My Fascination with Felt

I want to share my fascination with felt.  It's more of a love affair. I rekindled my love for it when I began making hair fashions almost three years ago.  It brings me a sense of nostalgia and playfulness every time I create with it.  I am not exactly sure why but I think it may stem from childhood memories.

Enchanting Butterfly Bloom Garden Headband

Remember in kindergarten when your teacher would use felt cut outs of objects, people and animals to tell a story?  I believe this is where my fascination really began.  I am such a visual learner and having colorful felt cut outs to look at during storytime took my imagination to a whole new level.
 

Pink, Yellow and Purple Trio Felt layered Flower Clip Set

 

Neapolitan Ice Cream Cone Clip



Sweet Rose Songbird Hair Fashion Holder

During stressful times or any transition, I work with felt to ease my mind and spirit.  It's almost like "felt" therapy for me.  I know it sounds bizarre or even crazy but it makes me feel happy, carefree and sane.
 

Red Song Bird and Felt Layered Flower Snap Clip Set

 
 

Moroccan Inspired Felt Flower Clip

 

  Babydoll Bows 
 Dolls and Dames Collection

 
 
  



Hot Pink, Light Green and White Fabric Flower Bouquet Headband

 

So when you see me introduce a new PR Collection made with Felt...it all comes from my Happy Place.:)

Not Yet Released
Red, White and Blue Headband
Dolls and Dames Collection
Boardwalk Series









Dreamer or Doer?

I just became a member of a creative online community called  Dreamers into Doers, an affilate of Martha Stewart. When I first filled out the simple questionnaire, I had to ask to myself, "Am I still dreaming or am I doing what I love to do?"

Drop by my page on  Dreamers into Doers  and say "Hello!"

As far as I can remember, I have always been a dreamer and a doer. In junior high school, I recall selling personalized graffiti name art to my classmates to slip into the front of their clear faced binders. I would give them the option to choose three colors for $3 and $1 extra for a protective plastic sleeve. Word of mouth spread like wild fire but soon supply and demand got the best of me. Sadly, I had to stop taking orders.

The story still remains true today, I am a dreamer but definitely a doer. I try to take an opportunity and make it into something creatively meaningful. 

Being a doer is not a easy task. Aside from being a stay at home mom, I design/handcraft all my products, run two online shops, market, promote and take on everything else that comes along with it. It can be very stressful and time-consuming but I am having a blast on this crazy creative journey...

Enjoying what I do is all that matters to me right now.

 

I have to remind myself daily that...I can only count on myself to make things happen.


Now here are the RULES for the 700 FB FAN 2011 SPRING GIVEAWAY:

1. Like my Facebook Page The Princess Rose

2. Subscribe/Follow and Comment on my Blog
by answering the question below and please don't forget to tell me "why?" in your comment.
3. All Likes and Blog comments need to be in by this Friday, April 22nd at 9:00pm. Good Luck!

(Please Note-if you are chosen as the winner, your comments may be shared for promotional use) 

My question to you, "Are you a Dreamer or a Doer?"



The lucky winner will WIN this fabulous couture hair fashion! (retails for $55)
"The Harlow" Triple Rolled Rose Headband by Princess Rose Couture



 *Giveway or Rules are not in any way endorsed by Facebook.

Introducing...Princess Rose Couture

I studied Fashion Design at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, California and upon graduating I had to submit an Exit Porfolio.  I chose to do Bridal Wear.

I met and married my true love while I was still in school.  We had a very intimate, private affair and planned for the "Big Wedding" the following year.

During that time I remember being more inspired than ever, so putting together an exit portfolio based on Bridal Wear worked in my favor.  Aside from the pain-staking details of perfecting pattern flats, textiles and collaborating a cohesive collection, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process.

I recently opened it up again after all these years and began to look through it page by page. I then had a sudden revelation. To my surprise, I was still inspired by the same design elements, colors, textures and fabrics.  This makes me extremely happy because despite the pressure to keep up with ever evolving fashion trends, I have continued to stay true to myself.



One of my professors told me to always "design from the heart."



When "The Princess Rose" was approached to do custom hair fashions for an entire bridal party, I was overwhelmed with excitement because it brought back all the emotions of planning every detail of my very own wedding.

This is when I decided it was time to branch out a little further and open up my second shop on Etsy called "Princess Rose Couture."



"Princess Rose Couture" is an exclusive shop where you will discover vintage inspired hair fashions and specialty gifts for any special occasion.  Whether it be a wedding, christening or a romantic date with the one you love, I want to create something especially for you that you will cherish for many years to come...


http://www.princessrosecouture.etsy.com

 
 

Bee-hind the Name...

In 2006, I started my very first small business venture called "The Queen Bee".  I specialized in personal wardrobe consulting and sold hand-selected fashion jewelry, accessories and handbags.  I would sell my goods at private events, festivals, trunk shows and vendor boutiques. I really enjoyed running my own business, scheduling my own hours and especially loved helping women feel beautiful. 

Business gradually grew and I made a small name for myself in my community. 

"The Queen Bee" is settling in the hive for now
but may take flight again someday

Then in 2008, I was almost 7 months pregnant and I slowly started to sell off all my inventory to get ready for baby.  My main goal was to focus all my energies into raising my new baby girl and had no intentions of going back to work for at least a little while.



Natalia Rose


When my beautiful daughter, Natalia Rose was born, my life had changed forever. Motherhood was everything I expected and more.  She was an absolute dream.  I loved being a new mommy but the creative entrepreneur in me was already searching for the next project.

Since Natalia was born with a ton of hair, I was on a endless quest to find the cutest hair fashions to match all her darling outfits but I had no luck.  Nothing was quite unique enough or they were poorly made.  When she was about 6 weeks old, I began to custom make all her hair fashions.  By the time it was her first birthday, she had a abundance of ribbons, clippies and headbands that I had made for her. 

I remember frequently getting stopped by admirers and they would ask about her hair adornments but it never dawned on me to make them for other people.

7months old-I made her 1st "Valentine's Day" oufit,
a Pink and Red Rose Onesie Tutu Set
with matching Babydoll Bow Clippy 

Then in October 2009, while I was visiting my sister at work, a co-worker of hers asked me if I could make her some clips and she would buy them.  I was so inspired, I ended up going home that evening and went straight to work.  I made 80 clips for my sister to bring to work the following week. 

I will never forget when my sister called me during her lunch break to inform me that they had all sold like "Hot Cakes!"

Whimsical Hair Fashions & Specialty Gifts
www.theprincessrose.etsy.com

Now when I run into people and they ask me what ever happened to "The Queen Bee" and my response is, she had a baby...."The Princess Rose."

My creative journey...

My life has been so hectic lately trying to be a stay at home mom, a wife, and running a very small flourishing business.  Balancing it all seems to be the real challenge but when I finally get to turn in at night, I lay in the dark and dream of all lovely things that I have created that day and remind myself how blessed I am to be able to do what I love everyday.  It makes all the craziness worthwhile.

In the past few months, The Princess Rose has crossed paths with many opportunities and open doors. I've been wanting to blog about all of these experiences and new ventures with you.  Follow me in my creative journey....