j l stephens couture - Fashion Blog

Roll the Credits...eve of a new year

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:48:36 +0700

Why do I feel that this New Years Eve is the end of a movie I call 2008.

This year has been monumental in my simple Minnesotan life. Not only am I living the dream of being a Fashion Designer...I am a MOTHER!

Reflecting on a year gone by, I can only think of people and things that made this year a success for me.

I would like to give a shout out to all my friends partying tonight at the new home of a dear college friend...I hope you are enjoying the drinks and laughs. Although it would be fun to join you, I wouldn't change this New Years Eve for any.

Here I sit sewing away, Jahred is watching a movie on the couch in my studio...he isn't even complaining that he can't hear the movie over my sewing machine. Axel is sleeping soundly (a New Years present on it's own), and Oscar is spending his 4th New Years alone upstairs. He loves the silence.

No, this New Years I wouldn't exchange for a more fabulous one. Today I didn't even get dressed, sweats are all I need in my peaceful stay at home life. In the last year I have become comfortable in my own skin, and learned to live just a little more in the present.

As my credits roll in my heart, you know who you are who belong there. Those who helped and guided, those who changed a diaper or fed a bottle, those who cut and pressed. You deserve a tribute and know that I am thinking of you this COLD eve of a New Year.

Tomorrow I will post with exciting photos and new designs...but tonight is for reflection, peace and sleep!

Goodnight 2008.

Maybe Axel will like the Easter Bunny...

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:54:52 +0700

As you can see here, our first visit with Santa wasn't a positive one! I do agree that the big man can be creepy....but Axel was plain old PISSED!

Not only did he scream when we placed him for the famous photo with Santa...he continued to cry for all the other kids until we left the room!

Enjoy this pic, have a Merry Christmas and avoid Santa if you can!

Last Minute Luxury...and a few words on driving.

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:15:06 +0700

Axel and I are on the NEWS tonight, KEYC Mankato...we were caught at the post office today with a TON of packages...CHECK IT OUT!

Give a gift that is a collection all in one! I can truly tell you...these bracelets will last a lifetime! They have endured years and years in someones basement and now are re-purposed into something beautiful. Super durable, fashionable and personable. Order a bracelet now and it will arrive in plenty of time for X-mas!

You can write a message or a name...just keep it to 11 letters! Get the keys while they last. Supplies are dwindling and not many of these old gems are still around.

GO GREEN...BUY RE-PURPOSED JEWELRY!

Does it ever occur to you that driving is all about negative reinforcement!

For example. Just ask Jahred or myself what is our number one driving enemy...the light up speed sign just blocks from our house!

Not only is this thing a constant reminder of your terrible driving, the ANGRY flashing light is so distracting it is going to cause accidents if it hasn't already.

As one is driving along, the sign flashes your speed...pretty typical. The speed limit in that particular area is 30mph. If you are traveling 28mph and up...this extremely bright light flashes, and the words SLOW DOWN flash in red. Are we not even allowed to go THE SPEED LIMIT now? Why not just say "Speed Limit 28mph". How obnoxious is that? Not to mention if you are obeying the rules...there isn't a little smiley face that says..."Thanks for watching your speed! God Bless!" NOOOO, all negative reinforcement!

Now that I have vented about that sign...I feel much better!

Another comment on driving. STOP HONKING AT SLOW DRIVERS! My car is SUPER bad on the snow! I can barely make it up hills and stopping is nearly impossible. During these few winter months, I only drive as fast as I am willing to hit something at! That is about 10mph.

On my way to the post office today to deliver some last minute packages to last minute customers...I was honked at...swerved around and one person even cut in front of me at a stop sign. The total round trip is 4 miles...we usually walk...but not when below 0. Can people not drive slowly for 4 miles? Seriously...I am about to get one of those signs that says "Baby On Board"...I will add to that..."New Mom Driver...pass me and don't expect to have a windshield when you return to your car in the parking lot!"

Well, hope all your last minute shopping trips are pleasant. I hope to stay away from all of you on the road!

DONT FORGET TO WATCH KEYC NEWS MANKATO TONIGHT TO SEE AXEL AND I AT THE POST OFFICE TODAY!

Seasons Greetings...what does this mean?

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:26:41 +0700

Before I forget...today is OSCARS B-DAY!

He knows it's his birthday too! He woke up much earlier than usual (he normally strolls out of his kennel around 10:30 - 11...today 8). He wanted to go to work with Jahred on his Birthday! On the way they will most likely stop for powdered donuts (Oscars favorite).

