Featured Mom - Britt of StinkyKids

This weeks featured creative mom has taken her child's request to be painted as a ballerina and turned the resulting doodles into a brand. The brand has been growing since October 2005.

H: What do you like to create?

B: I have always been a doodler and enjoyed arts and crafts. When I was a little girl, I wanted to grow up to be an art teacher. I have always been one who doodles while talking on the phone and I am thank for this simple talent as it lead me to my current career. My business started as paintings which I still enjoy doing, but now my creative passion is growing StinkyKids into the hottest brand and household name in character driven companies.

H: How did you get started? Are you finding success?

B: I got started in my entrepreneurial journey from the simple request of my daughter to paint her as a ballerina. This request led to sales of custom paintings, to a retailer wanting to buy the rights of my characters for tee shirts, to starting a tee shirt line myself featuring the characters I created to now an animated series, books series and much more featuring the 10 divers StinkyKids characters. It has been a blast!!

H: Were you creative before you had children?

B: Yes, but in an arts and crafts fort of way. I never considered myself an artist before StinkyKids but simple art can make people smile and in a world that is so complicated, when people get happy from simple they gravitate towards it. So, my simple creative characters have made me and others very happy.

H: Have your methods changed?

B: Thanks to technology, once I created the 10 StinkyKids characters, I do not have to recreate them over and over for other uses. I can use the original drawings in many ways without having to pick up a paint brush.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

B: Long nights, early mornings and luckily kids who love to draw and be creative too. When I am painting, my daughter paints next to me. When I am writing, my son is writing too. We are a creative family and without my kids, StinkyKids would not have been as successful as it is!!

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

B: YES YES YES. My daughter wants to be a wedding dress designer when she grows up and at age 5, she has a portfolio of all of her designs. She loves to color and draw. My son loves to draw monsters and has always loved to make comic books. When they were little, at night we would make up our own stories and adventures before going to bed.

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art)

B: My kids brought out the artist in me that has been hiding inside for so many years. I may not be the art teacher I wanted to be when I grew up, but I am teaching kids to save their best art work now, because you never know if one of those doodles will lead to a successful business.

Have a browse through the StinkyKids collection an see some of Britt's doodles turned brand for yourself - they are awefully cute! Thanks for joining me here on Maternal Spark, it was a pleasure having you as the featured mom this week. www.stinkykids.com

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Featured Mom - Clarissa of The Posh Parent

Today's featured mom, Clarissa from The Posh Parent, has an unique outlook on turning a creative passion into a business venture. I really should interview her for the other blog too so we can get into the nitty gritty of running a home business with her. There are some tidbits here that wander down that vein but mostly, we will hear about her creative side...it's where it all began!

H: How long have you been doing what you do?

C: Since I was 5 years old! Haha I have always been a crafty person. I used to sneak away with my Grandma’s doilies and yarn and cloth napkins and fiddle with her sewing machine and make dresses and such for my Barbie dolls. I remember being about 7 or 8 and using my Grandpa’s Crown Royale purple bag that I added inside pockets to as a “diaper bag” for my baby dolls (how bad did I make my Grandpa look?!?)

H: What do you like to create?

C: I like to be alone…in my studio that is attached to my house. I just kind of go with what I feel at the time…if I feel like making a blanket, I do that…if I feel like playing around with an existing pattern to make changes, I do that. I am really all about how something makes me FEEL…I like to create things that make me feel girly & fabulous!

H: How did you get started? Are you finding success?

C: I started my actual online business after a church project we had that involved making something with a small amount of money and finding ways to multiply that money to donate to charity. Not only was the motivation there for the charity cause, but also this was my chance to “try it out” and see what the response would be without taking a loss. Needless to say, the project went very very well! I had customers before I could even launch the site! I have found great success in this business and I think it comes from honouring the starting motivation…doing it to help others! Tres Couture regularly donates to charities in Orange County as well as my new home of New York!

