GingiberSnap

time for a new sewing machine

2012-01-31T10:45:00.000-06:00

I was smack in the middle of sewing a huge order of animal pillows this past weekend when I heard an unpleasant grinding sound in my sewing machine. I broke a gear, or at least I am assuming I did. I have had my little Diana Singer sewing machine serviced a few times over the past few years, and I decided it was finally time to purchase a new machine.

I purchased for myself this Singer 7258 Stylist Model sewing machine. It had really great reviews, and was said to be a "workhorse" of a machine. Sounded good to me! I wanted to buy a machine in town over the weekend, but found that the price was much better online.

Then, I saw this really cute 3/4 sized Janome Hello Kitty Sewing Machine! Oh, how I wish Violet was old enough to use it. She has been wanting me to teach her how to sew. But, a 3 year old handling a needle and thread doesn't sound too smart.

I am so tempted to buy this machine for her now and give it to her in oh, 4 years? I have visions of us sewing animal pillows together, side by side.

Not that I would make her sew my Gingiber pillow....er.....um.... yeah...

My machine will arrive on Thursday, so I have had to take a break from pillow making. Which is nice. I feel like I am regaining some of my sanity.

So Much To Do, Never Enough Time

2012-01-27T20:37:00.000-06:00

Mini Goals Chalkboard by MaryKateMcDevitt

It is Friday night, and both girls are asleep! I have a million things that I should be working on. So I thought I would share my weekend "to-do" list with you! Ya'll ready for this? (The #'s in green are really just things I want to do, but alas, I doubt they will actually happen)

Sew 300+ animal pillows (that's right, 300 for my upcoming Fab.com sale .... le sigh)
Finish laying out as much of issue 7 of La Petite Magazine as possible
Ship wholesale samples to Australia
Clean my pee stained carpet. Yes, every person under the age of 7 (that's how old Wallace is) has peed on the carpet in the past week
Cook a main dish and dessert for a church potluck
Clean the house..... it is looking mighty rough
Get oil changed in car
Clip Schroeder's nails... he has to look purty if we are to find a new home for him!
Cut husband's hair
Exercise! Mama still needs to drop 10 pounds!
Enlarge the waistband on this AWESOME vintage skirt I purchased!
Read my new House Beautiful Magazine
Spend quality time with Violet... she had her last day of daycare today and she has been a sad clown
Work on my NEW blog layout
Begin work on my wholesale order for Ruche!

In other completely unrelated news, I miss writing on this blog. I don't have the time to invest in making it a "real" cool DIY/decorating/all-around-awesome blog at the moment. So it may just become my online journal again. I am feeling a bit stuck in my own head. Does that ever happen to you?

In all honesty, I have had a lot of change in my life. Had a baby. Quit my job. Now Violet is home with me the majority of the time too. Gingiber has taken off in a great way, but golly I am feeling stretched thin. I didn't take off much time for maternity leave. And am feeling a bit burned out. Yet I am compelled to work as much as possible.

Workaholic much?

Definitely.

I need a vacation.

Any advice on work/life balance? I know I need to take 2 days a week off, but my plate is so full now I don't feel like I can afford to, ya know?

Thanks for listening to me ramble tonight,

Stacie

Gingiber Shop Update!

2012-01-25T11:41:00.000-06:00

Hi! I know I showed you the new Fox Tote Bag last week, but I completely forgot to show you a few other new items in the old Gingiber shop :)

I've released a new bear pillow in 2 colors, plus a sweet mini love bear (a great little Valentines Days Gift). Also, since February is a love month, I have released a sweet love themed owl Illustration and some mini love notes (a set of 20).

You can learn more about the new products over at the Gingiber Shop :)

What do you think of the new products? I am dying to get back to drawing and creating more fun stuff for 2012 :)

Need Some Input: Vintage Letters

2012-01-24T09:10:00.000-06:00

So I purchased these awesome little letters from Etsy shop OhSoRetroVintage. They are super cute, about 3 inches tall, and I really want to put them in Violet's room! Now the only problem is how to mount them?

They are super thin, vintage, and I don't know if I need to glue them to a board then mount that? Or should I hang a shelf and just set them on top of it? Shadow box? I need suggestions because I am at a loss!

What do you think?

