A Hidden Jewel And A New Display

So for those of you who aren't aware, I have a small display up at Lake Effect Florals in Chesterton.  This is courtesy of the lovely Miss Audrey Drag.  Here's my sneaky picture of her...

       Then I made her laugh...sorry for the blur...She still looks lovely!

I stopped in this weekend to change the display from winter to spring and add a few more items to the table.  It's been a nice feeling to have a place with a bit of traffic for my work to be seen locally.  Also it has been so nice talking with Audrey and seeing her adorable shop a little more regularly. I wanted to share a little of it with you...

This is a shelf she has up with pots, artwork, children's books, coasters...Great heartfelt gifts from local artists for sale.  I love that she supports so many people in the community!!!

This week she has air plants and succulents for sale for $3 each!  They are all so different and absolutely gorgeous!

I had to buy some!  :)  She gave me a quick lesson on watering and sunlight and now they are chillin' in my window at home!  Aren't they so cute?  

Audrey will also be a part of the upcoming English Tea bridal shoot I blogged a bit about in my last post!  Be sure to stay tuned for  that post...It will probably at the end of April.

As for my display table...I think she's looking pretty good.  :)  I added a little pink into the mix.  (My favorite color in case you are wondering), and a nice framed sign that I'd made for my Indie Wed booth.  I also brought a few more heads and was able to add a few more free pieces to the mix since I don't have any more shows coming up any time soon.

I think that's about all I have to report in.  Now it's time to head on over and check it all out if you are interested or know someone who is.  Also, see what else this little jewel of a shop has to offer...Let Audrey make you something lovely.  Her work is impeccable...I can promise you that.

XO,
Christina

That's Sketchy

Hello everyone!  It is I, your awesome (blog slacking) local designer.  :)

So I am a week behind schedule (again) with my blogging.  Sorry about that!  I originally planned to blog last week about my friend Audrey's floral shop, and my awesome display she has so graciously let me steal some space from her for.  However, we had to reschedule to meet this coming Saturday so that will be my post for next week I think.  Be sure to tune in for that.  ;)

As for now, I thought I would share something I'm very mediocre at with you.  lol!...  Sketches!
This is a step I admittedly have to say I skip in more cases than not.  Being a mom and starting your own company (no matter what it is) leaves you strapped for time... So many times I just have a vision in my head and that's what I work from.

If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen that lately though, I've been lucky enough to be included on a few big projects and I thought it was time to bring back this step, so I could have clear vision and keep my ideas organized.  Not only has it worked for that, but it also made me realize how much I really do enjoy getting my ideas out before jumping right into a design.

The first project I have coming up is an English Tea inspired bridal shoot.  My vision for the bride is a short 2 piece lace and chiffon get up, with snow angel sleeves, a scalloped bottom, and (of course) an over the top mini hat.

I thought the bridesmaids should definitely be in a floral print and I would add some ruffles, a sash, and again...huge headpieces.  I have to admit, the headpieces are probably what I am most excited about!

Shortly after that, I will be doing the wardrobe for a skateboarder themed bridal shoot.  My bestie Michelle is the creative mind behind these designs, so I can't take full credit, but I think I have done a decent job at bringing her ideas to life.  We are doing our bride in a blush gown with a high low hem and ruffled tulle accents.  I'm adding black lace boot cuffs to soften the masculine boots, and I'm thinking an edgy headband, but it will depend on her hairstyle in the end.

And the bridesmaids will be in lace topped black tulle short dresses with blush petticoats and floral hairclips.

Another upcoming project will be for a sweet couple's wedding.  :)  Congrats Scott and Colleen!!!  Colleen showed me a beautiful dress she liked online, so I went home and redesigned it.  lol!  In my defense, though...there were a few things Colleen didn't like about the dress she saw online.  There were slits in weird places, and better colors in her head than plain white.  So she decided to go with champagne lace and we will embellish with beautiful beaded appliques.

The back will have a rounded scalloped edge and a see through lace back with buttons running down the middle.

She will look absolutely stunning!

Now it's time to bring all of these visions to life.  I'm literally praying I do justice to it all.  

Thanks to everyone who has entrusted me to be a part of these important projects.  I'm very humbled by all of it.

Xo,

Christina

Girlie Hair Bow Tutorial

A few months ago my friend Missy of Mel Klemz Photography did a photo shoot for our mutual friend Crystal's kids.  The pictures turned out so beautiful, and I noticed Crystal's daughter Addy looked so cute in her flower hair clip.  It made me want to make one for her too, so I commented on one of the photos letting Crystal know that. :)  Not much time went by before she took me up on it and put me to work.  She wanted me to design some first grade themed bows.  I was all over it!  It took a minute to get the supplies just right, but I finally did and I made some amazingly cute bows...if I do say so myself!  

I just knew in my mind they were going to be great, so I decided to record the process and share it with everyone for my FIRST EVER TUTORIAL!!!  I hope you enjoy it, and you mom's with little girls out there get inspired and make your little cutie some hair accessories from the heart!  <3 p="">

Ok...let's get started.  First the supplies are as follows:

*Hot glue gun

*6 ribbon strips (For this larger bow I made them 17" long)

*Scissors

*Felt

*Hand sewing needle

*Thread

*Fray Check (available at any craft store)

*Button

*Alligator clip

First cut the ends of all the ribbon strips to look like this...

