Eclectique Butterfly

So it's been a while....

2011-04-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well folks, the last few months have been really eventful! I have just not been able to keep up with everything and I apologize to my small little fan base that I have been away. So for the BIG NEWS! My family is moving home to Washington state...

We love Montana dearly, however quite frankly... the economy sucks! My husband is a CNC machinist and for almost two years now has been searching for work here and there just is none. We always thought that we chose carefully with our professions and that our skills and training would stand by us during any economic crisis. What we didn't count on was that Montana just is not manufacturing driven, hence very few jobs available in his field. And honestly, I really didn't want to move to Helena or Kalispell, where there were jobs, just to stay in Montana. I wish that I could say I make enough money to support this little family on my own, but even with Eclectique Butterfly it is just not so. So after much deliberation, many, many tears and several prayer sessions, we are headed to greener pastures!

Washington state is home for us. Roy was born and raised in Vancouver, WA and myself about an hour and a half north of there in a little town called Adna. My parents still live in the house I grew up in and I am grateful that I will be close enough to see them a few times a month especially now that they are getting older. All of Roy's family except his parents still live there and we still have so many friends there despite the fact that we haven't lived there in 13 years.

So we are Vancouver bound :) The little duplex that my WONDERFUL sister in law found for us is literally 5 minutes from the bridge to Portland, OR and all the amazing things that a large city has to offer. There are four Costco's in the area and my personal fave, Trader Joes! The shopping mall choices are staggering, from Lloyd Center, to Clackamas to Vancouver mall, ooohhh, I am going to be in shopping heaven!! Of course I am also excited to see family and friends (Dawna, margaritas, your house next Friday???) and I am super stoked about all the opportunities that this move will give us. We both have interviews next week, and if my track record for snagging every job I have ever interviewed for holds true, well then I will hopefully have a job by next Friday!

For those of you I did get to see before I leave next week, I am so grateful for that and I cherish your friendships and the times we have spent together. For those I didn't get to see (all of my Jenn's, sniff, sniff) I am so sorry, but if you are headed to Portland anytime, please give be a holler!

So for now, I am taking down my etsy shop until I can get to Vancouver get settled. I have a ton of bags that have never made it into the shop that I am hoping to get loaded once we get there. Just because I have been absent doesn't mean I haven't been sewing :) Sewing is quite therapeutic you know... I am also hoping to do some farmer's markets in Portland or Vancouver and find a few shops to sell my bags. I have some new patterns for bags and hats that I was working on prior to the decision to move and I am excited about debuting my new products!

Thanks for all the friendships and memories Montana, I will miss you :(

Jules

Newest Treasury :)

2011-01-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

Another one of my bags was featured in an Esty Treasury , Look Ma, it's new and cool again! I love the name of the treasury and she has some really cool repurposed items featured. Like this cute little lion...

and this little dish made from an old bottle...

So tell me, what have you made new again lately???

Jules

Back at it :)

2011-01-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

I've got a bit of catching up to do folks! December just flew by a little faster than I had intended and I fell behind. My darling hubby and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in December, as well as me getting sick for almost two weeks and then the holidays were upon us :)

For Christmas eve, my older son and his wife spent the night as we did a non-traditional Christmas eve dinner of Chinese food followed by Christmas breakfast in the morning. We had already decided that since times were a little lean, that we were just going to do a small gift and play the white elephant game with them. However, Roy and I were a little mischevious with a cash windfall that happened along, and bought the kids some gifts. We waited until after everyone had gone to bed and then snuck out to the living room to stash the gifts under the tree. It was wonderful to see the looks of surprise on their faces the next morning :)

New Years eve was spent pretty much the same way, hanging out with the kids and playing Loaded Questions. We highly recommend this game to anyone and everyone! We have never laughed this much playing a game with the kids!!!

So that's it for a quick catch up. I'll be back with some more soon :)

Jules

Some Christmas Funnies :)

2010-12-13T13:35:00.000-08:00

We headed out into the Gallatin National Forest on Saturday to pick out our Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It was quite comical as we got out of the car at Moser in Hyalite... I said to my son, oh look we can head up that road, or use that trail... Instead my strapping young man decides to head up... Straight UP! For the most part going up wasn't a problem until we got to an area that had not been blazed by someone else first... So picture me stuck hip deep in snow, unable to move with two dogs floating near my face wondering if I am okay and licking my face out of love and concern I'm sure, and my son behind me pushing on my arse trying to get me unstuck!! I died laughing hysterically after I was freed from the snow and we then continued tromping in another direction to find our tree :)

Now mind you, even after 6 years I can't get used to the Christmas trees available to us here in Montana. Being a Pacific Northwest girl, I grew up with the most AMAZING trees to choose from. For many years now that has been the one thing that I have refused to compromise on living here in Bozeman, until now. You know that old cartoon, "due to the economic downturn Christmas has been cancelled"? Well that's kinda what it's like at our house this year.

Not one to be deterred, I decided that Christmas should just be different this year... So we are doing white elephant gifts and making a game out of our gift giving. We are having breakfast instead of dinner, we are playing poker on Christmas eve (only for pennies!) and watching Dr. Suess' "How the Grinch stole Christmas". Now that the course has been set, I am starting to look forward to the festivities!!

Leaving you for the day with some Christmas funnies... Enjoy!

Newest Treasury :)

2010-12-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

I got an e-mail a few weeks ago that one of my bags was being featured in a treasury by Hannah with PureReflections . Her treasury is 16 ways to recycle your old jeans , which of course is right up my alley :) I love the items she has featured in this collection, from the jeans, to the ornaments and the cute little apron for little girls!

So head on over to Etsy and see what else you can find that is repurposed, upcycled or recylced!!

Cheers!

Jules

Christmas Treats :)

2010-12-08T07:29:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about Christmas is all the goodies and sweet treats that come out of the woodwork this time of year. Of course we all have our faves :) For our family it's the peanut brittle...

and the divinity...

but this year I am also going to add a new one... Chocolate and Peppermint Woopie Pies :)

You can find the recipie for these scrumptious looking woopie pies at crave indulge satisfy . I found this website (among many more) at tastespotting . This in one of the most yummy looking foodie blogs I have ever come across. It works like a comminty with people from all over contributing recipies with links to their blogs. If you have never been to tastespotting before, make sure you have a good cup of coffee and paper and pen, and settle down for a good hour or more of perusing just a little bit of what they have to offer on this site!

Cheers :)

Jules

Green Minded Fashionista :)

2010-12-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Okay so really what does this term mean? This one was a little harder for the google queen to find, so I am putting my own definition out there. Being a green minded fashionista means re-using or repurposing. This is a powerful way to impact your environment. Using existing items cuts back on emissions from the transport of goods and reduces unnecessary waste. Shop at consignment or thrift stores or even your own closet. Is there something in your closet you can spruce up by adding some retro buttons to it, or finding a gently used scarf at the thrift store that compliments that sweater perfectly? What about taking and item and completely remaking it into something different? If so then you just re-used or repurposed an item and voila, you are a green minded fashionista!

I perused the internet to bring you some inspiration to help you on your way to becoming a green minded fashionista :)

this smart little vest is made from a pair of jeans...

ties anyone??

cozy little handwarmers with flair :)

belt from recycled bike tires.... Hmm, really inventive, but smelly!

