Jenna Lou Loves You

Going Home to Roost - GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:08:00 +0000

Bonnie over at Going Home to Roost was so kind to host a giveaway for me over on her blog... which if you don't follow you must because she shares fabulous handmade finds and lifestyle and is totally inspiring.

And while you are there be sure to enter for the $50 shop credit to Jenna Lou Designs!

Fabric-by-Fabric One Yard Wonders Book Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:58:00 +0000

Sorry I didn't get back on Saturday to announce the winner. I should have known better than to close a giveaway over a holiday weekend. We had a wonderful Christmas with family and now are enjoying some out of town guests through New Years so it has been a busy, but wonderfully fun holiday season so far.

The winner of the book giveaway was Mama Lusco who said:

Mama Lusco said...: I'd like to try sewing leather, too! I'm not sure if my machine could handle it...congrats on your patterns! Looking forward to getting this book.; December 22, 2011 6:28 PM

Thanks to everyone who entered! I hope you all have a wonderful New Year!!
Jenna

Fabric-by-Fabric One Yard Wonders Book Blog Tour and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:22:00 +0000

It is so rewarding to see your work in print. So yesterday when a big heavy book arrived on my doorstep I was super excited to open it up and see my designs beautifully photographed inside Fabric-by-Fabric One Yard Wonders. My projects include the Kaleidoscope Table Runner on page 150, and the Speedy Ruffle Scarf on page 336.

This is the second book authored by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins... and it's a great rival to their first. The projects are fresh and fun and best of all there is a variety for every level of sewing. Fabric-by-Fabric focuses on uses for types of fabrics many of us haven't dabbled in like knits, voiles, oilcloth, wool and more.... and with all the new designer prints becoming available in these different materials it's such a great resource for learning how to use them.

Today I'm giving away a copy of the book to one lucky girl... or boy I guess :D. Just leave your entry below by answering this question. What is one type of fabric OR medium you've been dying to learn to work with, but haven't bit the bullet yet?

For me that is leather. I could talk about it for ages why I haven't yet, but that is another topic. I just can't decide if it is the right fit for me considering where is comes from and all. And not to make any wrong impressions... I own leather shoes, boots, a jacket and other home objects, but sewing with it myself seems much more personal. It sounds strange I know, but it's a decision I have not committed to yet in either direction.

The winner will be selected randomly on 12/24/11 around noon central time. Please note that this giveaway is only available for residents of the USA. Good luck and thanks for visiting!

You can visit some of the other contributors of the Blog Tour for more book info and giveaways here:

12/12/2011 Becka's Project Journal

12/13/2011 Craft Buds

12/14/2011 Patch Work Duck Designs

12/15/2011 Patch Work Duck Designs

12/15/2011 A Spoonful of Sugar

12/15/2011 Nifty Kids Stuff

12/15/2011 Becka's Project Journal

12/16/2011 Nom Nom Nom

12/16/2011 Quaint and Quirky

12/17/2011 ikatbag

12/17/2011 Two Brown Birds

12/18/2011 Sharon Sews

12/19/2011 LBG Studios

12/19/2011 Carolina Fair Designs

12/19/2011 Under Construction

12/20/2011 Little Blue Cottage

12/21/2011 Craftzine

12/21/2011 Neuroses Galore

12/21/2011 Emily Steffen

12/22/2011 Jenna Lou Loves You

12/23/2011 Spincushion

12/27/2011 One Inch World

12/28/2011 Sew Sew Etc.

12/29/2011 While Tangerine Dreams

12/30/2011 Studio Cherie

Jenna Lou Designs: Open Studio and Shopping Event 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:44:00 +0000

Tomorrow is my Open Studio and Shopping Event. It runs from 5-8 pm. I've been cleaning and organizing and moving furniture all week and later tonight I'll start the cooking. I'm so excited for this event and I really hope I can turn it into a yearly thing.

Click Photo to View Large

Guests will get to enjoy an assortment of foods like: spicy crab cucumber cups, mini turkey pesto sandwiches, mini cheesecakes, Oreo truffles, Italian Skewers, hot apple cider and wine just to name a few. All while getting a first hand look at where I spend my days in my studio. I'm also offering a selection of discontinued bags all greatly reduced in price, along with the chance to win a $50 shop credit.

For all those who can't make it I wanted to share a preview today of the space, and I'll be sure to take photos tomorrow once all the food it out and everything is ready to go. If anyone plans to attend you can find more information about the party on my Facebook page.

Hope lots of people show up to help me eat up all the food I'm making!

No-Coast 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:46:00 +0000

Can you belive it is that time of year again?? That's right... it's time for the No-Coast Craft-O-RAMA

December 2nd and 3rd. Check their website for more info.... but if you didn't already know this show is FABULOUS! Hope to see you there.

