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4.30.2015

Kentucky Derby Fascinator 2015


Every year, the Kentucky Derby sneaks up on me!  I have a charity event to attend here in Pittsburgh for the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh and I'm always scurrying to complete my hat at the last minute. 

Last year, I shared this little number with all of you:



I pulled it apart and used the same hair clip from Claire's Boutique to create this year's version:


I followed this tutorial to create rolled roses from an iridescent chiffon and a glue gun, then added in feathers for dimension and height.

Here from the back you can see it's just an ordinary hair clip/brooch number:


Here is a close-up:


4.28.2015

Tutorial Tuesday!

Sorry about missing last week!  I'm back on track!

String Art:


Toy Guitar Make-over:


Banana Bread Doughnuts:


 Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using the subject of your tutorial to generate  interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!


Ready? Teach Me Stuff!


Hope Studios

4.24.2015

Hope Studios...the shop


It's wedding season, again!  Sweet, romantic quotes are filling my orders these days as wedding season rolls around.   I love hearing the stories behind why a particular song verse or Bible quote is significant to the bride and groom.

One of my best customers ordered the frame below:


She always waits until after the wedding to order the gift so she can include the song from the couple's first dance.  She gets brownie points every time for being so thoughtful!

I feel like weddings come in waves, and I'm in an off year this year so I don't foresee any in my near future.  Any weddings out there for the rest of you?

If you need a gift for an upcoming wedding, Mother's Day, or any other occasion, you know where to find me at Hope Studios...the shop!

4.22.2015

Website Headshots!


We had some photo fun yesterday taking the head shots for our new 2Organized website.  There was a lot of laughing, running into place, and more laughing as we tried to get just the right pic!

4.20.2015

An Announcement...


I think the last time I checked in I was trying to figure out the next chapter for my life?  I tossed around several ideas for something to replace the income I have lost from Hope Studios, the shop.  Ever since Etsy changed their policies, I have been getting next to no views and only orders from repeat customers - no new customers.  I took a huge hit!

I started thinking about my criteria for another business venture:

Allow me to be creative
Work with people
Fill a need in my region
Have fun
Flexible hours

Finally, I came up with www.2Organized.net and I have been plowing ahead with the idea!  Developing a new business is exciting for me and I love all the background set up and paperwork. Is that weird?

I am almost finished with my business plan, designed a logo, set up the website, and linked all the social media buttons, set up online advertising, and started a blog within the site.  I asked my friend, Pam, to partner up with me for bigger jobs that required 2 organizers and developed a list of services.  2Organized will provide whole home organization as well as moving assistance (packing/unpacking), and home staging.  To set us apart, I added personal shopping service, and meal prep in your home. I'd really like to cater to busy families or professionals.

Anyone out there ever used a Home Organizer?  Any stories or advice you'd like to share?

I'm super excited about this new page in life!  Who knows where it will lead, but the journey is so fun and inspiring!  I'm thinking this blog may take on some subjects related to organizing a little more frequently as a result but maybe we're all ready for a change. Thanks for sticking with me during the dry spell I've been experiencing lately.  I'll try to create some excitement around here again!

4.07.2015

Tutorial Tuesday!

Pottery Barn Knock off Clock:


Stuffed Animal Purse:



 Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog address) using the subject of your tutorial to generate  interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!


Ready? Teach Me Stuff!


Hope Studios

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