A Crafty Questionnaire: Virginia Kraljevic

Virginia Kraljevic is an illustrator, artist, and self-proclaimed "handicrafter" who shares her Manhattan studio with a dog named Watson, a cat who sometimes answers to Madame Bugglesworth, and the myriad fancies of her creative heart.

Although she opened her Etsy shop in 2007, Virginia has been drawing and doodling French pigeons, mustaches, swirls, curls, trees, vines, teapots, clouds, and magical bunny rabbits since the age of 6. Naturally, other interests snagged her attention along the way, but her commitment to exploring life, nature, and art have never waned. As charming in person as they appear online, you can view (and buy!) a few Virginia Kraljevic originals for your heart and home at the The Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn on June 5 & 6, 2010, and at the one-of-a-kind {NewNew} Treasure Chest on Governor's Island, every weekend this summer.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

The moment. It's pretty amazing.

What is your greatest fear?

Aside from the really morbid fears (like death, injury, darkness, heights, and paranoia in general), finding a cockroach in my coffee cup is high on the list.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Martha Stewart. This lady has completely reinvented home economics for the masses and has helped pave the way for individuals like me to do what I love most: cut, sew, paste, bake, cook, plan, organize, entertain, garden, paint, trim, decorate, design, create, and be a do-it-yourself, independent kinda gal.

Which living person do you most admire?

Definitely my parents. An unconventional pair, these two have shown me firsthand that having a fire in your belly gets you places (and keeps you young!).

Virginia's parents

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?

Yes, the opening song to Murder, She Wrote. It's also my ringtone. But if I could have a custom theme song made for me, I would love to have Mark Mothersbaugh create it.

What is the trait you most like in yourself?

My ability to interject silliness whenever possible.

What is the trait you most like in others?

Genuineness.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Traveling. Local or abroad, it is very important to get out there!

When and where were you happiest?

Last Tuesday at 12:04 pm when I was bicycling through Central Park on a magnificently sunny day and the flowers smelled oh-so sweet. Or perhaps it was yesterday when I got away from my computer for two split seconds to walk my pup. Basically any moment I'm not worrying about something heavy, it's every instant I reminisce about living in Paris (outdoor cafes, sipping yummy beverages with friends, but I digress), it's falling in love with a song at first listen, and it's any time I laugh so hard I cry.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would grow a second pair of arms (for purposes of multitasking).

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Working for myself = three universities in two countries, three unpaid internships, five different professional fields, many job titles, two quarter-life crises, innumerable interactions with people from all over the world, some incredible experiences, a bunch of crummy experiences, all so I could one day figure out that what I loved to do more than anything was right in front of me the whole time: doodling and making things.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?

With my luck, a narwhal.

What is your most treasured possession?

Health(!) and my hard drive.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?

Being fluent in every language/dialect, including speaking to animals = awesome.

Who are your heroes in real life?

You, you, him, and her. People who inspire, encourage, and embrace the ones around them.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?

Flirting with disaster. I also have a love/hate relationship with office jargon.

What is your motto?

You Know It! Not a true motto, but I toss it into most conversations. yki.

Who are your favorite artists?

Friendly ones. Crazy ones. And Mr. Jim Henson.

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?

The sandwich. With a side of chips and a pickle.

What's the first thing you remember making?

A shadowbox based on the short story, The Crabapple. Mine was pretty advanced at age five, and I knew it at the time, too. ;)

If you can't make it to The Renegade Fair in Brooklyn next week, make sure you stop by the {NewNew} Treasure Chest on Governor's Island. And you can always check out Virginia online at her Etsy shop, virginiakraljevic.etsy.com.




Susan
persuede.etsy.com
jewelry made for you

Where to Find the {NewNew} May 29 + 30

The {NewNew} is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Fulton Stall Market on Sundays, opening this Sunday and operating weekly until October 31st. Located at former Fulton Fish Market, over two dozen food and {NewNew} artisan vendors will occupy the sixteen former fish stalls that line South Street between Fulton and Beekman Street at the South Street Seaport. This week, you'll see {NewNew} members Fubabee, Elments4insirdlivng, WishByFelicity, MayLuk, MShoelace, WindowsOfAgate, AdornmentsNYC, and OonaghNaturals.

