"Facebook Fan" GiveAway.

We are having a drawing for a "Felted Flower Brooch" for all of our Facebook Fans. To enter the drawing all you have to do become a fan of Bette's Bags on Facebook then tell all of your Facebook friends who might be interested in our bags about us via the "Suggest to Friends" link located under our Bette's Bag Pink Purse Logo (upper left corner of page). Post a message on our fan page to tell us the number friends you've shared us with. We'll pick the winner by random drawing on Friday, January 29th! (And possibly another winner who has told the most friends about us.)

Approx.size is 5" with Pin Back and felted leaves .

Winner will receive a Felted Flower Brooch (valued at $27.00) of your choice out of our selection.

Want to play??

Nothing can replace them!

The last time we chatted I was "indulging" in yards and yards of new fabric. So much fabric that I was drunk with creativity. It was heaven in the sewing studio. New designs were being tested, fabric combination's were being selected,  Birds were singing, butterflies were fluttering, stars were sparkling.....Life was good! UNTIL...both of the girls (my sewing machines) had health issues. "Sophia Serger" was run down, worn out and needed a complete physical including tune-up, oiling and new blade. "Connie Conventional"...well, she just STOPPED.DEAD.IN.HER.TRACKS! Poor girl needed major surgery. She was suffering from a jammed hand wheel, blocked presser foot and her bobbin was in knots. Oh, Lordy...This is serious! I was so upset. I needed to act fast to save them. Thank goodness for our local "Sewing Machine Emergency Room". They took them both in with out waiting. Their conditions were serious; serious enough that they'd have to be "in-patients" for a few of days. So I left them both sitting side-by-side (on the floor)in the good doctor's hands and drove home.
It "felt" so odd to be without them. I spend hours with them each and every day. Who would I spend my evenings with now?? What would I find to do with my hands? What can I do to help me get through the days with out them?

 Nothing can replace my girls.....

or so I thought!
New Felted Crocheted "Flora" Brooches. 
Coming soon to Bette's Bags.

Fabric Intoxication!!!!

I am surrounded by yards and yards of new fabrics just waiting to be transformed into a Bette's Bag. I am "under the influence" of the colors, textures, and prints. I'm giggly at the mess I've gotten myself into. The volume of new bag designs is my head is "staggering". Where so I start? Which way do I go? My creativity is “bubbling over” with so many new bags that it’s all becoming a "blur".   Who knew “too much of a good thing” could cause me to suffer from…

Fabric Intoxication.

It was an Honor!

Just before Christmas I was contacted by a "Ghost from SUMMERS Past".  Actually, NOT a ghost but Missy, who as a teenager was a life guard at our pool club about 13 years ago. She was scanning "Bette's Bags" website and was wondering if we could make a special bag for her. She wanted to give her sister-in-law an extra special gift in honor of her husband's, Missy's brother, Military service. He is about to be deployed once again and she thought a "Military" bag would be a perfect gift.  I thought it was such a clever idea and was excited to get started. The bag she selected was a Medium Moon Bag but she wanted it made out of same digital camo fabric as her brother's uniform.   Luckily... Mr. Bette's Bags is a military buff and actually collects old antique uniforms, patches and fabrics. He knew of a source where I could order the same authentic fabric and HE place the order for me. (Seems he ordered a couple of items for himself, too. Didn't realize he would charge me a Finders Fee. Oh well, it was worth it.)
Once the fabric was received I was determined to finish the bag quickly and here's what the finish bag looks like. Missy also selected the "Yellow Ribbon" for  her  sister-in-law's bag.  I'm very proud of how it turned out; but I am even more proud to have played such a small part in honoring not only the Man in Service but the woman behind the man.
What a wonderful way for Missy to celebrate her love for her brother and his wife; obviously she is very proud of both of them.

Wow! What an Honor!

On Friday,December 18th the following was posted on the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market Blog:

And the Winner is ...
Remember when you filled out those surveys awhile back and the second-to-last question asked you to share with us your favorite vendor from 2009? Well, we have a winner! It was a close count, but ...
CONGRATULATIONS BETTE'S BAGS!
Your fellow artists and crafters voted you as their favorite Ballston Arts & Crafts vendor for 2009! As promised, you will receive a free day at the Market!

