Too Cool For School!

Am I the only one who KNOWS my life is going to be crazy and stressful, and thinks "Let's plan a big event to take my mind off the stress?" Because that makes sense, right? Completely logical.

Well... right now, my husband is deploying for a year, my son had surgery and is home on IV's, I've had the flu, we're in full swing with sports, dance, nutcracker...... and a million other things around here.

So, you see, it's the perfect time for an OPEN HOUSE!! Woohoo!

But- this year, I'm making it far more exciting!

So far I have 4 local vendors with unique, darling, hand made boutique accessories, and a stellar photographer. It will surely be an event you won't want to miss. What a perfect time to finish up back to school shopping by accessorizing all those new outfits! Plus, I'm no fan of school pictures, but these will knock your socks off!

I'm hoping to have all the details done by next week! So keep your eyes out for more info.

I also have room for 1-2 more local vendors, preferably who make clothes, to join in our fun! Contact me if you want in on the action! :)

Holy Moly! After being locked out of my account for a whole month, I finally figured out the problem.... let's just say it was all my fault ;)

As this Father's day comes to a close, I am gearing up for my family's busy summer. I have 3 very active children, and summer time is no exception (in fact I think they're even more busy when out of school!).

Many of my great customers have been with me for quite a while, at least long enough to know my oldest son, Logan, has Cystic Fibrosis. Summer time for him usually means a trip to the hospital, surgery, and being on IV antibiotics for a good portion of the summer. This year is no exception and we are quickly trying to schedule his visit since Dad is deploying in the very near future.

We also have an avid dancer, who at age 5 has already completed her second year of dance education and 3 performances. This summer will be spent preparing for this winters Nutcracker. She's also trying to talk me into swim lessons.... we'll see!

My boys, ages 13 and 9 take Tae Kwon Do. They have just completed their first full year, and are testing next week for their Green Belt, second degree. Even with a central line in place, Logan still participates by sticking to the non-contact things. They occasionally practice up to 4 days a week.

Pile on top of all this that my dear hubby, who never fails to pick up any slack I leave behind, is heading out for a year..... it's clear to everyone why I am a tad stressed ;)

The reason for explaining all this is to let you know you most likely won't see much from me this summer. I will still be here, just not devoting much time to posyville or orders. I'll be sure to update any time I re stock the shop so you can grab things while you can.

I'm so thankful for your understanding and support! I've met some of the most amazing people doing what I do and I'm grateful every day for the inspiration you all provide to be a better me!

Lately it seems that as time goes on it becomes more and more fashionable to wear hand made clothing. Waay back when I was young, it was not cool, nor fashionable to be wearing anything your mom made you. It just wasn't.

Brand still plays a big role, and there are as many boutiques on line as there are seconds in a day to find just what you're looking for, some more popular than others. I personally am a huge fan of buying hand made. I love the individuality it provides and I'd much rather support a friend, or area artist/designer than send my money overseas.

The only problem I have, is the price! Yikes it can be costly to buy hand made boutique quality items. I'm not saying they aren't worth the price, because they are! I just wish my pockets ran deep enough to keep up with my shopping desires! LOL Sad truth is they don't.... but that's okay!

I'm learning a way around that problem. I'm starting to make them myself. ;) I am not a sew-er. I will forever continue my claim that i merely pretend to sew. I fake it.... sometimes it works. Most of the time it doesn't. Important thing to keep in mind is I do not sell clothes. I only make them for my daughter.... and her dolls.

I know many people are in similar financial situations, so I've decided that when I dream up a new sewing project I will share it here with you! Again... I do not sew well. I also don't really do tutorials... and most of my "creations" are from collaborations with other people.

Hopefully you will be motivated by my comical failures and occasional successes to want to try some yourself! There is no better feeling than having strangers comment over and over on an outfit your child is wearing knowing YOU made it! (I never tell people I make them... just smile and say thanks)

My daughter, who just turned 5, now expects to wake up on special days to find a new something to wear that day. It's going to be our fun little tradition ;)

Tomorrow will be my very first project! YAY, right??

