Journaling...

I've been in a funk. Have you ever been there? You know, the place where nothing feels right, but yet nothing is really wrong????

That place where I'll laugh one minute, but then start to cry for no reason. And I'm not talking about PMS...I'm talking about when I let too much time and space come between me and God.

Life gets busy, my bible gets dusty, and nothing in my life feels settled. I go through these cycles...you'd think I'd learn!

I've always been a girl of many words, and writing helps me sort out my thoughts. Writing helps me absorb things I hear. It helps me understand and remember.

 When I take that time to sit and actually read God's word, if I have a pen and paper on my lap, and just start to think on paper, I'm always amazed at what comes out.

 Journaling has always been something that brings me comfort and clarity, and I'm realizing lately that I'm simply not doing it enough.

I was inspired at Original Womens conference this past April, when I came home and saw my notebook of quickly written, detailed thoughts and notes. It was messy and beautiful all at them same time. I'm able to now look back and remember all that I learned. The words are such beauty, but the book..not so much :)

I started making my version of a leather journal cover. Something pretty that you can carry with you, pull out at a moments notice an write down whatever is on your mind. They are pretty, comfortable to hold and refillable. This is a teaser, but I'll show them to you tomorrow, I promise!

Some days I pull out my journal and sketch out a purse design idea that just popped into my head...

Some days I jot down a bible verse or passage that I'd like to study more in depth.

Some days I write down details of my kids lives. You know...the things you think you'll never forget, but a few years later you realize that you did. Until you read it ;)

I'd love to hear your thoughts...what do you write in your journal?

Brand new Ruffle Bag color...and giveaway!

It's here, the newest color for spring!

The Grass Green Ruffle Bag 

To celebrate, I'm going to give one of these beauties away to one of my followers!

The contest will run from Friday, March 14th at Noon, cst, until Wednesday March 19th at Noon, so you'll have plenty of time to enter! (and tell all of your friends,wink!)

Here is how you enter:

-It's important that you comment ON THIS POST to qualify.
-Comment below each time you fulfill any of the 6 entry requirements. The more you share, the more you help me, the MORE CHANCES YOU GET TO WIN :) Notice that #6 has a way for you to re-enter every day of the contest!

1. Follow Gathered & Sown on Facebook
2. Sign up to receive my newsletters (sign up at the bottom)
3. Follow me on Instagram
4. Follow me on Twitter
5.Follow me on Pinterest
6.Share this contest on your facebook, twitter, instagram, pinterest or blog (you can get up to 5 extra entries per day by re-sharing!)


I have so many of you to thank for the word of mouth exposure that I've received for Gathered & Sown! My little business has grown so much over the last 2 years, and I am truly grateful <3 p="">

Thank you and best of luck!
Angie

Sneak peek inside my new studio

I've been promising a peek into my sunny. new studio since we moved into this house last June. Well....here it is! 

Where I spend 90% of my time, at my favorite sewing machine, Verena <3 br="">We bought an old house, so I'm loving all of the built-ins and charming details, like the beautiful ceiling. A great backdrop for my purses...

On top of my ugly, yet super functional HUMONGOUS filing cabinet, I store all of my hardware in little jars. Right within an arms reach of my work table. I like to scour our local Habitat Restore to find old, wooden crates to store larger things in, like my shipping supplies. They are so much cuter in this crate :) And those hydrangeas? I picked them this fall from my front yard. And they are in a fabulously ugly, green vase that I took from my Grandmas house. I love it!

Another crate holds my ready to ship, leather clutches

I'm using these built in shelves to display the bags I have on hand. Something I never had, but wonder how I lived without! It's great when my locals want to drop in to see what I have.

My little, tiny computer desk, with the chair my friend Amy made for me in my old studio. The filing cabinet holds all of my orders with magnets, Inside the drawers, I store all of my purse parts. It's not cottage chic, but I can't live without it, so I try to make it work... 

Last Minute Handmade Christmas Gifts with Style

I've been flooded with questions like "did I wait too long?" "Is it too late to order?" and my favorite "Will you hate me if I ask you to make a _____ before Christmas??"

