A Hopesy Daisy Turn on the World

Contest, Giveaway, FREEBIES!!!!

2011-06-06T23:32:00.001-07:00

Ok guys and gals, time for the much awaited and long overdue CONTEST!

Seeing as how Facebook only allows contests with third party apps, we will have our own little contest right here!!! Now that we have 20 blog followers, it's on!

The Rules:

1. In order to win, you must leave a comment on this blog post AND "Like" the shop Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/hopesydaisy). This is mostly for notification purposes but I WILL be checking! Anyone found not following contest rules or engaging in disrespectful behavior will be disqualified. (Let's keep it friendly, folks)

2. If you refer a friend, and they mention your name in their comment on this post, you will receive 1 extra entry for each referral. They MUST mention your name as it appears in your comment (ie your screen name).

3.The winners will be chosen by drawing one week from today, on June 13th, 2011 at 7:00pm PST. Notification of the winners will be posted on the Facebook site. Shipping addresses will then need to be email to service@hopesydaisy.com within 24 hours or your prize will be forfeited.

...........Now for the fun stuff........

The Prizes!!!!:

3RD Prize: One 4 pack of Cheery Daisy Hair Clippies

2nd Prize: Your choice : One set of Garden Party Ruffled Ponytail Streamers (M2MG) or One set Old Glory Ponytail Streamers.

Grand Prize: One custom tutu, sized newborn to girls 6, with up to 3 colors. (Colors based on availability) with coordinating mylar halo.

Good luck, and let the games begin!

New Technology with an Old Twist

2011-05-17T00:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Hopesy Daisy lovers! Happy Spring!!!!

Many of you may have noticed by now that the shop site is currently down for maintenance. That's short for: "In our continuous effort to provide THE best customer service experience possible and in our dedication to our customers we are taking apart the website piece by piece, rebuilding it with the same look but a more updated platform for ease of use and added security features, including a brand spanking new SSL certificate, so that you can be assured your information is safe with every purchase!"

During the rebuild process, which is really starting to amp up, we are taking orders via our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com.hopesydaisy/) or email (service@hopesydaisy.com). Please feel free to contact us at any time.

You can also find the majority of our product line listed in our Facebook photo section, including the newest album "Current Inventory." Here you will find many of our products with current stock levels for your shopping convenience.

And now for the CONTEST!!!!!

Now that our blog is prominently displayed on our Facebook site and even easier to "Follow" with the NetWorkedBlogs widget, we need to celebrate!

Once we reach 20 blog followers I will submit a blog post with three...that's right THREE prizes to thank you for your contributions! All you will have to do is leave a comment on that post to win. Stay tuned for more details and pass the blog link (http://hopesydaisy.blogspot.com/) to your friends and family! The faster they follow the blog, the sooner we get to have our giveaway. YAY!!!!!

And with that, I will leave you with some images of our most recent creations. (Be on the look-out for new headbands, ponytail streamers, tutus combinations, and fabric roses!)

Happy Holidays from Hopesy Daisy

2010-12-11T22:03:00.000-08:00

This is quite possibly my favorite time of year, and I adore making unique creations that celebrate my love of the holidays. I would like to share a few of them with you!

My absolute favorites are my newest designs...the fabric bows that double as bow ties (just slide the alligator clip between the top two collar buttons - talk about versatility and the ultimate in value! ), the Christmas tree ribbon sculpture clip, and the gorgeous pointsetta fairy wand.

There are so many ways to customize the holidays and making holiday portraits absolutely unique and fun with Hopesy Daisy creations is one of the best things about the season.

Keep your eyes peeled on the shop site http://www.hopesydaisy.com/ and on facebook http://www.facebook.com/hopesydaisy for sneak peaks and new arrivals every week.

Get your custom order today!

There is still time for your custom order before the holidays!! The cut-off for priority mail delivery by Christmas is December 19th and for local delivery, December 23rd!

Custom tutus start at $9.95

Custom Clippie Pairs start at $1.95

Custom Hair Bows start at $2.95

As always, custom orders are available at no extra charge!! Contact us at service@hopesydaisy.com and Happy Holidays!

Holiday Tutus

Holiday Fabric Hair Bows / Bow-Ties

Holiday Pointsettia Fairy/Princess Wand

Holiday Headbands

Holiday Ribbon Sculptures

Holiday Clippies

Holiday Boutique Bows

Custom Order Delights

2010-11-04T00:26:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a busy time of year, and I LOVE it!