H: Were you creative before you had children?

C: Yes, I was always the friend who MADE you your present and card! And they always knew it wasn’t because I was cheap, it was because I cared enough to make something special for them!

H: Have your methods changed?

C:Yes, I used to use a needle and thread or that fabric glue stuff which I quickly noticed did not last nearly as long! I made a lot of prom and homecoming purses for friends so those didn’t necessarily need to last more than a night but, as I became more serious about starting a business, I went out and bought my 1^st sewing machine!

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

C: I can not stay still for a very long time. I always find ways to be creative! Being a stay at home mom, you learn quickly how to use your imagination to entertain your kids and that is most of the time where my inspiration for new items/colors/designs comes from.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

C: My 6 year old daughter is a dancing machine! She also loves to go to the fabric store with me and pick out fabrics for her doll clothes and doll blankets. She shows a lot of interest in learning to sew but, we haven’t got that far yet.

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art)

C: I have learned that clothing, blankets, accessories for kids really need to be affordable and last a long time. As I had mentioned, you really do need to use a sewing machine and not fabric glue! As a mom to 2 children, I have also learned that using more neutral colors and better fabrics can mean that a blanket can last from child to child and still look amazing.

I would also like to add that as a one time “Newbie” to the WAHM world I have learned how overwhelming it can be to start your own boutique. I have created The Posh Parent & Co. (which includes Tres Couture) to be a platform for WAHM and Women small business owners. We are offering Celebrity Gifting Opportunities at very reasonable rates for participation. We also have advertising for low rates.

Clarissa can be found at her retail site Tres Couture,

Her blog, and her own social network - The Posh Parent

Go visit her -I mean just LOOK at that sweet little bootie up there!!

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Featured Mom - Jen of BabyCheeks

Today's featured Mom is Jen from BabyCheeks. She designs and creates practical, fun fashion accessories and clothing for babies and toddlers. With a balanced family of one boy and one girl, she finds inspiration for a well rounded outlook.

H: Tell me about what you do.

J: My product line consists of reversible bibs, burp clothes, binky clips, blankies, onesies and toddler T's and recently added--embellished baby and toddler jeans. Since I'm lucky enough to have a boy and a girl of my own, they serve as the inspiration for my boys, girls and unisex collections.

H: Tell me about how you got started.

J: I’m not one of those I’ve-been-sewing-since-my-

grandma/mom-taught-me-when-I-was-six people. In fact, I hadn’t sewn a thing since home ec in the 6th grade until last February. I needed a dress for my daughter for a family event and I found a cute little retro pinafore dress with birds on it on-line. Money was tight since I had just left my full time job in consumer products marketing so I was forced to think of alternatives.

I’ve always been creative and crafty, so I said to myself, “how hard can it be to make?” I was determined to do it. I used all of my Christmas gift cards I had and bought a pattern, a sewing machine, a book on sewing, some buttons, interfacing and fabric and the rest was history. It wasn’t easy at first and my husband and friends thought I was crazy, but my mom said it was “in the blood.” She was right.

H: Are you finding success?

J: I surpassed my goals for my first month in business and am pleased with my progress so far. Now the challenge is to exceed that!

H: Were you creative before you had children?

J: Yes. I've done everything from writing, painting murals, drawing cartoons and creating custom greeting cards. All of it was always on the side though. Other than my job developing and designing baby products for a big, national baby products company, I've always been in the corporate marketing world and have needed some sort of creative outlet to supplement it.

H: Have your methods changed?

J: Yes. Occasionally I still paint a mural or two (for friends and family), but most of my creative time is dedicated to sewing.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

J: I work part time in my husband's law practice, have two small children under 4 and a house to take care of. I have to get creative about getting creative! Most of my creative time is after 10:00 at night, when everyone is in bed. Sometimes I get the chance to do a few things during nap time as well.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

J: My four year old son loves "arts and crafts" as he calls it. He makes these stick monsters with big googly eyes that are just hysterical. My daughter is only one, so time will tell. She certainly finds creative ways to get into things she shouldn't!

