The Sweet Sugar Beet Blog

DIY: fabric covered dresser drawers

2012-01-04T10:20:00.022-05:00

I have been slowly cleaning out my sewing room. When I say 'cleaning' it really means making a complete mess! haha. Kind of like what my kids do to the house when I am cleaning. Does a house ever get clean when you have kids!?! I'll get there one day!

With my 'cleaning' I found 3 super large bags/boxes of fabric scraps and immediately started brainstorming what I could do with them. I bought a dresser about 2 years ago at a rummage sale for $12 (I know, a steal!!!). I knew when I bought it that I wanted to do something fun to the inside drawers. My orignal idea was to Mod Podge wrapping paper on the base of them. I mean, who doesn't like to open a draw and see something fun!?! I did that but still wasn't that happy with it. So, alas, that's where the fabric scraps came into play! Here are some step-by-steps on what I did:

Supplies:
*Mod Podge
*Foam Brush
*Dresser Drawer (or any other item of choice!)
*Fabric Scraps

Before you begin, make sure the item you are covering is clean and dry.

Step 1: Gather all of your scraps. I cut some of mine down as I went.

Step 2: Spread some Mod Podge on the surface you are covering. You don't want to cover the entire surface, just the section you are going to lay the piece of fabric on.

Step 3: Lay a piece of fabric down and then go over the top of the piece with another coat of Mod Podge.

Step 4: Repeat #2 and #3, over and over making sure to overlap pieces so that you don't have corners coming up.

That's it!! How easy is that!?! And look at the results! I love it. And I know you won't actually see it once I put things in the drawer, but I know it's there and that's all I need!

Have some fabric scrap DIY projects of your own you want to concure? I have a few scrap bags available in the shop! For details and to purchase, click here. I'd love to see what you come up with! The possibilities are endless!

On a side note... it's been AGES since I blogged. Can you tell!?! Hello, outdated blog! Again... I'll get there one day!

The Tote Bag!

2011-02-24T09:55:00.015-05:00

The other day when I said to my 3 year old daughter that I was going to make her a bag her little eyes lite up like it was Christmas morning. It literally melted my heart! You see until now I've yet to make the girl a bag of her very own! How sad is that!?! It's a little crazy if you think about it. The poor girl is always asking "is that for me mommy?" So I finally made her a tote bag for all of her toys, dolls, books, and whatever else the girl can fit!

The tote is a good size for any age. I made this one with the traditional shorter handles but long handles can be added. It also has a pocket on the inside and a magnetic snap closure.

The totes in my shop come lined with a fusible interfacing that gives them stability and shape and then I add an additional layer of heavy canvas for extra strength.

I'll be adding a slightly larger tote size to the shop soon in the next couple weeks! Lets face it, we always have WAY too much stuff to 'tote' around!

For more details on totes click here.

Love the flower on the bag?? So do I! I purchased this set of felt flowers from Lemon Tree Studio and turned one into a pin! LOVE!

By the way...I think this bag needs a name other than 'tote'....any suggestions!?!

On a side note: I have a serious blogging issue! I just can't seem to keep up with it. That, or the day just isn't long enough!

And the Winner is....

2011-01-14T09:30:00.006-05:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 1,000 Fan Giveaway!! Random.org selected lucky #41 as the winner for a $30 credit towards anything in the shop! Congratulations Jennifer!! Please email me at info@sweetsugarbeet.com to receive your code for purchase in the shop!

1,000 Fans! You ROCK!

2011-01-11T12:37:00.006-05:00

One of the great things about running your own business is being able to give away items whenever you want! hehe. I wouldn't be where I am without all of the support of my rockin' fans! THANK YOU for all that you do and for helping me reach my goal of 1,000 Facebook fans!

If you'd like to win yourself a $30 credit towards anything you wish in the shop, here are 8 easy ways you can enter!!!

1. Leave a comment telling me what you would use your $30 credit towards
2. Become a fan on Facebook, or tell me that you already are!
3. Vist my shop and let me know what your favorite item is
4. Post a link to this giveaway on your FB page and tell me you did
5. Follow my blog, or tell me that you already do!
6. Put my shop link on your blog or website (or tell me that it's already there - please leave a link)
7. Add my shop to your Etsy favs
8. Tweet about this giveaway

The winner will be selected randomly using the fabulous random.org. The giveaway ends Thursday, January 13th at midnight EST. I will announce the winner on Friday!

GOOD LUCK and THANK YOU!!!

AHHH!!!! The Black Friday Sale!!!!

2010-11-23T20:57:00.012-05:00

Due to the lack of a Super Tuesday sale this week...I'm offering one heck of a Super Black Friday sale!

