Boutique Karma: 2009

a BIG thank you to Studio Graphics!

I just wanted to put a huge thank you out there to Studio Graphics for putting together some new business cards, mini cards & banner for me.

I've been wanting to revamp & get some new cards made up for quite some time. It will be exciting to focus on new product lines, building business for both stores in the new year. I can't wait to get my products & packaging out to you in 2010!

Anyone looking for printed material in the Montreal area should look them up and give them a call:

http://studiopromotions.com/

Workspace - a new renewal!

| at 1:36 PM

Ahhh... its been too long!

Recently there has been so much going on in my little world. It started with the landscaping, resulting in a flood in my basement (where my office was located). I had to move my office/sewing space into a portable unit - set up upon demand in my living room (horrifying). This led into my being temporarily displaced to my mother-inlaws house for a bit while my kitchen was being renovated.

Right now my basement is being fixed (yes - it has been months). I have never been so excited to be able to use a room again. I love the freedom of going into my cave to work on my products. I also love being able to watch a show while I piece together things, iron or cut. Just the banter and noise in the background is somewhat soothing, making it more fun and less work like.

I hope to have my workspace ready to go next week! Merry Christmas to me!!

the landscaping is done... kind of

| at 10:04 AM

Alright, last I posted the landscaping was underway. Well as of last week it was done. Now just to fix a few problems here and there (minor tweeks) and find out where the water is coming from.

YES you read correctly.. where the water is coming from.

Last night while I was sewing up a storm in the basement I heard the drip, drip drip of a leak. I looked behind me and saw that there was water dripping down from the ceiling. Quickly we tore away the ceiling to find that it was coming from the front wall of our house.. around the bay window.

Why was water coming in? We're not sure.. but we've been watering our new sod pretty hardcore. They put new earth in our flower bed below the baywindow. We're thinking that they may have put it to high allowing water to get in just above the foundation wall.

Either way it has put a damper on our joy of curb appeal (and less dangerous walkway)

This has also shut down my office space temporarily... much to my disapointment.

BOOO!

Giveaway Alert - Flair for Fabric

| at 9:39 AM

Sophie at Flair for Fabric is having an amazing giveaway ending tomorrow at Midnight (Aug 30th 12am EDT)

She is giving away a kit to make this GORGEOUS Sydney Euro Hoodie dress. You should definetly head over there right now and sign up before you forget. She supplies you with everything you need including all the scrumptious fabrics from the new Mezzanine collection. They are sooooo pretty (I just ordered Flair's Fat Quater sets) you will die when you see them.

Why am I sharing this knowledge with you when you can bump me from my winning spot??? I'm not really sure, I'm just sure it is something you will NOT want to miss out on!! She chooses the winner by using a random number generator.

Check out her blog entry and enter right away: http://blog.flairforfabric.com

BTW: She's also having a back to school sale until Sept 15th. The sale is as follows.. 10% off all orders of $50 and over (including her clearance section!!) just use coupon code: btschool10on50 on checkout.

Check out the store: http://flairforfabric.com/

I LOVE her store - She is a pleasure to do business with!

Landscaping part deux

| at 10:34 AM

Well I'm starting to visualize what my front entryway is going to look like once this project is done. The bottoms of the walls are being banged in, levelled and placed and things are starting to move! Maybe it will be done by the beginning of next week? hmmm.. doubtful, but I'm hoping :D

ps.. my neighbor behind me is starting to paint their vinyl again. Last year left it painted only to about 10ft above ground level. Leaving the back of the house 2 colors (beige & grey) the sides grey and the front 2 colors also (an atrocious mix of yellow & grey). Hideous..

Moms Rock the Economy!

| at 7:52 AM

Have you heard about this site yet? Its a site where fellow moms & mom entrepreneurs make a pledge to support one another. How cool is that??

Well they are having a huge Twitter launch party on September 17th from 5-8pm PST and giving away prizes left right and center (I think 1 every 10 mins!!). You have to be in attendance to win, so figure out someone else to prep your dinner for the family so you can be around :)

Check out their site:

http://www.momsrocktheeconomy.com/

If you want to contribute a prize contact or have your store listed on the page contact: kelly@childhoodclothing.com

Mayhem on Cedarwood..

Labels: construction, landscaping, walkway | at 9:46 AM

Hey ~

It's not very often I write about myself, but there is quite a bit happening over here at the moment. We've planned two huge projects for the year - the first being our front landscaping, second being our kitchen (to be done late October).

