Cute Holiday Packaging

I love to wrap a beautiful gift. I also like to make my customer packages look special too. It's always so much fun at the holidays to use cute bags, ribbons and treats to give every item that I sell a special look. This years bags are organza with butterflies. Also have large white ones for gift sets.

Using my business  cards as hang tags serves dual purpose and these plain card stock ones from VISTA pint are a great buy. I purchase them in bulk 200 quantity for less than $19 and this time around I received 50 free!

Everyone loves a candy treat. These super cute mini bags of JELLY BELLY gourmet jelly beans are perfect for attaching to the bag!

She is our JOY

Meet the newest family member "Joy Olivia" born on Friday December 2nd 2011

Isn't she beautiful! We are so blessed to have this precious new addition to the family.  My mother Jean is 80 yrs. old and in awe of her great-grandchildren. It's at times like this when I miss my dad Marvin,  father-in-law Joe, and my mother-in-law Georgia.Wish they would have lived long enough into golden old age to see their 4 great-grand children, and enjoyed the legacy of their lives in this blessed fruition of new life.

FREE Holiday Shipping

We have extended our FREE holiday shipping promo. Shop our Etsy store and enjoy free shipping from TRACY JOY to U.S. destinations including APO addresses. Use coupon code: holiday2011 at Etsy checkout to have your invoice adjusted to reflect the free shipping promotion.

Happy Holidays!

Funky Red and Green Tye Dye DSLR Camera Tote $ 23.00

$23.00

Do you want it? Only have 2 of the 5 left in stock! Had this fabric in my inventory for a year and no one really took notice until I made a few camera strap sleeves and a dslr tote. I think that the pattern shows up the best on the large size tote and that is what is grabbing peoples attention. Also had this one in a purple and lime pattern that sold out very quickly. Think I will need to go fabric shopping for some additional tye dye batik cottons. It's a funky retro kind of thing and I love it!  Measures: 7W 6H 4D

Disclaimer: these totes are meant to be a convenient way to store and "tote" you dslr within another larger bag. Put it in your backpack, suitcase or large outer tote or bag. No need to take your heavy padded bag when you don't really need it ALL the time.  

Basic BLACK DSLR Lens Bag $ 14.00

$14.00

Need BASIC Black for a no nonsense professional look for your lens storage needs? Check out my basic black lens pouch. These little pouches are so cool for keeping your lens protected and safe from dust & damage. The one pictured fits most of the standard popular lenses that measure between prime 50mm up to 5 inch height lenses such as 18-55 and 85, 105, 135, 18-55, 80-200, 17-55,24-70. Need larger, wider etc? Ask us about making custom for your needs.  

We are featured on yet ANOTHER Etsy TREASURY this morning. So exciting to have our products noticed by other vendors on Etsy. Thanks so much to Megan  http://www.etsy.com/shop/Blushie from BLUSHIE for including us in her wonderful TREASURY for the guy on your holiday lists.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjA3MTIyNXwxMjM4NTM0NDky/awesome-gifts-for-classy-dudes

The item featured is a camo patterned lens bag/pouch

20% SALE Cocoon Infant Photo Props

Visit my sister shop on Etsy Bonnie Lee Designs for a look at a few remaining knit cocoons that I have in stock. Sold a boat load of these over the last 2 years and now the market is flooded with more of the same so that we no longer make them. I love to use my hands while sitting and watching a movie on TV and what better way to use my hands than in something creative like loom knitting. There are 6 left to choose from and this one is one of favorites. Each of them are "one of a kind". Shop today Black Friday for 20% discount

  http://www.etsy.com/listing/28441230/newborn-photo-prop-knit-cocoon-with-cowl

25% Discount 2 Follow Us

Our new blog needs some LOVE! We have moved our blog from another site  and are ready to begin having some fun! Follow the arrows to the right side of our blog and give us some love!

Please, please come FOLLOW US!

Follow us here on our blog and receive a 25% off discount  from our TRACY JOY Tracy Joy shop on Etsy.

