rosy posy designs

colorful spring necklaces

2011-05-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

Looking for a unique graduation gift or have a summer wedding to attend...new accessories for Spring and Summer are in our Rosy Posy Designs shop this month!

the best tea party ever

2011-04-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

My lovable neice is the ultimate "girly girl." Always dressed in pink with her best friend "Bunny Buns" in tow, she was the one who came up with the brilliant idea to have "the best tea party ever." So today, in fancy hats, feathery boas and pink swirly tutus, the girls in our family celebrated a new Spring tradition. We spoke in silly English accents and ate finger sandwiches and the biggest strawberries I have ever seen. She made us glittery table placemats with our names on them, and my favorite...this colorful bouquet of water color flowers made from paper coffee filters and pipe cleaner stems. We had so much fun that we decided we needed to have another celebration soon. I can't wait to celebrate Summer with a Fairy Princess Party! Four year olds have the best ideas! We missed you Nicole...the ultimate "party girl!"

wedding season

2011-03-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

It's wedding season! I absolutely love collaborating with couples on their visions for their wedding day. I am inspired by their creativity and "out of the box" ideas. They have all been interested in wonderful displays of color...as I say in my descriptions of my designs..."who says a bride needs to be dressed heat to toe in white? A colorful Rosy Posy accessory is unexpected and fun!" I just finished this statement necklace for an April wedding. I love the pop of cranberry red with the yellow, cream and sage green. I wouldn't have thought of this color palette myself!

Most brides contact me because they have seen something in my shop, and desire to have floral accessories similar in their colors or themes. Although the pieces in my shop are one of a kind, I can design similar items for them in their colors and theme. One of my favorite custom projects involved designing a bouquet pin and sash belt incorporating heirloom pieces from the bride's grandmother and mother's wedding dresses. My bridal customers have expressed that they love how my accessories are an everlasting gift...something to keep always, wear again, as a memory of the special day.

Congratulations and thank you to all of the brides who have asked me to make something unique and special for their big day. Happy wedding!

bold bright colors

2011-02-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

Bold, bright, beautiful colors are the fashion trend this spring and summer. Neutrals were nice, but wearing color is so much more exciting and fun. The colors you will see in the shops soon...persimmon orange, honeysuckle pink, bright sky blues and sunny yellows! I love this palette so much, I couldn't resist putting it all into one spectacular rainbow garden necklace.

A favorite recent vintage find are these raffia flowers. I found an entire box of these colorful papery flowers at an estate sale...they were earrings. I wonder if anyone knows when these were fashionable?They have a 1950's vibe. I'd love to find more of them to wear on my ears!

do-it-yourself-disaster

2011-02-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

I have always loved hydrangeas...like big pom poms on the shrubs they grow on, their busy little bouquets come in the most beautiful colors. Lacecap whites look stunning in a shady spot in my garden...so bright, you can even see them at night.

As I was working on this new hydrangea bouquet pin, I couldn't help but think back on my own wedding flower disaster, and had to laugh (now, I can laugh). On a budget, and not interested in fancy foofy floral arrangements, I opted for a simple garden favorite...hydrangeas. Martha Stewart magazine had featured an article on drying hydrangeas to those beautiful blue-violet and burgundy colors. Seemed simple enough. So inspired, I went for it. Off to the SF Flower Mart, to the vendor Martha actually featured in the article (how could I go wrong...I was getting the same hydrangeas Martha got). He was a lovely man, grower of the most luscious hydrangeas. I came home with 100's of bushels of blossoms, along with all of the 100's of vases I needed for the small amount of water I was to let them sit in for a few weeks in a dark room of my tiny flat.

$$$ adding up very quickly...tripping over vases in my dark room. Suddenly, this project did not seem like such a great idea. And it wasn't. The beautiful flowers dried up into shriveled brown blobs. Long story, short...went back to Martha's hydrangea friend and told him my sad story. He set me up with a new crop of flowers to try again, and some floral spray paint if I failed. I laugh thinking of my poor fiancé spraying desired colors onto the not-so-pretty dried up hydrangeas. Luckily, that was the only thing that went wrong in our wedding plans...we had a beautiful day, and no one seemed to notice the splotched painted hydrangeas.

spring fever

2011-02-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

I am so very happy to be back at work after a long winter illness. Hoping these new Rosy Posy pins in my Etsy shop give you Spring Fever...the kind of fever I don't mind having!

The colors in this sweet, romantic pin remind me of Neapolitan ice cream.

I love the contrast of the steely blue and warm beige colors in this satiny fabric. I can picture this on a summer hat or sundress....and a beautiful accent on a vintage wedding dress.