So the landscaping work finally started yesterday after many delays due to our MISERABLE summer weather (BOOO!!). OMG - I didn't realize it was going to be so disruptive to my lifestyle. We have NO front lawn (we are regrading it), we've taken out many small/mangy bushes and are replacing them, and worst of all there is no access to the front door (thankfully there is the garage door). Our garage door is open full time so the workers can access the hose & freezer for the food/beverages, so I'm not so comfortable leaving the house for extended trips with the kids.

I'm not even sure if the mailman (or woman - a vacation sub) will want to deliver my mail (I wouldn't).. hopefully she'll leave it at the garage for me (crossing fingers). I have lots of goodies coming this week and don't want to miss it - one being a fabric for an order on hold.

I can't wait for it to be done! It will be so BEAUTIFUL! yay!

I'm rockin' a new idea.. items of the day!

| at 6:03 AM

Good morning to all my followers.. here's a little incentive to follow me on Twitter.. I'll be posting items of the day on a discount. Enjoy the savings? Why not purchase another item and save on shipping?

My first item of the day is the subdued coaster set in Erin McMorris's Wildwood fabric of Forest in green. It is beautiful & classical.. it might not stand out in the sea of wild popping colors of my store, but it is truly one of my favorites!

Happy Shopping!!

Cozy Coasters

| at 7:00 AM

Hey everyone! Its a beautiful day here in Montreal. I've been sitting outside enjoying popsicles with the kids (mmmmm... and yes it is only 10am)

Well I've been concentrating my biz lately to focus mainly on comfort items... eye pillows (mmm dreamy) and coasters (ahhhhh... coffee/tea). This is not to say I'm not interested in other items. These are just the things that I've been whipping up lately.

I've been contemplating wether or not to sell my coasters in sets of two or four. I'm worried that sets of four might price wise be a little daunting.. maybe people would rather in sets of two so they can mix & match, or maybe they only do coffee with one friend? Maybe I should offer both? Any thoughts would be appriciated.

Well heres to summer - which seems to be here (at last)!!!!

Cheers,

Tara

Pillow Madness!

| at 9:14 AM

So I finally got around to working on a project for myself and I'm so happy and excited with the results. My husband even loved it??!! Weird, usually he couldn't care less or questions me about how much it cost him (LOL).

Anyhow, these fab pillow covers were a cinch to make, totally sparked up the room and were made in gorgeous fabric which I ordered months ago, but was afraid to cut.

If you need any advice on how to make these envelope pillow covers just check out this site:

http://sew4home.com/projects/pillows-cushions/343-patio-party-sunny-toss-pillows

for great fabric (such as the prints I used)

www.flairforfabric.com

Little Man Friday

| at 5:23 AM

You may notice that my little guy is always absent from my postings. This is because he is always plagued with bruises, bumps, misquito bites (turn into welts).. Yesterday I caught some real cutesy pictures of him while he was cuddling with his sister.

Eye Pillow Madness!

Labels: eye pillows | at 11:28 AM

I uploaded 5 new eye pillow styles this morning to both my stores. I wont be posting any more eye pillows until next week due to a lack in supplies (I'm awaiting my next shipment of lavender)

I just LOVE the Erin McMorris ones. I was slow to love the Wildwood collection, but now I can not get enough of it! (more to come!)

Here's a glimpse

Featured Artist - Hansen Soap Co

| at 3:52 AM

A few months back I had to find out what all the buzz was about Hansen Soap Co. Quite a few of my friends were using her products, and I constantly saw people asking to pick up her products on her Facebook wall. I decided to stray from my very boring, brown bag, cardboard box soap lifestyle and buy something yummy and exciting (NOT Irish Spring).

My first purchase blew me out of the water - it was a Lemon Patchouli bar - I got out of the shower and my husband was all over me! He couldn't stop sniffing me!! He asked me what it was that I was wearing, and I told him it was the soap. He quickly excused me from taking up further room in the shower with the extra bar of soap (we have two kids - think multiple shampoos, conditioners, soaps for all involved)

Since then I have tried many of her soaps and creations - however my all time favorites are her soaps & tropical butter creams. I have been a staple on her front step, my daughter even recognizes the house when we pull up. She has wonderful scents, beautiful soaps and your skin will thank you for it (and your significant other!)