An absolutely gorgeous dress made from old shirts and dresses

With this in mind, what have you done to become a green minded fashionista?

Cheers,

Jules

Color Crush...

2010-12-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Recently I have found myself drawn to a certain color combination... Turqouise and red. So rich and vibrant, icy yet hot at the same time. I love the mix of these two colors, they are so enticing and pleasing to the eye and they just POP into your field of vision. Something about them, says "hello, I am over here!" Here's a little bit of eye candy for inspiration :)

So what's your color crush???

Cheers,

Jules

a little photo shoot :)

2010-12-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I ran over the hill to Livingston to see my gal, Jenn and have her take some photos of my bags. I LOVE how they turned out and now that my big show is over I have some time show them off! Michaela was a sport about it, the wind was blowing so strong (of course, it's Livingston right?) and it was a little chilly this day. But she made the best of it and the photos turned out amazing!! Most of these are of bags that are already in my Etsy shop , but I thought I would share them here as well :)

Don't ya think she did a great job modeling the bags??!!?? I am ever so grateful to Michaela and Jenn :) Smooches!

Cheers,

Jules

Bozeman Christmas Stroll

2010-12-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

Be a part of Downtown Bozeman’s greatest holiday tradition…the Christmas Stroll. On Sat., Dec. 4th at 4:30PM Santa Claus works his way from the Emerson Cultural Center down Main Street, singing Christmas carols and lighting the downtown holiday lights with more than 6,000 people in tow as Bozeman's annual Christmas Stroll gets people into the holiday shopping spirit. Enjoy horse drawn wagon rides, pictures with Santa Claus, the gingerbread house display, entertainment, holiday treats and much more! The fun lasts until 7:30PM and I will be right in the middle of it!!

Come and see me at the old Fantasia Tile Co on the corner of Tracy and Main (5 E Main) and check out in my bags in person :)

Happy Holidays!

Jules

Handbag vs shoulder bag?

2010-12-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

Got a question for ya'll... I want to branch out just a little from my totes and handbags but I need some opinions first :)

Currently my handbags only come with a smaller handles and unless you are a tiny person (like my model Michaela) you are unable to carry the purse over your shoulder. I want to start making them with shoulder straps, possibly adjustable ones. So please chime in and let me know if that option appeals to you more than the smaller handles!

Thanks everyone!

Jules

Custom orders :)

2010-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

As the holidays approach I thought I would let you all know that I do custom orders. I recently did a custom totebag for LoriJo at work. She wanted a LARGE totebag, one that would hold all of ther gym clothes, lunch, wallet, etc. She loves the fact that it had a pocket on the inside and one on the outside. She claims the outside one has been a lifesaver as a place to put her keys. You can see her review of this custom totebag on my Facebook Fan Page .

So if you are thinking that you want a bag with maybe your colors, your jeans or your belt, drop me a line and we can work out the details :)

Cheers,

Jules

Little Green Things...

2010-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

No I didn't loose my mind and I am not seeing little green things everywhere :) Little Green Things happens to be the name of a local business owned by Leah Boelman. She takes old vintage belts and attaches wonderful belt buckles to them. Each belt buckle is unique and done with vintage pictures from old books and magazines. Don't ya love the owl!

She also has a few that have been painted with chalkboard paint so you can have your own message on the belt buckle :)

Her switchplate covers are amazing as well. She had some at the show this past weekend with a Boy Scout theme, camping, fishing, birds and so much more. All of her designs are one of a kind, original works. She takes amazing pride in her work and she is a really neat person to chat with! She definately helped me get through the craft show when things were a little slow. Be sure to check out her shop and drop her a line. As a matter of fact, I think she is running a sale right now!

Cheers,

Jules

Upcycled, repurposed or recycled???

2010-11-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

So one of the questions that came about from the show this weekend was a disagreement on whether or not I was upcycling, repurposing or recycling the jeans that I use in my bags. Well I have to agree, that is a very good question... I was not really familiar with the term "upcycling" although I know one of my friends classifies my bags with that term. I really thought of the three terms, that recycling best fit the bill, but being the google queen that I am, I hit the internet in search of information :)

The following are definitions from Wikipedia :

Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.

Repurpose - To use or convert for use in another format or product:

Recycling involves processing used materials (waste), into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from landfilling) by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production. Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" waste hierarchy.

umbrella skirt - I can't imagine this would be very comfortable!

So the analytical part of me says that based on this information, the term "repurpose" fits what I do best. To upcylce I would need to be taking waste materials or useless products and converting them into new, better quality products. Well most of the jeans and belts that I use are still fairly new and I really wouldn't consider them "waste" products.

wallet from measuring tape, quite inventive really...

I don't think that my bags could be considered recycled as I am not reducing the consumption of fresh raw materials. I purchase brand new purse handles, purse feet and magnetic clasps for use in my bags. I also use thread and new fabric for the lining. Also just like the jeans, the bags will end up in a landfill someday.

handbag from old sweater... Love the colors!

I am a little bummed that I was thinking I was not only being crafty with my bags, but being earth conscious as well, only to find out that I am really not helping. At least in this area, I am not helping our planet. I still recycle my newspapers, I take reusable bags to the grocery store. We recycle our aluminum and metal cans. We try not to use plastic water bottles, each of us carries a metal water bottle instead. I recycle packaging, boxes and any plastic bags that come my way.

So with these thoughts in mind and the overindulgent holiday season upon us... What are you doing this holiday season to upcycle, repurpose or recylce?? Leave me a comment letting me know how you are doing your part and on December 15th 2010, I will randomly draw a name to win a free "repurposed" checkbook cover :)

Cheers,

Jules

Sucessful people fail quickly...

2010-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

This was a quote that I heard from a speaker a few years back. I have often pondered it and wondered how I could apply it to my life. After my "okay" craft show this weekend, I decided that I really wanted to research this more and take it to heart, to apply this mantra to my daily life.

I know that I have a quirky, fun and unique product. I do realize that it doesn't fit the needs of the masses. I am sure that there were things I could have done differently this past weekend, just as I am sure that some things I hit right on the head. I take comfort in the fact that I am a work in progress and as long as I learn something from this experience, I feel confident that I will push forward and find my place just as these famous people did :)

R. H. Macy - Most people are familiar with this large department store chain, but Macy didn't always have it easy. Macy started seven failed business before finally hitting big with his store in New York City.

Harland David Sanders - Perhaps better known as Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame, Sanders had a hard time selling his chicken at first. In fact, his famous secret chicken recipe was rejected 1,009 times before a restaurant accepted it.

Walt Disney - Today Disney rakes in billions from merchandise, movies and theme parks around the world, but Walt Disney himself had a bit of a rough start. He was fired by a newspaper editor because, "he lacked imagination and had no good ideas." After that, Disney started a number of businesses that didn't last too long and ended with bankruptcy and failure. He kept plugging along, however, and eventually found a recipe for success that worked.

Isaac Newton - Newton was undoubtedly a genius when it came to math, but he had some failings early on. He never did particularly well in school and when put in charge of running the family farm, he failed miserably, so poorly in fact that an uncle took charge and sent him off to Cambridge where he finally blossomed into the scholar we know today.