Saturday

2012-01-21T13:52:00.000-06:00

This is the best photo I could catch of the Bloomfield girls. Oh Saturday. I long for the day when weekends are restful again. Having 2 kids is simply exhausting. But I can honestly say I am happier than I have ever been previously.

Momma needs a haircut. And to buy some makeup as I have been out of everything but mascara and concealer since December.

Oh, and sleep would be nice too.

And maybe a date night with the husband. Heck, even a night when we are the only ones in our bed! The girls have a habit of wanting to sleep with us....

I have been working so much that I finally made myself stop on Friday and relax. It was much needed and a reminder that even though I am working from home I need down time.

How has your Saturday been?

Some Vintage Clothing!

2012-01-19T05:39:00.000-06:00

On my birthday last week, I decided to wander over to a cute new vintage clothing shop in Fayetteville called Vintage Violet. Obviously, I could not resist their adorable moniker, so I did some real shopping! I tried on clothes and everything :) Now, I still have 10 pounds to go until I reach my goal post pregnancy weight, and golly even then I will still be a size 12. But the great thing about vintage clothing is that it is cut for real women!

Take this adorable 1950's vintage Apron Dress! I love the orange gingham check and the embroidered pocket. But must of all I love that it was cut for a woman with curves, not a stick!

The dress is thin so I have to wear a slip or some sort of camisole under it. But I think it is cute as a button. And it was less than $20 clams, so I do I do love it!

Okay, so I am not a fashion blogger. And don't expect regular outfit posts from me. But I just loved this cute dress enough that I had to share!

Do you wear vintage clothing? Or even a few pieces mixed into your daily wardrobe?

My 1st VLOG With An Announcement

2012-01-18T12:26:00.000-06:00

Hi friend! I made a VLOG! It is really short, so feel free to watch and here some great Gingiber news!

I never get used to seeing myself on camera! Oh well :)Now is not the time to be self-critical, but golly do I need a hair cut!

Stacie

The Process: Getting Cheeky

2012-01-17T07:00:00.002-06:00

I just added this adorable Blushing Fox Tote Bag to the Gingiber Shop! If you follow me on Twitter (my handle is GingiberSnap) or on Instagram (user name Gingiber) then you saw lots of peeks into the process over the weekend!

Originally, the totes were going to be just black. Then I thought that this fox needed to get cheeky. So rather than create an entire screen for silk screening cheeks, I rigged up a simple stencil using a transparency sheet, a hole punch, a foam brush, and some pink ink!

What do you think? Loving the blushing fox? Or is just black the ticket?

Blog Reading List

2012-01-16T15:09:00.000-06:00

I will be honest, my days are spent mostly wiping poopy bottoms, making bottles, washing diapers, and sewing Gingiber animal pillows! Of course, there is the occasional break for blog reading :) Here's a short list of my recent go to blogs for a little daily pick-me-up!

For Fresh Home Decor: SF Girl By Bay

For a Fresh Perspective on Motherhood: Girl's Gone Child

To Keep Me Motivated on Home Improvement Projects: Young House Love

Daily Approachable Food Recipes and Pretty Food Photography: Food Coma

I bet most of you have read these blogs too! Do you have any favorite blogs? Leave their name's in the comments section below, because I am always on the lookout for a good read :)

Coming Soon: The Little Fox Tote Bag

2012-01-13T09:15:00.000-06:00

Guess what? A Gingiber Shop Update is coming soon! Like in 2 weeks ;) And here is a preview of a new product, a Little Fox Tote Bag! The perfect cotton tote with the sweetest little fox this side of the Mississippi!

I am thinking of adding some pink little cheeks to the foxes... what do you think?

26

2012-01-10T16:17:00.000-06:00

Hello friends! Today is my 26th birthday, and I am celebrating with little Lucy, waiting for the rest of the little family to get home.

I have had the most phenomenally blessed year of my life. And, I look forward to seeing what my 26th year has in store. I have a few personal goals for the year, and may write a proper "26 before 27" post later on this week is over. As I am now closer to 30 than 20, I want to focus on my sweet family. Now that I have 2 precious daughters, I want to become a less selfish mother. I tend to be a workaholic, and now that Violet is older, I need to find a way to put her needs before my own. Because that is what being a parent is all about, right?