Pssst.... There is a giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:05:00 +0000

Psssst. Did you know I'm having a giveaway over on my facebook page? I'm giving away a $30 shop credit. Ends Thursday so hurry over.

A Way To Display Headbands

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:04:00 +0000

When I do shows I usually just hang things on grid wall displays. They are easy to pack, easy to set up and effective at displaying a wide range of items. If I had a larger vehicle or even a trailer (swoon), then I would probably wish for some more permanent looking displays, but for now the grid wall is my solution.

However I was having a hard time coming up with a way to display my new Velvet Bow Headbands. I didn't want to toss them all in a basket ( that would become a big mess in about 2 seconds), but I wanted to keep them accessible so people can try them on to see how CUTE they are. I know many people don't like to share headbands with strangers, so I came up with a way to display only the "tester ones" while all the others for sale can hang from tags below.

Enter: oatmeal containers. I took two and covered them in a fabric from my stash. To cover the ends I just wrapped the fabric around the lids, glued the lids in place and then took a piece of black ribbon to cover the seams. I think it turned great and I plan to make one for myself to take the place of my disastrous collection of headbands so they can all stay nice and neat.

Love it when there is a cheap solution to things that also ends up being so practical!

Velvet Bow Headbands by Jenna Lou Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:38:00 +0000

Stopping in today to share with you my newest product: Handmade Velvet Bow Headbands.

They are available in 12 different colors for $12 each. I'm so excited to bring these to my holiday shows. They have been getting amazing feedback. When I wore mine to the grocery store 2 separate people stopped to tell me how cute it was. I'm not used to that much attention, but it sure made my day!

I will have all of them listed in my shop shortly after I take some more product shots, but if you want to get one right away just send me an email at jennaloudesigns AT gmail.com

With only 45 days left until Christmas I have sent my purchase by date. This year I'm asking that customers please make all holiday purchases before December 12th for USA orders or December 2nd for international orders to guarantee delivery. This date will give me enough time to get all orders out and some extra breathing room to enjoy the holidays and visiting family. Thanks!

Handmade Clutches - The NEW Flex Clutch

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:48:00 +0000

I'm so excited about the new clutches I'm releasing! They are FABulous and have been getting the best compliments from all those who had a sneak peek at them or better yet have gotten to hold one.

The best part is hidden within. The internal flex frame gives this bag shape and structure and provides safety for all your items inside. And they are fun to open! Just pull open the top tabs and it holds itself open. No more digging around unable to see the bottom. Simply press shut and it snaps back into place creating a completely closed top that will stay closed even if tipped over.

I'm a sucker for anything that is multipurpose so I've added a detachable strap so it converts from clutch to purse in a second. The rings are hidden between the frame and the outside of the bag so they don't intrude on the good looks. And there are 4 lovely little metal feet on the bottom to protect it in case you do have to set it down. But you probably won't want to cause it's so cute!

As always I'm taking custom orders on these girls, so just let me know if you'd like a special one made. All the others will be available for purchase right here.

Fall Fashions

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:46:00 +0000

I'm feeling inspired by the change in seasons and getting excited to wear long sleeves, tall boots, and a warm scarf again. So I thought I'd share some of my favorite fall fashions with you along with how you can work a few Jenna Lou Designs pieces into your wardrobe this season.

By Jenna Lou Designs:
Fancy Ruffled Scarf in Camel
Estelle bags in Green Fern
Frame Clutch in Acorn Chain

All other items from Polyvore.

Around the Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:46:00 +0000

Did you know that I kind of have two studios?? I do most of my work (computer and sewing) in my green room (which never EVER looks that clean anymore) and after a while realized I wanted more space so kind of took over the sunroom again. Actually completely took it over. It's where I keep tons of fabric, pieces I have cut and ready to sew, my cutting table, and the big ironing boards (still have the little one next to my machines).

Last week I started cleaning and reorganizing and making room for some more storage shelves. These photos probably don't make it look that clean, but trust me... this is better.... much better.

And every time I take a photo lately I some how end up with at least one that is similar to this... She has become my shadow.

Reading to Grow

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:41:00 +0000

I've always believed that anything and everything can be learned through books. I started my business by reading and teaching myself to sew. I've learned Photoshop and how to create a website by reading and used these tools to grow my business. I've been to far away imaginary lands and have been exposed to experiences that have made me grow personally. I can cook just about anything (ok that sounds snobby, but at least I like to try to cook just about anything) and it is all because I've found cook books and blogs that inspire me to try.

This seems to be one of the most valuable and common threads in my life. I learn through reading.

So this fall I've decided to dig deeper into myself and my business. To challenge myself to read books that I would normally consider too technical, too personal/spiritual or too business related for my normal likings. I tend to have stayed away from some of these in the past feeling like they would be over my head and hard to grasp. Sometimes I feel like the big picture escapes me, or there was supposed to be some deep meaning that just floated right over my head. Is there some secret to understanding the meaning of everything?? Surely not! So I'm tackling this fear and taking on some challenging reads.