1. Purchase ANY in-stock, ready to ship item and receive the 2nd in-stock item 50% OFF!

2. Purchase ANY Design Your Own/Made to Order item and receive the 2nd DYO/MTO item 25% OFF!

SHOP NOW!!!

Although Etsy is now allowing coupons the system isn't set up to do offers like this, so you know the drill....submit payment and I will credit you back the discount on your order.

All in-stock items will ship Monday, 11/29. For Design Your Own/MTO, depending on the size of the order, could take 2 weeks to ship. Contact me with any questions!!

Sale is valid on Friday, 11/26 only. Happy Shopping!!!

SUPER TUESDAY #2!

2010-11-02T10:09:00.003-04:00

It's TUESDAY and you know what that means...time for yet another fabulous deal!! Today only save 15% off your entire purchase!!! That includes EVERYTHING in the shop! Design your own, made to order, market bags...you name it, it's on sale!!

Once payment is received I will issue credit back. Any questions feel free to ask!

Hurry...ends tonight, 11/2 at midnight EST.

Introducing SUPER TUESDAY #1!

2010-10-25T16:22:00.011-04:00

Super Tuesday!?! What the heck is Super Tuesday? The answer is simple! It's the best day of the week, for the next 9 weeks, to get amazing deals on all your favorite Sweet Sugar Beet items!!!

Okay, so maybe I'm a little dorky by calling it "Super Tuesday" but when I worked in the music industry every Tuesday was known as "Super Tuesday" - the day all the new releases hit the shelf. So, maybe I'm not releasing new items...but I'm certainly going to give you a heck of deal on some pretty cool ones, right!?!

Today marks promotion #1...and it's a GREAT one! $10 off any Market Bag! That's more than 15% off! And...YOU get to pick the fabrics! It's only today so act fast!

Click HERE for more details!

If for some reason the link says sold, click here, or shoot me an email at info@sweetsugarbeet.com. I just may not get a chance to relist right away once the 1st one sells but I will do my best!

To view other Market Bags created visit my photo album on Facebook!

Collaboration Time!

2010-10-18T13:07:00.023-04:00

So I know I've been killing you all with the anticipation of this collaboration piece I've been ranting about. Well, today's the day!! When my good friend Jenni from TinkerDot Designs contacted me about doing a collaboration piece with her I'm pretty sure the word "yes" came out of my mouth before she could even finish her sentence. We both have a true love of all things colorful and bright and our work compliments each other, so why not!?!

She has a great piece called "Not Your Average Girl" - which by the way - can be personalized with your very own picture! How cool is that!?! She took her original artwork and had it printed on fabric...and here's what I turned it in to:

I mean really...who wouldn't look cute with this on their shoulder!?! This bag is perfect for all those "not so average" girls out there...young and old! It's large and can hold LOTS of good things - clothes, shoes, lunch, magazines, purse, baby goodies, etc!

Here's the complete dish on the bag:

The exterior fabric is cream with yellow butterflies and the artwork is only featured on the front. If you're wondering about durability...this baby is fully lined with interfacing and heavy canvas. It also includes a magnetic snap closure and an interior pocket (which will hold one of my small cosmetic bags!). The lining is cream with turqouise spots and the base of the lining is magenta. I think it gives it something "extra"!

(Backside of Tote)

(Inside Lining/Interior Pocket)

The artwork features a magenta ruffle around the entire border and is hand stitched to the bag. I also created a fabric flower pin for the upper corner of the bag which can easily be removed and worn on something else!

(Outside stitching detail/Fabric Flower Pin)

For additional details on the bag click here. There's only 1 so act fast before it's gone!!

Be sure to visit TinkerDot Designs for other great pieces of art! Jenni does a great job of customizing pieces that are right for YOU!

Owls and Whales and Cars...OH MY!!!

2010-10-13T14:10:00.029-04:00

Let's face it. I have an extreme addiction to fabric...along with chocolate and Grey's Anatomy, but that's another post!

Lately I've been seeing a lot of cute animal and kid-friendly prints popping up. Hawthorne Threads (my go-to for all things fabric!) does a fabulous job at keeping us fabric junkies drooling and coming back for more!

Would you believe that for all the number of bags I've made I've never made one for my very own children!?! What is wrong with me! My little Lydia would absolutely DIE over one. She's a total girly girl and loves trying on my clothes and makeup! The boys...well, their boys - but they still have things they need to travel with! I think it's about time I change that!

