New CPAP cushions to Etsy

Howdy ho neighbooroonies!

Well, I finally got off my butt (yeah right, like I ever stop!) and got some more cpap cushions up to etsy. I got 3 new sets up last night before I was too tired to do anymore-posting at midnight-hmmm, no wonder I was tired. Here is a link to one of them http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18800385 I have (I think) 10 different patterns done, with more in the shopping bags, waiting to be cut down. Fleece is hard to resist! Tactially, it is so pleasurable to work with. Its easy going-soft, warm, flexible, forgiving. Besides, with millions of colors and patterns-I will never get bored!

I hate being bored.

I think that was part of the reason I stayed at my last job so long. Retail hell sure. Retail management-another level of hell. But you know, even in hell, I was never bored. I used to say that my job was constant craft hour, that it changed from one day to the next. I never knew what new challenge was waiting for me.

Well, I gained a reputation over the years of being able to do almost anything. Having that reputation can be its own curse. I was expected to pull the impossible out of my ass! I even had customers waiting in the parking lot for me when I arrived at work... Let me tell you, nothing is quite like getting out of your car at 7:30 in the morning, coffee in one hand, purse in the other, and having someone barge up to you and say "I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU! I WANT ____". People, I havent had my coffee. Coffee is what made dumb bearable. So you can imagine my mood if someone interupted my coffee.

Yeah, not pretty.

Oh well, now life is better! No retail, no customers, no register, no nametag, no uniform. Peace and quiet which lets me crank work out. I still get my constant craft hour, but without the innane "How do you make the copier work". I always wanted to answer "press the damn button, just like the last 10 times you used it" but Im too nice, I never did. Just goes to show, you can lead a horse to water but you cant teach him how to use a copier. Ever.

I have tons of copy center manager stories, anyone interested?

Super new bag to etsy!

So I finally got my latest bag listed today! Here is a link

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15204324

That skirt I made the bottom out of was a size 1. A size 1, I almost had to chop it up on general principle HAHA!

I am definately heading into busy season. I have a special order in for 7 bags right now, 2 special order model horse saddle pads and a special order of cpap cushions. Phew, makes me tired just thinking about it. Oh, and a model horse show which I am nooo where near ready for. I havent painted in months! The bags have been taking off to the point that I am a busy bee. Oh well, I like being busy, plus, I will have christmas money and enough after to finally get my tattoo-YEAH!

Wow, you're thinking, this far and no political rant... well, Im not gonna so there :P Maybe tomorrow???
Peace!

Interesting article and new stuff to etsy!

This is my latest journey into crazytown! I was chatting with a nice lady on etsy, www.quayandco.etsy.com when we started discussing new pincushions. She asked for ideas and the first thing out of my fingers was "severed foot!". She makes adorable pincushions but a severed foot was not her style. I asked her if she minded if I tried it and she said sure! Soo, here it is! Here is a link to the foot http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14893312
I also made a disembodied brain pincushion and here is the link for it http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14985483

Check them out!!

Interesting article on yahoo today discussing which political party is better for stockholders. You say that's easy, Republicans. Well then you really need to read this article, the answer will suprise you
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14985483

My mind has been made up for over a year on my presidential pick
www.barackobama.com . I go a lot on first instinct with people, especially candidates for office. My first impression of W... I told my mother "That man is a criminal, you just don't know what he did yet." Her response was that he was a good Christian man.

If that's a good Christian I would hate to see a bad one! I didnt care for Clinton, Bill or Hillary. McCain is way too hot tempered and unpredictable-not to mention WAY to old for a first term president. Palin-all I can say is she is truly frightening. WWAAAYYY to extreme. I think the Republicans forget that the presidency is of the whole country, not just the right wing. I like Obama and Biden. Biden was my hubbys first choice for president. I get a solid vibe from Obama. He is not looking at the election but past it at the job to be done in trying to turn the country around. Biden is a strong statesman and vastly experienced in foreign policy and knows how to get things done in Congress. That says to me he will be able to work with Congress to improve the country.

Obama strikes me as that high school teacher who taught you so much, the one who really cared about the students and learning. You know the one Im talking about. He's the one who is in your memory for the rest of your life.