This is the time of year where I receive the most custom orders. I love to see a joint concept come to life in my hands. But most importantly I love that first glimpse when their eyes just light up with delight!

Please enjoy a selection of this year's custom creations. Don't forget to order yours in time for the holidays at NO EXTRA CHARGE!!!!

Custom Delights:

Custom hair bows for Jennifer, Zoe and Shelby

Custom Floor length flower girl tutu dress with removeable purple dahlia hair clips (at waist) (Christin) &

Raggedy Ann Ribbon Sculpture Hair Clip (Susan)

Custom "Shelby" version Purple Passion Tutu (Modeled by Shelby's sister, Zoe) &

White sparkle ballet length tutu, sparkle poof wand, Winter Princess (sans marabou) crown, hand-painted and crystaled wings (Keri)

Custom Baby Pink/Lavender Tutu w/matching wings (Sarah) &

Custom Apple Green/Magenta/Hot Pink Tutu w/matching halo (Melissa & Maggie Spaid)

Custom Hot Pink/Kelly Green Tutu (Megan) &

Coordinating Breast Cancer Awareness Hair Bows for "Team Sole Power"(Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3 Day- Seattle)

Crystal's Seattle Seahawk Pony-O &

Amy's Seattle Seahawk Adult Tutu

You can see these and more in our customer gallery at http://hopesydaisy.com/gallery.php

We'd like to see your Hopesy Daisy creations in action. Send us your photos today! service@hopesydaisy.com

Back-to-School Crocheted Kufi Hat SALE!!!!

2010-08-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.hopesydaisy.com/

Back-to-School Kufi SALE!!!!
Were $5.99.....Now $3.99 ea !!!!

These fantastic and fabulous crocheted hats were requested so often by our customers we had no choice but to find a vendor for them! While we do not produce these little beauties they are handmade, soft, stretchy and incredibly versatile. Simply clip on a Hopesy Daisy Boutique Hair Bow, Korker Bow, or the most popular option, flower clip, to custom match every outfit and every mood, just in time for back-to-school. Also gorgeous in photographs & portraits.

Keep your eyes peeled for a special Halloween version!

NOW AVAILABLE IN TWO SIZES!!!!

Small - Infant to Toddler and Large - Toddler to Older Child

Wings, Wings Who's Got The Wings?!

2010-08-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

A brief look at the variety of fairy wings available from Hopesy Daisy with more varieties arriving this summer!

Check out Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/hopesydaisy) or email us (service@hopesydaisy.com) for current stock levels and happy flittering! :)

Brand New This Week

2010-06-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

Just a short post for now. I'm exhausted but just couldn't go to bed with out giving you guys a sneak peak at the newest items to go up in the shop this weekend, just in time for summer and the 4th of July!

(http://www.hopesydaisy.com/)

Double Button Ponytail Holders (New June Styles)

My next post will be my line of patriotic, 4th of July inspired items. Stay tuned.

Busier Than A One Armed Paper Hanger

2010-06-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

And now, BACK TO BUSINESS!!!!!!

Announcing my newest contest!!!

Visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HopesyDaisy
and hit that little "Like" button toward the top of the page.

Once we hit 200 fans (we only need 31 more as of this post) we will have a drawing for a free prize!
For each person you refer to the site, you will get one extra entry in the drawing. Just have them post a comment with your name!

Put in your 2 cents and tell us what you want to win by leaving a comment here or on Facebook.

Past contest winners have received tutus, ponytail streamers, and clippie sets.

What will YOU win?

Now let's get back to new projects!!! For the month of May, it was all about Bow Holders and Ponytail Streamers!!!!! Here's a peak at just some of what is now available on the site (http://www.hopesydaisy.com/) :

Ponytail Streamers

Standard Bow Holders

(Just slide a hair bow or clip onto the ribbon, close and voila! Instant storage, instant showcase, instant cute!

Deluxe Bow Holders

I Didn't Forget, At Least I Don't Remember Having Forgotten

2010-03-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

I promise I have NOT been ignoring you, my dearest readers. I was sick, yet AGAIN, but this lovely humdinger of a cold was nasty, and I'm still recovering. However, I have been super busy on top of that! I can't neglect my loyal customers!

I was approached by the organizer of the Stanwood Garden Faire. Then boom ba-da-bing, I am now registered for my very own booth at the event.

