Fourth Day of Christmas

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four colly birds (yep! that’s the English word used in the original Twelve Days of Christmas song, not “calling” birds)! The four colly birds (blackbirds) symbolize our four Evangelists/Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Photo Credit: Shuttered Dreams

When Lanetta’s Creations began, I created a few beadwork items. A few remain available in my ArtFire Studio:

Bookmarks

Christian Beads for Prayer

Eyeglasses Leashes

Zipper Charms

I don’t plan on working with beads anymore unless it’s a special request/order for a specific item, color, or theme. (Free shipping until the end of the year on all beadwork! No coupon code needed!!!)

It’s been over two weeks since I’ve created something new for Lanetta’s Creations! I’m starting to get the shakes! Will do something today! Maybe I’ll cut out the special doll dress I’ve been planning…

NOTE:  Until the end of the year, all aprons at Lanetta’s Creations are on sale! Use coupon code 121212 at checkout to receive 50% off! All other items have free shipping (no coupon code necessary) until the end of the year!

Christmas in July!

Yes! It’s "Christmas in July" at Lanetta’s Creations! All items in my studio are 30% off! This is just a small sampling of the Handmade in Texas products I create!

An item available are the Apron Oven Door Towels. This is one of my favorites:

If you’re familiar with Lanetta’s Creations, you know I love making clothes for the 18 inch doll like American Girl and Chatty Cathy and the Gotz girl! Although it’s over 100 degrees outside right now (because it is July and it is Texas), this Dress Coat is one of my favorites:

Oh, and once I received a Kindle Fire, I began creating e-Reader Covers to fit it and the NOOK, or smaller devices! I currently have one for Cat lovers, Dog lovers, a Sassy Zebra, Coffee lovers, a Camo, from re-purposed jeans, Texas Bluebonnets, and – of course (because it’s my High School Mascot!) – the Leopard:

I also have a nice selection of aprons at Lanetta’s Creations! Some are for children, for women, or for either man or woman! One waist apron also has a matching bonnet! Bonnets aren’t just for Grandmothers!

Stop my studio before the end of July and take advantage of the Christmas in July Sale!

Re-Thinking the Business Side

There are many things I love to create, and much more items I want to learn how to make (and will!), but I need to re-think the business side of Lanetta’s Creations. So, a couple of weeks ago, I came to a decision. Then while driving home yesterday from the *Lampasas Mystery Book Club gathering, I became more and more excited about the decision to concentrate primarily on creating doll clothes, and all things associated with dolls, like the American Girl, Vintage Chatty Cathy, and Gotz!

*Email me if you would like more information about the Lampasas Mystery Book Club, i.e. upcoming books we’re reading, where/when, etc.

Although I will still make aprons – as I love creating aprons – I plan to focus on only special requests/orders rather than creating “spec” aprons. Email me!

To make shopping for aprons easier, I have three different sections in my ArtFire Studio:

Aprons for Children

Aprons for Either

Aprons for Women

And, right now, everything in my shop is on sale!!!

It’s Christmas in July, indeed!

All bead work will remain listed in my shop; however, I will not be creating any new designs.

Beaded Bookmarks

Christian Beads for Prayer

Eyeglasses Leash

Zipper Charms

 And, right now, everything in my shop is on sale!!!

It’s Christmas in July, indeed!

The e-Reader Covers and Apron Oven Door Towels will also remain at Lanetta’s Creations. Although I can’t see making more in the near future, I welcome the opportunity to create special orders in specific colors/prints and sizes! Simply send me an email!

And, right now, everything in my shop is on sale!!!

It’s Christmas in July, indeed!

I already have a nice selection of American Girl inspired 18” doll clothes and for the 15” dolls (like Bitty Baby) in my ArtFire Studio!

Some of the clothes pictured here have already been sold!

And, right now, everything in my shop is on sale!!!

It’s Christmas in July, indeed!

Anyhoo… must get busy marking things off my “to-do” list!

If you’re looking for me, I’m out in the barn building a doll bed to showcase more doll quilts! My dear husband’s helping me and we’re considering offering doll beds in the future!

Would you be interested in a doll bed for 18" dolls?

Food for Thought - Maybe

Just a few different styles offered at Lanetta's Creations

During the last Arts and Crafts show, a lady (I’m guessing her age to be mid to late 60’s) stopped by and visited with me for a few minutes. She had glanced through the assortment of different styled aprons I offered then turned to me with a wide grin and began, “My grandmother always wore aprons. I remember her vividly putting one on in the morning, then wearing it all day long. She would wipe my face with its hem or wrap my arms within it’s skirt when I was cold.”