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art)?

J: I have learned that it's never too late to pick up a new craft and with patience and persistence, you can teach yourself just about anything. If it weren't for my daughter, I never would have even thought of learning to sew. She was my inspiration!

Take a browse through all the cute things Jen has been working on. I'm sure you'll find something t to tickle your sense of whimsy! http://www.babycheeks.etsy.com Thanks so much for joining me at Maternal Spark, I've really enjoyed having you!

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Giveaway - Quiltish baby bib - retail value $12

Your baby will shine with this cheerful baby bib featuring a bright jungle animal print from Alexander Henry. Machines washable & measures 10" x 7.5". Backed with a sweet yellow or red dot print. A layer of cotton batting makes it ultra absorbent and a red snap keeps it secure from little hands! Retails for $12. To win, just go visit the Quiltish shop and tell us in comments which item is your absolute fav. Make sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you're the winner. Enter until Oct 20th.

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Giveaway Time! Snug Bug Clothing - $32.50 retail value

Time for a giveaway! Win this West Coast Baby collection. It includes a bib, burp cloth, and padded changing mat made with the lovely and gender neutral green Nouveau Trees print from Amy Butler. The set retails for $32.50 and would make everyday messes look a little bit cuter.

To enter, go visit Snug Bug Clothing. Then, come back here to tell us which one of her products you'd most like to wrap your baby bug in. Enter until Oct 1st and be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you're the lucky winner. Katrina also runs an Etsy shop so you can browse through there too for more choices in cute baby accessories. Thanks Katrina!

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Alayna's Closet Giveaway - Toddler Dino appliqué tees value $22

How cute are these little dino tees from Alayna's Closet? Enter to win your choice of the two shown (boy or girl, not both) - retail value is $22. Sizes 2T - 5T available

All you have to do is visit her online shop and let us know in comments what your favorite item is. How easy is that? Take your time in looking as there are loads of cute things that would be great Christmas presents for your special little people.

The giveaway contest will run from Sept 1st through the 8th. Make sure you leave an email address so we can contact you if you win. Good luck!

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Featured Mom - Louise Felice

Today's featured mom is Louise Felice from the online boutique of the same name. She's been sewing for ages and loves to create clothing for children. Not only are her designs beautifully crafted from vintage and recycled fabrics but she keeps her prices super reasonable. Louise's business philosophy revolves around allowing moms to buy cute and fun clothing for their kids without breaking the bank.

Her business was originally based in the Island of Malta but now that she's stateside, she's in the process of building up again. Her years of experience are helping her out with this task as she's been sewing since she was four! It seems her creativity has been a part of her since she was able to hold a needle and thread.

Recently, she's been pointing her talents in the direction of finding new techniques. Louise has been dabbling in vegetable dyes and attempting to alter her recycled fabrics.

Her key to finding time to create lies in her doggy induced early wake up time of 5am. She usually gets a couple hours into her arts before beginning the rest of her day.

Her children are following in her creative footsteps. With a daughter who crochets and a son who cooks she is in great company when it comes to being a free flowing creative spirit.

When I asked her what she's learned about balancing a creative life with a mommy life she laughed and said "Patience!".

Louise has generously provided Maternal Spark readers with a 25% off promo until August 30th (not including shipping costs). Just mention Maternal Spark in the note to seller field when purchasing.

You can find Louise in her Etsy shop or via email. Go pay her a visit and say hi!

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Sick of free stuff yet? Who Who would be?

Check out this little guy! Isn't he a hoot? Enter to win him by visiting Holly's Designs. All you need to do is browse her "Glamorous" selection and tell me in comments which item you love most. You can visit her Etsy shop too for more cute things! Entries are open until July 31st and make sure you leave your email addy or some other way to contact you so we can give you your prize if you're the winner!

