Shop update

In the midst of my funk, I have spent a lot of time in my craft room putting out some new lovelies.
It's kind of like a stress reliever for me of sorts.  And the time spent in there, has served me well.
The dresses that I have sewn are some of my absolute favorites.  On top of that,  I am adding coordinating bow ties for the little fellas.  This collection is going to live in some sweet family pictures, I just know it.

Sneak peak?  Ok, check out my sweet little niece modeling the geometric dress in teal.  She's a doll!

I can't wait to get these onesie dresses realeased.. check back for shop updates!!

Have a lovely day friends!

that one time when I blogged

Which happens to be today.  I may have, well, forgot about my little bloggie friend for a few days.  Ok, no, I didn't forget, because I kept thinking about it, but was tied up with life's other adventures.  Ok, ok, enough excuses.  Here I am and I am excited to tell you all that I have been up to.

Besides battling a family of sicklies, myself included, we have been super busy.  There has been much housework to attend to in preparation for a couples shower I am soon to host in my home, lots of basketball to watch {and yes, my bracket is not looking too hot!}, and most excitingly, spring dresses to sew.

Yes, spring dresses.  It all started with a little field trip to my absolute favorite local {ok, maybe not so local, but 45 minute drive... not terrible} fabric store.  This place is like a dream and carries all of my faves.  From amy butler, to Joel, to Moda, Cloud 9, Heather Bailey... {squeal and jumping up and down in happiness.} I literally went for some good ole fashioned inspiration and walked out with a huge stack of loveliness.  And since that little trip, I have not left my craft room.

Inspired by ruffles and bows and mod, geometric fabrics... I am pleased with the way these dresses are shaping up.  And will soon be released for you to purchase in the shop.  Of course, I will keep you all updated with their release. 

Oh, and remember when I said my craft room was finished, and shared all about it on my friends blog?  I decided to go ahead and share it here with all of you!  I figure since, I have spent so much time in said room lately, you may as well see my happy place!  Check back tomorrow for a full craft room tour!

Have a lovely Monday friends!

check us out...

I am so pleased to announce that the shop was chosen to be a part of Gussy's
2013 Mama+Baby Gift Guide

To be among such adorable shops is truly an honor.  Not to mention to be on Gussy's blog!
Needless to say, we are excited to take part!

See that?? There we are!

If you haven't all ready, head on over here, and of course peak at your's truly, but also get to know these other fabulous shops!  I mean when Gussy does it up, she does it up right!  And these shops are like the bee's knees when it comes to babies and new momma's!  For real's!

I have a major crush on this shop Baby be Blessed.  And may just have to purchase this for my little lady!

I can tell you which shop would be PJ's top pick.  Chameleon Girls features princess dresses and they are perfection!  With a little girl that wants to dress like a princess every day, she would love to have any one of these, but would definitely pick this one to wear on a daily basis!

I am in love with this little shop.  She takes your baby's name and designs it to a perfect little print for your nursery.  If the stork ever decides to drop off baby number 2, I hope it comes with one of these.

Ok, talk about baby fever... Little Hip Squeaks is sure to give it to you.  If you are avoiding the fever, then do NOT click on this link.  Such modern prints, and clean lines... A favorite!

Some more of my favorites, these birth annoucements, this sling, or this pacifier clip...

O.M.Gee, I need to get busy working on baby number 2 so I can partake in the shopping spree!

Head on over, check out the gift guide. 

Photo loves

One of the sweetest parts of including newborn photography props in my shop, is seeing the amazing work these photographers do with them.  {talk about baby fever}
Every time I receive a product photo from a photographer, my heart melts.
Could anything be better than a sweet, snuggly newborn?  And to be able to capture that very short little phase and put it in a picture frame, well, it warms my heart!

This photo from willow brandt photography is just adorbs!  Right? I know...  This little peanut is absolute perfection.  This pink ruffle wrap is one of my favorite products we carry.  Besides that it looks so sweet in photos, is that its easy to use.  No swaddling, none, zero, zilch!  This wrap just slides right on baby and because it is stretchy, still provides the swaddled look.  If you are a photographer, this little baby {ok not the baby, the ruffle wrap} would be a perfect addition to your props!  And if you're a momma looking for those props for your little bundle's newborn photos, your photographer will love when you show up with this! 

I am particularly crazy about this little guy and not going to lie, get a little pang of baby fever with this one!  Antisdels Photography did this little sesh using our teal polka-dot necktie and light blue cheese cloth.  I just adore the way they layered this little fella's tie over his cheese cloth swaddle. Cheese cloth really allows for a nice swaddle, and when you are trying to get a newborn to sleep for photos, swaddling can help speed up the falling to sleep process, not to mention provide you with photos that you will love.  With a wide variety of fun and vibrant colors, every photographer needs several of these!  {and oh hey, swaddling tutorial in the near future!}

Umm.. check out those sweet cheeks will you?  And that hair?  Too.sweet!  This photo provided by Life: by the French's Photography features one of our sweet and shabby little headbands.  With a variety of styles and different elastics, these accessories are the perfect size for those little princesses! 

