The Boho Barbie

Hey everyone!  So the last time I updated you I mentioned I had a few surprises up my sleeve that I was really excited about.  A few of them won't be announced until the New Year/ Springtime, but one of the things is here now!!!  If you follow me on Facebook you probably know already that 27 is being put on hold until after the holidays so I can spend time with my little guys and just be a little less stressed.  I like being my own boss.  :). What you don't know is that in my spare time between bridal orders the last few months, I was working on something special for the holidays.  A new project that kind of goes back to my roots in design.  Everyday wear!..May I introduce to you all to "The Boho Barbie"!!!

 

There are headbands, bags, hairpins, scarves, and even a few embellished t's thrown into the mix.

Everything is available on Etsy now if you are looking for any holiday gifts!  I may be fitting in another holiday bazaar soon as well and will let you know times and place if so.  Also I am trying to get into the Chesterton European Market this spring which I'm really excited about.  I'll keep you updated on that as well. :)  Until then you can go here, and purchase.  And local friends be sure to get a hold of me so you don't have to pay shipping!!!


A few other items that may be coming are some embellished hats and some upcycled tops constructed from skirts. What do you all think?  Would anyone you know wear this sort of thing??  I would, but I need to know what potential buyers think...Feedback is appreciated.  :)

Welp, I guess that's really it on the home front. Hope everyone is doing well, and hugging their loved ones tight.  :)  

Peace and Love,

Christina

www.etsy.com/shop/TheBohoBarbie

bohobarbiedesigns@gmail.com

A Post About My Business, that's Really Not About Business At All.

Almost 3 years ago to the day, I had an itch to start a business doing something I love.  I wanted to design and create, (something I had always done).  But after doing it for a friend's wedding, I was in love and thought: "This is it!"  I also, thought it would give me an excuse to talk to women about God since when it's surrounding a wedding no one thinks you're necessarily coo-coos.  People don't seem to think you're some crazy Fred Phelps lover just because you're excited they're having a church wedding.  It's win, win.  :)

Anyway, I had zero money to invest, no one knew who I was as a "designer, and I really had no idea what I was doing, but for some reason it still seemed like a great idea to me.

I started watching and searching for every tutorial out there, from fabric flowers to diy bows...Whatever I could think of to further my knowledge.  I basically went to online design school for a few months, there was just no diploma at the end of it.  About a month after all that, I had finally made enough hair pieces to open an Etsy store.  I was really excited, but there were still a few musts to accomplish before I could do it.  Basically I needed photos and I really wanted people wearing the pieces.  I enlisted 2 of my sweet friends for the job.  They were so great!  They got all gussied up and posed every pose exactly how I asked them.  I got a chance to dust off the camera my awesome hubby had gotten me the Christmas before which was great too!  We had a couple beers, caught up a bit on what we were all up to, and they of course were completely supportive of what I was getting myself into.

Today, I had it in my heart to look over some of the photos from that night.  It was nice to see how far my work has come, but even more to reflect on my friends.  When I needed their help they gave it to me with no questions asked and I felt loved.  I also have seen their friendship with each other grow over the years and feel blessed that I've gotten to witness that.

On a personal level, last week was a little rough in a lot of different ways (When it rains, it pours).  I want this week and beyond to be different, and I think that change has to start with me.  I'm going to choose to see the beauty that's all around and not let the "what ifs" of life change that.  I'm grateful for every second, every minute...And I pray you all are too.  <3 p="">

XO,

Christina

So...What's up with Christina?

Hey all!

I just wanted to give you an update on what's going on with me lately...because I'm sure you've all been anxiously awaiting by the computer for an update.  :)

Well there's lots really.  As usual, I'm a busy bee with all sorts of random things and projects.  A few things you may know if you follow me on Instagram (my social media outlet of choice), is my mom gave me something super cool.  My granny's vintage sewing machine.  It is so awesome to have something so sentimental and useful at the same time.  Isn't she a beaut???

I have only sewed a couple little things on it, and she definitely is due for a tune up, but I am going to take her in next month and she should be good as new!  This was actually one of the machines I learned to sew on, so it's been taking me back to childhood a bit and getting me somewhat nostalgic.  :)

In other news, I did another DIY tutorial which I will tell you more about in due time.  It may be published somewhere a lot bigger than my personal blog so I am going to keep it under wraps until then.  :)  It turned out super cute though thanks to my sweet friend and photographer extraordinaire Missy (Mel Klemz Photography) and I had the loveliest materials to use from Christina Bianco-Jessen via her awesome shop Paper Dandelions.

