Well summer has finally arrived and it seems to have finally brought some sun! Here in PA we have had rain for the past month! It starts to get you down in the dumps.
Things here have been busy. My show on the 19th was a huge success and I met the nicest woman from Good Housekeeping magazine who loves my bags and is interested in my fall line and what I will have for the holidays.
This week I will work on several custom orders from the show and then I will be starting my fall designs. I have some new shapes I want to try out and some gorgeous fabrics I can't wait to work with! I want them ready for the Philly Designer Market Show on the 18th of July.
I also have to work on some more wedding bags to get to Kori from Wedding Daze Boutique in Easton. Work, Work, Work... It's great to be busy!
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Woo Hoo!
Just was contacted from the owner of the bridal boutique and she loves my work and wants to display it in her shop. She also wants to put all my information on her website which is fine with me!
I also have to contact another business owner who wants to carry my bags, as well as start working on two large shows in June and July. I need help!!! I am a little nervous and starting to freak out a bit but I am so excited at the posibilities!
I am also now on facebook so come be my friend! I still have no idea what to do there but I am learning!
Off to start sewing!!!
I also have to contact another business owner who wants to carry my bags, as well as start working on two large shows in June and July. I need help!!! I am a little nervous and starting to freak out a bit but I am so excited at the posibilities!
I am also now on facebook so come be my friend! I still have no idea what to do there but I am learning!
Off to start sewing!!!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
New Opportunity?
Yesterday I attended a bridal shower for my friends daughter. I had made her bridal purse as well as the money bag which I had posted here about a couple of weeks ago. The shower was lovely and afterword my bff and I walked around downtown Easton to look at some of the new shops.
A brand new bridal boutique has opened up and we went in. The store is so pretty and the dresses were gorgeous. Wedding Daze Boutique is owned by Kori Muntean and she is a professional bridal consultant. Wedding Daze not only carries bridal dresses, but they also take care of every aspect of the planning from invites, to flowers, to catering, location, and photography. The website is gorgeous so be sure to check it out http://inaweddingdaze.com/ .
While we were talking to her, my bff, who is a consummate sales person, casually asks if she carries handbags, Kory said she didn't so I told her I was a handbag designer. She asked for my card and said she knew of no one who does that kind of work and if I wanted to bring a few to show her she would love to see them.
Although I am excited at another opportunity, I am scared. I am my own worse critic. Things have to be perfect and when they aren't, I am not happy. Although everyone thought my bridal purse turned out beautiful, all I could see were the small bumps from the interfacing, and the way the silk draped a little weird on the front flap.
I need to find a way to interface these wedding bags without the interfacing texture showing through. I also worry that I won't be able to keep up with all the work that is coming my way. With all the custom orders, the store in New Hope wanting more, a home show in June and the Philly Market in July, as well as a store in Avon NJ wanting some clutches to wholesale from me, I am getting panicked that I am only one woman!
So my question to all you talented artists out there: Does anyone know how I could interface a clutch to keep its shape without the lumps? I want to use more delicate, wedding fabrics, but without the worries of them being transparent. Also, how did you keep up with your growth spurts?
Answer on!
A brand new bridal boutique has opened up and we went in. The store is so pretty and the dresses were gorgeous. Wedding Daze Boutique is owned by Kori Muntean and she is a professional bridal consultant. Wedding Daze not only carries bridal dresses, but they also take care of every aspect of the planning from invites, to flowers, to catering, location, and photography. The website is gorgeous so be sure to check it out http://inaweddingdaze.com/ .
While we were talking to her, my bff, who is a consummate sales person, casually asks if she carries handbags, Kory said she didn't so I told her I was a handbag designer. She asked for my card and said she knew of no one who does that kind of work and if I wanted to bring a few to show her she would love to see them.
Although I am excited at another opportunity, I am scared. I am my own worse critic. Things have to be perfect and when they aren't, I am not happy. Although everyone thought my bridal purse turned out beautiful, all I could see were the small bumps from the interfacing, and the way the silk draped a little weird on the front flap.
I need to find a way to interface these wedding bags without the interfacing texture showing through. I also worry that I won't be able to keep up with all the work that is coming my way. With all the custom orders, the store in New Hope wanting more, a home show in June and the Philly Market in July, as well as a store in Avon NJ wanting some clutches to wholesale from me, I am getting panicked that I am only one woman!
So my question to all you talented artists out there: Does anyone know how I could interface a clutch to keep its shape without the lumps? I want to use more delicate, wedding fabrics, but without the worries of them being transparent. Also, how did you keep up with your growth spurts?
Answer on!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Finding Time to Sew
2 Years ago, I foolishly thought that when my youngest was at school all day I would get so much sewing done. This is why I timed starting http://bstauffdesigns.com for when all three would be away at school.
