Grady: 9 months

I tell ya what, this boy and I have something special.

my inner Jess

source

That Jess, she gets me.

Back in Business

It's been slow going - trying to put some of my inventory back up in the shop after Vintage Lynchburg.

That is one downside to a virtual shop - taking pictures, writing descriptions and adding postings takes quite a bit of time. But the upside is that I am able to offer super cool things to you all and people worldwide.

Here is a preview of some of the things that are finally making their way into the shop for sale.

   

   

     

   

    

Plus, the shop debut of my art prints!

(I was going to offer them as printables, but after some advice and consideration, I decided it would be best for me to keep them as art prints so I can ensure their quality and originality. I get them professional printed on high quality heavyweight paper and I am proud of each one I send.)

 

   

I have some new art prints up my sleeve coming soon and LOTS more unique vintage finds.

So, follow my shop on etsy to stay in the loop.

p.s. Blog followers don't forget your 10% off code - HONEYSUCKLE

Easy DIY Skinny Jeans

I bucked the skinny jeans trend when it first started. I was married to my bootcut jeans and thought skinny jeans only looked good on the extremely skinny which excluded me. 

But ya know what, if a fashion trend is around long enough, it starts to grow on you.

And so did the skinny jeans. And look at me now, I'm cutting up my bootcut jeans and

turning them into skinnies. Guess it wasn't a real committed marriage.

I posted this instagram of my bootcut jeans turned skinnies and got a few requests for

a simple how-to and I am happy to oblige!

So, here we go.

 Step One:

Find a pair of skinnies that you like the way they fit

and line them up on top of the pants you wish to alter.

Step Two:

Trace the shape of the skinnies onto the pants you wish to alter.

This will be the line you will sew along.

Be sure to make a gradual line to the knee. It will pucker weird at the knee if you don't.

I have seam ripped enough times to know. Trust.

 Tip: If you are altering jeans, be sure to trace along the side that has the simple seam vs. the side that has the professional seam with piping.

Do this side

vs.

Don't do this side  

The seams won't line up right if you do your altering along the professional seam side.

Step Three:

Sew along the line you traced.

Step Four:

Cut off your excess fabric. Cut fairly close to your seam so you don't have

any bulk in your skinnies.

Step Five:

Admire your work and high-five someone because you just

saved yourself some money by making your own skinny jeans!

 Step Six: 

Rock your new skinnies!

Vintage Lynchburg recap & a giveaway!

If you keep up with my etsy shop or follow my blog/shop page on facebook, you may have noticed it's been a little sparce.

Well, that's because I was preparing to participate in my first local market.

This past weekend I was one of the vendors at the Vintage Lynchburg Spring Market.

It was such a fun day! I was so happy to meet and talk with so many great people!

Thanks to those who introduced themselves as blog followers or let me know they've seen my work on Pinterest! It's crazy how the internet connects people - but I love it!

It was a lot of work to set up the physical, tangible version of The Honeysuckle Shop (as opposed to the etsy shop version) but it was so worth it! Special shout out to my friend, Sarah, who came all the way from New York to help me and put her gift of decorating displays to great use!

 And, of course, I forgot to get more pictures than the one at the beginning of the day but thankfully Paula of Virginia Sweet Pea, got some nice shots of my booth! (Check out her blog for some more shots of the other vendors that were there!)

 

  

HUGE thanks to my handy husband who created the stand-alone pallet backdrop so that I could debut my art prints!! 

And a HUGE thanks to those who complimented, encouraged, and purchased my art!

I put a lot of heart into anything I design and I think that's what makes me a good designer. But it also makes me sensitive to other's reactions. If someone doesn't care for my vintage items - no biggie. I totally get it, vintage isn't for everyone. But sharing something with others that you've put a piece of your heart into is always a little scary.

So, thank you, thank you, thank you for such a positive and affirming reception to my art!

And to say thank you, I'd love to giveaway some framed art from this first set of prints!
It's made of up of some of my favorite simple truths and reminders, quotes I enjoy, and expressions of love. I'm most attracted to simple, beautiful graphics so that's the way I design.

  

  

THREE lucky winners will be chosen to receive an 8x10 print of their choice that will come in a thin, gold vintage frame like so:

The giveaway is taking place on my facebook page, so head on over there and like the page to find all the giveaway details!

These prints will soon be available in a printable version for a mere $7 in my shop!
Also, lots of unclaimed vintage treasures will be hitting the shop this week so stay tuned!