My answer is...maybe not :)

I have lots of great bags here in my studio, ready made, ready to ship!

Stuff for kids..

The perfect clutch for your Christmas parties...

Even some newbies...not even listed yet!

 And of course...

I've got so much more, so if you didn't already think of it, I'd love for you to check out my shop for your Christmas gifts. 

Thank you all for making this my best year yet! You are all a blessing to me :)

Much love and a very Merry Christmas to you all,

Angie

Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Last Day for $100 Keurig VUE Brewer!

I  NEVER do this, but sometimes a deal is too good for me to not pass on...

Me and my BFF, we are officially VUE fans 

Last week, I was chosen as a hostess of a Keurig VUE house party! They sent me everything I needed to host, INCLUDING the brand new Keurig VUE V500 brewer! All I had to do in return was tell people about it.

Trying out the VUE together..so much fun!

I am not a sales person, and I care about peoples opinions, so I went into this with an open mind.... and here is what I found...







I've been a Keurig Platinum owner for 2 1/2 years. I've been a die hard Keurig fan! Every time someone I know gets a Keurig for the first time, I love to put together "welcome to the club" packs for them, including some of my favorite k-cups.

So I wasn't quite sure what could possibly be better than my platinum....which I talked about here

until I tried the VUE!

I like my coffee strong, so I always had to brew two separate cups in my platinum to fill my spill proof travel mug. The VUE has a setting to brew strong, so I no longer have to make two separate cups. As a matter of fact, the VUE works blissfully slower than the former Keurigs', taking its sweet time, steeping those precious grounds to strong-brewed perfection!!!

I had watched a presentation of the VUE on QVC a few weeks ago, and saw it creates two step beverages. I didn't know what the big deal was. I could already make lattes in my platinum. But there is a difference. A big one! The VUE will brew and froth milk, giving you a "real" latte, one that rivals those $6 drive thru ones! I only got to try one, since this was the first box of VUE cups to be emptied at my party. Everyone loved them!

I can also still make my favorite iced teas, and VUE cups come in lots of different flavors and brands, and the list keeps growing.

I also contacted Keurig after my party wondering about a "my VUE cup". I have an aunt who roasts gourmet coffee, so I've sort of become a coffee snob. I love to make her VIDA coffee in the My K-Cup, in my platinum. But there is no My VUE Cup...yet ;) They assured me that they are perfecting the engineering of it and expect it to be out within the spring/summer season. But if you can't wait, there is  an off brand one available here.

Have I convinced you yet? If not, I still have a coupon code that they gave me, and it expires TODAY!! (Saturday, May 11) It will get the VUE V500 in your hands for only $100! That's 40% off the regular price. I don't even know if you can find a good condition used Keurig for that price.

Use code H53GGJM at checkout- all caps, only for use of the V500 model.

Please feel free to ask me any question you may have...otherwise, enjoy your 40% off !


Angie

Newest Item...on SALE!!!

 Just a little something I've been working on for spring..

Smartphone wristlets

They are also perfect for your daughters Nintendo Dsi... I discovered <3 p="">

I've been aching for a little color in this, the hardest part of our long, Wisconsin winters :)

If you are interested in checking these cuties out, they are on sale, right now...but only for a few days.

Thanks!

Double the Cute Giveaway with Shay Designs

This is the time of year I love...not the weather...I love to give things away to my fans!!

So here it is.....

One of my followers...whether old or new (wink!!) will win one of these fabulous items!!!

My friend Sharon showed me her newest hand stamped design, and I fell in love!! She is giving one of these personalized beauties to one of our followers.

(insert cheesy game show host voice)

But thats not all!

I will also be giving away one of my most popular items, a peacock ruffle bag! Since Sharon and I both carry one of these, we decided we really wanted to share the experience, so one of you will join the ruffle bag club...on me!


Starting today, February 1st, ending Monday February 4th, you'll have lots of chances to enter. One person will win the beautiful Shay Designs Necklace, and one person will win the Gathered & Sown Ruffle Bag so there are TWO winners!

Go here to enter...


The winners will be drawn at noon on Monday February 4th CST. We will announce the winners on both FB pages.

Good luck and thanks for checking out our shops!