This morning I was lying in bed, Lucy cradled in my arms, I was thinking of my own mother. All I wanted to do was call my mom and chat with her, because she always knows how to cheer me up and encourage me. She knows me so well. She is selfless and somehow knows how to make the small things in life magical. Every birthday growing up with her was magical because she made it that way. Breakfast in bed. A special handpicked present. Dinner with the family. Homemade cake.

It never occurred to me how much effort my mother put into making my sister and I feel so special and loved. Yet she made it seem effortless.

I want to be that kind of mother to my girls. Finding the sparkle in the mundane things of life. Celebrating special moments with creativity and love.

Funny how the older I get, the more I cherish my friendship with my own mom.

Here's to turning 26, and growing with grace, striving to become more like my own mother.

January Home Project: Houndstooth Chair Upholstery

2012-01-09T16:42:00.000-06:00

Hi. My name is Stacie. And I need to get my groove back. Case in point? I recently had to say goodbye to my beloved houndstooth coat do to an increase in, well, personal mass (dropping baby weight is no laughing matter, my friends!). Anywho, I handed down my coat to my older sister. Sigh, I am glad that it found a good home where it will be taken care of :)

But now I am definitely lacking some houndstooth in my life :( The pattern is the epitome of classiness. And it would look so lovely on a nice arm chair, don't you agree?

I have this old arm chair. Covered in nifty but dizzying Alexander Henry fabric. You know that's good, but not classy. I need something classy (channeling Michael Scott from The Office), so a houndstooth upholstery job it will be!

What does this have to do with getting my groove back? Aside from needing some content for this little blog of mine, this has inspired me to tackle one home project a month. It could be small, like hanging some curtains or sewing a pillow cover, or BIG, like say, stripping down and painting a nice piece of furniture! The sky's the limit!

Do you have any monthly goals for yourself creatively? Are you a home decorating junkie, like me? Always on the lookout for a way to jazz up your home?

Free Domestic Shipping Today Only at Gingiber

2012-01-05T06:18:00.000-06:00

Dont miss out on a special 1 day offer! Free Domestic Shipping on all Gingiber Products! Use discount code "FREESHIPPING" during Checkout!

I really hope that you make your way to the good old Gingiber Shop and buy buy buy!

I Went Shopping (Around My House)

2012-01-04T18:19:00.000-06:00

I have a corner of our dining room that has never really been functional. It is in between the kitchen table and kitchen, and usually ends up being a landing space for boxes, Violet's larger toys, or extra chairs. So, I finally decided to go "shopping" from around the house and give this corner a makeover.

The first thing I did was grab this lounge beige chair from the living room. I love the chair, but it has always blended in to the beige carpet in the living room. Really, no one walks into a room and thinks, "You know what this room needs? More beige!" So I was happy to relocate the chair.

Next, I took this newish rug (originally purchased for the living room, but alas it was too small) and laid it down. The rug is a dark navy blue, but it looks mighty fine against the white bead board and black chalkboard walls! Go ahead, marvel at all of the messages written on the walls. Lately I have been considering repainting them, but I love having 3+ years of memories recorded! If you come visit our home, you get to draw on the walls :)

I have had this old chalkboard since college, and have had it in storage ever since Violet was a baby! Note it says "Welcome Home Clementine" as at one point that was going to be Violet's name. (Golly I need to erase that). It balances the blank space next to the chair. The blue magazine rack is the perfect landing spot for my back issues of Martha.

And, I moved this Fairfield Porter print from the living room and hung it above the chair. Essentially, I was trying to create a more cohesive color palette throughout the kitchen/dining area. Black walls with hints of blues and greens. The print, accented by a blue throw pillow and navy rug work well together.

This is a cozy little nook, perfect for early morning coffee or late night reading. Ant the space is filled which I LOVE! Do you ever have the urge to redecorate? Do you ever pull things from other rooms instead of hitting the stores?

Now I get to work a little bit on adding some new pieces and artwork to the living room! So excited!

2011 Recap: Best Year EVER

2012-01-01T07:03:00.000-06:00

I know that it is already 2012, but lo and behold I was fast asleep when the ball dropped last night. So here is a blog of thankfulness for 2011, arguably one of the very best and most fulfilling years of my young family's life!

J A N U A R Y

I turned 25 and made a list of goals for the year. The truth is that I have a lot still to finish, and my birthday is 10 days away! Yikers.

