Stash and Tote Giveaway

I usually talk about personal-life things here, but my summer project took up so much of my life, that I can't help but do a crossover. I was was given the exciting privilege of being the editor for our latest special magazine, Studios Fall/Winter 2008, and though it was hard work, it all came together beautifully, thanks to guidance from our staff and the generosity of the more than 32 artists involved (and that's not counting the many wonderful artists who we held for the coming spring issue).

To celebrate, I'm offering this giveaway, a handy caddy like the one we're featuring in the magazine in our 85 ways to store and find your stash article. Sharon Lee of Handy Caddy generously sent me a second one, so I stuffed it with goodies and you have from now until Sunday at midnight to leave a comment telling me your favorite way to transport your hobby, be it sewing, knitting, book reading, scrapbooking, quilting, whatever. Only clean and legal hobbies, please (this means you, Marti-lou). Bonus: if you link to this post on your blog you get two chances to win.

Note: I will probably add even more to the tote (which I LOVE for it's see-through materials and sturdy contruction) before sending it off to the lucky winner, but I'm in a hurry to get it up on the blog. Right now, it contains vintage and new fabrics, wool roving, wool felt beads, speailty papers, specialty yarns, and embellishments and found objects of all kinds.

I'll randomly draw and announce the winner on Monday, and you'll have 24 hours to contact me with your address. If I don't hear from you, I'll draw another name.

So, leave a comment and good luck!

Comments

[beth]

oh count me in!!!! so excited - and So glad i found your blog ! yeah !!! adding you to my favorites -
xo,
beth

[Heather - Speckled Egg]

I'm very much looking forward to this publication! Can't wait!!!

I'd love to be entered in your drawing!! :)

[Belinda Spiwak]

Since I am a teacher, I transport almost everything with totes. I do have a folding roller crate that is invaluable for shows and workshops. I can haul a lot of stuff without getting tired arms. My favorite storage items and totes are from Creative Options. I love how they look and use them all the time! I love what you are giving away. I am linking to your blog now.

Belinda

[Chris]

Hmmm...I'm not the most clever person in terms of hobbies, but I do like to read. Years ago I bought a 'book caddy' from Levenger...It is basically a canvas bag with pockets on the outside, and in those pockets are highlighters, post it flags, a magnifying glass, a little doohicky to clean your glasses with and a 'book bungee' (fancy bookmark). I love this thing and bring it everywhere, from room to room or on vacation.

Currently in the bag: Nora Ephron's "I Feel Bad About My Neck" (funny) and David Sedaris' "When You Are Engulfed In Flames" (funny, but not as funny as his previous books).

[Jessica Crawley]

I use tote bags which inst the most organized thing but it works. Right now i love making scrabble tile necklaces. They are so much fun.

[Ed]

Sigh. I carry art supplies in every nook and cranny because I never know where I'm going to get an opportunity. There's a sketchbook and WC pencils in the pocketbook... in the computer case... in the crate in the back of the car. there's a set on my desk,with glue stick and scissors... a set on my desk at work. Totes, ziplocks, pencil cases... they're everywhere and can I usually find what I need when I want it? No......

Edie

[Tamara]

I guess whatever is close at hand and empty...I also like small, old suitcases. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Tamara

[sharon]

My favorite way to tote, is to use a bag given to my husband at a scientific conference. From science to fun -- sounds good to me!

[Marty Wayman]

Count me in! Lovely idea and lovely gift!

[Judi Goolsby]

My favorite bag for taking my beading and art quilting supplies for travel is a large flowered collapsable box from the "Container Store". It folds flat when not in use and pops up easily when needed with a zippered top and velcro front, and strong soft handles on the sides.

[Nancy Lynn]

I have a rolling cart that has four drawers in it, a pocket for papers and all kinds of flat items that zips down and in the top opening is lots of room for tools, etc. It is my best friend. I do jewelry and mix media art. Nancy

[donna anderson]

me me me me!!!!!!!! please please please please!!!!!
not 2 proud to beg!

My tote of choice . . . a plastic old Black Barbie lunchbox. it houses my red work embroidery, all sewing thingys & my READERS . . . . any hand sewing & my sketch book fits nicely, too. My iphone is ALWAYS with me . . i take fun funky brainstorming pics all the time & of course my book is downloaded & with me at all times . . .now i feel SAFE. . . .