I call it the Shabby Ruffle Dress.... and that's all I'm giving ya right now!

Thanks Megan for the idea.... and having me test it out so you'll know how to do it better! HAHA

I love love getting pictures of kiddos in posies! A long while back I had a chance to work with one of the cutest little models, Bella Mae.

I hadn't even noticed she was wearing a posy in some of her modeling pictures until her mom pointed it out! LOL I think I was so loving the cute dresses from laken & lila! If you're not familiar with their work, head on over and say hi! I promise you will be glad you did!




Brooke, Bella's mom, takes amazing pictures! I always look forward to seeing what she is up to! You can see her awesome work over at Bella Mia Galleria

For Fun

I walked into my family room to this today.

GiveAway!

It's almost time for a give away!

I'm hoping to make the tranzition from Bows To Match over to The Shabby Posy a fun one! That means we will be having fun sales, games, and giveaways at milestones.

All of the fun will take place here on this blog, or via coupon code in the Shop. I will link them to the facebook page, but it's always best to be a follower of the blog to be sure you don't miss a thing!

Hopefully having two names for a while isn't too confusing! It will take me some time to get in new business cards, and switch people over. most of all I hope you enjoy the fun... and win something awesome!

"Exclusive" Trunk Show!

EEeek!

I am giddy with excitement. First, just to have an opportunity to go shop these amazing designers. I am sure I've mentioned my daughter is starting preschool in the fall. Yeah... we'll be doing some shopping! She's my last, and my only girl.... 'nough said.

BUT WAIT (said in my cheesy infomercial voice) THERE'S MORE!!
I will be among the many vendors selling at this trunk show! I'm beginning to have feelings of inadequacy. Really... it's like my first day of high school. Little fish- Big pond!

I'm going to put on my big girl panties and be super brave. I promise to bring you lots of my big sellers... and maybe even a few new pieces too!

And let us not forget the chance to have some amazing pictures done by the amazing Forty Toes Photography

I pretty much can't wait. If you're local, it's a do not miss occasion. If you're not... it might still be worth the drive ;)

Head on over to visit Forty Toes Photography on FaceBook too! Tell her I sent you her way! Ya know... if anyone is even reading this! LOL

Jacey Bella

As a business I think it looks best if my products are displayed on a wide variety of models. I Actually try not to use my own child very often in my product shoots.



That said, she does model for a few other boutiques and photographers on occasion. I love getting work with other designers, and honestly, who doesn't love pictures of their own kiddos right?


photography by myself

If you are interested in having Jacey Bella model for you just get in touch with me! She starts kindergarten in the fall, and will need a stylish new wardrobe for the year ;) She needs a sign "Will work for cute clothes" ;)



photos by PaperMoonImages.net

Phew!

Today has been a pretty lazy one, but extremely productive at the same time. If that makes any sense! LOL
I have decided to try to use my blog more often!!! YAY!
Facebook is implementing too many crazy rules and deleting too many pages. I'm hoping that all my followers on facebook find it just as easy to hop over here to keep up with what's going on.
In my efforts to switch I really wanted to make my blog super cute, custom, and fun! What I found out is I am waaaaaay more computer illiterate than I thought. I am learning however.... and if it gets too hard, I'll do what everyone else does. Pay someone to do it for me ;)!

I also have some really exciting news to share with all my local friends.... more about it soon!

This business is forever growing, changing, evolving, and I have all of my wonderful customers to thank for that. it's because of you that I get to spend my time doing something I love to do! Thanks you all so very much for your support!

Spring Break!!

I love spring break. Usually because it's about the time of year I really get tired of having to wake up early to get kids off to school so it brings a welcome vacation from that.

This year I'm hoping to make it a week to dedicate to filling up my etsy shop. Tomorrow a good friend is going to come and play with me for the day.... I'm excited to see how much we can get done!

