Catching up on work

So yes I have been very busy over here. What with seasonal goings on, field trip with the First Grade, sewing sewing sewing orders. Am working on the next collection as well. No pictures yet of course, it's too early. lol I did finish and ship an order yesterday though and i LOVE LOVE how they came out. You're going to love them! Nope, no pictures. I need them modeled by the receivers kids first. ;) BUT I have to say that besides the next collection... and February's collection, I have in the works a holiday themed outfit. I know I don't do many specific holiday outfits but the plan for this one just makes me swoon! You're going to have to check back to see what it is. Kate will model it for me. :D

In other news, we went to my SIL's holiday party on Saturday. Played the elephant game. Everyone had a number and picked a gift in order then opened it. Next number could either take the previous gift(s) or pick a new one. Kate ended up with a Gingerbread house kit! We haven't made it yet BUT it looks like fun!! Myles ended up with an Annalee Santa. I know I know, we don't do Santa here but this is an Annalee!! So he's standing next to the Annalee Mrs. Claus Kate received when she was 3 and the wee Annalee elf Kate received last year at the party playing the same game. I have a picture around here somewhere..... Will post back with it. Dh traded his nephew cash for a movie theater gift card. Me - I received a can of Honey Roasted Peanuts. lol I should have taken the hot chocolate tower. ah well. It was fun. :)

Still some shopping to do here. not much. Mostly sewing and cleaning. With all these orders I was working on in the last week my house is kind of a mess. and most of it is my stuff. fabric, patterns, shipping receipts, etc. A project I can't actually wait to get to is cleaning. lol

Brother and Sister Sets just listed!

What a fun pair of outfits!

Click Here to Visit the Listings!

The Collection is listed!

la Fleur de Chocolat

Collection Launch Tuesday!

Blue Pumpkin's new collection launches on Tuesday! We are ready with some beautiful items! Listings start at 6:30 PM Pacific Coast time.

Contest Winners!

Family Stuff

Today I blog about family. It's been my great effort, and effort only it was, to attempt to keep family matters off the "business" blog and vice versa. It actually turns out that I tend to neglect both blogs and put odd bits on Facebook but here I am ready to share the most recent activities. I am currently at a stand still, quietly enjoying the fact that I am not working on anything today by choice. The dishes from breakfast will be done before dinner (our automatic dishwasher has been broken for months) and the main room will be "tidy" before Dh arrives home from work. Of course there is my pretty set "pile o' stuff" that is always placed neatly next to my desk on the floor. I was sitting here thinking about projects I want to get to that have been long penciled in my notebooks I keep for designing. Working as quick as I can while not working today, I began making more mental notes on several outfits for both kids. The notes are there in front of me and it's more deciding what to use for each one. Yep, my son has long asked for BOY boutique items and so he is going to get them. And in a big way. lol He's 10 so it's a bit harder to design for him without it being "cute". Then my mind wandered to wanting to set up the indoor items to get the kids in front of the camera again while I do test shots. Not today though, busy afternoon. My neighbor asked me to pick up her grandson from school. He goes to middle school and my 2 are in elementary school and the two schools are nowhere near each other. None of the kids get out at the same time and Kate being in first grade gets out first. So pick her up first I must then jet over to the middle school to pick up grandson, then back to the elementary school to pick up Myles then home where I get to have them all sit down at one time and do homework. This is the first time in 2 years I'll be doing this so I wonder how it will all go. :)

Site items

I have added new items to the site! More items are being created and will be added soon.

Remember there is only one more week to get in on the contests!

Sign up at Blue Pumpkins Twitter to be entered to win the Cherry snap clip set.

You can sign up for the mailing list on our WEBSITE or BLOG to be entered to win the Cherry loopy hair bow.

AND, ANY BOUTIQUE purchase from our site, ebay or etsy is eligible to win the custom size Cherry twirl skirt! We will total all your purchases from all 3 selling locations and the customer who has shopped the most wins! Boutique purchases include hair bows, clothing, totes, headbands, socks, and jewelry.

Our ebay locations- The Fun Fairy Boutique and Creative Works by Ann

Good luck!!

New Princess Set!

I have a new custom size princess set on ebay! Size 2-8 with applique!

Funky Princess

See Ericka's matching bow HERE!

Blue Pumpkin has a CONTEST!

Blue Pumpkin
Online
ME Page

The Fun Fairy Boutique
Ebay

Creative Works by Ann
Ebay
Etsy

Thank you for looking!

SALE in my etsy shop!

