Carissa Black

The Makings of a Wristlet

2012-01-27T09:26:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would give you a little inside peak and what your wristlet looks like before it is all put together. I use only the best batting and interfacing for softness and structure. All of the seams are double stitched for strength. YKK zippers that last forever. Magnetic snaps that are inserted with my super secret technique so they won't pull through. They are a bit time consuming to make, but really worth it when they are finished.

My new and improved website

2012-01-19T13:27:00.000-08:00

Just launched the new site. It is still in the design stage and only has 3 pages so far. I figure it is a good start being I know absolutely nothing about web design. My hope is to add items with shopping cart capability. I am just happy I was able to get as far as I have.

And the Winner Is...

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

The winner of my change purse giveaway has been picked. Thank you to everyone that entered and keep watching for more great contests and promotions.

Cabbage and Potato Soup

2012-01-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

It is cold outside today so I decided to make soup. That said, I didn't want to go to the store because, well, it's cold outside. I am just going to use what is in my fridge, isn't that how the idea of soup started anyway? I am not so sure how it is going to turn out, but if it is tasty, I will post the recipe and a photo for you to see. Here goes, I am throwing in some chopped up cabbage, some cut up potatoes, carrots, chicken broth, a shallot, butter, salt, pepper, and a bit of water. I am using my crock pot and will let it simmer all day. My hope is the potatoes will break down and it will turn a bit creamy. Stay tuned!Post Cabbage Soup Update: It was terrible! Tasteless. I will have to try using an actual recipe next time.

My First Giveaway!

2012-01-14T08:12:00.000-08:00

I have decided to do my first giveaway. You can win this great change purse just by liking me. To enter:1. Post a comment below about your favorite product from my shop www.gardencris27.etsy.com.2. Like my facebook fan page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carissa-Black/50535362034.All entries will be placed in a hat and one lucky winner will be picked at random on Tuesday, January 17th. Good luck!

Spring fabric has arrived!

2012-01-13T06:26:00.000-08:00

So you have to understand that normally when I see the mailman, er woman, pull up to my house with a package for me I cringe. She loves to cram them into my mailbox to the point that I need a crowbar to get them out. Now you are probably thinking why don't I just go out and have her hand me the packages if I see her pulling up with them? Hoestly, I am just too lazy and would rather just complain about it. Not yesterday though. Yesterday I saw her pull up and realized that the package she was wedging in there was the fabric for my spring collection. Crowbar in hand, I made my way to the mailbox and with a bit of a struggle, managed to un-wedge the package, carry it into the house, and open the most beautiful fabric.

Ideas are a swirling...

2012-01-12T06:26:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here this morning with my so so cup of coffee and trying to organize all of the ideas in my head. I have started planning for my spring line and have a million and two ideas that I need to whittle down to about 10. Yesterday I ordered some of the fabrics for the collection and I hope you love them as much as I did. I will be sure to give you a sneak peak when they arrive.

Websites, and Facebook, and Twitter Oh My!

2012-01-11T12:05:00.001-08:00

As many of you have noticed, I haven't been the best with keeping on top of my blog and my website hasn't been updated in awhile. I am still here and my business is still going strong. My old computer died a couple of months ago and I am now the happy owner of an Apple MacBook Pro. I love it so much, but there has been a bit of a learning curve going from a PC to a MAC. I am not able to access my original CarissaBlack.com website anymore and therefore, it remains in a state of neglect. I have been playing around with different hosting sites, but haven't settled on any one just yet. I have so many ideas for this year and can't wait to share them all with you. Be patient with me as I find my way in the world of websites. In the meantime, continue to follow me at Make sure to like my fan page to be the first to see great specials and my newest projects.

Wanderlust...I have it!

2011-02-15T11:56:00.000-08:00

Wanderlust: a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world.

Yep! That's me right now. I love the cold and snow, but think I may be ready for a change. I came across this picture and just loved it. Wish I was the gypsy girl on this gypsy wagon.

The Collection

2011-02-09T14:03:00.001-08:00

This photo just shows a small sampling of what I have in store for the spring. I am really into travel bags right now. I think all of the snow is making me want to jet set off to a tropical paradise. I have been playing with different designs and have settled on a couple that I think are super functional and really cute.

Last Night

2011-02-08T09:15:00.001-08:00

I thought I heard her last night.... Maybe it was just a sound on the wind.....

Gypsy Girl

2011-02-08T08:58:00.000-08:00

You know you are a little bit curious. Who is she? Where did she come from? Where is she going? She is adventurous, beautiful, intriguing. She wanders from place to place taking the best from life. Find your inner gypsy girl. Grab your bags and see where she takes you. Carissa Black, Spring/Summer 2011.