Boy was I mistaken. Now that the oldest is in High School and the other two starting 45 minutes later, I spend most of the day in the car! I don't get back home until 8:30, so by the time I eat breakfast, shower, and check my emails, it's 9:45-10 am before I can actually start sewing. I roll along pretty good until the phone rings, or the washer buzzer goes off, or the dog needs to go out, or I have to return books at the library. I then have to leave at 1:40 to pick up said teen, then drive to pick up younger two. It is 3:30 by the time we return home. I maybe get another hour in if I am lucky before homework, dinner, driving to activities and baths happen. By the time youngest is in bed at 8, I am tired and not feeling too much like sewing!
I have such ambitious intentions when I first wake in the morning. I think of my new fabrics and of what I want to make with them. I dream of completing three projects and posting them on http://bstauffdesigns.artfire.com or http://bstauffdesigns.etsy.com and still having time to work on the computer a while. Sadly the reality is there just are not enough hours in the day.
Balancing a start up business, being a mom, and running a busy household is not easy, but it is possible. You must be disciplined and dedicated, and you must want it bad!
Boy was I mistaken. Now that the oldest is in High School and the other two starting 45 minutes later, I spend most of the day in the car! I don't get back home until 8:30, so by the time I eat breakfast, shower, and check my emails, it's 9:45-10 am before I can actually start sewing. I roll along pretty good until the phone rings, or the washer buzzer goes off, or the dog needs to go out, or I have to return books at the library. I then have to leave at 1:40 to pick up said teen, then drive to pick up younger two. It is 3:30 by the time we return home. I maybe get another hour in if I am lucky before homework, dinner, driving to activities and baths happen. By the time youngest is in bed at 8, I am tired and not feeling too much like sewing!
I have such ambitious intentions when I first wake in the morning. I think of my new fabrics and of what I want to make with them. I dream of completing three projects and posting them on http://bstauffdesigns.artfire.com or http://bstauffdesigns.etsy.com and still having time to work on the computer a while. Sadly the reality is there just are not enough hours in the day.
Balancing a start up business, being a mom, and running a busy household is not easy, but it is possible. You must be disciplined and dedicated, and you must want it bad!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Wedding Purse
One of my friend's daughter is getting married on 6/20. Her shower is on May 16 and I made her the purse and the gift bag to match her dress. Her dress is beautiful, in ivory and champagne so I made the bag in the champagne and lined it with ivory taffeta. Her bridesmaids are wearing terra cotta so I added the little terra cotta rose buds to bring in the color.
I had some challenges because the silk I worked with was thin and when interfaced, it did not look smooth over the interfacing. I ended up having to double line it and it helped a lot, but it still pulls a bit when snapped closed. After three attempts and wasted materials, I stopped trying for it to be perfect.
I hope she likes it and I hope years from now she will look back with happy memories of her special day!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
I Made The Front Page of Etsy!!!
Holy Cow! I went online this morning only to find out that my Box Tote graced the front pages of etsy last night at 7pm! I am so sad I missed it, but thankfully I got to see it in the archives.
I am so excited! It got a ton of views and 8 people marked it as their favorite. This has been a really good week for me as far as exposure to new markets.
Currently, I have been very busy with custom orders. I finished a wedding bag set for a friends daughter, and I made some clothes to send to S.O.T.A. in New Hope. I also made my daughter a dress for her spring choral concert which I have to put the finishing touches on. I have 7 more bags to finish for orders and then I can start making some new ones for my artfire and etsy shops.
Have a great weekend everyone, and what ever you do, don't lose hope, keep plugging and do it the best you can.
I am so excited! It got a ton of views and 8 people marked it as their favorite. This has been a really good week for me as far as exposure to new markets.
Currently, I have been very busy with custom orders. I finished a wedding bag set for a friends daughter, and I made some clothes to send to S.O.T.A. in New Hope. I also made my daughter a dress for her spring choral concert which I have to put the finishing touches on. I have 7 more bags to finish for orders and then I can start making some new ones for my artfire and etsy shops.
Have a great weekend everyone, and what ever you do, don't lose hope, keep plugging and do it the best you can.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Best Recycling Idea
Last week I talked about ways to recycle and asked for your ideas. I got 15 great responses and I thank you guys for that!
Two that really stood out as great were to use old sewing patterns as tissue paper in gifts and to use old receiving blankets as diaper doublers. Although I am long out of the diaper stage this really is a fantastic ideas for those of you with little ones still in diapers. Cut them up, fold them up and sew along the open edge. They are washable and reusable!
This weeks question is more of an idea hunt. I have a big collection of vintage calendar tea towels. They are in great condition and I would like to make some things with them. Any ideas? Comment on what you think I could make with them. I will make the best idea, post the finished product here and on Etsy, and give you the credit!