 

 

Ok, one more from willow brandt photography.  Did you know that we offer photography sets like this coral headband and cheese cloth set?  For a reduced price you can purchase an accessory and a stretch wrap or cheese cloth.  One of my favorite things to do when I assist with newborn photos, is to pick out accessories and back drops and colors.  I love to mix colors and textures! Which has been such a fun process with this shop.  Being able to pick out sets to offer for you! 


If you haven't all ready, check out Pocket Full of Lovelies {the shop}, if nothing else for some of the sweetest newborn photos you will find! 

Lessons learned in painting

Let me preface this post with this... I hate strongly dislike painting!

As I think I have mentioned a few hundred a couple of times, my husband and I are in the process of creating my craft room!  YAY! 

However, with this, has come a lot of work.  Like seriously, I couldn't lift my forearms Sunday from all the paint rolling that ensued over the weekend.

And the best part about doing things cheap and on a budget, and the fact that everything I am painting is laminate, means I get to do 2 sometimes even 3 coats of blessed paint.  Hoo-ray... NOT!

My paint friend, {always a nice friend to have}, recommended that I use oil based paint on the furniture.  Great, he is the expert and oil based paint is what I bought.

What that expert advice failed to mention is how to remove said paint.

Picture this!

I take the princess to pre-school and get home and put on my old paint clothes, so excited at the fact that I had approximate 2 and 1/2 hours to.myself to work on my room.  I painted my bum off.  I also managed to get paint all over myself.  Up my arms, in my hair, even on my nose.. how in the?

I was pushing it close, trying to use up all the paint in my little tray before picking up Presley, about 20 minutes until I had to rush out the door, I decided to clean up.  I put the paint brushes in the tub, ran some water over them, used my hands to clean them up, and I realized at that moment that I had failed miserably with clean up.  Not only was the paint not coming out of my brushes, but was now covering my hands and was not coming off with water! Kind of resembled oil and water.. hmm how about that!

So... I tried to google how to remove oil based paint, only to find that proved difficult with paint all over my hands... In a panic, I grabbed a towel and tried to wipe off as much as possible.  Lucky for me, I had to jump in my car and drive like mad to pick up PJ, yep, covered in paint.  Yes, it was still on my nose.  Good times, friends!

By the time I got home, the paint on my hands was dry and I was able to ask google what in the heck I was supposed to do to look like a normal person again.  In case you ever get stuck in a pickle like I did, just know that baby oil, olive oil, even canola oil will remove oil based paint.  It will take a little work, but it will remove it!

And because I am terrible at keeping secrets... how about a little sneak peak??  Ok, ok you twisted my arm!!

a place to get my craft on

My fantastic husband is getting me the best birthday present this year.
He is building me a craft room.

You'd think for someone who loves to craft and sew that I'd have a huge, dreamy space.
but the reality is I don't.

As a matter of fact, anytime I want to sew, I lug my sewing machine and serger downstairs,
and set up shop in our formal dining room.
and by the end of my sewing session, the room resembles that of a tornado.

As I plan and dream and try and figure out to use my space best, I am excited but also a little overwhelmed by it all.  {I don't like to make anything easy}
So if you are from HGTV and reading this, sure go ahead and come gift me my dream craft room.
My husband wouldn't mind a bit!

The most important part to planning my craft space is
O.R.G.A.N.I.Z.A.T.I.O.N {wow that took some thinking, shift + letter, then period, repeat}
right now, nothing is organized, and often when I do try and tidy up,
it takes me even longer to find what I am looking for.
I want every single thing to have a special place.

A cutting table is also necessary for this space, as well as, plenty of fabric storage.
and of course a desk, big enough for both my sewing machine and serger.
and an office section, where I can keep my computer and have a designated space to blog.

Another important touch, I want to have an area of Presley's craft supplies.  A shelf that is all hers.
Sometimes blogging and sewing and having a handmade shop can take away from time with her.
As much as I try not to, it happens.  But, if she can be alongside me, then it makes it better. 
Not to mention, she is getting to express herself creatively, and that's important to me.

So ya, the hubbs has his work cut out for him.  I am beyond lucky that he is a good DIYer and can make pretty much everything I want for this space.

Between planning and discussing and pinning, I am starting to get a vision and ready to get this project underway.

my craft room inspiration board

1.    2.   3.   4.   5.   6.   7.   8.   9.   10.

I am really excited about this project, and even more excited to have a place of my own.  One more step closer to my goals and dreams of this little hobby becoming a business.

Any advice or organization tips for a craft room are welcome.

Have a creative day lovelies!

helping out those little butts...

