So onto the next chapter of Art School Dropout’s story…

This one isn’t super long or possibly even that interesting, ha. It’s all about how I started to incorporate sewn objects in our product range. Very soon after I started selling all those Juxtapose necklaces 10 years ago, I decided that I wanted to invest in a really nice sewing machine, possibly one with an embroidery unit. My mom and grandmother had vikings, so of course I felt I needed one too. I viewed it as a gift to myself for doing so well. I ended up finding one that I loved that also did small (3.75″x3.75″) embroidery. I was in love with all the deadstock vinyl I had been seeing at local mom and pop fabric shops at the time and made sure the machine could handle that too.

It seriously took me close to three years to get comfortable enough with the material and embroidery to make pieces I felt I could sell. It also took that long to save up for the software and equipment so I could draw my own designs. Such a great investment. The whole thing. I am able to draw up any design I want that fits into that little square size, and embroider it on vinyl. I loved the little bags and pouches I was making. I still use a bunch of them to this day, as do most of friends and family members.

I haven’t made any new pieces in a while  but after assembling the ones above, i think I might have to get back into it!! Soo many ideas flowed through my head while sitting at my machine. I can’t wait until I have some free time!

So as part of week three of Art School Dropout’s 10 year anniversary, I am giving away the two embroidered vinyl zipper pouches pictured above! One is 9″ wide and the other is 8″. Neither are lined, which makes them waterproof and great for things like makeup and toiletries. I use mine for change and some of CT’s small toys!

Now Here are the rules:

This giveaway is for BOTH of the vinyl pouches shown in the above two photos, there will be no substitutions. The contest starts right this second and ends Sunday, May 26 at 11 p.m. EST when comments will be closed. Since this weekend is a holiday weekend in the states (and I have two birthdays to go to), a winner will not be chosen until next Tuesday. The winner’s name will be added to this blog post soon after. Winner(s) will be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends. If the first winner does not reply back to an email sent out within 24 hours, a second winner will be chosen. So please make sure to give your correct email address! Each giveaway item will be shipped out the day the next giveaway starts until the fourth week when it will be shipped out three days later (unless something comes up, in which case I will email the winner).

This weeks giveaway is open to international readers (upcoming weeks may not be due to the size of the prize, so please keep that in mind)

To earn one entry all you have to do is comment below letting me know:

What design, or type of design, do you think I should put on my next batch of bags and pouches?

Last week we tried out rafflecopter, which in the end seemed like a mess and kinda confusing (thank you for the emails). I liked the idea of tweeting to earn a second spot. So if you add Art School Dropout on Twitter (username @jesseesuem) and/or tweet about this giveaway, please comment letting me know. Your comment will count as additional entries.

Here’s an example

“I just entered Art School Dropout’s giveaway to win two pouches! You should check it out: http://artschooldropout.net/blog/?p=2328 @jesseesuem“

So in the end everyone has the chance to enter three times!

Good luck to everyone that enters!!! I am excited to send these pieces to go to a great new home.

This giveaway is now closed and a winner has been chosen. I used random.org to pick the winner, which ended up being commenter #2 – Robyn!!

Thank you everyone for entering and keep an eye out for the last weeks giveaway starting soon!