Lou Lou Designs

I'm not a super blogger

2010-05-01T15:28:00.005-06:00

Soooooooo here's the deal.

As you may have noticed, I'm not spectacular at posting on this blog. It's partly because I'm lazy and partly because I have to sign into another account to access it and I'm too lazy to do that and partly because I have to take pictures of things that I make and I'm too lazy to do that and partly because it requires extra thought on my part to remember to post on it and that gets in the way of my laziness.

For these reasons, I've decided to stop posting on the Lou Lou blog. Formally. I stopped posting on it unofficially like last October, I think.

As consolation to all the disappointed blog hoppers out there, I am now going to invite you to enter my slightly psychotic family blog where I will be posting all my hair clip and boutique information from this point forward. Bear (?) Bare(?) Bayer (?) (where's my mom when I need her?) in mind that if you chose to enter that world you will be taking your sanity in your own hands.

www.brentandlou.blogspot.com

You've been warned.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-08T08:42:00.003-06:00

Fact: I like Halloween. I grew up in Las Vegas, where Nevada Day just so happens to fall on Halloween. It took me at least until I was in jr. high before I figured out that we got the day off in honor of Nevada, not candy. Today, in honor of candy, I'm giving away a set of 4 Halloween mini clips.

To enter, just leave a comment before Sunday night. The winner will be chosen randomly, but I always enjoy a little gushing. Also, do me a favor and spread the word. And head over to the piper and chloe blog to see a spotlight about yours truly. And make plans to go to that show because it is seriously a good, good show.

The winner will be posted Monday morning and (assuming you get your mailing address to me) I'll get them in the mail right away so that you can enjoy before the holiday.

As usual, when I make holiday clips, I try to make them functional beyond the theme, so that you can use them for other outfits throughout the year.

And just for fun, this is our Halloween mantle this year. The fake birds are a little creepy, but that's a good thing, right?

heads up!

2009-10-01T14:29:00.002-06:00

Coming up, I'm going to be having a giveaway in honor of October, because October is my favorite month. So check back in next week for the details.

Filling my Baskets

2009-09-16T06:22:00.007-06:00

Slowly but surely, I'm filling them up.

Wanna see what's inside?

I thought you would.

It (and lots, lots more) will all be at this weekend's Oh Sweet Sadie!

Keep your eyes open...

2009-09-14T21:05:00.003-06:00

Are you constantly checking the Oh Sweet Sadie! website this week? If not, you're totally missing out since they are having giveaways galore over there and I'm going to be one of them....

These will be up for grabs. (I kinda want to keep them)

Get to work!

2009-09-04T14:09:00.002-06:00

In an effort to keep my sanity this holiday season, I've signed up for a lot fewer shows than I did last year and my first one is coming up in just a couple of weeks. Sept. 18th & 19th to be precise.

It's the Oh Sweet Sadie! art and gift show in Daybreak and this one is going to be a little different. It's the same weekend as the SoDa Row grand opening out there and it's going to be a BIG deal. Since my mom and sister live out there, the show is that weekend, I'm participating in the 5K on Saturday and working the show in Friday, methinks that I might just pack up the kiddos and camp out in my mom's attic for the weekend.

In the meantime head over HERE to visit the Oh Sweet Sadie! website for info and giveaways and previews of the vendors and over HERE for all the Daybreak info. Seriously, it's going to be fun. Daybreak knows how to throw a good party. If you are going to be within a (somewhat) reasonable distance and can leave your house at all that weekend, you need to go.

One more...

2009-06-03T22:31:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow starts the last of my spring boutiques. I've had a lot of fun doing all these shows this spring, but I'm also looking forward to the break and this is a great way to end the season for me. Come on out to the Backyard Boutique this weekend in Lindon. It looks like it's going to be great weather and so much fun. They even have a kids corner with great distractions for those little ones while you shop. Here's the info...

Click HERE to head over to the blog for more information.

Lucky Duck

2009-05-21T13:15:00.002-06:00

And the winner of the rainbow clips is...

'emilee' who said "adorable! Perfect for those summer outfits my girls are wearing."

