I obviously love bragging about my super talented friends…and with the creation of her new website (!!!) okay, and because she named one of her designs after me (in UGA colors, no less!!) I thought I’d introduce everyone to my dear, sweet friend Krissy Sternberg…..for the second time…

Krissy & I have been friends for many years and she’s always been one of the most creative and industrious women in my life.  I’m thrilled to be able to promote her new venture, Sweet Sienna Designs. I hope you’ll check out her Etsy shop (as well as her new website!!)  and spread the word about her adorable handmade headbands!

Sweet Sienna Designs
Krissy Sternberg
Specialty: custom headbands, handmade appliqués

Hello e.Claire creations readers!  My name is Krissy Sternberg and I’m a new mom to a darling baby girl, Sienna.  I lived in Atlanta for eight years, until my Prince Charming (Charlie) whisked me away to Orlando, Florida.  I started making cute headband creations when it became pretty obvious that my baby would be “bald and beautiful” for quite some time.  Other mommies started asking where I’d found her headbands which sparked a business idea…and here I am today!  Sweet Sienna Designs are all handmade and each one is unique.  I enjoy the challenge of making a custom headband for different outfits – or even school colors (Go Gators!).  I like working with fleece and felt and adore vintage and funky buttons.  My Etsy site is up and running and I am scheduled to attend a couple of art shows this spring.  Fun! 
My etsy site: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetSiennaDesigns
My website: www.sweetsiennadesigns.com
I can be contacted at: sweetsiennadesigns@yahoo.com

Of course, I do mean that literally. It didn’t take much deliberation for me to decide who I wanted to stand by my side on my wedding day. From my big sis, to girls I’ve been blessed to call my friend since high school, college and beyond, to my new sister-in-law, they are each special to me in their own special way. While it didn’t take much thought as to who my bridesmaids would actually be, I did put a lot of consideration into how I would ask each of them. I wanted to do something special, something as unique as they are, and of course, I had to find a way to indulge in crafts in the process.

Here’s what I came up with. I can’t take any credit for the original idea. I found a post on Once Wed and pretty much adopted the concept. Here’s the original post: http://www.oncewed.com/16446/diy-blog/diy/diy-bridesmaids-cards/

I actually started working on them a couple of weeks ago and had carefully cut out 36 tiny green dresses for them to wear…and then I went shopping with a few of my ‘maids and they fell in love with a yellow bridesmaids dress. Fair enough, they’re wearing the dress; they can have whichever color they want! A cold and rainy weekend allowed me the time to finish the project, complete with yellow dresses and personalized hair color!

It took me the better part of an entire day to make these little girls, but judging by the reaction I’m getting as each of my bridesmaids receives them, they were worth every bit of effort.

I am fortunate to have very creative and artistic friends. They are incredibly talented and I want the world (ok, we’ll start with the city) to see their creations, so I’m starting a ’local artist spotlight’ feature on this little blog of mine. I hope you enjoy learning about these talented women…by supporting them; you’re investing in real art, handcrafted pieces made with love,  while contributing less to the forces of mass production. Join the handmade movement!

 www.buyhandmade.org/why-buy-handmade 

For my very first local artist spotlight, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Project K. Project K is comprised of a dynamic duo of sisters, Kathy Carlisle and Karen Graham. Both are extremely talented and really know how to work a sewing machine. As sisters and friends, they collaborate and draw inspiration from each other. However, since their talents are so varied, I feel they each deserve an individual spotlight.

Ladies and Gents, it’s my pleasure to introduce Karen Graham.  

Project K
Karen Graham
Specialty: embroidery, hand-stitching 

I have always been fond of using items for different purposes than which they were originally designed.  I would rip up a sweater to make a purse or merge two items of clothing into one unique piece.  The greatest appeal to me about making new things is that no one else will have anything exactly like it. 

Making pillows, I discovered, was a quick way for me to make an item to display my latest embroidery design.  Nearly every scrap of material that I use in making pillows had a previous use; I hardly ever go to a store just to buy new fabrics. 

I’m originally from Mississippi, so I named Project K’s embroidery niche, Missi.stitch.i as a tribute to my home state. Currently, you can find my creations at two boutiques in Atlanta; Green Pomegranate in the Virginia-Highlands and Star Provisions in West Midtown. I am currently showcasing my Valentine’s Day line and will have more pillows for upcoming holidays, including Easter and the spring season.

All of my pillows can be made to suit my clients’ individual tastes. I love making custom orders and will happily create gifts for birthdays, baby showers, housewarmings, weddings, holidays, etc.  If you’re interested in placing an order or just have questions in general, feel free to email me at missi.stitch.i.karen@gmail.com

goodies for the gift baskets

words of encouragement

the finished baskets!

Crafty Chicks

For more information on how to help battered women in Atlanta visit: www.wrcdv.org

My grandmother passed away this weekend. Her health had been failing for a while. Fortunately, we were given enough notice to spend some time with her. For much of the afternoon the whole family filled her hospice room and consoled each other, taking turns to be at her bedside and speak to her in soothing voices.

At one point it was advised that we actually eat something, so my parents walked across the street and brought back food. We sat around makeshift tables and as we ate dinner our conversation drifted away from the sadness of the day. At one point, my sister made a joke and the room filled with our laughter. At this very moment, she looked over at Nanna and noticed that the color was leaving her face and that she was slipping away. We all gathered around her bed and held her hands and smoothed her hair and told her how much we loved her and how much happiness she had brought into our lives. She passed away peacefully and with us by her side. It was an incredible experience. I will forever be grateful that I was able to share that moment with her.

Knowing my Nanna and the way she cared for all of us, I have no doubt that she was waiting until she knew we would be okay without her. As long as we were fussing about, in tears and struggling to comfort each other, she wasn’t going anywhere. I truly believe that when she heard us laughing and feeling more comfortable in the moment, she knew that it was okay to leave us.  

There are so few people in the world with the compassionate spirit that my Nanna had. For that reason, I am so very sad for our loss. But my heart is filled with joy for her. She is experiencing her first few days in heaven, reuniting with  loved ones, no longer plagued with a feeble body and aging mind. For eternity, she will rest comfortably and reap the rewards of her selfless life on earth.

Anna Morley

as a radio personality in college

Anna & Frank Morley

Anna Callahan Morley, forever in our hearts.