Glass Tile and Vinyl Experimentation

I have been thinking of glass tile pendants. Origami paper behind glass is a popular trend right now because it is colorful and detailed. I am thinking of incorporating something like this into vinyl jewellery. This is just me playing around with setting a blob of glass into a piece of vinyl. Behind is a template for an overall necklace shape. It might be nice to incorporate filagree with these glass "beads".

New design! Travel Soap Bag

Churning in the back of my mind has been the problem that my vinyl soap totes are labour intensive; about 70 minutes to sew if I make them with a lot of detail and the inner mesh bag. (I do think I could get that number down if I did them in production mode).

I wondered if the design could be a simple roll, then I thought about that cool mesh I was able to create. Why not cut a mesh pattern on one end for the drying mesh, and roll it all up for storage? That is what I have spent today doing, and here's the first prototype. I put the mesh pattern onto the handle for added pizzazz and I think it looks just great! It fits a large bar of soap and closes with velcro. The pictures show the roll (1) rolled up; (2) in soap drying position; and (3) completely unrolled.

Pardon the quickcam photos, husband has the camera for his business trip.

Please Comment, I cherish your feedback.

Update: I am working on another design with side wings so the soap can be enclosed completely. I have also been working on other mesh patterns, such as the one I saw on Rachel Ray's shirt.

Find the latest in travel soap bags on my website at http://www.vinally.ca/shop.php

Vinyl Feather Guard Prevent Window Bird Strikes

I got this idea and I just had to make a video to along with it!

First Soap Tote Sale!

Yay me! I'm a businesswoman, woot! The client wrote, "I'm excited to receive it! I travel a lot and usually throw my soap in a plastic baggie. I was excited when I found this cute bag instead."

Bicycle Panniers from recycled billboards

Billboard vinyl is a hot new material due to its vibrant colors and material strength. These bicycle panniers are prototypes. They are designed to hold a large-sized grocery bag. There is a flap at the top to keep the baguettes dry. A panel at the back of the bag, closest to the bicycle keeps the bag from sagging. The panel is made from an old corrugated plastic campaign sign. Hooks and bungee cords at the back of the bag are for attaching to the bike rack and to keep the bag from bouncing around while cycling.
UPDATE: I showed these prototypes at the 1111 Independant Artist's Exhibition on Jan 11,2009. They got a good response. When I make some production ones to sell I think I will try seam piping for a professional-looking finish.

This is the same material I use to make wallets. There's several for sale on my Etsy shop.