Fashion Trend-Butterflies are not just for Spring

With winter around the corner boots, sweaters, scarves, and dark colors are on everyone's mind. Well it doesn't necessarily have to be that way. Celebrities lately have been spotted in bright colors that have not left their wardrobe just because Spring is gone. A huge trend spotted on celebrities has been Butterflies. The celebrity pictured here is pop diva Katy Perry sporting a lovely Juicy Couture Butterfly dress. To Get in on this trend visit my shop www.hairsewvintage.etsy.com. I have several butterfly hair accessories available now.

Busy Busy Busy

Its been a few weeks since my last blog so I have a bit of catching up to do! Carlos and I decided to turn or guest bedroom into a studio for my hair accessory business. The room will also double as a movie theater space. I already picked out the paint color and curtains. The paint is a dark pink color with a purpulish tint to it. The curtains are a deep plum. I know it sounds risky but I got the color scheme idea from the IKEA web site. The furniture will all be dark chocolate brown almost black. I love modern furniture thats made to look aged. We also purchased a really amazing crystal chandelier from Lowes for the center of the room. I imagine the space to be really serene and peaceful. I hope to be very inspired in my new room.

I have also been very busy with my shop. I had a 2 hour photoshoot last weekend. I am still editing the pictures from that marathon...whew I have a lot of product. My goal was to have 100 things in the store for the holidays. I have 63 things at the moment. I did sell one 0f my newest combs Thursday night. I just shipped it off to Australia and my last was to New Zealand...I am worldwide people:O) How exciting! I also added some great crochet headbands.

Today is a road trip with the family. We are off to Leesburg to go shopping. They have a geat little store called Dockside Imports. They sell all kinds of home decor. I am looking for a cute vase to hold my flowers, that will match the studio. My mom is heading that way for a lady who makes bookcases out of old antique and vintage finds. She makes the doors out of old windows ect.

Sunday I have to finish painting the bottom trim of my studio, clean house, do laundry, and then maybe..just maybe I will have some time to list a few things or create a few things. Enjoy your weekend everyone. Tata for now Xo

Halloween party...a Success

Another Halloween party in the books. Wow what a great night! Above are a few of the pictures taken before things got rowdy. The first picture is of my friend Ashley and me. Ashley dressed up as the female version of Robin Hood. Great minds think alike because I almost purchased this costume until I tried on my pirate outfit. The second picture is of Jesse, his wife Ashley, Myself, and my Hubby Carlos. Picture 3 is a group shot of a few people that came for the festivities. Picture 4 is my husband setting up pirate Pete in the yard...He lit up, so cool=) Pictures 5 and 6 are my wittle puppy wuppy woofer. Tilly as a french maid.

Everything turned out great. We had the fog machine going, so the house looked haunted and spooky. Every guest thought this was our best party to date. We received many comments saying we had really outdone ourselves this year. It was great seeing everyone.

Well you might be able to tell from my pictures that I got my hair cut Saturday before the party. I let my hairdresser cut off 4 whole inches...OH MY! I feel so naked without my hair. What was I thinking? Oh well I guess it will grow back eventually. I hope it is at least easier to manage my up dos for hair accessory photos. I still need to dye it but haven't had the energy. Maybe tonight will be the magic night. I have a few combs to list but I can't take any pictures until Thursday night when my hubby is off work. I have so much to do and not enough time in the day.

PumPkin Carving

Preparations for Saturday night's Halloween party continue. Carlos did some last minute shopping while I was at work today. He picked up a cool indoor fog machine. I think it will set a nice spooky ambiance in the house. He also got some candy and spider webs. My grandmother is a fabulous cook and she made us homemade sugar cookies in the shapes of bats, ghosts, and pumpkins. They are topped with yummy frosting in different colors. We have been scrambling to finish cleaning and decorating this evening. He is talking to his mommy on the phone now, she lives in Kentucky...so I figured I had just enough time to compose a blog.

