Etsy, Etsy, Etsy!

I mentioned in my first blog, how inspired I was by Etsy.  I can't get enough of this site.  It's a whole other world!  I love it so much that I have begun to order anything and everything I possibly can. Yep.  I order my fabric, my buttons and my zippers from Etsy alone.  I spent HOURS and DAYS looking for zippers, only to find them on Etsy for a STEAL.  I spend hours a day looking at things that people can create with their own two hands.  I have YET to be disapointed from a shipment I've received from a seller on Etsy.  Even the packaging is out of this world.  Something so simple can be so impressive!

Look at this bracelet! How cool is this? I came across this beauty and I have officially fallen in love with it.  So simple, yet such a statement.  And only for the low price of $8.50.  You can't go wrong! Check it out for yourself: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93338577/soft-leather-multicolour-ropes-men-or

Do I really need to say anything when it comes to these dresses?  I happened to stumble on these one day.  How beautiful are they? It's amazing what she can create with scrap fabric. What a statement they would make on your bridesmaids!   She's done them in all different colours and designs, clicked my "favourite" button in no time! Check them out here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/105274761/individual-final-payments-for-andrea?ref=af_new_item

I favourited this one awhile back.  I just loved the simplicity! Plus, it's vegan! Who would of thought... check it out here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/99468173/fold-over-vegan-clutch-in-honey-yellow

Thanks everyone for an awesome July.  I can't believe it's already August.  I'm headed up to Bancroft for the weekend to ring in Civic Long Weekend.  I didn't have too much time to hit the sewing machine this week, so I feel a little deprived but I will be hitting it in full force come Monday! Enjoy your long weekends! 



Mint Me

I've always been inspired by fashion.  It has a lot to do with what I design and when.  I like to use colours and combinations that are popular.  Of course, I am also inspired by vintage designs too.  Lately, I've been in love with mint.  I just finally found a pair of mint pants, courtesy of Zara, that I love!  These are my latest designs, all with a blast of mint.  And grey, of course.  How I love this colour combination.

And there you have it! Check out my page "Things I Love" for more fantastic Mint things! Oh, and I'd like to thank everyone! My Etsy page is up to 5,500 views! I'm thinking, giveaway soon?
Stay tuned!

Back To Reality

HI there! It's back to reality for this chicka.  I spent a week camping and enjoying being not in an office.  I was a little bitter to come back but you gotta do what you gotta do.  I've been busy at work since I got back, but atleast I came back with a fresh mind.  I spent an amazing week with my best friend (who happens to also be my boyfriend..lucky me!) in North Bay.  I spent a little time there growing up and then decided to attend college there as well when I got older.  It was great.  We hiked, we swam and we spent hours sitting on our lawn chairs reading books.  I did miss my sewing machine, and I often thought about what I was going to do next.  I came back with a few ideas including these bad boys:

It was great to get away from this side of town for a few days, and not think about work.  You all should try it some time! Pack up and get away.  I personally think that everyone needs to go camping. We didn't get to do everything that I would of liked but I enjoyed the time that we spent doing absolutely nothing.  Only a few more weeks left of summer and I hope everyone enjoys it!

Take a look around, I've done some renovating! 



A Sneak Peek

I recently moved.  This gave me the oppourtunity to design a bedroom basically from scratch.  I started doing some research and not long after realized the vision I wanted.  I wanted things that handmade by me, restored by me, and things that showed a little bit of wear and tare.  It's not quite ready yet but I thought I'd show you what I had so far. 

This is a sentimental piece to me.  It is an old window frame, with a coat of dark stain on it.  It has the right amount of character.  When I look at it, it reminds me of working with my dad.  He helped me finish it and it hung in that same place in my house until I relocated. 

Before I moved, I started searching for cheap furniture pieces on Kijiji.  Anyone moving, on a budget, would be crazy not to take advantage of Kijiji.  I got the matching set for $25.  They had a few scratches and dents.  My lovely boyfriend spent a day off sanding them for me and I threw on a coat of "vintage white" paint.  I fell in love with the hardware and knew that they could be something great.  I ended up loving the final product.



Anyone who knows me, knows that I love the outdoors.  $20 dollars at walmart and I had huge bushel of branches.  They add the perfect decorative touch. 