That's Obama to me.

Fun crochet and knitting for Special Olympians

I was perusing etsy at lunch and I saw this posting. I love crochet and especially crochet for a good cause!

Here is the posting


LynnsLovelies.etsy.com

Just wanted to pass this along for those of you who have not seen this wonderful opportunity to 'give back!'http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Features/Special+Olympics.htmI LOVE this idea and it has a personal meaning to me. I am a Mom of a 19 yr old who has been involved in Special Olympics since elemtary school. This does make your heart sing, to know you are donating your time and talent to such a worthy cause..Go TEAM USA!!

I am the featured artist in Zappy Turtle's blog!

Sometimes I am a bit sporadic in my entries. I have to kind of be inspired to write. With all my sewing and life outside crafting, alas I neglect my readers. Ive been thinking of writing about either politics or gay marriage now I just have to decide. Besides, there have to be several bajillion blog posts about them...

I have the honor of being the featured artist in Zappy Turtle's blog today! Here is the link http://zappyturtle.blogspot.com/

She makes fun and funky items with a recyclers flair. The stuff she can do with old records, man! Check her out at http://www.zappyturtle.etsy.com/

Have a super happy friday! If you are reeeealy good, I will post Mr. Booty's stupendous turkey chili receipe tonight-stay tuned!

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Laugh, and the world laughs with you. Sneeze and it's Goodbye Seattle!" Steve Martin, Roxanne

New CPAP strap cushions to Etsy!!

I just got my new varieties of cpap cushions loaded up to etsy! I now have 23 different designs of cpap cushions! Bright and happy, simple, earthy you name it! I just got some tye dye, pink ribbons and other colors of fleece. Keep checking my shop at www.recycledbootybags.etsy.com to see my latest designs. Yes, more bags are coming, but this seems to be my current obsession LOL!

I think I have a thrift addiction!

First off, I got a new purse! Its a Coach, black with silver buckles. I think its microfiber. Goodwill-$8. This purse was probably in the neighborhood of $150 new. Crazy stuff people get rid of I swear! My poor little Fossil purse was so stained-it really needed to be replaced. Im liking this new purse a lot. I look so swanky! Little do they know it's from the thrift store! My Fossil was thrift too, I think I paid $4. Ive had it for 3 years so that figures to a $1.25 a year for a leather Fossil purse-not too shabby in any book! I always look at purses, I think a lot of women do. The pursuit of the perfect purse is an obsession for many. Thank God Im not addicted to shoes LOL!

So last week I went to one of my fav stores and found a bunch of stuff. My favorite is a fabric shower curtain. Stripes in gold, burnt orange, ivory, brown, olive and burgandy. Ive already started a bag from this. I have a ivory corduroy skirt that is destined for this pattern. Not sure what Im putting on as far as handles but Im willing to find the perfect belt to finish the bag.

Today, I hit 4 stores! Im sooooo bad! Went to a little thrift shop that is a non profit benefit for a program that helps adicts take back their lives. Found some black pants with a raised print and a pair of lilac pleather pants that look like ostrich! Next was the Salpointe Catholic thrift store (next door to the church of Scientology-go figure??) Olive jeans, a couple belts, a pair of boy scout uniform pants (destined for a water bottle holder) and several books. On from there (after taking hubby home) was the Deseret Thrift store. Boy, they've done a ton to improve the look and cleanliness of the place. Chocolate jeans, grey Abercrombie and Fitch jean skirt, mint jeans and a couple belts. Last was Goodwill. Bold black and white graphic pants, yellow green olive cords and the best thing-metalic ORANGE jeans! I now have metalic jeans in red, pink, orange, red and blue print and a orange and green print. Oh, I also went to Savers friday and found ---lime green and purple paisley pants! Very much in the category of "makes my eyes bleed."

So, for those counting-that's 5 thrift stores in 2 days. Might have an addiction but MAN its FUN!!

Wanna see what I do with them? Check www.recycledbootybags.etsy.com to see!!!

Fun Red Hawaiian Shirt Bag to Etsy and Men who should be Popsicles!

