Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

It has been almost a year since my last post. I have been super busy.
I got married, became a wife to an amazing man and my best friend. Also became a stepmom to a wonderful, smart, funny, beautiful 9 year old girl.

Things are about to change and for the better, not the worse.

With more attention going to my Etsy shop (link below). And wanting to create more of my work and new items to bring to you, I have made a plan for 2015 to build a better business and a better me!

Follow me here, on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and on Etsy!

www.lilfoxdesign.etsy.com
email lilfoxdesigns@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/lilfoxdesigns
twitter @lilfoxdesigns
Instagram @lilfoxdesigns



Love to all
Mary

 

To Do List...

So many things to do, so little time.

How many times have you heard someone say that? Well, you just heard it again. I have started my list. It gets longer by the day! Sewing projects to finish, purses to make for up coming shows. Special orders to get done! Trips to the post office, supply runs twice a week. It can get hectic.

I want to read a book. I have a stack next to the bed. I have craft show applications to fill out, mail and more to look for online. My hand hurts from filling those out! I have fabric to organize and fabric to cut for the LIST of things I want to get made. A stack of ideas I need to bring to life. I test out looks and ideas I have to make a purse or accessory better. To make life better!

It never ends. (That Lamb Chop song is running through my head now.)

I want to try new crafts. Not that using the glue gun isn't fun, but I need to let my fingers heal. WOWZA!!

Now that I have started dying fabric for certain projects, I have more things I want to dye and sew together! Right now I am on the sewing part of my list, and I will be sewing until the list is done and getting ready for next year!


^..^~

New year, new beginnings

With 2013 gone and the new year upon us. I look back at the wonderful year I had.

I had 4 new craft shows I attended, along with all my usual local shows. I added new purses to my collection as well as, new display pieces.

My first ever garage sale find, was an old rack for baskets. Perfect for my purses!

Made a tower display from wire cubes. Instant towel rack! I also hung my casserole carriers and Shanel hip clip on it too!

I added more 3M command hooks to my tool box. And found the perfect banner from Whimsical Zee! I has been a great addition to my raft show set up.

 I got a new 6' table and  a 6' bench. Stacking and covering I an display my items at eye level. Its very sharp!

New purses, to tickle anyone's fancy! More of a variety too. They are too fun!

My last show of the year, was competing with Mother Nature, she dumped the area with a ton of snow! I made it to the venue, got set up. Had a great time, then went home!


2013 had many memories to look back on, improve on, and share over and over!
I look forward to the creative year to come!

Every one needs a secret identity!

I had a tiny bit of time to add  few things to my inventory and show off some very awesome material I have had my eye on for a few months now.

Janie pictured here to the right, showing off the super hero Girl Power print with Wonder Woman, Batgirl and Super girl!

I used some red Fairy frost I had laying around and lined the pockets with yellow for a peek-a-boo effect.
So excited how BEAUTI-ful this turned out!

I have already taken this bag for a stroll in the mall and the grocery store.

Terri is here on the left with the well known Star Wars material I found in my favorite color.

Paring with a blue Fairy frost I found a year ago, I lined with black to set off this great fabric.

Long strap for a cross-body design. This bag would be great to stash your iPad or a current copy for Catching Fire!
4 pocket, 2 under the front flap and 2 on either end under each end of the strap.

Can't wait for this bag to catch a TRUE fans eye and be gone faster than Millennium Falcon!

Happy Holidays!

Fast approaching Christmas season coming, I have been preparing for the many holiday craft and art fairs I have scheduled. Here are a few photos of the new Snap-its I have made to sell.

Find me on Facebook, by clicking my Li'l Fox Designs logo to go to my business page. Be sure to like and share with family and friends!

Everyone could use an extra hand!

This is my new Shanel bag.
Perfect for the on-the-go girl!



Each has a claw clip to attach to your belt loop. Cell phone pocket on the from. Yes the pocket is cut at an angle. So your phone won't fall out. Bend over, squat, or sit down, I dare you. Because of the Shanel design, your phone stays right with you!