Orville and Wilbur Wright - These brothers battled depression and family illness before starting the bicycle shop that would lead them to experimenting with flight. After numerous attempts at creating flying machines, several years of hard work, and tons of failed prototypes, the brothers finally created a plane that could get airborne and stay there.

Oprah Winfrey - Most people know Oprah as one of the most iconic faces on TV as well as one of the richest and most successful women in the world. Oprah faced a hard road to get to that position, however, enduring a rough and often abusive childhood as well as numerous career setbacks including being fired from her job as a television reporter because she was "unfit for tv."

Lucille Ball - During her career, Ball had thirteen Emmy nominations and four wins, also earning the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors. Before starring in I Love Lucy, Ball was widely regarded as a failed actress and a B movie star. Even her drama instructors didn't feel she could make it, telling her to try another profession. She, of course, proved them all wrong.

Harrison Ford - In his first film, Ford was told by the movie execs that he simply didn't have what it takes to be a star. Today, with numerous hits under his belt, iconic portrayals of characters like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, and a career that stretches decades, Ford can proudly show that he does, in fact, have what it takes.

Charles Schultz - Schultz's Peanuts comic strip has had enduring fame, yet this cartoonist had every cartoon he submitted rejected by his high school yearbook staff. Even after high school, Schultz didn't have it easy, applying and being rejected for a position working with Walt Disney.

Stephen King -The first book by this author, the iconic thriller Carrie, received 30 rejections, finally causing King to give up and throw it in the trash. His wife fished it out and encouraged him to resubmit it, and the rest is history, with King now having hundreds of books published the distinction of being one of the best-selling authors of all time.

J. K. Rowling - Rowling may be rolling in a lot of Harry Potter dough today, but before she published the series of novels she was nearly penniless, severely depressed, divorced, trying to raise a child on her own while attending school and writing a novel. Rowling went from depending on welfare to survive to being one of the richest women in the world in a span of only five years through her hard work and determination.

Elvis Presley - As one of the best-selling artists of all time, Elvis has become a household name even years after his death. But back in 1954, Elvis was still a nobody, and Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired Elvis Presley after just one performance telling him, "You ain't goin' nowhere, son. You ought to go back to drivin' a truck."

Michael Jordan - Most people wouldn't believe that a man often lauded as the best basketball player of all time was actually cut from his high school basketball team. Luckily, Jordan didn't let this setback stop him from playing the game and he has stated, "I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

When I read these stories, I find faith that I too will one day carve out my niche. I don't ever want to or expect to gain fame and fortune as these people did, however it gives me hope. So the next time you are down, remember that sucessful people fail quickly. Learn from your mistakes and experiences, grow from what you learn and take heart that you are not the only one to have ever walked down this path before...

Cheers,

Jules

I am the winner!!

2010-11-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I NEVER enter drawings, giveaways, so on and so forth... Hence I NEVER win anything! But for some reason I stumbled upon a blog by Jensine at Scarlet Ivy Soaps and she was running a giveaway for a bar of soap. All I had to do was post what I was grateful for due to approaching Thanksgiving holiday, hit enter on my keyboard and easy peasy lemon squeezy I was entered in her drawing :)

It was a nice surprise to come home last night to find an e-mail from Jensine letting me know I had won a bar of soap! Now, I LOVE handmade soap... They smell divine and they lather so nicely... mmmm, just love it! Since our economic downturn, I don't often indulge myself with handmade soap anymore, but I still peruse all the soap shops on etsy with great frequency!

I chose the Sweet Clementine bar for my prize... (top picture) but I have to admit, I was really considering the Sweet Grass bar as well... (bottom picture)

I will definately do a product review for you all after my bar arrives, in the meantime, be sure to stop by and check out her shop :)

Cheers,

Jules

Home from the show :)

2010-11-27T18:08:00.000-08:00

I've got tired feet, some new friends and a little bit of extra cash in my pocket from my first big show. Life may finally now return to some sort of "routine"... The booth looked amazing, my husband really outdid himself with my picket fence displays and the booty bags looked so cute all lined up.

I am hoping to get into a few more shows in the next couple of weeks, the buzz on the street this weekend was that there are openings at Craftapalooza in a few weeks and also at the Livingston fairgrounds next weekend. So I will be leaving you with some pictures of the booth and a quote one of my friends posted on facebook.

"Beauty captures the attention, Creativity captures the heart and personality captures the soul." unknown

Furbaby Contest Winner :)

2010-11-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Vivian are in order!! Her little guy, Toby (aka Pig) was voted the cutest furbaby by my facebook fans! Vivan is the winner of a booty bag from my Etsy shop!!

I will be back in touch on Sunday after the big show this weekend. If you are a local and want to check out the show head on over to the fairgrounds Friday or Saturday for this 33rd annual Arts and Crafts show.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone, eat lots of turkey and pumpkin pie :)

Jules

Sola Cafe

2010-11-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back I met with Tiffany Lach at Sola Cafe about having my bags on consignment there after my big show next week. The meet was incredibly fast (the bags speak for themself in person) and I was on my way out the door with a handshake agreement and a pumpkin spice latte in 15 minutes! Not to mention that I sold a bag in the lobby before I ever got to meet with Tiffany! I am over the moon excited about my bags being on consignment there, and my decision to approach Tiffany was cemented as earlier this week she was given the Prospera Business Networks 2010 Women Entrepreneur of the Year award!! Since this article came out in the local newspaper her business has been booming even more!

If you are a local and haven't experienced Sola Cafe yet, stop by and see them at the corner of Kagy and South 3rd just down from the Museum of the Rockie. The food is funky and eclectic (like me!) but amazing and very local. Plus her pumpkin cheesecake is to die for!

Have a super Saturday :)

Jules

P.S. Thanks so much Kate for turning me on to Sola in the first place!

Breast Cancer Awareness...

2010-11-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

Not sure if you all remember that I attended an event in late October for Breast Cancer Awareness, put on by my lovely friend Brandi :) Anywho... she just sent me some photos of that night! I wish we had gotten a picture taken together, I am actually kinda bummed about that now that I think about it! The pictures were taken by Jessie and turned out super cute!

This little booth set up is usually what it looks like when I attend a farmers market. There will be lots of changes for the BIG event on Thanksgiving weekend :) Already I have so many more purses than pictured here and hoping to have even more for the event. The countdown has begun and I am really hoping that I can keep up with my self imposed expectations!!

Have a great day!

Jules

Which banner do you all think?

2010-11-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

Need some help here everyone... My first Ecelectique Banner is amazing, but very bright. I really do like it, but I thought the shop needed something more subdued so I had another one designed. Now I am really not sure!!!! So please, let me know which one you think should adorn my lovely shop :)

Number 1)

Number 2)

So speak now or forever hold your peace folks and let me know which one you like the best!

Jules

Furbaby Photos are up!!

2010-11-15T06:32:00.000-08:00

Now onto the second stage of the furbaby photo contest. The pictures are loaded onto the Eclectique Butterfly fan page and are waiting for your votes! If you don't already "like" my fan page, you will need to click "like" before you can vote for these cute fuzzy little guys :) But it's worth it to cast your vote...

May the best pet win!!

Jules

More Etsy love...

