I’ve been thinking a lot about this little shop of mine, where it’s been, where I want it to go and what place it should hold in my life. It’s so strange to me where and how it started and the many places and developments it’s taken on. From completely wholesale driven to an online retail presence, from paper to ceramics and many, many parties in between.  In 2013 there will be many changes within Magnolia Creative Co. and in my life as well. I’ve been seeing so much unnecessary drama that really takes away from what matters and the purpose in everything. I’m learning to say no sometimes, charge what I’m worth and that I can sit and do nothing and it is ok! With the holiday season quickly approaching and the start of a new year I just can’t help but be hopeful and thankful for everything I’m blessed with. I have an amazing husband, seriously, to put up with a creative takes a very strong and patient person and that he is! I’m so thankful for my wonderful, wild, witty, artistic and simply thoughtful kids who inspire me everyday.

I plan to attend a conference hosted by Whitney English in Dallas in December. She’s always been an inspiration and I am so excited at the opportunity to learn from this creative entrepreneur and can’t wait to share with you the upcoming changes for this little southern shop of handmade goodies.

Thank you for your support and the fact that you read this blog and my Facebook page and mostly for taking my art and bringing it into your everyday life and celebrations. It means the world to me!

It’s my birthday week and I’m heading off to the wonderful city of New Orleans to celebrate with some friends. My husband and I love New Orleans and call it our “spiritual home” and plan to retire there someday. The city is magical and filled with great art, incredible architecture and sounds, sights and of course, the cuisine! Anyone who visits can draws loads of inspiration and that’s what I plan to do. Enjoy your weekend and take advantage of this great sale
SAVE 35% Storewide!

Hint, hint…can anyone guess how old I’ll be? The sale lasts through Sunday so stock up while you can.

Always,

Request your custom place card plate today!
We can match any party theme.

My friend and party partner in crime thought it would be a good idea to share this post again and I agreed. Farm parties are so much fun and perfect for summer birthdays.  I originally shared this party last year because it was the first party Amelia and I teamed up on for our newly formed local children’s event planning company, 

Let’s Geaux Party

For those of you unfamiliar with our Louisiana slang, geaux means go. We had the opportunity to work with some great sweets creators and learn to plan a party in the 100+ degree Louisiana heat, it was an adventure even at 10am.

I’m adding this Farm Collection to my shop today so look for it tomorrow! It will be available in printed and printable options with instructions on making the opening barn doors on the invite and the centerpiece sticks for the printable version. So without further ado….let’s geaux to the farm!

The party was for a set of twins turning four and their little sister turning two and held at their grandparents farm in Greenwood, Louisiana. Despite the extreme heat everyone had so much fun and enjoyed the petting zoo that came to visit the kids. The mom wanted a hand drawn illustration of the farm animals with a sort of “story book feel”. We took the invitation a step farther by having the barn doors open to revel the invitation wording.

We set the very long dining table and lunch up inside the motor coach “barn”. The cake and drinks were set up inside the actual barn complete with a stable right inside and behind the cake. It made for some very amused guests who were greeted by horses whenever they went to get a treat. Amelia scoured the local thrift shops for cowboy boots for centerpieces, some she painted and some were left to their vintage feel (inspired by Orange Blossom and Stephanie Lynn). We set up small hay bales and sunflowers on the table with toppers made in the same style as the party invitation. Horse head bookends were also used to add to the western feel.

Lunch was served out of a “chuck wagon” packaged in kraft gable boxes and topped off with a delicious animal cookie from Frog Prince Cake and Cookie Design. Aly B’s Bakery in Shreveport made the delicious farm cake topped off with fondant farm animals from Two Sugar Babies. We also added a hand maid denim, burlap and gingham cake bunting behind the animals. Cupcakes were purchased from Sam’s and topped off with cupcake toppers to match the rest of the party collateral. 

Each child received their own western cowboy hat hung on the fence (inspired by Hickey Pickety) and a chance to shop at the “General Store” for fun treats and toys. All the children got to ride on the donkeys and horses, pet goats, sheep and ducks and ride in a special barrel train owned by the grandparents. I think the kids had almost as much fun as Amelia and I had putting this party together. We had a blast down on the farm!

VENDOR CREDITS

Party styling, concept, invitations and collateral: Let’s Geaux Party

     Amelia Chandler: Her Royal Heinous / Emily Welch: Magnolia Creative Co.

Cake: Aly B’s Bakery, Shreveport, LA

Farm Animal Fondant Toppers: Two Sugar Babies

Cookies: Frog Prince Cake and Cookie Design

Party Favors in the General Store: Oriental Trading

This is one of my favorite new products because I use one every day! Design your own travel coffee mug! Pick the pattern, color, font and or monogram and express yourself! These mugs are dishwasher safe and at only $20 each they make great gifts!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Items available:

• 10 x 14 Tray
• 10 inch Plate
• 20 oz. Bowl

And just like the cell phone cases from yesterday I’ll be giving away a FREE melamine plate or tray of the winner’s choice. The giveaway will last until Sunday, July 1 and a winner will be chosen at random. There are bonus ways to enter too by liking Magnolia Creative Co. on Facebook and Tweeting about the giveaway too. Make sure you leave a comment about these extra entries so you’ll receive credit. 


Keep checking the blog and our Facebook page because 2 more new products are coming and that means 2 more giveaways! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway