Smocked Candy Cane Dress

This smocked candy cane dress is made by Little Threads. It is from about 4 seasons ago. I got this dress for my niece. Little Threads is absolutely one of my favorite boutique lines of clothing for little girls and boys. When I had a children's boutique store in the past, I bought several of Little Thread's lines, including their sister lines from Fancy Threads. The smocking and fabrics are top of the line. The owners are very friendly and I've always been a firm believer in working with good people.

I haven't been able to view any of their recent lines, since my son is too old for their clothing and I no longer have a shop. However, I suggest anyone who is in the market for this type of clothing to ask your local boutiques about the brand. Each season, they really have great designs. This is in part because from my understanding, the owner actually comes up with her own smocking patterns. This allows the line to be different from those who use mass production factories to design the products.

One of my favorites in the past was the butterfly collection and the smocked baking frogs, which literally flew off the racks. Little Threads has some beautiful and trendy appliques on top of their smocked products. The little newborn gowns are gorgeous!

Hot Pink & Black Hair Bows

I love these little sets of hot pink and black mini pinwheel bows for girls. The are great alone or used as a set for pigtails. The can be for the smallest of toddlers to the girlie, girl in older girls.

These sets I make, are very economical and can be enjoyed as a set or shared among sisters and friends. The hair bows are made with a double layer of pinwheels. The solid layer is first, then a polka dotted top. I made the centers flat, but I can put knotted centers if preferred.

I'm flexible in the centers of my bows. It's just hard to please everyone when making a listing. So, if you see a hair bow you like, but aren't happy with the center, just let me know what I can do to make you happy.

I hope to add more sets like this soon, but time is a factor in making very size, shape, color and variety of hair bow possible. There is just too many colors, sizes and types to make them all!

Orange White Polka Dot PonyOs

I'm planning an addition to my shop soon with these adorable PonyOs. These PonyOs will be available in different colors and the attachments will be offered in alligator clips, french clips and even ouchless ponytail holders.

I'm very excited about this new addition. These type of hair bows are suitable for older girls. They can even be used for sport teams, cheerleaders and other organizations.

If become interested in these before I get them listed in my shop, please contact me. I can take orders now.

Black, Shocking Pink & White Over the Top Hair Bow

When time allows, I enjoy making over the top hair bows. This one, in black, shocking pink and white was a custom order for a customer. It has 16 total spikes all layered upon a large boutique bow, then it's topped with a smaller boutique bow with a knotted center. I love the contrasting colors, the polka dots and the stripes together.

While this bow might not be extreme enough for some peoples' taste, I can make more extreme hair bows to suit the big funky hair bow lovers!

Because so much time is spent making the korkers, I rarely make and post these for sale in my shop. I do hope to find time in the near future. In the meantime, feel free to contact me if you'd like a quote and bow made. My workshop has a huge variety of different colored and patterned ribbons. A photograph would always be sent for your inspection and critique before purchasing. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to me as a hair bow artist.

M2M FLORIDA GATORS KORKER HAIR BOW

What a perfect way to show team spirit! Korker hair bows can be made in team colors, but even better they actually resemble cheerleader pompoms! This korker hair bow is made to match the Florida Gators. The Florida Gators (The University of Florida) team colors are blue and orange. I mixed a little bit of white in with the colors to make the blue and orange burst out more. This is not official merchandise, nor do I endorse it to be. I just simply made this bow to match any apparel that might be. Of course, I'm sure there is a large amount of schools who's team colors are blue and orange. This is a royal blue, not navy.

Here in Kentucky, we are proud to show our team spirit. I'm sure Gators fans are as well. This hair bow will soon appear in my Etsy shop. I'm working on all major school colors currently. If your team colors are not seen, please let me know. In addition to regular korkers, I'm working on the minis. Soon I plan to add boutique, pinwheel and extreme layered bows as well. It's a working process. So please contact me for custom orders.

Please leave me a comment if you wish expressing your favorite teams to support. I can't say I'm too knowledgeable in sports teams. We are big Kentucky Wildcat fans of course. My son's room is decorate from top to bottom in blue and white. How lucky are we that our local high school's team colors are blue and white too? It sure does save us some money!

