Like seriously, how is it already so late in the year that I'm thinking about the holidays and what pieces I'll design for New Year's and still feel behind?? I have been working like crazy and really enjoying it but not without a small amount of exhaustion. It's been absolutely amazing building a business that I feel some serious passion for and hope to continue to grow alongside my lighting career. My dream work life feels in reach and that just energizes me more to keep pushing. 
In the past nine months I've added over a dozen new designs to the shop and I still have so many more new ideas to make happen. Launching the Star Wars Collection in May was a serious personal achievement and I plan to keep adding to it for many  May the Fourth celebrations to come. It just doesn't ever feel like there's enough time to make everything happen. I could use at least five more sets of hands and 20 more hours in each day- haha. That's the ultimate goal for any small business though, isn't it? To grow so much that then you can offer work to other folks needing it. To share your ideas with other people who dig what you do and can feel that same small bit of pleasure from the things you create. Giving to others brings me so much joy and I always hope that every customer who buys one of my pieces feels special every time they put on the hat or hair clip they picked. 
If you're reading this and you've been one of my customers I want to hear from you! Leave a comment on this blog, connect with me on social media or shoot me an email. Knowing what my customers like, dislike, want, helps me decide where to take my designs next. I have so many ideas but I want to make what you want, so let's chat!

This has been some year! 
I've seen the decimation of my regular industry (entertainment.)
I've had relatives fall ill. Some have survived and some we've had to say goodbye. 
I've reconnected in significant and meaningful ways with people I've held dear for a very long time. 
and
I've opened a couple new shops. 

Creating the veils and original designs that I've been doing for several years now has always been fulfilling and far too infrequent. It's been a dream of mine to build unique millinery and work as a freelance lighting designer as my career for some time now. With the drastic changes that this year has brought I've decided to take the leap and move forward in earnest pursuit. It's terrifying and difficult and thrilling and engaging and I love it. Beyond all the hopes that I've placed in this effort though it has functioned as a tether through everything swirling around me threatening to send me over the edge. I like to be busy and to create at the same time and this has been exactly what I needed at this time. I've never felt more connected to the items I've created that weren't for a custom order. I'm excited for what the future looks like through these lenses.

I haven't just been busy building geek couture hats and delicate little bridal clips though. I've also opened a shop for home goods which was something I had originally conceived as a partner to the items someone would shop from here. The idea was you come to Adornments for your big day then pop over to Home for every other day. And I'm finally doing that too! For years I've been building fun nostalgic items for house warming presents or wedding gifts and giving them to friends with encouragingly positive feedback from those recipients about how special those gifts have been. So now that I'm finally able to build up the Adornments catalogue I'm working to develop the Home brand as well. The response to my "Nostalgic Home Goods for Modern Shoppers," has been fantastic and I can't wait to create even more.

So 2021, I'm ready for you and whatever you may bring my way. 

Picked up a brand new book last week that is a game changer for me. Hat Couture by Marianne Jongkind is a magnificent resource that I was absolutely missing in my library. My millinery education is moderately formal and definitely piece-meal from working a bit here and observing a bit there and I know I have gaps in my knowledge. I have a deep interest in this craft though and I love the build process as it's a lot like sculpting, a fine art expression I never picked up, and this book feels like the final piece in my skills puzzle. The images are clear and plentiful and her instructions are incredibly accessible. The writing feels like I'm sitting in a class with her and I absolutely love that! The Forward hints at enough material from her extensive career to produce a second volume and I can only hope!

Really excited about the new product images I shot last weekend and I hope it means some fresh sales and new customers. 

Finally received some pics of the fun little pink number I created for one of my many lovely Aunt-in-laws. She showed me her dress while I was around in February and then I whipped up this little number for her in April. It was really fascinating working with sinamay, a material I had no experience and it turned out to be just right for this project. 

Excited to announce that I have purchased a new fascinator block! More wonderful little works of art to wear coming soon! In the meantime, check out this recent creation for my sister-in-laws stunning wedding across the pond:

It's finally happened! After years of swearing I'd find a new burgh to finally put down some roots I've relocated to the absolutely amazing city of Chicago!! With the offer of full-time employment in an art form I'm head over heels about (opera) how could I resist the opportunity to strike out and see more of this beautiful, expansive country? My husband and I are only celebrating a scant full month together here but already I feel like this is the bustling jungle for me. With the move and the change in gigs it seems I will finally have some more flexibility to spend time bringing to life all the crazy creations crowding my cranium. Keep an eye out for some exciting new pieces over the coming months and more blog posts showing project progress, teasers for ideas and more alliteration than a grown woman should find amusing.