I started this week by reading Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh better known as the Zappos guy. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Much of his writing and the ways in which he has run Zappos really spoke to me and will benefit both my business and my life.

Do you have any books that you would recommend to me??

Nichole and Jason's Cross Creek Ranch Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:43:00 +0000

Today I get to share this beautiful wedding that was featured on Style Me Pretty. Nichole did an amazing job putting it together and her day looked perfect!! I'm loving everything about it. The clutches were custom made by me and just have to say that I feel so touched and blessed to (in a very small way) get to play a role in making a wedding day special. Seeing the result always brings tears to my eyes and a conviction that I'm doing what God put me here to do. Congrats Nichole and Jason.... may you have a lifetime of happiness!

All the photos are credited to Caroline and Evan Photography.

DIY Upholstered Headboard

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:01:00 +0000

It has been so long since I've had the extra time to do something creative that was unrelated to the shop, but last weekend we found enough to squeeze in this simple headboard project.

I've seen so many upholstered headboards around blogland that when we purchased a new larger sized mattress I just knew I wanted to make my own rather than buy something. So we brought home the wood, purchased some fabric and other simple supplies, and went to work. Here are the results!!..... but first a quick note from my sponsor.....

hi....

Ok back to the project.

We purchased enough of the fabric to make a matching bed skirt. I think it really helps it look like a set or piece of furniture this way.

After reading some horror stories of how hard they can be to put in I was a little worried about this step, but I was happy to find that they were increadably easy. I don't know if it had to do with the type of wood we used (composit board) or maybe the hammer ( a medium sized rubber mallet), but I had no problem at all getting them in on the first try. I think the key might be the depth you drive them in. I only put them in 3/4th of the way. The reason is that it helped them look more even and the tufting looked better that way. Also it gave me some wiggle room to adjust it a little by bending the head if it looked out of line. Over the whole project I think I only pulled 5 or 6 nails out to put new ones in. So don't let this step scare you. And the look of the real nails is much better than the strips you can buy so go for it!

I won't get into the details of how it was put together because there are already SO many wonderful and clear tutorials out there, but here is my supply list.

Wood: 3/4" Composite board cut to size and shape by my husband (thanks babe!), we also used 2x4's to make the legs and added them to the back around the edges to make it look bigger.

Fabric: Loletti Champagne - special ordered from my local JoAnn Fabrics. You can order online here. We purchased with a 50% off coupon. We also used 1/2" foam and batting from JoAnns when it was on sale for 50% off.

Nail Heads: 5/8" French Natural color from here.

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:16:00 +0000

Pst.... There is a giveaway going on over on Facebook you might like to enter!

The winner will get a $15 gift certificate for my shop.

As Seen In Get Married

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:34:00 +0000

I'm excited to share that I now can say that I've been seen in: Get Married Magazine!!

Uptown Art Fair Augut 5-7th 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:34:00 +0000

We are off to the Uptown Art Fair which starts tomorrow and runs through Sunday. I've heard wind of a few tv spots featuring my work and I'll be sure to share clips if I can get my hands on them.

If you are in the area do stop by and say hi. I'm always so happy to meet my customers!

I am just so glad this weekend is here. It's like all the hard work of preparing goods for the past month will come to a head and the results will show themselves. What a difficult, but beautiful month it was.

Photo credit Uptown Art Fair

Thinking out loud.

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:57:00 +0000

So many days around here feel overwhelming. Work, cleaning, cooking, training the puppy, I'm not even going to begin to talk about how neglected my garden is this year. I'm often surprised I'm able to get as much done as I do. I guess it is empowering in many ways to just see how far you can push yourself, but at the same time I often feel like I'm too close to the edge. Even at my best there is only so much that can be done in one day.

As my next big work event (the uptown art fair) draws nearer things get tougher. The dishes go unwashed more often. My laundry pile grows. Cooking becomes a game of what I can get away with calling a meal for my husband that is fast. He often takes over the cooking for which I'm immensely grateful, yet it is one of my favorite things in life so I miss it. I'm incredibly lucky to have had such a successful year so far, but I'm thinking about cutting it back a little next year to try to enjoy things a little more. This year has been the first time in my life where I have come to understand the meaning of 'paralyzed with stress'.

- sometimes writing things down makes them feel better.

Summer 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:39:00 +0000

Summer is here and it has been a hot one. There have been so many great things happening all around me.

Most noticeable to my lifestyle is that I've been able to hire two of the most wonderful ladies to help with the making of Bridal Clutches. They are each so talented and kind and have truly made a huge dent in my life. I feel really blessed to have found both of them as am in awe of how fast they have learned to follow my perfectionist ways. I was so worried I would forever be in search of someone who would be able to work up to my standards, but they've both already proven themselves ten times over.