Location: South Street Seaport between Fulton and Beekman Street. Sunday, 12pm - 6pm.

The Hester Street Fair is filled to overflowing with excellent food and artisan vendors, which is probably why it's been in the spotlight in so many NYC magazines of late. This Saturday, you'll find {NewNew}ers PriaVanda with unique handwoven stationary and Elments4inspirdlivngwith one-of-a-kind fashion accessories and unique decorative items for the home. On Sunday, check out DesignsByAliza, AlleneLaSpina, and IreneCStudio.

Location: Hester and Essex Street, Manhattan. Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 6pm.

The {NewNew} continues to have a strong presence at the outdoor Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene. This Saturday you'll find CardsInStitches, AdornmentsNYC, and BhekiPainting.

Location: 176 Lafayette Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt. Saturday, 10am - 7pm.

Artists and Fleas is a hip, Williamsburg weekly market that showcases emerging and independent artists, designers, vintage collectors and DIYers. This Saturday you'll find LadyThree with her handmade and revamped vintage jewelry along with hand printed gift tags and cards.

Location: 129 North 6th Street, Brooklyn. Saturday, 11am - 7pm.

Have a lovely weekend!

Karina

Windows of Agate

Birthday Wishes

Today is my best friend's birthday!  Like me, she is a Geminii and we both love a wide variety of pretty, shiny objects.  In her honor here are some beautiful, shiny, unique, awesome and dazzling items, brought to you by the fabulously talented {NewNew} team!

Let her eat cake and lots of it.  Make it the pineapple upside-down kind please. 

Caketime print, $8, available at MyZoetrope.

She's always on the go and constantly losing things.  

This bag is perfect because it can be attached to her wrist.  Ha!

The Super Pleated clutch, $68, available at bungaloe.

In our own minds.

FOX pillow, $79, available at alexandraferguson. 

I won't mention the time we went to a local bakery and she bought a dozen red velvets.  She then proceeded to eat 6 of them at one sitting.  That's just between you, me and the blog.

Lampwork Sprinkle cupcake, $32, available at astudiobythesea.

What I didn't mention is that she's a runner.  So she's allowed to eat 6 cupcakes 

because it will all fall off her after her 6th mile.  Me on the other hand....

Ipod armband, $20, available at JiJis.

This might be the one thing that could make her stop and stare for more than 3 seconds.

LOOK AT THE PRETTY COLORS!!!!

Crystal Vitrail Necklace, $45 available at AdornmentsNYC.

I'd buy her this card so I could write something sappy in it.

Then she would read it aloud dramatically and we'd giggle until we felt sick from all the cupcakes.

Koi Bubbles notecard, $5 available at Fubabee.

Happy birthday Madness!  xoxoxo!

Stephanie/metalicious

Treasure Chest Discovered on Governors Island!

Set sail for adventure this summer with a unique day trip to historic Governors Island, where a crew of {NewNew} artists and craftspeople will be commandeering one of the locale's original dwellings and transforming it into a one-of-a-kind boutique of handmade treasures. Landlubbers can shop for original artwork, jewelry, glass, ceramics, textiles and other handmade items from June 5th through September 6th. Visitors will be treated to an exceptional shopping experience in an unusual setting.

Many of the {NewNew} artists drew their inspiration from the island's rich history. For almost two centuries, Governors Island was a military base-home to the US Army and Coast Guard. Due to changing needs in operations, the Coast Guard closed and "mothballed" the island in 1996. New York's leaders recognized the Island's potential, and in 2003 the federal government sold most of the Island to the people of New York for one dollar. Today the Governors island Preservation and Education Corporation oversees 150 acres of the Island, while the National Park Service manages the balance; the 22 acre Governors Island National Monument which includes two 1812 era forts.




The Island is only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan, and even closer to Brooklyn. It is a world unto itself, unique and full of promise: with great new public space for picnics and relaxing and a mix of educational, not for profit, and commercial facilities. A fabulous place for natives and out of towners to come explore!

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?
There are two ferries that will take you to Governors island

DEPARTING FROM MANHATTAN
Free ferries run ever Friday- Sunday. Visit Govisland.com for a full schedule.
Subways to Ferry: 4/5 to Bowling Green & R to Whitehall Street.

