where in the world is rachel elise?...

Oh hey. Haven't seen you in a while. That's because I've been busy. And busytime means noblogtime. That being said, I'd like to introduce my newest blog feature:

1. You don't have to tell me how not awesomely I edited this image. I know. I know.

2. "Where in the World is Rachel Elise?" is how I'm going to win you over after I go MIA from ze blog.


Here's where I've been:

Making 150 clutches as part of a deal for Very Jane. Here's fifty of them:

After doing all those bags (and dusting up all the 20,394,802,394,802,349,384 burlap fibers that were coating my studio in a nice thick layer), I moved on to preparing for my first show of the season.

The Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is just around the corner! Weeee. The Cinco de Mayo corner, to be exact. I hope I see you kiddos out there.

If you'd like more info about the Spring Bash and my full lineup of upcoming shows, visit my event's page.

Loves and Hugs,

Rachel Elise

bridal orders...

So you may or may not have noticed that I've started listing sets of bridesmaids' clutches in my shop. I thought it would take a while for this line to take off, but the frugal bride with a vintage or rustic flair to her wedding has really taken to it. And I have taken to her, because she buys 4-10 bags at a time. Everybody wins.

I made a couple "example sets" and put them in my shop just to get people interested in the idea that I could make clutch sets for them. I've already sold one of those sets as well as several custom sets.

I made this "example set":

 

And it turned out that it was exactly what someone was looking for: right colors, right number of bags. Too easy. While it was in the shop, it inspired this custom order:

which I am totally obsessed with. They're so cute! I hope this bride's wedding is as fun and vintage-inspired as this set of clutches. I might have to make an example set inspired by these. Too much fun.

Loves and Hugs,

Rachel Elise

foldovers...

Do you miss the Foldover Tote? Lucky for you, a couple more just appeared in the shop.

Recycled Coffee Burlap Foldover Tote

Khaki Canvas and Vintage Lace Foldover Tote

I lent these two bags to Haute Handbags to be photographed for their Spring/Summer issue and just now got them back. This style of bag was a favorite among my customer, but it was a pain to make. And when you're the boss, you can stop making something just because it annoys you. Ha.

If you'd like a Foldover Tote or any other discontinued style at any time, you are always welcome to ask for a custom order. :)

Loves and Hugs,

Rachel Elise

gluten free focaccia...

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you probably know that:

1. I love food.
2. Burgers and bread are among my most favorite of foods.
3. I found out I have a gluten intolerance a few months ago.

Trying to find out what was wrong with me took a few years, the last three or four months of which were really miserable. Everyone has different reactions and symptoms to gluten; mine was to itch excessively. I was like a little kid with chickenpox, scratching uncontrollably, hoping that temporary relief would somehow make me heal. (I'll clue you in... it doesn't.) Eventually a doctor suggested that I may maybe might have a gluten intolerance, but I took blood work and it came back negative. At that point, he didn't really know what to try next, so I took it upon myself to try a gluten-free diet, blood work or no blood work. And whatdoyaknow. Three days later, I was already getting better. The body is an amazing thing.

At first, my gluten intolerance wasn't a big deal. I ate gluten free 95% of the time, but if I was having a rough day and I wanted to go to RG Burgers and have my skin itch slightly for about a week, I went for it. Itchiness was a side effect I could live with in small doses. But now I've started getting sick to my stomach, having migraines, etc... basically, it feels like having a hangover for about a week. Not. Worth. It.

So, lately I've been trying to embrace gluten-free products. My friend Shelley, who is also gluten intolerant, turned me on to Udi's sandwich bread right from the beginning, and it's a staple in our kitchen. I've also found a few veggie burgers I like, particularly Sunshine and Amy's Bistro Burger, but other than that, I've mainly just changed my eating habits. But now that even cheating on my gluten-free diet is out, I've been craving to replace those foods I miss.

Side note: I love cooking, but baking and I don't really get along so well. Therefore, buying these replacements for glutenie treats seems like the best option. I'll learn to bake... someday...

I went to my local natural foods store last week and picked up a few gluten free things, including this Rosemary Focaccia bread:

Oh my stars. It is so good. I can't wait to make a big bowl of gluten-free pasta and sop up the sauce with this bread. Take that, gluten intolerance. Muah ha ha.

It's soft and breadie and doesn't crumble apart. It comes frozen, so I thawed it on my countertop for a couple of hours and then toasted it right before eating. I took a small chunk of it to Easter dinner so that I could have a dinner roll alternative. I gave my 14-year-old brother-in-law a bite and even he thought it was a good.

Success.

Also, if you are gluten intolerant, I highly recommend you check out this blog. I came across it the other day, and I can't stop reading it. Gluten free products can be so annoyingly expensive, and Karen really focuses on the quality of the product vs. the price. Some things are good but not worth it, some things are expensive, but how could you live without them? Love it.

Hugs and Loves,

Rachel Elise

chillin' out...

Sorry I vanished there for a bit. I've signed up for waaay too many upcoming things, and I'm busy making sure I have enough inventory for all of them. I'm freaking out a little. The Boser bought me these bath fizzies to alleviate some of my freakout in the weeks to come.

Wizard at Work Etsy Shop

He's a keeper.

Yesterday was the fibers Career Day that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. Sarah did a wonderful job of putting it together. I talked about how I started my business and dabbled a bit in how to run a business, and the Oil and Cotton ladies told their story and the lessons from their ventures. Then we all opened it up to questions. I hope all the students had as much fun and learned as much as I did :)

This coming weekend, I'm going to be featured on Very Jane, so this week I'm busy pumping out around 100 clutches. I signed up to sell 100, and I have them all cut out, but I might only make 75 in advance and see how it goes from there.  Plus, the bridesmaid clutch sets are really becoming popular, so I need to catch up on those as well. I'll post pictures of the new sets when they're done. One girl asked for all the tops to be different colors. They're going to turn out soooo cute. <3

Loves and Hugs,

Rachel Elise