The 15th Annual Stanwood Garden Faire

April 3rd, 2010

10:00am - 5:00pm

Stanwood Middle School Grounds

9405 271st St NW

Stanwood, WA 98292

Enjoy Handicrafts, Fine Art, Local Nurseries & Plants, Specialty Food Items, Garden Art & More!!!!

Indoor & Outdoor Vendors

I seldom do shows, simply because I am only one person and also work and go to school full-time, next to my mommy and wifely duties, but I am very excited about this one. It's a fantastic way to kick off Spring and I will have lots of new Spring themed items to debut. I already have new clippies made up, a Princess Tiana (from Disney's The Princess and the Frog) inspired tutu, Rainbow tutus and more! I'll post some photos once the weather clears up a little. Let's all cross our fingers for a sunny show day!!!!

Of course it wasn't until after the fact that I realized I will be missing the annual Easter egg hunts, because the show is the day before Easter. :( Oh well. We'll just have to make one of our own. :) But all of you can come see us after your own egg hunts. There will be lots of goodies that make perfect Easter basket stuffers for the actual holiday, and there are raffles too for gift baskets made up with items from all of the vendors attending!

So please join us. Enjoy a nice spring day, and view the wares, gifts and plants of some very hardworking folks who do it all for the joy we see on your faces.

Happy Spring my friends!

The Wonder That Is Modern Technology

2010-02-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

I've never been one to ogle the newest electronic fad, or run out and spend my entire paycheck on a new phone but I'll tell you, I do love my lap top. Once you go lap, you never go back! ;)

What's so special about it you may ask. Well, for one, I can sit here and blog AND do my homework while keeping an eye on my little pisces in the bathtub. She is a true water baby, so this might take a while. Lol.

So what is the topic this evening, my dearest readers? F.O.E. That's right. F.O.E.

Ok, so most of you are probably thinking, what the HECK is F.O.E. LADY! Well I'll tell you. Fold Over Elastic. I know, sounds lame, right? WRONG-O!

This stuff is awesome and is all the rage for making infant headbands. Of course, that means that kids and adults can use them as well. ;) This stuff is super stretchy, super soft, has one shiny side and one matte side, comes in a HUGE array of colors, widths and patterns (though the patterns are harder to find, trust me), won't leave a mark on a baby's head and is just plain awesome. I can't wait to make up some headbands! Hrmm...I wonder what else I can make with it.

Can you tell I just got my first shipment in today? Tee hee.

Needless to say I will post photos once I've made up a few. But for now, I am being called to "eat" a "chocolate cake" consisting of one plastic bowl, bath water, bubbles, and some plastic squirter fish. I hope my little monkey's shop hasn't run out of imaginary forks again.

Until next time!

Think Chic Flowers

2010-02-23T23:44:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh....good to be back.

It's been a crazy week or two with the whole household being sick, the little one turning 4, custom orders, school and work, but in the brief couple of hours I was able to use to rest myself, as I am also ill, I of course had to find something to keep my hands busy.

So I came up with these. Handmade organza flowers.

I've seen these made with much looser petals and curls but I love the way mine turned out, like a cross between a rose, peony and chrysanthemum

I think I will keep experimenting with form, texture, and size but they are so much fun! I can't wait to attach them to clips, headbands and bobby pins.

Customized Wings

2010-02-06T04:19:00.001-08:00

I can't help myself. I LOVE fairy wings. I call this pair the "Crazy Daisy" wings.

I've had this pre-fabricated pair of glittery pink wings for a while but as I refuse to just resell something I've purchased, I started in on embellishing them.

I started with puffy glitter paint to make the swirls and dot patterns in uneven, almost blotchy lines. I like the random feel...where's the fun in perfect lines? I can't imagine any normal fairy wanting perfection! Then I added light green tinted swarovski crystals, a large dark pink gerbera daisy, leaves, and dangling ribbons of crystal glitter, apple green, sheer knotted dark pink, and a graduated pink.

It has two elastic shoulder bands, and a stretchy faux velvet velcro closure chest strap for the smallest of pixies. I tend to knot the elastic shoulder straps to create a perfect fit that still allows for adjustment and growth.

I've had people buy this as room decor, but I love it when they get used and played with.