I am very excited to start working with a collection of modern fabrics I recently found. The blackberry purple and persimmon orange are a fun color combo...especially in these funky and fun contemporary textiles.

feeling christmasy again

2010-12-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

I heard the crackling, warped music of the ice cream truck driving down our street yesterday, December 10th...15 days before Christmas. No white Christmas in Southern California this week. I'm not complaining, especially to you all in the midwest blizzards. I'm just sayin', I needed to feel a "Christmasy" today. Rogers Gardens in Corona del Mar is the perfect remedy to any "bah humbug" feelings that might be creeping into your mind. It is a Christmas wonderland for those of us in 90 degree December weather. A feast for the eyes and full of holiday magic.

Themed Christmas trees are the most special I have ever seen here. This was my favorite "Starry Night Sea"... the tall ships tossing in the pine; the sea shell chandelier looks like a huge octopus wrapping it's tentacles around the tree branches.

Another favorite tree was the "Vintage Harvest"...full of beautiful warm colors and vintage inspired glass ornaments.

A sparkly silver ball wreath at the entrance with branches of birch lures you into rooms filled with trees and the most unique holiday gifts.

I picked up some of these flower seeds for stocking stuffers.

Christmas angels made from some of my favorite materials...paper, lace, vintage ephemera, paper maché and glitter. It is still warm out, but I have the holiday spirit again...especially after seeing Santa Clause today. I asked him for all of the above! I've been good. Really good.

holiday sparkle

2010-12-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh...after a month full of fun and festive holiday boutiques and shows with Rosy Posy Designs, it felt completely valid to indulge in a couch-potatoe, pajama-wearing, television-watching day yesterday. We caught a show that featured people who go crazy in decorating their homes with holiday lights...a la Clark Griswald in the movie "Christmas Vacation." I love it! Several of the towns I live near host holiday light decoration contests. I am always in awe of the work that goes into some of the displays we have seen locally. My favorite...a surfing Santa catching a wave of a zillion blue tiny lights that cascade down a front lawn. Each holiday season, we pile the family in the car with thermoses full of hot cocoa, and take a driving tour of the holiday light display winners in our town. I'm looking forward to this family tradition of ours this year.

let the shopping begin

2010-11-26T16:56:00.000-08:00

The last bite of pumpkin pie has been devoured...now let the shopping begin! Etsy is promoting fabulous handmade gifts for the holidays. Sign up for their newsletters to receive gift ideas for everyone on your list.

Rosy Posy Designs are on sale this weekend only...Friday, November 26th thru Monday November 29th! Looking for a one of a kind gift for your one of a kind girl? We've got it. And... we are never too busy for custom orders this holiday season. Let us know if we can create something spectacular and festive to go with a holiday outfit you have. Happy Shopping!

national button day

2010-11-18T15:16:00.000-08:00

How did I miss this? November 16th...National Button Day! I've looked into the meaning of this day, but haven't found much information on this obscure little holiday. What is the meaning of this day? Perhaps it is just a fun day to collect, craft with or wear buttons. Enlighten me if you know the history and origins of Button Day in your comments. I'd love to know.

It's never too late to celebrate Button Day! How would you celebrate this fun holiday? I'll celebrate by having a fun sale in our Rosy Posy Designs Etsy shop next year! Enjoy this collection of fun button jewelry I found on Etsy and if you love to collect buttons like we do, visit these wonderful shops when you have a moment! Beautiful button creations...

Beautiful Antique and Vintage Button Bracelet by curlygirlboutique.

Dainty White Three Button Necklace by sassysistervintage.

my favorite vintage jewel

2010-10-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

I've been mesmerized by this intense aquamarine jewel I discovered at an antique show. Sometimes I have a difficult time parting with some of my treasures. I've held onto it for a long time now, enjoying it all to myself. But, now, like all of my favorites, it's time to share.

