Sew Mama Sew Winner!

Amanda from Atlanta, GA, you are the winner of my giveaway! Please check your email for details.

As mentioned before, I have a new giveaway! I received lots of comments on my Bebe Mary Janes and thought it would be a lovely to offer another little giveaway of the PDF and fabric for these sweet little shoes.. You can choose the exact damask print and pink felt shown, or you can choose a color scheme of your own (I'll pick out the fabric). On December 13th, I will announce the winner, and a NEW GIVEAWAY! I've decided to try and actually blog, and have Sundays as my day of giving, to my readers. I have so many things to giveaway, so be on the lookout and play along.

In order to play along, here is what you need to do... Leave me a comment about your absolute favorite pair of shoes you ever owned, and why they were so loved.

I remember my favorite pair of shoes were my black leather Dr. Marten's. These shoes bring back so many memories of my carefree high school years. The best memory was of my father spit shining them so that they looked perfect, since black shoe polish didn't do the job correctly :) I swore that my kids would wear nothing other than Dr. Marten's when I had my own little ones. They haven't worn a pair yet, how silly I was back then!

Please note that only comments with answers to the question asked will be included in the giveaway (not to mention the best answer will most likely win), and only one comment per person. If you would like some extra entries, you can become a follower (2 extra entries), link to me on your lovely blog (5 extra entries), or purchase a little something from my {shop} (7 extra entries) and send me a quick comment to let me know you've done so.

Enjoy!

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway: Little Miss Sassy Pants PDF & Kit

Here are some super cute little bloomers to show off those sweet little leggies of hers! These are the perfect addition to little pinafores or dresses, and can be worn with a plain little onesie. either way, these are a super cute addition to her little wardrobe.

You'll receive instructions and the fabrics shown in the picture to make the following sizes:
0-3M
3-6M
6-9M
12-18M

Easy enough for a newbie at sewing to finish up in 1 to 2 hours tops.

Leave me a comment by December 6th, on your favorite item in my shop, and I will choose one lucky winner. I will ship internationally too!

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON 12/06/09 ALONG WITH A NEW GIVEAWAY!

I'm in love...

with my new lens, fun software, a trial version of editing software, and my kiddos of course...

A Lovely Fall Afternoon

My little kidlets and I had so much fun today, as we finally got to meet up with the sweetness of Ruby, owner of Cakies, and her girls True and Brave. She really is super creative, talented, and gifted, with all the work that her hands make. Ahh, I just love all of her creations!

She treated my girls with homemade pizza that Symphony said she "could eat forever and ever!", she gave us some really thoughtful gifts (we still owe her ours!), and we just had such a fun time hanging out! It was clean up time and my girls were bummed that we had to leave, but we will have to get together again soon.

So on this lovely Fall afternoon (that was awaited with much anticipation), Ruby and I talked about shop updates, and "business" in general. I was so excited to hear that she was going to have a shop update on Friday, and just read what to be expecting in her shop! I have been searching for little leave clips, and yep, you guessed it, she's updating it with lovely little leaves. I can't wait to snatch some up today! Go on over to her shop and pick up a few too :)

Upcycled and Sweet!

I haven't really made the time to get into the whole upcycle trend, and I have many projects awaiting their transformation on my sewing tables as proof.  Someday those summer dresses will be made for Symphony and Bella, and when that day comes, I'm sure the trend will have passed on!

By special request I have made a super sweet vintage little Strawberry Shortcake set that I am in love with!  I had originally bought the fabric at a steal, considering how much they were wanting for it at the Rose Bowl Flea Market (which is a rip off!), with the intentions of selling it by the yard.  I was reminded of the sheeting I had stashed away, and made a super cute little set!  I am super in love with the wipes case that I had to applique a small strawberry onto due to wear on the print.  All in all, I love it and hope the sweet little girl will adore it too!

Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake

My lovely friend Susan has just started the sweet Shoppe of My Dreams blog, which is already filled with lots of fabulous finds.  I often admire her style and simplicity in so many of her favorites, which is the reason for my post.  She now has me admiring the sweet Bake It Pretty shop, and stalking it often in hopes to get this oh so popular little set, which always seems to be sold out....

The owner is perfectly right with her statement

which is why I keep returning in hopes of it being in stock, but to no avail.  I do however love the following from Cupcake Social and want to Bake It Pretty with my girls for an upcoming birthday that's coming really soon (exactly why I'm stalking Bake It Pretty).   

