Thursday, December 27, 2012

Merry Ho Ho!

Merry Christmas & a very Happy New Year!!
 
 
Thank you to EVERYONE for an amazing year.  I wish all the best for all of you in 2013.
 
 
A special thank you to my Mom, my family, my boyfriend and friends for supporting me during this very crazy year. I'm starting to think...is it ever NOT crazy?
 
 
I hope Santa was good to all of you, and you got what you needed and what you asked for. It's been one heck of a year.  I hope I continue to make things you enjoy,  and inspire you to do something you love, just as much as I love doing this.
 
I want to dedicate this past years successes to Millie.  Just wasn't the same Christmas without you.
 
Here are some of my holiday pics. 
 
 
The coolest bookmark I've ever seen, oh and some stuffing being made for Christmas Dinner :)

 
My boyfriend and his very particular present wrapping

 
Mom knows me well..a pin cushion and pins.  You can never have enough!

 
Thank you for another amazing year. 
 
 
Stay tuned in the next couple days for my sleeping mask tutorial!
 
XOXO
 
 
 


Friday, December 21, 2012

Pillow Perfection

I wanted to share with you this awesome piece that a customer finished.  She ordered the pillow and later chose lyrics to write on it.  It turned out awesome! The pillow case is a perfect neutral colour and the buttons from The Hickory Tree finish it off just right.  You can find any size and colour you could possibly want.  They are so versitile and add the perfect pop to any item. 
 
 
 


 
I think she did an amazing job and love the pictures she sent me after!
 
 
Here is something else I used the buttons on:
 
 
It worked perfectly with the pop of coral.  Plus, how cute is that bird sitting on the back of the elephant!?
 
 
The last couple of weeks have been busy.  I've kind of put my shop on the back burner while I concentrate on work and getting all my shopping done.  I have been working on some new inventory that I can't wait to get up on the shop. 
 
Well, only a couple short days until Christmas.  I've been working hard getting all my gifts done and wrapped.  Now I'm just excited for everyone to open them!
 
Hope you get the time to relax over the holidays.  I'll talk to you all on Tuesday to wish you a Merry Christmas.  Until then, enjoy the selection of great Christmas movies on TV. 
 
 
XOXO
 
 

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Sleep Well My Darlings..

 
 
The countdown is officially on! Only a short 10 days until Christmas.  I'm suprised to say that I've made a nice little dent in my Christmas shopping.  I don't usually find myself saying this so many days before.
 
 
I'm excited to start over fresh in January.  I'm going to really work on myself.  I think that's a good resolution.  I'm also going to put a lot more focus into my business, make a couple of changes I think.  Maybe tackle some goals I have for HASinspiration.  I have so many ideas for some inventory and I can't WAIT to start them.  All I wanted this to be was a hobby where I simply kept up with my inventory and worked on it once in awhile.   From all the success and support I've had from this, I want to take that and just run with it as fast as I can.
 
 
Sometimes, I'm sitting at work and all of a sudden -- ideas pop into my head. It takes everything I have to not grab my purse and jump into the car.  So when work ends, you can usually find me plopped down at my sewing machine, working away.  Sometimes those ideas don't work out..but sometimes I'm so in love with the result that I have to keep working.  If I could sew in my sleep, I probbaly would.  This is exactly what happened early this week..and idea popped into my head and I ran with it.  I am SOOOO in love with these guys that I haven't stopped making them since I first sat down.  The possibilities are endless.
 
 




 
Sleeping masks!! There is a little bit of something for everyone.  I got thinking to myself that something like this would be perfect for your bridesmaids! Think about it...it's the perfect gesture after they've been working away to make sure that your special day is just right.  Plus, it's a great way to use up that extra fabric you have lying around.  I'm even thinking of doing a tutorial on these bad boys, they are so easy! I'm in love with every single one of them, they turned out exactly how I wanted them too, which doesn't always happen.  They aren't up for sale just yet but stay tuned! If you have any inquiries, I'd be happy to make some up special just for you.
 