Post a comment and then come visit our shop and leave us a message on the Etsy "conversation" site in our shop. We will then give you a coupon code for the 25% off discount.

This discount CANNOT be used with the Black Friday FREE shipping promotion already in progress.

Black FRIDAY through CYBER Monday FREE Shipping!!

Your purchases  Tracy Joy are shipped FREE today BLACK FRIDAY November 25th 

 through CYBER Monday November 28th

FREE shipping applied to U.S. Domestic Addresses including APO

Use coupon code: blackfriday2011

Discount will automatically be applied to your purchase. WE are working like mad to get the shop full of new and exciting things. Bought some new fabrics and I'm so excited to be working to keep the shop  fabrics and patterns interesting and fresh, while keeping the tried and true favorites still available. We are accepting special requests for custom work on a limited basis.   

FEATURED in ETSY Treasury 11-18-2011

It's always exciting to have a fellow ETSY vendor contact us about the inclusion of one of our TRACY JOYshop items in their Etsy Treasury. We love MICHAEL MILLER'S "Peace Flowers" pattern and it a great retro look for anyone wanting a pop of bold, brazen color, and pattern with pizazz!. Have a look at our "DSLR camera strap slip cover with coordinating plush faux fur backside. Love, love, this fabric!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTAxNzAwMzV8MTE0Njg4MTYzMA/let-the-world-be-a-peaceful-garden

A Passion for Dolls

On a fun note for today,  I had some free time this afternoon and was in need of a break from my sewing machine and working on items for my shop. Out from one of the doll bins I found sad little unfinished dolly, who was in dire need of my attention!  She had been given to me 5 years ago from my sister Barbara who had received her from our little sister as a gift. Little sister Annie made her but didn't know how to finish dolly. She had no hair nor eyes or mouth, and her dress was unfinished and her stuffing was falling out!

Dolly was passed on to me and she ended up in a bin with other dolly things long forgotten until today. Oh what fun I had to enjoy my ALMOST forgotten passion for dolls. See my project completed. What shall we name her? She has the hint of bewildered look and a tiny frown. Wonder if she's thinking "Too Much Hair!"

VINTAGE Button Collections

O MY GOODNESS! I love vintage buttons and I happened upon this yummy collections on Etsy. I bought them of course. How could I resist! Just look at them all pink and red and bit of pizazz in the mix.

I remember my grandmother Irene's button collection. She kept them in an old tin box. In the depression clothing was never thrown out. It was re purposed into other things like dust clothes, pillows or rags for cleaning. When I would go visit my Grandmother in Minnesota during summer school break, she would have simple chores for me to do. One of them was to cut the old buttons off of my grandpas shirts and other clothing that had worn out and was destined for the rag box.

I loved her wonderful button collection. She would use the buttons if needed, but mostly she kept them in the tin. It was a wonderful treasure and I loved the feel of the buttons as my fingers cupped them and let them fall into the box like so many coins and treasures. I asked about the button tin after my grandmother passed away in 1969. No one knew of it. I suppose it was given away or perhaps donated to a charity. Several years ago I started my own button collection. It's my weird and quirky wonder that pleases me to no end.

Had another request for one  of my special little dslr totes. This little convenience is perfect for placing inside your ginormous handbag so to have your camera at hand without having to carry a camera bag in addition to your handbag. The style is like my lens pouches only bigger! Shown here is my Cannon Rebel with the 18-55 lens attached. Love this one so much that I made a matching camera strap slip cover to match. Want one like this or in your choice of fabric? Contact me in my Etsy shop for details. 

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https://www.tracyjoy.etsy.com


Tote price $23
Camera strap slipcover $14 without lens cap pocket or $16 with the pocket

Busy Busy Week

Have been going nutty this past week sewing up a storm. I really love to make my dslr camera strap sleeves. I know, you're thinking yes, but if you don't sell any what is the point of making them? Well sales have been picking up due to the holidays. Yay, holidays!

I'm really enjoying making the patchwork styles and I don't know why I didn't think of making the lens pockets this way before?

