New Item- Peony Coin purse

 This darling little peony coin purse was inspired by a good friend who just loves peonies!  Every time I would use this fabric, I would think of her, so I just had to make her this little coin purse.   Shhh... don't tell her.... I haven't given it to her yet.   I hope she likes it. 
And should you want your own peony coin purse please don't worry- I have more fabric.

Seriously Succulents

Remember the post about succulents?  Well, check out these bad boys!  Seriously succulents, people!  These are about 10 times larger then the succulents I grow at home.   
I saw these in Half Moon Bay, Ca last week, and my jaw dropped.  Half Moon Bay is right on the coast, which is the PERFECT climate for succulents... ya think?   I immediately had succulent envy. 

Into and Over

(Jen)  I am currently INTO Wheat Berries.  I use them every morning to make fresh pancakes for my family.  They are full of protein and flavor!  My daughter loves wheat berry pancakes, and they often make a good go-to when she won't eat anything else.

I am OVER regular couscous.  I much prefer the Israeli couscous.  Regular couscous is small and hard to eat.  A 14 month old and regular couscous are just not a good match. 

Scott is INTO finishing projects around the house that have been put off too long!  (Woo HOO!!)

Scott is OVER the large dirt spots in the lawn!  (maybe fixing the lawn is next on the to-do list!)

New Item- Pink Rosette Clutches

I

It is SPRING!   Beautiful, green, cool at night and pleasant days... spring!  Flowers, grass, trees.  

Pink pink pink.... this is my nod to Spring.  These pink satin rosette clutches are soft and lovely and would make a great bridesmaids accessory for a spring wedding.

Favorite Things- Succulents

In honor of St Patrick's Day, here is my Green contribution:

I have fallen in love with suculents over the past few years.  I remember my Grandmother growing many types of suculents in pots in her backyard.  I never though much of them until we were given a number of suculent plants by some dear friends who were avid gardeners.  They were relocating, and just could not transport every plant they owned.  We were the happy recipients of many of their orphans, including many suculents.   We have found that our friend George was quite right when he said "You can't kill them, just stick them in the soil and they will root."  They need water, but not much.  They need a bit of protection from the freezing temps, but other than that they are hearty and beautiful.  They come in all shapes, sizes and textures and can be grown in just about anything- any pot, or cup, or even directly in the ground.  These plants are perfect for someone, like myself, who doesn't have a "brown thumb", but doesn't exactly  have a "green" one either.  At least Green is my favorite color!

Seriously, I love Suculents.  Need a good gift idea- how about a suculent?

Into And Over

This week, I will keep it brief.

I am totally INTO Kisses from my one year old daughter. This is her new favorite thing, and it melts my heart every time.

I am OVER the Harley Motorcycles in our Neighborhood.  They are nice guys, but they are loud.

Scott is INTO mowing our neighbor's lawn.  They never mow it, and he loves serving others- so there you go, it's a win-win!  ( I love my servant-hearted husband!)

He is OVER studying for the Exam he just took today.   He is ready to get back to "Normal" life without studying.  (BTW he is pretty sure he passed!  Go Scott!)

New Item- Oatmeal Linen Clutch

I just LOVE these natural Oatmeal linen clutches.  These clutches are not necessarily "new", as I have used this linen before.  But, this is the first time I have paired this beautiful damask interior with this oatmeal linen.  I just LOVE the outcome- these fabrics work perfectly together.  These clutches would be the perfect accessory for a natural or nature themed rustic wedding.

Favorite Things- Burn Piles

I grew up in the country, and every winter we would have a bon fire with our burn pile.  It's simply the best thing ever!  This past weekend we visited my parents who live about 2.5 hrs away in "the sticks", and we had ourselves a fun old-fashioned family burn day.  It was fabulous- the smell, the smoke, the heat from the inferno.  It really is one of my favorite things. 