I am slightly jealous of the awesome birthday he will have, the kind only a previous dog "dis-liker" can throw her now favorite animal! We will hit the "mall" this afternoon and Oscar will pick out something fabulous! Then we will settle in for the night with some cake and ice cream.

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A few notes on seasonal issues.

Are we at a point in society where you are likely to get shot for wishing someone Happy _____________...if it happens to be the wrong holiday for them? I think the politically correct have taken over, and it is out of control!

Emailing back and forth with customers over the past few weeks I have gotten several messages like this:
"Happy Thanksgiving, if that is something you celebrate."
"Have a nice Holiday season, if you celebrate them."
"Enjoy this season."
"Merry Christmas, if that is what you believe in."

Do we really need to include a disclaimer in wishing someone happiness? I'm pretty sure if someone were to say to me "Happy Kwanza" I wouldn't cuss a blue streak and wish they would &%$* off! I would be happy for their personal celebration and think of my own! It's almost a pleasant personal surprise for someone to share their own Holiday choice with you. It's like they are telling you their favorite food or color...even if it's not the same as yours, you can appreciate their choice!

So, being that I celebrate Christmas I will be wishing people Merry Christmas this holiday season...if you happen to hear that from me at the post office or the grocery store and it isn't your holiday of choice...just forgive me, I am just trying to simplify my life without PC junkies interfering in my daily thoughts!

After all...religious reasons aside, we don't celebrate "the season" for ________ (Jesus, etc., you fill in the blank) alone, we are celebrating family, friends, a year gone by, loved ones past, giving, thanking and enjoying a great meal!

This is my virtual Christmas card to all of you out there. May you spend time with LOVED ones, laugh TONS, eat TOO MUCH and vow to LIVE in the PRESENT for the upcoming New Year!

His own kind of wonderful...a Birthday tribute to the black "sheep" of our family!

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:41:41 +0700

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OSCAR! (December 12th...I didn't want to forget so I am a bit early!)

In two days the best (also the only) dog I've ever loved turns 3!

As we reach this monumental birthday...I reflect on all the times we thought he wouldn't make it to 3. Perhaps the near death experience that landed him with a broken hip...maybe the running away at 6 weeks old...perhaps the rat poison incident...or the bear he met at my parents. His weight gain during my pregnancy was rough on him...and it's possible he will not survive Axel as a toddler. Through all of that and other unmentionable events (perhaps some we don't know of)...he has been the grouchiest, most demanding and WONDERFUL dog I have seen!

Knowing we were in for a crazy ride...even his first visit to the vet they tagged him with "a huge attitude". Not being a previous animal lover or owner...I didn't think pets had personality or "attitude". Oscar has taught me many things over the years and patience is one of them!

Being a mother who vows to never spank my children...I will say that Axel has never tempted me...although the DOG has!!! As he tilts his head in a fashion only beagles can do and blinks his huge brown eyes, he lays into a knitting project or a favorite toy of Axel's. All I can do is watch because deep down I would give him the world if I could!

Every year we take him somewhere special on his birthday. We used to go to "Bone Adventure" in Edina, Minnesota...but this year it is a little snowy to make the drive...we will however take him to a local pet friendly store and buy him whatever he sniffs!

Oscar is his own sort of wild dog. While he has never spent time in the wilderness (outside of my parents property where we can see him the whole time)...even though he has never been trained by wild dogs...the animal instinct prevails! For example: when we give him a processed "Dingo" bone...he find a corner to hide it in, and then runs to my fabric scraps, chooses a beautiful sample and proceeds to cover up his bone!!! Pretty amazing! He also displays animal behavior when he decides which pillow to rest his butt on...mine or Jahred's. He makes the decision carefully and then spins in circles on the chosen pillow only to rest there and lick himself clean!

I am posting below a few of Oscars best moments. He doesn't like to show off...but here he is in his full glory!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OSCAR...WE LOVE YOU!

Today I Celebrated MYSELF!

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 21:36:38 +0700

A family affair this weekend that was all about me!

This weekend was my first official "craft show". Although I never intended to market my designs or sewn goods, I ended up at a wonderful fair this weekend. "No Coast" craft-stravaganza in Minneapolis was filled with shoppers, designers, friends and neighbors.

I still have yet to define a goal as far as my designing career goes...I am just on a wing and a prayer right now. Mostly prayer!

Starting on Friday when I unloaded the family van full of my prized pieces of art...the compliments and support began to roll in. With family behind my booth, it became real to me that my basement full of fabric has turned into something concrete.

The FIRST thing I sold was a sewing pattern. The Verna Bag. My first pattern named after the Great Grandmother I never met. What an honor to have her name out in the world even if the public has no idea of who she was. We all have an ancestor to thank for our gifts, talents and presence. Starting off the show with that sale was a blink in time I will never forget.

