I've come a long way

As I was watching some home movies the other day from Christmas of 1991, I noticed that several of the gifts that were from me were handmade. Shirts, Sweatshirts...I need to scan a picture to show you the things that were popular back then in the "boutique" scene...I'm sure we would all get a good laugh! 

But that got me thinking...wow I've been doing this for a really long time. Back then I was doing craft shows. They were a lot of fun but I am so thankful for the age of technology that we now live in! No more loading up the tables, tent, racks, decorations and all of your items you have to sell....driving to the venue then unloading all of this stuff, setting it up, then taking it all down at the end of the show only to drive back home and unload it all again. 

 Now I can design and sell all of my creations from the comfort of my own in home studio, and I only have to leave home to go to the post office!

I was talking to my daughter on the phone today and she was laughing about a picture she found of my first attempt at a boutique bow. Now back in the 80's & 90's I made bows for my girls and for my craft shows, but this new boutique style bow...I had never seen or heard of until my daughter Seana called me one day and said, "Mom I want you to make Preslie some bows like this!"  So I looked at a few pictures of this boutique bow and sat down and tried to make one.

  I was rather proud of that bow...she laughed at it. As I look back at this picture, I laugh at it too! WOW is all I can say. It literally took me about a year to perfect this style bow. I have had several people email me asking me "what is your secret to making this bow look so good?"  My answer...and this is the honest truth..."I have a daughter that critiques every bow I made until I got it right...and she still does!"  Sometimes I would get really frustrated and think..."I think it looks good enough!" But I'm glad that she pushed me to perfection. Because I have gone from this, my very first boutique bow to this...

Both are pictures of my grand daughter Preslie, both bows made by me. See how far I've come? Just goes to show you that with a little determination and family by your side, you can do anything you want to do. Whether your dream is creating beautiful things for the little ones in your life or something a bit more extravagant. Keep at it and you'll come a long way as well!