Next we are going to pop Rob Zombie's Halloween into the Blu Ray player and carve pumpkins!! YAY, I am so excited. I haven't carved pumpkins since I was a little girl with my step-dad. We bought a pumpkin carving kit with some really nifty designs. I can't wait to see how they turn out. I am going to light the candles and plug in our animated Halloween carousel (we bought it at target). Its so cute and festive.

I also decided on what to do with my hair. I picked up some dark brown dye with a slight hint of red. I probably won't be able to dye it until Sunday. Saturday I have a hair appointment at the mall for a cut. I always go to the same girl Staci. She knows how to blow dry an Italian girls hair straight as an arrow. It works out perfect, my appointment is at one. I won't have to do much to my hair to prepare for my pirate costume. I may swing by the Mac counter and get my make-up done too. I love being pampered. Well I am off to make my pumpky.

Tata for now
Xo

Etsy Treasury

Good Tuesday morning!! Last night I was able to snag my very first Treasury on Etsy. I have been featured in 2 treasuries before, but had never made my very own. How exciting it was. Here is the link if you want to check it out...

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=87548

You better hurry the treasuries only stay up for 3 days:O)

Fashion Alert-Just Cavalli Spring 2010

Fashion alert: I just had to share. I am in awe of the Just Cavalli Spring 2010 collection. His runway show was to die for. I love shades of emerald green. I wish the craft stores would carry more flowers in these rich colors. Emerald green would look stunning in dark hair.

Speaking of hair...I think its time to dye mine. After a long summer spent by the pool tanning my hair tends to look drab. You may not be able to pick up on its lacklusterness in my photos seeing I use photoshop, but trust me it looking dull as dirt. I think when Carlos gets home from work we may be planning a trip to Wal-Mart for hair dye. Hmmm not sure if I am in the mood for chocolate brown or light brown with a hint of red? Decisions decisions! Wait a second how did I go from blogging about Cavalli to Wal-Mart?

Hehe anyways I do love the models smoky eye make-up. I am planning a hair accessory collection called midnight. This collection would be geared towards the social butterfly in all of us. The hair combs will be modeled with a smoky eye and long lashes. I can't wait to launch this line. I think it will hit my boutique just in time for New Years Eve. Thanks Just Cavalli for the inspiration;)

Weekend of Inspiration

Well its my hubbys weekend to work so I have to find something to occupy my time. Something to keep me out of trouble. When I mention the word trouble...I mean shopping & spending too much money. Ahhh my one weakness. I spent Saturday at the mall browsing my favorite 2 stores Charlotte Russe and Dillards. Then I scooted off to Target for decorations. We are planning a Halloween house party for next weekend. I can hardy wait, pirates, jello shots, scary movies, spooky music, slimey margaritas, costumes, card games, & pumpkin lights. Its been a while since I have seen all of my friends, been so busy promoting my shop. I will be snapping a million pictures of the festivities so stay tuned.

After my shopping excursion and depletion of my bank account, I decided I better make some use of my time. I busted out the craft table and popped in my favorite series for inspiration. I just can't choose which one I love more The Tudors or Rome. Both are excellent with vivid costumes, witty characters, amazing sceanory, & delightful scripts. They are full of old history but with a sexy modern twist. They remind me of the hair combs I create. I try to fashion them from styles relevant to the modern woman but with a twist of vintage materials. I f you haven't seen these series I suggest you run to your local Blockbuster and pick them up. Then swing by your grocery store for a tub of ice cream pop on the couch and enjoy. You can thank me later by visiting my shop www.hairsewvintage.etsy.com
Tata for now Xo

Kiss me...I'm Vintage

I have a few new items in the shop so go check them out. www.hairsewvintage.etsy.com. The hair comb pictured is called "Kiss Me I'm Vintage."

Lately I have been stocking up on materials. I have found some great vintage supplies. As you can tell I love working with old buttons and velvet ribbons. My newest work reflects that. All of the flowers I use are new. I mainly shop at Michael's and Joann's for those. I love using my 40% off coupons. In fact they have been spoiling me rotten. I get one every time I go though the checkout line. I don't even want to pay full price for things anymore. When I get discounted supplies I can pass the savings onto my customers=) Who doesn't enjoy a deal. So go ahead pamper yourself or treat a friend to a special one of a kind gift. Here's is my quote of the day...