I just finished a terrific red and Hawaiian print bag. The handle is so cool! It was (in a former life) part of a McDonalds employee uniform!

Its funny how things work out sometimes...I found the jean shorts, the Hawaiian shirt and the belt all on the same trip to the thrift store! One in summer, one in mens and one in accessories. If you drew a triangle in the store these items were at the points-very far away from each other! It was karma!
Here is the link
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_2&listing_id=12685979
I dont think this one will last long so go take a look!

Ok, so for the fun part-not that my bags arent fun LOL!

Men who should be made into popsicles

1. John Cusack- Super high lickability factor. He keeps getting sexier with age. I love his intelligent and creative acting choices. Being John Malkavich-Gross Point Blank "What do you do for a living? Hired Killer. Does that come with benefits?" Say Anything "I gave her my heart and she gave me a pen"- hell, I even enjoyed him in Must Like Dogs! Needless to say, I love me some John Cusack!

2. Bruce Willis - been watching him since Moonlighting! Virile and very sexy. Not one of those anemic weak lookin guys. I bet he and Energizer have things in common...

3. Guy Fieri - Food Network hunk a bleach blond spiky haired DAMN! He is definately on the train to Popsicle town!

4. Kevin James - Puppy Dog adorable! He makes the list!

I will have to put more thought to this one...Who would make your LIST???
Talk at ya Later!
Oh, and John, Bruce, Guy and Kevin-feel free to come on over and see me sometime!

New Apron to Etsy!

I just finished the most insane apron. Its purple with lime green in ruffles around the edge. Its made from a jeans top that was too small to make a bag from, the scrap trim from some shorts and leftover ribbon. Its the Joker's and Betty Crocker's love child! Kitch meets emo punk! Gotta love it!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12586849

I had this idea driving home from work. Just kinda struck me. I got home and looked up jean apron on etsy. Of course I wasnt the first with this brainstorm. All the ones I saw were the front or back of jeans with lace sewn around the edge, the pockets- just everywhere was LACE-YUK! The lime is hand ruffled and I certify there is NO LACE on this apron! Jeans and lace-excuse me, 1976 is calling and they want their jean apron back!

Happy Fathers Day Everyone!

Bad Pants are habit forming!

I found the most wonderful/horrible pants yesterday! On mondays, Savers (oh how I love thee) has a color tag that is 99 cents. They've been running daily manager specials too. WELL, they had ladies pants for 99 CENTS! I got yet another obnoxious pair of Talbots. I swear, more times than not when I find a delish pair of ugly pants, they are either Bill Blass or Talbots. Dont know why LOL. Well, you saw the bag I made with the pair of metalic red pants with the white and blue top?? I found another pair of red metalic AND a pair of pink metalic! Talk about FUN to chop and sew!!! I also got a pair of cool cordoroys in burnt orange, olive, tan and black. I think another boho bag is called for :) Also had the inspiration to upcycle a pair of overals into an apron. I will figure it out but I think it could be way cute!

Lets see, adventures in crafting... Oh, I decided it was time to learn how to knit. So I bought this kid knitting kit. I figured that if instructions for a nine year old couldnt teach me it wasnt meant to be. Horribly ugly yarn, but you have to learn with something...

Ive been hearing about Plarn lately. I use my jean bags for grocery shopping but I am guilty of forgetting them every once in a while. Wanted to try my hand at plarn so I went grocery shopping. Came home with about 10 bags. Looked up instructions for making plarn off google and found http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/02/17/instructions-for-cutting-plastic-bags-creating-recycled-plastic-yarn/ Really easy to make! The ten bags made a piece about 12" by 4". It takes a lot of bags but still cool to try!

Something you gotta try, bake or forman grill 2 chicken breasts. Shred them into little pieces. Add the chicken, a can of rotel, a can of diced green chiles, and a can of chicken broth (lo sodium.) Simmer uncovered for about 30 min. Spoon chicken onto tortillas and munch. I could eat this every day! I usually add some Chulula or salsa. Hot but YUMMY!

Good night and good luck!

Pretty good day!