2010-11-13T05:53:00.000-08:00

I just can't get enough of Etsy... I love finding new and unique treasures around every corner and most of all I love to pamper myself which leads me to my next incredible shop find :) This shop is founded by an 18 year old college student, Caitlin. This girl has it all going on! She features some scrumptious looking cold processed vegan bath bars, dust salt soaks, linen sprays and milk bath powders. I find it amazing that she does this, keeps up with school and attends local shows with her wares. I certainly wasn't that organized at 18!

Her shop is appropriately named ReviveYourBath and this is my fave item in her shop right now :)

Be sure to stop by her shop and give her some Etsy love :)

Jules

My new sewing machine ;)

2010-11-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

I boogied out to Belgrade at lunch on Monday and picked up my new Necchi sewing machine after my trusty Singer took a nosedive on Sunday. It took me a little bit to get used to it, but it works like a dream! This baby sews through TEN layers of denim!! This machine has all the bells and whistles on it. I really like the double stitch feature and all of the decorative stitching patterns. It's super heavy duty metal instead of a plastic casing, this baby is made to last. I picked this machine out in August when I picked my Singer up from getting serviced. I got to sit down and play with several machines and this was the one that I felt would work the best for me. The shop owner had told me I was a lucky girl because the machine was on sale for $329 and I could even put it on layaway to fit my budget needs. That was all I needed to hear, where do I sign!! I was impressed that I could get such a good quality machine for that price. Funny thing is I didn't even do any research on this machine when I got home and other than making monthly payments on it, I really kinda put it out of my mind for a while.

Fast forward to this morning when I was trying to find a picture of it to post here, I just about dropped out of my chair when I found out the suggested MSRP..... $799..... I am a liitle in shock that I got a brand new, out of the box machine for less than half of MSRP!! I almost feel guilty! But seriously, the machine is amazing and I whipped through two more bags on Monday night and got four more done Tuesday night and two more on Wednesday night! I took last night off from sewing... I could barely keep my eyes open :( I am fast approaching my new revised goal of 60 booty bags by show time in a little over two weeks. I have almost every minute of my days and nights scheduled to be able to hit my goal. No goofing off for me!

Have a great day everyone ;)

Jules

Madison... finally :)

2010-11-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

I swear I have the worst luck trying to get a photo of this one! She is so antsy and NEVER sits still when you want her to. She has this cute little prance that she does when it's dinner time or when she thinks she is going somewhere. The only time she sits still is when she is laying on the bed... which is why you all get to see my messy bed and stacks of pillows! We rescued Madison from our local shelter last March and she has truly been a wonderful dog. She fit right in with Chevy and our family, and unlike most German Shepards, she spreads her love around. If you are unsuspecting for even one second, you will be getting your face washed courtesy of Madison :)

Just a reminder, the last day to enter your precious furbaby in the contest is this Saturday the 13th at midnight! Please send your photos to eclectiquebutterfly@gmail.com and don't forget to put "Furbaby contest" in the subject line and please resize the picture so it is no larger than 1000 pixels.

Also please include your pet's name or nickname and location. This information will be included in the caption under the photo as well as the owner's first name, just trying to make it easier for your friends to vote for you!

Jules

What did you do with your extra hour today?

2010-11-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

I have heard some grumbling today about daylight savings time coming to an end. Personally I am happier than heck to have that lost hour back! I was still up at the same time this morning and feel that even though my sewing machine took a nosedive, I still got a lot accomplished :)

At first I was bummed about my machine not being in working order today... and then I realized that it's the perfect opportunity to push forward financially and pick up the Necci machine that I have had on layaway for the last few months! I have plans to pick it up tomorrow during lunch and by tomorrow night I will be back on track. I can't wait to use this baby... It sews through TEN layers of denim!!

At least this downtime gave me a day to do some stuff on the back end, answer a few e-mails, plan some blog posts, cut quite a few totebags, do some of the hand sewing on the bags and take inventory of where I am and where I need to be for my upcoming show.

I know my local gals have heard of Bequet Confections and know just how incredible their caramels are. I decided that I want to share their yummy goodness with everyone that places an order. Just another little slice of Montana ya know. I purchased an assortment so you will never know which ones will come with your purse or totebag order, but you can see all the flavors here . Every order will be getting 3-4 of these yummy candies with your bag. I hope you all like them as well as I do :)

Jules

Sharing some Etsy love :)

2010-11-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

Recently I had been on the search for a butterfly necklace that suits my style. I found an amazing handmade one on Etsy from Sandra at Glass Realm . I continually get compliments on it whenever I wear it so I thought I would share here creations with you all :) Sandra's work is beautiful and really speaks for itself. Turns out, she is also from my home state of Washington so we have a little in common :) She is truly an incredible designer and her work is top notch. I love her vintage style!!

The necklace below is one that I have had my eye on... I can't wait to do a little Christmas shopping from her Etsy store. So check out her shop and send her a little love while you are at it :)

Jules

Furbaby Contest!!

2010-11-02T23:26:00.000-07:00

We all love our little furbabie's right? They are sweet and cuddly, big and small, fluffy and furry. They lift up our spirits when we are down, give us kisses when we need them, they help us keep up our exercise routines and they are our constant companions... Our pets are such a huge part of our lives, in fact most of us consider them family members! So why not have a giveaway contest featuring our furbabies? I thought it was a great idea! Disclaimer here, honestly I didn't think this up all myself :) I have been racking my little brain trying to come up with a good giveaway contest when one of my fellow etsian's Heather , graciously let me "steal" her furbaby contest.

This is one of my fur babies, our black lab Chevy. I am working on getting a good picture of our german shepard Madison, however she is a bit camera shy :)

So are you ready for the rules and details??

You enter your cutest, funniest or favorite photo of Dino or Tiger. I'll post them all on my Facebook fan page . People will vote for their favorite photo by "liking" the photo. In the end the photo with the most votes wins! As Jenn says, "easy peasy lemon squeezy"!! So I am sure you want to know what the prize will be huh? I will be giving away one of my fabulous Booty Bags! And since each of us has our own sense of style and color the winner gets to pick their favorite Booty Bag from my etsy shop as their winning prize :) I know there are only five Booty Bags in the shop right now, but remember I have an upcoming photo shoot with Jenn and will be uploading soooo many more after that!

How to enter:

E-mail me a photo of your furbaby to eclectiquebutterfly@gmail.com with Furbaby Contest as the subject line. Please resize the picture so it is no larger than 1000 pixels.

Please include your pet's name or nickname and location. This information will be included in the caption under the photo as well as the owner's first name, just trying to make it easier for your friends to vote for you!

Deadline to enter your photos is midnight on Saturday, November 13, 2010. The photos will be uploaded to my Facebook fan page in the album "Furbaby Contest".

Details:

Voting will begin on Monday, November 15, 2010 and run until Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at midnight. Winner will be announced on Thanksgiving Day :)

Once all the photos are up, share the album with all your Facebook friends and encourage them to vote for YOUR furbaby by liking his or her individual photo. A person will need to "like" my fan page before they can "like" individual photos. In keeping with Facebook's Terms of Use, "Liking" my fan page is NOT a requirement to enter, it is only required if you want to vote in the contest.