Pink & Green Korker Hair Bow

Pink and green goes together so well. It's a nice contrasting combination of colors. Now only can you use different shades of pinks, like light, shocking, hot and regular pinks, a bow looks great with different shades of green, like apple, emerald and lime greens.

For the korker hair bow pictured, I did place a small amount of white, which appeared in the dotted and patterned ribbon. I found this wonderful rick rack ribbon to use with the Swiss polka dot material and solids. It adds something a bit different to the normal mix.

Pink and green bows usually match up more with spring and summer apparel. The colors tend to be a brighter mixture. However, for fall and winter, darker, richer shades of the combination can be used. For example, shocking pink and emerald green would provide a hair bow with a warm feel.

The polka dot ribbon seen on the bow in the picture is a new type for me. I ordered a small amount of this ribbon and have been very satisfied with the results. Many times, dotted grosgrain only comes with white dots. That gets boring pretty fast. I love colored polka dot grosgrain ribbon best, especially for korker hair bows.

I can create any shade pink and green korker hair bows for you. Just contact me via Etsy or Facebook for a details, price quotes and custom ordering.

Tutus - Easy Project for Kids!

By using the no sew instructions for tutus, children can make their own very easily. My 7 year old son actually made the one in the photograph for his cousin. I prefer to sew mine, but for the kids or perhaps someone who isn't too crafty or one who doesn't have a sewing machine, this is a great way to make your own tutu.

You simply stitch a piece of elastic, or get a headband that is the size needed. Many headbands stretch really well.

Get some tulle on a spool that is 6 inches wide. You can get some off the bolt that is wider, but it's rather hard to cut. For small children, the less cutting involved the better.

Decide how long you want your tutu. Take the length desired and multiple it by 2, then add about 1 inch on it. Now cut several strips of tulle that length. For example, an 8 inch tutu: 8 X 2 +1 = 17 inches. So cut the tulle into 6" X17" strips. For an easier method of cutting, Take a piece of cardboard that is 17 inches long and wrap the tulle around it several times. Then cut it at the end of one side.

Now all you do is tie slipknots all around the headband. If you are using more than one color, be sure to alternate your colors. You can make it very full, or not so full. Use as many colors as you like. If you use one of those crocheted headbands, you can layer your colors. However, be sure to get one that is sturdy. We used a cheaper one before and it fell apart.

Pillowcase Dresses

This was a custom order pillowcase dress I made for a customer's little niece. The top layer is made of a lightweight cotton light pink material. The bottom layer is a heavier weight brown with pink polka dot cotton. By placing the heavier weight fabric at the bottom, it helps the dress hang better and the wrinkles fall out better. I know not everyone enjoys ironing or even knows how this day in age.

I put some grosgrain ribbon ties in this dress because it just matched so well. I usually prefer satin so much better, as it is softer, easier to tie and looks better in my opinion on the pillowcase dresses. However, this grosgrain ribbon made by Offray ribbon company is much softer than many brands. It worked out lovely.

We wanted to use polka dots, but not so many that it overrode the simplicity of the outfit. I love the contrast in the dots. You got pink on brown and brown on pink dots.

The ribbon on the bottom is detachable for easier washing. It matches the hair bow and the set could even be used on other outfits. It's very nice to have items that are more deserve and usable to get your money's worth if your a savvy, frugal mother like me.

Great things about pillowcase dresses:

• These dresses are great for causal wearing , but can be dressed up in a jiffy.
  
• A pillowcase dress is affordable (bought or made) and has that boutique quality appeal.
  
• Little girls can wear these for spring/summer as a sleeveless dress, or in the fall/winter by adding a turtle neck, button up or peter pan collared shirt.
  
• The standard sized pillowcase dress can usually be used for the toddlers but used as a top with leggins as a child grows. A dress such as this can give you years of use.
  

