Project Focus Changes

Its Monday everyone!

The most hated day of the week.

How do you handle your "Case of the Mondays"?

Here's how I plan to handle mine from now on. Monday = Blog Day.

For those that know me, you all know I'm a grouchy blogger. Where else would I find all this snarkiness? In order to keep my household a happy one, when my hubbs leaves for class on Monday nights- I blog.

Now I promised you some changes and most of you have stuck with me through the "family posts", your patience will be rewarded. Now prior to the pregnancy discovery I was already considering moving in this direction, so now I have the perfect excuse.

Mrs. Abby Normal, ME, is changing its focus to PlusSize & Maternity Style. 

Why??

How about some brutal honesty? I am (before baby bump) bordering one that very fine line between the women's and plus size department. I am the average size of women in America. Ladies, this is why we have a hard time buying everything from jeans to lingerie! And imagine adding pregnancy to the challenge- forget about it.   I know before we got pregnant I hated shopping period, but the day my mom took me maternity shopping was agony. My typical clothing shopping means hitting the PlusSize department followed by the Women's department, then finally the Juinor's Department in hopes of finding something that fits my style and my body. This doesn't happen often. PlusSize is usually slightly to big everywhere except my chest. Women's kinda  fit but involve a lot of mixing, matching, and accessorizing to minimize the frumpiness. And the Junior's XL/XXL rarely fit but when they do they always hang funny. My body is no longer shaped like a tween (was it ever shaped like that).  But this, ladies is the problem, our bodies are not shaped the way designers think they should be- trust me I know. 

When I was in school we had 2 options when learning to pattern, make sloppers to fit us or the standard size form. I choose the form, because it was easier to learn and adjust on. When I did competitions the models we had to design for were the same standard size- anyone care to guess what that size is??? Size 8!! Can you F*cking believe it? Do you know what the average size of women in america?? 

Size 14 (my size is 12/14).

  Ok now before I completely lose my temper, lets reel it back in. Tangent over- for now. We can discuss mainstream fashion and why fashion makes us hate our selves until we are blue in the face, but it wont change anything. We, normal people have to figure out style for ourselves. 

Ladies pinterest does nothing for your confidence or your happy self image.

When we discovered I was I became glued to pinterest searching the words maternity fashion/ pregnancy style. And do you know what I discovered- hundreds of blogs by the cutest LITTLE tiny moms-to-be.

Where are the curvy mom blogs? Have we become to ashamed to post our pictures on our blogs- no! They post all those damn pictures on facebook. And worse it, most are with a duck face wearing underware. 

Enough is Enough!

So my new challenge, my New Year's Resolution if you will, is to document my struggle and bring your tips, tricks and projects that will take you from AVERAGE to Maternity and back again.

From now until I squeeze a human out of my body, I will blog about my clothes and style (not stretch marks, hemorrhoids, or cankles). I can not guarantee I will be stylish everyday (otherwise the ppl I work with will tell on me) but I will post the good and the bad.

My goal this year is to make a difference- with others and myself. 

So feel free to ask questions, leave comments and follow along this crazy journey.

Until next week,

Later Taters 

teaching...

i got the job...

knowing that i like to be busy and that i am constantly working on something new will not surprise any of you. so when the opportunity arose for me to add to my ever growing resume, of course i took it. in addition to working freelance designing costumes, alterations, my etsy, craft shows and my semi stable part time job, i will be teaching sewing classes at Joann Fabrics in Mt. Juliet. its close to home, its my community, it's kids... what more can i ask for- right?

Joann's in Providence Shopping Center has classes for all ages and interests. they also do a open house every couple of months for those interested to meet the instructors and see the projects offered
 the next open house will be December 1st from 1-3pm.
here is the link for anyone interested ...
Joann Class Home Page
Kids Studio Classes
class flyer's

for now i am the teen and kids sewing instructor.
the teen classes will feature things like pjs, jackets, purses, and even some home interior projects.
the kids studio classes (8 and up) will teach kids how to make jackets, pillows, blankets, pjs, and book bags.
no matter what age group, these are great projects to teach kids independent sewing both by hand and machine. in each age group there are classes at different levels from beginners to advanced level. and each class is geared to teach a specific skill.
if you cant tell already, i am super excited. i love to sew. and when you love something you want everyone to love it too.
since the class schedule changes every 2 months i will update regularly on the projects and whats coming up.
This could be a great Christmas present, after school project, or even a productive winter break babysitter!!! -mommy and daddy movie date anyone???

for Dec. i will be teaching the following 3 classes...