I incorporated this beauty into a statement necklace...it was crying out to be the centerpiece and shown off to the world again. I imagine this necklace worn by a winter bride with a vintage wedding dress. Sugar Plum Fairy. Winter Wonderland. I can also see it being worn with a more casual outfit... complimenting the seafoam and sand hues at the beach. Use your imagination...where would you wear this one? You can see more photos of this in my Etsy shop!

autumn colors have arrived

2010-10-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

I love working with the jewel toned colors of the fall holiday seasons!
I told my little California girl about all of the fun I had as a kid, crunching the crisp fallen leaves in our backyard in Connecticut.
We collected the most colorful leaves and iron pressed them into wax paper and hung them on the windows for decoration. Having grown up on the east coast, I miss this time of year the most. We just have to make our own fall foliage...Rosy Posy's in Autumn colors!

the blue dress

2010-10-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

Driving down Pacific Coast Highway on this beautiful day, a gorgeous lacy blue dress, which was donned on a dress form in front of my favorite Laguna Beach vintage shop, Macalistaire at 1850 , literally made me stop in my tracks. Lucky for me, parking right in front. I was wearing one of my Rosy Posy necklaces today and threw it on the dress form to take this photo. I'm thinking I might have to go back and get this dress. I have a shopping theory... if I'm still thinking about it hours later, then I shouldn't have walked away without it in a bag.

If you are visiting Southern California, don't miss this unassuming shop...the most special vintage clothing for men and women, jewelry, art and antiques. Located at 1850 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. Plan on spending a good amount of time there. I "ooooo'd" and "ahhhhh'd" over everything.

a shopaholic's perfect career choice

2010-10-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

Eight hours. That is how long it took me to photograph five new Rosy Posys for my Etsy shop. Even with my fancy new professional tripod, I am still insecure and obsessive about my photography and "set design" skills when it comes to photographing my own work. Beautiful, descriptive photos are a must on Etsy...thousands of Forum discussions cover this one topic alone.

Years ago, I was a design director for a graphic design firm and I was fortunate to work with many very talented professional photographers and photo stylists. What I wouldn't give now for their words of wisdom and warehouses full of cool props. How come my high school career counselor never advised me on this Photo Styling career that required shopping, collecting, traveling for more shopping???? It's never too late. Off to Nordstrom I go!

rosy posy bobby pins

2010-10-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

We have had a lot of requests from our customers for smaller hair accessories. We are excited to introduce these silver plated bobby pins to our Rosy Posy Etsy shop this week.

our first craft show

2010-10-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

Despite being a little unprepared for the obstacles we faced at our first ever craft show...thunder, lightening, a 10 minute deluge of rain that started the minute we set our last rosy posy out for display, 80% humidity (unheard of in Southern California) which didn't help the bad hair day I was already having...we survived, and had a blast. The next show we do will seem all the more easy. I hope. On the shopping list to bring next time...big umbrellas. And more snacks.

rosy posy custom wedding designs

2010-08-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

Summer has kept us very busy on new Rosy Posy projects, and we took a little time off from the blog. We're back (is anyone there?) What have we been up to this summer? I wanted to show off one of my favorite custom projects. I was thrilled to be asked by an Etsy customer to design the jewelry and accessories for her wedding party. The bride had beautiful ideas for cool Fall colors and doing something a little unconventional for her wedding. She will wear this beautiful statement necklace, full of vintage buttons and jewels and fabrics in navy blues, fushia, purples and ivory white.

We also made 5 different corsages in this color palette for bridesmaids and mother's of the bride and groom...surprise gifts for them to wear on the wedding day.

And, new for us...boutenniers for the groom and groomsmen. These are so fun to make! We love working with you on your custom orders...for any special occassion. And we are always up to trying something new for you too.

boutennieres

2010-07-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

One of my bridal customers presented me with the idea to add boutennieres to our Rosy Posy "repertoire." This was a fun challenge, as all of our designs are so feminine and floral. We set out to design something cool for "the boys". I did my research and found out that "boutenniére" comes from the French word buttonhole. Traditionally, the single flower or bud stem was fitted through the lapel buttonhole of a men's jacket. Now, they are mostly pinned onto the lapel.

Boutennieres are a great way to tie in wedding design and colors into menswear. These two photos show our first (very roughly put together) attempt at boutennieres. Let us know what you think. We love your ideas and comments.

Poptastic Bride

2010-07-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

We were very honored to be the featured artist on the funky bridal website, Poptastic Bride this week. Poptastic Bride is a fabulous online resource for couples who are looking to do something contemporary, and out-of-the-box for their wedding. The author presents very creative funky ideas for music, photography, invitations, settings, stylish attire, and accessories. Great ideas not only for weddings, but all kinds of celebrations! And she designs some pretty cool products too. You can click on the Rosy Posy photo above to link to our interview if you are interested in reading a little bit more about how we got started and what inspires us.

just to say hello

2010-07-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Aren't we all bombarded by so much chatter via facebook, email, blogs, twitter, texting...blah, blah, blah. I am guilty too. Novice guilty. But still guilty. I miss good, old fashioned communication. I miss the days of receiving a sweet, pretty notecard in the mail...just because. Rarities today, when it is so much quicker to type and hit a button to send. No birthday cards anymore... Facebook good wishes are wonderful and so appreciated, but I love opening up the creeky old mailbox in front of my house to discover a colorful envelope hand addressed to me containing a note from a friend, just to say hello. And I keep it for awhile, standing up on my desk, to re-read and smile again and again.