Creamsicle Mini Korker Hair Bows

Creamsicle pops are such a sweet delicious treat for a hot summer day. Not only does this flavor tickle the taste-buds, the color combination is fantastic. I made these cream and pastel orange mini korker hair bows in honor of one of my favorite summer treats.

Sometimes when I make a hair bow, a certain item in my life has inspired me to make it. I love this shade or orange and cream together in a hair bow. It might be a color which is hard to match with an outfit one might already have, but sometimes a bow is just too darn cute! Then a person is compelled to buy an outfit for the bow, rather than a bow for the outfit. This might be just such an occasion. Of course, I could be bias, but I really can't imagine too many not fancying these little mini korker hair bows.

Shades of Purple Korker Hair Bows

Like pink, there are several shades of purple. These look great mixed together. Purple korker hair bows will match nearly anything that color, pink, teal, black and white.

The korker hair bows in the picture are fairly large. They measure about 3 1/2 inches wide. It doesn't sound very big, but that is diameter, so they are bigger then it sounds. These do look cute in pigtails of older girls, perhaps 4 to 8 years old. However, I believe they would over take a some toddlers head as a set. My best friend puts one on her little girl's head for a pony tail topper. It looks cute!

Any sets that I have can be broken up. They are a bit cheaper per each by the set, but some people do just need one. You could always break up a set and use one for a back up or gift. Of course, little girls grow up too =). If you are ever interested in purchases a single over a set, just contact me in my etsy shop, leave me a comment or contact me at my facebook page.

Red White & Black Korker Hair Bow

Red, white and black are such fun contrast to work with. Polka dots always go brilliantly with this selection of colors. Of course, there are many different patterns and details on apparel in these colors, we can most commonly see Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Lady Bugs done up in red, white and black.

For awhile, it seemed to me that Minnie Mouse was on the decline, but recently I've been seeing Mrs. Mouse everywhere. I seen some very cute Minnie Mouse fabric at Hobby Lobby that would make a perfect Valentine's dress. It would also work for year round, but I thought of Valentine's Day when I seen it. Usually when you see these items, you see polka dots as well. I just adore polka dots!

Lady bugs are now being done in other color schemes, but traditionally, the red, white and black are used. Lady bugs are really cute for little girls. I know many of little girls' who has their bedrooms decorated with the adorable little critters.

Skull & Crossbones Korker Hair Bow

Just because we're made of sugar and spice, doesn't mean we can't have some edge. Skull and crossbones can be ugly, but not these! These cute little skulls go great with pink, white and everything nice.

It seems the scene look is hitting on all fronts now. Big girls, little girls, babies and even women are getting in one the fun. This korker hair bow is perfect for little divas. She can show her need for frilly things, but keep the attitude.

In the future, I really hope I can start making shirts to match my hair bows. How fun would that be? For now, it will have to be a dream until I can get the machinery to do so. It's great for all of us girls (even old ones like me) to have dreams. My sassy self might have worn something like this when I was a little girl. I didn't like ruffles. Did anyone? Oh, yes my mother!

Cupcake Birthday Hair Bow

Little girls look so cute in accessories adorn with cupcakes. Although, not strictly for birthdays only, they do set the occasion nicely. I love making items for celebrations, but that can also be worn anytime. Sometimes it's such a waste to purchase a product that only gets one wear. That's one reason I've always loved Mulberry Street boutique clothing as well. Many of their items are reversible or have appliques that can be removed, like a bib type jumper.

I love making layered bows like the one in the picture, but many times only do them by custom order. They can be time consuming, depending on how many spikes and layers the hair bow has. However, when a stroke of creative genius ignites in me, these are among my favorite to make. If you're interested in a custom made bow that is over-the-top, please contact me on my etsy or facebook page. I'll be happy to construct a masterpiece for your little one.

Monogrammed Boutique Hair Bows

I'm proud that I can now monogram hair bows. With Christmas coming up, and a gang of nieces, I know what they'll be getting from Auntie. The great thing about monogrammed boutique hair bows is the versatility with the colors. I can put a green center in these bows in the pictures and change it from everyday to holiday.