This is my most favourite purchase.  I didn't do this myself but I did find this lovely little piece on Kijiji.  It used to be a dresser! It is the perfect pop of colour.  And keeping with my handmade rule -- the pillows are courtesy of HASinspiration.  I love burlap.



This one I found on Kijiji as well, for $50 dollars.  It was probably a little more than I wanted to spend, but it was the perfect size and had all the right bones.  I love the bottom of it.  Again, my lovely boyfriend spent some time sanding it and I threw a coat of paint on it.  I left some of the sanded wood visible to give it that "worn", restored, vintage look I was going for.  The handles I picked up from RONA and match the nightstands' hardware perfectly.

Hope I can inspire some of you to restore an old piece of furniture! I say don't be shy, go to town on it!
On a side note, I've done some work on my blog.  Take a look around! 

Bio

I recently had to create a biography about myself.  Writing your biography isn't exactly easy. But I wrote a short little blip and thought I'd share it with you guys! 
P.S.  I finished up my inventory for The Art of Home and have taken it down to the store.  Go check it out, it looks like this Saturday is going to be a nice one!  They are open Tuesday - Saturday, 10-5.  Once I get some more information, I will share it :)

HASinspiration
by
                                       Hayley Stinson                                       

I attended Canadore College where I studied Ecotourism.  It was this program I would have to say I developed my love for the environment.  I grew up camping and spending a lot of time with my family of five.  Growing up, I loved spending my time outdoors.  After Canadore, I studied another course relating to the environmental field and through that I developed an even deeper love and understanding of the environment.

Everything I create has something to do with the environment. It would have to be my biggest inspiration; the colours and textures are so unique that you can't help but fall in love with what it has to offer.  I am inspired by the love that I have in my life from everyone close to me.

This has been a long time in the works. I've been sewing since I was a little girl. Even before I was able to sew I was designing; stapling elastic to fabric to make Barbie clothes.  My other source of inspiration is my Mom.  I followed her around while she taught sewing lessons.  I thank her for introducing me to a sewing machine at such a young age. 

HASinspiration is about being inspired by the things in your life. I have many things that inspire me to create and more importantly, do something I love.  I love trees, the sunshine and the feeling of grass under my feet.  I love going to the lake and spending a day in the canoe.  I come back completely inspired.

I don’t use patterns.  No two designs are alike so know that when you purchase something, it is 100% unique.

Thanks everyone <3

Dedication

On a day like today, I'm not quite sure how to feel.

I thought I'd take some time to sit down and blog.  I seem to be having a rather overwhelming amount of success come my way in the past few months. I landed a great job, I moved out, I bought a car and I started doing exactly what I love to do. I have numerous people to thank for that.  There is one specific person I would like to dedicate my success too.  Considering what today is, I thought this seemed appropriate. 

Happy Father's Day, pops.  You are one missed man!! I dedicate all my new found happiness and success to you.  I know you would be proud of me.


So to all my friends, followers and to everyone else, I hope that you have an amazing Father's Day.  Don't take it for granted. For those of you that use music to express how you feel, check out this tune:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o53yd7KdqQA


Oh, and Dad, thanks for this one:

xoxo.

Hayley



Big Announcement!!!!

It had never really crossed my mind to expand my business.  I had never thought about selling my stuff in a store.  But, when I received an email from someone wanting to sell my stuff, I couldn't say no.  It was such a compliment.  I am so very excited to annouce:

HASINSPIRATION

WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE

AT

THE ART OF HOME!!!!!!!



DOWNTOWN GALT, CAMBRIDGE!!!!

For those of you who haven't heard of The Art of Home, it is situated in Downtown Galt, just steps up from Cafe 13.  It is a quaint little store, featuring local handmade artisians, with items to decorate your home.  All with a vintage, handmade feel.   I'm almost reluctant to be apart of this store, the items are beautiful and I am going to be spending quite a bit there, I already know!   I'm so excited to announce this to everyone.  I don't have the exact address right now, so stay tuned.  I will let everyone know when it will be available!


On that note, I should probably get to work!! Thank you all so much for your support! This is truly a dream come true for me. Hope you can all get to get check it out.
XO