If you are a card sending, letter writing, stationery collecting traditional gal like me, then let me introduce you to one of my absolute favorite shops on Etsy...Sweet Harvey Letterpress . Who wouldn't love to receive one of Sweet Harvey's whimsical, pretty cards in the mail? Each item in their shop is individually printed on one of their antique letterpresses. Visit Sweet Harvey to see more of their greeting cards, note cards, mini cards and calling cards. Go on...make a friend feel special...send a real note!

pretty treasury

2010-06-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

I thought this pretty treasury by Beat Up Creations on Etsy really captured the beautiful calm colors of the beach for me...a CLEAN beach. All items in the treasury have been donated by Etsy artists to the Help the Gulf Coast shop on Etsy. More than $4000 has already been donated to the National Wildlife Federation and Oxfam America. Wonderful!!!!

we love butterflies

2010-06-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

We had the most magnificent Swallow Tail Butterfly in our backyard the other day. I jokingly held my hand out as a perch for him to land on as he fluttered about...and to my surprise, he did! I have a trustworthy aura with nature...just like a Disney princess. I'm kidding. I have recently come across beautiful artistic butterfly themed items when shopping around on Etsy. Here are a few of my favorites:

This butterfly watercolor by FauxKiss is printed onto a 75 year old salvaged and tattered 1930's dictionery. I love the transparency of the butterfly wings and vintage typography showing through the colorful illustration. Definitely take a moment to visit the FauxKiss shop on Etsy. She has many more butterfly illustrations, as well as other beautiful images from nature...including birds, insects, sea life.

Edible butterflies by Sugar Robot on Etsy! I am going to order these for the next birthday cake I make. They are made of wafer paper (potato starch, vegetable oil and water), and edible ink. They print them on a food safe printer. Who knew there was such a thing! These are so pretty, come in many differnt colors and butterfly designs and can even be personalized with a name of special message on the butterfly wings. Gorgeous idea for cupcakes or cake served served for a wedding or a bridal or baby showers.

This Butterfly Feeder from Glorious Glass Garden will certainly attract fluttery friends to your garden. This beautiful garden accessory is made from fused glass (see their store for all of the gorgeous glass colors) and features copper spiral vines. It can be filled with the sweet nectar water, or even a blossom that attracts butterflies. Check out the other garden accessories created by Glorious Glass Garden in their Etsy shop... hummingbird feeders, bird baths, and stained glass designs.

hydrangeas

2010-06-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

I looked to my garden for color inspiration today and discovered this "purplicious" hydrangea whose brittle twigs had miraculuosly come back to life, hidden in a small pot, behind a not so shy rose bush. I couldn't resist putting this vintage jewel on one of the gorgeous clusters of blooms. The jewel almost looks natural, doesn't it?

I have the perfect fabrics and goodies to capture the rich hues of this fabulous flower...I'll show you the finished pieces soon.

upcycled innovations

2010-06-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

The term of the day is "upcycling." It is not a new concept, but it sure has gained popularity. Today, I am featuring some of my favorite Etsy designers who are so innovative in repurposing recycled materials in their art. Click on the photos to go directly to their shops to see more of their fabulous designs.

WhetherPaperworks uses the covers and pages from old 1920's National Geographics in her beautiful flower bouquets.

All Decked Out uses 100% old skateboards that have been broken or discarded, in their designs...belt buckles, jewelry and accessories.

loranscruggs shop features recycled toys, sculptures, art, and eco friendly gifts. I absolutely love these toy whistles made from old tin cans.

"I'm bored, what are we doing today?" Before I hear these words this summer, I am, for once, being proactive and thinking about things to do with the kids. Last year, we had fun making paper and learning about how paper is recycled. This summer, I'd like to continue our exploration of art we can make using recycled materials. Tune in later this summer when we post photos of our upcycled creations!

rosy posy bridal and wedding accessories

2010-06-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

My daughter was the flower girl in my brother's wedding several years ago. My new sister-in-law presented her with a sweet gift as a memento of "her" special day as a first time flower girl. This sparked an idea for Rosy Posy Designs bridal customers...custom wedding accessories for young girls...Rosy Posy floral accessories...necklaces, jewelry, sashes and hair accessories... for the wedding day and gifts for the bridal party. The photo above shows the first in a collection for girls I have been working on. The blooms on the necklaces are a little smaller than the bib statement necklaces I currently have in my shop. However, these new accessories can be worn by adult women who want to make a smaller statement too!