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15 Time Saving, Organization and Inspirational tips from my readers

During the Super Giveaway I asked my readers to comment with a creative tip in order to get an entry. There were a few gems in the group - here they are.

Organization

1) Use egg cartons for organizing craft supplies like buttons and beads.
2) Pour left over paint into pill bottles, label and store.


Time Savers

1) Keep the wrappers from your butter sticks in the fridge for quickly greasing a cookie sheet.
2) Set up your crock pot in the morning for a fuss free dinnertime (this is something I'm thinking of doing, any one with tips on crock potting is welcome to share!)
3) If you suffer from insomnia, get something done! Don't just watch tv.
4) When spraying your cooking pans with non-stick spray, place the pan on the door of your dishwasher. Any over spray will be cleaned during the next cleaning cycle. Geez, I think I'll start all my prep work on the door of the dishwasher!
5) Store any leftover broth in ice cube trays and freeze. They will be easily accessible next time you cook!

Inspiration

1) Look to nature for interesting patterns.
2) When making home made play dough - add Koolaid for color and scent.
3) Encourage your kids to make easy picture books with stickers.
4) Make bean or rice bags with left over fabric scraps.
5) If your kids are in sports, save all their jerseys and make a memory blanket they can take to university.
6) Save all those outgrown onesies and make a sweet memory quilt for yourself!
7) Save your plastic grocery bags, cut into 1" strips and crochet with them.
8) Carry your camera in your purse to capture inspirational moments or pieces of art in your travels throughout the day.

image from freefoto.com

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Featured Mom - Bianca of Jou Joux

Today's featured mom, Bianca, runs an online store via Etsy.com with her sister Tokara. Together, they make some of the sweetest baby booties I've ever seen. They look so comfy too......I wish they came in adult sizes!

H: How long have you been doing what you do?

B: All of my life I've been creative, mainly painting and jewelry making, but when I had my last daughter I didn't want to go back to work so my sister said, why don't we sell our art!

H: What do you like to create?

B: My passion right now is anything baby, or girly! I love to make baby shoes, it is such a creative outlet. I feel like I'm on Project Runway sometimes! But I also love to make flowers from felt and jewelry for my daughters.

H: Tell me about selling on Etsy - are you finding success?

B: Yes we sell on average about 2-3 pairs of shoes daily, and are currently at 475 items sold in about 5 months!

H: Were you creative before you had children?

B: Oh yes, I always made earrings or bracelets for my friends and family, and I love to paint. Watercolors is my medium and I love it. I am also an amatuer photographer! I take pictures of my daughters and my chihuahua, Vega, constantly!

H: Have your methods changed?

B: Yes I don't paint much at the moment. Just don't have time to be that patient, but I'd love to get back into it.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

B: I am inspired by everyday simple things, like when my daughter is running down the street in front of me splashing in puddles or when a little bird lands on my front porch. These are things that make me want to be creative, to reimagine what I see in my everyday life and create something special out of it.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

B: My seven year old has already sold a painting on Etsy! She was estatic, she is a wonderful artist, and she can turn ratty old dirty clay into a little masterpiece. She takes after all her family who love to make things. She rather be drawing than watching Hannah Montana any day!

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art)

B: That patience is really, truly, a virtue. If you want to have fun, but also be happy with the end product you have to accept that at some point some little grubby hands are going to grab your beautiful piece and muck it up and you'll have to start over, but these days dont last forever, and whats an hour lost chasing your little one around asking for those shoes back!

Visit Jou Joux on Etsy.

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Featured Mom - Stacy Derrick of Sara Rose Tutus

Today’s featured mom has been mentioned on this blog several times before. I only thought it right to feature her as I obviously hold her and her product in high regard. Stacy Derrick is the creative mom behind Sara Rose Tutus. When I see moms like Stacy who raise a daughter, work at a full time job outside the home and manage a start up company it makes me realize that moms really can do it all.