Anyhoo, more on that later.  :)

Next, I've been busy at  work on a Christening gown for the sweetest little peanut ever.  My bestie Michelle's 'lil Gianna.  Here's a little peak at the beginning stages of construction...

It's completed now, but it hasn't been delivered yet so yet another thing I'm keeping under wraps, just because I want to present the finished project in person.  Just take my word for it...it's cute, sweet, and pure just like little "G".  :)

A while back I was contacted by Joy Michelle Photography out of Maryland who had admired some of my headpieces and asked if I would lend her some for a Boho styled  editorial shoot.  To which I said..Heck yeah!  I gave her some pieces for the brides and the maids and they were just so cute on them.  Joy said all the girls wanted to keep them which made me happy.  :)

There's lots more in the works for the future too.  This week, I will be starting work on my 2015 collection for 27 Dresses Designs.  Johnsie won't be around much due to work, so it is that time to take any and all hours...naptimes, wee hours etc. and become a machine.  It's this time of year when I revert into my artist ways, forget to shower, drink ALOT of coffee, and create!  Wish me luck, and sorry if the shower thing is TMI.  lol!

I can't wait to show you all everything when it's complete.  I don't want to give it away right now, but the designs are finished and ready to be brought to life, so here's a little taste before I let you go...

One of the gowns in the collection is "The Stephanie" named after my sis-in-law.  I realized through my design I know her pretty well... Now, keep in mind this drawing has been done for about three months.  I pictured her wearing this and thought it would look so nice on her with a flower crown.

A few days ago she and Johnsie's brother Sean celebrated their 10 year wedding anniversary.  Here's a pic of her from the celebration that I stole from her facebook.  :)

Now am I in tune or what??  And it may be hard to see, but I even colored the flowers pink on my picture!  Maybe she can wear it for the 20 year anniversary.  Congrats to them!

Well...I think that's about it on the business front.  I will have much more to share in the future and even a few surprises come fall.  Stay tuned!

Peace and Love.

XO

Christina

It's Time To Brag.

Hey friends!  So if you didn't catch my Facebook post yesterday, let me catch you up.  :)

I am REALLY excited because my designs were featured in a super cute and popular wedding blog called Fabyoubliss.  I did all the dresses and headpieces you see the lovely girls wearing.  :)  The English tea inspired bridal shoot that Michelle and I had planned quite a few months back was showcased as a spring wedding inspiration for engaged cuties all over the globe!  I am over the moon excited and truly humbled by it all.  You may think I am bragging when I do these blog posts...and you'd be right.  :)  I love shouting from the roof tops that I have taken my God given talent and used it to the best of my ability.  But in the end...I just feel plain old blessed, and I want to share it with you.  I'm blessed to have an amazing talented friend Michelle (AKM Events), who pushes me to create and includes and uses me in so many of her design endeavors, I'm blessed to have a working mind and set of hands to oblige, I'm blessed to work with (and even be friends with some of) so many amazing other people that make this all look it's best:

Contributing Vendors:

Photography - Color and Cake Photography www.colorandcakeweddings.com

Overall Design/Concept - AKM Events www.akmevents.com

Wardrobe/Accessory Design - 27 Dresses Designs www.27dressesdesigns.com

Hair and Makeup - Beauty Pros www.thebeautyprosnwi.com

Floral Design - Lake Effect Florals www.lakeeffectflorals.com

Desserts - Wildflour www.wildflourvalpo.com

Stationary - Paper Treasures www.papertreasuresdesigns.com

Venue - Ogden Gardens http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/index.aspx?nid=632

Tablecloths and Sashes - NWI Chaircovers www.facebook.com/NWIChaircovers

Models - Bride, Victoria Myers

Groom, Troy Hill

Bridesmaid(purple), Kayla Pomeroy

Bridesmaid(green), Lauren Hunt

I'm blessed that now 3 amazing bridal blogs have found beauty in what I do...

And most of all, I'm blessed to have an amazing group of friends and family that support me and my crazy "shoot for the stars" and "dream big" life.  I love you all!

Here's the feature again if you didn't catch it:
http://fabyoubliss.com/2014/05/29/whimsical-english-tea-party-inspiration-shoot/

And here's more beauty from the shoot....My favorite shots.  Thanks again to all who were involved!

XO,

Christina