Winterfair 2010

2010-11-13T16:57:00.000-08:00

Just did my first show. All in all pretty good. I found it to be a great learning experience.

Shop Spotlight #2 Brazen Betties

2010-05-05T04:14:00.000-07:00

"Be fearless without being foolish." That is the idea behind Brazen Betties, a fabulous boutique located in Torrington, CT. The owner, Julia Sloan, has such an eye for fashion. Her shop features clothing, accessories, home accents, and artwork created by connecticut designers and artists only. It will serve as one of the only outlets in Connecticut that fashion designers have for exposure and exhibition in the state. Some of the artists you can find there include Daniela Vlad Sudios, Past Forward, Rebecca Reinbold Couture, and you can also find my bags.

If you find yourself in the area, you have to stop in. You can also visit Brazen Betties on the web at
http://www.brazenbetties.com/home.php

Shop Spotlight #1 Indigo Lily

2010-04-27T04:20:00.000-07:00

So I decided it would be nice to start spotlighting some of the wonderful shops that carry my bags. I am always talking them up to everyone and don't know why I didn't think to do this sooner.

This week the focus is on Indigo Lily. I love this shop. It is located in Colchester, CT and is awesome. The proprietor is Carissa Pizzi. Ok, this is funny, her maiden name is Carissa Brown and I am Carissa Black, get it? Anyway, she really has an eye for bringing in fabulous Connecticut artists.

Her shop has a mini anthropology type vibe going on. You can find beautiful, unique jewelry, soaps, pottery, bags from yours truly, and just about anything else you might be looking for. It is a wonderful place to buy a gift for someone special or to just pick up a little something for yourself.

Here is the link to her shop's homepage
http://www.indigolilycompany.com/default.html

Ruffles, Ruffles, Everywhere!

2010-03-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love spring? The birds are singing, the thermometor is rising... and ruffles are everywhere. I love them and am so happy they are making such a strong fashion statement this spring. My favorite way to wear them is to pair them with something a little bit edgy. A bit of black leather combined with a sweet demur ruffle and I am in heaven!

I just listed some new items in my etsy shop www.gardencris27.etsy.com all with this great little bit of cuteness. More to come this week.

LIfe With Boys

2009-08-07T13:23:00.001-07:00

I have two little boys. Dirty, bug loving, bad joke telling little boys. The other day this is what I found next to my sewing machine. Is nothing off limits to the imagination of little boys?

My Bag was in Good Housekeeping

2009-08-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, for everyone that has been asking me to see the picture, here it is. I was really excited to have my bag in the June issue.

A much needed vacation...

2009-07-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs one right? You bet! I just got back from a week long trip to Lake Placid. We had a ball. I had never been there before and was pleasantly surprised. We did some shopping and got to check out the ice rink where the miracle on ice took place. The highlight of our week was our family climb up Whiteface Mountain. It was incredible to see my 5 year old and my 8 year old scamper their way to the top. The trip was 12 miles roundtrip with a 4867 ft elevation gain. It is truly amazing what kids can do.

It was nice to close up shop for awhile and step away from the sewing machine. Tomorrow, back to work!

Amy Butler and the Electric Quilt Company

2009-06-24T04:05:00.001-07:00

I love Amy Butler! Although I guess you can see that if you check out my shop. Her fabrics are so fresh and beutiful and the quaility of the fabric is unmatched. That said, did you know she has new software available for your computer? Amy teamed up with the Electric Quilt Company to make this wonderful CD rom that includes 22 patterns and 9 bonus projects. I just recieved my copy and I have been having so much fun trying it out. The projects are wonderfully designed, the graphics are beautiful, and the patterns are easy to follow.

When you get your copy, be sure to check out the inspiration gallery. I had the pleasure of being included in the gallery and want to send out a huge thank you to Amy and the Electric Quilt Company!

If you are interested in more information, check out Amy's site at:
www.amybutlerdesign.com

Sometimes the Best Layed Plans...

2009-06-21T03:35:00.001-07:00

Do you ever get these ideas that sound great at the time, but not so great later on? That is completely me. We went strawberry picking this past week and I had great plans of all of the wonderful things I was going to make with my strawberries. There was strawberry pie, strawberry pancakes, and of course strawberry jam. That said, I came home with 10 pounds of strawberries and other than eating them just as they are, I havn't done a darn thing with them. Maybe today?

Did You Survive the Holidays?

2009-01-07T03:45:00.001-08:00

Well, did you? We are still in recovery mode around here. The toys have yet to find a place to be put away, the Christmas decorations are still hung, and we still have a few family members to exchange gifts with. That said, I couldn't be happier. The kids went back to school Monday!