Her storefront at Artfire is just great for all users - you don't even have to be a registered Artfire member to buy! How great is that??? Just select what you want and pay.

I've known Kris for years - high school really - she's an incredibly talented and creative girl. If you ever have something custom you wish for her to create just send her a message. She's a whiz. I'm very lucky to count her as a friend!

Check her out:

http://www.artfire.com/users/hansensoapco

Tara

BoutiqueKarma

Preview time... MidWest Modern

| at 11:10 AM

Here are a few of my pillow cases in MidWest Modern coming to my store tomorrow! I'd have them in today, but I'm out of time for filling & sewing my aromatherapy eye pillows.

Enjoy the 'lil preview!

Boutique Karma Aromatherapy Eye Pillows

| at 8:03 AM

I finally posted my eye pillows on Etsy yesterday. They were a long time in the making.. I think of them more as an item to share more than an item to sell.

You see I suffer from migraines, and after years of pregnancies, breastfeeding I haven't been able to take my 'heavy hitters' - and honestly they don't agree with me either. I am no use to my family after taking an immitrex, codeine gives me horrible side affects.

So I developed these eye pillows - made with flax seed (great for hot or cold), lentils & 1/3 c of organic lavender. They even come with a fancy slip cover to wash when needed. I'll probably release a line of replacement covers to change up the styles or replace badly eyeliner/mascara stained pillowcases.

Honestly, they are divine. I love it just for relaxing, headaches, or for sleep aid. Last night the dog and child had me up all night, when 5 am rolled around I was wired, I pulled my eye pillow out of the freezer and cuddled up with it and fell asleep shortly after.

They can also be used for bruises, bumps, sinus pain, sachet in your drawer..

Working on a new set use Amy Butlers Mid West Modern this afternoon. New pics to follow!!

Del Hi - Complete & Listed

| at 10:41 AM

I finally found 5 mins to complete the sewing on the Del Hi casserole carrier. It is now up and available in my etsy store! It is breath taking.. honestly. I'm glad I made two, I just might keep one for myself :)

Girls night

| at 10:03 PM

with extreme exhaustion I must tell you I had an incredible evening. My husband was out at a bachelor party and I had an evening with the girls! We ate yummy food, my daughter had a play friend over, we giggled and had fun. Good times - I should try and do it more often.

I feel like I should be sewing right now, but I would only make errors and need my seam ripper.

Now it is time for sleep.. yawn.

Sneak Preview

| at 11:16 AM

New Delhi Casserole Carrier

coming soon to my etsy shop!

my girly girl

| at 11:05 AM

This is my sweetheart who absolutely loves the colors Pink & Purple. A few weeks ago I purchased the Mendocino FQ bundle from FlairforFabric. Being a total girly girl I knew that they would be hers, somehow.

I've made a few placemats for her (just scroll down), however I had promised to make her a couple of headbands. So here we are.. one Mendocino FQ makes a placemat (backed with another fabric) and 1 pretty headband.

I used a freebie pattern found on Heather Bailey's website (adult, child & baby sizes)

http://www.heatherbaileydesign.com/Headband.html

*note: for personal use only :)

Total cutie style & easy to make.

all packed up and ready to go

| at 10:23 AM

Well, its been a slow start on Etsy.. however I opened my email the other day to a suprise order! They are now packaged up, in the envelope and ready to go.

I've been feeling a lot more positive recently towards my store. I've had items featured on IndieNorth, a few spots in treasuries, updated my store's image, as well as purchased an advertising spot.

Lets hope that this sale is a sign that things will start moving in my store!

Thanks again to IndieNorth for all the support!

check her out at :www.indienorth.com

Mendocino Placemats

| at 10:44 AM

These are two little placemats that I whipped up for my daughter using the Mendocino Fat Quarter bundle purchased from www.flairforfabric.com.

My daughter is OBSESSED with the colors pink & purple - and mermaids, so what could be more fitting than this collection?? I still have two more to do, but I wanted to post the results.

Tara

p.s. Sydney quickly reminded me upon seeing them that she wants me to make her a headband using the scraps.

my mom - my teacher/mentor

| at 5:27 AM

A couple of weeks ago SnugNluv sent me a cute charm quilt - which was really funny because I had recently contemplated trying a quilt. You see my mother, as far back as I can remember has always been a quilter. In fact growing up I swore that I would NEVER, EVER be a sewer/quilter. I guess I can eat crow now.