Rules:

By entering this contest, you agree to comply with the following rules :

This contest is only open to residents of the USA or Canada. If the winner does not have a mailing address in either of those countries, the prize will go to the entry with the next highest amount of votes.

This contest is open to FUR babies. This means the pet must have FUR or HAIR or be FUZZY! I don't want to see pictures of your pet snake Henry or your Siamese fighting fish... It's not that I don't like those kinds of pets, we are just looking for the furry ones this time around, sorry!

One entry per person per pet, to a maximum of THREE total entries per person. In other words, if you have 10 furry little critters, you can only send me pictures of 3 of them. Pets in Heaven count too. If you beloved pet is no longer with us, please feel free to enter him or her into the contest, after all they are still your furbaby :)

This is a cute pet contest, not a photography contest. The picture does not need to be taken you. It could have been snapped by the hubby, the kids or your sister at the last family gathering. What matters is that your pet is adorable and you are the owner.

Prize:

Prize will be accepted AS IS, no substitutions or cash allowance. Winner will be responsible for all duties and taxes. This applies to Canadian residents only and it's not likely you will be charged as the package will be marked as "gift".

Winner will get to pick ONE BOOTY BAG from my Etsy shop :) The Booty Bags are all one of a kind and very unique. Because we each have our own sense of style and color, I will be allowing the winner to handpick their prize from my shop. And have no fear, even though there are only five Booty Bags in the shop right now, I have several more that will be uploaded after my photo shoot within the next week. The Booty Bags retail at $42 and will be an ongoing topic of discussion and source of compliments!

So hurry up and get those photos entered! I can't wait to see all of your pets!!

Jules

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

I must be getting old... I used to LOVE Halloween and all the festivities that led up to it, trips to the pumpkin patch, making apple cider, finding costumes for the kids, decorating the house and carving pumpkins... Even though the kids are all grown up, I would still do some of this stuff each year... Oh well, there is always next year huh?

So I am a hunting widow today, trying to decide what to make the guys for dinner and when to drive to town and get MORE Halloween candy. Yes that's right... more candy. For some reason I believe that candy thieves came in the night and spirited away the stash I had for trick or treaters tonight. Hmmm... I wonder who the culprits could be?

Been sewing a lot lately and hoping to get at least 6 to 7 bags completed today for the upcoming event on Thanksgiving weekend. I have so many ideas swirling through my head that trying to decide what to do first is a little overwhelming! Roy went out the other day and got me some great raw materials for my booth space. It's going to be amazing with aspen trees, pickets fences, twinkling lights and lovely little butterflies. It's going to be almost like a little woodland fairy land with my bags hanging everywhere! I hope all you locals can stop by and see me that weekend.

Enough for now, I need to get back to the sewing machine, but have fun this Halloween and be safe tonight with the kiddos :)

Jules

Breast Cancer Awareness...

2010-10-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

So we all know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so I want to take a minute to talk about something a little near and dear to me. I have people in my family affected by this disease and although it is one of the more curable cancers, it can be very devastating... My Aunt JoAnn suffered from this disease many years ago and ended up with a double masectomy. My great grandmother on my Mom's side passed away from breast cancer. I myself had a little scare two years ago and although they watch the lump in my breast carefully for changes, I feel as if I have a ticking time bomb in my chest...

I feel it's so important for women (and men) to be educated about breast cancer and show their support for the women, men and families that have endured or conquered this disease. My wonderful and amazing, friend Brandi has put together a Breast Cancer Awareness Night at the Homewood Suites here in Bozeman on Friday the 29th from 7:00 to 9:00. She has local vendors involved (myself included) and some great giveaways for the guests. Homewood Suites by Hilton has donated a “Girls” Weekend package for two to be raffled off as well as Bridger Crossfit has also donated gift certificates for FREE one month memberships.

She has also arranged for some fun treats for us to nosh on through the night. So come on out, shop, support, enter and win some of those great prizes!

Eclectique Butterfly will be pledging 20% of sales to our local Cancer Support Community and I will be donating a special totebag for one of the prizes that night. I hope to see everyone from the Bozeman community come out Friday night and show your support!

Where did the month go?

2010-10-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else realize that it's less than TWO MONTHS TIL CHRISTMAS??? Where did the month go? I just can't believe that time is just flying by. Well that is what happens when you work a "real job" and try to launch a business at the same time. I just feel a little overwhelmed trying to keep up with all the details of life, and a new business at the same time. I sometimes wish there were just a few more hours in each day to get things accomplished, like taking pictures of product, sewing more bags, marketing, getting my display done... oh the list goes on forever! Officially right now my list is 3 pages long...  My mom, bless her heart is here visiting and helping and asked me if I needed to get that whole list accomplished while she was here.  I swear she held her breath when she asked the question! I think she was very relieved to find out that my list needs to get accomplished over the next month, and not in the next 5 days!

I have so much to share, and I am not sure where to start, so I am just going to blurt out the thing that comes to mind first...

I turned down the wholesale contract at Murdochs. Sad I know, however with the price they were willing to give me and the cost of the raw materials, I really didn't feel as if I was doing myself any favors.  I may revisit this in the spring once I get some other things in line, I may not. We will just have to see how it goes...

I got into the Help Center's 33rd Annual Festival of the Arts !! It's Thanksgiving weekend at the fairgrounds here in Bozeman and I just can't wait! Well I can, I just hope I am really ready for it by the time it get's here. I want to have 100 (yes that's 100) booty bags done and maybe 40 or so totebags ready for the show. I have been planning and scheming on how to get that many done, as well as planning my booth display. I have some really cool ideas for my booth and I meet tomorrow with my friend Brandi to talk about how to make it all come together!!

I sold two bags at Capelli's last month, woot woot ;)  I also talked to Nicole at All things Italian today about a possible consignment gig, and got in touch with Sola Cafe about consignment as well.

I set up a photo shoot with my trusty gal Jenn Claar for my bags :) I even have a couple of models lined up! Her daughter Michaela and Anna's daughter Erin are going to graciously model my booty bags and tote bags for my etsy site! I am so excited, but it's so hard to wait! Jenn is on a trip to New York right now and won't be home til Saturday so the soonest we can get this accomplished is next week sometime. I know how important it is to have great photos of your work and I know that Jenn will do an amazing job for me as always.  Honestly the photography is something I have been struggling with for a while now. It's easy to take pictures of kids, people, animals and scenery, but an inanimate object? You would think it to be super easy, but when it's the focal point and you know it NEEDS to make a great impression (as opposed to a so so one) it is a little scary in my book! So I am turning that over to the pro's and letting Jenn handle it!

I do have a couple of photos that I can share. I took pictures of 7 bags on Friday and honestly, these were the only pics that were good enough to share! See what I mean?

Well folks, that's all for now... Got to get back to the sewing machine!

I'm in my first Treasury!!

2010-10-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to be chosen for a Treasury and for all my years of selling scrapbook items and jewelry on Etsy before, it never happened. Within hours of posting my booty bags on Etsy last night I landed my first Treasury :) Doing a huge happy dance here!!

Theresa with Paint Impressions featured one of my booty bags in a Treasury called Sing-the-blues along with some other amazing handmade artists. I think I love the little tree sparrow and the silk oragami butterfly the best :)

I think I am finally happy with my blog (for now) anyway. Who knows when the whim will hit me to change it again :) Alrighty then, I am off to sew some more!