I am very excited to work on custom designs for brides who have contacted me through my Etsy shop. Look for more Rosy Posy Designs bridal and wedding accessories to come!

Help the Gulf Coast

2010-06-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

We just got home from seeing the unforgettable musical performance, The Lion King. My eyes couldn't keep up with taking in all the beautiful costumes, scenery and movement before us. I loved it. The Circle of Life song was stuck in my head on the drive home from the theater. I thought about the Gulf Coast disaster...this is not the "circle of life" nature dictates. This is man-made catastrophe that may last for decades. How can we help correct this to the best of our ability now?

Etsy sellers have collaborated to raise donations for the recovery of the Gulf Coast. An Etsy shop, Help The Gulf Coast, has been put together where sellers can donate items to be sold. 100% of the proceeds will be given to Oxfam of America and The American Bird Conservancy . There are wonderful items up for sale including some from our Rosy Posy Designs Etsy shop. Please take a moment to check out www.helpthegulfcoast.etsy.com

Rosy Posy Shades of Blue Bib Necklace will be posted on the Help the Gulf Coast Etsy shop soon. Your purchase will go to a wonderful cause and you will receive a lovely handmade item in return.

You can show support through their blog: http://www.helpthegulfcoastetsy.blogspot.com

Or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/helpthegulfcoastetsy

auntie nellie

2010-05-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

It was at a family wedding, over ten years ago, when I had my first encounter with my husband's Auntie Nellie and her four sisters. I remember that day so well. It was so hot, and I stepped outside of the church at the end of the ceremony to get some air. That is when I saw them..."the aunties". Smoking. And laughing. I believe Nellie was drinking beer from a can. They stood just around the corner of the church. I felt like I had stumbled upon the bad girls behind the high school bleachers... and I wanted in with these 80 year old "bad girls". And so began my special friendship with Auntie Nellie.

There are so many things to love about this incredible, kind and talented woman. She has that same twinkle in her eye at age 95, that I imagine she had when she was 5. She has a mischievous sense of humor that I adore.

When my daughter was born, Auntie Nellie sewed her the most sweet, feminine and special outfits that would arrive in the mail monthly. They were like nothing you could buy in the stores...jumpers and dresses in beautiful tiny floral prints with detailed trims and lovely buttons. People stopped me and asked about the creations my little fashionista wore every day. They were a one of a kind, Auntie Nellie original, I would say. We sure felt special.

Upon our recent visit, Auntie Nellie suprised Tasha and I with bags of all of her sewing supplies...a lifetime supply of thread in every color imaginable, a million buttons, trims and lace. What a treasure! Rosy Posy Designs is dedicated to our Auntie Nellie, whose love for sewing and making beautiful things has inspired us beyond words. We are so thankful for her generous gift and will make use of everything. There is a little bit of Nellie in every Rosy Posy we make.

Surfs Up

2010-05-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

I had fun putting this Treasury together this week. Discovered some great new Etsy artists in my search for waves and surf!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bf49bf315336d9105f85bf1/surfs-up

2010-05-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the beach and summertime! I hesitated putting this mermaid inspired beauty up on Etsy today. I'll have to make another for myself. The beachy colors and textures on this blooming necklace would be so amazing with a tank and long summer skirt or sundress. I've been studying this vintage blue bubbly beaded earring for some time now. I wasn't sure how to "repurpose" it, but I love how it came to new life on this Rosy Posy!

And if you have a moment, check out this new blog I discovered today from my new friend at Shop Lola on Etsy. She featured our Rosy Posy Shades of Blue Necklace on her fun, crafty stylish blog today. You can read about her vintage and style finds at http://www.craftandstyle.com

sunny necklace

2010-05-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

May/June gloom is here today. Had to make something sunny and colorful to lift my mood. You can see more photos of this favorite of mine on our Rosy Posy shop on Etsy. Looking forward to antique shopping tomorrow...hoping to find some unique pieces of old jewels like the sunshine brooch I used in this statement necklace.

Red

2010-05-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

As we sat on the floor amongst the sea of new fabrics and felts we bought for our Rosy Posy collection for Spring, the topic of conversation turned to color. Tasha's declarations of favorite color changes on a weekly basis. Today it is green. She loves green because she associates it with the environment, "go green!" and all of the living things she cares about. She cannot believe that I have never strayed from my favorite color, red. (Except for when I first lived in San Francisco, and all I ever wore, much to my mother's dismay, was black...everything black... but, always with a little red accessory thrown in).