F E B R U A R Y

My new niece Charis was born! She is such sweet girl, is a the perfect addition to my sister's family.

M A R C H

Gingiber was named the #1 etsy shop for nursery decor by Babble.com! Such an honor and motivator for growing my business :)

A P R I L

In April we announced that we were expecting another little Bloomfield!

M A Y

In May we closed on our little house in Springfield, MO! We were so blessed to sell it given the housing market. Definitely a big amazing highlight :)

J U N E

We found out that we were having another girl!

JULY

My owlphabet print was in DIY Magazine! Granted it is in the background of the picture, but still it counts!

A U G U S T

I added my line of animal pillows to the Gingiber shop in August!

S E P T E M B E R

The month of September was filled with lots of decorating the girls' shared room! I made this headboard for Violet and she loved it!

O C T O B E R

I hit 500 Etsy sales in October!

N O V E M B E R

Miss Lucy Emmeline Bloomfield was born on November 11th, 2011 (11.11.11)! Great birthday, right? We so did not plan it :)

D E C E M B E R

I was honored to be named the Etsy Featured Seller on Decembr 5th! Definitely a big step for my business and a dream come true!

So there you have it. 2011. Amazing. Fulfilling. A year of growing. Letting go of the old, and making way for new goals and dreams.

Perhaps 2012 will be even better? Be still my heart!

Stacie

Where I Work

2011-12-30T19:05:00.000-06:00

My office. I've been spending the better portions of my days here. Sewing. Printing. Packaging. Lord knows I need a real office chair with the amount of sitting I've been doing!

The office is getting cozier. I added this cute needlework and changed up the frame montage above the couch.

I waited and waited on these pretty ruffle curtains to go on sale from Urban Outfitters and snagged them up when they dropped to $9 each! Love them. They definitely add to the granny chic thing I have going on :)

I sew everything on my grandma's old singer. I know I should look into purchasing a new one. I got this machine serviced last year and it about cost as much as a new machine would cost. But I still like this old gal! She is sturdy, sews a straight line, and I have been using it since I was about 12.

Is there a room in your house that you spend most of your time in?

Leah Duncan Pillows and Tea Towels? Yes Please!

2011-12-28T08:31:00.000-06:00

Moose Tea Towel by Leah Duncan

I've spent ample time over the past weeks browsing the internet, trying to rediscover my personal style. From clothing to decor, movies and reading materials, I feel lost as to what I actually like. One thing I definitely like is Leah Duncan's illustrations. I adore her color palettes, use of blacks and yellow.

I also am really digging her pillow covers. I love pillows, but for some reason can never pull the trigger on purchasing new throw pillows.....

Miguel Pillow Cover

Oh, and it is the time of year where I want a new couch, desperately. However, this is not practical in the slightest, since our couch is merely 3 years old. So, perhaps one of these gorgeous covers by Leah will help add some life to my dowdy couch?

A Funny Thing Happened Yesterday.... I Had Surgery

2011-12-24T15:34:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I have been dying to get back to blogging about DIY and home decor, however, sometimes life intervenes. And this week, even though I had my baby 6 weeks ago, a post-pregnancy related complication arose that required me having surgery yesterday.

Now, not many people probably want to read about this, but, I feel compelled to write about my post-pregnancy complication and associated surgery, because what happened to me is pretty rare. So, stop reading now if you don't care to read about this nitty gritty stuff.

Otherwise, it starts like this. I delivered Lucy 6 weeks ago. The delivery was a dream. Easy and happy. 2 days in the hospital, and we brought her home! If you have had a baby, then you know that there is associated bleeding for several weeks. Yet after almost 5 weeks, I was still bleeding. Bright red. Also, breastfeeding had been so awful this go around. No matter how much a nursed, pumped, talked to lactation consultants, I could not get my milk supply to go up! Finally, after the bleeding got worse, and I started feeling weak and achy, I called my OBGYN and talked to her nurse.

The nurse did not seem to concerned with my bleeding. She was certain it was simply my cycle returning. But I insisted on seeing my OBGYN as soon as possible because I felt like something was not right. And it is a good thing I did. On Thursday, after visiting with my doctor she examined me. I was still dilated 6 weeks after giving birth! Not normal. Then she decided to give me an ultrasound so see what was going on.