I really hope you like them! Maybe you can catch some extra shut eye to keep up with the hustle and bustle of this time of the year. 
 
 
 
Now for some easy listening on this lovely morning..

XOXO

Friday, December 7, 2012

2012

The year is coming to an end.  For the past couple of days, I've been thinking "WHERE the heck did the year go!?"  Maybe you are reflecting on the year that you had, maybe you aren't.  I think that it is important to reflect on what you accomplished and what you didn't.  Maybe you can move those things forward to 2013.  Personally for me, 2012 can frig off.  Straight up.  I was browsing the web this morning and I came across this saying...I couldn't have put it any better myself.  When times get tough, you have to remember that it all happens for a reason.
 
What's in store for you next year?? Do you have any resolutions? 
 
I plan to expand my business.  It's been a great year for business, especially at this time of the year.   I've said this before, but I never thought I'd be here right now.  I'm going to be adding new items to my inventory and expanding my horizons, so to speak.  I can't wait to bring new textures and colours into my shop.
 
It was also that time of the year for the always amazing One of a Kind Show.  It's amazing to see what people can create and it's very inspiring.  I came back with a few ideas of my own, and obviously re-sparked my dream to one day be apart of it.  We spent the day bouncing from vendor to vendor and enjoying all the new things out this year.  I picked up a new pillow and I am just in love with it.  It's the perfect touch to my bedroom. 
 
I decided earlier this year that I wanted to support handmade for Christmas 2012.  I am trying to buy and make as many handmade gifts as I can.  It just makes it that much more personal.  I'm not the only one thinking this! My yoga eye pillows with lavender have been a huge hit this season! So on that note, I decided to take up knitting.  Unfortunatley I can't tell you just yet what it will be, I don't want to spoil the suprise! I'll have to show you after I give it as the gift!   Here is the beginning of it;
 
I'm already in love with it, and thanks to my mom for taking the time to show me.  And then taking the time to take it apart and fix my rather big mistakes.  OOPS!  O well, practice makes perfect.
 
Hope your Christmas Shopping is going well! There is still time to stop by HASinspiration and pick out some pretties for someone special in your life.
 
 
XOXO
 
 

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Dear Santa + Preview

Have you started Christmas shopping? I haven't. I'm the person you see rushing around at 8:30 pm on Christmas Eve tying up some loose ends.  I have to buy for about 10 people, not including the little gifts I'll get for my coworkers.  I have 1 gift and 1 on the way..horrible, right? It doesn't help that I'm extremely indecisive.  "Maybe he will like this, but maybe he doesn't need it though.." I'm a big supporter of " one for you, one for me.." at this time of year.  I ask people what they want for Christmas, but I don't really listen.  I like the suprise from people when they get something they didn't expect.  I put a lot of thought into what to get people.  Thankfully, this year..I've thought a lot about what I'm getting people.  This isn't usually the case, especially not this early.

So I mentioned a big announcement last post, and that was that I am coming out with a clothing line! It's exciting for me.  I'm not big on making clothes but I wanted to give it a shot.  I've never done anything like this before.  I've been so inspired by certain fabrics and some DIY projects I've come across (thank you Pinterest..).  It's going to be comfortable, and classy.  I want you to be able to wear it to work and then wear it out on a dinner date, but most important -- to feel like yourself in it.  It is going to be flirty, and sexy.  It is going to involve pieces made from scratch and repurposed/upcycled pieces.  Everything deserves a second chance!

So, with that being said..I have a sneak peek for you! It's not much, but I'm already in love with this piece.  It's flirty and fun with a little ruffle at the top.

The tank is just for show.  I love the ruffled detail at the top, and a very easy piece for first time sewers! I hope you like it.

What you can't see in that picture (thank god..) is how much of a mess I've manage to make the spare room.  Thread attaches to everything.