I tried several different ways to make them and none pleased me as much as this new style with the elastic. Granted that this way probably won't appeal to the guy market but most of my customers are you lovely lady photographers. For the guys, I have basic black will and the elastic pocket on the black twill is just basic. Period.

 Do you like them as much as I do? This style is priced at $19 USD

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Browns and Woodsy Paisley Pallet

Didn't realize how much I loved this fabric until I made this set. I should have purchased more of this pattern. I am now on the hunt for more! Price $ 28.00

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Is It Chinese?

Love this fabric but not sure if the letters are a pattern for the sake of design OR if the writing actually states something. Either way I love this pattern! I bought a couple of yards on clearance and we'll see if it sells. I

I'm a fan of anything Asian inspired and cannot resist fabrics of the same.  

This set sells for $28.00

TJ Accessories for Ladies NEW - Wristlet Key Fob Business Card Case Set

Love to make new things and bring something old back to my active inventory every once in a while.

Four years ago I made and sold hundreds of wristlet key fobs and business card cases individually. Started to see many similar on the market and stopped making them to concentrate on making other items. Had a bit of the hardware left and so I made up a few sets and realized how fun they are too make and so cute! I can also make a matching camera strap cover and lens bag/pouch to match! Think holiday gift giving and remember these cute sets to put on your gift giving list!  Price $18

Here's an example of a set that includes matching lens bag Price $32

Lake Petenwell Wisonsin Beautiful

There is nothing more serene than spending a few days in quiet reflection and appreciation for the beauty of nature. Last weekend I had the pleasure of taking a few days to visit Lake Petenwell where my sister and her husband are building a beautiful lake home. To arrive at the lake we drove  along a lovely wooded 2 lane road for 26 miles into beautiful pine forests and to my sisters home. All I can say is the sound of silence in the woods is deafening. The sound of silence is heard to my ears as a melody of pristine perfection that is perfection as only God can create.

I'm addicted to making my DSLR Camera Strap Covers

Even if I didn't make my camera strap slip covers for the purpose of selling them, I would still make them for the fun of it. I especially love to make the patchwork ones. When I cut my fabrics out I keep in mind the colors and patterns and how they please me like candy is to a kid.  I have several hundred 3 inch squares cut out and stored in a bin waiting for use in projects. I'm thinking I will make few lap quilts this winter for family and friends. In the mean time, stop in my Etsy shop and see if there is a strap cover you like or if you see fabric you would like to have on a patchwork strap for your own use.

DSLR Camera Tote aka Toilet Paper Cozy

Love it when I get special requests and when the request is actually useful and interesting. Recently had an inquiry about my lens pouches and would the size be large enough to fit a roll of toilet paper for use as a decorative cozy to store an extra roll on the back of the toilet. The standard size is not large enough BUT the size that I make for toting a DSLR Canon is large enough. What do you think? Do I have a new product here? Is this something I should market? I like it!

TJ Camera Accessories Facebook Fan Page

Check out our Facebook fan page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/TJ-Camera-Accessories/102269239846290?ref=ts

Check the "LIKE" box and leave us a message on our fan page to receive a 20% discount off ANY purchase from our Tracy Joy shop on Etsy. We will message you in FB with a coupon code to use for your 20% discount.

We love our products and know yo will too!

Our Facebook Fan Page

Take a look at our Facebook fan page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/TJ-Camera-Accessories/102269239846290

Patchwork Blue DSLR Strap Cover plus Len Cap Pocket

Love the way this strap looks with all the shades of blue and the cute little expandable lens cap pocket that I made for it. Experimenting with different lens cap pockets on my straps has been a week of trial and error as most of the ones I have seen on other straps look bulky, as were the previous ones that I made. They looked odd and bulky on the strap. This one came to me today while playing with patchwork squares for assembling into strap covers. Such a simple idea and yet so very functional. The elastic and the pleats give the pocket plenty of room to accommodate up to a 3.5 inch lens cap, while the gente give and take of the elastic keeps the lens secure in the pocket. No bothersome Velcro, buttons or snaps to fiddle with. Just slip in the cap and there ya go! Price $19.00