Why thank you, emilee. I haven't seen your girls' cute summer outfits, but I'm inclined to agree.
Send me your mailing address to laurastringham (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll get those out to you the next time I'm at the post office.

Check back for more giveaways!

Another Giveaway?

2009-05-18T14:36:00.005-06:00

I must just be full of generosity lately because I've decided to hold another giveaway.

Ya, that's right.

This is a set of tone on tone rainbow clips and all you have to do to enter to win is leave me a comment telling me exactly how cute they are. Even though the winner will be chosen randomly, I want you to feel comfortable pretending that the best compliment wins.

Make sure that you spread the love and let others know they too can win this set of clips.
You have until Wednesday at midnight to enter and I'll do everything in my (very limited) power to get the winner posted on Thursday morning. Good luck!

Tomorrow...

2009-05-07T10:15:00.007-06:00

The giveaway is still going on until tomorrow. Head over HERE to sign up!

I'm particularly excited for this showcase. I found out about it and was miraculously able to sign up for in on Monday, and since I came darn close to selling out at Oh Sweet Sadie! in Daybreak (how awesome is that?), I've been a bit overwhelmed trying to get ready this week. I'm just super happy that they made a space for me. Make sure you check out their blog for a sampling of the great vendors and more details.

Directions to the Piper & Chloe Spring Showcase:
46 Robyn Way, Farmington

South of Farmington:
(after exiting the freeway it should take you 4-5 minutes to get to the showcase)

• Head north on I-15
• In Farmington, get in the farthest right hand lane and exit onto 324 (Highway 89/Park Lane)
• Stay in right hand lane & exit onto Park Lane (don't blink-this will come really quick)
• Turn right (east) onto Park Lane
• Continue east on Park Lane until crossing Main Street (there will be a light)
• After crossing Main Street, Park Lane will veer left and go up a hill (this will turn into Compton Road)
• Continue on this road (Compton Road) until it runs into 1100 North (there will be a stop sign)
• Turn right onto 1100 North and head all the way up the hill
• When you reach the top of the hill, you'll pass by a park on your right hand side and 1100 North will turn into Robyn Way
• Continue around the curve
• As you start to go down the hill, you will see 46 Robyn Way on your right hand side
• The home is a french provincial home set on a hill with a longish driveway

North of Farmington
(after exiting the freeway it should take you 4-5 minutes to get to the showcase)

• Head south on I-15
• In Farmington, take exit 325 (Park Lane)
• At the light, turn left (east) onto Park Lane
• Continue east on Park Lane until crossing Main Street (there will be a light)
• After crossing Main Street, Park Lane will veer left and go up a hill (this will turn into Compton Road)
• Continue on this road (Compton Road) until it runs into 1100 North (there will be a stop sign)
• Turn right onto 1100 North and head all the way up the hill
• At the top of the hill, you'll pass by a park on your right hand side and 1100 North will turn into Robyn Way
• Continue around the curve
• As you start to go down the hill, you will see 46 Robyn Way on your right hand side
• The home is a french provincial home set on a hill with a longish driveway

New Plan....

2009-05-06T08:33:00.003-06:00

So, I'm still having a giveaway, but don't enter here. Hop over the the Sweet Tweets Boutiques Blog to enter to win a set of these

Andra Stoker is the owner of Sweet Tweets and she holds these boutiques to earn money to pay for her IVF procedures. She always puts together and great show and has two more coming up in May. The first one is in Herriman on the 15th and 16th

5626 High Spirit Court
Herriman, UT

The next one will be held in Draper on the 29th and 30th. Stay tuned for more info about that.

So skip on over HERE and enter to win!

More Shows

2009-05-04T09:44:00.002-06:00

My spring shows have gone so well that I've signed up 3 more boutiques in May and June. The first one is another Sweet Tweets Boutique and this one is in Herriman...

5626 High Spirit Court
Herriman, UT

I'll have more information posted as soon as I know more details.

I'm also planning to post a giveaway here within a few days. I'm just trying to get some barrettes made to list in my etsy store before I get it posted. It will be really fun, a set of clips that you can't buy in my store or at any of my boutiques so check back for it!

