Hand Stamped Jewelry

Hand Stamped Jewelry from My Charmed Life

Hand stamped jewelry is so popular right now. I've been ogling over these necklaces for well over a year now, but I have never ordered before because I am way to indecisive. What style - what stamp - what font - the choices are endless. I always planned on ordering one with the names of my four babes until this little number caught my eye. I have this thing for cute little birds lately (there is even one in my logo). The light bulb went off: I'll order one with my biz name. I contacted Kelly over at My Charmed Life and she was more than willing to create this custom piece for me. I am so thrilled with the end result. The quality and craftsmanship are outstanding. I was also pleasantly surprised that the necklace is not thick and bulky, but rather very feminine.

If your in the market for some hand stamped jewelry, check out My Charmed Life.

New Site Design

WOW! It's been way too long time since I blogged! So much has changed - for the good.

First, we have a new site design. I am proud to say that I did it all by myself. I've been dabbling in HTML since 2003 so with a little effort I was able to create a template that really reflects Cotton Blossoms. I think it has a fresh and clean look with a touch of class and sass - just like our hats!

Second, I've opened up a Newborn Photography Prop site called Bebe Hats. This shop is exclusively newborn sizes and is geared towards photographers in mind. It is still a work in progress, but I will be adding more designs slowly but surely.

Third, I plan on giving this blog some TLC. My goal is to blog at least once a week. It won't always be focused on Cotton Blossoms and new hat styles, but rather my overall love of the fiber arts. I plan learning to spin and dye my own yarn, learn to knit, new yarns and notions and anything else related to the fiber world that I can share with you.

As some of  you may know or not know I closed my shop for the month of April. This allowed me to not only get caught up with orders but to reorganize and implement some big changes with how orders are processed. Cotton Blossoms has officially been in business for 2 years! There were lots of growing pains along the way, but I am so happy and fortunate to be doing what I love. A big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me along the way!

Lil Football Fan

Our house is full of football fans so what better way to kick off football season than with a new handmade hat. This adorable beanie hat is crocheted using a super soft brown organic cotton yarn accented with white laces. Support your favorite NFL or College team with a football hat. This one is sure to please both Moms and Dads and will make the perfect new baby gift. Great for those first baby pictures!

Baby Football Hat for NFL and College

Visage Portrait Design

As my business grows I have more and more opportunities to work with some fabulous photographers. Ask anyone who sells online and you will hear that product photography is key. It is through the talent of these lovely ladies that I am able to bring my hats to life.

Working with Julie Walborn of Visage Portrait Design has been a pleasure. OK, truth be told I did very little work. I sent her a few hats and a swaddling cocoon and she captured the innocence of childhood in the most amazing newborn pictures I have ever seen.

Julie got her calling as a photographer at age 16. She started Visage Portrait Design in 1992. Her talent is beyond words. She captures an emotion - a moment in time - never to be forgotten. Just ask her long list of many happy clients.

I look forward to working with Julie in the future and hope to share with you a small portion of her amazing talent.

If you live in the Cleveland area, contact Julie Walborn for your next photography session.

Crochet on the Go

As fall quickly approaches I realize that hat season is just around the corner. Soon there will be football practice, cheerleading, dance class, taekwondoe and whatever other after school activities fall on our plate having four kids. With orders rolling in I realize that this year I will need to "Crochet on the Go" to make the most of my time. I've been searching for some practical and of course cute yarn project bags to take my work with me.

I asked my fellow Facebook fans what works best for them and here a few ideas.

1.) Drawstring Bag
2.) Tote or Market Bag
3.) Ziploc Baggie

I am huge supporter of handmade so of course I had to check out Etsy.com.

Here are a few of my favorite finds.

Deluxe Project/Spindle Bag
by MadBird

Love this one. Cute fabric, interior divider pocket, steady base, drawstring closure, padded for stability, big enough but not too big and an overall great project bag. 

Small Project Bag
by MadBird
Gorgeous colors and perfect for projects that require one ball of yarn. Like a hat!

Large Knitting Project Bag. HAPPY COW
by KnitterBag

 I just love the cow fabric. This yarn bag is a bit smaller than the first one and may be a better fit for my needs. This would tuck easily into my tote bag. It has interior pockets to keep my hooks organized and a cute little wristlet handle.

 Serena Project Bag for Knitting or Crocheting
by DianaCouture

 This one has the whole kit and kaboodle. It offers plenty of room, pockets, handle, expandable sides, great fabric and a neat center opening to feed your yarn.

Sandra Jackson

On March 2010 Cotton Blossoms celebrated our 1 year anniversary. It was time to enlist a professional to take some pictures of my hats. My amateur photography was not doing justice to my handmade hats. I needed someone that could capture the beauty and essence of my hats. Through my sister-in-law I was introduced to a wonderful photographer, Sandra Jackson. It took some time for us to finally get together...weather and schedules were not on our side. It was well worth the wait. Sandra went above and beyond and my first professional photo shoot was a success.

This was my first shoot and I had no idea what to expect. Sandra stepped in and took over. She was so kind and patient with my girls. Giving them direction while still making it fun. She was even able to capture some amazing shots when my little diva got too tired and cold for yet another outfit change.

I left the shoot feeling great, but I had no idea what was to follow. Less than a week later Sandra posted a few sample pictures from our shoot. They were breathtaking! OK...so they were my baby girls and of course a Mama always thinks her daughters are the most beautiful. So you be the judge.

Want to see the rest? I know you do!
Flickr Photo Stream

If you are local and looking for a photographer, Sandra Jackson Photography won't disappoint!

Photo Shoot

I had my first photo session for Cotton Blossoms with Sandra Jackson Photography. Here is a peek of my favorite picture. Although cold and tired my little model did a fabulous job. Check back next week to hear all about our photo session and to see more pictures...lots more!