DEPARTING FROM BROOKLYN
Free ferries run every Saturday and Sunday
Visit Govisland.com for a full schedule

June 5- September 5
Fridays 10:30-4
Saturdays-Sundays 10:30-6

Visit The {NewNew} house 6B in Nolan Park.

A Crafy Questionnaire: Alicia Goodwin

Alicia Goodwin opened her etsy shop, LinguaNigra, in 2003. The name means "black tongue" in Latin. It's a little known medical condition Alicia read about in a book of rare medical mysteries. An unusual name for a jewelry line, but one that makes sense to a designer who has an appreciation for the beauty to be found in esoteric oddities. It seems to fit the striking pieces with unusual organic origins that are her trademark.

Inspired by an inherent tendency to collect everything, and a boundless curiosity about the world around her, Alicia's jewelry incorporates aspects of anthropology, medicine, etymology, modern design and tribal lore. The F.I.T. graduate with a duel degree in fashion and jewelry design painstakingly hand crafts each of her pieces in her studio in Brooklyn, committed to making something truly unique for each customer. The best way to keep up with Alicia's intrepid interests and schedule? Sign up for the LinguaNigra newsletter and become a fan on Facebook.

Better yet, check out Lingue Nigra at the {NewNew} Treasure Chest on Governor's Island all this summer!


What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I'm not sure. Having great friends is a pretty happy place to be. A nice house with a workroom wouldn't hurt either. It really doesn't take much for me. I think as long as good food is involved, you can get to a happy place.

What is your greatest fear?

My biggest fear right now is not getting what I want. I'm worried that the things I do will be in vain. It's hard to trust yourself sometimes and I sometimes find myself doubting decisions I make (though I do give myself and others good advice). Also, as crazy as this sounds, I'm afraid to be homeless. I would definitely be the lady with 15 shopping carts of stuff. I have a lot of things and can't seem to part with any of them!

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

I don't really identify with any historical figure but if I have to it would be Art Smith. Art Smith designed beautiful jewelry that was at once simple and complex. I've been striving to create things that have an organic beginning and a simple kind of complexity to them, if that makes any kind of sense.

Which living person do you most admire?

I really admire Stevie Wonder. He has done so much socially and musically. His songwriting is amazingly poetic. And besides that, he can play so many instruments! He was one of the main people pushing for an MLK Jr. holiday, along with everything else civil rights related. So many other artists have worked with him, it is hard to imagine a world without him. He is also a Taurus and I love my Taureans!

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?

Don't You Worry About A Thing by, you guessed it, Stevie! This song is so great and it's kind of like a personal message. It's gotten me through very stressful times

What is the trait you most like in yourself?

My memory. Does that count? I have a pretty amazing memory and can remember details of conversations that most people wouldn't. This helps in so many ways. It's also good to impress people who wouldn't remember you otherwise.

What is the trait you most like in others?

You have to be able to make fun of yourself...and others. I love people with a great sense of humor and instantly gravitate towards those that understand sarcasm.

What is your greatest extravagance?

BELTS!!! I have so many, but most recently I purchased a Moroccan sterling silver belt with hand cut and stamped panels. It cost a lot, but I'm sure the amount of silver in it evens out the price. The funny thing is that I would have bought the belt no matter what it was made of. It's that great. It has these removable pieces that I could use for a bracelet if I wanted. Pretty fancy.

When and where were you happiest?
I'm happiest when I'm home, just relaxing. I like to talk to my plants and draw while the sun lights up the room.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I kind of like myself as I am. I guess I could be more proactive and procrastinate less. Procrastinating really gets me in trouble. The funny thing is, when I get around to it, I'm like, I should have done this days ago!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Not getting into trouble is a great achievement. Not having to worry my parents for money is pretty great. I suppose being an adult is a pretty fantastic achievement in itself.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?

I love giraffes, so I would say that. I was going to say a plant, but they really don't get to move around that much and have to put up with whatever is going on around them (a dog peeing, kids, cats, bad TV). Giraffes have no competition for food way up there and they are so sweet!

What is your most treasured possession?

Trust me, I have a lot of things, I love them all, and can't really tell you what I treasure most these days. Sadly, I have no treasures that my grandmother passed on to me.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?