I have slowly been restocking my shop. Carissa Black, the shop, had a great holiday sales season. I can't wait to start adding some fun, spring inspired handbags to the shop.

A big thank you to everyone that has helped me have a successful first year and here is to a wonderful year ahead.

Hanna Cranna

2008-11-01T14:01:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone! Hope you had a great one. Probably my most favorite holiday. I love everything scary, supernatural, creepy, etc. That said, I was turned on to this bit of local folklore last week. It is about Hanna Cranna, the witch of Monroe, CT. I just happen to live in Monroe. If I could figure out to insert a link, I would. If you would like to read a little about her, Wikipedia has a great little write up.

I went today with my 8 year old, who was fascinated by the story, to visit the grave sight. It is the epitomy of a spooky old graveyard. Even the name, Gregory's Four Corners Burial Ground, is spooky. People had left packaged candy bars, money, gum, and flowers on the grave. I am told that every Halloween the town does a little something about her. Could be fun and interesting to check out next year.

Why, oh why havn't I blogged in forever....

2008-10-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

Why, you ask, is my last entry from the beginning of summer? Life is just going too fast. You know what I mean. With kids, work, a business, home, a husband, family, etc, it is a wonder we have time for anything.

There are so many new ideas floating around in my head and not enough time to carry them out. It frustrates me. I think we all struggle with this. We want to be successful, but when it happens, we just want it all to stop for awhile. I know that this too shall pass. I will get caught up on orders. My work chaos will settle down. The family will fall into place. Life will go on.

Until then, take those small moments to just breathe. Look around at the changing season and enjoy those little moments or quiet.

Summer

2008-06-30T16:11:00.001-07:00

Summer!

Remember when all you had to do was run through a sprinkler? Or lay on your back and watch the clouds float by? I definately remember and love being able to share these simple joys with my boys.

What has happened to childhood? When asked "what are your kids doing this summer?" I always reply, "playing." I am fortunate enough to be able to be home during the week. I know this is not the case for everyone. I just don't see the need to schedule all of my children's time with organized activities. They are only 4 and 7 and should be left to enjoy what little time there is to just be kids with not a care in the world. As parents, we are told that in order for our children to be "great" they should learn x, y, and z.... Yes, they should. But, they should also learn what wonders await when all they have is a backyard and all the time in a day to fill it with wonderous things from their imaginations.

Think about your own childhood and what made summers really special. Was it running from sport to sport or camp to camp? Or was it those days when you could work on that fort or tree house? Or catch crayfish in the pond? How about just sitting under a tree watching ants and thinking about the worlds that exist underground?

Have a wonderful lazy summer!

My Brother Opened an Etsy Shop

2008-04-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

So my brother finally did it and opened up a shop on Etsy. He takes some really wonderful photos and hope he does really well with it. You can find him at www.etsy.com under his name, Mike Gibson.

Head Colds and being miserable!

2008-03-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, who agrees with me? Head colds are the worst! You aren't sick enough to stay in bed, but you are too miserable to be a functioning member of society. I have had a cold for 3 days now and am miserable. Call me a complainer, but I just have too much to do to be sick. Not to mention, my kids are sick too and therefore home from school which means more work for, you guessed it, ME! On the brighter side I did get this new wristlet posted today. I wonder if there is a decongestant in there somewhere? Ok, enough complaining for one night!

Spinning My Wheels

2008-02-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have those days where you feel like you just can't get anything done? I am having one today. Maybe it is just that I lack the motivation to actually get anything done. My little boy is making more messes than I can keep up with, the laundry really needs done, the bills need paid.... All I really want to do is take a nap. I did manage to get this baby quilt and little boy apron done today. I guess that is something. I keep telling myself that I will feel more like doing house chores tomorrow. Who am I kidding!

I love a good sale!

2008-02-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

It doesn't happen very often, but when it does it is a wonderful thing. I needed a bunch of different colors of thread for these headbands I have been working on. It just so happened the thread I needed was on big time sale! Yeah! Love that! They were all sitting by my sewing machine and I thought they looked really pretty, hence the photo. I did get my headbands done and they turned out wonderfully. I made 4 dozed for A Whole Lotta Bags in Bangor Maine. They are my first wholesale experience and have been wonderful to do business with. If you are ever in the neighborhood, stop by and check them out. They carry designer handbags and now things from yours truly.

The Perfect Little Girl Purse

2008-01-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

I love making these. The prints are so much fun. I could really go crazy at the fabric store. This little bag is perfect for little ones. It is a great size for them and the velcro closure makes it easy for little hands to open and close it. It has an inside slip pocket and a removable little flower. I hope these sell well so I can make more.