I asked her when on earth she finds time to hand craft her product and she said simply “I make tutus at night while Sara is sleeping.” The first tutu was made for her daughter on a whim, just as a fun craft project but the reaction was such a positive one that she jumped at the opportunity to start a fun and playful business. “I love that there are little girls out there who will wear our tutus and have the chance to imagine, play and maybe even dance in them,” she says.

Stacy started making tutus in early March and already has 70 sales under her belt. The tutu company named for her daughter has it’s home online at http://www.sararosetutus.com/. “Creating these beautiful tutus has truly become a passion for me,” says Stacy. Sara is pictured at top left.

I bought a Sara Rose tutu for little H and plan to use it in her first birthday pictures but snapped some shots today just for fun. They are such a sweet way to make children’s photography extra special. Win one for yourself by entering the upcoming Maternal Spark giveaway. Details will be posted in the near future so you might want to grab my rss feed so you don’t miss it.

Little H in her tutu

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Getting excited for the giveaway

It feels like Christmas around here with pretty little things arriving at my door. But they aren't for me, they are for you guys! The first few items are here for the giveaway I'll be hosting very soon. So far there is a sweet little handmade purse from Original Cyn studios and a set of three bitty hair clips from Bows2Cute.com.

Also, my very own EternalHope Halos have been getting a bit of exposure lately. They've been featured at Trendy Tots and Carnival. And they've just been blogged about over at New Mommy Rant. She's so sweet and her blog is a fun read so pop over there to have a peek.

Oh, did I mention that the giveaway basket will also include a Sara Rose tutu AND a custom Halo headband? Well it will! Keep checking back for more info :)

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Featured Mom - Emily from Kianika Designs

Emily of Kianika designs is our Featured Mom for today. She makes adorable crocheted items and often finds time to craft while her kids play alongside her.

H: How long have you been doing what you do?

E: I first learned to crochet as a child, around age 8, so I’ve always been interested in it. (My aunt first taught me.) But I really just started to pick it up again in the last few years.

H: What do you like to chrochet?

E: I like to create anything and everything. Does that narrow it down? I’ve made slippers, skirts, shrugs, hats, scarves, sweaters, toys, cell phone cases, purses, pillows…my projects are extremely varied! I like to experiment to see what I can come up with.

H: Do you sell your items?

E: I first heard about Etsy on a baby forum. Some other mothers started selling some of their crafts, so I thought I’d try too. Am I finding success? It’s hard to say…I’ve sold three things in my first month, so it’s not too bad. We’ll have to see how things go from here – but, I am having a lot of fun!

H: Were you creative before you had children?

E: Yes, I’ve always enjoyed doing crafts. As a child I used to make friendship bracelets a lot. I’ve also tried weaving and cross-stitching. I’m very tactile, so I always need my hands to be busy!

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

E: I crochet at different times during the day. If my family is all hanging out in the living room, I’ll work on a project. Or, if I need some downtime during the day, I’ll pull out a project. I find this craft easy to do with kids around because there is no mess involved and it takes up little space. All it requires is a ball of yarn and crochet hook.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

E: YES! My oldest (age 3 – she’ll be 4 in July) loves to make things with playdough, and model magic. She loves to draw and paint. She makes up stories and silly dances. Sometimes, she’ll sit beside me while I work on a project and hold the yarn, calling herself the “yarn girl.” She’s great. My youngest is only 10 months old – but I’m sure there is a creative soul in there! She likes to clap her hands and “sing.”

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art).

I think my kids have inspired me to learn more about different crochet techniques and try out new patterns. For instance, the only reason why I even attempted to make a toy was for them. I think I’ve branched out in terms of what I make because of them.