My tiny boutique was but a spot on the "No-Coast" map...but it was mine and the people who visited celebrated ME and I celebrated myself for the first time in a long time. Although I thought about my own triumph, I also thought of my family and what a journey the last year has brought!

Below are a few pictures of my work...my opus of the last year! I will never forget the feeling of support from strangers...not just for the fact that I sold out of EVERYTHING I brought (literally everything)...but for the fact that this "stay at home mom" felt alive, appreciated and like a REAL designer!

To a family who supports all dreams big, small, scary and crazy...I LOVE YOU!

Jen

Pajama Monday

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:41:22 +0700

Being a Monday...CYBER MONDAY as they call it...I am waiting for the sales to pour in. It hasn't happened yet! I sewed my butt off during the weekend in preparation for a huge show in Minneapolis this coming weekend...and I thought I would list some new things in my shop in case CYBER MONDAY is true!

Also, since it is Monday...that means Axel gets to wear his pajamas all day. I started that tradition during his first weeks of life for a few reasons:
1. During the weekend we travel and visit relatives, he always has to be dressed gorgeously and kept free of drool and food. This is a lot of work for me!
2. Monday we have no where to go...therefore nobody cares what he wears!
3. I take the 10 minutes I would have spent dressing him and dress myself for a change! It seems like my appearance is sacrificed for his adorableness!
4. Baby pj's are sooooo cute!

This Monday, I have lots to photo! We always take the pictures in an upstairs bedroom that has the best natural light. Axel loves this part of the day because there are loads of trouble traps in that room! Crates of yarn, the dog kennel, beds to crawl under and a book shelf just waiting to be demolished!

Today however...he decided that instead of watching me photo other things, he wanted to be IN the photos!

Here is Axel on pj Monday looking his best!

Enjoy your week and happy Cyber Shopping today!

Jen

"Meaningful" NOT "Material"

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:16:51 +0700

People say I have a knack for decorating. When people step in my house for the first time, they seem to think I spend loads at art shows and boutiques. Although I have what I consider a gorgeous home, I rarely spend a dime in decorating it. My home is filled with all things Meaningful and little Material.

In economic times like these...even if you drive a Mercedes and belong to the Country Club, I think we can all step back and add a little more Meaning to our lives. On a budget or without one, you can make your house a home with lots of effort and very little money!

I have comprised a list of steps to a MEANINGFUL home:

1. STOP BUYING - I mean entirely!!! You don't need a new set of dishes that have a holiday print, you don't need a new outfit for a work event...you see those people every day and they don't care what you wear. Your child doesn't need more toys to fill the space! Once you stop buying, you will be relieved as the weight lifts off of your house! Don't ever buy something to fill a space!

2. OPEN YOUR EYES - When you are out and about with friends or family, check out the curbs. It doesn't suggest you are broke and it shouldn't be embarrassing to pick something up that has a "FREE" sign on it. Picture the tiny dresser with a new coat of paint...or let your kids decorate it for their own room...that adds the meaning! Also, when family or friends are passing on treasures that they no longer need...a hideous vase from your Grandma...or something totally out of style from your aunt...take it in, polish it up and add to the eclectic wonder that is your home!

3. FRAME YOUR HUSBANDS ART - Although my husband has never aspired to be an artist, he was forced to take an art class in college. As he was headed to the trash with his LARGE charcoal drawings, I scooped them up and framed them! They are huge and take up massive wall space, and they are the focal point of our whole home! Abstract art sells at auction for millions every year...I got mine for FREE! Add a $20 frame (break rule #1) and you have an original masterpiece! This goes for your own art, your kids art...also works for special items, just add a shadow box and you are good to go!

4. BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME - Last year for my birthday, I asked for something home made. My husband builds homes for a living and yet has never thought of building furniture! He built me the most lovely bookshelf I have ever seen! Even if you don't have the tools, borrow a neighbors, build it at your parents...take a class from the Home Depot (they are free)...you can do it! Even small scale, build an heirloom piece that will last a lifetime...don't buy a put-together-piece-of-junk from a superstore! That toolbox your son built in shop class...or the bag your daughter sews in home economics...USE THEM! Make the toolbox a table centerpiece with gourds, flowers or line it with napkins and use it for chips or buns.

5. ASK FOR HELP - When considering a new paint color for your living room or wanting new carpet in your bedroom...do as much as you can on your own. It will save money and create lots of funny memories with your family! Even if you can't install new carpet yourself...rip out the old stuff...who hasn't wanted to tear something apart! Even if you can afford it, your extended family and friends will love to help for FREE...just add Pizza. Frame pictures of the event in that room...HELLO...conversation piece!