I'm just showing two examples of some wall hangings my mother has given me- Geisha Girls was given to me for my engagement. It is GORGEOUS, huge and all hand sewn. The detail work is incredible as my mom hand stitched around the outline of every single butterfly. Unfortunately, because of its position in my hallway I can't get a full shot.

Also is my turtle wall hanging.. I love the colors and simplicity of this one. Although I imagine it is WAY beyond my skill level (0). So pretty and calming.

I just wanted to share.

Tara

My mom purchased me a quilting kit for my birthday.. she is going to start coaching me. I'm pretty excited for these lessons to start. She bought a Christmas Tree Skirt kit, we figure this will give me enough time to complete it :)
http://www.connectingthreads.com/Fabric/Twilight+Frost+Tree+Skirt+Kit_KD2194.HTML

Its been awhile.. I'm back and ready to go!!

| at 12:51 PM

Its been awhile since my last posting.. mommyhood took the front burner for awhile and all my sewing was forgotten.

Now I'm ready to go again. Little guy (now 16 months) is slowly starting to sleep his nights again. The dog is starting to party less in the middle of the night. This leaves me a tad less burnt out after 8pm. This means I can use a few hours in the evening to relax and have some 'me' time.

I've also decided that right now I'm going to focus more on home & houseware projects. This seems to be what I truly enjoy. I love picking fabrics that I want to see around my home.. it seems to be a little bit of an obsession recently.

If you see any item on my etsy page that you would like - just in another fabric - please convo me. We can always find you something personal.

I've been ordering all my fabrics exclusively from www.flairforfabric.com OR www.flairforfabric.etsy.com , so if there is a fabric there which you would prefer please let me know. Of course there will be extra time needed to receive the special fabric for your custom order.

Mother's day gifts

| at 10:17 PM

I was sewing up a storm once my husband (yes gasp!) fixed my sewing machine this evening. I finished the clutch/cosmetic bag (for my mother in law) and a hot mat w/quilted coasters for my mom & nana.

My mother & mother in law are also getting awesome custom scented creams from HansenSoapCo. (http://www.hansensoapco.etsy.com/)

I'm really happy with what I was able to pound out this evening.

Special Order Casserole Cover

| at 6:59 PM

I just had to show you pictures of my custom order Casserole Cover! It was ordered for a mother's day gift. They are made with Thermo Lam heat resistant batting in order to keep your food warm longer AND protect the surfaces of your table, counter, etc. The coordinating pot holders have a double layer of this batting - I use them also on my dinning room table as hot mats.

Think of Casserole Covers as designer, custom bags for your food! They are reversible and beautiful.

If you wish to make a custom order just Convo me on Etsy, Twitter or here on my blog to discuss fabric tastes.

ps..

I have a few small pieces for fabric left over - I'm thinking they will look cute as mini coasters and sachets.

HAPPY ETSY DAY!

| at 6:52 AM

Check out Etsy today - lots of great and unique handmade goods. Also fab supplies for all your crafting and sewing needs.

Join today! Just tell them I sent you... boutiquekarma

New Hot Mat Coaster COMBO

| at 5:45 AM

My newest and favorite Hot Mat coaster combo..

Beautiful sunflower print by Valori Wells.. all coasters are slightly different, hot mat is smashingly pretty. It is such a lovely set to use when having company or for day to day indulgence.

I almost want to keep it for myself.. but that could be said about all my items!!

a BIG thank you to Studio Graphics!

Workspace - a new renewal!

the landscaping is done... kind of

Giveaway Alert - Flair for Fabric

Landscaping part deux

Moms Rock the Economy!

Mayhem on Cedarwood..

I'm rockin' a new idea.. items of the day!

Cozy Coasters

Pillow Madness!

Little Man Friday

Eye Pillow Madness!

Featured Artist - Hansen Soap Co

Preview time... MidWest Modern

Boutique Karma Aromatherapy Eye Pillows

Del Hi - Complete & Listed

Girls night

Sneak Preview

my girly girl

all packed up and ready to go

Mendocino Placemats

my mom - my teacher/mentor

Its been awhile.. I'm back and ready to go!!

Mother's day gifts

Special Order Casserole Cover

HAPPY ETSY DAY!

New Hot Mat Coaster COMBO

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