Quit your day job

I was featured yesterday on the Etsy blog for the "Quit Your Day Job" series and have been totally blown away by the response. I cannot tell you how motivating it is to see 185 and counting comments about my piece that say "You inspire me!". I am humbled and inspired  myself.  It is such a gratifying moment, after all of the hard work, with my friends and family cheering me on in my little basement studio to show everyone that if you want something you can have it if you work hard enough.
And I also want to thank Etsy for being Etsy.  I do have aspirations to grow my business beyond Etsy soon, but I could not do what I do without it. To be able to start a business with two children (ages 9 months and 3 at the time) with nothing but a sewing machine, a room in my basement a camera and a computer is pretty amazing and I have Etsy (and coffee) to thank for making that happen.
Now hear this universe (while we are on the topic of dreams-) I WANT TO WRITE  A BOOK. Oh, and have it be a smashing success...Book tour outfits are something I day dream about.

 Does anybody else have any dreams they want to share?

Some new pillows and new photos...

I had a really inspiring and informative business consultation with Joy Cho from Oh Joy (great blog!) and she really stressed my need for new photos of my work. I need to capture what makes my products special and how they can fit into a modern lifestyle.
Here are some new pillows and also some new photos- styling and photography is HARD and it is daunting to try and do what the pros do...
My very dear friend Dane was in town last week and watching him work and talking to him about his process has me in awe. I am saving for a new camera and plan to work, work, work to improve my product shots and take my work to the next level.
I'm tired already.

Dream Rooms!

I haven't had fever for rooms in while like I have for these designed by Emily Henderson. She is the first designer I have seen that has a reality design show where I might actually want her to re-do my house. These rooms are just perfect to me... That top image of the dining room is PERFECTION. I want to move in and have my toast and coffee there right this instant.

DIY Vintage Stamp Banner

Yesterday was my husband's birthday, and we had a wonderful dinner at Ned Ludd.  I wanted there to be a sweet surprise on the table when we arrived, but balloons were not going to cut it, so I made this little birthday banner from vintage stamps! I had a collection of vintage stamps, strung them together with a straight stitch on my sewing machine, attached them to some BBQ skewers with some decorative Japanese masking tape, and voila! A sweet personalized banner that made a statement, but did not overwhelm the table.  It would be equally cute made with decorative paper, fabric, or photos- also perfect for topping a birthday cake or taped to a gift as well.

It was a great night.

Sleepy King

I am crazy impressed with these stuffed animals from Sleepy King on Etsy...so much personality, and surprise, surprise my favorites are the ones using the pattered vintage fabrics- and they are under $30!

Inside my studio

My wonderful friend (and very talented photographer) Greg DeBoer sent me some pictures he took of my studio and me working that were lost when our old computer died (RIP).  Thought you might like to take a look!

Flora and Henri

How totally beautiful are these stuffed animals from Flora and Henri? I will take one of each please...

I love my desk

A well spent $5.99

I went to Ikea yesterday and picked up this black and white striped table runner for $5.99. I love it. I makes me happy.