I like the look of a pink bow with black lettering as well. These hair bows can be made large, like the ones picture or made in a much smaller form. My nieces like the super sized ones! Ha!

In addition to these, I can also monogram pinwheels and organizers. I hope to be able to make belts in the future and I'm currently learning how to do FOB key rings.

Funky Zebra Striped Loopy Hair Bow

Who doesn't love fun colors, wacky patterns and cook designs? With loopy hair bows the crazier, the better.

This was one of the first loopy hair bows I made. It did take a great deal of time to complete. There are just so many different layers and yards of ribbon, these bows can't be sold cheap. Have you ever wonder why loopy hair bows are so expensive?
1. Well, they have tons of ribbon. Not just cheap ribbon either. Because they use printed and texture ribbons, it can be some of the most expensive. Some even have elaborate buttons, pins and feathers on them.
2. Time - It can take more than an hour to complete a loopy hair bow of this caliber. This zebra one isn't as extreme as many on the market and it took me over an hour to make.
3. While the bow isn't too difficult for the advance bow maker, I can't imagine making one of these without a few years of experience and it turning out very well. Making this bow made my hands ache for days!

These bows are really extreme, loud and adorable, but you should expect to pay someone what it's worth!

My First Korker Hair Bows

I've been making korker hair bows going on 10 years. I've tinkered with this method and that method. What I've learned best is that some people prefer one style over another. Some people like theirs fuller, while others like theirs smaller.

This green and white set of korker hair bows was one of my first sets. I was very pleased with the colors of apple green mixed with the white, and also the solids with stripes and polka dots. I mean, who doesn't love polka dots? It's been a long journey since this first pair, but I've enjoyed every step of the way.

I have to tell a funny story of my best friend helping me curl the ribbon. She curled the ribbon in the opposite direction that I did. We are both right handed, so I'm not sure how that happened. We got a laugh out of it.

Huge Boutique Hair Bows

To wear or not to wear?

Does size matter when it comes to hair bows? Of course! Some people say the bigger the hair bow the better, will others say small is just right, and there are the medium boutique hair bow type of people.

My nieces love to sport their huge accessories. They are pure diva and princesses! What size hair bow should you let your child wear? Well, of course weight is a factor but I think it's best to evaluate the personality of the child. For example my diva and princesses are expressive and girlie type girls. They wouldn't look right wearing tiny bows. On the other hand, my friend's daughter is more rugged and outdoorsy. Seeing her in big accessories just wouldn't be, well her.

Don't pay attention to what anyone else thinks. If you and your daughter like the huge boutique bows, go for it! To each her own when it comes to accessories and being a princess!

Apple Green Mini Korker Hair Bows

In the past it seemed we didn't have much to pick from when it come to color choices. Green seemed to be a yucky color. Now, with so many eye pleasing shades, it's hard to pick just one.

Apple green is one of my favorite shades. It's a bit darker than lime, but still bright and fun enough not to be considered yucky green. It looks brilliant with pinks, orange and yellow. It even looks great mixed with red for a real apple combination. I've also used this shade green in some of red, white and green Christmas bows.

Shocking Pink Mini Korker Hair Bows

Shocking pink has by far been one of the most popular colors, alone or mixed in with other colors. Not only is it a great color for spring and summer, it also goes great with fall and winter items too. It's a versatile color that can be mixed with orange and greens for a fresh, cool look, or with browns and neutrals for a warmer look.

Some people confuse shocking pink and hot pink. There is a notable difference when the two are side by side. The shocking pink is a deeper, more rich pink than hot pink, which is lighter and brighter. Both are fun!

This color goes well with black, orchid, apple and lime green, orange and brown. Though, it's not limited to those. The possibilities are endless for color combination's.

Lime and Shocking Pink Pillowcase Dress

This was my first attempt at making a pillowcase dress. I know it isn't the best out there, but I was proud of my first attempt. I ended up giving this dress to my sweet little niece. She was proud to wear it and put it on as soon as I gave it to her.

I plan to make more of these in future. I also plan to make sets of dresses, hair bows and flip flops all to match. There just isn't enough hours in the day!