I really would like to draw better than I do. It would be nice to be able to put on paper what is actually in my head.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My mother is pretty amazing. She's so sweet and did so much for me and my sister that there isn't enough room to list it all.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?

When people repeat what you say right after you said it....um, and also fake smiles. That really bothers me.

What is your motto?

Hmm, I don't really have a motto. But for what it's worth I like to say, "Always complete what you start."

Who are your favorite artists?

My friend Gina Beavers is a pretty amazing artist. I also like any furniture designer from the 50's (Eames, Knoll, etc.), I'm a big fan of indigenous art and unknown artists who create amazing things.

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?

I have a few inventions I hope to patent in the near future. I think that the human mind is pretty amazing when it comes to simple inventions...and infomercials.

What's the first thing you remember making?

I've created so much, but when I was small I would make these wonderful (or so I thought) gowns and dresses from discarded fabric my father brought home from the pillow factory where he worked. I used an electric stapler to "sew" my seams and make my designs even more fashionable. I'm surprised I didn't get tetanus!

Select a unique item from the LinguaNigra jewelry line, available exclusively on Etsy.




Susan persuede

Craft Show Displays: Not a Destination, but a Journey

Let me just start by saying that I don't know anything about anything. I’ve read some stuff, and I've tried some stuff. I’m still new at selling my work, especially, in-person, so what I have to share about craft show displays is not expert advice, but rather just a bit of my own stumbling learning experience. I hope it's instructive, or at least entertaining.

I make paper-mache bird figurines and ornaments, Scrabble tile pendants, and glass tile magnets. The two biggest challenges I face in displaying my work are cost and transportability. I keep costs down and my displays transportable by foot and/or subway by making them myself. Luckily, my wares are small, and my aesthetic is D.I.Y./upcycled/shabby chic, so I have some flexibility in this regard. I also worked in a hardware store for a couple of years right out of college so I’m familiar with the range of items available there that can adapted for display or display-making purposes. My favorites are wood dowels, flowerpots, and Plaster of Paris (I actually HATE Plaster of Paris, but it’s useful so I cope).

Going the D.I.Y. route has its risks, the main one, of course, being the display not working. I experienced this recently with my magnet display. My magnet display is essentially a “tree” consisting of a flowerpot base, wood-dowel trunk, and a wire cooling-rack “canopy” of sorts that hold my packaged magnet sets. I’ve gone through three versions am about to christen a fourth. A key problem has been the size and weight of the base. This was perhaps most apparent in Version 1, which used a galvanized metal bucket instead of a flowerpot. The idea was for the bucket to double as a flat surface for displaying my loose magnets. It worked OK (not great) for that, but the bucket was so darned big that I had to use a lot of Plaster of Paris to set the dowel in it. I did foresee this problem, however, and tried to mitigate it by pouring the plaster and setting the dowel in a milk carton inside the bucket and then packing the rest of the bucket with foil and paper to keep the dowel centered. Nice plan, but it didn’t work. I still needed some plaster on the bottom of the bucket to weigh it down, and also to give the dowel some lift. The problem was that the diameter of the bucket so large that a ton of plaster to cover the bottom. The result was a ridiculously heavy and awkward of display element that didn’t fit into my storage/transport bin and that I consequently got totally dinged-up schlepping to and from a show in Brooklyn (on the subway).

So for the next show I nixed the bucket and switched to a flowerpot. This was much more transportable and nicer-looking, but not without its own challenges, the main one being its shape: narrower at the base than at the top. Where I went wrong here was in being overly concerned about its weight (the memory of the galvanized bucket still fresh in my memory) and consequent transportability, in contrast to its stability. So, I did like I had done with the bucket and poured a layer of Plaster of Paris on the bottom as a base. But instead of setting the dowel inside a smaller container within the flowerpot, mixed the next layer of plaster with packing peanuts. This was supposed to provide structure without adding excess weight. I topped it off with a third layer of pure plaster to fill in the gaps and further stabilize the dowel. Another good idea, but it didn’t play. I wanted to be able to remove the dowel for transport so I wrapped it in wax paper before setting it into the plaster. This made the dowel removable, but at the cost of a snug enough fit. The dowel was so wobbly that I had to add plaster to the top layer to stabilize it. The result was a tree base that was heavier in the middle than on the bottom. Thankfully, it and the tree made it through the show that weekend but I scrapped it in favor of an entirely new set-up for the next.