Don't you love when children wake you up to see the world through innocent eyes? Always inquisitive Tasha encourages me to think of things we "grownups" forget to contemplate or appreciate on a daily basis. When she asked me why I love red forever and always, she made me think about red much more than just a banal declaration of

favorite color.

Red is my favorite because,

It is the color of my first bicycle... a very used bike my dad made one-of-a-kind super special when he painted it shiny red with white polka dots. Note the red mary janes!

Red is the color of my first car... a 1969 VW convertible bug.

Red is the color of my beautiful silk wedding dress. "Claret" to be exact.

Red feels like a hug from Tasha. Red is my favorite holiday. Red is spicy and passionate. Red is the color of rosy cheeks. Red is the Golden Gate Bridge. Red is a cold, melty popcicle. Red is Rosy Posy. Red is all of the things I remember and love.

We would love to know what your favorite color is.

Beneath the hush a whisper...

2010-05-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

We were honored to see our Rosy Posy Modern Victorian Necklace featured on this beautiful collection by Pulp and Paisley today.
The quiet colors and theme she put together for her treasury are so pretty. http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bea096eadd98eeffaf0ab9b/beneath-the-hush-a-whisper?sort=hotness&order=desc

And speaking of Pulp and Paisley, who happens to be one of my favorite Etsy artists, check out this colorful, graphic necklace I bought myself for my birthday. You can see more of her jewelry designs in her Etsy shop: http://www.pulpandpaisley.etsy.com

blooming buttons treasury

2010-05-07T22:40:00.000-07:00

I spend way too much time perusing the Treasury section of Etsy. I love the themes and discovering new shops this way. I put together my very first Etsy Treasury East collection today, called "Blooming Buttons."

I had fun on my treasure hunt for beautiful button creations by Etsy artists. I love every item I found. Hope you all enjoy it.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4be4e95631cf8eef92af090d/blooming-buttons?sort=hotness&order=desc

sweet inspiration

2010-05-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

I spotted these pretty little boxes in the shop window of Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland in northern California. The packaging is a gift in itself (although, I'd like more than one truffle, please). These petite bouquets inspired my Rosy Posy bouquet pins and bib necklaces.

crafty marketing

2010-05-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

Totally overwhelmed. With a little excitement thrown in. That's how I feel right now. I never imagined that when we started to play around with my grandmother's old beautiful buttons and fabrics that a whole new world I knew nothing about (and have to learn quickly) opened up to me...the world of "crafty marketing." Blogging, Web, Facebook, Etsy, html codes, photography, technical terminology, banners, feeds, links, and tags and giveaways...oh my! I realize that knowledge of these things is required in order to make Rosy Posy Designs a success!

I am trying to learn a little everyday to become more savvy (brain overload...in between helping with math homework, and trying to remember what a "variable" is.) And I promise my new blog followers that I will try not to disappoint and to keep you entertained as often as I can, even if I do have blog stage fright now and then! Thank you for "following me" on this journey.

Just bought a book called "Blogging for Bliss" by Tara Frey (Lark Books). It is a great resource for anyone else out there who is just starting their craft business and blog! I feel much less overwhelmed. Thanks Tara!
http://bellapink.typepad.com/bella_pink_postcards_from/my-book.html

bohemian glass buttons

2010-05-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

I love beautiful molded glass buttons. I love how they reflect light, and how they look like melt-in-your-mouth candy. I found a wonderful article from "Button and Bead" magazine by Jane Johnson in my quest to know more about these little works of art. You can read about their fascinating history for yourself by clicking on this link:

http://www.beadandbutton.com/bnb/default.aspx?c=a&id=4000

Mother's Day Gift Idea

2010-04-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

Looking for that one special, unique gift for your sweet mama on Mothers Day? How's about this idea...pin a beautiful Rosy Posy Pin on a cute little straw purse. Fill the purse with gift certificates to her favorite nail salon, spa or restaurant. You'll surely be "her favorite" when you present her with this one-of-a-kind gift.

Here is a little peek at what we have been working on for our Spring Rosy Posy Party this Friday to get you inspired for shopping!

Rosy Posy Pins can be pinned on just about anything...pin them on jewlery, a pashmina or scarf, a sash or belt, hats, and purses.

Our bib necklaces have been a big hit in our Etsy store. Come see the latest creations...with even more blooms and freperie on them now.