I have a Hair Bow sale going on in my etsy shop. ALL bows listed there are from my current stock and must move! I have had to stop making custom hair bows due to long term medical issues. Save 25% on all hair bows in the shop! AND if you purchase an article of clothing at the same time as a hair bow or hair bow pair, the hair bows ship free! Both items (bows and clothing) will ship to the address provided by your paypal. Also for sale are SAMPLES! I have several Sample items that were modeled and otherwise unworn or used. We need to clear the space for all our NEW products! Sample items are in sizes as stated. These will not be recreated at this time.

Visit my etsy shop here: Creative Works on ETSY

Ann

The New Collection Launches Tuesday!

The New collection for Blue Pumpkin Designs launches on Tuesday Sept 1!! There are so many great items being presented by Ericka and myself so don't miss it! The launch begins Tuesday so be sure to check back often to see all 8 listings!

Here is a sneak peak for you!

Our Online Store has MOVED

Creative Works by Ann online has moved. We can now be found at BluePumpkinDesigns.com. Blue Pumpkin was created by Bow Designer Ericka of The Fun Fairy Boutique and myself. Together we will be creating Boutique collections and adding to our own designs and offering them on one site. You will see the site transform and see products being added.

The decision to combine our sites comes at a great time since I have had to stop making hair bows completely due to medical issues. I will be offering boutique clothing, including hats and fabric headbands, as well as wood totes, fabric totes and bags. Ericka of course will be offering her fabulous hair bows and boutique socks. You will be able to see our first collection launch starting September 1.

I do still send out a newsletter with current events, upcoming events and any new listings. If you would like to keep tabs on the goings on, please sign up for the newsletter on this blog.

Thank you!

Ann

Lil Peas Batty and Guests!

I was invited to this fun launch hosted by Lil Peas on ebay. I loved creating this set! It's a Wicked Halloween Vida dress in custom size up to size 5/6! Sizes offered are 2, 3/4 or 5/6. Model wears size 5/6. Click the picture to visit the auction!



The dress also matches this awesome set of bows created by Ericka of The Fun Fairy Boutique! Click the picture to visit her listing!

Just listed on ebay!!

Ready to ship in size 4/5!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330349771761&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_8006wt_1350

Vacation

We are on vacation so things are very much slower. We have activities planned including visiting Mt St Helen's, Astoria Oregon, A Hawaiian Festival in Vancouver WA.

However I am still creating. Working on a new dress and a future event that is for now secret. ;) I am waiting now for items to come for Kate to model while we are here vacationing. Always busy!

Sewing like crazy

2 of the 3 sets are done, working feverishly on the third set and other items to coordinate. I haven't been feeling well so today I took a break in the afternoon after working in the morning. All items will be listed after return from vacation. I'll post each one as they are listed.

Upcoming designs

Just fabric sneak peaks. :) All fabrics are washed before cutting. Which is why they look wrinkled.







This one is my favorite!

New Designs

I sent these items out to be modeled about a month ago and really love the photos resulting. The little models were selected from the Gooma Girls Models. I was looking specifically for wee models to possibly add to my list of models I like to use. And, because my baby girl is growing up. Oh so sad!

Anyway, I absolutely LOVE the prints on this first model. She's a wee size 1. These prints I think work well for both Spring and Fall, can be worn with a tee or top underneath and are what I love - boutique for every day. **Click the pictures to see them larger**





This next set was made using seersucker coordinating prints. I love seersucker. It's light-weight and the texture is fun. Wonderful for Spring or Summer.





I'm still working on fall items. I have some new fabrics I am working with and OH WOW I'm excited!! The sneak peaks for those will have to wait until next time....

First 6 Months of 2009

I don't often recall times in public like this but this year has been very busy already. SO many things have gone on this school year and I think about some of the most important moments that have happened so far this year. School is ending and my son will become a 5th Grader!! Little Missy K will be in First Grade! OH MY! However it's other times I think of when so many of you lent me an ear, supported me through all kinds of decisions and were really there for me during March - the hardest month for us as a family. I know my MIL had so many other family members praying for us then as we really battled each day with Kate. If you have not seen these pictures before then enjoy!

January - We visit Disney and see Alice and the Mad Hatter



Myles builds Mission Santa Ines



Kate TOUCHED Ladybugs!! We never thought we'd see the day our Sensory Integration Dysfunction girl would ever even think of touching any critter.



March - Kate becomes ill with a Strep Infection in her blood causing HSP. She did not have strep throat.





Then, it became WORSE. She was in great pain, had swelling, was unable to walk for 2 whole weeks, and was out of school for 3 weeks. Doctors didn't find out what was causing it (Strep) until 2 whole weeks had already passed.





Kate did work her teacher sent home for her.



Kate was finally cleared to go back to school and the day before she returned, she learned how to ride a two wheeler without trainers!