Jules

Monday's over :)

2010-10-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

Someone please tell me why I thought it would be a good idea to change my blogger template tonight? All because I wanted "something new". Well I am not sure if I like the new look or not, I'll betcha I change it again soon :)

I did make it outside with the camera this morning for new pictures of the booty bags! I love these bags :) Each one has such character and charm. Hmmm, I wonder what those jeans could tell us if they could talk! Every one of them is an original and these pictures are just the tip of the ice berg my friends! I have already sold around 25 of these handbags locally and to a few friends in WY and WA and have at least that many more in various stages of the design process. Right now, it's just these three that have actually made it from the beginning to the end and finally onto my etsy shop.

Too see all of the pictures head on over to my Facebook fan page or to my Etsy shop

Have a great night every one :)

Jules

Good intentions...

2010-10-03T21:31:00.000-07:00

So I really did have intentions of getting my booty bags photographed and listed on Etsy. Something otherwise known as "life" kinda got in the way... Got up early, had that first cup of coffee with my favorite pumpkin spice creamer, then on to my "real" job. I spent a couple of hours stuffing statements for Absaroka and remoting in on the computer for some work details, and that's when my well laid plans for the day went by the wayside.

As I am working on the computer, Roy and the dogs jumped on the bed next to the computer desk and proceeding in causing such a distraction that I truly couldn't get anything done. Finally when I could take the badgering no longer, I agreed to go for a hike with them. I went mainly because this week the dogs have been driving me insane and I knew they needed a good exercise run. Four hours later we are just coming back up the canyon and stop for lunch before heading home. While driving home Brad calls... "Whatcha doing? Can Tasha come play?" Beings that even though Tasha is of the canine variety, she is still the only grandpup I have and therefore cannot say no. Of course the bonus is that I get to see the kids as well. So Brad and Sara hang out all afternoon and then we see a commercial for Kentucky Fried and well now guess what? Yep, we head to KFC for dinner!

By the time I finally got home and downloaded the new pictures I had taken today of the totes AND the booty bags, I discover that I had really rushed the booty bag pictures and they didn't turn out very well. Of course it's dark by this time and my window of opportunity is over for the day... sigh... Hence no booty bag pictures, no booty bag listings on etsy and sadly I have to work all day tomorrow and the light will again be gone by the time I get home... Unless I can take some in the morning, but I am not promising anything!

Hope everyone has a good work week :)

Jules

It's finally launch day!

2010-10-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

I DID IT!!! Eclectique Butterfly is my new shop home :) For tonight I only have totebags listed but look for booty bags to be listed tomorrow! Stop by and see me soon...

Jules

It's getting closer!

2010-09-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

I have been sewing like a mad woman lately. Just picture this, a crazy woman with wild curly hair hunched over her sewing table, thimble on her finger as she whip stitches the bottoms of booty bags in place. Post it notes lay everywhere and she has a pen behind her ear for easy access in case she has a brainstorm idea that she needs to jot down (cause it's likely that she will forget what she just thought of in 30 seconds!) Visions of fabric patterns, color ideas and which thrift shop she hasn't been to in the last 10 days float around her head as she pins a liner into a booty bag... That is what my life has been filled with lately :)

It's good though and I am excited to launch my etsy shop..... THIS SATURDAY!!!!

So enough for now, cause I have work to do, I can't be seen here slacking off now can I?

Jules

Really have to get my behind in gear!

2010-09-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Things have been crazy here since I got home. I was suffering from an extreme lack of sleep and other than work my "real" job and sleep I did nothing for about 4 days after getting home. I finally got to my sewing machine on Sunday, and sadly did not get enough accomplished. Same goes for this week on Monday and Tuesday, I am getting nothing done! Well I am getting a lot done, just not what I want to get done :)

My darling hubby, Roy is now finally among the ranks of the employed! He started work yesterday for the Hail King and will be learning how to remove hail dents from vehicles. This is a dream job for him, other than the fact that he will be traveling quite a bit, however the money will be worth it.

So obviously I didn't launch my Etsy site on Sunday. I feel so bad that I put that date out there and then with my trip was unable to deliver... Forgive me? So now I am not going to give a date and surprise you all when it happens. Which hopefully will be very, very soon if I can get life in general to comply with my schedule!

Have a great Wednesday!

Jules

Has it really been 25 years???

2010-09-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

Wow, this is so surreal being home in Adna for my 25 year class reunion! I was just home a year ago, but it really seems like things have changed since I was here last, or maybe I am just seeing them through new eyes as I remember what things were like 25 years ago :)

We had a smaller turnout than I would have like for the renuion, I missed Peggy, Becky and Becky, Tammy, Chad, Tom, Marcie, Tryna and so many more. But I did get to see several people that I hadn't seen in years including my old sixth grade teacher, Bob Fay! And it really was so good to catch up with the people that did make it. We all met before the game for the tailgate party and then stayed for the game (sadly Adna lost) and then over to McMenamins for drinks and catching up. I also ran into my cousin Dan, his wife Krista and my Aunt Gail as they were there for the Napavine team. Yes they rubbed it in a little after the game :) I am meeting up with Jeanice and Nicole tonight for coffee and going to hang out with my gal Jules tomorrow and then she is taking me to the airport tomorrow night.

Jules and I went shopping yesterday and we were both carrying our purses and at two shops we got some exhuberant compliments on them so I was quick to hand out my business card! My meet with Laura at Murdochs went well. I need to get back to her next week with some more samples as sadly by the time I had seen her I only had THREE purses left from my initial sewing spree! Good and bad as the ones I had were not the best representation of my work. So I will get her some new ones after I get back and then hopefully I will get the go ahead for the first six purses in the Bozeman test market. If that goes well, then she will order for all five stores :) Doing a little happy dance here!

I am still on board to launch my new etsy store on the 19th and I am getting super excited! I just need to sew up a storm after I get back from Adna to have some product to load into the store. I will have nothing but time on my hands though because as soon as I get back my guys are heading off to the backcountry for fall bear hunting. Brad and Roy are heading out Wednesday morning and unless they get a bear right away, won't be back until Sunday. They are a little concerned as there is fresh snow in the mountains now and I know they were hoping for warmer fall weather this early in the season, but mother nature obviously has other plans.

Off to town today to Jeremy's to pick up stuff for salsa making. Planning on canning tomorrow morning and then having Mom and Dad bring it over next month when they come for hunting season.

And last but certainly not least I want to share something very near and dear to me. It was soo good to see everyone last night, but one really stuck out for me. I ran into Kim Stafford (couldn't tell you what her married name is) and she said that life is too short to not tell people what they mean to each other. She went on to tell me that I had made a huge impact in her life in high school. That if it wasn't for me convincing her to try out for cheerleading that she would have never tried out and continued to be a book worm. She said that cheerleading was the best thing that happened to her, that it brought her out of her shell and gave her more confidence and she actually went on to cheer in college and ultimately sent her on her career path of teaching, something she enjoys immensely. All of this because I encouraged her to try out for cheerleading... WOW... I was stunned, I barely even rememer those conversations with her but to know what an impact I made in her life is really humbling. So, it just goes to show you, always be kind and encouraging because you never know how far your words are going to take that other person!