“Fashions fade, style is eternal.”

Featured seller: OpulentOddities

I found myself browsing on Etsy one day and I noticed a nifty little feature on the front page called shop local. If you click on this you will be directed to a page that showcases other sellers in your area. That is how I found the delightful shop OpulentOddities and her mother's shop merchantofkismet.

OpulentOddities specializes in the most unique jewelry I have seen on Etsy. Each piece has an intricate story behind it. Jordan, the shop owner, pays special attention to detail. Each of her items comes gift wrapped in a kraft box stamped with a skeleton key tied with ribbons or vintage lace. She has a very solid reputation in the Etsy community and has reached 1369 sales and 100% positive feedback...WOW! Her store is an inspiration to us all. I could only dream of being as successful one day. Pictured is one of Jordan's pieces called White roses. Here is her description & story:

"She was beautiful just the way she was, but she dolled herself up for her gentlemen friends, dressing in rhinestones and lace and rouge, a white rose tucked behind her ear or between her teeth.

Beautiful celluloid white rose is the focus of this fancy statement necklace. Two beaded earrings, made from Czech glass seed beads, and were once screw backs from the 1950s, hold up a beautiful 1940s rhinestone brooch that looks like a keyhole, which holds up the beautiful dimensional white rose. On brass chain with a brass lobster clasp. From the top of the beaded earrings to the bottom of the rose measures 3.5inches/9cms. The chain measures 24.5inches/62.25cms."

Here is a link to visit the store http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=91456

October is here

Today is the very first day of October and for some reason I am feeling very festive. There is a tiny cold front coming through my neck of the woods now. In the mornings its in the 60's and by the afternoon its in the 80's. Normally around this time of year its in the 90's. I know boo hoo no one up north feels sorry for us Floridians, but still I wasn't quite ready to rummage through my winter clothes yet. Lets see how long this lasts. Due to the change in weather, I have been very motivated to crochet lately. If you visit my shop I will be listing some more crochet headbands each night. They are crocheted out of cotton threads in all different colors. Some are adorned with a button. I think they are wonderful for fall and will go great with jeans. I was thinking of a bohemian inspired look when designing them. The best part is they tie around the back of your head, making them fully adjustable.

Happy Birthday to......

Happy birthday to...My Mommy!! She is 49 years old today. We enjoyed a lovely family dinner at her favorite Italian restaurant Carabas and I had a 1/2 day at work. Life doesn't get much better than that. My husband was also off of work so we cracked open a bottle of Asti sparkling wine and had a photoshoot pre dinner festivities. Hooray, I finally got him to cooperate. I think the lighting was great and with the magic of a little photoshop I have a few new listings in my Etsy shop. I have a new hair style too. I couldn't do my signature braids today because I wore my hair curly, but I did get several compliments on my new do and make-up. I have a few more things to list throughout the week so stay tuned. Sales have been going great so far...I hope I can keep up this momentum through the holiday season. One thing I have noticed converting from Ebay to Etsy is the Etsy community is so much friendlier and involved. I have gotten praise, support, and helpful tips from other sellers that really keep me going. More great things to come but for now I will leave you with this quote:

"Its better to have a few words of love from one man, rather than the applause of thousands of people.”

Hair Trends

As you can see in my Etsy shop photos...I Love braids they are my signature style. You don't have to be in grade shcool to sport this trend anymore. Celebrities are popping up all over the red carpet with elegant braided locks. Here is a picture of Nicole Richie donning a braided do. I think she looks very elegant and chic. I will definitely be trying to mimic this look. Other celebs on this trendwagon include Sienna Miller, Jessica & Ashley Simpson, Lauren Conrad, Jennifer Aniston and Hayden Panettiere. So stay tuned to my shop and blog for more braided hair ideas. I can't wait to showcase some of my new hair combs. Now if only I could get my photographer (aka my husband) to cooperate.