Two that really stood out as great were to use old sewing patterns as tissue paper in gifts and to use old receiving blankets as diaper doublers. Although I am long out of the diaper stage this really is a fantastic ideas for those of you with little ones still in diapers. Cut them up, fold them up and sew along the open edge. They are washable and reusable!
This weeks question is more of an idea hunt. I have a big collection of vintage calendar tea towels. They are in great condition and I would like to make some things with them. Any ideas? Comment on what you think I could make with them. I will make the best idea, post the finished product here and on Etsy, and give you the credit!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
For the Boys....
I can't tell you how many times friends will say to me "don't you make any boy things?" Having three girls, I have always just gravitated to the dresses, the purses, and the feminine accessories. Finally, I was asked by my favorite shop owner Patti Cilenti of Simply SOTA in New Hope to make something for younger boys because there is nothing out there for them.If you don't believe me, take a look through a pattern book one of these days. 700 pages of women's and girls, 2-4 pages for men and boys and 90% are PJ'S!
So, after some thought, I decided to branch out a bit and make some cute drawstring bags with different themed pockets. The first one is shown above. They are perfect for carrying toys, handheld games, clothes, books, or just about anything. An overnight bag, pool bag, gym bag, beach bag, or small laundry bag even.
I also have planned and in construction some pj bottoms, fun boxers, and some outfits for little boys.I have so much to make I better stop blogging and get back to work!
What would you like to see me make more of? Have any ideas of handmade sewn items that boys would like? Let me know, I read all comments!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Wanted: Your recycling/reusing ideas!
Rather than use the dreaded Easter grass that ends up on our floor, our carpets and is horrible for the environment, I will be using fabric.
I am going to pick spring colors from my scraps and tear them into thin strips. Then I will line the baskets with the strips to resemble the grass. I can them just store them in a bin for next year!
Now it is your turn. What is your favorite recycling tip? It can be simple or you can tell me about a favorite project you did. Post it here and let others be inspired! I will read every suggestion and post the one I think is the best on my blog!
I am going to pick spring colors from my scraps and tear them into thin strips. Then I will line the baskets with the strips to resemble the grass. I can them just store them in a bin for next year!
Now it is your turn. What is your favorite recycling tip? It can be simple or you can tell me about a favorite project you did. Post it here and let others be inspired! I will read every suggestion and post the one I think is the best on my blog!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Growing
In the past few weeks business has started to really take off which I am so excited about. More people are hearing about B Stauff Designs and word of mouth has been really instrumental in helping me to make a brand for my work.
In addition to my custom orders and selling at Etsy, the consignment shop down in New Hope, Simply SOTA is now going to be running a weekly feature in the Bucks County Herald. Each week a different artist will be featured and this will bring lots of exposure not only to the store, but to the individual artists as well. The artist will also be at the store demonstrating their craft, answering questions and letting people see how things are made. I will be down there one of these weekend so when I get the date, I will let you know!
I have been working on some new original designs which I will be showing this summer. They will be part of my Fall line so stay tuned for that too!
In addition to my custom orders and selling at Etsy, the consignment shop down in New Hope, Simply SOTA is now going to be running a weekly feature in the Bucks County Herald. Each week a different artist will be featured and this will bring lots of exposure not only to the store, but to the individual artists as well. The artist will also be at the store demonstrating their craft, answering questions and letting people see how things are made. I will be down there one of these weekend so when I get the date, I will let you know!
I have been working on some new original designs which I will be showing this summer. They will be part of my Fall line so stay tuned for that too!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
It's Giveaway Time!
This week I am beginning a giveaway contest. One lucky winner will receive this beautiful quilted makeup bag in the cutest spring colors! Here's how you can win it!
1. You must go through my Etsy or 1000 Markets shops and comment back here on your favorite item.
2. Comment here on my blog with your name and contact info.
3. Winner will be announced March 5th, when I will contact the winner to get shipping information. If winner does not contact me within 3 days, I will pick another winner through a random drawing.
4. Blog about this give away and receive ONE extra entry. Just leave a seperate comment here with your blog link.
5. Twitter or Plurk about this give away and let me know and get One extra entry!
Why wouldn't you go for it! It's easy, It's Fun and It's FREE!
Good Luck!
Monday, September 29, 2008
New etsy mini for faves
It is another new week and Saturday I posted my new faves on the mini to the left. This week I used Etsy's pounce feature to show off some artists that have never had a sale. I love the photos and art work.
I have a big show coming up on November 1st that I need to stock up for. I just can't seem to find the time! I really have to get of the computer and start sewing! So, with that said this will be a short post so I can make at least one bag today. Have a good day everyone!
I have a big show coming up on November 1st that I need to stock up for. I just can't seem to find the time! I really have to get of the computer and start sewing! So, with that said this will be a short post so I can make at least one bag today. Have a good day everyone!
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