Myles turned 10! We took him to Red Robin. You can see older brother, Jeff, hamming it up with them. (he's 20)



April - Myles goes go Camporee with the Boy Scouts and learns how to shoot arrows!



The Boy Scouts have Blue and Gold



May - Kate turns 6 and we invite friends.

Megan



And Twins Karla (glasses) and Karmen



June - Kate becomes a Word Master! That means she knows all 100 sight words of the Kindergarten standard. That is Dr. Chaffee the school Principal with her.



Kindergarten performs for the parents. They perform in lieu of having a "formal" graduation exercise. Kate is in the front row on the far right. The two people sitting in front there are Kinder teachers Mrs. Hickerson (left) and Ms Kirby.



All the Word Masters as shown below wear paper sashes. It's easier to spot them in the group above. Below it's Karla standing with Kate. They are wearing outfits for their dance of the performance. Kate is now up to 250 sight words. The standard for First grade is 300 sight words.



Kate with her beloved teacher, Miss Nelson. When Kate was sick, it's Miss Nelson that Kate cried for and whom she missed the most.



Aside from our families, I would like to thank a few people who really helped me out this first half of the year.

Ericka - whose almost daily conversations really brighten my day. We share the same birthday! It's amazing how alike we are. I can't wait for you to come back to Orange County to visit!
Monica - who offered modeling services when Kate was sick and unable to model for me. Your girls are my favorite models!
Shannon - Kate's teacher, whose guidance with Kate and her abilities really lead me on the right path to keeping BOTH my kids academically happy. I have found in you a friend and will missing saying hello each morning even with just a wave from the gate. If you need an extra hand next year, just call me.
Gillian - Always available with answers to my questions, boutique or not!
Therese - you have been the most special to me. We've known each other for 8 years and I am so glad! I can't wait for our boys to meet again and for our girls to meet for the first time! I hope every day that I will hear that you will be coming back to the states. Soon! I know it will be SOON!

Thank you so much for spending time with me. It's back to work with more designs coming!

Eyes of Blue

I was shooting a few pictures of my daughter in an outfit I made a couple months ago. This was yesterday and this particular picture I absolutely love. It's rare when I can get a picture of her with her true eye color. I did no editing to this photograph at all.

Patriotic celebrations!

These were listed last night on ebay. They are ready to ship BIN's and will run until Thursday the 18th. Click the pictures to visit the auctions!

Flag Star Hair Bows



Fireworks Burst Hair Bows. I LOVE these!

June Magic!

Magical Vacation Items just listed on ebay! Click the pictures to go to the auctions!


Classic Miss Mouse Vida

Miss Mouse Tee

Mouse Hair Bows

R0ger R@bbit Outfit



Thank you for looking!

Just listed at Etsy

Yes, strange I know, new listings on etsy and not ebay. Well I do have one listing on ebay and 3 new one's at etsy, so bear with me here. First we will start with ebay, since there is just one. ;) I made this set of bows out of all the colors in a hibiscus print that I just love. It's tropical, it's fun, it's different!

Listing link - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=330333324722



Next - etsy items. My store had been barren for so long and I have so many items here. Now that Kate's party is done and we are soon to be finishing school and activities for Summer Break, it's time to stock up! Links to these items can be found in the Left Nav under my Etsy Store.

Cherry Print Dress



Tinker Fairy Twirl Skirt
NOTE** The Tee was made by Shadow Dragon Dreams.



And to coordinate to the skirt - Tinker Fairy Hair Bows



Thanks for looking! I am keeping tabs on my Magical items as well and can't wait to get them listed!! My mind is swimming now with all things Magical!

Magic Comes To CWA!

Probably my most fun topic ever - Magical! One set of bows, one girl dress and one boy set! They are on their way to my models as I type. I'm so excited for these because I LOVE DISNEY! I can give you a snippet sneak peak of the girl and boy outfits and truly they are just teasers. Check out the fun in these snippets!





Now I am also in the process of creating some exciting and fun new items for my site and other selling sites so check back to keep up with all the happenings! You will see over the next few weeks as my site goes through some changes in categories and items are added or removed or updated with new photographs.

Be on the look out for more Magical themed items as well!

New items!

These baby outfits I made for upcoming ebay events. The first two are baby lounge sets in cotton prints. They are modeled by the adorable Priscilla.





This one is for The Graduates debut launch next month.



Then I have this outfit I made for the Gallerybay Launch Group's Butterflies & Rainbows launch. The top can be made in sizes from 2-14! Great style for little one's and tween/teens alike. The capri's (which look like pants on my tiny girl) really make me fall in love with it as a set.



Stay tuned for more soon!!