I want to get these on the website as soon as possible, but until I can get shipping boxes that will adequately ship them, they will remain local buy items only. So if you are relatively local (Puget Sound) and have the ability to meet up or come pick them up, please don't hesitate to contact me at service@hopesydaisy.com if you'd like to purchase a pair of wings. :)

In the meantime, I might just be tempted to give this pair away to a lucky Hopesy Daisy customer in honor of my baby's birthday this month. :D

More New Stuff! Double Fabric Covered Button Ponytail Holders

2010-02-04T23:07:00.000-08:00

I can't help it. I would much rather be crafty than do my homework. But to be fair, I wasn't feeling well last night and didn't really manage to get my rear off the couch, so I made these!

First I made the fabric covered buttons in the 30 (3/4" in diameter)and 36 (so this must be 1" in diameter) sizes. Then I pondered. Yes this is an actual step. *giggle*

Most people who make these only use one button, which really boggles me. I tried a single in my hair and just thought it was too unsubstantial. So, I attached one button to each side of an elastic band and VOILE! Uber cuteness.

For my daughter, I actually put them on those stretchy plastic "ouchless" hair elastics. They work great and hold fine hair so much better than regular elastic bands! So if you'd prefer one of the plastic ouchless bands, let me know and I will gladly switch them out for you!

And the nice thing is, when the rubber band or the ouchless hair elastic breaks or stretches too far (and the very best of these will at some point...at least for me but I'm hard on such things) the buttons will still be intact and a new rubber band can be used. I love it! I used to get so mad when those cute hair elastics broke and I couldn't use them anymore. NO MORE! :)

At first the ladybugs were my favorite. Then the polka-dots but now that they are all finished, I think I REALLY like the cherry/gingham pair. How frickin cute and yet still a bit rockabilly and sassy. I can't wait to make more but I ran out of the larger buttons already. LOL.

They'll be up in my shop (www.hopesydaisy.com) very soon...somewhere around the $6 mark per PAIR. I think that's a steal.

In the meantime....I added one new tutu (Valentine Stripe) in 2 different sizes and will add my punk rock princess tutu tomorrow in 2 different sizes as well. If you don't see the size you want in ANY style, send me an email at service@hopesydaisy.com and I will make a custom size for you (and don't forget I also do custom designs!). Until then, here's a sneak peak.

Thoughts and Specials

2010-02-02T23:36:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm thinking about revamping the site. I'm trying to find a design that I like to update the look of the site based on some feedback.

Tell me what you would like to see. I'd love to hear your opinions.

Other than that, I wanted to let you all know that I'm running a special. This month my beautiful little girl is turning 4 years old.

To celebrate.......

For the month of February, each order will receive a free gift!!!!

Yay!!!!

I'm pretty jazzed about it. I'm a big fan of freebies, especially when it's something that you really want. :)

Double Ruffle Toggle Headbands

2010-02-02T21:37:00.000-08:00

I....LOVE....these headbands! This is one of my favorite things to make.

It's a satin double ruffle ribbon, with another ribbon on the inside fit with a toggle at the end to make it completely adjustable. I'm not kidding! They fit infants all the way up to adults! I go the extra mile and add a clear, flexible, non-slip grip on the underside so they stay put.

I've made some cutesy ones, some with our favorite cartoon characters, breast cancer awareness (the profits from which all go to the lovely ladies of "Sole Power" to help them raise money for the Susan G. Komen foundation), and some with a more vintage 50's pin-up flair (think black ribbon and a cherry print). The options are ENDLESS. Soon I'll fancy some up that are single ribbons for more mix and match capability.

There are a few listed in my headband section here:
http://www.hopesydaisy.com/

I hope to have more up in the next week or so. Keep your eyes peeled.

I Think This Thing Is Addictive

2010-01-31T15:37:00.000-08:00

I realized today that I've been neglecting one of my favorite projects. One of my friends and her mother participate every year in the the Seattle Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk, a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation. These ladies are amazing. Not only do they raise funds, train all year round and walk in this brutal fundraiser for 3 days, covering 60 MILES, they support all their fellow participants which include breast cancer survivors, family members, friends, and those who are there in memory of those who did not survive.

Talk about valor, bravery, inspiration and dedication.

Last year I had the priviledge to make these ladies, the ladies of the team "Sole Power", hair bows, which, depending on the day, turned into hair bows, hat clips, backpack clips or lapel pins. :) I love the versatility and their spirit.

(Thanks Darren for the team photos!)

Needless to say that it inspired me. I have made a breast cancer woven headband, a memory board and a few more bows (I'm erked that I can't find Jennifer's breast cancer korker bow...it was fantastic) and decided when I started making them last year that I will donate all profits from the sale of breast cancer awareness items to the fantastic women of "Sole Power" for the express purpose of helping them raise money for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.