May 15th and 16t

Thank you!

2009-04-26T13:12:00.001-06:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to Daybreak for Oh Sweet Sadie! this last weekend. I had my best show ever. I'm currently working on booking some more shows for this summer and in the meantime, I'm going to be stocking my etsy store with new items. I'm also going to be working on some items for a giveaway, so keep your eye out for that in the upcoming week.

Busy Busy Weekend

2009-04-16T08:39:00.004-06:00

I'm going to be selling my products at not one, but two amazing shows this weekend. One is in Utah County and one in Draper. These shows are always so much fun and have great vendors. I'm really excited to go shopping :)

Silouhettes

2009-03-24T10:15:00.003-06:00

I'm keeping busy making hair clips for the rest of my spring shows, but I had to post these silhouettes that I just ordered. Aren't silhouettes just so cool? I wish that I had the skill to paint them of my family, but I don't, so when I found this seller on etsy that could make them for me, I had to order them.

These are my kids, I have them for my whole family to frame and hang.... somewhere. It's still in debate.

earrings

2009-03-06T13:24:00.005-07:00

At some of my boutiques this spring, I will have these simple vintage-y post earrings. I have them in a rainbow of colors and lots of different sizes. I want one of each for myself :)

I don't consider myself a jewelry maker at all, but these earrings are so simple and add such great color, I couldn't help but dabble a little.

I'm making LOTS of new spring and summer hair clips, hair pins and headbands for my 5 upcoming boutiques, so check back for a look at my new items.

Headbands

2009-02-21T21:59:00.005-07:00

I've been having fun making headbands the last few days. I've got these listed in my shop and I'm hoping to have more for my upcoming boutiques this spring. Whatdaya think?

I'm thinking that this blog needs a giveaway coming up pretty quick here. Any suggestions on what I should give? Check here and in my etsy store for in the next few days to see what I decide on :)

Gotta love it...

2009-01-23T13:09:00.004-07:00

Isn't this a cute tutu? And for a mere $3,378.50... it could be yours.

Up and Running

2008-11-07T16:21:00.002-07:00

I have been really bad about keeping my etsy store stocked lately. I know it inconveniences people that I don't have things listed, but I honestly just haven't had the energy lately. With my 3 children keeping me busy these days and several boutiques that I've been participating in, it's hard to keep up. Today, I listed several new sets of clips and I'll try to keep the store better stocked through the holidays to make sure everyone gets their stocking stuffers on time.

In the meantime, if you are in the Salt Lake area, I'll be in two more upcoming shows. The weekend of Nov. 20th, I'll be participating in another Sweet Tweets Boutique in Draper and I'll also be attending another Oh Sweet Sadie! show the first weekend in December. I'll get more info on the Sweet Tweets soon.

Oh Sweet Sadie!

2008-11-06T12:00:00.001-07:00

I'll be participating in the 3rd holiday show at Daybreak in South Jordan. Come and see me!

Come one, come all

2008-10-14T16:29:00.000-06:00

Another Boutique!

2008-10-01T11:14:00.002-06:00

Yes, I've got another fun art and gift show coming up at the end of October. Here's the info...

Sweet Tweets Boutique
October 24-25
Friday 10:00 - 8:00
Saturday 10:00 - 5:00
14213 Fort Pierce Way Herriman

For more information call (801) 623-1470

I'll have my packages of hair clips, headbands and binky clips at this show. Come on out and say hello!

Oh Sweet Sadie!

2008-09-11T14:12:00.002-06:00

I'm so pleased to have joined the Oh Sweet Sadie! art and gift show last minute! For those of you who live in the area, this is a really fun show. All of the vendors are really talented, I love shopping there. Come on over and say hello! There are 2 fall shows coming up in the next couple weeks:

Fall 1 - September 19th and 20th:
15625 Winged Trace Ct. in Draper

Fall 2 - September 26th and 27th:
Rainey Model Homes of Daybreak in South Jordan

Visit www.ohsweetsadie.com for more info and listings of other vendors!

Onesies!