Alas, the shape of the flowerpot defied all effort at sufficiently redistributing the weight of the plaster. Magnet Tree No. 3 was heavier at the base than No. 2, but it still toppled over and onto to the pavement in a very unfortunately directed gust of wind its first time out, shattering the pot and crushing a bunch of magnets under it. Wah! Thankfully, my fellow vendors rushed in to help pick up the pieces (literally) and disguise the mess of the remaining tree base from the public with a large swatch of fabric.

So I was back to Square 2, if I didn’t want to spend any more money or mix any more darned plaster, which I didn’t. Contemplating the riddle of my magnet tree, it suddenly occurred to me how I could address the weighting issue: FLIP THE POT OVER. I checked the diameter of the drainage opening on the bottom of the flowerpot and it fit the dowel perfectly. So I got out my drill and began eating away at the plaster that was currently blocking it. I drilled and drilled and drilled, and then chopped out the remaining mass of plaster with a screwdriver. I did this from both ends. I finished resizing the new opening with sandpaper. I stuck the dowel in and filled the few little gaps there between it and the pot with a couple of nails, and ta-da! A new, very much improved, sturdier magnet tree trunk!

This is really only part of the full Magnet Tree Saga. There were other problems with the display that I think I also finally licked in Version 4, but I’ll spare you the details of that gory learning experience, at least for now ;-)

Where to Find the {NewNew} May 22 + 23

Handmade Shopping Tip #3

Finding Your Favorite Handmade Artisan Again

You stroll through a spring market and pass by a booth with stunning handprinted tea towels*. You backtrack. You buy one, take it home, and realize it's not only the most beautiful thing in your kitchen, but it's super soft, super absorbent, and easy to clean. You want to buy 10 more as gifts for your entire family. But wait - the tea towel doesn't have the designer's name on it. You paid with cash, so you don't have a receipt. You go back to the market the following weekend and search through all the booths to locate the mystery tea towel seller, but you can't find her again. What to do?

The wonderful thing about handmade products is that it lacks that huge tags emblazoned with a company's logo. Unfortunately, it also means that you might not be able to find that artist that you love. Here are some tips to relocate your favorite handmade artisan.

1. Sign up to be on "the list". Many artists send out newsletters with information about new products, upcoming craft fairs they'll be selling at, or when there are special promotions. Be sure to join - you can always unsubscribe later.

2. Take a business card. But don't just grab a business card, throw it in your shopping bag, and throw it out when you get home! Take a second to make a note on the back about what product you like, or to write a reminder like, "Great gift idea for Aunt Sara!" That way you won't forget why you picked up that card.

3. Put the business cards you collect in one place rather than let them collect in your junk drawer. I like to punch a hole in the top left hand corner and then put them all on a metal book ring to keep them all together.

4. Find out if the artist has a blog. Then subscribe!

Now, put these tips into action this weekend, as there will be plenty of opportunity to shop for amazing handmade items from the {NewNew}!

This Saturday, Karen Sieger, the author of Markets of New York, will be doing book signings at the Brooklyn Indie Market. To help celebrate the event, {NewNew} artisans will be selling their wares! Stop by and check out WabisabiBrooklyn, KimmChi, KnitKnit, OffTheMat, OwlidayInn, MetropolisSoap, Fofolle, and MayLuk.

Location: Red and white tent at Smith between President and Union, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Saturday, 11am - 7pm.

Hester Street continues to get great press and large turnouts at this hopping Lower East Side Market. Get a taste of old NYC by visiting this historic hotspot. This Saturday you'll find the following vendors:

HeartFelt4Kids: Colorful and charming natural fiber and eco-friendly wool and bamboo felt children's apparel.

Elements4InspirdLivng: One-of-a-kind fashion accessories and unique decorative items for the home.

PriaVanda: Unique hand-woven stationary.

Location: Hester and Essex Street, Manhattan. Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 6pm.

The Brooklyn Flea continues to be a strong presence on the local handmade scene, and the {NewNew} table has yet another strong line-up of vendors. Keep an eye out for CardsInStitches, AdornmentsNYC, and BhekiPainting this Saturday at the Fort Greene Flea.

Location: 176 Lafayette Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt. Saturday, 10am - 5pm.

