Monday, December 17, 2012

4 More Years © Bag by SKCreations, LLC


The 4 More Years © Bag, designed and created by artist Sharon A. Keyser-Jackson, commemorates the re-election of President Barack Obama.

The bags are crafted from an assortment of high quality fabrics, including leather, micro suede and upholstery vinyl.  Appliqued design on front.  The linings are made from upholstery fabrics and have two slip pockets and one zippered pocket.  The strap is designed to be worn on the shoulder or cross body.  The bag measures 11" L x 14" H x 2" D.

Numbered Limited Edition.

Custom orders.

For more information, contact us here.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Wearable Art Show at Gallery Serengeti






SKCreations, LLC will be participating in an exciting wearable art show at Gallery Serengeti on Sunday, December 16, 2012.  The gallery is located at 7919 Central Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, and the show will be held from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.  The work of several artists will be featured, and will include jewelry, clothing, accessories and stocking stuffers.  Just in time to pick up those holiday gifts.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Keeping SCORE

Home


A few years ago I learned about SCORE, formerly known as Service Core of Retired Executives and presently known as Counselors to America's Small Business.  This national organization is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and is comprised of individuals who've worked and gained expertise in a wide variety of fields and are now volunteering to mentor those either thinking about starting a business, in the process of launching a business, or looking to grow an existing business.  You can find a mentor on their website or meet with one in person at your local SCORE office.  Each mentoring session is free.

I have met with a few different mentors over the years to discuss a variety of topics relative to my business, SKCreations, LLC, including my business plan, marketing and manufacturing, and a critique of my company website.  I have also attended several workshops which cost a modest fee.  My whole experience with SCORE has been immensely helpful to the growth of my business, and I value the services they provide more and more each time.  I've learned a lot since starting SKCreations, LLC, and discovered that there are some things I will hold on to as I continue my journey, and there are some things I will let go.  SCORE is definitely a keeper.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

New Fabric - Upholstery Vinyl

I recently purchased some great new fabric.  It's upholstery vinyl, and I love the look and feel of it.  It's very soft and the colors are gorgeous.  This fabric is very easy to clean and can be used for all kinds of projects.  I'm looking forward to working with it.  What do you think?

Upholstery Vinyl

Monday, November 26, 2012

Let 'Er Rip


Since I started SKCreations I have purchased a lot of tools of the trade, both large and small.  I have sewing machines, a serger, needles, scissors in various sizes, a steam press, a snap press, cutting mats, rotary cutters, hole punches, mallets... well, the list goes on and on.  Without question though, one of the MOST important tools I own is the seam ripper.  That's right, and I have one in every sewing basket (I have more than one of those too).  As careful and meticulous as I am with my craft, there are times when things go very wrong.  The tool is aptly named since, on those occasions, the seams just need to be RIPPED OUT!!  It's frustrating and at times provokes a few choice words, but it's either fix it, trash it and start over, or just give up altogether.  Since I'm not a quitter I just take the mishap, grab a seam ripper and a comfortable seat, and just let 'er rip.  Actually, I do take my time, but the sooner I get through that process the better.  I can only imagine the circumstances that led someone to invent this handy and very necessary little tool.  It's odd that it's so difficult to find out who that person is exactly.  Many people have questioned this all over the internet and it's still a mystery.  Well, whoever you are, I am forever grateful.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair


SKCreations, LLC will be a vendor at DeMatha Catholic High School's Annual Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 9:00AM to 2:00PM.  The school is located at 4313 Madison Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781.  Come on out and get some great gifts for those special people on your holiday gift list!

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza



Synergy Women's Fitness is hosting their annual Shop ' Til You Drop Holiday Shopping Extravaganza on Friday, November 30, 2012 from 6:30PM to 9:30PM.  The event will be held at 8815 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suite 2, Columbia, MD 21045.  There will be over 25 vendors, including SKCreations, LLC, selling a variety of gift items for your holiday shopping needs.  There will also be food, wine and raffle prizes.  The event is FREE and open to the public.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

New Eye Glam © Eyeglass Cases

We've listed some unique new Eye Glam © Eyeglass Cases in our online shop.  Here's a peek:

Eye Glam © Eyeglass Cases

Eye Glam © Eyeglass Case

Visit our SKCreations website for more information and to view our collection.

Monday, November 19, 2012

The Messenger Bag

Have you checked out our new Messenger Bags?  We've recently added some new creations to our website, and we're loving the colors.  Here is a sample:





For more information, visit our online store at SKCreations.com.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Black Friday Sale

Don't miss the Black Friday Sale at Brentwood Arts Exchange in the Gateway Arts Center, located at 3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD 20722.  All items in the Craft Store will be 20% off that day only.  Stop by and you'll find some great gifts for your holiday shopping, including some Lil' Somethin' Somethin' Crossbody bags, Eye Glam © Eyeglass Cases and Key Fobs by SKCreations, LLC.


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Dare to Be Square


As a small business owner I aim to be prepared for every possible opportunity to sell my products.  These days the majority of my customers purchase with credit cards, so I have a merchant account with a major bank, along with a wireless credit card terminal that's state of the art.  The terminal is perfect for those times when I'm selling in a stationary location, and it serves me well.  There are times, however, when I need more portability and the ability to accept credit cards when a sales opportunity presents itself while I'm on the go.  Earlier this year my business received an offer through the mail to sign up to receive a Square credit card reader.  The card reader was free and I had the option of paying a low percentage rate per swipe with no contract required.  I thought, why not?  Admittedly though, when I received the card reader I stuck it in a drawer and forgot about it.

Fast forward to late Summer.  While preparing to go on a much needed extended vacation with a travel group, I decided to pack some of my Lil' Somethin' Somethin'TM bags to possibly sell on the trip.  I thought there might be travelers among us who would like to have a small crossbody bag to carry while touring each of our destinations, as well as those who brought their e-readers on the trip and would appreciate a hands-free carrying case.  In the past I would have been limited to accepting only cash or checks for sales made while traveling, but then I remembered the Square.  I retrieved it from the drawer and tucked it away in my purse.

When I returned home from my trip a couple of weeks later, my suitcase was several Lil' Somethin' Somethin'TM bags lighter, my bank account was a little larger, and I was a new fan of the Square.  It proved to be a handy, quick and efficient way to process credit cards on the road.  Now I don't leave home without it.

I have since received offers to sign up to receive the PayPal Mobile and Intuit GoPayment card readers. Same deal, same reply... Why not?

Friday, October 12, 2012

Now Available at GALA ~ Artisan Jewelry & Gifts



I am pleased to share that our Lil' Somethin' Somethin' Crossbody bags are now available at Gala ~ Artisan Jewelry & Gifts.  It is a lovely store owned and operated by local artists, and it has a wonderful selection of beautiful handcrafted jewelry and gifts.  The shop is located at 10417 Armory Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895, in the Historic District.  For hours and directions, please visit their website.

Friday, October 5, 2012

A Perfect Fit!


I recently purchased a new 7" tablet, the Asus Nexus 7 made for Google.  Nice.  There's a whole lot of power packed into this little device, and I'm really enjoying it.  To keep it in good condition I also purchased a cover, which does dual duty as a stand.  Cool.  The best part?  Both the tablet and cover fit neatly into my Lil' Somethin' Somethin' Crossbody bag, making it a great hands-free carrying case.  Perfect.







Wednesday, January 4, 2012

New Fabrics!

My dear friend from Ghana brought me these beautiful African fabrics today and I just love them.  I see Glam Girl bags in their future!