Having them on my team has allowed me to enjoy a bit more of my summer than ever before. For the past two weeks I haven't worked past 6 pm once... ok... maybe once or twice, but never past 8 like I used to routinely.

Swimming season

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Fri, 27 May 2011 20:45:00 +0000

When ever I get a chance to be out of my sewing room these days I spend most of my time with Ellie. She just graduated from her first puppy class and next will be basic obedience. I'm so proud of her!

On the last day of puppy class everyone got a swimming lesson. Lucky we had the camera to capture our cutie. She was pretty scared at first and just clung to the outside wall of the pool, but by the end of the half hour she was going on her own (still in life jacket of course). We are going camping in a couple weeks so maybe we will try the lake, but once things slow down after my show in Edina next weekend we plant to checkout the pool again.

A Grateful Giveaway.

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Fri, 06 May 2011 21:08:00 +0000

I'm so grateful for all the orders I've been getting. My work table routinely looks like this with stacks of orders all cut out and ready for me to sit down to sew them. I used to work on just one order at a time from start to finish, but in the past year they have been coming in so fast that I end up cutting out several days all at once and then apply each step to all of them. It is much more efficient, but sometimes way way more daunting (especially when the pile is so tall it almost tips over!).

So as a thank you, because I really don't do that nearly enough, I'm having a giveaway. Just stop over on my Facebook page and become a fan for a chance to win this fun spring tote.

The Giveaway will end on Wednesday the 11th around noon central time. Winner will be chosen from my facebook fans randomly so if you are already a fan you are in too!

Spring Bag Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:15:00 +0000

If you are a fan of mine on facebook you've already seen the first look at my newest design. She doesn't have a name yet, but I'm sure after Craftstravaganza this weekend I will have it down. I'm thinking of trying to use Estelle again. I tried it on the Debbie bag, but it just didn't stick. I think it feels right here though.

I've started out with 6 colors to choose from. All are fully lined with a 4 pocket surround. They have one of my new favorite features: zippered tops. And each will come with a long detachable adjustable strap so it can go from shoulder bag to sling.

They will be online after this weekend. If you are in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area you can swing by and get the first dibs.

Where I've been this year.

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:44:00 +0000

So you may have noticed that prior to my last post it had been more than a month since I stuck my head into this corner of web space.... well I have some pretty good reasons why.

#1. My heart fell in love with my new little Ellie pup and I spend way way too much time with her. Playing, learning new tricks, watching her breathe while she naps..... ummm yeah I know that last one is really productive.

And #2. WORK. Whoa baby have things been busy. Wedding orders and custom bags and product development. I've been spending 8-10 hours almost every day in my sewing room, most of it behind the machine just to keep up with the demand. It is a wonderful problem to have.... truly the best problem to have, but it is what I consider a bit of a problem when I look out the window and wonder when the grass started turning green and wow all of a sudden I have loads of spring flowers blooming too. My husband has surly felt the effects too since I don't know when the last time I gave him a really good homemade meal to come home to. He hasn't complained once, but that was one thing I truly used to enjoy and I just haven't had the time to cook or bake much since before December. Everything in my life feels like it's just flowing by me. Like a ride going faster and faster. Everything is still under control, but it's a blur. I want to slow it down so I can enjoy the views again.

So what I'm thinking is.... #1 Ellie can still have my attention and my heart and I'm not going to change a thing about that, but #2 I have a goal of hiring some help this year. It would be for some simple things like cutting and ironing, and packing orders at first. Then maybe it would lead into some simple sewing, but I'm a pretty much a perfectionist so that will be interesting. Either way I'm trying to prepare myself for this step with some research and I'm not finding much that relates to " how to hire the most wonderful employee, who respects your boundaries, learns fast, is a kind person, has an attention to detail, will work during the day but hours will vary from 5-20 a week, and likes dogs". hmmm maybe I should write that book after I figure it all out. I think taking this step will allow me some breathing room. It will give me a chance to look at my business with fresh eyes and take more time on the creative aspects.

Anyways thanks to everyone who has stuck by my side and supported me with warm gestures of encouragement, and to those who have kept my business busier than I ever dreamed possible. Through life's ups and downs I appreciate you!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:08:00 +0000

In a season of pressures and daily struggles, I'm glad I at least have a friend to share it with.

Meet Elllie

noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Lou) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:52:00 +0000

Meet Ellie. She is our little angel who has melted and is mending our hearts. She is a 12 week old beagle / boxer mix from a local rescue and she is so sweet and soft and loves to cuddle.

With the loss of Zoey it became abundantly clear that we are dog people. Our house didn't feel like a home without being able to share it with a canine friend, and so we found Ellie. She was from a litter of 9 born into a foster home and loved from the moment she arrived.

To many years of fun and love with Ellie.