I finished a custom pillow last night, and I'm in love.  I can't wait to make myself one!  The oversized buttons from The Hickory Tree, is exactly what it needed! 

 
Goodluck with your Christmas shopping,  and maybe I'll cross paths with you rushing around last minute.
 
 
XOXO






Thursday, November 22, 2012

Window Shoppin'

Hey everyone! Again, I'm horrible at this.  I need to learn to blog more, and better.

I'm doing a little better than I was the last time I blogged, so that's good.  But once again, time has manage to slip right through my hands. 

This blog has a very appropriate title for me.  Window shopping, I've been doing way to much of it lately.  Sure, it saves you money and you don't buy things that you don't need -- but a girl can only handle so much of it before she caves.  I may have caved a little tonight and hit the mall with my bestie. 

So on Sunday, the 18th...I had a craft show.  I put hours in on my sewing machine to make sure that everything was just right and that I had enough inventory to fill my table (which I loved...).  Well, the downside..was that I was scammed.  Not only me...but about 40 others vendors.  It sucked..big time.  Because of the lack of advertising and name change last minute, there was hardly any visitors.  It didn't get my down though, because I get to share more with you guys!  I've been slow to get it all uploaded, but I've got almost half of it up there.  I hope you get the chance to head on over to HASinspiration and do some window shopping for yourselves! I've added a couple new touches to some products like the amazing scent of lavender in both yoga eye pillows and new sachets to show your top drawer some love ;)


 
That's my table at the show.  I loved it! I was lucky to have some mirrors to add to the table.  My brother recycled some old fence wood  and barn wood to make these amazing mirrors. 
 
I'm sure a lot of you are going to be busy this weekend, especially tomorrow being "Black Friday".  Retailers have tagged that name on their sales over here in Canada.  I'm not complaining -- I plan on doing some Christmas shopping tomorrow.  Which is why I've been doing a lot of window shopping this week.



I hope you can get over to my shop and see the new inventory!  Happy Thanksgiving over there in the U.S.!
 



 
 
Talk to you SOON. I'll have a sneak peak of the piece (of clothing) I just finished!
 
XO
 

Monday, November 12, 2012

One Year + Announcement

Just when you think you think you couldn't possibly love something more, care for something stronger or miss something harder, you can.  Sometimes it takes a loss to see that.  For me, this has never been a problem.  I love with all of my heart and I care just a little to much.  I love so much that I feel my heart and body will explode if I take on anymore.  I'm sorry I was MIA this week, I suffered quite a shock of a loss in my family. It came and went in the blink of an eye.  It really makes you see just how capable and how much you could possibly love something.  I don't want to blog about this just yet, I'm not quite ready. But thank you everyone for waiting so patiently.


Happy (belated) 1st Birthday to HASinspiration!  I intially intended to do a video blog for this one..things just didn't work out quite right.  It has been an amazing year and I owe it to you guys.  To the people that read my blog, buy my things or even take the time to look at my shop.  In time of sadness, it's important to surround yourself with the people and the things that make you happy.  That's exactly what this is to me. It is something that makes me very happy.  I am aware of all the people and locations that I've sold too.  If I could thank each and every one of you I totally would.  I feel I owe a lot to 2 specific people in my life.

My Momma.  She taught me everything I know.  She introduced me to sewing at a very young age, and let me follow her around while she taught lessons.  She continues to teach me new things to this day, and I look to her for input and opinions.  She always just seems to know what she is doing. She radiates strength and I hope to be half the mom she has always been.

My boyfriend.  He said to me just over a year ago "why don't you sell your stuff??"  I probably laughed right in his face.  In fact, I'm almost positive I did.  Of course, once he had put that idea in my head, soon enough I opened HASinspiration.  He's always believed in me.