So please be on the look out for breast cancer awareness items in the store front (http://www.hopesydaisy.com/) and help us find a cure!

Newest Hopesy Daisy Project.

2010-01-31T13:40:00.000-08:00

Fairy wings! That's right. You heard me.

I have maybe a dozen or so varieties of premade wings in stock that haven't made it onto the website yet because I want to embellish them before I take photos but now comes the real creative part.

Ready?

I've started to make my own wings from scratch. The idea came from not being able to find wings that I liked online for REASONABLE prices, from wanting a pair for myself and my daughter for my wedding, and the desperate desire to paint. For some reason I got over my fear of painting on fairy wings faster than I did painting on canvas. But I LOVE to paint...and use glitter...and all sorts of things. *chuckle*

So without further ado, here is my first trial run pair. (I swear that the Christmas decorations are NOT up now. lol)

I learned the hard way not to leave the wing pieces in reach of my active three year old. She must have rammed one quarter into every piece of furniture we own and every window ledge about a million times and put a couple of runs in the fabric after using it like a drum but after painting you can't really tell and I was very impressed with the amount of abuse these things take. The wing shape didn't even move, though I am easily able to reshape it if necessary. This is the reason I let her play with my prototypes...to make sure that there is a decent amount of durability. Plus, it amuses me. :)

I really like the shine factor of the crystals I used, along with the spray glitter, which adheres nicely and doesn't shed all over the place. For some reason I am wanting to try buttons as an embellishment. Hmmm. Will have to think some more on that one.

Regardless, all in all, a successful test run, I think. They are functional, flexible, and relatively light weight but substantial. I think I'll let Hope have them for the wedding. She's already in love with them. I think the next pair will be burgundy and I'll get a little less reserved with the shape this time. Embellishments will be a challenge though. Please let me know if you have any ideas or preferences!

How Do You Turn This Thing On?

2010-01-31T01:41:00.000-08:00

So, I thought that my readers (I flatter myself) might want to know a little bit about the origins of Hopesy Daisy.

Originally I started making hair bows strictly for my daughter because I lived in an area that had little to no options in that arena, even though I originally swore I would never make her wear such things. I quickly got over THAT one when I realized how darn cute she looked in them and that I could make them, and flower clips, for myself!! *laugh*

All of the online bow-tiques and boutiques, and the two local consignment stores that I found at the time, had INSANE prices. I kept thinking, "How do they expect working people to afford this stuff?" That's when I realized that they didn't care. They cared more about the profit than about the customer. It's like these people couldn't remember what it was like to be a kid, what it was like to think "I wish I could be a ......If only I had a ....." when your parents were on a tight budget. (For me it was a pair of ballet shoes) That inspired me to make wands, head garlands and tutus, and my latest project, handmade/hand painted fairy wings and to keep my prices as reasonable as possible (some even say they are too low.....Mom). As for bows, I think the secondary motivation to start making my own was when a photographer suggested I use tape on my baby's head to get a lack luster store bought bow to stick. Say what?!

A short while later I found myself working full-time, going to school full-time and raising my daughter on my own. Needless to say I was stressed to the max and needed a creative outlet to help calm me down. So I started making more bows and tutus for my daughter and the occasional friend. The more she wore them, the more compliments she received, and the more other people asked me where I got them, the more stressful my cubicle job became, the more determined I became to start my own business doing something that I enjoyed and something that made other people smile. So I dedicated myself to sparking imagination, magic and smiles in as many people as I could through what I could make with my own two hands.

I originally started with an etsy shop...which is still there, just empty...and moved on to my own domain (hopesydaisy.com) in order to have more control over my website, content and fees. My mother, bless her heart, created the site and streamed lined my graphics on her own.

My friends were kind enough to be my first customers, as well as my first frequent customers. My grandmother (and one of her friends) was even supportive enough to help me set up my first craft show booth, and helped me man said booth all weekend long. And my beautiful little girl, Hope, is gracious enough to be my guinea pig...doing all the test runs on new products for me...my model, and my inspiration.

Welcome!!

2010-01-31T01:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the brand spanking new Hopesy Daisy blog!

While many of my friends tell me that I have a tendancy to run off at the mouth I'm new to the blogging community, so bear with me. :)

This blog with be a running tab of new and current projects for http://www.hopesydaisy.com/, specials, as well as personal tidbits, inspirations, etc. If you have suggestions for posts, feel free to let me know.

So here's hoping!