Shop Talk Feature: The Vintage Byrd

As the seasons finally change I am extremely grateful that new and wonderful small businesses are budding as well (see what I did there)! A dear Instagram friend has recently opened her shop: The Vintage Byrd filled with gorgeous one of a kind clutches and bags. I'm already a sucker for a great pouch or bag that I can compartmentalize all of the toys, snacks, and other items I carry regularly - so I could not help but share this shop with you all. From the maker to the product, read all about the beginnings of this shop as well as the awesome discount on the several new items just put up! I hope you enjoy and support this wonderful maker and watch this shop take flight.

Q: Who is the maker behind The Vintage Byrd?  

A: I have been sewing and quilting for about 10ish years now. I started out teaching myself how to do most everything. When I've come across new friends who are talented and willing to teach me their ways, I soak up their teachings like a sponge. My dream has always been to open a shop of some sort and sell some of the creations that I make. Over the past few months my husband and I have gone through a devastating loss and to keep myself busy i just started sewing again-and didn't stop. I have found it's where I talk to the Lord and have found peace through this whole ordeal. I started sending pictures to my mom and sister in laws and their responses were an overwhelming unanimous 'start selling your stuff!!!' So here I am...with my passion of creating.

Q: What is your creative catalyst?

A: I like to be different. So I try to make up my own patterns and designs to make the fabric that I use more unique and fun. That's really all there is. I don't use patterns-they trip me up. So everything I make is in my head and just comes out in the form of what I'm making. I'm always dreaming up new bags or ideas of things to sew and sell, so check in with me frequently to see what's new! I'm always open to suggestions and custom orders because they open up new creative avenues to explore.

Q: What has been your biggest seller?

A: So far my best seller has been the Lil' Bre. My sister in law really wanted a clutch, but wanted a smaller version of the one I was carrying (the sideways Azzey). So I whipped one up and she's loving it!

Q: What is your advice for small business owners? (Top Three) 

A: My advice to other small business newbies: {to quote Nike} JUST DO IT. Get your support system and go. Even if it fails, you need to try.T here's no sense in living the 'what if' life---that's just a waste of the beautiful brain the Lord has blessed you with.

You can find The Vintage Byrd on etsy as well as Instagram! For you, the shop has given each reader a discount! Use code GRANDOPENING10 to receive 10% off of your order until April 17!

The Others

I've taken a few photography classes as a support to my mom who purchased some really high class cameras a few years ago. I love taking pictures especially now that I have a new camera and a willing participant (well easily bribed I should say). I've always admired photographers who can make your children sit and capture the perfect moments. Well in efforts of preparing for Mother's Day I decided to embark on a small project of my own with some pictures of all of the grandchildren on my in-laws side. These are all the other pictures that didn't make the cut - enjoy.

My hats off to you dear photographers: there seems to not be enough marshmallows, crackers, or water in the world to keep these little ones steady. We'll see what round two brings us!

Weekend Adventures: Happy Easter!

Despite being at church most of the week working and serving as a part of the Easter production, I do feel like I was able to have a slice of celebration with Kai this afternoon. From using his kazoo to wearing his bunny mask, Kai covered himself with peeps and peanut butter eggs (oh the sugar rush!). I never want him to feel overburdened or overwhelmed with our lives in ministry, so I was really glad to see him enjoy his basket this afternoon.That balance is so important to me, and I'm grateful he keeps life in perspective. Sure today is not about the Easter bunny or tons of sugary treats, however, I don't want to be so rigid in my faith that we don't enjoy life and the wonder that comes with being a child. I was able to catch quite a few moments with our sweet boy today. Hope you enjoyed your family today friend.

Eggs, Candy, and Surprises

 

This is my fun pinata egg I created (fourth time is a charm...) after checking out this fun tutorial. I couldn't find some of the items the original recipe calls for (liquid starch and water balloons) when I went to the store so I improvised and I'm still pleased with the technique around it. I was able to create several eggs, but this one came out the best! This is a TWO DAY project, so if you're trying to whip one of these up give yourself some time.

Here are some tips: This is basically paper mache at its finest, so don't worry about liquid starch. You can use a simple glue and warm water mixture or even Modge Podge mixture as a substitute. Make sure to have several layers of tissue paper to add to the strength of the egg (coverage is key). I also used regular balloons and found them to still give the "egg" shape. Also when adding your string cut ACROSS the top of the egg where your opening is. I made this mistake on my first three eggs (oy!) and didn't realize you need to cut specifically across so when you go to close the egg it retains its shape.

Don't throw away your misshaped eggs! You can still use them (I am a firm believer in re-purposing all things). You can cut them in half and stuff them so the contents show (see the finished basket). I think they really are going to be a hit! Kai saw the ones I was working on and went crazy! I can't wait to give him his basket tomorrow.

Easter Basket Madness!

As Kai gets older I'm really starting to enjoy the fun of putting things together such as Easter baskets. I love how he enjoys playing pretend now and I've admired so many masks as of lately, but of course waited too long to order one. So in efforts to whip one up, I looked online everywhere for a mask template to really not find many. I found this one online (it's been adjusted for the correct size for a toddler) and pieced it a part with felt. I'm so pleased with out it turned out!

Felt is such a great medium to use for masks since it's flexible and durable. This project cost me about $1.50 with the felt I purchased and I used embroidery floss for the details.

 Here are some tips! Note that when piecing your mask together, I did use glue to tack the different layers prior to sewing it. The back of the mask is one full piece of felt. For the eyes I free-cut those since I wanted to make sure they were large enough to see out of. I would recommend machine sewing the front and back parts of the face together while sandwiching the elastic in between. Also, measure your child's head for the elastic (I almost forgot!).

I really think it's going to be a wonderful addition to Kai's basket. Up next are some fun paper mache eggs that I found on this blog! Super easy and I love that you can customize them. I will be sure to share how those turn out since they are the next project!

What are you favorite gifts for your baskets?

Turning Your Cant's into Can's

It's been crazy busy...too busy (I'm sorry dear reader). We are working on so much at one time. Sometimes you have to shake things up so they can fall back in order again. I worked until 8p.m. the night before and despite making a Target run after picking up Kai around 8:45p.m., I knew we needed a break. So I left early today. We needed it. To see the look on Kai's face when I was waiting for him to wake up from his nap was priceless. 

With kids in tow, my dearest friend Becca and I (Mike even left work early!) we hit the park and had a wonderful afternoon. I used my new camera (Sony Cyber shot h300) and I can't wait to put it to great use! Between getting stuck on the slide (these hips don't lie) and chasing a toddler around (how did he become so fast?) was beyond worth it. The weather was perfect today! To say I had the best day ever in quite some time would be an understatement. I couldn't have asked for a better day or way to surprise Kai with some quality time. 

Today proved a lesson I really needed to take in...  

the only thing stopping you from living the life you desire often is you. 

Moments like these are precious and I can't wait to have more of them.