New Item- Coin Purse

I have just added Framed Coin Purses to my line!   These little wallet/coin purses are so small and cute and I just love them!  They are the perfect little size for holding your bare necessities- credit cards, id, lipstick, and Money!  They measure 4.25" across the top, 5.5" across the bottom, and they are approximately 3.5" high. 

Like all my other items, they can be custom made in any fabric or color you would like.  Frames come in antique bronze (shown here) and silver.

Wedding Talk- Remembering

Working in the wedding industry, wedding planning, budgeting and preparations are often on my mind.  I think back to my wedding a lot and remember with fondness the planning and preparations that went into our special day.  Where was Pinterest and Etsy back then?  Seriously, there are SO many resources out there now.

Brides will often share with me the details of their wedding day, the colors, bridesmaids dresses and themes they have planned.  It always makes me want to plan another wedding, but when I suggest the idea to Scott, it is always shot down...can't imagine why? Who wouldn't want to spend thousands of dollars on a second wedding to the same person?  He obviously doesn't get it!  Ha ha!  (My current favorite theme is the barn wedding!  I just love the rustic but elegant features of the pictured inspiration board!)

There are many things about our wedding that I loved, and some things I would change if I could go back.  I imagine that most brides feel the same way looking back on their wedding day.  For the most part, our wedding day was a beautiful day! 

I have worked with many different personality types over the past few years.  Some brides are very easy going and laid back when it comes to wedding planning. Others have very clear cut ideas of exactly what they want their day to look like.  Some brides have an idea of what they want, but need a bit of help executing it.  Other brides have no clue what they want, and need to be guided and directed a bit more with questions and suggestions. 

As I think back over my experience working with brides and my own wedding planning experience, I would say that the greatest piece of advice I can offer is this:  It is JUST a day.  This day is simply a Celebration of the beginning of your life with the man you love.  This DAY is just that... ONE Day.  And while it is a very important day and a very special day, it should not become more important than the marriage.   It is just the beginning.   This day will not be perfect, but it probably won't be a complete flop either.  Go with it, enjoy every moment, smile a lot, and laugh more.   The day goes very quickly. Cherish ever moment and have fun!! 

Favorite Things- Keysocks!

I was SOOOO excited to get the mail today! 

My Keysocks arrived!

What are Keysocks you ask?  Well, let me just tell you... they are socks (more along the lines of pantyhose) that you can wear with your flats or maryjanes, or toms, or heels with a toe, or whatever shoe you feel like wearing without sock socks.  They are not peds... I have tried peds many times and they always manage to slip off my heal and jumble up under my foot- plus they get icky and sweaty and just plain gross.  Key socks are no-show panty hose like socks that keep your feet and calves warm when you wear the afore mentioned type shoes in cooler weather. 

I first saw Keysocks on Pinterest and pinned them, but forgot about them until the day came when I decided to wear my flats again... oh no, the stickyness the yucky "I can't wait to take these shoes off" feeling.  Then...I remembered Keysocks and immediately placed an order.  I decided to get the "light" pair because in Northern CA it just doesn't get that terribly cold, and I was afraid the other warmer pair might be too warm.  (***You can see all the different styles and colors of Keysocks on their website at www.Keysocks.com )

I wore my new Keysocks all day and I just love them!  They are smooth and silky, and I can already tell they are not going to get all sweaty and sticky and gross.  They are quality made- I doubt they will snag easily if at all like pantyhose.  They are thick and durable, but the light version that I got isn't too thick.  They are very comfortable and you do not notice that you have them one.  They are definitely not going to fall off your foot and bunch up.  They fit snugly and perfectly, and they do not show around my toes or sides of the shoes.

So, you may be considering Keysocks (they just might be the answer to all your problems... ok, probably not, but they might help with some of your shoe wearing woes)?  A couple of things you ought to know about Keysocks:  1) You need to wear them with long pants- they go all the way up your calf, so the long pants will cover that part.  2) You may be able to see some of the sock on the back side- you know, above your ankle... But that is mostly just when you sit, and quite honestly, I really don't think that will be terribly noticable.