It has certainly been an interesting year.  I have learned SO much.  It has been very slow, and very fast.  I'm okay with the slow times, it gives me time to stock up again!  Never did I think that I would be in the position I am today, selling my things to people all over the world.  People know about my things in Australia, London and in my hometown country of Canada.  I didn't know the world I had stepped into. More specific, what Etsy is able to do for a shop owner.  From labels, to shop banners..I was able to make my business something considered professional. 

I've also been introduced to a whole new world of DIY.  I made these all myself, using transfer sheets, an iron, Word, and some ribbon! Easy peasy.  You'll be seeing these labels on my new products!


So I guess I'll be getting to my annoucement now.  I'm going to be coming out with a clothing line!! I'm thinking it will just be a one time thing..not something that I will upkeep and replenish like I do my current line of things.  I'm so excited about it.  Some items will be completely handmade, and I'm also going to incorporate some upcycled pieces of clothing.  I came across this lovely floral fabric on the weekend, and I've decided that this is going to resemble one of my first pieces.



And that's all she wrote!  I'm working hard this week to get some new pieces ready for my Christmas craft and gift show.  I hope to see you there. 

Kitchener, ON at the Holiday Inn on Fairvew Rd from 10AM-4PM.


Until next time. XO


Monday, November 5, 2012

One Year Giveaway!

In celebration of my ONE YEAR!! anniversary of HASinspiration, I`m doing an amazing giveaway!  This is my biggest giveaway yet, and I'm so excited about it!

Ready for it??



A HUGE overnight bag! Perfect for the beach and travelling too!

The contest will take place ALL WEEK and the winner will be drawn on Friday, November 9th! Keep in mind, once this contest is over, the bag is made to order. 

Do ONE of the following to enter!

1.  Like my Facebook page; http://www.facebook.com/pages/HASinspiration/265714200156273?ref=hl#!/pages/HASinspiration/265714200156273
 
OR
 
2.  Comment on this blog!
 
Can't wait to announce the winner! Thank you everyone for your continued support, this isn't possible without you.
 
Hayley
XO 

Friday, November 2, 2012

Happy Friday!

I haven't blogged in a few days, and I wanted to say HEY!

Well, Halloween is officially over.  What did you dress up as?  I love Halloween, but for the past couple of years, I haven't had the chance to get all dressed up.  Maybe next year I'll plan things out a little better!  The part I really enjoy about Halloween, is the candy! I hope you let yourself indulge as well ;)

The next "holiday" is Christmas.  Through the experience of selling handmade goods, I've come to realize how important and rewarding it is to buy and support handmade.  This Christmas, I plan to buy as many handmade gifts as I can.  Of course, there will be lots to choose from at the One-of-a-Kind show! What's on your Christmas list?? Let me give you some ideas!


Yoga eye pillows! These cute guys can come in any colour.  They are filled with flax seed and lavender (if you wish).  At a cheap $3.00 each, they are a great stocking stuffer.  They can be used for the yogi (ya, made that up) in your family or for that special person who deserves to relax once in awhile.


A makeup bag! Not only a makeup bag, but this can be used for just about anything.  You can use it as a clutch for a night out, or to carry your pencils in!  $18.00 each! 

 
This one is my favourite.  It makes me very happy to say that I came up with this from scratch.  I never use patterns, which makes each thing completely one of a kind. I have given a few away for gifts and sold a couple, and it has gotten great reviews. It's perfect for that person in your family who likes to travel or who likes to hit the beach.  Also, its the perfect size for an overnight bag!
 
I hope I've made your Christmas shopping just a little bit easier.  If you're in the area on November 19th, I'd love to see you!  I'll be at the Holiday Inn on Fairview Road in Kitchener from 10am-4pm for the Christmas Craft and Gift Show!  You will be able to purchase all the above items and maybe even some new things ;)

Some news I'm really excited about -- it's almost my one year anniversary of HASinspiration!! I'm thinking another giveaway! What would you like to see??

Would love to hear from you!

 Hayley
XO

Monday, October 22, 2012

Bright Lights, Big City

It's Monday morning, and I need a coffee. 