Headtime Story: Kids Sewing 101. $35- one 3-hr session
pillow case, contrasting fabrics. teaches sewing machine basics, simple construction
Wed, December 19th.  2-5pm

Frosty Friends Fleece Blanket: Kids Sewing 102. $35- one 3-hr session
fleece blanket, hand sewing and embroidery
Thurs, December 20th. 2-5pm

Just My Style Bolero Jacket: Kids Sewing 301. $45 two 2-hr sessions
kids jacket. using pattern, adding trim
Sat, December 29th 10am-12pm
Sat, January 5th 10am-12pm

and remember i will be at Joann Fabrics in Providence December 1st from 1-3pm to show you the December projects!!!
don't those sound fun!! cant wait, hope to see you soon.

Last Chance Santa

since i figure i made a promise in my last blog.

i intend to keep it. not only am i back but i am bringing word of my next craft show.

if you've heard of Christmas village, you will love this. Last Chance Santa in Gallatin, Tn has all the perks of Christmas crafters, minus the pushing and rudeness!

 

i personally am sooooo excited about this show. and its only 9 days away!!!
free to admission, entertainment, food, shopping, door prizes, goodie bags, pictures with Santa....
the list goes on and on!
my favorite part about great, well put together shows like this one, is all the vendors. i will have the pleasure of meeting a ton of new people as well as seeing some of my new friends I met while participating in the Junk n the Trunk show in October.

this event has been sponsored by Sweet Tea & Shopping's Julia Proctor. and though we have not met in person, YET!!, she has done an amazing job thus far. i can not imagine the time, and energy it takes to put on an event of this size. give her a round of applause everyone. of course the only way to thank you is come shop, hint hint everyone!

Last Chance Santa will be held at the Depot Square Event Center in Gallatin, Tn.
on December 7th & 8th.
amoung the 50+ vendors will be
( of course Ella Dee and Stuff)

Cindi Renee Design

 

 

Seams Sew Wright

 

 

Just My Art by Amanda Baugher

 

 

Creative Carmella

 

 

and of course pictures with Santa by Chapman's Photography

 

 

now as these are only a smell few of the vendors, but to see any more you will have to visit

Sweet Tea and Shopping or come see us all at Last Chance Santa!!

 

until then HAPPY CRAFTING! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



AppleFest and Stuff...

ok party people...

clearly I didn't make my goal last week, so that means this week there will be twice as many posts- I promise to try to consolidate.

so let's get down to business, shall we...

first things first.

I have already announced our contest winner on facebook, but I thought it was time to let ya'll in on it too.  as you know I did a drawing at The Strawberry Patch Barn Sale and the winner happened to be none other than Junk n' the Trunk, owner Gina Gann. having met Gina only briefly at the Barn Sale, I learned that she has 2 sons and she was fairly certain they would not want one of my dolls, however she entered the drawing with hopes that she would win for herself. 

when I called to inform her she won, her excitement level was through the roof. when she calmed down, I was excited to find out that she lives and works in Gallatin where she owns a store called Junk n' the Trunk located on the square. Junk n' the Trunk, a store full of unique salvaged and restyled finds- including retro furniture, custom pieces, and unique gifts, as well as offering custom interior design and home staging. And soon, cross your fingers, they will be home to a few of my FrankenDolls!

Junk n' the Trunk is also a big part in the Occasions/5 Chefs & HomeTown MarketPlace in October, in which, yours truely will have a booth!! See Gina's Store and Facebook (link above) for tickets and more info.

but more on that later...

now on to AppleFest.

now if you follow me on Facebook : Ella Dee and Stuff, you probably already know I attended AppleFest in Lafayette, Tn last weekend. I was so happy to be apart of that welcoming little community for a day. The wonderful ladies at White House NursingHome did such a great job putting on this festival for their town. The day included local vendors, a live band, a provided lunch of beans and corn bread (it's a southern thing), and lots of Apples! I was fortunate enough to run into a dear friend of mine as well as several of my Strawberry Patch attendees. Thanks again ladies for all your hard work.

and now on to the pictures!

