supplies, I have barely touched my machine.

I have, however, been hit with the scrapbooking bug. Ever since I joined Gotta Pixel I have had more inspiration then I know what to do with. They offer great challenges to get anyone scrapping. I also was inspired to organize and 'tag' all my digital supplies. I never realized how easy it is to locate something on my Mac, using Spotlight, as long as you have tagged things appropriately. So I have spent much of my time going through and tagging my supplies. Let me tell you, this is a big undertaking. I have over 250gb of files on my external hard drive, most of which are scrapbook supplies. I can proudly say I am 80% done.

Anyway, when I need a break from tagging, I tend to scrapbook. I get inspired with all the supplies I flip through. Below are the layouts I have completed in the last couple of days. Hope you enjoy.

Amy Butlers Style Stitches Sew Along

I am excited to start the Amy Butler's Style Stitches Sew Along  over at My Crafty Crap. I have been wanting to make these bags for so long, but was too intimidated to try. Hopefully this Sew Along will give me the courage and confidence I need.

If you are interested in participating, but don't have the book, she is hosting a give away right now. One lucky commenter will win their very own copy of the book.

 

Starting the Year Off Right

One of my goals this year is to keep up with my scrapbooking. I don't want to be rushing to complete Delilah's 2nd year book a week before it is needed, like what I did last year. In order to accomplish this goal I am decided to be more active in the forums of my two favorite Digi-Scrapbook sites, ScrapGirls and Gotta Pixel. Both of these websites are AMAZING! In the forums you will find challenges and galleries to get you inspired and motivated. These past two days I have worked on a few challenges on Gotta Pixel. The first is a new desktop background. The second is a layout featuring a provided quote and photo of the best smile of 2010. I hope to keep up this momentum. I think it really helps to have tasks and deadlines. 

Desktop Background

Quote Challenge

Can you tell I have a love for Black and White lately? It is the best way to hide poor lighting in photos. 

Scrap 4 Hire

 Creations by Kera 

We are living in a digital age. Most of us take pictures with either a digital camera or cell phone. But what happens to these pictures…these special memories? For most of us, they get loaded onto our computer, never to be seen again. A lucky few may be turned into a desktop or uploaded to Facebook, but the majority will be forgotten about. Yes, we have good intentions to print these photos for framing or to turn into scrapbooks, but let’s face it, time is a luxury many of us do not have. This is where I come in.

Using photos, provided by you, I will create custom Digital Scrapbook layouts, albums, brag books and more.  Are you behind on your baby albums? Let me turn them into a series of books, spanning each year. Looking for the perfect gift for grandparents or new parents? I can create the perfect layout for framing. The possibilities are endless.

What is Digital Scrapbooking? 

Digital Scrapbooking has the look of traditional, paper scrapbooking, but layouts are created digitally on my computer. It gives me more creative freedom. Completed layouts can then be printed and/or shared online.

How does it work? 

You will start by sending me your photos and journaling. Once I have those, we will discuss the type of page/album you want; i.e., color, theme, simple, elaborate. If you are unsure of what you want, I can create a layout using your photo as inspiration.  When I have finished the layout, I will send you a proof copy for your final approval. Once you approve your layout, I will send you your finalized flattened jpeg file. We will decide your printing method at our first consultation. We will also determine the time-frame (based on size of project) in which I complete your project at our first consultation.

  

Pricing: 

*Scrapbook Layouts (single sided) - $15.00 per page

Pricing includes a glossy or matte printed copy of your layout (up to 12x12) and a flattened digital jpeg file.

*Scrapbook Albums (20 single side layouts)

         -$250 printed

         -$175 Flattened digital files on CD

         -$10 for each additional page past 20

For albums I can either print the pages as individuals to put in an album of  your choice, or I can order you a hardbound book, printed through Shutterfly. If you choose Shutterfly’s hardbound book, I will include the cover designs in the original price. (I use Shutterfly for my personal books and couldn’t be happier with the product.)

*Custom Invitations, Announcements, Thank You and Holiday Cards

         -$15 for a flattened digital file.

If you are looking for the perfect party invitation, look no further. I will customize your invite to match your theme/party, as well as announcements and holiday cards. Once I have completed your order, you will receive an email with the flattened digital file. Then you can take the file to your printing service of choice, or send out e-vites.

*For first time customers I offer 20% off your order.

*A deposit payment of 40% is due at time of order.

*Final payment is due once you have made your final approvals. Once I have received final payment, I will send completed flattened digital files, and order the printed copies.

*I accept PayPal and personal checks. If making payment with personal check, work will not begin until the check is received and cleared. I do accept payment plans and am easy to work with in terms of how you would like to set that up.

*I strive for 100% customer satisfaction. I will do all I can to make the perfect album personalized just for YOU.

*Please email me at creationsbykera@gmail.com with any questions or if you are interested in my services. I look forward to working on your album.

Gallery

Single Page Layouts

Double Page Layouts (considered 2 pages)

Completed Album (Printed using Shutterfly)

Click here to view this photo book larger

***These examples are meant to give you and idea of my style, and in some cases are not specifically for sale. We can use these as a reference, but I will create a unique layout, personalized to your photos.***