I am very excited about the calendar competition for 2010 . . . & the Rock 'n Roll project . . . do The Partridge Family & B52's count? . . . . i have been painting so much that my mixed media juices are dry .. . . so i NEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDD the stash!

LOL!!! da

[LaVerne]

I'm a container queen...I love all manner of box and bag...I've been that way since my youth...woven straw bags from Mexico,cigar boxes from the neighbor's trash...(my mother was aghast), but they were wooden with cool pictures inside and they had cute little brass hardware. For small sewing projects, I have an old estate sale bag with wood handles and barkcloth sides...When I bought it, it held knitting supplies, WWII Army drab wool yarn and a pattern for a soilder's vest.I kept it all together for several years like a little Victory shrine, but one day my desire for a cool old bag won out over my nostalgia and I've carried it since. My favorite carry-all these days is a flat bottom plastic bin that stands upright and holds folders, large books and crafts projects easily...but not things are not visible...and that is why I really need the tote...I would be so much more organized and productive if I could see things. I'm saying a quick little prayer to the random drawing faries asking them to make sure my entry comes out on top...

[Cami @ Heart-Shaped Rock Cottage]

What a clever, clever idea. Love that it's clear.

[Elizabeth Holcombe]

What an interesting and fabulous carry-all! Such treasures inside!~~Well, when I carry supplies I have a vintage sewing basket with the essentials inside: scissors, good glue, needles, threads, pearlized cotton thread, some buttons in a little tin, and a small vial of glass beads. I find I can do a lot with these things!~~~XXOO, Beth

[bunny]

I use large tote bags! The only way LOL Thanks!

[bunny]

Blogged: http://bunnymoney9.blogspot.com/2008/09/yummy-blog-candy.html

Thanks! :)

[e14studio]

I have a tote bag with Frida Kahlo on it that I bought at a Mexcan import store here in Houston so if I win, I will swap you one of these!!
~Sharon
http://e14studio.blogspot.com

[Jacquie Peifer~Javablubella]

Well, this is very generous of you!! This is my first visit here and I love it! I have to honestly say, I am a Vera fan and I transport my stamping stuff in my Javablue, Vera Bradley bag! I use the new large tote! Thanks so much and take care! I will link this on my blog! Have a great day!

[bobbi]

It really depends on how much time I figure I'll have to work...for just a couple of hours I use a small 6x8 inch lock & lock plastic box which carries a bunch of my nymo bobbins, scissors, bead scoop, needles and beading tray. If I'm going for a couple of days, I have a fishing tote with 4 large plastic boxes with many compartments and side panels...when it's fully loaded with beads and fabric it weighs about 40 lbs. and I can't carry it very far!

[Denise F.]

Cloth totes - I seem to accumulate them from all sorts of teacher conventions, workshops, giveaways, etc. I like to recover them with cheery fabrics or alter them with fabric collage, buttons, and trims.

Yours is a wonderful blog!

[Cheryl]

What a cool tote - I'd love to win it! My favorite way of transporting my hobbies has always been totebags, but lately, I've been using a backpack, at least occasionally. I'll link to this post on my blog too.

[Sharon]

I followed the link from Crazy Art Girl's blog for your wonderful give away. Can't wait to see the new issue as I enjoyed the 1st one so. My favorite way to transport my latest quilting project is in a huge bag with wooden handles. I used a freebie quilt top to construct the body of the bag. My sewing machine and other tools come along in the case on wheels and extending handle. ... then there are the oh so many other projects in various stages in their assigned canvas bags! All make it easy to grab and head out to my next meeting or ladies night out.

[Barbara Roberts]

I'm a Crazy Quilter and if I need my sewing machine, I use a rolling duffel bag and that usually hold the machine and the supplies. I pack a lot of supplies in a fishing tackle box. It has 2 layers on top that zip and the third layer on the bottom 2/3 of the bag holds 4 plastic containers. I can transport my buttons, floss, silk ribbon, charms, trims yarns and anything else in it. The top zippered pockets I put my fabrics and old hankies and muslin's for the backing.
Barb

[Leslie Anderson]

Depending on the size of the project I'm transporting, I may use cigar boxes, totes (I have many different sizes!), Longenberger baskets, straw bags or an old suitcase I painted and embellished. Speaking of totes...the giveaway one is great!