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

 
 
 
 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

So Long Summer

 
Happy Wednesday!
 
I haven't blogged in a few days -- I guess I'm not too good at this thing. I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather, I know I am.  I woke up a couple mornings ago and was still covered in my huge duvet, suprisingly.  As soon as I took it off, I was hit with the cool breeze coming in through the windows.  That cool, fresh, crisp breeze that only accompanies FALL.  It was a great start to the day, until it was time to get dressed for work.
 
Do you ever have those days where you try practically everything on in your closet?  I was having that problem.  I realized I don't have anything nice for work, that was fall friendly.  I have a bazillion tank tops, and I just wasn't feeling my dress pants anymore.  It was time for a shopping spree.  And spree I did.

 
I got belts, a blouse, jeggings and dress pants.  I am one happy girl, and my wardrobe is now Fall appropriate.
 
I got these amazing bangles a few days ago from Aldo, and they have yet to leave my wrists.  I wear them with EVERYTHING.  My boyfriend probably hates me because the set of bangles seems to slowly be taking over every surface of the room. 
 
If you can't tell, I'm excited for Fall. 

 ANYWAYS...I was taking a look at my Etsy shop the other day and decided that my banner was the ugliest looking thing and wasn't really doing my shop any favours.  I'm sure you could agree with me.  The amazing thing about Etsy is that you can find anything you're looking for.  In a  matter of minutes I had researched and found an amazing graphic designer that specifically designs banners for Etsy shop owners.  Here is an example of the amazing work that she does over at FreshLavenderDesigns


 
I can't wait to see what she will create for me! It's been a great experience so far and I can't wait to show you guys what she's made. 

I hope everyone enjoyed their summer!  Might as well hit those hiking trails and enjoy the nice weather ;)

 
XOXO

P.S. I'm now on Instagram, follow me @ haylstin

Monday, September 3, 2012

New, New, New!

Ahhh, the long weekend! I've been excited for it since, well...the last long weekend!  Well most of the people I know took off for camping and cottaging -- I stayed put.  I spent some time with my mom cleaning, and at home sewing.  I managed to get quite a bit done! I even went back to my roots and died my hair its original colour.  I even gave it a little snippy snip.  Beats a $200 hair appointment ANY day.  This post is all about something NEW.  New hair, new poncho and new line.  Hope you like!

 
VOILA!!
 
Anyways, onto my blog! I am soooo excited to show this to you guys.  Last blog I wrote, I wrote about the poncho that I made and that I LOVED.  After writing that, I decided that I was going to make another one :)  I made a little trip to LENS and after some time on the sewing machine, I came up with this!
 
 
 
 
Isn't she a beauty!! I'm so excited about this piece.  It's light and airy and perfect for fall :)  Pair with leggings and your favourite boots! Plus, has lots of room to layer, for those colder nights!
 
I took the bohemian look and ran with it, as you can see below.  I came across some great fabric and got a little bit of each. This is my Fall Bohemian inspired collection!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I love every single piece!! I hope you do too :) It's back to work tomorrow, and I'm dreading it.  I hope everyone had great weekend, and enjoyed the amazing weather!!
Let me know what you think of my new collection :) xoxo
 
Hayley