Design on a Dime

For Megan's (future sister-in-law) shower, I was responsible for the flower arrangements. The theme of the shower was "Pretty in Pink" so I wanted the flowers to be affordable and simple. I thought white flowers with an accent of pink would be perfect. I ended up purchasing the flowers from Sam's Club. (If you need a great selection of everyday flowers, especially in bulk, I would highly recommend Sam's Club. You can pre-order the flowers and they're very inexpensive.) All of my flowers cost only $40.


I used vases that I already had at home to save money, wrapped a fun pink ribbon around the middle and placed some white river rocks at the bottom of each vase for a visual effect. Then to add a personal touch to the large vase, I added a pink vinyl initial.


To help with the arranging of the flowers, I used DesignWork's Waterproof Tape. This stuff worked like a charm. All you have to do is add the tape to the top of a vase to create a grid and it helps the flowers stay in place. For only $3.00/roll, it's a must-have.



I can't create masterpieces like this,...

Photo Credit: Lauryl Lane

but I'm pretty pleased with these simple arrangements. Here's the final product.

Not bad for $40.

What Do You Think??

With a couple weeks left until our first show of the year, An Affair of the Heart in Tulsa, I need your opinion. I was thinking of introducing one of these tiles to my product line, but I'm struggling on what font to go with.

Should I go with the more casual font...

Picture A

...or should I use the modern font?

Picture B

What do you think?

We're Going On Vacation

Photo Credit: Google Images

Since I have quite a bit of PTO to use before the end of the year, we've decided to take a week long vacation in September to Las Vegas for our anniversary (our honeymoon location!). I can.not.wait!! It's like the sun, pool, gelato and strawberry daiquiris are calling my name.

We're staying at the new Aria Hotel and Casino, which is in the middle of the Strip and just opened in December. The hotel had a 72 hour sale this week, which we just couldn't pass up. So, we made sure to take advantage of the great offer. Check out the rooms. Aren't they gorgeous!?!

Photo Credit: design:success

Photo Credit: Vegas Tripping

Photo Credit: Google Images

This week, we also booked our flights to Chicago for the Chicago Marathon. I guess there's no turning back now. I'm really looking forward to the challenge of the race and exploring a new city. If you all have any advice or recommendations regarding Chicago, please let me know. This will be my first real time visiting the windy city.

Here's a sneak peak of where we'll be staying while we're in Chi-Town...a Downtown Chicago condo. These are the real pictures of the condo, which is a block from the Magnificant Mile. Talk about a great location!

Photo Credit: VRBO

Photo Credit: VRBO

I know I've said this before and my family and friends will probably get sick of hearing this, but I can not wait to go on vacation. I know I still have to wait another 2.5 months, but it can't come soon enough. It's going to be so nice to relax by the pool and read. Until then, I'll be daydreaming that I'm sitting by the pool sipping a fruity cocktail.

Secret Project Revealed

Remember when I was working on a secret project for my future sister in law's bridal shower? Here is what I was working on...a recipe box.


When I first received the box, this is what it looked like.


Boring, right?

To jazz it up, I created my own dividers. I traced the existing dividers on cardstock and covered the backs in pretty scrapbook paper. You really can choose any type of scrapbook paper. I would recommend a smaller design, since you're working with a small surface area.


Then, I took the dividers by Fedex Kinkos to get laminated. The lamination protects the dividers when cooking.


The front still looked a little blah when finished, so I added a white vinyl initial to personalize the gift and some recipe cards. I'm not sure about you, but I've searched high and low for cute recipe cards. I couldn't find any that I liked, so I decided to design my own.



Once all of the pieces came together, this was the finished project. Ta da!



Now I just need to start on mine.

Pictures to Melt Your Heart

Remember, when I mentioned a Texas photographer ordered this...

Photo Credit: Ashley O Photo

...and I was curious how she was going to use it??

Well, Kelly with Blackall Photography sent me some images from her recent photoshoot. When I opened the e-mail, this is what I saw.

Photo Credit: Blackall Photography

Photo Credit: Blackall Photography

My heart literally melted.

Thank you for sharing these images, Kelly!

Interview with Candy Tarp - Sew Many Ties & More + GIVEAWAY!!

I had the pleasure of first meeting Candy at the 2009 Junior League Holiday Market. Over the past few months, we've been able to get to know each other through Facebook. Candy is a fire underwriter for State Farm Insurance during the day, but she makes the cutest onesies and burp cloths at night. She's married to her best friend and they have an adorable son, Keller.

Isn't he cute?

You'll see below that Candy is a very family-oriented woman, but she's also very creative. I just love her work and I'm excited to share it with you all today. Be sure to check out the giveaway at the bottom of the post, where you can have a chance to win one of Candy's famous onesies!

Here's my interview with Candy.

Candy's Favorites

Movie: Bourne Identity
TV Show: Biggest Loser, Big Brother, Project Runway and Survivor
Website: Etsy
In your free time, what do you love to do?
I love spending time with my little boy and husband. We love being outside...going for walks, running and spending time by the pool. Also, I enjoy going to church and hanging out with my wonderful friends. In the fall, my husband and I are consumed by college football (we're both OU grads).

About Sew Many Ties & More


What inspired you to start Sew Many Ties?
Sew Many Ties was created by accident. When I was pregnant everyone told me not to buy newborn clothes because babies grow so fast. My little one, Keller, was tiny when he was born and we had no clothes to fit him. I didn't want to buy all new clothes, so I started making him tie onesies instead. My friends at church asked me to make their kids onesies and their toddlers t-shirts and as a result Sew Many Ties was born.


How do you promote Sew Many Ties?
I try to promote my work through Facebook via the Sew Many Ties photo album on my personal Facebook page. Also, I sell my items in two gift stores in town, Liv A Little Boutique in Jenks and the Baby Emporium in Broken Arrow. If you're in the area, check out the stores!


What's your favorite item in your product line?
I love the tie onesies because it reminds me how I started Sew Many Ties. Plus, it's so hard to find cute things for boys. I enjoy making tutus as well though. Girly things are fun to make and there are so many exciting colors and fabrics for girls.


What's your long time goal with Sew Many Ties?
I would LOVE to make enough money with Sew Many Ties to one day stay at home with my kids and be creative through my designs.


What advice would you give someone who's starting a business?
I would consider the investment – both time and money and only start a business if you find it fun. I love Sew Many Ties because it's more of a hobby than a business. I really don't consider it work.


How do readers get in touch with you for questions or place an order?
People can visit my Facebook page (Candy Tarp) or e-mail me at sewmanyties@hotmail.com.


To enter the giveaway: Click here and visit the Sew Many Ties photo album on Facebook. Then, leave a comment here telling me which onesie design you like the best. If you tweet/facebook/blog about this giveaway, leave an additional comment and you'll receive an extra entry. The contest will close Thursday, June 17 at 11:59 p.m. central time. The winner will be selected at random with random.org on Friday, June 18.

Thanks for reading and entering, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the interview. I'll be sharing additional interviews with local entrepreneurs in the upcoming weeks.

Friday Favorites

1. KainKain: Black Linen with Turquoise Chrysant Flower Embroidery Pillow Cover, $17.00
2. ModFabric: 4 Fat Quarters Ta Dot Garden Trellis Aqua Dot & Glass Swirls, $12.50
3. PoshDots: Custom Hand Painted Decorative Wooden Wall Letters, $17.00
4. Sjengraving: White Beach Pebble - Custom Engraving, $14.00