Tasha's Retro Snowbee Posy

2010-04-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Who's cute with a button? My new posy is inspired by the night sky. The squiggly shape reminds me of a aurora. The sparkles remind me of stars. Woof! —Tasha

If Hummingbirds Ruled the World

2010-04-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

What if hummingbirds ruled the world? Would there be flowers everywhere? Would every nook and cranny be populated with daisies?

What about inchworms? Would everything be soft, fuzzy, and green? Would our world be so full of inchworm energy that it would grow?

How about butterflies? Would we all be fluttering around with joy? Would milkweed over-populate?

What if the smallest of creatures meant the biggest of things?

Think about it...

mirror-back buttons

2010-04-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I have never been much of a history buff. However, since starting our Rosy Posy business, I find myself sleuthing for the stories of the antique buttons and jewels we have collected. I am on a mission to satisfy my curiosity about the history of Victorian mirror-back buttons. We acquired these beauties from an antique dealer in San Luis Obispo. Had I not been with my two impatient traveling companions at the time, I would have inquired more about them from the lovely collector who was eager to tell me more about the buttons and antique hand-made lace I purchased.

These button are so pretty and full of detail. I had to use all three on one very special bib necklace, along with the hand-made lace I had. I'm keeping one of the buttons for myself to admire. I can only imagine the beautiful garment these buttons originally adorned. Now they live on this lovely necklace. More views of this Modern Victorian Bib Necklace are on my Etsy shop. I've googled and researched and want to know more about these little treasures. Mirror backs were popular in the late 1800's through Edwardian period, often made of brass with a reflective metal backing. I'd love to know more...anyone out there have a source of information for me?

a different view

2010-04-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs to get out of their "box" once in awhile to get inspired by a different view. My time was certainly long over due. My family made our first visit back "home" to San Francisco and were reminded of all of the reasons we love this city so much. We were fortunate to have a perfect week...sunny skies and warm weather every day. I almost forgot about the blanket of gray that covers the city a good part of the year. I was delighted to see the city in such rare, vibrant light. Every nook and cranny of San Francisco inspires my creativity. Despite the foggy, boggy days I loathed when I lived there, I was reminded on this visit why it is the most bright and colorful place for me.

Where else can you see this bubble gum pink building and matching car? (near Haight Street)

China Town dragons

Cherry blossoms in bloom in Golden Gate Park

San Francisco gardens

Sweet Spring Necklace

2010-04-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to be featured on an Etsy Treasury.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=93607

Love the title: Bibs for Big Babes...Bibs aren't just for little babes!
Such a fun community of artists to be a part of.

feathers and freperie

2010-03-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

I have always loved hats. I took inspiration from an old photograph of a French hat from the 1940's to design my wedding dress and our soiree. I had a milliner in San Francisco recreate a lovely silk hat just like the one in the photo. My collection is ridiculously large, and just when I think I'm done, I see a new one I just can't live without. It doesn't help that one of my very best friends, Jonna, has become crocheter/knitter extraordinaire and sends me her beautiful creations by the box load. We will feature Jonna's hat designs at our Spring Show in April. They look great with a posy pin too!

My rosy posys designs are very inspired by vintage millinery designs.
I would have loved to have lived in the eras of fancy hats with feathers and freperie. Queen Elizabeth and Aretha know what I'm talkin' about. On my bucket list...to take a class on hat forming and design. How about you...what fashion trends inspire you?

bib necklaces...the more the merrier

2010-03-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Bib necklaces! Don't you love this new trend. All Rosy Posy bib necklaces are hand sewn by me. All of them are one of a kind due
to the vintage jewels and beads I use.

You can wear these for a special occasion, or dress up a t-shirt and jeans. Many more will be up on my etsy shop soon and at the Spring Rosy Posy Show.

Of course, custom orders are always welcome. Let me know if I can make a special design for you.

happy spring

2010-03-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Spring is here (at least it is here in sunny southern California)! Take notice of all of the lovely flowers that are in bloom around you today. Why not wear a bouquet? Make a "statement" with these rosy posy bib necklaces that simply tie with a pretty ivory satin ribbon.

etsy store in progress

2010-03-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the encouragment of my new friend Erica, I am officially an Etsian! Almost. After spending what could quite possibly amount to a full year, cumulatively, perusing and drooling over ALL of the cool handmade and vintage items featured on this site, I have decided that our Rosy Posys are equally cool and desirable for this ultimate online shopping site.

If you don't know about Etsy (where have you been???), let me introduce you. It is an online shopping experience like no other. If you love all things creative...check out www.etsy.com. Better yet, start with my new store...www.rosyposydesigns.etsy.com .