2008-08-13T16:24:00.004-06:00

I started making some applique onsies for my new little baby. They turned out so well that I'm going to start selling them. Here are some photos of what I've made so far.

The little owl is listed for sale in my Sew Lou Lou etsy shop.

I'm still deciding what to do with my little apple. I may keep it as a gift. I've got more coming and I'm sure that I'll be posting them because they are SO CUTE!

These are the tiny newborn size, which is awesome. They didn't make the newborn size when my oldest was born and it took weeks to get anything to fit her.

Changing Pad

2008-08-08T14:13:00.004-06:00

So, I love my new bag from Peas & Carrots so much that I decided I wanted a matching changing pad. Problem was that I didn't order one, so I thought I'd get crafty and make my own. I got the materials at the fabric store last night and voila!

It coordinates with the accents fabrics that are inside the bags and on the straps. I made it out of the fabric I bought and a towel so that little baby boy would be nice and comfy. It was so fun to make and I have the material to make another one, I might whip one out and list it in my Sew Lou Lou store.

Oh MY Goodness...

2008-08-05T21:26:00.004-06:00

So, I ordered a new diaper diaper bag for my new little baby a while ago. I've got several weeks before baby #3 gets here, but I like to plan ahead, particularly if it means I get a new bag. I ordered a custom bag from Peas & Carrots, which I found on etsy. Jessica made it out of the materials I picked and I just got it in the mail yesterday. I am SO excited about this bag. I had to store it up and away so that I'm not tempted to break it out before the baby gets here.

This is a photo of my order, which included the "kate" bag and "zippy" and "quick change pack" The detail and quality is so awesome, that I had to share. She makes all kinds of bags for all
kinds of occasions and in all sizes. Another one of my faves are the clutches that she makes.

So, if you are in need of a bag, you've got to check out Peas & Carrots, you won't regret it.

Bummer.

2008-08-02T17:51:00.006-06:00

My sewing machine is out of service right now. Grrrrr. I am having it fixed on Monday, so I should get back to work then, but I'm totally bummed about not having it right now because I've been having so much fun making new burp rags and binky clips. I've got a TON of new, cute fabrics coming in the mail this week, so I will be hard at work (at least as hard as it can be to sit in front of a sewing machine) again before too long.

Here are a few of my favorite sets of burp rags with coordinating binky clips. I've started to make my binky clips out of durable, designer cotton fabric, which I LOVE. They look SO cute and they allow me to make them out of the coolest, newest materials. They are also TOTALLY washable, which is helpful with a baby. Here are a few more binky clips...

I think that I'm going to be making myself a ton of new burp cloths and binky clips for my new baby. He's coming so fast! I've only got 8 weeks before he gets here and his accessories are going to be the cutest ever. I've also thought about making some applique' onesies and a fancy changing pad.

All of these designs are currently for sale in my Sew Lou Lou etsy shop. The sets are priced right for baby showers or even just a gift for yourself. There will be MANY MANY more coming this week. Aren't they great?

Reverisble Bird Seed Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-07-28T20:53:00.001-06:00

Reverisble Bird Seed Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Can you stand how cute this is? I SO want it for my daughter.

I'm finally back to work

2008-07-09T21:05:00.003-06:00

It has been a good long time since I sat down and made some barrettes. I've been pregnant (and I still am, for that matter) and moving and basically overwhelmed with all the stuff going on in my personal life. Something had to give and it was Lou Lou Designs. Now that I've got my new work area all organized in my new house, I've been motivated to start crafting again. Here are some fun pictures of the new room and some of the barrettes I've been working on. They are all listed in my etsy shop, so head on over if you are interested!

This is my new work space! I really like it so far. I made ribbon boxes for my all my ribbon and I particularly like all the little jars lined up. It makes me happy to look at them.

I've been really into felt and buttons, can you tell? I can't get enough of the felt hair clips. I make them for my daughters and they are so cute that I just can't stop. Check back soon for more pics and I'll try to pull it together and have some giveaways before too long!