I'll be sure to post some pictures <3

I've Said It All Before

And most likely if you are a fellow crafter/boutique owner I'm sure you've had similar frustrations.

Being copied isn't flattering. It's frustrating. Wether done intentionally or not it just doesn't sit nicely with me.

I am an avid crafter. I LOVE to make things. I make tons of things I do not sell. If you'd like to copy (I don't care if it's an exact replica) anything I make for gifts or personal use- GO FOR IT!! This post is regarding people trying to profit from copying.

I try to create things that are different, and unique and to put my own spin on things. Rarely do I succeed on the first try either!

As a boutique owner, I've made it a practice to sell only a few items that I can do exceptionally well. I'd rather have a few items I do very well, than a big selection of things I do kinda okay. I try to sell items that are unique and will stand out when compared to others.

My Shabby Posy is by far the most recognizable BTM product! I've had poeple states away write me saying they saw someone wearing my posies out in public. It's is their distinct look that people know, so when they see other people re creating them, they tell me that too.

I have had this happen more than I care to admit. In the beginning it really upset me. The first few times I would send an email or message asking if they'd atleast change the name. I encountered a few people who responded so nicely. I ended up becoming great friends and partners with 2 of them!

Others however didn't care. They infact went out of their way to begin copying everything I'd do. This is when I came up with my own rule to deal with the situation. It was simple, delete, and block, never take it personally. That's it. No more, no less. Keep in mind, I only did this when I was pretty positive all their "inspiration" was coming directly from my items.

To be completely honest. I really don't care. Go for it. Copy me. Copy them exactly. I just choose not to see it. So if you do, don't be offended if I remove you from my page.

I will never go out of my way to draw attention to someone copying me. I may say it's time to clear out the friends list... infact I do monthly to weed out spammers and creepy people. I don't name names and I won't point fingers.

Everyone knows that trying to profit from others ideas is wrong. I've even read that it's wrong wether or not a work of art is officially protected. (if I remembered where I'd surely tell ya!LOL)

Pertaining to the "drama of the night"

Either way the drama that can unfold from this crazy crafty world on facebook is anoying at best. I try to leave it on my wall for a while. I have nothing to hide and feel I've done nothing wrong. If feelings were hurt, it wasn't by me. I will remove it, as it's extremely unprofessional for people to hold these discussions in a public manner. There are better ways of dealing with these issues. I regret even having to write this, but I'm sure I'll have questions once the posts are removed.

Auction- To Raise funds for Great Strides

The details
This is an auction to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research. ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED. Be generous!

There will be no shipping costs! (woohoo right?- I hate paying for shipping)

After the auction closes, the winners will get an email with info on how they can pay their donation. I'd prefer all donations go directly to our Great Strides account. However, they do not take paypal. If you prefer to use paypal, there will be instructions on how to do that too.

The Dates
The album will be posted at midnight on the 6th of February. It will end at 8pm on Monday, the 7th.

The Reason
My oldest son, Logan, has Cystic Fibrosis. Our family is walking this year to help find a cure for him, and to honor our second son, Austin, who was stillborn 10 years ago because of complications due to CF.

Wow!

I surely need to catch my blog up!

As January came to an end, I found my life extremely stressful! And that may be an understatement. It has forced me to make a tough choice.

I am no longer going to be taking orders. With all the many stresses currently in my life, bows have taken a back seat. Just like any other job, I need to put my family first. (if I'd had a "real job"- I'd be quitting it right now too)

I do still have some fun events coming up! My family and friends will be participating in this years Great Strides- a walk to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.
My oldest son has CF, and we lost our next son to CF at birth. (We had 2 more children who do not have CF)

In order to raise money for our walk, I will be doing two fun fundraisers!

