3 Giggling Girls

{Images from Inside}

2011-07-13T21:40:00.007-05:00

New and Improved....

2011-07-12T20:00:00.006-05:00

Yes...I know. It's been a while. But, I'm back! I am here to announce that 3 Giggling Girls has officially moved to a studio space in Downtown Lawrence!! A great opportunity fell into my lap....and I jumped!

You see the nice big windows upstairs in this building? This is our new home. I give you permission to get excited!!

Here is a (terrible) pic of the space before we moved in.

I will have more pics soon. We are still setting up shop and things are a bit out of control.

Annie....

2010-12-04T10:09:00.004-06:00

In October my oldest daughter, Lili, auditioned to be in the musical Annie. After 2 callbacks, she was awarded the role of.....ANNIE!! It has been a great experience for all of us. Lili is learning so much and we have made some great new friends! Performances are the first 3 weekends of December. Lili's first real show is this afternoon. Break a leg my sweet girl!!

(Lili is the girl on the right.)

Here Lili is singing Tomorrow.

First day of school 2010.....

2010-08-11T09:21:00.002-05:00

I'm having a hard time believing that summer is over and school is starting once again. The big girls were so excited to be back with their friends. I am so excited to have some time to get some work done!

Rough Day at the Pool....

2010-06-17T17:01:00.004-05:00

Happy 10th Birthday!

2010-02-03T21:27:00.007-06:00

Hard to believe that 10 years ago today I was having contractions. That I had high blood pressure. That my first baby would be born 4 weeks early. But it's true. My sweet Lili was born @ 6lbs 4oz. Small but healthy. Beautiful...with the sweetest squeal of a cry. Hard to believe.

I remember holding her in the hospital, looking into her eyes...loving her so much. It was one of those moments when it seems time stands still. One that is ingrained into my brain forever.

At 10 she is almost at tall as I am. She is a loving, smart and funny. She is one of my very best friends. I love her more than anything!

Happy Birthday!

New Flyer....

2009-12-06T15:02:00.007-06:00

My talented cousin, Hannah, of ColorButton.Etsy.Com created this new flyer for me. I love it!

Our Puppy is 6 months old....

2009-11-19T22:24:00.002-06:00

Our newest addition (Joplin) is getting so big! She is 6 months old and almost full grown. That being said...she is still ALL PUPPY!

October is over....but the fight to end Breast Cancer lasts all year!

2009-11-17T20:23:00.008-06:00

October is Breast Cancer awareness month. We were all aware. Well...October is over but the fight to end Breast Cancer continues.
My friends at Nipcancergirls on Etsy are going to the 3-Day Breast Cancer walk in San Francisco. They need to raise $2300 each. I donated this cute pink knot dress to help them reach their goal. Please check out their site and help them out! www.nipcancergirls.etsy.com

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T22:52:00.004-05:00

Or as my girls say.....Happy Hallowiener!!

Sugar Snap Peasant Dress

2009-10-30T22:36:00.005-05:00

Sugar Snap Peasant Dress
Ready to Ship
Size 5

One A Day.....

2009-10-29T09:10:00.006-05:00

After a talk with a friend last week (thanks Susan!) I've decided that I'm going to add a picture to my blog everyday. Some personal, some business. I figure this will help keep my blog up to date. And maybe someone will be inspired to purchase one of my Etsy listings. Nothing like a little self promotion!

Today's pic is my 2nd Etsy listing. It is a knot dress made from Keri Beyer's Proud Peacock fabric. I love the bright bold colors and if you get close enough, you can see the peacocks! The pictured dress is Ready to Ship in Size 5.

Launching 3 Giggling Girls on Etsy!!

2009-10-28T16:37:00.004-05:00

The day has come. Today I listed my first 2 items on Etsy! This has been a long time coming. It has been in the works for about a year. With help from many people (Dave, Hannah, Margo, and many others) I am finally able to start this journey.

So without any further ado....I give you 3gigglinggirls.etsy.com!!!

With football season in full swing and basketball just about to start, I've been thinking JAYHAWK!! Hence, my first listing is a KU inspired jumper with Blue corduroy and Crimson Red trim and straps. Perfect for any little Jayhawk!

Me and my girls

2009-07-18T09:07:00.001-05:00

Writer's block...

2009-05-19T21:27:00.003-05:00

(she's getting so big!)

It's been almost 4 months since my last blog post. Really there is no excuse. There are things going on in my life. Things worth talking about. I've just been struggling to find the words.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know I'm still here. Still working towards launching 3 Giggling Girls on Etsy. Struggling, but I will get there. Hopefully soon!

CPSIA Blog In

2009-01-28T08:48:00.017-06:00

Do you know about the CPSIA? NO? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will take effect on Feb. 10th and will impact many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Assoc. and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you?

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your students to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11 year old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That's okay though, there's always TV! Our children don't need to learn the love of reading after all. Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be unlikely be able to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now could cost you around $1000 after it's passed the testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process. Making one one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So, that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won't be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will not be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't see it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2 year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits. Update: The only children's second hand store in Lawrence, Second Chance, is closing its doors due to this law. Even though they are not required to test or have certs. for the items in their store, they are still liable if something in their store is sold and exceeds the lead limits.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. "Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe." http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn't been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to the new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their business.