Lady Gaga

Many of you may have heard all of the hype about Lady Gaga's performance at the MTV VMAs. I really don't see what all of the negative buzz is about. For those of you who don't know she had fake blood coming out of her side and stomach at the very end of her song then hangs from a rope symbolic of dying. I know it may be over the top for some people, but its the 2000's!! We have seen worse. If you watch the video for Paparazzi & listen to the lyrics of the song, it would all make sense. My personal opinion is that everyone is being a bit harsh. I think Lady Gaga is a very talented artist with a unique vision. She is definitely a style icon, no one can deny that. Think of the runway shows in Paris or the catwalks of New York. The models that walk the catwalk are wearing items that the normal everyday woman would not...its all for show. She is a celebrity thats what the celebs do for attention. Anyways I will get off my soap box, I have vented enough. Go check out her video Paparazzi. You will find the vampire Eric from Trueblood plays her boyfriend, she wears an amazing DIOR ring that I would KILL for, and her outfits are adorable.
xo

Distracted

Well I had good intentions last night, but got distracted. I didn't end up taking my dental exam online. I was just about to crack open the book and start studying then I thought let me just see if HBO on demand changed their current movie listings. I scrolled down the list and low and behold there was Sense and Sensibility staring at me. Before I could restrain myself I was clicking the center button on the remote and was transported back to the era of Jane Austen. I own the newest version of Pride and Prejudice on DVD, but it has been forever since I watched Sense and Sensibility. I just love Kate Winslet as an actress, she is so moving. It reminded me of her role in Titanic which I need to watch again asap. I did make a few hair combs, so the evening wasn't a complete waste. A coworker and friend of mine is going to a police ball this weekend and got a stunning black and white dress. She asked me if I would make her a hair comb with pearls and black roses. Then I searched for another movie and came across The Secret Life of Bees. I started watching it and got about half way through before I turned the TV off. I just couldn't get into it. Then I turned my attentions toward my Etsy store. I listed 2 pairs of button earrings, then got lost browsing in the sea of vintage items. Finally I ended the night with choosing a new blog background...hope you like it.

Tonight is 90210/ Melrose Place night. With all of the secrets, lies, deaths, overdoses, and drama I don't know how much studying I will get accomplished. I also need to put Google Advertising on my to do list along with writing my business plan. There are not enough hours in the day. The shop is doing fairly well, I have sold 3 items so far. Pretty good for being brand new. I am a frequent visitor to all of the Etsy forums, trying to absorb as much advice and information possible. Many sellers post very good tips and experiences. Looks like my lunch hour will be devoted to more shop promotion. TTYL=)

Pampered by the Hubba

What a busy but fun weekend, there is so much to blog about:O) I was feeling a little sick Friday afternoon at work with sniffles and a sore throat. To my dismay I had previously scheduled a dinner party/ BBQ for my grandparents and parents. There was no getting out of it, I PROMISED them. I had to grin and bare it and be the charming hostess. The get together was nice. My grandmother brought the hourderves, a yummy avocado spinach dip and shrimp cocktail. I made mac and cheese and Sangria while the hubby grilled honey mustard bbq chicken and burgers. Then after the family left we watched a UFC sporting event before bed.

I awoke on Saturday to my hubby in the best of moods. Still feeling a little sick we cancelled our plans to ride the roller coasters at Universal Studios (we have season passes). Oh the joys of living near Orlando, there is always next next weekend when Carlos is off again. He works as a corrections officer and gets every other weekend off. He decided to take me shopping instead. Oooo lala my favorite pastime! He bought me 2 new shirts that I need desperately for work, a new hot pink cell phone shell, and some craft supplies. Then I ended the shopping spree by purchasing my Halloween costume for the year...drum roll please...a sexy pirate with an adorable feathered hat. I can't wait for this years festivities. Then we stopped by blockbuster video and rented several discs of the HBO series Rome. I love blockbuster nights. I curled up on the couch and crafted away. I made several crochet headbands for my etsy store http://www.hairsewvintage.etsy.com/ and a few new hair combs...so go check it out.

