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

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 

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

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! 

 

 

 

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

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!

 

www.etsy.com/shop/hasinspiration

 

 

Have a great thanksgiving, my fellow Canadians! 

 

 



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