Counting States

Remember those road trips as a kids and playing the license plate game? You know - family vacation, sitting in the back seat, getting bored, and asking "are we there yet?" The summer before fifth grade, we went on a road trip to the Grand Canyon and mom got her steno book out and we wrote down all the different state license plates we saw. It was something we did to pass the time travelling from East Texas to Arizona, then on to Las Vegas. I'm thinking we saw about 40 something different states, but that's been a while, so I can't confirm that total.

From time to time, I've checked my etsy sales map. It's kind of like the license plate game, as you count the states and countries. The last three states seemed to take a while. Tonight, I checked it, wanting to confirm how many countries I had shipped to (I'm working on some new brochures) and was surprised to see that it said ALL 50 STATES!!! I knew it was sitting at 49 for a while, but had missed the item that shipped to the 50th state!

As of today, we have shipped to all the United States and a total of 8 countries. When I opened my shop back in 2011, I NEVER would have thought this to be possible. I'm just a small town girl, working from our home in the country, making handmade bouquets, clothing, and other decor items. I am SOOOOO thankful for all of you who support our shop and let us be a part of all your events! We appreciate each and everyone of you!

Hanging with my Heifers..Vintage Souls, and Donkeys too! Introducing the NEW Clothing Items!

I'm so excited about this news! For most of 2018, I researched and learned about sublimation. It's a type of printer and the images can be transferred to many different substrates by heat. My Black Friday shopping involved investing in my business and purchasing a sub printer. I experimented by creating Christmas gifts with the new printer and making things for myself to wear. Now, I am happy to release the first of the NEW shirts made with this new (to me) process. 

The sublimation ink actually dyes certain fabrics, so there isn't a texture or raised images on the shirt. It gives a much more professional look for the shirts, so even my flannel shirt process has been changed and improved! It's took lots of trial and error to get it down. 

This also means that I will be able to offer shirts in all sizes, instead of just random sized flannels. If your size is sold out, I can reorder more blank shirts. As I progress and see what styles everyone likes the best, I'll do my best to keep more shirts in stock, but for now it will all be small batches, with the option to preorder more. 

The following shirts are made on super soft raglan t shirts. On the baseball t's, the graphics will have a vintage look, which we love. 

So let's look at some of the new graphics and shirts!

Hangin' with my heifers! 

 They are a fun a sassy bunch of girls! 

 Oh this Sweet Donkey is so happy with it's flower crown! Sure does remind of us our donkeys, Flossie and Ronnie D!

 Vintage Soul - Another new favorite and original design. A vintage turquoise truck, lace, chandelier, flower, and marquee lights are on a chippy wood and floral print background. Throw in a little leopard print and glitter... what more could a vintage soul ask for?!?

 Junkin' is my Happy Place! I've said it before and I'll say again - I want to make shirts that I will personally wear and hopefully you all will enjoy them as well. I love our cows, donkeys, and for sure like to go pickin' and junkin'. If only I had a vintage truck, for hauling all my junk...

I wore my Red Flower Truck shirt while out delivering flowers this weekend. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for daffodil and tulip season to begin! These shirts are so comfy and perfect for layering with a flannel this winter and they can easily transition into spring. 

Here's a few of the flannels that I've been working on. I'll have these and more this weekend at the Mineola Antique Fair and of course in my Etsy Shop, so they can be shipped most anywhere. Please let me know what you think or if you want to see some of the other images I've had on flannels on the new t shirts. Which is your favorite? 

Literally hanging out with a few of the heifers at the farm! 

Heehaw! There has been some pretty sunsets at the farm and Flossie said she needed her picture taken to celebrate the new donkey shirts being released this week! ;)

Here's a few more of the Farm Sunset pictures from this week. I forget how pretty January sunsets can be! 

Tie the Knot

A few years ago, I got my feed truck stuck at the farm. By myself. I walked to the barn and got the tractor, used the tow strap in my truck, and pulled myself out. I tied the knot on the hay unroller (a piece of equipment attached to back of tractor), that I couldn’t undo, after I got the truck unstuck. It wasn’t coming undone and you know I’ve ALWAYS got a pair of scissors with me, so I cut the strap. I have no regrets in what I did. None.

Shoulda, coulda done something different to begin with, but I didn’t. Hey, not backing around and getting my tire stuck in a wet hole woulda been the better thing... but still, no regrets.

Anyways, I rattle on with the back story to tell you that knot I tied a few years ago was there for us a few weeks ago, when we needed it. (There’s a loop on the end you can’t see.) We never know the reason or how something we do today can effect us years from now. Every time I look at the strap, I sigh and remember that day I cut it. Now I’ll remember the day it helped.

Just like when I opened accounts with a new business name, on a cold winter night, thinking it would never be a real big deal. After a few seasons, it is our full time gig.

Tie the knot... Do something today that your future self will be thankful for. 

Whether it’s picking a business name even though you still have a full time job and securing that shop name and email address, making that call, asking that question, choosing to be healthier, whatever it is... tie the knot and one day you’ll look back and be glad you did!

Coral: The 2019 Color of the Year and How to Incorporate it into Your Wedding

 The 2019 Pantone Color of the Year is Living Coral. 

A little about this color from the Pantone Website:

Vibrant, yet mellow PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.

In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.

Representing the fusion of modern life, PANTONE Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.

Coral has been a oft requested color in wedding bouquets and the following pictures show a few different color combinations and ways to include coral with your wedding flowers. 

This first picture shows a bridal bouquet with coral, Idaho potato, and white burlap roses with bling, feathers, lace, and coral tulle. There is also a small bridesmaid bouquet, pin on corsage, and boutonnieres. 

Turquoise and Coral is a happy and fun color combination! (I have several shades of turquoise that can be used with the coral.) 

 This shows a bridal bouquet (top), small and medium bridesmaids bouquets and a turquoise rose boutonniere. 

Natural and rustic - coral was combined with tan, cream, and chocolate brown in this bouquet. Tufts of lace, tulle, and pearls accent the flowers. 

Navy has been a favorite wedding color for the past couple of years and combining it with coral is another pretty option. 

 This wedding had a neutral colored bridal bouquet and the boutonnieres for the men in the wedding party incorporated the coral. I also made individual roses for them to decorate with. 

Will you be using the 2019 color of the year in your wedding? I would love to help create unique keepsake bouquets for your wedding day. Custom orders are always available, so please send me a message and we can discuss your ideas and needs! Looking forward to helping you this year!