What is better than a naked little baby butt?
Ok, a chubby little baby butt, right you got me!

c/o willow brandt photography

Imagine that same cute little butt that has been in the same diaper for 3 days.
I am sure you are wondering, "why would any parent do that?"
because these parents can not afford something as basic as diapers.
something I as a mother, took for granted.
Just another staple I had to purchase.
Came with the territory of having a baby.
To think of having to choose between my electric bill or gas money to get to work or diapers for my baby is a concept I had not given much thought.

Until,
I came across Happy Bottoms

Did you know that every 31 minutes, a child in Missiouri is born into poverty. source
Programs such as Food Stamps and WIC do not provide for the funds to purchase diapers. source
Cloth diapers are not an option for these low income families.  Most of these parents do not own a washer or dryer and laundrymats, for the most part, do not allow them.  source
A child that stays in a soiled diaper for extended periods can get sick, or infection, or worse fussy.  And fussy babies are more likely to be abused babies. source

Happy Bottoms is a local Kansas City organization that distrubutes diapers to low-income familes in need. 
And I am talking about a lot of diapers.  Like 50,000 a month, source.  Yes, that's a lot of diapers.  Happy Bottoms accepts financial donations as well as diapers.  You know those 15 size 2 diapers you have lying around because your little outgrew them?  Those can also be donated, because Happy Bottoms will repackage these and distrubute them.  People can make a donation or even host a diaper drive. 

Pocket Full of Lovelies {the shop} has partnered with this organization and will be donating 15% of all sales.  If you would like to get involved or become a part of the cause, push the contact button above and give me a holler.  There are so  many ways we can get involved.  Not only in Kansas City, but nationwide.

From the words of Happy Bottoms, The Butt Stops Here.
We are so excited to be involved with this program!

a shop update...

Finally... Pocket Full of Lovelies the shop is open.
as this is a work in progress, I am pleased to announce that phase 1 is currently up and running.

This phase includes all things newborn.
Hand dyed cheese cloth and stretch wraps to swaddle those babies in newborn photos.
Hats, headbands, bow ties, neck ties...
all the essentials to help you have amazing photographs.

Who shops at Pocket Full of Lovelies the shop? 
new parents, grandparents, gift givers, and photographers.
Your photographer will be pleased to use these in your photos or
your clients will be estatic to be able to choose these for their photos.

Check back as each phase opens in the shop. 
I am so excited to be able to offer a shop that includes all those things you need for your photos.
As I love photography and planning outfits and styling photo shoots...
My shop will take that love and make it a place for you to not only shop for photography props, but also allow me to help you style your photos.

What's in the works around here?
My favorited dresses will return as well as coordinating boy shirts and accessories {yes! both boy and girl} and accessories for momma's...

family photos will look put together and having the ease of stopping by and shopping at one shop is going to make it easier for everyone.

Can you tell I am excited?

Click on the Shop tab above to take you to the new store and here's a little sneak peak for you!

all pictures c/o willow brandt photography

Sorry if the above just gave you all a massive dose of baby fever...

Oh and see that Happy Bottoms button over there on the ole' sidebar  ------------------->>
I'll be telling you all about that tomorrow!

life lately + a shop update

Lately I have been...

sick kid care taking

friday night football watching

car searching

fence building

volleyball playing

house cleaning

night-time working

target shopping

puppy school going

phone call making

busy momma

 

and Lately...
I have been doing a lot of dreaming

business planning

hand-making

partner-ing

 

I have kept my business plan hush-hush.

mainly because I had no idea what I was doing

however, now, with a little help from some influential people

I feel good about where things are heading.

 

So what's to come of the pink jellybean?

first off, the pink jellybean is no longer!

I know, I know. I said I had a plan.  Hear me out.

I have decided to streamline the bloggie and the shop!

so from here forward the shop will be

Pocket Full of lovelies | The Shop

and this shop will reside at Store-envy instead of etsy.

I will continue to sell dresses

however
will have sales 2 or 3ish times a year.

At this time, we won't be taking custom orders!

With these sales, I will offer many different sizes and a couple of different styles/colors of onesie and T-shirt dresses,

but once they are gone, they are gone!

Also, a portion of these sales are going to go to charity.

{which I will be announcing at a later time}

Between sales,

I will now be offering newborn photography props.

I have always done these for local photographers,

and will now be offering them in my shop year-round for all of you amazing photogs.

Think headbands, tie-backs, swaddles...

bow ties, neck ties, crochet goodies...

and a few other things I have up my sleeve.

Something about newborn photography that just gets me beyond excited

however, try as I may, I am not good at taking the picture

just love to style the picture

so here is my chance.

and yours too.

to let me help you style your photos, of course.

 

As things unfold, I will be sure to keep
all of you updated right here.

 

 

 

 

all right people, from the words of my 3 year old

Peace Out!

yes, she said Peace Out to our dogs this morning
as we left the house.

{shaking my head}