The sweat shop

2008-04-08T19:52:00.003-06:00

As you should know, I make all of my barrettes, most of my headbands and all my binky clips myself. I put a lot of thought into the color selections and the materials and workmanship which means that I put in a lot of hours in my office. For this reason, the office is generally referred to as "the sweat shop." Usually that room is a disaster. I'm not a very organized person, despite my efforts, and since I share the space with my husband (who's really very tidy) and my 3 year old daughter, it's almost always trashed like this...

Today, I cleaned the office. Honestly, that's all I did today, it took me that long. In honor of the rare event, here's a photo of what the sweat shop looks like when it's clean:

Pretty snazzy, huh? I'm quite pleased. It makes me want to get down there and make some barrettes.

And the winner is...

2008-03-25T10:10:00.002-06:00

Aubrey! Thanks Aubrey! I need to come over to your house anyway since I left my stuff there in like, November. Sheesh! Either email me, or I'll be in touch with you and I'll get these clips over to you.

Keep checking back, I'll do more giveaways soon. Thanks everyone!

I'm one busy bee

2008-03-23T21:25:00.005-06:00

I will be attending another boutique, next weekend, this one will be in Farmington. Here's all the info:

The Spring Fling Boutique

Saturday, March 29th 12:00 - 4:00
Farmington Crossing Clubhouse
840 N. Farmington Crossing
Farmington, Utah

Wow. I wrote 'Farmington' a lot. I will be there as well as other great vendors such as... Cookie Lee, Shade, Mary Kay, Scentsy, Sparkle & Chic and Destry Lynn Photography. This should be a really fun show, so if you are in the area, come on over and give us a visit!

Does anyone check this thing?

2008-03-21T08:31:00.003-06:00

I can't ever tell if anyone checks my blog. So I've decided to try something out and see. I have just reached my 200th item sold in my etsy shop. Hooray! I love selling through etsy because it really gives me the flexibility that I need with my schedule. I can control how busy I am so that I've also got time to be a mom.

Anyway, in celebration of reaching this nice, round number, I'm going to have a giveaway! Hooray for free things! Just leave a post before Sunday the 23rd and I'll randomly pick a winner to receive a free set of...

...these bitty clips! I love these colors for summer, they should go with just about every outfit that you can come up with. Happy posting!

New items

2008-03-19T19:05:00.005-06:00

Just a quick look at some of the new things that I've been working on and posting in my store.

These are my personal favorite right now. Do you think I can get away with wearing them in my hair?

Bitty clips galore! I'm going to be working on more soon too. These things sell great and are so perfect for that mom who loves to adorn her baby without making a scene. Personally, I like to do both :)

Mini clips! Gotta love them. These are some of my new designs. I love the set of all pinks. I had a couple of other sets that had a wider variety of colors, but I sold out over the weekend. I'll have more as soon as I get some energy to make some!

Do moms get sick days?

2008-03-10T17:11:00.003-06:00

Oh my. It is going to be a LONG week at my house. I have another boutique coming up on Friday the 14th and Saturday, March 15th at the Odyssey Charter School's 'Hip Hoppin Spring Boutique' Check my sidebar for more information. So I'm working hard to get a bunch of fun spring items ready to go, but I'm finding it very hard since I'm sick and my girls are sick. I'll just try to keep plugging along, I suppose. I have to admit that I've been having fun working on everything new and it should be a really fun show. There are going to be dozens of vendors there selling all kinds of different items and raffle that we all donate to, so come check it out if you are in the area. I'll be posting some photos soon of some of the new things that I'm coming up with.

Upcoming Boutique!

2008-02-27T13:11:00.004-07:00

This is going to be such a fun trunk show! If you are anywhere in the Salt Lake or Davis County area, come visit me and so many other great vendors. ModBe will be there with a great incentive for 2008 swim and clothing /10% off entire Modbe purchase when 3+ items bought. You've GOT to check out their new swim line, it's so cute I can hardly stand it! JustBe will also be there with their darling clothing and accessories as well as Steel my Heart, Tribal Jewelry (as seen on Good Things Utah), Sparkle and Chic, and of course, Lou Lou Designs! There will be lots of other fun things for sale, too!

The fun starts tomorrow, Feb 28th at 5:00 and will run until 8:00pm and continues on Feb. 29th 10 am-noon

Located at: 1509 west 1300 south Woods Cross

Call Kassi @ 867-2822.