So, if you dislike wearing shoes without socks, and haven't been able to find a solution for your dilemma, I would suggest trying Keysocks.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

*** Keysocks is not paying me to promote their products.  I just really love them and wanted to share!

"Into and Over" and Introduction

There is a new show on the Food Network called "The Kitchen" which airs on Sundays.  It is a laid back and entertaining show that I have enjoyed a few times now.  They have a segment of the show called "Into" and "Over" where each host shares what they are currently "into" and what they are currently "over".  For example, one of the hosts said they were INTO waffles for breakfast, and OVER when people lick their fingers before opening the plastic produce bags at the grocery store.

I like the idea of "into" and "over" and thought it would be a fun way to start a conversation.  So I "stole" the idea from The Kitchen, and I tried it last night on a date with my Husband.  We both had fun discussing our "intos" and "overs"!  (A big Thank you to The Kitchen, for the idea- remember imitation is the best form of flattery!)

Currently my husband is "into" French Press Coffee

and he is "over" his new boots...they don't quite make the cut :(

I am currently "into" Keysocks!! (see related post)

I am currently "over" stretchy jeans that sag after less than one hour.

So what about you?  What are you "Into" and what are you "Over"?

A Little Bit Aboue....

A little bit about Jennygirl, my family and my home...  

Well, to begin, I have been married to my handsome and wonderful husband for 8 years.  Some days 8 years feels like 80 seconds, other days it feels like 80 years....  He is my love, my adventurer, my kind hearted and generous man.  He is the best father, and the most loyal friend.  Marriage is hard, I won't lie.  It is refineing.  Conversely, it is the best feeling in the world to know that your heart belongs to a man who loves and cherishes you and who is committed to seeing us grow old together hand in hand.  My heart is full of thanks for the wonderful man God has given me.

Just over one year ago we brought our beautiful darling daughter home from the hospital.  Our precious girl is a gift from God and we consider each day with her a joy and a blessing.  We waited a very long time to be parents, and the "missing link" in our home was completed the moment we met our H.M.  We celebrated her first birthday this past month!  She is a daily reminder of God's gracious goodness and faithfulness.

My Christian Faith is the core of who I am.  I am a sinner saved by God's grace, forgiven and free.  Am I perfect? No!  But by the Grace of God and His continual work in my life, I hope that I may say I am becoming more like my perfect savior, Jesus. 

Jennifer is my given name, but I never go by it.  In fact if you call me Jennifer I may not even hear you and completely ignore you... not intentially of course.  "JennyGirl" is a very special name- in fact only a few select family members and friends call me Jenny, and the only two people that call me "JennyGirl" are my mom and my husaband. The name Jenny is so special that you have to be on "the list" to use the name.  "The list" is nothing more than a random selection of people who have made the cut.  Mostly these are people whom I have known for a very long time and when they use the name Jenny it makes my heart smile and feel loved.    To most people, I am Jen.  Short simple, Jen.... Isn't it fun to have such a versatile name! 

When choosing the name for my business, JennyGirl was an obvious choice- it is very personal and it represents the deepest core of who I am.  I want my business to be a pure reflection of me.  I want everything I do, from communicating with customers to creating unique custom gifts, to come from my heart.  I put my all into my business and I hope that is evident in my work. 

Finally, I do not take for granted the opportunity I have to work from home.  It has always been my heart's desire to be at home with my children while contributing to the household income.  For years I was not sure how this desire would play out, and after quite some time I started to see it all come together in a way that I could have never imagined.  Who would have thought that a sewing hobby would become a significant home business and contribution to my family's livelihood?

Thank you for supporting hand-made, and thank you for supporting JennyGirl Designs.