Patchwork DSLR Camera Strap Cover & Lens Pouch

Love working with patchwork and all the variables of patterns and textures. This set is the newest creation from the explosion of projects in waiting on my work table. The colors and combinations of patterns are yummy as gummy bears. Strap cover has low nap, ultra soft minky plush in black. Len bag like ALL of my lens pouches has the standard micro fleece lining, draw string pressure lock closure. Would you like a set similar to this one? Contact me through my Etsy shop for details and a reserve listing. Price: $30 

FREE gift bag With Purchase

I love to receive and give pretty wrapped gifts. Purchase a lens bag or DSLR camera strap cover and receive one of my cute little lime green gift bags. These are really fun as they have a little bow with a snap closure. They are perfect for putting a single lens bag or strap cover for gift giving. I have a limited number of these available and so hurry to get yours! Limit of ONE (1) per customer please :)

Fun Donation

Was asked recently for a donation to a fellow vendor for her photography workshop. Normally I only donate a single item or sometimes several but NEVER 9 of an item. Guess I was feeling generous? LOL....Cherise is one our the Prop Insanity writers for Tracy Joy's Blog and so it was a pleasure to participate in her request. Love the simple design of my basic strap covers. I created the first strap covers back in 2006 similar to these and always loved making them. they are my fabric candies as the colors and assortments make me smile with pleasure in a way like candy is to the sweet tooth. Buy a few to have on hand just like your candy drawer in the kitchen full of M & M's.  Hershey bars, Gummy bears, and other yummy treats to suit your whim.  The simple strap covers are only $10 a piece

Reversible DSLR Strap Cover

Got the itch to do some more creative sewing for the Fall/Holiday season. Look for a few more of these reversible strap covers soon to be in my Etsy shop. This one sold immediately so not available right now. Will have another up and ready for purchase in a few days.  The reversibles have a double lining of padded fusible fleece for a soft feel without too bulk bulk. Purchase a lens bag to match or coordinate for a set sure to please.     Price of the reversible $16.00. 

A Blast from the Past

Click on the above photo to see enlarged view of lots of my ideas put to fruition. 

O my! Going through my photo files I found lots of pics of the fun things I've made over the last few years. Sometimes I feel like I have a variety store in my head. I want to make everything I think of !

Part of having an intense creative personality is always being aware that your mind is in over-drive constantly thinking of new projects and ideas that come and go into ones head like a movie on fast forward. I'll be thinking of a new design or fabrics I'd like to use and must then take a few quick notes as the next idea or image is waiting to over shadow what I have not yet processed from the previous idea!  I often times wake at 3 AM (the witching hour)  and can't go back to sleep until I get out of bed to walk around a bit and clear my head of the creative noise.

Sometimes in order for me to fall back asleep I think of a favorite imagined place of peace and meditation:. It's a white sand beach under a cloudless, lapus lazuli, deep blue sky at dusk. The sand is pure white, void of shells and there are no people anywhere in sight. The beach is a long endless expanse that beckons me to walk towards the end of nowhere. Walking along and listening to the silent, noiseless nothingness of solitude I am at peace. The warm breeze feels soothing and tiny bits of sand blow around my feet tickling my toes and bare feet, enticing me to dig my toes in deeper to the warm dry sand.... Before I know it the sunrise morning time to wake has arrived. A new day of creativity awaits for me to discover.

Well, it is a simple medication, but it does work to clear my head so I can sleep. This and the "white" noise of the ceiling fan are the BEST sleep inducers for my over worked hyper creative brain. Hope you enjoyed looking at some of  my favorite things I've made over the last few years.

DSLR Camera Lens Cap Pocket

Add this expandable pocket to most of the neck strap sleeves offered in my Tracy Joy Etsy shop.

Have been trying to adapt my standard size pocket so that it will fit even the largest lens caps has been trial and error for a few months, and keeping my creative thinking cap on at all times has allowed new ideas pop into my head at oddest times! Several days ago I awoke at around 3:30 AM and all I had on my mind was work! Got up and made a sketch and figured a way to attach a larger pocket to my standard 2.5" wide sleeve. Voila! Here it is!