As I was oo-ing and ah-ing over all the great fabrics, I made a little purchase of each! They'll be hitting the shop in a couple of days and I'll have a very limited quantity on each - Meaning I only have enough for 2 large sized bags in each. Additional yardage can be ordered, but right now I'm testing the waters. If you'd like something larger let me know - I'm sure I can make it happen! I have a really hard time saying no. I say it all day long to my kids, I hate having to say it to you too!

Coming This Week!!!

(Urban Circus)

(Dig It)

(Whales in Garden)

(Butterflies in Garden)

(Owls in Blue)

(Whales in Bermuda)

If you're like me and are afraid you're going to wait too long and the fabric you love will be gone, I'll take pre-orders. Shoot me an email at info@sweetsugarbeet.com or leave a comment and I'll be in touch.

Don't forget about the great other options you can add to the bag! I'm now offering a wipeable plastic lining and how cute would the bag be with your little one's name embroidered on the inside!?!

Monthly Drawing!

2010-09-28T09:29:00.008-04:00

I figured it was about time I start a monthly drawing! With almost 950 sales (and when most are 3+ items...that makes for a lot of sewing!) that means there are loads of Sweet Sugar Beet items out there holding all your goodies!

In order to intice you to share what you use your SSB item for, I'll be hosting a montly giveaway for those that submit a picture of their bag/item in action! You don't have to be in it of course! Just grab your camera and snap away! It can be as simple as it sitting on the counter next to your toothbrush!

(a mini-tote filled with baby items for a baby shower)

Let's get started! Send your pic(s) to info@sweetsugarbeet.com. Each photo will count as one entry. I will share the photos on my blog/facebook page and the winner for October will be chosen at random using random.org at the end of the month.

Wondering what the giveaway is!?! Something exciting! ;)

And the Winner is....

2010-09-23T08:06:00.005-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS to Lucky #13...Diane DeBuck Mischel!!! You've just won a design your own TOTE BAG!!

I was overjoyed with the number of entrants...103!!! woot woot!! Thank you to everyone who entered! There will be more giveaways to come in the future!

Diane - send me an email at info@sweetsugarbeet.com and we'll get started on your bag design!!

650 Fans!!! It's Giveaway Time!

2010-09-20T12:16:00.013-04:00

First off...it's been 6 months since my last post!?! Wow, a little crazy. I guess you could say that the last 6 months of my life have been nothing but that. So, here's to 'hopefully' posting more often! I'm aiming for once a week - bringing you the latest and greatest! Should be doable...right?!? But enough about why I have been so distant...onto better things! It's GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Because I have the greatest Facebook fans around I'm giving away a custom designed Tote Bag! You heard it...you get to pick the fabrics yourself!! You can visit my fabric selection to check out my current inventory.

So, here's how you enter - you have 7 chances!!!

1. Leave a comment telling me what you would use the tote bag for (the possibilities are endless!)
2. Become a fan on Facebook, or tell me that you already are!
3. Vist my shop and let me know what your favorite item is
4. Follow my blog, or tell me that you already do!
5. Put my shop link on your blog or website (or tell me that it's already there - please leave a link)
6. Add my shop to your Etsy favs
7. Tweet about this giveaway

(View of the bag with small straps)

The winner will be selected randomly using the fabulous random.org. The giveaway ends Wednesday, September 22nd at midnight EST. I will announce the winner on Thursday!

GOOD LUCK and THANK YOU!!!

WINNER!!

2010-03-29T00:11:00.022-04:00

Congratulations to....JESSICA MARIE!

You won a complete set of bags! (shoot me your email address so we can start designing! yay!)

I was overwhelmed with the number of entries! 54 - WOW! Thank you so much for participating and for being such awesome fans of The Sweet Sugar Beet!

No tears if you didn't win this time. There just so happens to be another chance to win something from the shop starting on Wednesday over at The Riplets blog. Stay tuned for details!

Now Jessica...which fabric will you choose!?!

IT's Giveaway Time!

2010-03-24T11:02:00.013-04:00

Because I have the BEST fans, I am offering a giveaway!!!

Up for grabs is a COMPLETE SET of Sweet Sugar Beet bags all in one fabric of your choice!

That's right - an Extra Large, Large, Medium, and Small bag!!

So, HOW DO YOU ENTER?

Visit my Etsy Shop and then come back to the blog and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is.
(Please include an e-mail address if it's not in your profile, "non-bloggers" are welcome to enter!)

Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):
1. Publicly follow my blog (or tell me you already do)
2. Become a Sweet Sugar Beet Facebook Fan (or tell me you already are)
3. Post about this giveaway on FB and include a link to my blog (http://www.sweetsugarbeet.blogspot.com/)
4. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog
5. Put my shop button on your blog or website; located at the top right of my blog (please leave the web address in your comment)

The giveaway will start on Thursday, March 25th and end at midnight on SUNDAY, MARCH 28TH! The winner will be choosen using random.or and will be announced on my blog Monday, March 29th.