Stop by and say hello to me! I'll be there with LOTS of cute, new items that I haven't had before included the tiny bitty clips that are great for newborn hair and cute styles for spring!

Welcome to Lou Lou Designs ... finishing touches for littles ones

2008-01-20T20:45:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Lou Lou Designs blog. Listed here are just samples of the types of merchandise that I sell. To see what I have in stock, please visit my online store at www.louloudesigns.etsy.com
I have also just opened a new store store at www.sewlouloudesigns.etsy.com that will be carrying all items that I sew including binky clips, burp rags and more!

I'm also always happy to take custom orders and I love to attand parties and boutiques. Please contact me for more information.

Host a Party

2007-12-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

Live in the Salt Lake area? Interested in hosting a party? Hostesses receive a free gift and earn merchandise credit. At my boutiques, I sell much more than what is listed in my store. For more information, contact Laura at laurastringham@gmail.com

If you aren't in the Salt Lake area, visit my webstore at www.louloudesigns.etsy.com

Buttons and Bows

2007-11-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

I love my Buttons and Bows line. These stylish barrettes are great for our little ones or ourselves and come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles. The buttons and bows will also clip into one of my infant headbands. They are made out of clips that are wrapped in designer ribbon and topped with flowers that are made from a variety of high quality materials. Most of my Buttons and Bows barrettes are available with a no slip lining to help hold tight to fine baby hair.

Mini Clips

2007-11-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

These darling mini clips are my new favorite thing. They are GREAT for baby hair and big girl hair alike. They can be used to sweep bangs aside or hold wispy hairs in place when hair is pulled back in pony tail. I can also add a no slip lining to all mini clips to hold tight to fine baby hair.

These clips are made using tiny snaps that are 1 1/4" long and 3/8" wide. They are lined with cute ribbon and embellished. Available inventory is posted at www.louloudesigns.etsy.com or you can contact me directly for a custom order.

Binky Clips

2007-11-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

Binky clips are now available! These cute and helpful clips are made using a 9" length of designer ribbon and a sturdy metal clip that securely fastens to baby's clothes, car seat, or stroller. The ribbon loops around the binky handle and closes with strong velcro. Both girl and boy styles are available.

The clips can also adapt to accept a mam or soothie binky. Adaptor pieces are available for an additional charge. Contact me if they are needed.

Check out my online store at www.sewlouloudesigns.etsy.com see my current inventory. You can also contact me directly for a custom order. And remember, NEVER leave a baby unattended while using a binky clip.

Baby Basics - Burp Rags

2007-11-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

Every mom has to clean up baby messes, so we may as well look good doing it! These burp rags are made using absorbent cloth diapers and soft flannel. Burp rags come in sets of two coordinating patterns and are wrapped up ready for gift giving. I have styles that are perfect both girls and boys. These burp rags come in ready built baby shower gift pack or can be purchased in sets of 2! Check them out at www.sewlouloudesigns.etsy.com.

Pretty Petals

2007-11-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

Nothing is cuter than a little one dressed up with pretty petals. Whether your style is more understated or your philosophy is "the bigger the better," I have the perfect bow for you! I pay special attention the way flowers look on your petite little one, noticing everything from the quality of flower to the way that the petals fall. Sometimes I have to pull things apart and build them back up to construct the perfect flower. These bows can clip directly into the hair, or attach to one of my nylon or crocheted headbands or hats. Check out a few of my favorites or go to http://www.louloudesigns.etsy.com/ to see even more designs.

Designer Hair Clips

2007-11-09T15:38:00.001-07:00

My simple clips are always so perfect when you just want to hold back those fly-away hairs or just add some fun color to any outfit. All of these clips are made from alligator clips that are 1.75" long and partially wrapped in designer ribbon to all the clip to easily slip into any hairdo. These clips are also all available with a no slip lining for fine hair. This is just a small sample of the barrettes that I make with a no-slip option. Visit my online store at http://www.louloudesigns.etsy.com/ for more styles. Or contact me for a custom order