Well, I had a good day today. I love being able to say that. I sold 2 sets of cpap cushions on etsy and my difficult work situation has finally been resolved. My office is at last at peace. Finally I can get some work done! Summer is slow for every business and printing is no exception. But today, I was busy from the moment I got there until I left. There have been several times over the last month that I've pretty much had my work done by oh 9:30 in the morning, and Im there till 5. Needless to say its been stressful. I HATE being bored. Oh gawd, I even tried to get them to let me go buy bathroom cleaner. I was so bored I WANTED TO CLEAN THE BATHROOM! That my friends - is criminal bored. Im geared to go go go go, and ok, you're done with the day's work by 10 isnt fun. 14 years of retail management will do that to you.

I think things will run so much smoother now. Businesses go on and on about being a "team player." I hate sports analagies but that one holds true. If you have a team who get along well, like each other and have a common goal they all work toward, you have an effective team. When you have a team where one of the players thinks his poo dont stink and that he knows everything there is to know about the game, your team grinds to a stop. Well, my team got a shot of wd40! I think things will settle into a smooth working cycle now and I am very very thankful. I was to the point that if the situation wasnt resolved that I was done. It was the first day in a while that the bathroom wasn't my refuge from stress.

Yes, today I had a GOOD day!

Im in the Main Etsy showcase today!!

Im excited! This is the second time I've done it. It was up a couple hours and I have my first sale! YEAH! Lovely lady in WA purchased some of my CPAP cushions. This was the last of this rockin bright blue that I had so good for her!

Ive been really productive the last 2 days. I have started to sort my belts. That is no small feat let me tell you! I use them in my bags, therefore I have tons. We are talking 50 to 60 at least. I got a couple belt organizers and Ive been goin to town! So much easier if I can see what I have, then I can match up belts to bags much easier.

I also complete 12 pair of my CPAP cushions. I listed 6 pair on etsy today. They are soo cute-you gotta check em out!

What's a CPAP (crap is the most common typo LOL) you ask? Well, a CPAP is a machine that people with sleep apnea use (like me) to manage their condition. CPAP stands for continuous positive air pressure. Sleep Apnea is the condition where you stop breathing in your sleep. This can be caused by blockage in the esophogeus, large tonsils, weight, etc. I have #3 and did have #2. The cpap is a machine that blows air into your throat and lungs continuously. The positive air pressure allows the person with apnea to sleep without stopping breathing.

Apnea is a sneaky sucker. You are tired all the time. No matter how much you sleep its never enough. Me, I blamed my hubby, he snored loudly and woke me up, over and over, all through the night. I had to pee-I had a bird bladder. "I wake up to pee and he snores" was my excuse for falling asleep at meetings, at work, on the couch, at the library, in the car-I admit, sometimes DRIVING the car, while eating, at the movies, while standing in the kitchen, shower...you get the picture. Apnea makes you feel like you're sleep walking through life. Its dangerous and can kill. I finally found out that was what was going on after almost dying from a combo of severe double pneumonia and sleep apnea. If I had ignored it that night, the dr told me I would have died in my sleep. Let me tell you, the rest of the shit in our lives doesnt matter if you dont wake up.

When I was finally tested I was told I had stopped breathing 30 times in 15 minutes. The tech said it was a wonder I slept at all. No wonder I could seriously fall asleep standing and talking to customers, have my legs go out from under me and fall to the floor (happened).

Now, 3 years later and the discovery that hubbys snorring was because he also had apnea, I am happy to be here. No matter how crappy of a day Ive had at work, I woke up, its still a good day!

If you have any of the symptoms Ive talked about here, talk to your doctor. You might have sleep apnea. It can kill you, get treated :)

Cramps suck

Hi gentle readers. Im sorry I cant think of anything fun today, I have cramps. You know, I really love being a female, except for a couple days a month. Strange thing is I didnt have them as a teen. Friends would moan and groan about cramps. I thought you wus, deal. Well, nature is vengeful.

