The Canary's Cupcake

And sew on and sew on...

2011-12-18T11:08:00.004-06:00

Between spoiling our sweet boy with a list of toys the length of my arm, visits from friends, and my Mother In Law, and sewing and crafting, and cookie parties and lunches with friends...

Sew... this is what I've been up to this beautiful holiday season... and you?

xo
Bryanna

Pink Trash Ball

2011-11-14T13:10:00.004-06:00

I will let the pictures

speak for themselves!!

tee hee!!

There are plenty of volunteer positions open,

please join me in the fight

against breast cancer!

xo,

Bryanna

Pink Ribbons of Hope

2011-11-08T16:38:00.007-06:00

In anticipation of the
PINK TRASH BALL
by
Susan G. Komen
I made this PINK wig

It will be fun
to be PINK
I love pink hair
Remember this look:

(early 2009)

Nonetheless,
I am very excited to go
and
be a part of a group
that is at a whole something
so wonderful
and important

Did you know that
1 in 8 women will develop
Breast Cancer in thier
lifetime??

If you read yesterdays post
you know that Breast Cancer
does NOT discriminate

It doesn't wait for your children to grow

It doesn't care if you are female or male

It doesn't care if you 25 or 35 or 55

It does NOT wait for you to be...

READY!!

The best prevention is intervention
at the EARLIEST stage

So ladies...
GET A MAMMOGRAM!!

xo
Bryanna

April 9, 2011

2011-11-07T20:38:00.003-06:00

I am reposting this
Because I found out that this
Beautiful MOM died
On October 30

Although I never asked her name
She was a neighbor of my Parents
and so therefore
My Mom called tonight with the sad news.

She left 2 very young children.

Please pray for her family.

Bryanna

CONFESSION orginally posted April 9, 2011

In "flight attendant" land... where I once existed
There is a 'flying' term called "jumpseat confession"

Basically what this means is that
When a flight attendant is sitting on thier jumpseat
(a jumpseat is where the flight attendants sit for take off/landing/turbulance)
You may find yourself sitting next to a flight attendant
you will never see again
This is because there are thousands of flight attendants
Especially for large airlines
Like United ('my' airline)

So because you may never see this person sitting next to you
Ever again
You have the freedom to
Get anything off your chest

So over the years I heard many stories
And shared some of my own
I have to admit that I did enjoy the freedom of
Being able to talk freely
And not judged

Anyway...
The other day I had a "jumpseat conversation"

But in lieu of a jumpset
A park bench
With another Mom
Who was also watching her children play

I never met her before
And I
Do not know her name
We just starting talking
As we watched our children play

She asked if I was having any more children
And I told her about Swan.

AND

She told me about breast cancer
Hers
And how she found it after a miscarriage
3 years ago
For that miscarriage she was grateful
And
Eventually had a healthy birth
A daughter

She continued to talk and
so she said,

That the cancer was back

This time in her bones
And liver
Stage 4

I watched her quietly watching her children
A
3 year old daughter
and
6 year old son

I noticed
That her hair was gone
And her skin translucent
She looked fragile
And very, very beautiful

We said goodbye
Shortly after our "confessions"

Over the last few days
Ive thought about her
A LOT

Especially yesterday as I held the final autopsy report
for my baby Swan
In my hands
And wept
But not just for me
Or for Swan
But for her

Life is short
Don't waste it.

Bryanna

*images are of my crafting room. Ive been spring cleaning.

Well said...

2011-10-15T10:08:00.001-05:00

I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought, there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you.
Frida Kahlo

Hog hats!!

2011-10-10T18:14:00.003-05:00

After the great win by the Razorbacks this past weekend...

I couldn't help but create something

Inspired by our great team!!

GO HOGS!!

Fun!

What do you think???

Bryanna

Closed.

2011-10-05T21:42:00.004-05:00

Until further notice

I will no longer be selling my work

or doing any commissioned sales.

Thank you,

Bryanna

"Kick Breast Cancer" Rose Painted Boots

2011-09-28T16:13:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow I am going to a pink ribbon luncheon

It is entitled:Give Breast Cancer the boot

I decided to paint pink roses and ribbons

On a pair of cute boots my MIL gifted me.

I have never painted roses

but I think they came pretty well!