She went on telling me of other memories her grandmother’s aprons brought to mind and I carefully listened and watched her facial expressions as she shared. The memories were indeed pleasant and appeared to bring great comfort to this lady’s soul.

When she paused, I simply asked, “Are you creating such lovely memories with your grandchildren?”

The lady laughed. “Oh, no. I just brush my hands off on my jeans and keep going about my business.”

I’m sure the memories she is creating with her grandchildren will be fondly remembered by them when they are her age. But it’s too bad it doesn’t involve an apron (any apron, not just one of mine) as I saw the joy in her eyes, her entire face, remembering her grandmother and all the lovely memories that simple apron brought.

Maybe my asking gave her food for thought. Maybe…

Thursday Thoughts - Aprons in the Raw

Back in December, I wrote about creating a new shop section at Lanetta’s Creations called Aprons in the Raw. I did add the section, but I haven’t yet added any items, pictures of fabric pieces one can select to have made into an apron in a style of their choice.

The delay from adding anything comes from my thoughts: how best to do it!

How do I show the different style of aprons possible with a selected piece of fabric and its coordinating colors? How do I indicate the price for this style or that style? What if I price it for a full apron with gathered skirt and bib effect, and the client prefers a straight chef apron, or a waist apron?

This is my dilemma!

For example: I have this lovely piece of retro print fabric and a couple of coordinating pieces:

This would work well in several different styles!

I can envision a chef apron with the retro print as the main focal, pockets in the yellow checked gingham, trimmed with the solid green.

Or, this fabric made into something like my "Fair Design" would be lovely.

 I've created several aprons based on the halter top design, the "Fair Design":

I bought a new pattern, with this retro fabric in mind, from McCall's (but it's not listed on their website!). If I were to do a "spec" apron with this fabric combination, it would be this one:

What to do? What to do? Any suggestions how best I should approach the Aprons in the Raw studio section? Your help will be greatly appreciated!

Oh, Happy Groundhog Day, too!

Third Day of Christmas - More Apron News!

I have had such a fun time creating aprons for little girls! Throughout the process ~ from designing to cutting out the fabric, then sewing and finding the perfect embellishment trim ~ I envision the young chef playing in her make-believe kitchen, or standing on a step stool at the kitchen cabinet helping her grandmother/granny. That’s what I did! My nieces always helped their granny when they were young, then their boys stood on the same stool next to their great-granny about thirty years later!

This brings me to share the first of two new aspects now in Lanetta’s Creations apron department! A new studio section, Aprons for Either, will have waist and chef aprons that either a woman or man would wear! Although Lanetta’s Creations’ primary focus will remain on the woman of all ages – from little girls to the grown woman – I also know men want and wear aprons, too!

An example of a chef's apron that any Dallas Cowboy fan, whether man or woman, would love to wear (especially when the Cowboy's decide to play!):

I also plan to make aprons that boys won’t mind wearing! For right now, their aprons will be included in the Aprons for Children section, or in the–– 

Aprons for Tweens & Early Teens is another new studio section for easy shopping at Lanetta’s Creations. This section will showcase especially designed and created aprons for ages 8 through 15.

I recently custom made an apron for an eleven year old girl using this fabric:

In the style/design requested:

An after-Christmas report said she loved the apron and

it fit her perfectly!

Use coupon code 3rdday at checkout for 15% off aprons listed in Aprons for Either or Aprons for Tweens to Early Teens studio sections! Free shipping, too! Sale ends 1/6/2012! One coupon use per person!

It is the hope of Lanetta's Creations to provide the aspiring or accomplished chefs of all ages ~ and gender ~ with an apron they will love and treasure for a very very long time!

Second Day of Christmas - Aprons

I have created aprons for many years and love each one I’ve ever made! My sister still has the first one I made/gave her, probably forty five years ago! And, Mother continues to wear the ones I’ve made her over the years, too! It’s good to see first-hand how nicely my work has held up over the years. Like vintage aprons of today, given the loving care they deserve, I know my aprons will live on, too – long after me!

This is my sister’s original apron I made her…

Since Lanetta’s Creations began, I’ve made oodles more for my sister, for her and for her to give! Besides during cooking fabulous meals in her own home, she loves to wear an apron, cobbler style, while gardening and a different one while serving food during special events at her church.