You'd be suprised to know, that I had my first coffee probably only a year ago.  I made it through highschool and college without drinking a single coffee.  I still don't drink much of it, but I definatley need the help on a day like today. 

I spent last weekend in Toronto.  My dad grew up on a farm, and my mom joined him when they met so I'm not sure where this love of a big city came from.  I think it is the appeal of jumping into something so unknown and very different from my normal life. I have no idea how to navigate the city, but there is definatley apart of me that is dying to figure it all out.  Not to mention the fact that there is an entire district dedicated to fabric!  Anyways, my weekend in the city is exactly what I needed.  I promised myself I'd leave my worries at home, as hard as that is, and enjoy myself.  We stayed with friends in a cute little condo.  We spend the weekend doing brewery tours, eating great food, and doing a little shopping.  The unfortunate thing, is that I'm sold.  After our outing to the beautiful distillery district, I know where I want to be.  Have you ever been faced with something like this? I keep telling myself I'd be crazy to give up the full-time job I have.  But what do you do? Do you follow your feet, and jump into something totally crazy and unknown, or stay in the comfort of what you already know? Maybe it was the poutine that sold me...


Hello, House of Poutine. We will make the best of friends.
 
 
Shortly after I got back, I finally got my new fabric in the mail! And of course, didn't wait long before I turned it into something fabulous. Check em out!

 
 
All up for sale now on my Etsy page!
 
I have lots of news coming up, that I can't wait to slowly share with you all! Remember that I have my Christmas show coming up on November 18th, in Kitchener! Here is the link for their blog, you can find all the vendors that are slowly being added to the venue; http://craftershow.blogspot.ca/p/vendor-list.html.  I hope to see you there! 
 
 

 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Design me a banner

As I've mentioned numerous times before, Etsy is amazing.  Seriously, I think I'm addicted.  Well..I know I am.  I don't like to think I'm horrible at using a computer, but when it came to my shop banner..well..you could argue otherwise.  It was okay when I first opened my shop, but I have a hard time sticking to one thing.  I attempted to change it up, and it was terrible.  It occured to me that if someone was smart, they could make a killing designing logos and banners for Etsy shop owners.  Sure enough, after some short research, I came across this shop that did amazing work.  I promised I'd show you what I ended up with, and here it is!



 
I love it! She nailed the vision I had, to a tee.  I love how she included the leaf from my original logo.  The best part -- is that she offers unlimited revisions.  You can change whatever you'd like, until you decide together on a final look.  I'll definatley use her for future business, although,  I can't imagine every changing my banner NOW!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/FreshLavenderDesigns?ref=pr_shop_more
 
 
Onto my next point...
Are these seasons, and months going by like crazy..or is it just me?  In only a couple of weeks, it will be Halloween! Which leads me to say....why not get started on some early Christmas shopping? It will be here before you know it.   For anyone near the Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo area, come visit me in person to do some Christmas shopping!! On November 18th, I will be at the Holiday Inn on Fairview Road in Kitchener! I'd love to see you!  I'm working on some new gift wrapping, so I can spare you from the extra work of wrapping all those gifts ;)
 
You know what's in November? THE ONE OF A KIND SHOW! I swear one day I'll participate, but for now..I'm happy being a visitor :)
 
 
ta ta for now!
 
 
H

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Gobble Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving!
 
 
To all my Canadian readers, that is.  I'll take this oppourtunity to thank everyone though, I wouldn't be here without you guys.  Here is my little list of what I'm thankful for..
 
 
My family, Parker and Fraser and my Ma. Oh, and of course Millie. I love each of them to crazy pieces.   A BIG thanks to my mom for teaching me how to sew.
 
 
My boo.  For pushing me to open my own shop and start selling my things.  It makes me happy, he wasn't wrong about that.
 
 
 
My best friends.  Near or far, there is nothing like my sisters from another misters.
 