If you think this is exaggeration, here is a recent article from Forbes http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

If this upsets or alarms you, please react!!

My Shaggy Valentine

2009-01-26T21:10:00.004-06:00

Last weekend I finally tried my hand at Farbenmix's Cara pattern. The good news, dress turned out cute and looks great on little Rubes. The bad news, before the end of the day Little Miss spilt bright blue paint all down the front.

Update: The dress will live to see another day! After spending 30 minutes spotting and working the blue out, the dress made it out of the dryer with just a slight tint of blue. YEAH!

2008-12-27T10:56:00.000-06:00

A few new pics.....

2008-11-14T08:02:00.009-06:00

I love the way these turned out! Thanks Margo!

Holiday Bazaar.....November 16th

2008-11-12T14:47:00.008-06:00

4 days and counting until my first craft show. The Holiday Bazaar is November 16th at the Lawrence Community Building from 10am - 5pm. Margo @ Smiling Mad and I have been working hard to get everything together but the unknown is killing us! We have no idea what to expect. Hopefully everything will go as planned and the day will be a success!

I will have lots of little girls pants, jumpers, dresses, tops, etc., as well as a few little boy items at the show. And if you like something but need a different size/color/etc, please ask. I take custom orders!

I hope to see you all there!

3 Giggling Girls Gallery

President Barack Obama!!

2008-11-04T22:18:00.003-06:00

Enough Said.

What I've been working on....

2008-09-18T12:43:00.009-05:00

Just wanted to give everyone a glimpse of what I've been working on. There is more to come, but this is what I've got finished so far. I'd like to hear what you think. So, please leave me a comment or email me with feedback. Oh, and please don't mind the wrinkles......

Thanks Margo!

Back to School and Nerves......

2008-08-25T10:49:00.005-05:00

I've been working on Back to School clothes for Fall. Here is little Stella modeling one of my Twirl Skirts. I thought the colors were fun and she of course looks adorable!
I'm feeling like I'm under pressure. My friend Margo @ Smiling Mad and I have decided to set up a table at our local Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival. I know I have until Nov. but I really need to pump out some outfits to sell. This will be my first time selling locally and I'm a little nervous. Hope it all goes well. Wish us luck!

Claire Luna

2008-08-24T08:18:00.003-05:00

This week we were blessed with an addition to our extended family. Claire Luna was born 2 weeks early weighing in @ 5lbs 15oz via csection. She's a tiny little thing, but so cute! I'm so excited to have my first niece. Another girl to make clothes for! Congrats Neil & Mina!!

First Day for the Hood

2008-08-13T10:59:00.002-05:00

Kids in the Hood

This morning we walked our big girls to their first day of school. 3rd and 1st grade. Can you believe it? They are getting big and that means I'm getting OLD! Oh well. The girls were both really excited to be back at school for the year. I can't wait to hear about their day.

8 hours and counting...

2008-08-11T10:15:00.004-05:00

It's finally here. The day we've been waiting for. TODAY at 6pm we find out what teachers the girls will have this year! I can't wait!

I made a teacher request for Alice. I'm hoping the school will put her in the right class. She does well in a highly structured class. She has made such good progress over the last 6 months. I just hope the school thinks about what will be best for Alice.

No special requests for Lili. Actually, I really don't know much about the 3rd grade teachers. Lili's such a smart girl. She'll do well in any class.

Let the Games Begin

2008-08-09T10:22:00.006-05:00

Last night we watched the opening of the 2008 Olympic Games. While watching I was reminded of how excited I used to get. 1984, 1988. I was just a kid. A young gymnast. Watching Mary Lou. Watching the Americans dominate. It was awesome! Didn't it seem that it was Us vs. Them? As an adult, I don't see it that way. The world seems smaller somehow. I feel a sense of Unity. A sense that we are all One.
As we watch, I see the glimmer in my girls eyes. The awe. They are full of questions. Do I have the right answers? Will these Olympics leave lasting memories for them? I hope so.

Summer's Almost Over

2008-08-04T20:50:00.005-05:00

Coming to the realization that school starts in 8 days. Where did the summer go? How is it possible that my little babies are 3rd and 1st graders? They are both so excited to start school. We made our annual trip for school supplies on Friday. We were actually able to get everything in one stop. It's always so exciting to pick out new things for the new school year. Can't wait to see which classes they are in.

Finished this new outfit for Ruby today. I'd never made a shirt before. I think this turned out cute. It might be a bit too small in the gut for Miss Rubes, but it'll work for now. The next one will be better!

Twirl Skirt

2008-07-28T08:48:00.005-05:00

I finished this patchwork twirl skirt for Alice last night. It was a lot of work. But, I think it turned out great! It'll be great for school.

2008-07-22T14:51:00.007-05:00

My Inspiration

The 3 Giggling Girls

Singing Debut

2008-07-11T11:45:00.010-05:00

I finished up an adorable outfit yesterday. Ruby is my muse. I'm pretty proud of my work. I've been inspired by so many great designs for sale on Etsy and Ebay. One day I hope to be offering my work as well.

My youngest daughter, Ruby, putting on a show. She's a sweet little thing and takes her musical career seriously.