Good Luck to all, and thank you for your continued support! YOU ROCK!

Handmade @ Blue House

2010-03-16T14:52:00.017-04:00

My first show of the year is quickly approaching! This Saturday, 3/20, from 11am-5pm I will be at Handmade @ Blue House at Blue House Ann Arbor. The event will feature over 25+ local artists! You'll find handmade jewelry, artwork, buttons, handbags, greeting cards, vintage and more!

There is a small donation for admission to the event, which goes to The Neutral Zone, a local non-profit teen center.

I am so thrilled to be a part of this event. I visited the shop before anything was ever set up. It's a quaint old house with a lot of character that sits across the street from The University of Michigan's Football Stadium. (For those of you that know me, I am a true blood Spartan so seeing that "M" does give me a little "cringe") - haha! The best part is that I will be selling on consignment there so you can find my items on a regular basis in the shop!

For more information on Blue House and events that they have coming up check out their new blog!

Hope to see you there!

Las Olas Here I Come!

2010-03-05T09:57:00.014-05:00

I've decided to temporarily close the shop as I get ready to head out to Florida for a much needed vacation. It's been a crazy week trying to pack for 3 kids, myself and let's face it, my husband too! I feel like I am packing up the entire house!

I thought I would share with you a little bit of what I've been working on over the last week.

Lots of custom orders! Luckily a group of my girlfriends were getting together to scrapbook last weekend. Although I love to scrapbook (and truly need to start working on my boys' album!) I took along my sewing machine and worked on orders. I worked on a little bit of everything - classic clutches, cosmetic bags and curvy clutches. You'll notice in the picture that a lot of them featured embroidery. What a great addition it adds to the bags!

Not rub it in...but this is where I'm headed! Las Olas in Satellite Beach, FL. It is so peaceful and relaxing. Let's just hope that there are a few days of warm weather so the kids can enjoy playing on the beach and that my pastey white skin can absorb some rays!

The shop will re-open on the 15th! And don't worry, I haven't forgot about sharing the new line with you. I promise to show a sneak peek when I return!

Wedding Season is Upon Us!

2010-02-21T22:18:00.021-05:00

I love weddings! It's so fun to hear what color schemes brides are using these days. So many are going bold and bright - like one of my recent customers who is using hot pink and yellow! What a great color combination. When she contacted me to design jewelry holders for her bridesmaids she settled on a great fabric by Etsuko Furuya called Animal Silhouette.

In order to make the holders more personalized I embroidered each of the girls names on the inside flap.

The best part is that the girls can use these again and again...and not just for their jewelry! The holders are the perfect size for cash, credit cards, ID, gift cards, business cards and wallet sized photos.

I've been receiving a lot of requests for wedding orders lately...the wedding season is truly upon us!

For more details on embroidery check out my Etsy page.

Riplets = Giveaway Time!

2010-02-16T23:46:00.008-05:00

One of the great things that I've enjoyed about selling my bags is meeting my customers. A week ago I met Jamie, a stay-at-home mom to TRIPLETS! We instantly formed a bond and now are emailing each other daily sharing stories and advice on raising multiples. She has the most adorable blog that captures all the incredible moments in her little one's lives.

I am honored and excited that Jamie asked to host a giveaway for one of my large cosmetic bags. The best part...you get to pick the fabric yourself! Head over to Jamie's blog for all the details and to take a peek at how her little "Riplets" are doing! They are just the cutest little things!

HURRY...the giveaway ends on Friday! Good Luck!

PS - more giveaways are ahead in March! WOO HOO!!

New Fabrics

2010-02-15T23:46:00.005-05:00

Have you ever realized just how many fabrics there are to choose from? I get so overwhelmed by all the options! Anything bright and fun catches my eye. I am usually drawn to Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner, Sandi Henderson, Michael Miller and the list goes on!

I've slowly been adding some new designs to my fabric stash. Look for bags in these fabrics to be added to the shop in the next week. I also will be sharing with you a new line of bags that I have been working on!

It's Official!

2010-02-09T14:06:00.008-05:00

I've finally decided to start this blog! Maybe it's my new year's resolution? I guess it's a little late start, but what the heck! I'll be posting updates on new items added to the shop, what's in the works and most importantly...GIVEAWAYS!

Speaking of giveaways...one of my fabulous customers is hosting a 'sweet' giveaway for anything $10 and under from my shop! Stop over at Amy's blog, Old Sweet Song, and enter to win! There may even be a secret code for FREE shipping! (wink-wink) Good Luck!