Sunday was another photoshoot day. I think my husband's photography skills are getting much better. I thought my hair came out pretty also. When the sun went down I listed some of my new items, then it was time to study. I am currently enrolled in an online dental assisting program. I have always wanted to have a career in the medical field. I am working now as a shipping manager/ accountant for a travel agency. Both my mother and grandmother are nurses but I do NOT have the stomach for that. I would much rather deal with people's teeth than there other body parts. I need to take another test tonight. All A's so far...wish me luck. For now back to work tata.

Presents in the mail

I love coming home to a package in my mail box. My vintage buttons came...YaaaY=)) I can't wait to start crafting. What a great selection for such an amazing price. For those of you who haven't seen my etsy.com shop here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7992065

GO CHECK IT OUT!

Ode to Patrick Swayze

As you may know our beloved Patrick Swayze passed away a few days ago. This has been a rough year, we have lost many iconic celebrities. I remember being a young girl and dressing up in my grandmother's silver high heals trying to mimic the dances in Dirty Dancing. It is still, years later, one of my all time favorite love stories. It is one of those movies with a great message...stand up for what you believe in. I think this weekend will have to be a Dirty Dancing marathon craftathon. I will pop the dvd in to the player and craft away.

On a lighter note Sunday's photoshoot went well. It was a rainy day so some of the photos taken are not as light as I would like them, but I am improving. Last night I designed a new comb that came out very pretty. I will probably list it sometime this weekend. I decided to expand my shop and add sections and new products are in the works. I am awaiting a shipment of new vintage buttons, so button earrings will be coming soon. My one of a kind critter patterns have also made their way into the shop. They don't really go with the whole hair theme, but they have sold well in the past on Etsy & will help me raise my sales and positive feedback rating. I am so excited for everything to come this holiday season!

Shopping and Vamps

I could type all day about my favorite thing to do...shopping! Isn't retail therapy the best? Todays trip to Orlando was very successful. I found some nice flowers and vintage buttons. I got to spend some time with my grandma, we ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel. French toast...yum=) Then I got a few hours of craft time in. Tomorrow is mother daughter bonding time. I will be running some errands in the am then off to my mommy's house for a photo shoot and Etsy listing spree. In between photo ops we will be doing a season one of Bones marathon. I am not thrilled with that show but she is trying to convert me, so we will see. Speaking of show I did DVR The Vampire Diaries and finally got to watch it when I got home tonight. It was great!!!! I am going to add it to my long list of Vampire must sees/reads...

Vampire Diaries
Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
Breaking Dawn
True Blood
30 Days of Night
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Underworld
Interview with the Vampire
Van Helsing
Lost Boys
Subspecies
John Carpenter's Vampires
Fright Night
Salems Lot
The Monster Squad
From Dusk Til Dawn

I think I will cuddle up with my Hubba and my little woofer, light the candles, and watch a spoooky movie. Nighty Night. ZZZzzz

Day one!

First I would like to say hello and welcome to my blog! I have started a brand new Etsy business under the ID hairsewvintage. The purpose of my blog is to promote my shop, showcase my one of a kind hair accessories, and give insight into my life as an artist. I promise to dedicate several hours a week to updating my blog. So here goes...

My name is Heather Natalie DiGraci-Stoneking. I was born December 17, 1980 in upstate New York. When I was a wee 5 years old my family moved me to Florida, and I don't plan on ever leaving. I love the sun, sand, and surf. I am a newly wed, married to my husband Carlos since 06-07-08. We have one of those cookie cutter houses in a quaint development similar to Desperate Housewives "Wisteria Lane." Thats one of my many favorite shows. If you asked me which housewive I relate to the most I would pick Gabby! My husband and I have 2 little furball pupsies (Tilly & Gizmo) and no children yet.

Right now I am stuck in corporate America working for the man, but good news is its FridaYYY=) I am very stoked for this weekend. My grandmother is picking me up early tomorrow morning so we can go craft supply shopping. Its a 45 minute drive to one of our favorite stores. I just hope we don't get stuck gawking all day because we need to get some projects started. I have 15 listings on Etsy now, but I hope to have at least 10 more listed by 9/22/09. I have paid for an advertising spot that day. Thus far I have not sold anything, but as they say Rome wasn't built in a day!