That's all for now, will probably post again once I am home! Have a great weekend everyone :)

Jules

Is it really September?

2010-09-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Where on earth did summer go? It even already feels like fall in the air as it has been rainy and cloudy here for days. I hope that the weather man is right and it warms up this weekend, I really need a good camping trip to top off the summer!

So the open house.... Well I would like to say that it went wonderfully and was super busy, but alas it was not to be. It went smoothly enough and I learned a great deal from it and I did make some sales and one really great connection, so from that respect I feel that it was profitable enough :)

The farmer's market on Saturday was my best ever and it felt good, real good if you know what I mean! Then I zipped downtown to meet my friend Michelle for lunch at Starkey's and had a blast watching the rain while catching up on girl talk.

This morning I was up early and out the door to Capelli's and had my hair cut by Sherry and dropped off seven bags for consignment!! I am hopeful that they do well there, I guess I will just have to be patient and see what happens this next month.

I still haven't met with Laura from Murdoch's yet. We have rescheduled a couple of times and I think we finally have a date that will work for both of us, next Thursday the 9th at noon! Wish me luck everyone, this could be the big one!!

I also applied for a juried arts and crafts fair put on by our local Help Center. It's Thanksgiving weekend at our fairgrounds for two days. I won't know if I was approved until the first week of October. It's a good thing I have plenty to do between now and then to keep myself busy and my mind off it!!

I also finally have a launch date for my Etsy shop! I will be loading purses, totebags and checkbook covers into my Etsy shop on September 19th!! After my sucessful market last Saturday and dropping off items at Capelli's, I don't have anything left! And with me being gone camping this weekend, and in WA state next weekend for my 25 year (gasp) class reunion, I will have not time until then to get my Etsy shop set up.

That's all for now folks.

Jules

Super EXCITED!!!!

2010-08-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

I just got word this morning that Capelli's Salon here in Bozeman will be carrying my purses on consignment!! It was so hard to contain myself when I got the phone call :) I also have a meet with the clothing buyer at Murdochs Ranch Store scheduled for later this week for a possible wholesale deal. I can't believe this is happening so fast!

Spent the better part of yesterday sewing new tote bags with some great new fabrics that I had picked up at some local quilt shops last week. They are a little different (a bit more wild) than my normal paisley design, but I do love how the bags are turning out.

I have a good handle on my Etsy store policies and appearance, now I just need to get some purses listed. I don't want to do that until after the open house on Friday night though because I don't want to have to take anything down that may sell at the open house. So hoping that SOON I can list some items!

Happy Monday!

Jules

Thanks!!

2010-08-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

Within hours of posting a link from my blog to facebook last night I was getting an order for two purses!  And I don't even have my Etsy shop set up yet!! Gotta love how the web reaches so far :)

So today I should be sewing, but I am on the laptop making final proof changes to my new Etsy header, setting up my shop policies and figuring out shipping prices and policies. I am excited to finally launch Eclectique Butterfly, but first I want to touch a little on me and why I am doing this for all of you that don't know me all that well yet, or know this part of me...

I have always been the "crafty one". My mom swears she doesn't know where I get if from, but secretly I know I take after my dad, we just express our craftiness in different ways. Some things I do get from her, as she is the one that sat me down at a sewing machine when I was just a little girl (although we fought like crazy about it then!) The rest of this comes from my desire to recycle. If something is still usable, I can't stand to throw it away. It makes me crazy to think of all the stuff that ends up in land fills that could have been re-used or recycled.   I feel responsibility to make sure our planet is still "green" for our future generations. I feel such great pride that I am doing all that I can to help our planet and keep my "footprint" as small as possible.

So when I decided that I wanted to launch a home based business, I felt that it should reflect my inner cores, such as my craftiness and my desire to recylce. I challenged myself to think of a home based business that I could incorporate and blend these two ideals. I came up with several that sounded appealing, but none of them seemed to blend these two pieces of me "just perfectly" if you know what I mean. Eventually the lightbulb moment came from a store bought gift that my husband got me over three years ago. It was a purse made to look like a pair of jeans complete with a belt and cute handle. I got compliments on that purse everywhere I went and invariably someone would ask if I had made the purse. I thought to myself, why not see if you can take a pair of old jeans and recycle them into a purse like Roy had gotten me. That first one was tough I tell you! It was hard to cut the flare down in the hip part of the jean and make the shape look right. And sewing in the bottom of the purse? Whew, that was a bear, but thankfully I can say that has gotten a whole lot easier with practice. The end result was a super cute purse with a lot of character that came from the jeans and belt themselves.

The next thought of course was, what do I do with the rest of the material left over from making a purse from the "booty" part of the jean.  Being a good recycler, you always use whatever you can, and that is how my totebags were born...

I used the leg part of the jean to make the tote bag. The seam you see at the top of the bag is actually the cuff of the jean. Like the "booty bags" they are completely lined and have a double pocket on the inside for your keys and cell phone as well as the pocket on the front of the bag. They are roomy enough to throw a book, bottle of water and your lunch it it as you head out the door to work. I have one gal that uses hers daily as her purse. It warms my heart to think that my efforts to recycle and re-use are making an impact in other's lives, whether it be a more consious awareness about recycling or because the cute, funky creation is a fashion statement for them :)

Enough for now... hopefully my next post will launch my new store!

Jules

Whew!

2010-08-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

Things have been insane around here! So far I have done two farmer's markets with some sucess. I think each one of them taught me something different. I do feel that it is important to learn and grow from your experiences and I am grateful to have those "inital" lessons under my belt so to speak.

I had a little hitch in my well thought out and organized life when I came down with a flu bug last weekend, but as of last night I am getting back on track with my timeline for our open house next week! If you haven't seen this on facebook yet, well then get all those pertinent, oh so needed details here :)

What:   What Women Want (and of course need!) Open House

When:   Friday August 27th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Where: 158 N Pheasant Dr in Hyalite Foothills Bozeman

Who:    Elizabeth Wickland with Mary Kay,
             Kristin Horgan with Norwex,
             Jessica Sumner with Mia Bella Candles
             and Your Own Personal Scrapbooker
             and myself with Eclectique Butterfly

What: Products, demos, food, drinks, prize drawings and fun!

This all started when some of us got together and said, let's have an open house. It has really become about helping other women promote our home based businesses. I have to say everyone I talk to about this event is excited about it. They can't wait to see what we have to offer and are hopping up and down about the chance to win some of our cool prizes! Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and I hope to see you there!

And finally.... I know that you all have been dying to see what I have been doing at my sewing machine for the last month or so.....

The front view of my new upcycled handbags

The back view of the handbag

The inside liner

What you can't see from these pictures is that the bag has a nice flat bottom on it made out of heavy chipboard covered in denim and pieced into the bag. I have added purse feet to the bottoms as well for extra protection from scuffing and wear. It also adds a lot of stability to the bag. Each purse has a magnetic clasp and has a double pocket in the inside liner (look carefully at the bottom of the last picture to see it). All the pockets on the outsides are still fully functional and the only problem you will have is finding your keys or cell phone if you are like me and forget which pocket you put them in! They are really roomy, I can get my wallet, checkbook, sunglasses and at least a dozen other important things thrown into my purse and still have a little room. Everything is very nicely color coordinated and they are all "one of a kind" bags. You will NEVER run across someone else with a purse exactly like yours again :) I will be setting up my Etsy shop in the next few days so look for the link here when I am all done.