Mother/Daughter Matching Aprons

2008-01-19T16:53:00.001-08:00

I just made these the other day and am so happy with how they turned out. The printed one is for mom and the solid with lemon accents is for daughter. I may have a wholesale opportunity for them and am keeping my fingers crossed that all works out. I would love to get my items into a real B&M store.

Baby Boy Appliqued Vehicle Quilt

2008-01-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

So hard to find great little boy things. I know I have two of them. I just finished this and love the way it came out. It was so fun to make. Can't wait to try out more styles.

Pink and Chocolate Roses Wristlet

2008-01-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

What could be more perfect for Valentine's Day than pink, roses, and chocolate, all together in one perfect little bag.

New Line of Makeup/Travel Bags

2008-01-14T17:14:00.000-08:00

I have been playing around with the design of these for a little while and think I finally have it. I just finished this one today. I am hoping to add a few more this week or next.

Nautical Navy and White Tote

2008-01-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

I think making these totes are my favorite. I have made so many that they go together pretty nicely for me now. I need to get around to making myself a new one soon as the summer, and pool season will be here before we know it. My mom actually picked up this fabric a couple of years ago and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it until now. For me, each piece of fabric kind of presents itself as to what it wants to be. Some scream backpack and others nicely whisper small handbag please.

For Grace

2008-01-10T06:47:00.000-08:00

This one is for you Grace. I am just trying to decide which direction to go as far as pattern and syle. Is the color right? Too light? Too dark? Smaller or Larger Print? You hate it? You like it? You love it? I was thinking of a messenger bag. The body of the bag would be in sage and the front of the flap would be the coordinating fabric with some brown, or should it be the other way around? Tell me what you think. You won't hurt my feelings. It has to be perfect.

Andie Huber - Talented Stylist

2008-01-10T05:49:00.000-08:00

You really should check out her work. It is amazing. She has worked for magazines such as Real Simple and Country Living. Her work is currently being featured on the cover of www.timeoutny.com.

www.andiehuber.com

Boho Bag

2008-01-09T08:24:00.001-08:00

I just finished this bag and am really happy with the results. Thanks to my sister in law, Andie, for the fabulous material!

Use Me Again Cards

2008-01-06T13:54:00.000-08:00

So I got the idea for these cards as I was throwing away some really great cards I got for Christmas. I thought, this is crazy. I thought if I put an insert into each card, they could be used again. When I give gifts, I also like to have matching gift tags so include one with each card.

Beach Bags!

2008-01-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

I have been working on my summer line of beach bags. They are so functional with an inside zipper pocket and two large velcro pockets. I also love that they are machine washable. These are my newest.

What I am working on

2008-01-04T13:47:00.001-08:00

I just started working on this quilt and I am loving it so far. The material is so much fun. I think I am going to make it baby size. I still havn't decided if I am going to yarn bind it or hand quilt it.

Under the canopy

2008-01-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

This was my little one while we were at the festival. I am thinking of using it on some of my photo cards. I love the blue of the canopy.

At the festival

2008-01-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

Two summers ago I took my little boys to a local festival. I just found the pictures and thought I would share.

Bribery will get you everywhere!

2007-12-29T18:26:00.000-08:00

I just had to share this with everyone. I have two little boys. Because I only have boys, I love to make little girl things, like this apron. I was taking pictures of it to post in my etsy shop and really wanted to show what it looked like on a little one. Unfortunately, there aren't any little girls around so I had to bribe my little boy to wear this for me. A few pounds of sugar later, I did manage to get some shots that worked.

While I was on a roll, I thought maybe I could get him to model with this purse as well. He will hate me someday! LOL!

Here is to a great New Year

2007-12-27T08:57:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to the new year and all of the opportunities that await. I have some great things in store for my etsy shop and am just waiting for the holidays to wind down before I start.

I am also looking forward to all of the changes in my garden as the winter takes full hold of us and we look forward to spring. I love the way it looks through each season and find the beauty in the frozen ground, the structure of the tree branches, and the remnants of fall jack o' lanterns just waiting to be turned over for great spring compost.

Red Flowered Hobo Bag

2007-12-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

I have gotten alot of interest from this bag. I really like the way it lays on my shoulder when I carry it. I am a mom and as much as I love to try to be organized, everything always ends up just being "thrown" into my bag. This bag is my favorite for that reason. There is no pressure to be organized.

Curious Bird and the Broken Branch

2007-12-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

So I was drawing with my children and came up with this design. It has now become my signature design and curious bird has become a regular in my shop. I love the contrast of the brown against the sky blue and have really enjoyed working with wool felt.

Hmmm

2007-12-23T09:36:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I finally learned what a blog was and got up the courage to start one. Be patient with me while I figure this out.