Stop by her shop and fall in love with all the delectable goodness it holds!  In the meantime, I will follow Jenny's advice and just

Go visit Bake It Pretty , The Shoppe of My Dreams, and Jenny's Bake Shop!

Standing Up For Professional Values

I could easily stoop that low name this post something else and direct this somewhere else, but it's about being professional, and so I shall restrain myself, when God knows I just want to unleash on a certain handful...ha!

Dippilulu has nailed it where it hurts!  These are so perfect and I couldn't agree more when it comes to a "nasty copycat" or those who directly "rip off your work".  I love her little biting statements that socks it to those who don't "Show Respect and Give Credit" or lack the ethics to "Stay Professional and Be Honest".  Remember, to always "Keep Integrity and Be Honest". 

Following these words of wisdom will get you a long way and keep you from burning way too many bridges.  After all, if you have a business of your own, you want to be successful and stay running, right?  Keep up the good ethics and don't be deceitful to try and get ahead.  Lots of business owners do it, and guess what... their businesses fold quickly not to mention the guilty conscience they will continually carry for doing so!  I've seen it happen first hand!

Now on to the good stuff...

 

A Tad Bit Late, But I'm So Excited!

I started off BellaSymphony just like all the other million and one WAHMs that have online baby boutiques. I wanted something that fit my style and didn't want to pay a fortune for it.  I ventured off and started a company with very little experience at hand, but, I am quick at understanding directions and crafting comes easy to me.  Who would of thought this could be, I by no means thought I had a creative piece in me, but I've seem to have proven myself wrong. Some of my old friends from high school may disagree due to the creativity I put into my clothing back in the day, but hey, money was tight and the thrift store was my friend.  So I digress  :)

Any how, I started BellaSymphony off not even knowing what a bobbin was or it's purpose. I on the other hand was determined to make my own stuff because I knew I could do it.  The hubby had to school me on what a bobbin was when after trying to sew over and over again, nothing was happening!  Needless to say, it wasn't a a very great lesson to learn because "Mr. Home Ec" had to teach me....  Why the heck didn't I ever take this class that I shunned and thought was so silly during my youth?  I probably could have made a much better wardrobe than I had from the thrift store had I had some mad sewing skills and a machine!  I have since come a long way, but really want to improve in many areas of sewing, and actually learn the correct methods to clothing construction.

So back to BellaSymphony.....  My little business is doing well, actually more than well as I sit and add up all my sales for each month, I am blown away, and totally thankful for God's provision in bringing me lots of stylish & hip customers.  I am loving making patterns and ebooks, but my knowledge only goes so far when dealing with sizing.  Clothing has somewhat become a love of mine, along with many other things, and I really want to pursue that at this time.  I am super excited to finally actually go to school for Fashion Design!  I'm going to actually learn professional industry techniques, pattern making, couture sewing and so very much more!  

So, in the excitement of it all, I thought I would share a few lovely "back to school" items I would love to have, from my fellow Etsy artists, as I head back to school in Fashion Design.... enjoy! 

I'm a total sucker for red and thread by Emmalynne

I will definitely need a new pencil pouch (love the houndstooth on the backside) by madebyhank

A lovely vintage stapler from TopsyDesgin

a sketch book (I love that it's bingo, so fun!) by Somavenus

Totally not necessary, but I have loved this since I seen it on the FP of Etsy from Spacejam

I may need an extra sketch book, and this one is just perfect! by Doti

Of course I will probably be fully stocked for supplies and notions since I have a whole room dedicated to sewing and crafting, but the above items are all things that I would so love to have to start off as a new Fashion Design college student...

And The Winner Is...

Amber!  

Thank you all for stopping by and participating with your lovely comments!  Keep an eye out for more giveaways, and hopefully some new posts on my favorite things that I have set my eyes on!

Oh, How I love Thee

These are so me and my love for vintage and retro style.   The simple look of each of her designs, and detail in each design tempts me to buy them all... immediately! Her designs are edgy and retro, and so very stylish!   

Sew Mama Sew has even posted a pattern review (with a simple modification) for her Macaron Dress here.

Come by Colette Patterns and pick some out for yourself. 

Time for a Change!

To tell you the truth, it's been a change that I've wanted for so long, but haven't put the time into doing.  It takes a lot to revamp, if I had only known that from the beginning!  Be on the lookout for a new BellaSymphony very soon, and until then enjoy the new blog background.

