Well I suppose this is turning out to be more of a "fashion accessories" blog than a "watch my musical journey" blog!! Why do I say this? Because I made two more clutches/wallets yesterday! I love my life... and I love being cheap and creative :) Another plus about all of this is that I have things that no one else has. That feeling is just the best! Yay originality!
Anyway, the first bag that I made yesterday started out as a plain leather bag that I found at a thrift store for less than $5! I immediately saw potential in it because it was clean (always a plus!), plain, and already kind of in fashion right now. I took it home, sewed a swirly line of pearls onto it and added a pink flower, and it was immediately transformed from "kind of boring" to "I'm super cute and ready to go out!"
Here it is without the strap, used as a clutch. 
You can see that it has a "coin purse" closure and the chain strap is optional, but cute (and definitely long enough) to sling over your shoulder!
My second project of the day was to create a clutch from scratch! This was a little scary because I didn't have a definite pattern that I was following, and if you know me, you'll know I'm not the most amazing with a needle and thread. I started out by finding a half yard of this fun pink swirly fabric for only $2 in a remnant bin at Hancock Fabric! Talk about cheap! Then, I decided that I would want it to be a little more sturdy, so I doubled the fabric up and went from there! I sewed the entire thing by hand because I don't have a sewing machine... if you do that, make sure to get extra durable thread! Lots and lots of sewing later, I came up with an adorable clutch that fits my cell phone, cards, lipgloss... just about anything I need it to! I was debating on how to close it... but like I said before, I always need a little bling on my projects! So, I bought two HUGE rhinestone buttons (for $1.50) and decided to make it a button closure. I cut two button holes and sewed up those seams, then added the buttons, and it's a perfect little detail!
The finished product... just perfect!
It has a nice big flap that opens into one big pouch.
I'm so proud! It's just a great size for carrying around, or I can stick it in my purse to keep all of my "necessities" together!
That's it for now... not sure if I'll create more today, but I'm always looking for fun items to make my own :)
Well, today I didn't sub... didn't work at Coach... didn't write any music. Instead, I typed libretto for the opera that I'm assistant directing ANNNND I drank lots of yummy Starbucks! It's about time!!
After that, my roommate and I were feeling a bit creative, so we traveled to Joann Fabrics and looked for some fun crafty things to make. I started out with a fistful of awesome beads, ready to make an awesome necklace. But then I saw watch heads and thought, "woah! I should make an awesome watch!!" After I gathered materials for that, I decided, "mehh... this is getting expensive... maybe just an awesome bracelet." While pondering the last things I would need for my awesome bracelet, I ran across some even MORE awesome clutch designs... then the idea popped into my head: "Not jewelry... an awesome CLUTCH!" So, that was it! I was inspired and I came home with lots of fun vintage things to decorate my clutch. I think this might be the beginning of some beautiful gifts :) I hope all of my friends like clutches!!
Here are a few pictures of my creation!
There is a cute jewel at the bottom of the flap. It isn't a functional button... just decorative, because, knowing me, I can't leave my creations without at least a small hint of bling!
This is with the flap open. The applique wraps to the back of it... I love it! I also added a little jewel in the middle of the applique on the back. The original clutch had a cheap velcro closure, so I removed it and replaced it with a nice magnetic closer. Also, the strap was attached with a flimsy white plastic ring, so I got rid of that and changed it to a key ring... I'm pleased with the outcome!
That's it for today... now off to be the crazy opera assistant director that I am... staging SEVEN arias tonight!! Wish me luck!
Well, following the cue from my oh-so-trendy sister, I have decided to re-join the blogging community. Or at least try to. I have zero consistency in my life right now, so don't expect this blog to be a consistent everyday thing... you'll be disappointed.
Since my last post, a LOT has happened in my life. I have graduated from college (a 4.5 year feat!!), started playing with my band again, started subbing, and become a coffee addict even more than I was before. What a shame. But really... I woke up with an abnormally bad headache this morning... most likely because I haven't had coffee in over 2 days. Such a sad story.
Since my last post, I have also traveled to Estonia, Lativa, Finland, and Hawaii (not to mention Nashville, Little Rock, and probably other cities that I can't remember). I love traveling... a lot. Especially now that I am freeeeee of school. I can just pack up and leave whenever I want! Of course, I have to have money in order to do that... therefore I've been getting some gigs organized for my band! This is a super exciting endeavor for me, because I have plenty of time to get stuff prepared and hopefully make this into a "real" thing for us. In the rest of the time that I'm not doing that stuff, I have been doing a little subbing here and there for the amaaaazing Anoka High School choir. I LOVE those kiddos! I student taught there in the fall, and I'm just attached to them all :)
Another exciting part of my life right now is my new retail job at... hold your breath... COACH! I love purses!!! It's going to be an awesome job for me!
But back to this band stuff... we had a gig on Friday at J. Arthur's Coffee shop in Roseville. If you haven't been there, GO. It's adorable and delicious. Here are some pictures of the evening! 
How about a video too?? maybe? yes. I think so. You can go to www.youtube.com/natkaycrom to see a bunch of them :)
Well, there it is... the first post back. Stay tuned though, because I will be blogging all about the journey into the music industry, from both the "singer/songwriter" side of things and the southern gospel diva that I am!
Cheers!