As it turns out, parts of my placenta was still in my uterus! This is quite rare, and only occurs in 1% of all pregnancies. Placental fragments, as they are called, when left in the uterus, cause continual bleeding and prevent the body from healing after childbirth. In turn, the uterus can become infected. Sometimes when these go undiagnosed, women develop complications such as uterine infections, endometriosis, even in extreme cases, hysterectomies!

Another side effect of the placenta being left in the uterus is low milk production. The body still thinks that it is pregnant, due to the hormones excreted by the placenta. The placenta being delivered is what signals the body to start producing milk. So, my extreme difficulty breast feeding was a direct result of my post-pregnancy placental fragments.

Somehow, amazingly, I did not develop an infection! Six weeks is a heck of a long time for something like this to go unnoticed. It is partially my own fault. I went back to working on Gingiber a week after I had Lucy. I thought that the red bleeding was just my overdoing it. And, I am a bit of a workaholic. So I tend to push myself to hard most of the time anyways.

Friday morning at 5 AM I was at the hospital, having surgery to remove the placental fragments. Nathan's parents watched the girls that morning, and my mom drove up late that evening to watch the girls over night.

Now, it is Christmas Eve, and I am recovering quite nicely from surgery. I am on some powerful pain killers, and look rather rough! But, I am so very happy to be healthier now. Friends, if you ever think that something is off in your body, don't hesitate to go to the doctor and get it checked out.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Stacie

Lucy at 5 Weeks

2011-12-20T18:08:00.000-06:00

Lucy is huge all of the sudden (9 pounds)! And smiling. And such a snuggle bunny.

She has such kind little eyes. I really feel like she is an old soul.

Lucy still is not sleeping through the night. But that's par for the course at this age. She has strong control of her neck, actually participates in tummy time, and has started following our voices with her eyes.

Violet desperately wants Lucy to sleep in her bed with her. Alas, poor Violet. This will not be happening any time soon. Recently, Violet hugged Lucy and proudly exclaimed, "Mommy, I hugged Lucy and did not break her neck!" Yes, good girl, Violet....

Lucy is quite the calm baby. She coos and smiles. She makes my life more full. I may be exhausted every day from tending to her and the rest of the family, but now I cannot imagine our family without her :)

It is a case of the mondays (on tuesday)

2011-12-20T12:40:00.000-06:00

You know how sometimes life is just, well, blah? I mean, I know, I did have a baby last month. But still, recently the days and nights melt together, and before I know it a whole week has gone by! I am so out of touch with what is happening. For instance: I have spent most of today thinking that it was Wednesday and that we missed trash day....

I think I even imagined hearing the garbage truck go by. Oh glorious sleep deprivation!

Anyways, what is the point of this blog? Or of the picture I posted? Well, that is the 1st ornament Nathan and I got when we were married. How quickly 5 and a half years have gone by. I think that the most difficult part of adjusting to a new baby in the home is how little time Nathan and I have had together to just, well, be Nathan and Stacie! We clean the house. He goes to work. I work on Gingiber, feed the baby, changed diapers. He comes home. It is dark outside. And inevitably one of us crashes on the couch while the other one tends to the girls.

I adore the girls and my business. However, I look forward to times when the days feels less like drudgery and are replaced with hopeful possibilities.

In other non related news, we have begun cloth diapering! But that may call for a blog post of its own. Leaky diapers are killing me softly.....

Shared Room Tour: Violet and Lucy

2011-12-15T20:36:00.002-06:00

I am really happy to share with you Violet and Lucy's shared room! Their room is bright and cheery, filled with vintage touches, school house inspirations, and handmade love. (Don't worry, Lucy is just sleeping in the crib in these pictures! She looks rather out of it, doesn't she?)

This used to be just Violet's room, so I kept a few elements from her old decor, such as the feminine white dressers (they were mine when I was a child) and blue walls. Also, Lucy's crib skirt used to be Violet's, and the diaper changing cover was made from the old curtain fabric. But, this time around, I wanted to soften up the room considerably. So I made some adorable white and yellow pom-pom curtains with enough sheerness to let lots of light in!

The ikea crib and reupholstered lounge chair have very modular, clean lines. I like the mix of these pieces with my childhood furniture, as they create visual interest in the room and really break up the monotony of my old bedroom set.