Sincerely,
Jen

Starting Fresh

It's Been Quite some time since blogging. I have decided to give it a shot again since I am debuting my new website!!  It's been a LONG time in the making, and it's finally ready to go! 
Drum roll please.....  announcing www.jennygirldesigns.com

Enjoy

Branding sneak peak

  I am in the thick of re-designing my business- new logo, new design, new name....  It is very exciting, and I am enjoying the process.  I recently discovered the amazing talent of a young artist who created these beautiful drawings of my clutches.  While these are my clutch styles, she designed the "fabric" patterns.... which I think are simply stunning!!  I appreciate the ability to draw and design!! I do not possess an ounce of this type of skill, and it truly amazes me!  

So this is just a sneak peak of the new brand that I hope to reveal soon-ish.

 

A New Name

I have been making clutches for quite some time now, and I have come to realize that in business there is always change.  I named my business "My Creative Threads" to cover a broad range of items that I could potentially make and sell.  With the dramatic increase in clutch/handbag sales, I feel it is time to create a division of the business to cater specifically to customers looking for clutches.  I am planning to start a website, and I intend to give the site this new name.  My only problem is I can't think of a good name! 
There are so many options out there.   My current top choices are "Sew Clutch" and "Creative Clutches".  I like these options because they clearly define what I am selling, and the second option ties in with my original name. 
It would be easier to choose one of these names if it weren't for one teeny little problem....  let me paint the picture:

Big Burly Guy who hasn't shaved in a week and smells of grease and oil is sitting in front of the computer with cigarette in one hand and beer in the other.  He is desperately searching for something online, but he isn't terribly computer literate and is already pretty frustrated with his search thus far.  He pulls up my website and shouts at the computer "What the...." as he sees these beautifully handmade clutches.  At this point he gives up and decides to take the trip to the Auto Parts store to see if they have the part he needs.
And here I sit, on the "other side" of the computer feeling a little badly because the poor guy is just trying to fix the clutch on his car, and my website is obviously not going to help him.  But while I am feeling badly, I am kinda laughing (just a little) at the humor in the situation and feeling like I have fooled another one again!  (is that bad??- probably yes  insert sinister laugh here)

So the question still remains- Do I use the word "Clutch" in the new name/ domain name?  Or do I use something like Handbag or...?
I am open to suggestions, thoughts, opinions, commentary....

Tea

We had the annual ladies tea at church on Saturday.  As I prepared my table for tea I was quite surprised to see how it all came together.  I wanted to use what I had to make it pretty, so I found an extra large piece of gold-ish fabric I used for a previous clutch order.  I am not a super fan of gold, but I really thought it brought out the gold lined china nicely.  It was a little table this year which I quite liked, though it was hard to find an appropriate center piece.   I ended with with little centerpieces all around.  I LOVE having a reason to use my grandmother's china, teacups, and glasses!  I think she would be proud!

I was recently given some beautiful pieces of milk glass from a friend who was moving out of the area and trying to consolidate her home of 30 years.  I LOVE milk glass (as it is something my grandmother also collected), and these pieces are extraordinary!  I thought they would be the perfect addition to use for the food.  And there was a LOT of delicious food, and fantastic tea.

Getting Ready for Tea

Each year our church holds a Tea, and I like to host a table.  In effort to actually USE the fine china and delicate tea cups I inherited from my Grandmother, I like to host a table at the tea.  As I prepared my table decor I decided I needed napkins to match.  Unable to find some that I liked at the store, I decided to make them.  White Linen matches anything!

Getting ready for tea.

Tutorial for Ruffled Pillow

You have got to check out this wonderful tutorial for a ruffled pillow from Jones Design Company! 

http://jonesdesigncompany.com/create/5-days-of-favorite-projects-day-3/

This pillow is so much fun to make and adds a lot of great texture and dimension to the room!

A Baby Quilt

I rarely have time to quilt, but recently put together a baby quilt for a dear friend who is having her first baby in October.  My quilter friend Chris helped me with the quilt last week and we had so much fun working together on this little quilt!
Thank you Chris for your help.  They LOVED this quilt!