Giveaway...

It's been a long time since there's been a giveaway, or much posting.  So, to try and start anew, here's the giveaway.  Either visit my etsy shop or online boutique, and leave a comment of something you'd love to have!  The giveaway will be the item pictured below, the outcome of my newest eBook, a Little Buns Changing Mat in mod Amy Butler prints. 

A handy little item to have on the go! This compact little changing pad is hip and stylish, not to mention a clean place to lay your little one while changing them on the go. Bathroom changing tables are handy, but the nasty plastic isn't what I would want my baby's skin up against. 

  

Changing pad measures 18"x24" when open, rolls up into a compact 9"x2"x2" making it the perfect size for your purse or bag, and it's machine washable!

Click on either of the following:

www.bellasymphony.etsy.com

www.bellasymphony.com

Winner will be chosen by the lovely random number generator on August 1st.  Check back soon for more tutorials and giveaways!

Enjoy!

I'm in Love With These!

If only I could wear it!

Goodnight, Sleep Tight, and Don't Let the Monsters Bite...

We have just reached a HUGE accomplishment in our household... getting our girls to sleep in their own room!  I have tried for a couple of years with little sympathy when they cry in their room at night (mean, huh?), but the hubby just breaks down and lets them back in.  I had enough with a 2 year old kicking and hitting me because of dreams that she's throwing tantrums in.  I can't forget to mention the infant in the bassinet beside me, oh and yes... the 5 year old on the couch in the same room.  Why is it necessary to have a house with rooms when we all sleep in one?

Anyways, I have browsed a few spots on Etsy and found a shop that I absolutely LOVE and decided to put a couple little items together for those of you needing to get your kids out... or am I the only one?

This Nightmare Snatcher is way too cute!  "The world can be a scary place, full of nightly noises, menacing monsters, and dreadful dreams. But not every monster wants to scare and terrify. With the help of a magical spell and an appetite for troubles, a monster can be your dearest friend.

Furry and fearless, friendly but ferocious, these Nightmare Snatchers® are the perfect journals for writing down and drawing out all that scares, frightens, and worries. You have only to recite the spell found at the front of the book, record your woes on their aged tea-stained pages, then mark your page with their long tail and your faithful friend the Nightmare Snatcher® will eat your fears away."

There are plenty of choices in the Spiderbite Boutique, and you can even customize one if you'd like!

A cute little mask can cover up their eyes (my girls use one) and keep scary shadows and flickers away from their wild imaginations.  LovelyArt has a cute selection for girls!

Last but not least is the Go Away Monster Spray,  "designed to scare away the meanest and furriest of imaginary beasts!"  Have them spray some of this and the monsters are sure to stay out!

Oh, how I love Etsy!

Start Your Own Children's Boutique!

It's been a while since I've been on here to update, but here I am and hopefully I'll get better at this.  I'd like to start showcasing some great Etsy sellers, ideas that I love, and new items that are popping up in my store.  

I have added lots of pdf ebooks to purchase in my Etsy shop, as well as my new shop Studio BellaSymphony.  Come on in and take a look around, and grab an ebook or two, or a bundle!  You can start sewing it now and maybe even start up your own online boutique with your own creative flair.

quick and easy....

patterns!  I decided to sell some pdf files for some of the items I sell.  So, come on by if you're interested!

It's Fascinating

Symphony and I have fallen in love with these since Kennedy first introduced them to us on Project Runway.  I decided to try and give them a go, so here are a few that I've made with many more waiting to be photographed and listed.  These are very simple and elegant, but I have lots of ideas just waiting to be played out (if I only had the time!).

Play With Your Food!

I am a sucker for handmade items because they are one of a kind and are made with lots of love, creativity, talent, and loads of time.  I have been on a kick for felt food and, well, anything felt that can take the place of store bought plastic.   My girls are anxiously awaiting several items I have began to make for them, but really haven't had the time to complete as of yet.  Did I mention that time goes into handmade items  :)

Here is a shop on Etsy that I ran across and love so many of the patterns!  The designer for Little Crickets has come up with so many cute designs and I need, or want, so many of them!  Here are some pics of just terribly cute patterns that she offers.  If you have little ones that like to play "restaurant,"  or just play with food, give these a try!  If you don't have the time, she also sells them already made to go at her Little Bitty Bakery Shop.