Okay that's enough for now, so much to do and so little time. But do drop me a line and let me know what you think of my new venture. I would love to hear from you all :)

Jules

P.S. Thanks so much to my gal Jenn C who took my photos for me!

Sweet!!

2010-08-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

My purse party on Tuesday night went fantastically smooth :) I had a great time with Stephs friends, enjoyed some yummy food and mimosa's all while chatting it up and selling some purses. I thought it went great for my first party. I had a few giveaways, a gift certificate, a totebag and a Mia Bella candle courtesy of my gal Jessica :) I felt I had a great response to the purses and it really encouraged me about selling at the farmer's market as well. Life just couldn't be any better than that for a self made business woman!

Roy dropped of my sewing machine to be serviced yesterday and it's already done so I need to pick it up this afternoon and whip out a few checkbook covers and maybe zip up another tote bag or two. I really want to keep my designs limited to these three basic designs, the booty bag, the tote bag and checkbook covers. They are all different price points and three great products to suit anyone's needs.

I am headed to the farmer's market tomorrow and I am hoping the weather holds. According to http://www.wunderground.com/ we are in for some thunder storms with chance of large hail... Yikes! We have enough hail damage after the last storm at the end of June, I really would not like to see any more golf ball sized hail for quite a while. After the farmer's market, who knows what I will end up doing. I am definately going to try and get some "me" time as well as some couples time with Roy this weekend before I head into the next big push for purses and of course my regular day job. Plus my friend Lisa is up at the lake and I want to get over to see her for a hike.

So what about everyone else? What are your plans?

Is it really August already??

2010-08-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure I don't remember much about July, I think it came and went without me really noticing it at all... Other than the weather finally warmed up :)

Tomorrow night is my first purse party for Eclectique Butterfly! I am so stinking excited, I just can't wait to see everyone, drink some mimosas, eat some yummy food and have some fun. I will be giving away a tote bag, a checkbook cover and a gift certificate for $20 off one of my unique handbags. I am so grateful that Steph offer her house for my party and I hope to book some more parties after this one.

Happy Monday everyone!!

Open House...

2010-07-31T17:45:00.000-07:00

So I just spent the afternoon with Elizabeth and Jessica preparing invitations to our upcoming open house, What Women Want. This is something that we have talked about various times over the past year and just could never make it happen, well I am excited to say that it is FINALLY HAPPENING!!! This is going to be an incredible open house featuring products from our home based businesses. These are all products that of course every woman wants, from makeup and fragrance, to purses, candles, organic cleaning supplies and personal scrapbooks for every milestone in life. Elizabeth will be there with Mary Kay, Kristin with Norwex, Jessica with Mia Bella Candles and Your Own Personal Scrapbooker and myself with Eclectique Butterfly.

We will be giving away some incredible prizes, having some amazing food and spending the night having a blast with friends and family. So if you are a local gal pencil this date, Friday August 27th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on your calendar to come join us. I will be hosting this event at my home, so give me a shout or e-mail me if you need directions.

I love each of these women dearly and I just can't wait for this open house. They each have great home business and are amazing business women. I admire their business sense and value what they have to offer women because of their businesses. I had coffee with Elizabeth the other morning as we had a planning session for our open house and she said something very profound to me. She loves her business because she loves to serve other women. That sentence just really struck me and really make me aspire to be more like her in that business aspect. I want to fill that need for women that want to have a cute, funky and original purse that gets compliments wherever they go.

I will keep you all posted on more of the details as we get closer to the open house and don't forget to mark August 27th on your calendars!!

crazy busy....

2010-07-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

Why is it that summer seems to fly by? Here in Montana we wait so long for summer to get here and when it does, it just seems that it's gone before you blink. I can't believe that summer is half over basically and I don't even have a tan yet!

Well of course I don't have a tan because I have sitting at my sewing machine for the last several weeks. I have been busy creating with something other than paper and ribbon :) Most of you know my that scrapbooking has been my love affair for quite a long time, several years in fact. From having my own store to having the online kit club Sweet Pea Scraps, I have been involved in the scrapping community for over 15 years in one way or another. It's not that scrapping isn't important to me anymore, I am sure I will pick it up again as soon as Brad and Sara provide me with a grandchild, but for now I am having a lot of fun playing with different mediums over the past year. And I found one.....

I have been making the cutest purses made from recylced jeans. I take the "booty" part of the jean and re-work it a little, add a lining with pockets along with a handle and belt and viola! A new use for those old jeans is born. I so wish that I had a picture to post now, but alas my camera is broken. I am hoping to have a friend help me out in that department this weekend though so I can show you all what they look like.

My dear friend Steph has given me a wonderful idea for a selling platform. She offered to have a purse party for me and hence Eclectique Butterfly was born. She is having my first purse party for me next week and I am SOOOO excited! I can't wait to see how my first party goes... Wish me luck ladies!

Discovering, creating and more...

2010-07-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

Does one ever truly find oneself? I believe that after 43 years of soul searching I finally have. I hope that you will join me on this journey as I discover more about myself and who I am as a creator, designer, artist, a photographer, a wife, a mother, a friend and more. I hope that through this wonderful blog I will emerge as a beautiful butterfly, touching my wings to the sky as I take flight on this crazy adventure called LIFE.

Over the past year I have woven a cocoon around me, protecting me, guarding me as I traveled through the year in a daze. I was truly wandering, no purpose or direction. To be blunt, it was the best and the worst year of my life. With the closure of Sweet Pea Scraps, I took a sabbatical from the internet, no e-mail, no blogging, nothing in my Etsy shops, I totally and completely turned my back on anything and everything related to the world wide web. This allowed me a great deal of time to internalize and analyze my life and it's purpose. Who am I, where am I and most importantly where the heck am I going? For the first time in my life, my health was failing me and I was struggling to come to terms with what that meant to me. I was feeling as if the world had turned against me and I was desparate to get my life figured out. In times of desparation, you often find out what you are truly made of. So I turned inward and started searching for what really, I mean really makes me tick. And what I found was this...

I am a creative person. Life is not the same for me if I am not creating something. I am an eclectic person. I enjoy funky styles, cool fabrics, bold colors, shabby chic and and anything vintage. I LOVE to create. It doesn't matter what it is, it could be a super cute purse from an old pair of jeans, a thank you card, a new recipie in the kitchen or arranging a boquet of flowers. I just love the process of creating, seeing the vision coming to life. Joy happens and my heart soars when I create. I love to putz around in the kitchen, I hardly ever follow a recipie as I sometimes feel following a recipie is too restrictive. It's so much funner to add a bit of this and a bit of that and see how it turns out. I love to read historical romance novels, and anything about vampires, polar opposite huh? I have loved butterflies since I was a little girl and I desperately want a butterfly tattoo on my right shoulder. I am still a work in progress. Random, yes I know, but that makes me eclectic.

And so Eclectique Butterfly is born... Exactly what is Eclectique Butterfly? Watch and see as I emerge from my chrysallis and create myself and share my life and creations with you.