6. LESS IS MORE - If you feel you need to fill a space with something...I will tell you - YOU DON'T. Less is more and your visitors don't care if every corner has something eye catching that screams "I am from Pottery Barn/Hobby Lobby/Target". If you really need to fill the void try one of these suggestions: a basket of yarn you already own, a basket of pine cones from your yard or a local park, a lamp from the basement (add a new shade if you have to), a bookshelf from the Salvation Army...with a new coat of paint...add your kids favorite books!

7. LIVE IN YOUR HOUSE - Don't be afraid to put a ding in the wall or a dent in the floor. Although it may seem like the end of the world, it really just adds flavor and a potential new family project. Of course don't be reckless in your home, but enjoy every square inch of it! If you are worried about your kids knocking over the "decorations" get rid of them (the decor...not the kids), they are not more precious than your child's imagination!

8. WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, BUY LOCAL AND HAND MADE - I have to add this in...because I think it's important. There are obviously limits to our abilities and limits to time. When shopping crazily for holiday gifts, don't forget about the people in your life who can help you! Hand made gifts are beautiful and one of a kind. Support a local mom or entrepreneur. Artisans can hand make almost any kind of gift and do it with love and joy! So, before you pick up those 10 cheap boxes of chocolate for your co-workers...consider a Snappy Wallet from me. :)

With my last corney comment set aside...I hope this puts some prospective on your holiday season. Your home is a reflection of you! I am pretty sure you didn't come from the Clearance rack at TJMax...but you do most likely take pics of your kids (that can be framed) and have some crazy art from college...not to mention the art your parents have in their attic.

Have a lovely Thanksgiving Week and be thankful for what matters...family and friends, health and peace. Enjoy the pics below of some of my most MEANINGFUL treasures.

Custom Art Wall - These photos range from a picture of the street sign by our first house, to the tile upstairs in the Vatican. Each photo means something special and I made a collage of them on our wall. The photos are large and the images are strong. I love the statement these make...they are the first thing you see as you come in our front door.

Notice, the lamps do not match...WHO CARES! Use what you have!

The best Birthday present ever! This is the fabulous shelf Jahred built for me. It holds a few photos and my fabric! Who says you can't have fabric in your living room! The statues were gifts when I had my son, and the stocking next to the shelf was a Thrift Store "FREE BOX" item.

Also on the shelf is a small box that was a package from Hong Kong. It impressed me so much the way the wrap their packages that I saved it! You never know what decor may come in the mail!

Here is a photo (not the best quality) of Jahred's art. It is on top of my hutch (that came from someones garage), and next to a basket of yarn. I am really proud of this arrangement!

A little more on the hutch, it is all open and has my wedding china in it. I love that because I can use it every day! Also, carved in the side of the hutch is the mans name "Pete". This piece is my favorite and best find!

Brick by Brick Quilt...One of a Kind Heirloom

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:31:34 +0700

LOVE THIS QUILT!

I have the opportunity to work with some AWESOME moms in my crib set creations!

This quilt is awaiting it's own precious baby to snuggle and love it!

I call this design Brick by Brick. It was literally created on the fly in my lap. The randomness and unplanned nature give it a one of a kind look!

Of all the projects I have done, this quilt is by far my favorite! I was honored to create it for a new life!

If you would like your own Brick by Brick quilt, just let me know. They can be made in any size. Would make a gorgeous holiday gift for any special person in your life!

Enjoy! The photos don't even do justice to the beauty of these Joel Dewberry and Amy Butler fabrics. You will just have to order one to see it in person!

Mini Snappy World...

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:56:31 +0700

This week alone 100 Snappy Wallets were produced in my studio! Of course with the help of the best elves in town!

They are so beautiful and waiting for adoption into great homes! I have been lucky to get a couple large wholesale orders of these babies and they are selling well in boutiques around the country!

Who would have thought a Minnesota girl would go global? Today alone I shipped to 3 countries!

I would like to encourage you all to support local artisans for the holidays this year! I know I have mentioned this before, but before you head to Walmart (the devil for small business)...check out what great deals come hand made and with lots of love!

Everyone should have a Snappy Wallet...here are the uses that I have found and suggestions from my customers:

Gift for Co-workers
Gift for Babysitter, Hairdresser, Mail-carrier, etc.
Passport Holder
Coupon Folder
General Wallet
Photo Envelope
Gift Card Holder

Perfect for girls of all ages...THEY ARE ONLY $5 FOR GOODNESS SAKE!