Open for business.

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Last week I had to close the shop. Remember that?

I hate doing that.

I hate turning away potential long term customers. Killing potential relationships built. Not getting you what you came looking for.

Hate. Hate. Hate.

You get the point.

We reevaluated. We looked at where we are, not only in this business but at this season of life. We already hired a seamstress. What more could we do? Could we afford more assistance? Then you guys e-mailed. You NEEDED the shop reopened. You needed gifts and favors and products. You needed us open.

So we took another leap of faith. We hired another seamstress. You may have seen the call on our fan pages. I was shocked with the response. I thought I would be lucky to get one application. I got several. I thought the decision would be easy. We had some seriously talented people we had to sift through.

In the end we found someone who we feel is the perfect addition. We are thrilled. We are not overwhelmed. We have re-opened the shop!

Unfortunately, we still have been too busy playing catch up to actually photograph items before they leave to their new homes. So you will have to bear with us as we gradually swap those out.

I promise that soon eventually we will restock with some new clutch designs and fun products that have been in the works. For now, head on over and purchase your princess aprons! A little birdie as been running it's mouth that there will be 4 more princess' added soon.

At the rate we are headed, we may even be lowering the turnaround time and in the next few months we hope to get back to being a ready to ship shop. How cool would that be?

We look forward to your continued support and business. Thanks again!

-The Vessel Handmade Team

Finally Updating

Seems like such a long time since I have done a shop update. I have been sewing my fingers to the bone but things never seem to hit the shop. It is a good problem to have. A very good one. I am blessed beyond measure. 

I have been busy with stocking storefronts. Woot! (do people still say that? I hope so...) You may have seen this shot on instagram. I loved that little shipment and was sad to see it go. 

I have also had a few bridal party orders. Those have been a blast. Working with a bride to make something to give to the girls she loves most. So much fun. If you are a bride or know a bride, email me. Seriously, leather clutches they can always use again? Perfection, right?

Anyway, after the last few boutiques, I have stored up a few things for you. But they are going fast, so hurry over and get your goods. 

Oh and since I have held out on you for so long, how about a discount?

20% off with coupon code ItsAboutTime

Here are some of the new goods in there:

Some Little Lady Purses

A few Artfolios

The NEW Ray of Light Clutch

And I even managed to keep some stock of Chevron clutches

Coffee anyone?

Good morning friends. Today is going to be a good day. You know those days you just wake up and feel refreshed. Today is that day for me.

If we were to have coffee today, I would tell you that it's not that I got a ton of sleep. I didn't. I have two toddlers who come in my bed. A good nights sleep is not in the books for me. Not right now.

It's more of a weight lifted off my shoulders. I have been so stressed lately. I have been a big procrastinator. And it took it's toll this week.

Somehow it slipped my mind that I changed my business name and I needed to update my business to reflect the new name. I'm a genius right? So on Monday, I ordered business cards. I have a show this Saturday. What on earth was I thinking. No way they would get here on time right? Wrong. A friend recommended JPGPrinting.com , I ordered my cards on Monday afternoon and they got here yesterday. I was thrilled. They are beautiful. Do you have a business? Use them. Seriously. They were awesome.

Then I needed a new sign. So I put hubby and our good friend on that project. I died when they brought in the finished product. These guys are skilled. After I showed you this picture...

..I would let you in on a little secret that said friend and his beautiful wife are starting a handmade biz of their own. One that we have been pushing them to start for a while now. I would make sure not to spill any of the details on their product line though. I'll let them spill the beans on the awesomeness.

But that is a enough business talk. We are here to relax right? To just chit-chat.

I would tell you how utterly excited I am about where we stand in foster care. Our paperwork has been handed over to our adoption worker. We are expecting a call this week or early next week to schedule our home study. After that it is really only a matter of time. I can't handle my anxiousness at times. I have baby fever badly and a little one is so close to being in our home.

I would tell you how much fun I have been having with our kiddos at home. They are both at such fun ages. Talon is starting to talk to me in sentences paragraphs. The child is so ahead of the game. He cracks me up. Rhiannon is growing up so fast. It makes me a little sad but at the same time I am so proud of the girl she is becoming. She is so sweet. Her heart is so huge. And she loves learning about Jesus. It warms my heart.

I could brag and chat about my kids all afternoon though. So let's stop here so that you can tell me what's going on with you.

Remember, there are threaded comments, feel free to respond to eachother. Make it a girls day at coffee today.

Update Central

Wow, it's been a while since I've come to chat with you all. Usually I realize when I have been lagging on the blog posts. I have reached a point in so many areas of my life that busy seems to be the only way to describe each arena. Good busy though. Not the chaos that we seem to get wrapped up in so often. Just full lives. Lives full of happiness and things to do.

I have lots of posts I want to write but thought I would just check in and share where we are right not. In general, it's just a joyous place. We are surrounded by God's blessings. But to break it down for you a little more...