On the back is a zippered pocket to keep keys, money, lip balm or your iPod and headphones.
Possibilities are endless!



(Item featured has been sold, but more will be available at my Etsy store! After August 4th, 2013)




Here is the link:     https://www.etsy.com/shop/lilfoxdesign

This is my favorite. I gave it as a gift. Cause I can do that!

Let's get situated!

Now that the first month of the year is almost gone. It is time to get things in order!
Starting a little at a time. I have made  schedule. Its weekly...Something easy and simple to follow!

Each day will be assigned certain tasks. Vacuum on Saturday mornings.
Take out trash on Mondays, trash is picked up on Wednesday mornings.
I have a lot of clothes, and don't really go through many outfits, so my laundry is set for Thursday! I have a total of 3 loads. (I know you hate me after I announced that) I am single, and I don't have any children to do laundry for. So I guess I have it easy!
3 days a week, I have litter boxes to clean up. I have my angel (Megan) and then I have go and clean the boxes of my parents cats (3). On Fridays I'll add washing their boxes out to my schedule, but only once a week. I have never seen so many cats make such a mess, but I was asked to take care of this task, that they can't do any more.
My parents have asked me to take care of the softener salt as well. After dad's hip replacement, he cant pick up the 40lbs bags. I have this set to Sunday's schedule.

I have a few other items that will be added, and then it will be set as my routine! Part of my New Year's Resolution!

I also have a schedule to plan out for my sewing. February start my hectic life of preparing for all the craft shows I plan to be apart of. I have a new show this Spring, to replace one that discontinued running. It's a sad thing, but when one door closes, another opens. I hope the new show has the same reaction as the 2-day show.
I will have cutting days, pinning days and sewing days. I will have a helper once or twice a month. As time goes on I will be organizing my work spaces too. Clearing out clutter and junk, making way for shelving and better storage ideas!

Cant wait to post photos!

Oh, happy cleaning.

Tough Decision

This is the hard part. Trying to figure out which border would look best. That one color that would really bring this wall hanging to life.

This piece has been fun to make. I love finishing up work and make another mark on my done list!

I think this will be a big hit at the quilt show this summer!

Blue?
Green?
Yellow?
Red?
Purple?

Each color does something different.
Blue being my top choice, red and yellow are my second and third picks.

Can't wait!!

One Year Complete

Rosy Churn Dash

9-Patch Daisy

 

Daffodil

Rosy Posey

Tulip Garden

Friendship Star

Purple Pansy

Star Flower

Blue Aster

Golden Tulip

Carnation

New Year, New Project

I didn't think 2013 would ever get here. With the destruction of Twinkies and the mass hysteria of the world ending on the 21st of December. It was welcomed as always with my birthday on the 1st. Lunches, dates and dinners with friends, family and Josh (the boyfriend). Things are looking up! WAY UP!!!

I will be taking the month of January off to get personal projects done. Most are quilts, other items are new products I hope to be popular and sell tons of. And then there is cleaning!! Dreadful!

Midnight Posie

This newest project is a BOM, Block-of-the-Month. Usually you can pay to take a class or order a quilt online, and every month, you receive a new block with directions.

This quilt I found for free online. Midnight Posies. Each block looks like a flower. Cant wait to get sashing sewn on and quilted!

I can't imagine waiting patiently for each month to show in my mail box, or email.

All of my blocks are made with a special fabric. If you are up close to the fabric, it has a frosty look. You can almost see the imprint of leaves in the designs.

Some blocks I can see the flower in the design. Others I don't understand why they are named their names.

The Perfect Storm

With the wind and rain beating on the outside of the house, I plant myself in front of my sewing machine and get personal projects done.


I just finished up my 3rd show in October. It was the first for me, third for the little community of Cassville, Indiana. Very good day for me, if I must say. I got new items out to customers, and sold many of my tried and true pieces that I have been selling for years.

With the release of my newest purse BELLA. I have had rave reviews from many on Facebook, and from customers that have bought a purse for themselves. I have so many ideas, I am bursting at the seams!








The floral and modern design bags are my favorites. I will be making more for my December show.