 
This leads me to mention that I am also thankful for a $5.00, 5lb bag of flax seed.  That's right, I'm thankful for flax seed.  I enjoy not having to buy a million dollar tiny bag of flax seed.  With that, I was able to make THESE!
 
 
 
Have a great thanksgiving, my fellow Canadians! 
 
 


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Love You to Infinity

The colder weather has got me in the mood -- for scarves!  I just love them.  They add so much definition and style to your wardrobe, and sometimes provide a lovely pop of colour to that drab black winter jacket.  The thing I love about infinity scarves, is that they can be wrapped around your neck more than just once. Heck, go for 2 or 3 if you really want too!   You can go for the more "chunky" look and wrap it around 3 times or just simply throw it around your neck once.  Depends totally on your style!  These couple of styles are why I LOVE infinity scarves...

 
 
So comfy-cozy!  As I mentioned in my previous blog, I had all this vintage rose fabric that had been given to me by a friend.  Here is the next piece I made with the oodles of fabric.  I hope you like it!
 

 
 It will be for sale on my Etsy shop shortly www.etsy.com/shop/hasinspiration.. any inquries, feel free to email me!
stinson_hayley@hotmail.com


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

A Vintage Pop

 
 
I've been so inpired by the fall fashion this season.  It's leather jacket, combat boots and scarf time.  It's chunky sweater, leggings and riding boots time.  This season just screams comfort to me, and I'm all about comfort.  One thing you should know about me - is that I can't wear headbands.  Especially the hard ones.  They slip off my head, they dig into that spot just behind my ear or they just don't sit right..they literally cause me headaches!  That's were comfy cotton headbands come in.  Yes, sometimes they still do slip off but I like to attempt to wear one, once in awhile.  Plus, how cute would this piece be to finish off that fall outfit? Even for the winter, providing just the right pop of colour and style. 
 
 
 
I had this lovely fabric passed down to me from a friend.  I can't remember what she used it for, but it's sat in my room for the past few months.  I wasn't exactly sure what to make with it.  One of my customers gave me the great idea to make headbands with it and well...here it is!  I love getting feedback and ideas from my customers.."help a brotha out!!"  I eventually thought I'd want to make into a sweet vintage skirt or a floral blazer but I thought I'd atleast make a few headbands out of it first.  On the plus side -- there is lots left! Watch to see what I create with it next.
 
 
 
 

Monday, September 24, 2012

Getaway

 
Meet Millie. She is the second love of my life :)
 
 
Ever have those weeks where you think "could ANYTHING else possibly go wrong??" Well I had a doozy.  Almost 2 weeks ago, I bought this amazing new phone.   I loved it.  That's right, lovED.  Wednesday last week, my phone decided it wanted to take a little swim....into the TOILET.  It took me about 8 seconds to realize what I had just done.  Yep...my phone was fully submerged and bubbling away while I processed what just happened. 


I definatley had a tough week last week.  And no, not just because of my phone.  When I got a call from my best friend, inviting me and my ma to join her and her mom at the spa, I couldn't turn it down.  I'd never been to a spa and let me just say -- I'm now cracked.  I've been shown a whole new world!!  We lounged around alllllll day in robes and slippers.  We did get some killer treatments too  ;)  There is nothing like being surrounded by the girls that you couldn't imagine your life without.  I had so much fun...drinking wine and eating the most carb-packed meal on the menu.  It was EXACTLY what I needed.  I'm pretty sure I also fell in love with the town. It all reminded me what I'm surrounded by and how lucky I am to have the people I have in my life..
 
 
 
 
 
 
I can't wait to go back!!
 
Obviously the other thing that helps in stressful, hard times -- is sewing..here is my lovely new creations.  I hope you all like, let me know!
 
 
 
 
They just make me so happy!  I have so many ideas and things that I want to try, running through my head.  I can't wait to slowly share them with you, and hopefully attempt them as well!  Also, don't you just love the fresh, crisp air? Breathe it in and bundle up, its getting chilly!
 
XOXO