I've spent days researching and writing. You have to be a copywriter to set up your shop...I am in awe of the fanciful descriptions other etsy members have written about their products and process. I have total stage fright! I'll be listing our new Rosy Posy items soon. I'm excited to show off our gorgeous floral bib statement necklaces we have been working on.

Look for an announcement for my Opening Day soon!

blush and blooms

2010-02-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce our Spring Rosy Posy Show and collaboration with blush jewelry. Mark your calendars for the first weekend of May for a girls night out and shopping for unique Mother's Day gifts, one-of-a kind floral wedding accessories, Teachers Appreciation gifts and a treat for yourself of course! blush jewelry is a collection of casual, fun jewelry you can wear everyday. The gorgeous blush collection of accessories look great with a rosy posy pinned on them. Look for an invitation coming to you soon!

Rosy Posy Spring Designs Are Here

2010-02-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

Take a sneak peek at our new line of colorful headbands and accessories. Vintage jewels and beads make them all one of a kind.

Give us a call if you would like fabulous Rosy Posy gifts for your sweet Valentines, or for an appointment to view our latest designs for Spring... belts, pins, hats and more!

Old Town Orange

2009-12-29T15:44:00.000-08:00

We took a field trip to Old Town Orange last weekend to look for vintage items and fabrics for our Rosy Posies. I loved this place for so many reasons. Old Town Orange is a "business neighborhood" in the Southern California city of Orange. It is full of antique shops, one right after the other. You could spend days here (well, I could) just sifting through tables and shelves piled high with "stuff." The fun in shopping these treasure troves is that you feel like you are in someone's old attic, sifting through and discovering items that bring back memories.

I came across an old Sean Cassidy lunch box, just like the one I cherished in elementary school. I got a great laugh when I spotted a fushia pink tinsled Christmas tree with boa trim, identical to the one my Grandmother had in her living room during the holidays. We hit the jackpot in Orange. We are excited to get to work on our new designs and are very inspired by the beautiful, sparkly, flowery, funky objects

we found.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-24T18:06:00.001-08:00

To all of our friends and family,

we wish you a very happy holiday

and a Rosy New Year!

Pin a Posy

2009-12-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

During our first boutique, we heard so many creative ideas from

our friends about how they were going to show off their Posies.

We thought we'd share some of these ideas with you.

Pin a Rosy Posy on favorite hat, and a pretty pashmina. Jazz up a favorite purse; pin them on headbands and hats. Dress up a thin belt or a piece of jewelry. Make your own bouquet corsage by wearing more than one posy and combine the felt flowers with the fabric posies. Some of our friends have pinned their Rosy Posies on a funky lampshade, or on a cozy pillow and even used them as curtain tie backs. We love your ideas. Keep them coming. Share with us any other creative ways you have displayed them.

The Great Button Hunt

2009-12-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

Calling all grandmothers...we want your buttons! Who knew? Beautiful, antique buttons are not easy to come by. Our search for unique, vintage buttons has been a fun adventure. We have spent many hours in old sewing and yarn shops, odds n' ends stores and "hippy" bead shops sifting through jars and bins of old notions. We consider every button we find a true treasure...the perfect finishing touch for our Rosy Posies.

Keep an eye out for us. Let us know if you come across any fabulous buttons that your grandmother, or you, are willing to part with.

2009-12-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

We would like to thank all of our friends and

family who attended our first Rosy Posy Party.

We loved having you and thank you for your

fabulous ideas and advice, your lovely compliments

and good company.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Kristen and Tasha

2009-11-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

Join us for a holiday open house,

cookies and cocktails

and check out the latest posy designs.

Holiday shopping made easy!

Posies are great gifts for all the girls

and women on your list.

December 4, 2009

3 pm until 8 pm

Kristen and Tasha's house

Tasha's Felt Flowers

2009-10-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

"Flowers are the most simple thing that make people happy."

—Tasha

Some of our first blooms...

2009-10-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Inspiration

2009-10-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

The inspiration for Rosy Posy Designs came after a fun school project Tasha participated in. Her second grade teacher had her students create a business. They learned how to manufacture a product or service, market it with signage and advertising, sell their idea, and, of course, reap the pretend monetary rewards of their hard work. Tasha was enthralled. She wanted a "real" business and "real" money. Sounded good to me! We turned our new love for flowers, sewing, and button collecting into a mother-daughter business in the summer of 2009.

This is just the beginning. We need a logo, packaging, displays and customers! We're working on it and will show you the latest soon.