Then fray check the ends, so they don't um....fray.  :)

Next you will put a dot of glue about mid ribbon and fold over the side to start your bow.  Then repeat this for the other side.

Then do this to all 6 strips of ribbon.

Then put a dot of glue in the middle of one of the "like" bows and stack it's match on top so they look like this.

Then you will stack the stacks so to speak and glue them on each other forming a flower like shape...like this!

 Now it's time to use your button.  I have bags of vintage buttons, so I just dug through and found a large black button.  To give it a sewn feel I threaded it just like you would if you were sewing it to a garment.  I used hot pink thread to add some flair.

When you are done sewing, knot off the end and cut the thread.  Then you will cut a little circle of felt just a tad smaller than the button.  Put glue on the felt and attach it to the back of the button.

From there you will then glue the felt that is now attached to the back of the button and  add it to the center of the "flower."

Alright, hang in there!  We are on the home stretch... Cut 2 pieces of felt.  A larger piece for the back of your bow (This helps give the bow the support it needs and tones down some of the floppiness), and a smaller piece that will be a support for your alligator clip.

Glue the larger piece to the back of your bow.

Now glue the top of the alligator clip and attach it upside down to the felt.

Next glue the smaller piece, open the clip, insert and press down giving that extra support so you can be sure the clip isn't going anywhere.

And you are done!  An awesome bow awaits your little cuties locks!  Maybe Crystal will send me a picture of Addy in her new bow when she picks up so I can update you all...Hint hint Crystal.  :)

I also made a smaller one just to give little Addy some variety!  

I hope you enjoyed my tutorial!  I would love to see what you all come up with by following this, so feel free to share!  

27 Dresses Designs Gown Collection Now Available!

Hey everyone!  I hope you all have had an awesome week and you are getting a special night tonight with the ones you love!  I know I for one am missing my hubby like crazy and my awesome mom is keeping the kiddies tonight so we can spend some much needed alone time together...Can't wait!

Anyway, I got the final proofs back from Mel Klemz Photography and I am dying to share them with you.  I figured what better way to celebrate Valentines Day than to share some beautiful gown options that could be worn on a woman's wedding day!  Also, I would like to officially announce that all of these gowns are available locally!!!  (only a few via mail order) I decided that is the best way to start right now.  This way, I can have brides come for regular fittings as I construct the more involved gowns and make sure they fit well!  I am really excited to put these out this year.  If you know anyone who may be interested please send them my way.  :)

So without further adieu... Here is the 27 Dresses Designs 2014 Gown Collection.

If you read my preview blog entry, you already know this one was named  "The Valerie" after my bff.  She is a flower child to the core, she loves all things rustic, and her favorite song is "Wild Flowers" by Tom Petty.  She is the BEST at sharing and giving..maybe because she comes from a family of 5 kids??   And she's always got your back.  This 2 piece number would be a great choice for a laid back bride or even an adorable choice for the bridesmaids!

Next is a little champagne dream of a number called "The Michelle" after my awesome bestie and partner in crime and business.  :)  She sees the beauty in everything and will show you the beauty in ALL colors no matter how subtle.  She will let you vent without judgement, and loves to laugh.  She  embraces all things vintage and has a phenomenal eye for design.  She is an amazing teacher, and an even better friend.  This one (just as the gown above) would be beautiful for a wedding ceremony, a reception dress, or some beautiful bridesmaids!

"The Amanda" was inspired by a friend who is an absolute "artsy fartsy" girl!  She makes the most beautiful paintings and doesn't take herself too seriously.  She is confident and laid back at the same time.  She will bring you thoughtful gifts such as a scarf or even a vinyl record.  She's just lovely as you can see by the design of this gown.  :)  This is a wedding gown for a super feminine woman who puts comfort as a priority.

Although this is my model Kayla's favorite gown, this is "The Jenni."  Named after one of the coolest and sweetest women I know.  She loves vintage fashion which you can see if you were to ever check out her vintage art deco style wedding ring...or even her closet for that matter!  She is super slim and trim.  She will talk to you for hours about life, and even when you haven't seen her forever, it will feel like you were just hanging out yesterday.  You will leave her with a full heart from all the love she exudes.  This gown is perfect for the Gatsby lovin' bride...breathtaking.

And this one is "The Kayla."  Kayla is happy, sweet, and most of all fun!!!  She will offer a joke when you need it.  She is totally honest about who she is.  She has a huge love for kids and animals, and is a total risk taker because she is full of faith!  Whether you need someone to brave a storm with you, keep a secret, or make you laugh... this is your girl.  This gown is perfect for a cute and fun bride.

 I hope you all love these as much as I do.  You can also view them and prices on my website via the "2014 Gowns" link and make an appointment on there as well via the "Contact" link!

Special thanks to Mel Klemz Photography for the beautiful photographs!

Thanks again to my awesome model Kayla (who is just as pretty on the inside as she is on the outside), and all the other amazing women who inspired these gowns.

27 Dresses Website

XO,
Christina