One particular apron I made for Momma – about thirty years ago – she only uses around Christmas time. It came about after she found and bought a lovely set of china with holly and berries on white, something she’d always wanted: special Christmas china. I was into quilting at the time and decided to make her an apron with a matching table runner to complement the china’s pattern. She has used them both every Christmas since!

Except, of course, this year, when I wanted to take a picture to share! She says the bib part of the apron needs to be adjusted since her body shape has changed!?! (Haven't we all!) I learned the apron is in her mending box, rather than giving it back to me to adjust! That will be corrected in time for next Christmas!

Anyway, it’s wonderful how the love of wearing an apron has come full circle! And, now more and more people want individualized ~ unique ~ special ~ Handmade in the USA ~ aprons. To meet this need, Lanetta’s Creations has a new shop section called: Aprons in the Raw. Check often because as I organize my stock, I'll continue to list selections! Also, I can't refuse awesome fabrics whenever I visit lovely shops! It's such a weakness of mine!

The Aprons in the Raw concept is a little different than a customized apron. The “raw” aspect means I already have the fabric! The customer will select the fabric (as if buying an already constructed apron) then tell me how to make it! I will continue to accept and produce custom made aprons upon request!

A “custom made apron” is when someone wants specific colors/print/theme/style that I don’t already have the fabric/materials in stock to make the apron. For example, I had a client contact me wanting a chef apron for her husband out of camo fabric! Not a problem! He was a happy camper when he received it in time for hunting season!

I'm sure he's a happy camper again once he opened the surprise Christmas gift his wife ordered from me! I can't wait to hear!

(NOTE: A client is always welcome to mail me the 100% cotton fabric of their choice and I’ll make the apron style they request at a discounted price!) 

Since starting Lanetta’s Creations, I’ve created many apron designs using colors and prints and styles I found appealing. This approach is like a builder constructing spec houses. Sometimes they sell, sometimes they don’t. At least, with an apron, I can redesign it, add something, or turn it into a doll dress!

Rather than creating “spec” aprons, Aprons in the Raw will offer choices. I’ll take pictures of coordinating fabrics I have in stock, list them, and the customer can tell me which style to make!

For example, another client asked for Christmas aprons (and in specific styles) to give as gifts this year. I took several pictures of fabrics I had available and emailed them to her. She then selected the ones she wanted, and for whom, and told me the body types and height of each woman. Easy as pie! And, she was able to give the perfect gifts!

This is an example of one of the pictures I took to show a combination of fabrics I thought would make a lovely apron:

And, the final result in the style requested:

I think the Aprons in the Raw approach will work nicely! There are a couple of new designs/styles I still want to create, even though they will be a spec! Ah! They are lovely! In any case, the main objective/goal at Lanetta’s Creations is for each person to have an apron they want, or the one they want to give. It is my wish to create a treasure that will last into vintage years, way beyond me!

I'm excited! Hope you will be, too!

Measure Success

When you measure success, what's important? This is my two cents worth, but let me back up and start at the beginning. The Last Arts and Crafts Show for the year happened! Before the show I wrote about what products I should take as my area would be limited. As it turned out, however, I had an excellent location and lots of space! My “booth” was in the Judge’s Chambers! When I discovered my location, I learned the plan was to share with a lady offering Avon products. After she arrived, she wanted to be just outside the Judge's Chambers, inside the courtroom ~ where she was the year before.

This left me alone in the room, with the Judge’s desk, credenza, private bathroom (nice, especially because of the mirror folks used when trying on an apron), lots of windows, and two doors for customer entry/exit. I could have had everything with me! The model frames (Ethel and Lucy) wearing aprons would have been wonderful.

The back credenza worked beautifully to wrap purchased items in tissue before placing in Lanetta's Creations shopping bags! 

Anyway, the show was a huge success. How I measure success is more than selling products. Don’t get me wrong, I'm grateful when I'm able to recoup the booth fee and some of the material and fabric cost (and enough to buy more), but it’s not the only reason I participate. Each event is a learning process and the invaluable knowledge gained, and people I meet, is worth the time and effort.

Something I always have with me at every show: a notebook of paper and a pen clipped on the pages – ready to take notes.

I jot down things such as:

Specific colors people ask for in aprons, such as: a yellow/green retro combination and of horses.

Different style of apron, such as: cobbler (I’ve totally run out!)

A noticeable sign that reads: Handmade in Texas

 - Several people looking at my doll clothes didn’t realize I made them!

Self Reminder: demographics of my specific county are BOYS! Not little girls! For every little girl passing through the Judge’s chambers, I saw/counted at least five boys! Need to make/offer something for boys!!!