 **notice the awesome pink awning my hubbs found me!

New sign since the other one died in the storm at The Strawberry Patch.

 

I have decided that the red can-can must accompany me to all shows. Its like a bright red beacon to my booth! Plus everyone loves a good grandma story. (Thanks MeMe for never throwing anything away.)

  

Cabinet O' Monsters!

Bloody Man!!!

Little Mascots for my Creepy Side!

Everyone thought they were a couple!!!!

Thanks to the Hubbs for helping me out, instead of watching the game!

We kinda look like a UT family.

Candid Camera- Courtesy of the hubbs, hiding behind the trailer.

Thanks Trav.

Well that was last week, thanks again everyone.

Stay tuned for next week.

Until then, have fun, 

and stay creepy my friends!

a new start...

been away for a while, obviously. 

lots have been happening at the Comer house the last several months. but before I recap for all of you, let me explain what I mean by ... a new start. 

when I decided to start this blog in February, I thought it would be a good way to "catalog" my journey while starting my new business, but it felt more like pitching a new idea every week. and not even good ideas. so we-I am starting over. the goal: 3 posts a week. (probably all in one day, but what can you do) #1 will feature what has happened since the last post. #2 will focus on what is currently happening and what I have planned. And #3 will be personal- to remind me and all of you that I am a person not an advertisement. I have friends and family that want a break down of what we are doing, and not just work. 

what has been going on since April????

at the end of March, trav & i put an offer on our first house. after many many negotiations, appraisals, and fanny may repairs, we finally closed on our very own wonderfully ugly foreclosure!

since then... all I can say is "major rehab".

before renovations

 after demo

after appliances

 needless to say... we just got started. 

mid-august we finally got to move in. now we are still eating off paper plates, storing our clothes in garbage bags, and washing pots & pans in the "basement"- but we are loving every minute of it. our own home and its a beautiful thing!

we haven't had much time to work on the house since we moved in. trav spent 2 weeks straight fixing up our rental so we could hand that back over to the owners and the nights I wasnt working on it with him, I have been preparing for my very first "craft sale"!!!

last weekend I was part of The Strawberry Patch's Fall Barn Sale in Hartsville, Tn.

It WAS a BLAST!!!

definitely the best way to start in the craft fair circuit. I got to practice talking to customers, and promoting myself- not something I am good at doing. 

I also made some great friends.

Trish & Sara of Take Flight Crafties 

these girls gave me great advice and welcomed me with open arms!

they make the most incredible jewelry out of spoons and forks. the pieces are amazing and these girls are so passionate about creating something unique and one-of-a-kind pieces.

I hope we can work side by side again soon. 

craft fair: noun a fair at which objects made by craftsmen are offered for sale. 

call me a craftsman. 

i enjoyed the hell out of it.

working that show and talking to people- even the ones that had no interest in my booth; the husbands that just could not wait to get out of there, but loved their wives to much to sit at home in front of a game. 

i loved the smile on kids faces as they put my dolls in a death grip. and the humor on parents faces when they realized I sale zombies with bullet holes. 

saturday night as I sat across from my wonderful husband, at our favorite Chinese restaurant, I realized- maybe craft fairs are for me. 

to spend days creating something for others to love, laugh at, and even occasionally be disgusted was like a dream. 

its like a play. one in which I am the cast and crew.  

I guess we only can wait and see what the future holds. mine currently holds andother sale at the end of the week, a nephew weeks from entering the world, a opera to design and my 2nd wedding anniversery.

until next time, ladies and gents. 

Don't Forget to Check Under the Bed.

"They're creepy and they're kooky,

Mysterious and Spooky,

They're all together ooky,

The Franken Monster Series!"

These Franken Monster are loveable and hugable and come in so many sizes it will make you shiver; from pocket to suitcase size!

Made of 100% cotton, they are even washable.

Each monster has hand embrodiered face and button eyes.

**If intended for an infant, please message me to avoid the purchase of toys with small parts.

Keep following to see more Creepy Crawlers!

Fleamarket Celebration

Like any true Southern Gentleman, Corbin Jay arrived early. In fact, this cute red headed baby boy arrived the same weekend as his carefully planned baby shower, multi pass and all. So in lieu of proceeding  with the shower, we decided to reschedule the baby shower until a later date. Showers after a baby is born are so much more fun- you get play the pass the baby game!