Emily's work can be found at http://www.kianikadesigns.etsy.com/

and she welcomes custom orders so drop her a line kianikadesigns@yahoo.ca

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Stuff

Well, I turn 30 in August, I have a kid and I'm married. This has all lead up to one thing and one thing only. Purchasing a minivan. GASP! I've looked at those minivans in disguise, the cross over SUV and there just isn't room in that third row to fit anyone but the dog and I'll be damned if I spend thousands of dollars to transport the dog in style.

When we bought the current car, we did so with visions of baby in mind but what did we know then? I picked the one with 4 doors and thought we were good. Add in a monstrous rear facing car seat, a stroller, diaper bag, husband, and there isn't anywhere to put the groceries and our front passenger seat is so close to the dash that nobody can sit in it. We're just starting to look, so please tell me your minivan horror (or happy) stories.

In another example of stuff I thought I would never, ever do unless under gunpoint. I'm getting a tutu!

For little H, not me. Could you imagine?? Hey, stop it, it isn't pretty! But the tutu is going to be so so pretty. One of the ladies I know through my birth month club at pregnancy.org has a home business called Sara Rose tutus. She loves making them and she does a wonderful job. I plan to use it in little H's first birthday pictures. A mom has to have these types of pictures to show future boyfriends right??



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Featured Moms - Babyhoot

Jessica and Christina are two sisters who began searching for high quality baby gear. They never did find what they wanted and searching eventually led them to start making their own stuff. Babyhoot was born. After researching everything from fabrics to sizing they began listing their products for sale on Etsy.com in September of 2007.

Like typical sisters, they have conflicting tastes with Jessica leaning towards modern patterns and Christina favoring pinks, polka dots and ruffles.

H: Describe your work.

J: I like creating products that are fun and functional- as a mom of three kids; I only have time for things that are practical! I think every baby should get to have a wonderfully made, sturdy, super soft special blankie- the blankets that moms put in the child’s keepsake boxes as they get older.


H: How did you get started with Etsy?

J: My friend was selling jewellery on Etsy and while checking it out, I was amazed at how many creative people were selling their wares. I told my sister, “I’ve always wanted to do this, and Etsy is a great venue to start!”

H: Are you finding success?

J: Our definition of success changes as our business grows. First, we just wanted people to look at our items, and we’d get excited if our view counts went up. Then, if people “hearted” us. We said we’d be “official” if somebody that we didn’t know actually bought something from us. We’re still pretty new, and we’re starting to dive into the wholesale world. There are so many Etsy sellers with baby products, I know it will take a while to set ourselves apart from the others.


H: Were you creative before you had children?

J: I’ve always been creative, when I was a child I hated coloring books because I wanted to make my own picture, not just color in what somebody else had drawn. For a while after my first child was born, I didn’t really have time to “be creative” and kinda lost the desire to do anything creative. But, baby, it’s back!

H: How have your methods evolved?

J: For sewing methods, I’ve gotten better at fine-tuning techniques and have a system down now. I have always been a night owl, and get my best work done after midnight- be it a thesis paper for school, coming up with ideas for logos, or designing a new babyhoot. product. I don’t sleep much

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

J: I have a wonderful mother in law that watches the kids on days I need to sew. I stopped being so hard on myself for achieving my daily goals- if I set out to sew ten bibs in one setting, but things weren’t flowing for me that day; I just try again the next time instead of finishing my goal, even though it made me crabby and miserable in the meantime.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

J: My six year old son is extremely creative. You should see how his eyes light up when he “finds” something he can use to create something within the recycle box. The kids have an art table that they sit at for at least an hour a day, just making whatever comes to them. We’re planning my daughter’s fourth birthday for April, she just requested a Harry Potter party and wants “a chocolate chip cake with cherry frosting with big taper candlesticks for candles, with Harry Potter glasses attached to each candle”. One Halloween she wanted to be a Handy Dandy Notebook (the Golden one, from Blues Clues) which was a pretty creative request for a two year old!