I made Violet's chalkboard headboard, and kept her lovely Amy Blackwell prints hung on the wall. Inspired by Pinterest, I made this fabric bookshelf to go above Violet's bed. Her happy gingham-clad bed is filled with pillows and handmade plush animals from my shop.

Of course Violet's octopus lamp looks on. He had to stay in the room for sure! Over on Lucy's side of the room......

I made the fun star mobile and spray painted it gold. Keeping with the school house inspiration, Fine Little Day's Apple Papple poster hangs above Lucy's crib. My sweet friends Laura and Nathan gave us this Apple Print by Sycamore Street Press! I hung this print with 2 lovely Amy Marcella flower illustrations, and added some cute little bows!

A sock monkey and yellow fox pillow add some fun to Lucy's crib. Lucy seem's comfy, no?

Let's move over to the opposite side of the room, shall we? ;)

Here you can see the lemon yellow upholstered chair with a handmade owl pillow from my dear friend Amber Perrodin. (Side note: Amber is an AMAZING artist. Go check out her Etsy Shop if you have the time).

The rather large closet is covered with white curtains. Violet's red dresser hides inside for more storage. The closet is large enough that Violet's play kitchen fits in comfortably.

Probably my favorite detail of the room is this little arrangement next to the closet. An gold mirror hangs above a vintage embroidery, vintage dress, and thrifted "L" creating a cute vignette.

This room is my favorite room in our whole house! I hope that you have enjoyed this tour. And, I hope that my girls have happy memories of their childhood room!

Cozy Corners and Family Blankets

2011-12-14T15:54:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago my mother came to visit and brought with her a lovely handmade afghan. It was made by one of my grandmothers (we don't know which one!). I remember sneaking into my mother's closet as a little girl and seeing the corner of this blanket tucked away with the family quilts. Secretly I would pull it down and lay it on my bed.

I've always loved the bright and varied colors. It just makes me happy :)

This visit, my mother decided to give it to me, and I am so excited! It really cozy's up the corner of my living room! It is so funny, because just last week in my etsy interview they asked me about favorite handmade possessions, and I didn't have one so I listed my husband's family quilt! Now I have a little handmade nugget of my own :)

Here's to cozy corners and rainy Wednesday afternoons :)

Back to Blogging and a Free X-Mas Download

2011-12-12T15:29:00.000-06:00

Hello and I am back to regular blogging (at least to the best of my ability). And to celebrate, I wanted to offer you a FREE Gingiber X-Mas Card download :)

click here to download

This is an original Gingiber blue winter deer illustration. Simply print centered horizontally onto an 8.5x11 piece of card stock, fold down the center, trim the edges, and enjoy for a lovely holiday card!

I hope that you like this card and that it gets you into the holiday spirit! Please only use this for personal use. Do not reproduce for re-sale.

Cheers and happy Monday,

Stacie

Babies and Being Busy

2011-12-09T11:53:00.000-06:00

Hi friends! I have been gone from this blog for so long and I really really miss it! My days consist of feedings, packaging Etsy orders, and keeping Violet entertained. In all honesty, I feel a bit overwhelmed with all of the activity in my life so far. I've been working like a mad woman to keep up with the orders due to my recent Etsy feature, and I am lucky if I even change out of my pajamas during the day! Forget make-up and fixed hair! But, as you can tell by these photos, Nathan and I are truly blessed this year with 2 healthy girls (for the most part... right now we are battling some illness in the house).

Lucy is 1 month old today! I cannot believe it has only been 4 weeks, to be quite honest. I look forward to taking a mini "vacation" in January from work in order to get recharged after all of this holiday madness. But I am so very thankful for the business.

Next week will begin a new blogging routine. Thanks for sticking with me, friends!

I'm The Etsy Featured Seller!!!

2011-12-05T11:26:00.000-06:00

Hi friends! I am so excited to announce that I am today's Etsy Featured Seller! Back in October Etsy contacted me and asked if I wanted to be featured. Of course I said "YES"!

I have been anxiously awaiting this day ever since :)

So please, click on over to Etsy and check out my feature! There is an interview and some pictures of me and my work.

So overwhelmingly happy and fulfilled at the moment.

Thanks for all of the support :)

Stacie