As you know, I love throwing parties and showers. So of course when my cousin announced she was expecting, my mother and I jumped at the chanced to play hostess- minus the creepy baby games (oh you know the ones). We decided against a traditional theme, and planned a flea-marketish/ tea shower. And why not, Corbin is here, its not like we had to announce "it's a boy". 

Mom tackled the food; serving yummy finger foods out of carefully mismatched china and I handled decorations, DUH!

As far as baby showers go, all you really need are invites, food, and a few simple decorations to coordinate with your theme or color selections. Since we chose to skip the theme, a hand-crafted banner, a few flowers, and a Diaper Cake.

DECORATIONS-something used for decorating;  adornment; embellishment

  In, February, to prepare for the original shower date, I set myself to the task of making shower decorations. The dreaded diaper cake (insert scream!!), you either love it or hate it. With something that has so many possibilities, you probably like me, feel both ways. I was determined to create one with simplistic lines and clean curves- to make it as cake-like as possible. 

Instead of rolling each diaper separately, I wrapped them around each other in hopes of having a fondant feel. Then using ribbons of different widths and colors, I covered the rubber bands holding each diaper. Finally adding some simple foam animals I found at a local craft store finished the cake. Simple really, just takes a couple hours and some patience. 

Next the banner. Although cutting out letters and hanging crepe paper is perfectly fine and super easy- it only last a day or two. 

And that's just not my way! Instead I made something that not only can be used again and again, but new mom's can't live without.

BIBS!

With a few yards of material, a bib pattern, and a little time, I made 30 bibs! 

Yes 30! What can i say once you get in the zone, it's hard to stop. As you can imagine 30 bibs will stretch a long way (LITERALLY). Using some simple grass string and tiny clothes pins (left over from my wedding),

 VUALA!

The Perfect Baby Shower Banner!

 (some shower pictures!)

I have to say I loved every minute of the shower. But for those who of you who don't consider themselves creative people or don't have the time to create a one of a kind and truly memorable shower, never fear help is here! There are people like me every where, people who not only love creating these parties but do it for a living. Call a party planner or better yet ME!

Alright people, here's is this weeks sales pitch!

Shower in a Box.
No, not soap and shampoo kind of shower. I'm talking the 3 B's; baby, bridal, and bachelorette! If you want a custom shower, but don't have the time or energy to design a creative, custom, and exclusively "yours" shower, that's where I come in.
Each box will include:
invites, decorations, and guest favors. with added options like: an honoree gift, thank you notes, food decorations,and wearable decor for the whole party!
all boxes are put together and exclusivly designed for you. Prices vary based on box requests.

franken dolls

Here is something new and exciting for all of you. Our first featured item has arrived!

 FRANKEN DOLLS!

They are weird. They are cuddly. They are colorful. And they are really excited to go home with you.

 

 (here are some of the dolls soon to be on sale @ ellaFRANKENdee )

Inspired by voodoo dolls, these dolls are unique in more ways than one. Each doll is made one at a time, so no two dolls are alike. The fabric used in their faces and arms have been hand dyed using black tea; look closely and you will see a swirl of color that cannot be reproduced. Black stitching is hand applied along seams and mouth, and gives a sweet but spooky look.

All dolls are 100% handmade by me in a smoke free home.

Every doll has a hand painted face, button eyes, and fleece hair. With a 100% cotton body, they are filled with premium polyester fiberfill. Spot clean only; if machine washing cannot be avoided, wash separately and tumble low. 

Ordering dolls are easy! Just click the link above and pick yourself out on you like. *Dolls contain small parts (buttons). If you are intending on purchasing for an infant please message me via etsy to order one without hand stitching and buttons.

Remember every week I will be posting about our featured item, and what I'm working on for next week!

let the creativity explode...

True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist.
-albert einstein

Art can be characterized in too many ways to explain. And everyone looks art in different ways. Some consider classical painting true art; others photography or fashion. I consider true art the feeling you get when you create something incredibly unique and release it into the world.
(exit soapbox)

What I create, in a way, is my ART.

ellaFRANKENdee is my heartfelt art. And I release it into the world for you.

The newest addition to Ella Dee is finally here.

This extension of Ella Dee will feature handmade toys with an odd twist. Each week I will be blogging about the featured item and what I've been working on that week.
 Later day we will be opening our Etsy and every week we will be adding new and exciting items to our store.