Started a few years ago. Cramps. Evil, twist your uterus into a pretzel and add salt cruelty. It only lasts the first couple days but oh gawd...can I just rip the thing out? I dont have kids, Im not gonna have kids, I dont need it! Im not using it! Alas, I hate surgery and hospitals more so I guess the naughty plumbing bits get to stay. Oh, and realized when the cramps started, another evil reared it's head. Dawned on me at work one day. Granted at the time I was a retail print shop manager and people can be really stupid, but it came to me that I hated everyone and everything. Even customers I liked pissed me off. Really, irrationally pissed off. I went home that day angry. I laid down and bawled like someone took my toys away. Hubby got home and I tearily asked him to hold me and tell me he loved me and that I wasnt worthless scum. My wonderful hubby did just that. Later when I had calmed down I figured out what it was...PMS. No, you printing geek, not pantone matching system! The other PMS, the "are you on the rag" one. I am a bitch on wheels about a week before. Thankfully I realize when its happening and am able to step back and say whoa!

Guys need to have cramps. Then and only then will the stupid rag question be forever banned and its utterance is punishable by a kick to the balls. Of course there are a couple things that help ease cramps.
1. Sex: all things are cured by a really good O
2. Pedicure: Rub my feet and let me sit in the massage chair
3. Grande Margarita: On the rocks with salt. By the time you hit the bottom all things are good
and finally
4. Percoset: Pain? Um, what's my name again?

Love to you all, all 3 of you LOL!
Oh, BTW, my new bags are up on etsy, check em out http:///www.recycledbootybags.etsy.com
Good night, I tried choice 2 yesterday, time for another number! Hmm which one??

Cool Recycle stores on Etsy

So, I was sooo bored today. I decided to put it to the Etsy critique forum that I wanted to see what cool things they were selling. So many people responded so I thank you for making my day a bit more lively!

First one had a fun name and awesome banner http://www.deerinheadlights.etsy.com
This is a brand spankin new to etsy person who uses recycled leather from old office chairs and leather couches to make wallets and other fun items. One item listed so far but for having just opened the shop TODAY I think thats terriffic!

A fun shop that uses jeans in their art is http://www.1235erin.etsy.com
Painted jeans galore in a neat style full of childlike wimsy-love it love it!

Ever wonder what to do with all that vinyl collecting dust in the basement (if you have one...) well http://www.misscourageous.etsy.com figured it out! Super cool selections of jewelery made from colored vinyl records! She also has a terrific banner and has many other fun items in her shop.

http://www.candycalamity.etsy.com is probably able to tell you many tales of "do I have to eat any more candy? I only need the wrappers!" Jewelry made from candy wrappers NEAT! I wonder though do you hit the kids up after haloween for their wrappers??? I know I would!

Last one for today is http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12254655 for the home of Undone Clothing. This photo is of a purse made from weaving TAPE MEASURES! You have a lot of patience and it does pay off-these are amazing and... strangly patriotic!

I have a ton more but I think this much eye candy is enough sweets for one evening!

Dont forget to check out MY shop at http://www.recycledbootybags.etsy.com

Well, time to start a Blog!

Hi hi! Im Christine, the happy and proud creator of Recycled Booty Bags.
Well, a bit about me...Im a graphic artist living in Southern Arizona. Im happily married with no human kids. I have 3 cats-Dexter, Molly and Magpie. My brother in law and my brother have lots of the human type so my fur children are plenty for me!
I have been a creative soul all my life. I started sewing at 8 and have always drawn, painted and done sculpture. I have been involved with model horse showing, sculpting and painting since 1997.
I am a thrift store fiend. One day I was at one of my favorite haunts and the idea came to me for using jeans to make really strong bags for shopping. I had just recently made the switch to canvas grocery bags but I didnt like how flimsy they were. I wanted something better. As I was pondering this I walked past a horrible pair of orange jeans. The idea hit me and Recycled Booty Bags were born. I found Etsy - a terrific place to buy and sell handmade items - and so I opened my shop www.recycledbootybags.etsy.com earlier this year.
My hopes are to eventually do this full time but for now I have a day job :) On my blog I'll probably talk about current things Im working on, cute kitty things, cool recipes, maaaybe a little politics (I have disliked Bush since before it was popular) movies, music, model horses, neat stuff and sellers I find on Etsy, maybe some fun guy jokes and whatever makes me go OOOHHH!