I made a few personal notes like, do not forget a soda (and a sandwich would be nice, too!). There are just so many granola bars one needs to eat in a day!

I try not to leave things to memory. I write down a lesson learned, a thought, as soon as possible in my trusty notebook! As Martha says, "It’s a good thing!"

How do you measure success while participating in an Arts and Crafts Show?

What to take?

This Saturday I'm doing my last arts and crafts show (for the year) INSIDE the County Courthouse in Lampasas. The space will be very limited, without the normal "booth" arrangment because many vendors are stationed along both sides of the wide hallway, along benches within the actual courtroom, and wherever else they can stash us. Of course, I have no idea where I'll be! Therefore, I know I won't have room for all my items. So, with this in mind, what do I take?

I sold more doll clothes for 18” dolls than anything else in the last arts and crafts show. They are going for sure.

I'm thinking, because the aprons were displayed on a garment rack & folks had to thumb through them to see, is maybe the why they didn't sell as well. I know models Ethel and Lucy won't be there Saturday to feature any aprons!

But, this is the only way I have to display them right now ~ plans are underway to create a better system for next year’s arts and crafts show in which I may participate!

Anyway, I'd like to offer my lovely aprons because stores like Dillard’s, Macy's, Sur La Table, Pier 1, Williams-Sonoma, Walmart, etc. only sell imported aprons. My prices are comparable ~ within range ~ and I’m always hoping more people will support Made in the USA – especially Handmade in Texas, by me!

Maybe this demographic area isn't the right market place for aprons... but I thoroughly enjoy creating them, so will continue!

I also have small priced items, perfect for stocking stuffers, that I don’t list in my ArtFire shop. I love it when children come into my “booth” and are able to buy something for mom or granny. Seeing their faces light up with the empowerment it brings them to buy on their own warms my heart. I must make room for these items, indeed!

Then there are my bags/totes
              and beaded bookmarks
                      and Christian Prayer Beads
                                  and the books I’ve written…

Nope, can’t take them all.

What are your thoughts? How would you decide?

Participating in an Arts and Crafts Show

A magical happening happened at the Arts and Crafts Show this past Friday and Saturday. It made the entire process so worthwhile – the getting ready, packing the pickup, unloading, setting up, waiting for the doors to open, meeting/greeting lovely people, selling Handmade in Texas by me items, packing up, driving home – all came down because of the one special woman I was there to meet. I had prayed and prayed she would visit the show and that our paths would cross.  

The primary focus of Lanetta’s Creations is creating handmade items for the women in our lives. Occasionally a chef’s apron maybe considered unisex, depending on the fabric’s print and lack of fu-fu. Anytime – upon request – special, custom made orders for men are created.

But, getting back to the woman – my handmade aprons will fit just about any body size. The apron’s neck straps and waist ties make the adjustments to fit rather nicely… most of the time. From one end of the spectrum to the other – extreme smallness or largeness – aprons are not usually found unless through special orders, or in this case, intuition.

The week before the show, I realized I did not have a Plus Size apron available. It was an “OH, NO” moment indeed! Something inside me told me to create one, NOW!

So, I did.

I didn’t know what size to make this “plus” but I knew to make it adjustable. The straps attached at the shoulders, then criss-crossed at center back, fed through loops at the waist edge area, then could tie in a bow or knot either in front or back, depending on the individual’s needs. Needless to say, the straps were extremely long and were all over the place!

Mildred the model doesn't do the apron justice...

On Saturday, as a couple of women slowly walked by my booth, one stopped and started looking through the rack of aprons I had available. The other one stayed behind, in the aisle, and just glanced around at my other items displayed on the tables. She was a lovely lady with a beautiful smile. I went over to her and asked quietly if she’d do me a favor, that I had an apron I’d designed I was trying to work out the kinks so the wearer could put it on without help!

Her first response, shaking her head, “I haven’t worn an apron in years.”

But then she graciously said she’d help me. As I put it on her, I explained how the straps went around this way and that way. She took it off, then put it on herself without help from me.

Her whole face absolutely lit up when she realized the apron fit! The other woman (I found out later was her sister) told her how lovely she looked. It was then, she left her purse and bag in my booth and ran over to a jewelry booth the next aisle over that had a mirror. In my mind, the entire place lit up with her beaming smile as she returned!

Yes! This was the woman I made the apron for and why I was at this Arts and Crafts show!

Although I’m grateful for all the doll clothes and other items that went home with happy campers, this one sale, this answer to my prayers, this woman’s happiness will always hold a special place in my heart!