H: What have your children taught you about your art?

J: If making babyhoot successful means I’m always working and not spending time with the kids, then it’s not worth it. My kids mean the world to me and I’d rather have a happy family than a business raking in a ton of money.



While the girls at babyhoot make great everyday baby items I have to say that it was their superhero capes and costumes that really caught my eye. What kid wouldn’t feel special running around wearing one? Jessica and Christina can be found selling their stuff through Etsy.com at www.babyhoot.etsy.com. They also have an independent website www.babyhoot.com and a blog at http://babyhoot.blogspot.com. Of course you can also get in touch with them through email Jessica@babyhoot.com


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Featured Moms - Pixie Mist

Kristen and Julie are two moms behind PixieMist, a new store on Etsy.com which has seen higher than average sales in their first month. As accomplished seamstresses with over 14 years sewing experience between them, this duo creates a multitude of baby things like burp cloths and blankets. What caught my eye though was their fabulous children’s clothing.

H: Tell me about the things you make

K&J: We love making fun, comfy, and unique clothes for girls. We range from simple lounge sets and shirred tops to elaborate sets with appliqué and ruffles galore. We also make pom-pom bows, tooth fairy pillows, burp cloths, blankies, and bunk bed curtains—among other things!

H: How did you get started on Etsy?

K&J: A friend told us about Etsy and we were intrigued. We opened an account, but didn’t actually start selling for almost six months. We’ve been open for 3 weeks and we’ve had 11 sales. We were jumping up and down when we got that first sale—people had told us it took weeks or months, not just a couple of days!

H: Do you sell anywhere else?

K&J: Yes, we often sell through word of mouth locally.

H: Were you creative before you had kids?

K&J: We did things like stamping, scrap booking, stained glass, crochet, and jewellery making. We also liked cooking elaborate meals that weren’t dictated by young taste buds!


H: Since you’ve had your children, what has changed about how you create?

K&J: We’ve both focused more on sewing since having kids. What we sew has gotten more complex as the kids have gotten older. Of course, that’s probably due in part to not having to change diapers, chase toddlers, and wash 46 loads of laundry a day! It’s hard to sew anything remotely elaborate in five-minute increments.

H: When do you find the time to sew?

K&J: We tie our kids up and lock them in a closet. Nah, not really. Our older kids are in elementary school, and the two youngest are in mother’s-day-out programs two mornings a week. So we each have a couple of days on our own. Plus, our two little ones are the best of friends so we can get together and sew while the girlies go crazy with the Polly Pockets.

H: Are your children creative?

K&J: We each have one or two who love drawing and crafts—sometimes to the exclusion of everything else! Sofie (Julie’s oldest) is starting to sew a little bit.

H: What kind of creative growth have you experienced since having kids?

K&J: We sew to please ourselves. If we like it, we sew it. If others like it—great! If not, that’s okay. We try to teach our kids that what matters is how they feel about themselves, so we try to follow that rule for us, too. We’ve also learned that using brown or heavily patterned fabrics hides a multitude of stains!

Visit the ladies of PixieMist at www.pixiemist.etsy.com and see what they’re sewing up these days. You’ll smile, I’m sure of it. Feel free to contact them throught their store for custom order requests.

Thanks for joining me at Maternal Spark Julie and Kristen. I hope you have continued success with your business.

Featured Mom - Dallas Roe of Miss Priss Tutus

Dallas Roe has been making tutus since December of 2006. Her website went live in April of 2007, nearly one year ago.

She is the mother of two children under three years old. Her kids have taught her patience and provided inspiration for her work. If a tutu isn’t soft enough, pretty enough or made well enough to be worn by one of her children then it isn’t good enough for anyone and won’t be sold.