The Mickey purse was a big hit. 
I had a few people wanting this one bad!

Be sure to click on my logo above my photo to get to my Facebook page. I have everything there. Hope to hear from you soon!

Almost there

Time seems to fly when your having fun!

I have fun getting things ready and finishing up my inventory for an upcoming show.

Thursday I have casserole carriers to get handles on. And Friday is inventory day. Saturday I will be taking a trip up north to Logansport, Indiana. There is an Arts on the Avenue event there I would like to check out!

Then on to my afternoon event, on Sunday, September 16th. In Galveston, Indiana, at the park on St Rd 18 from 2-6.

Since my last post I have finished my newest creation.

I have been searching for a name. I pick names that are some-how connected to my life.

I use my friends and family as inspiration to my purses.

I love surprising them with this honor. I get tears and laughs. Hugs and hollers!

No matter what I always get a smile in the end, and that is all I ask!


This is Bella. She will be officially released at the beginning of October. I cant wait!

:)

This train is on schedule!

Its has been a while since my last post. I have been slaving away on my Kenmore!

I made it a priority to write down a detailed plan in my date book, as to what I needed to get done. So far I am doing very well! I do have 4 purses left, out of those 1 is for an order. I'm so glad my "LJ" purse is doing well. I couldn't have asked for more. I could ask for a million dollars, that would be great.

I did have a brain blast last week while sewing. I have a new purse to reveal in October. I'm excited! Here is a quick snap of the work in process.

(Handles are pinned on and ready for lining)

Talk about a SHOCK!!! This fabric jumped out at me while I was shopping to fill orders.

I cant wait to tell everyone about this new piece of my collection!




I have a Breast Cancer request this year. I'm so honored to be able to make this for someone.

This is the starting stage. I have the pleats pinned and this lady is waiting for personal time with me and my machine. (Evil laugh heard here)







I have a little over a week to get things finished. Not much left on my list, but I also have to clean out the car, maybe wash it, get the car packed and count inventory!


Have a great weekend!

What have I done?!?!

So I decided to post a promotion on Facebook through my LFD business page. 

Each friend that sees the Event/ Promotion, that tells a friend, that in turn "likes" my page will get an entry. Well someone on December 4, 2012 will win a purse. I'm excited! I'm getting my name out there. Getting my business out to the world. not only on Facebook, but at my craft shows and here. 

If everyone that came across my page told one friend I would be happy. Look of not look, buy or not buy (preferably to buy) I would be happy. Someone would see the work I do. The work I love. I will have done one thing on my life list that means so much to me! Some people may not understand, but when you put your blood, sweat and tears into a hobby you love so much, that it may ruin it for the rest of your life. It's worth it, if it makes you happy. And gives you the JOY you seek every day.

This is one of my creations. I'm glad the friends, family and fans that have seen it give my "thumbs up"! That is what I enjoy the most!

I would be ecstatic to have over 1000 "likes" on my page in December when the Event is over!

Party girl!

A few weeks ago I decided to have a party. I created an event on Facebook, and sent out private invitations. Well, tomorrow is the bash. Sad to say, I have 3 ladies coming. The December party will be better planned!

I made chocolate chip cookie dough dip, prepped the corn casserole, cleaned potatoes and got my orange slices dipped.

I have labeled my party favor bags. Picked out little goodies to toss inside.

I have my pork shoulder in the fridge, ready for the morning soak in the slow cooker.

Gonna finish my casserole in the oven, and try a new Roasted Smashed Red Potatoes. YUM!

Along with all the fun stuff in the kitchen, I have been working on other things. Glad I got photos taken. Another check on my list!

This is a new item I have added to my catalog. This is LJ. 

Cute slouchy shoulder bag with 4 hidden pockets. 2 outside, and 2 inside. I'l so in love with this bag!

With all this work, I am due for a nap. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Progress is working

    

I love how the wrong sides of a Snap-it stand out. I wonder how my customers would like these?

These are only a few of the large stack I have made. When I get an assembly line going, time just flies. One side sewn. Now I get to add the SNAP!

The lady bugs are getting the quilted touch just like all the others.