Available for additional $3.50 to your strap cover purchase.

Before you purchase a strap cover contact me to make sure that fabric is still available in your pattern. Otherwise I have a great quality twill in basic black by Michael Miller.

FREE Domestic Shipping

Have decided to continue FREE shipping to domestic addies through the month of JULY. 

This includes APO addresses too!  

Offer valid in BOTH of my Etsy shop including Tracy Joy ( tj Camera Accessories )

and 

SUGARPLUMBABY

FREE 4th of JULY Shipping

HAPPY 4th of  July !!

Offering FREE Shipping for U.S. addresses including military APO addresses through Monday July 4th (midnight CTS time)

Use COUPON CODE: 72011

Black and White Camera Strap Covers are the WOW!

I really love to work with black and white. As much as I enjoy working with fanciful colors and retro prints it is my love of basic black and cool crisp white that keeps me on the hunt for MORE of the same. Here are a few favorites that I currently have in my inventory. These basic strap covers are priced at $12 with ultra soft Minky faux fur plush backing for smooth comfort against you neck.  A lens pockets add on is additional $3.00

NEW Fabrics for Summer

Michael Miller's "Lagoon Hoopla Dot"

Went on a little fabric Shopping Spree! Bought 4 new patterns. I like to use quality designer cotton prints and the majority of my shop items are from the most popular fabric designers such as Michael Miller, Robert Kaufman, Amy Butler and Alexander Henry. Occasionally I'l see a generic print that strikes my fancy and add it to the lot. Can't wait to create with these new prints!

Tulla Pink's "Pick a Bunch Daisy" in pink
Robert Kaufman's "Black Damask"
Robert Kaufman's "Prince Charming"

40 inch adjustable Camera Bag Laptop Bag Straps

I have a huge amount of black polypro (polypropolene) webbing in both black and dark brown.  Also have the black plastic heavy duty clips to make bag straps. If you are in need of a spare then I can deliver! Or if you are looking for extra long length so you can convert your shoulder style bag to a messenger across the chest style, I can also deliver. I've also got a large inventory of camera strap slip covers (sleeves) that will also fit these straps. Kind of neat to have a cover for your bag strap that is removable and also has shoulder comfort because I back them with ultra soft black "Minky" faux fur. I don't like the large bumpy stuff but prefer the softer nursery style. It really is comfortable and not bulky against your neck.

Strap alone in adjustable 40 " length is $12.00
Add a strap cover that measures 24" for additional $10

Here is a sample pic. Choose to order a strap with a cover and you can choose ANY from my Etsy shop or I can show you fabrics for a custom made. Basic black is ALWAYS an option too!

JOPLIN Missouri Charity Auction

Earlier this month I participated in a charity online auction for the residents of Joplin Missouri affected by April's tornado. The auction was sponsored by fellow ETSY vendor Candice of "TWIDDLEBITS"

Through many generous donors of products and services and bids of many, Candice was able to raise $1,500.00 for the residents of Joplin!

My winning bidder chose a matching 2 piece set of camera strap cover with lens cap pocket and lens bag in Michael Miller's lovely pink GEOMETRIC fabric.

Price in my shop of 2 piece sets retail for  $19.99 (lens pocket add on is additional $3)  Jill's generous bid was twice my retail price of purchase in shop. Thanks so much Jill! Your donation for Joplin is greatly appreciated. Enjoy using your set!

tj Camera Accessories Facebook Fan Page

We have a FACEBOOK "fan page" please check us out!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/TJ-Camera-Accessories/102269239846290

New Blog for tj Camera Accessories

Starting today I will be posting updates for new products, fabrics and contests for Tracy Joy camera accessory line. Our products are offered from the Bonnie Lee Design web site as well as from our Tracy Joy Etsy shop.

Hope to keep things moving in a positive sales swing as things have been really slow these past few weeks. I know the market has become crowded since I first started offering our strap covers and lens bags several years ago, however I do believe that our product is a great value for a quality made product as well as a way to add a fresh vibe to your camera gear without spending more than you are comfortable with.