What To Wear in Family Photographs

I designed some pieces for my friend Amanda and her daughter, Eliza, for their family photo shoot.  She wanted the pieces to coordinate without being too matchy, and she wanted them both on stretchy headbands.  The challenge was custom fitting the piece so that Eliza did not look like she was auditioning for Sweatin' to the Oldies.  The photographs looked beautiful and, I dare say, that the headbands did as well!  Here is a good look at how it all turned out.

I love making coordinating sets for Mamas and their babies.  

photos by Rebecca Ondrey of Ondrey Photography

Making it Meaningful

We all have something hanging in our closet that we never wear, but we can't seem to part with either. I had things in my closet that didn't fit, but I love the pattern. Or items that were so cheap that I couldn't pass them up, even though I couldn't get my leg all the way through. Sometimes, we even have clothes that are meaningful to us, though no longer useful. Perhaps a loved one has passed away and you simply can't bear the thought of giving their items away, but you can't reasonably hold on to every curtain, sheet and garment.

Below are some pictures that showcase ways I have taken precious fabrics (though they are not something I would wear on a regular basis) and made them into practical and wearable pieces.

Photo 1: A versatile clip for hair, shoe, top, or the flap of your purse. Made from leftover lace trim that my aunt no longer needed.

Photo 2: A piece I made using a too-big shirt and a shiny blouse from my late grandmother.

Photo 3: This was a newborn headband, made of another one of Grandma June's tops.

Photo 4: This red, black and turquoise material was another blouse from Junie. It is a gorgeous fabric and I loved the pattern. This made for a really meaningful piece that my cousin had ordered.

Photo 5 & 6: for these pieces I made a coordinating mother-daughter set for a family photo shoot. I made these from a friend's scarf.

You get the idea... I love taking a special fabric that has meaning, and making it into a beautiful, wearable piece that allows you to honor someone you love... without wearing Grandma June's shoulder pads.

A Great Alternative to Hoarding

Upcycling is all the rage for crafters right now. For those of you who are not as fashion savvy... The concept is simply repurposing an item to make it fabulous. Crafters love it because it is environmentally and economically sound. Buyers love it because it frequently means that you are getting a one of a kind item.. I mean, how many aprons can you make out of your grandmother's lace curtain?? Items are less likely to be duplicated when materials are not commercially available.

Here is an order I did where I made items using the leftover material from a baby's nursery. So, what started as crib sheet material turned into nursery decor and matching accessories! This made for the perfect baby shower gift, meaningful and unique.