H: Tell me about your craft

D: I create super poofy tutus that are perfect for dress up, dance or photography. They are suitable for infants up to adults. I use only the softest tulle to make the tutus, so little legs aren’t scratched up. Each tutu is hand made by myself, and isn’t factory produced. I take great pride in my work, and no tutu leaves my office to go to a customer until it meets my standards.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

D: I guess you could say I was creative before my girls came along. I was a teacher. Even as a little girl I have always loved creating new and unique items.

H: What have you learned since you started making children’s apparel?

D: My tutus have greatly improved since the very first one I made. Of course we all get better as we go and find little things that work or don’t work. I’ve gotten better at finding the cutest ribbon to add to my tutus, or the perfect embellishment to add that makes mine stand out from the others.

H: How does your creativity affect the way you approach business?

D: I love to create a one of a kind tutu! Taking a customer’s vision and bringing it to life allows me to grow my product line and my field of possibilities.

H: How do you balance your creative life with your life as a mommy?

D: That’s the million-dollar question! I really don’t know, to be honest. With having a two year old and an almost one year old, I’m not sure how I find the time. I just do. I make tutus while they nap, which luckily for me is about 2-3 hours a day at the same time. I also make them when my husband gets home in the evenings and on the weekends. I’m very adamant that my customers not wait 2-3 weeks to get a tutu. When I get an order, I typically make it and mail it out the next day. A happy customer is a repeat customer.

H: What’s next for you?

D: I would love to see my company grow. I’ve already got a few things lined up where some celebrities will be getting Miss Priss Tutus! I love owning my own business, contributing to our finances and being able to stay at home with my girls. I get the best of both worlds.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

D: Absolutely, and my dining room walls are proof. Yes, my 2 year old loves to color on anything including the walls. She is also a great block builder.

Dallas and her tutus can be found at www.missprisstutus.com. She also runs a blog where you can get up to date info on specials like free shipping or sale prices. See www.missprisstutus.blogspot.com. Special order requests can be sent to Support@missprisstutus.com


Thanks for joining us Dallas, it had been great learning about the art of tutu making!

Featured Mom - Jamie of Bows2Cute

Today’s Featured Mom is not only creative but a businesswoman as well. Jamie is the mother of two, Brynnley (2) and Jase (10 months). She has been running her business Bows2Cute for two years and has recently added a jewelery line.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

J: YES! I played college volleyball and we did a "secret Santa" gift exchange before each game and I loved thinking of unique and creative gifts to make! It didn't take everyone long to figure out who I had though.

H: What do you make now?

J: I make bows designed for infants and their special type of hair. The bows are fully lined with ribbon and then lined inside to stay in fine, thin, or barely there hair. On average I probably add at least one new style or ribbon colour to my website weekly!

Just recently, I decided to start making custom etched pendants. I loved the style of these pendants because they don't look like a picture is taped onto it. It's almost like a hologram. I can etch just about anything on one of 5 shaped pendants and they are very unique. From a distance you see the pendant and then it's neat when someone realizes there is a picture on it!

H: How were you inspired to start Bows2Cute?

J: When my daughter Brynnley was born without any hair and a head too big for most headbands, I started making bows to stay in her fine and barely there hair. I refused to pay $9 for a little clip and knew after making some that I would be able to offer them at a more affordable price for other mommies who couldn't find anything to stay in their little ones hair.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

J: It’s tough; on top of the bows and pendants I am a full time Preschool Special Education teacher, so I come home from my career job and have to balance my two websites with my other full time job as a mom.

H: Wow, you are very busy!

J: Yes, being a full time mom with two full time jobs is very challenging. I love it though!

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

J: Brynnley is 2 and she loves to draw, but more than anything she is creative in finding higher places to climb and jump from. Jase has a very laid back personality.

H: Thanks so much for joining us Jamie. You certainly are a busy woman with lots on the go.

Jamie’s work can be found at:

http://www.bows2cute.com/
http://www.etched2reflect.com/

She also has a blog where you can get up to date info on special promotions and styles. It can be found at: http://bows2cute.blogspot.com/