I spent my vacation swimming with my kids, skiing with my father and drinking coffee with great friends. My business couldn't have been further from my mind. I closed up shop, packed my suitcase and headed to the southern hemisphere for a cool winter holiday. Did I fret over a long break away from the hub-bub? It was just what the doctor ordered! I met an old friend for … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned On Vacation
Handmade Parties: Polar Bear Pool Party!
by Jacqui Miyabayashi of Mee A Bee You've heard of Bridezilla? Ever wondered where she goes when she has kids? Once a year, at least, she resurfaces, at her kids' parties! I did once aspire to be that mom who threw parties that would be photographed for glossy magazines and talked about for years to come. I soon realized that my budget and lifestyle wouldn't allow for that. I … [Read more...] about Handmade Parties: Polar Bear Pool Party!
Meeting the Makers: Jacqui of Mee A Bee
by Jacqui Miyabayashi of Mee A Bee My youngest started kindergarten here in Japan two months ago. It was a flurry of activity to prepare all the things he needed including seven bags of very specific dimensions. They could only be handmade. Even though I sew a lot I still needed to consult a pattern for the many kinds of bags required. Luckily at this time of year … [Read more...] about Meeting the Makers: Jacqui of Mee A Bee
{Tutorial} Sew A Lovely Handmade Bag!
by Jacqui Miyabayashi of Mee A Bee For my business, Mee a Bee, I make bags for children. I love it and think I have found my niche. However, I do enjoy sewing larger bags for friends or even myself from time to time. I'm as much a fabricaholic as the next person so I dig into my stash when I feel the urge. My mother has a matryoshka bag which I made for her birthday last … [Read more...] about {Tutorial} Sew A Lovely Handmade Bag!
Live & Learn: The Downside to Running A Creative Business
by Jacqui Miyabayashi of Mee A Bee When you are selling things you've made yourself it's hard not to take things to heart. You feel like you've bared your soul to the world as you lay your lovingly created items out for sale. When you sell something you are ecstatic. So when I was approached by a 'friend' about the possibility of selling my handmade bags in her new shop I was … [Read more...] about Live & Learn: The Downside to Running A Creative Business