The {NewNew} team will have a curated table at the famous BUST Spring Craftacular with fantastic items from a variety of {NewNew} artisans. Be sure to look out for them at this fabulous spring event!

Location: The Warsaw, 261 Driggs Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Sunday, 11am - 7pm

Karina

WindowsOfAgate

*The tea towels I'm referring to are from Cakehouse and ClaudiaPearson. I love both designers!

{NewNew} Light Therapy

Well, it's a rainy day in NYC today and I need a little something to beat the blues.  Since I can't afford one of those gigantic and expensive lightboxes that mimic the sun, here is some sunshine brought to you by the Etsy {NewNew} team!

$3 at StudioPetite

$49 at Heartfelt4Kids

$42 on sale at LoellaMedina

$12 at LennyMud

$70 at BetterThanJam

$7.50 at CLineCreations

Thanks for sharing in my sunshine.  Wishing you a happy day!

Stephanie Maslow-Blackman, Metalicious

Tutorial Tuesday: Make a Governors Island Backpack

This summer, the {NewNew} will commandeer one of Governors Island's original dwellings and transform it into a one-of-a-kind boutique of handmade treasures. To celebrate this event,  Kimm of KimmChi and I have collaborated on a special Governors Island backpack that will be available in our store. For those of you who won't be able to come to the Island we offer you this tutorial so you can make your own bag for your summer treasures:

Materials

• Two 16"x16" pieces of fabric for the body of the bag
• One 4" x 7" strip of fabric for the bottom loops
• Two 4" x 17" strips of fabric for the cord casing
• Two 2' lengths of cord

Step 1 - Make the Bottom Loops

Take the 4" x 7" strip of fabric, fold it in half left sides together and press it. Then fold the edges toward the middle line you created and press this piece.

Fold the strip in half again and press it. You know have a 1" x 7" folded strip of fabric.

Sew the open edge together with a 1/8 seam. Repeat on the other edge.

Cut the strip in half so you have two 1"x3.5" pieces of fabric.

Step 2 - Put Together the Body of the Bag

The body of the bag is sewn together with French seams as follows: take the two 16" squares, with left sides together and the right side of the top piece facing you, pin the sides and the bottom together leaving the top of the bag open.
Fold the two 1" x 3.5" pieces you just made in half and pin them between the top and the bottom layer about 3/4" from the bottom. These will form the loops at the bottom of the bag that you will use to attach the backpack cords.
Sew the sides and the bottom closed with a 1/4" seam allowance while catching the loop strips on the sides in your seam.

Clip the seam allowance to within 1/8" of the stitches.

Turn the body of the bag inside out with right sides together and the left (wrong) side of the fabric facing you.  Press the seams flat. With a 3/8" seam allowance stitch down the sides and the bottoms. This seam encloses the raw edge of the first seam.

Step 3 - Construct the Cord Casing

The only fabric remaining now are the two 4"x 17" strips of fabric for the casing.

To construct the first casing, fold over 3/8" of the long edge of the casing and press.
Repeat with the edge on the opposite side.
Then fold over 3/8" of the short edge of the casing and fold it over again enclosing the raw edge. Press. Repeat with the other short side. Stitch down one short side.

With right side of the casing touching the left side of the body of the bag, pin the casing to one side of the bag.
Make any adjustments necessary to match the length of the casing to the width of the bag.
Stitch down the other short side.
Sew the length of the casing to the width of the bag.
Turn the bag right side out

Press the seam down, away from the casing, toward the body of the bag.

Fold over the casing to enclose the seam you just pressed down.

With 1/8" seam allowance, stitch this edge of the casing to the bag's body creating a sort of tunnel.

Sew a second top stitch about 1/4" from the first stitch and 3/8" from the casing edge where it meets the body of the bag.

Repeat this process with the second casing.

You now have a bag with a casing that goes all around the top of the bag leaving two openings, one on each side of the bag.

Step 4 - Thread the Cord

Take one length of 2' cord and thread it through the casing all around the bag to exit at the same side where it entered the casing.

Thread one end of the cord through the loop on the same side of the bag and knot the two ends together.
Repeat with the other side.

Cinch your bag together and you're ready to go. Hope to see you on the island.

Simone
groundsel.etsy.com