• Rhiannon and I just got back from an amazing girls weekend where our relationship was nurtured and built up in a way I didn't realize we needed. I can honestly say that my 3 year old is my best girl friend. There is no one I would have rather shared a girls weekend with and I can't wait to share all about it soon. 
• Rock-A-Bow has been super busy. I am prepping for two upcoming shows, a MOPs boutique this weekend and Queen Bee in June. I am having a hard time prepping because You, my customers, are keeping me busy busy busy. I am so beyond blessed by all of you.
• While we are talking about Rock-A-Bow, have you heard? This summer I will be releasing a few new products to the shop. Including the messenger bags, girls handbags and new art accessories! Annnndddd we are changing our name and branding. Lots of fun stuff is in the works over here in my little studio.
• Our end goals of foster care are slowly approaching.  We are currently in the waiting stages. We have completed all of the steps to prepare. Now our paperwork is in the hands of our agency and we are waiting for a call from our adoption worker to schedule a home study. That is the LAST step before certification.

So that is what is happening here. What have you all been up to?

A Pinterest Party?

It's no secret that I love to craft.

I love sewing. I love mod podge. I love baking (it's a craft to yo). I love it all. From DIY to just plain paper crafts.

Since I have started my business, I find it hard to make time to just craft for me. And of course as a mom, by me I mean my house, my hubby, my kids and myself. When there are orders and shows and a shop to stock up for, it is tough to find time to do it for yourself. Especially when there are dishes piling up and you can't justify one more minute in the studio.

On occasion, I will need to make a prototype for a new product. At which time the kids are ecstatic. This weekend was a new little girls handbag that should be making it's debut at a MOPs boutique next month.

In the meantime, I have this list or pinboard, a mile long with projects I want to whip up. Oh, what a problem to have haha. But seriously these projects taunt me. I want to do it now!

Then...I read this post "Have a Pinterest Party" . Say what Kara-Noel?!? You my friend, are a genius. You and your friends that threw the original party. Geniuses.

I want to throw a Pinterest Party. Badly! It is the answer to my problem. My craft addiction problem that is.

Who's in? If I had a pinterest party who would want in? This is no joke y'all. A party is coming soon.

E is for...

Today's quilt is brought to you by the letter E.

When I got the e-mail about this quilt I was so excited. A friend of mine wanted a quilt for her baby girls nursery. The only requirements were that she wanted it Purple, Green, maybe some white....and oh yes, it needed to have Elephants.

The story behind the elephants? The babies name is Ellie, they call her Ellie the Elephant. I die. Can you handle the cuteness? No? Me either.

So here is the finished product. Complete with a matching polka dot pleated pillow.

I am so enjoying making quilts lately. I am also reallllly hoping to start Rhiannon's soon, which may include a tutorial. We will see.

What is your favorite type of project to work on?

Penelope Lane Boutique: A Recap

Ok, so I know it has been over a week since Penelope Lane Boutique but I really wanted to give you a quick recap.

I had a totally new setup that I was IN LOVE with! We kept the old shutters but eliminated pretty much everything else. My hubby built me some ah-mazing crates out of old broken pallets. The new look was a hit and I got so many compliments.

I launched a few new products. My leather clutches were introduced. I cannot tell you how many people were shocked that they were handmade. I also cannot tell you how flattered I was by those comments.

I expanded the art accessory line. My original artfolio design has been such a hit that I knew I needed to grow the line. I added the old faithful crayon rolls and designed what I am calling the art-book. These items sold like hotcakes. I had people coming and asking if there were any left all day. Sold out is always a fun way to leave a boutique.

 

It is always so fun to meet readers, followers, fans and on-line friends in real life. I appreciate everyone of you who came out to support me and the other vendors.

Sarah and Nancy did such a great job at organizing and running this show. I cannot wait for the next one. I will keep you all informed and hope to meet even more of you there!

Have you seen?

Have you all meet Alissa over at Rags to Stitches? She is a fun loving momma right here in the OC. She is one of my friends in real life who I met via blogging. She is just as cute in person as you would imagine from reading her blog. 

If you already know who Alissa is, you know she has some amazing and beautiful products. Today, she is launching a whole new line; the iCozy. I have had the privilege of seeing them in person and they are to die for. I could go on and on but instead, let's let her do the talking. Meet Alissa...

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HI!!!!!!

I'm Alissa and I blog over at Rags to Stitches.

I also have a handmade shop and I'm so excited to share with you the launch of my brand new iCozy!!

As you can imagine I've been so excited about today for the last couple of months.

Designed with your lifestyle in mind...

The iCozy has a fun and vintage feel.

Girly from top to bottom, the iCozy is newly adorned with vintage lace is still lined with multi-functional minky fabric. 4 brand new colors, each with 3 vintage lace color options.

No more digging through your purse to find all your iPad Accessories, now you can carry them all in your new iCozy.

The new design features a pocket along the back, allowing you to take your iPad charger and earbuds with you wherever you go.

Each iCozy comes padded and lined with a multipurpose minky fabric.

Need to clean your glasses? The front of your iPad has finger prints?

Clean it away with out worry of scratches with the versatile, minky lining.

Whether you're going to coffee with a friend or carpooling your kids to soccer practice, your iPad will travel in style.

Are you as in love as I am?

I really, really hope so!

This design is near and dear to my heart.

So head on over to the shop and snag your iCozy as quantities in each color are limited.

All photos taken by the lovely Katie of Katherine Elizabeth Photography

Penelope Lane Boutique

Are you in the Orange County or L.A. area? If so, you are not going to want to miss this!!

There will be some amazing vendors there. Including some of my close friends and myself. I will be introducing the genuine leather clutches you may be hearing about. Like these...

I am so excited for you all to see them in person so make sure to find me! I'm looking forward to seeing you all there.