The first is an auction and is in honor of the son we lost, Austin, and be held on "his days". I will load the album on Feb. 6th, and bidding will close on the 7th. (times to be announced soon)
This auction will run like a typical Facebook auction. All rules will be posted in a note on my page. Please read them before bidding! At the close of the auction, you will not get an invoice, instead you will get an email from me. It will have a link, that you will go directly to to make your donation!
I am doing this for a few reasons. many people do auctions for charities. But who ever really knows how much of the money makes it there. Also, I am covering all shipping costs... this is out of my own pocket and I look at it as contributing to our fundraising goal. And, it's tax deductable for you! Win Win, right? I will know when donations are made as the foundation emails me for each donation.

If you did not win an item in the auction, but would still like to donate- please do! CFF is an amazing organization with over .90 of every dollar going directly to research!! It's one of the top 10 recommended charities to donate to! This leads me to the next Fun Fundraiser!

A Raffle!!
Those who wish to donate will get their name entered into a raffle! You get one entry for every $5 you spend! I will draw 1-3 winners depending on the amount of people participating.... and I promise you will get an awesome prize.... a Dozen Posies! If you wish to have your donation count, please leave a note that says Raffle. As always, full rules will be posted on my facebook page.

I'm a Dork....

1- I get excited to get packages. Even if it's just boxes. I love it! Fabric orders= Christmas!

2- There are nights it's 7 o'clock before I notice I haven't fed my kids dinner.

3- When my husband is gone...(often)... I will go on week long crafting binges and totally neglect house work.

4- When I say my house is a disaster... it's never an understatement. Don't be offended when I don't invite you in.

5- Sometimes... we eat desert before we eat dinner.

6- If I make brownies.... we eat them for breakfast the next day. Always.
( Rule 6 also applies to birthday cake.... or pie)

7- I hate getting everything ready for the post office. When I'm super busy... it can take all day!

8- I have brainwashed my children into believing any time I'm on the computer... I'm "working"... and they need to leave me alone.

9- I never work on "work" while taking my kids to practices. That's their time.

10- Most of my great ideas come to me while I'm in the shower.

11- It drives me absolutely crazy when people copy me. It's not a compliment. If I wanted everyone to make the things I make... I'd sell tutorials.

12- Don't ask me to sell you a tutorial.

13- Yes. All my posies are hand cut. Every. Single. One. Of. Them. I have callouses to prove it.

14- I don't sew. I pretend to. There's a HUGE difference.

15- There aren't enough hours in the day, or dollars in my bank account, to do even half of the projects I'd love to do.

WEEDS!!!

I mass produce Shabby Posies. It's a process. A very long one..... and unfortunately not very exact. I am always left with a few random pieces of each fabric and nothing to match them with.

I now have 2 gallon ziplock bags full of "posy pieces". I was about to toss them all. I'm tired of digging through them not finding what I want, or thinking I have something and the color is off.

It was at this moment while organizing and cleaning my studio (see new years res.) that it hit me.... "What if I purposefully go out of my way to make them not match?"

So I pondered and consulted with one of my #1 customers.... and came up with the name Weeds.




I put some together, and honestly... wasn't sure if they'd be a hit. Alone they're not the cutest.... but group them together... and Oh My Gosh! Cuteness!

Cheaper than posies, and sold in sets of 3, these cuties have little button centers, but are otherwise exactly the same as a Shabby Posy.




Within an hour of posting 3 sets of them, one has already sold. I've also recieved tons of positive feed back.

Looks like I sell weed now..... go figure! HAHAHAHA

Happy 2011!

I hope everyone enjoyed ringing in the new year as much as I did!
It's noon.... we just finished brunch.... are all still in jammies.... and snuggled up on the couch!

This year promises to bring many changes to my family this year. A scheduled deployment, busy BUSY kids, and a growing business will surely keep things interesting! MY new years resolution is.... (drum roll)..... to keep my bow room picked up!!

That may not sound like much.... but trust me it's HUGE! I have also set a few monetary goals, both for my personal finances and my busines.

NOw I'm off to get some of the first items of the year posted on etsy <3