We were so surprised and Honored!!! And so very grateful!!!
Thank you guys! Can't wait to see everyone again next season!

Now what will I do???

For the last six out of seven weekends we've had shows (Took Thanksgiving off) and now we're done for the year. What in the world will I do to fill up my time???? Well, designing, sewing and knitting to replace all of the bags, wallets, key chains, tissue holders, hats, neck-warmers and fingerless mittens that were purchased by our wonderful customers as gifts for their loved ones!!!
We've been so very fortunate this Holiday shopping season. Most (and I do mean MOST) of our items have been purchased and are now on their way to their new homes.
I want to Thank each of you who have been so supportive of Bette's Bags not only this shopping season but over the past years. I treasure and appreciate all of the kind words so many of you have shared with me regarding the quality and uniqueness of our work. Your acknowledgment and appreciation is not only valued but it encourages me to continue to design and construct the highest quality and most unique items as possible.
We look forward to what the new year will bring us and hope to see you as many of you as possible at one of our events and shows in the coming year.

So from our family of "Misfits" ( Bette & John, Maggie & Dave, Johnny & Emily) ...Thank You and a Very Merry Christmas, the Happiest of Happy Holidays (whichever you celebrate) and a Very Healthy, Happy & Prosperous 2010!

WOW! What a group!

We just got our space assignment for Squidfire's Biggest and Best Holiday Art Mart this weekend. As I was going down the list to find our space I saw the names of some of the most awesome crafters. You don't know how excited I was to find Moonlight Bindery and Herban Lifestyle names on the list. These gals are fellow members of the Capital Region Esty Street Team, CRESTer's as we are know and would you believe it....not only will they be sitting up their wares but we are neighbors!!!

Come check out all of the great artists (especially we CRESTer's in booths #20, 49 & 51) , get yourself a massage or a hair cut (yep..that's what I read. those services will be available at the show), pick up some good eats, good coffee and find gifts for everyone on your list!

Saturday, December 12th at DuBurns Arena, 1301 S. Ellwood Ave. off of Boston Street in Canton from 11am to 6pm.

Bring this photo to the show and get 10% off and bag over $25.00.
It's gonna be a great show!

Our Last Holiday show this Season!

As the saying goes......"Save the best for the last". And we are closing out our Holiday Craft Show season with one of the best! It says so in it's name.....THE BIGGEST AND BEST HOLIDAY ART MART presented by Squidfire.
We will be joining Squidfire and 60 other talented artists and crafters for an all day shopping experience on December 12. From 11am to 6pm. The Du Burns Arena in Canton will be transformed into an alternative shopping center when diy/indie crafters from all over the east coast descend upon Baltimore to offer you the most unique, handmade gift ideas. Come out and Support small business and the arts by doing all of your holiday shopping at this unique alternative to a shopping mall. We've got something for everyone on your list from locally roasted coffee, handmade soap to even freshly baked dog treats!
Dont forget to de-stress with a massage from Federal Hill Massage and stop by Tenpachis booth for a FREE haircut! This Saturday, December 12, from 11am-6pm at the DuBurns Arena in Canton, 1301 South Ellwood Avenue off of Boston Street. Check out our vendor list at www.squidfire.com.

THIS weekend..

We'll be at the Greenbelt Festival of Lights! We'll will be setting up our tables and displaying our bags at The Greenbelt Festival of Lights. Now trust me when I say it is an Arts Festival...Not only is it the perfect place to Shop for fabulous gifts created by local artisans, but there will also be "Free" make & take craft projects and art demonstrations each day.
Check out the schedule of workshops and demos and the list of artists and vendors for this year's Festival.Now all I have to do is find a way to sneak away from my booth long enough to catch some demonstrations and attend a workshop or two!

Here's a little something to entice you to come out to the Festival.




Hope to see you there!

"12 Weeks of Give Aways"

Sew Artsy, one of our fellow CRESTer's (Capital Region Esty Street Team), is at week #10 of her "12 WEEKS OF CHRISTMAS GIVE AWAY" and we're providing this weeks give away! One of our mini wallet/key fobs as show in the sample below. (Fabric can not be guaranteed and may be different.)

Head on over to SewArtsy's blog, take part her give away and spread the word to your friends! Good Luck!