Ocotber is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

so Moms, Sisters, Friends and Daughters...

get checked!!

Early detection is the key!

Thanks for looking!!

xo
Bryanna

The Craft Queen Reigns...

2011-09-27T07:47:00.004-05:00

As many of you know...

I am a HUGE Martha Stewart

Especially AFTER she went to prison!!

(her Behind Bars Apple Bake is great!!)

Nonetheless, many of my crafty ideas

Are sparked by MS Living Magazine that I hoard.

Yes, I am a hoarder.

Of all things beautiful

And all things Martha!!

I especially hoard the Halloween issues,

Because Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday!!

So... in honor of Martha...

John made me these...

Aren't they wonderful??

Tonight I will try to get you a night picture...

AMAZING!!

These images, directions, etc are from Martha's October 2005 Living Magazine

They are also on her website!

Good Luck

and

Thanks for Looking!!

xo
Bryanna

I'm batty...

2011-09-20T09:54:00.003-05:00

JJ is really in to Halloween this year!

And Halloween decorations!

So I knew I wanted to do something awesome!!

200 hand cut out bats later, I feel like I did!

Thanks for looking!

xo
Bryanna

A Great Big Beautiful Life

2011-09-15T07:14:00.030-05:00

We had a FABULOUS holiday in beautiful Florida!

We saw alligators...

And giant chipmunks!

The weather was fabulous!

(yes, we missed all hurricane weather!!)

The resort was amazing!

JJ was a good boy and loved every minute!

And John and I enjoyed our time together.

It was great to see Cassandra

and Mary Poppins, too!

We had great dinners

(the one pictured we had alone, as Cass watched JJ!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU)

and bike rides...

"cool" stroller adventures...

And a monorail ride, too!

We jumped on beds

read books

shopped in huge pink tutu's

and even had a fancy dinner with my favorite Strawberry Queen!! LOL!

Cass indulged me with wonderful gifts and kindness!!

My husband spoiled me, too (must be the birthday vibes in the air!!)

and eek!! My chocolate diamond ring!!!!!

It was the BEST holiday ever!

We came home and life started right back up...

with awesome family (Thanks, Momma Loo!!)

and great friends!

We even had some family portraits, too!!

(Thanks, Atina!! If you live in the NWA area click on Atina's link!! FAB!!)

whew!! Now- that was A LOT!

Thanks for looking

and catching up in our lives!

xo
Bryanna

Hi there!!

2011-08-23T08:37:00.009-05:00

I am sorry I have not blogged in some time now...

But I have been busy

and what I've been making is a secret

ssshhh!!

I'll explain.

I have going bananas with a lot going on...

JJ was sick for almost 2 weeks

John has been gone for 7 plus weeks

AND Im preparing for vacation!!

We (John, JJ and I) leave for holiday in less then a week

Florida, Disney World

A beautiful resort...

We are talking waterfalls, 4 pools, an insane suite...

I CAN'T WAIT!!

And the icing on the cake??

I get to see....

Cassandra!!

I also...

got a new puppy

"Lily Bug"

I love her to pieces!!

So...

In conclusion

I've been making some fun stuff for Cassandra (secret)

I've been super busy

JJ started school Monday.

I'm serving a position on the board for my MOMs Club.

I'm chasing after my new puppy, Lily Bug

and my boy, JJ.

So ya see...

I'm still here

So check back for more!

xo
Bryanna

OH! So pretty, she said!

2011-08-08T15:00:00.007-05:00

Have you seen this...

(click HERE and it will take you to the site to order)

It's marvelous!

Delightful!

Awesome!!

I *heart* it...

and the fab Amy Powers, too!

I have gotten all her e-mags... all great! And affordable!!

This magazine a tutorial for darling bracelets

From Kristen Randall at Mood Swing Studio

Just had to do them...

so at 2 AM... I did...

I copied Amy's bracelets a bit and added some sparkle...

Love them, do you?

Wanna be BFF'S??

Oh, Dolly!

2011-08-05T16:38:00.009-05:00

I have always loved Grace Drayton's Dolly Dingle illustrations

They first appeared in 1913

And eventually became the orginal Campbell Soup kids.

Whenever I see them, I get very happy

So when I saw this fabric I was super excited!!

And then when JJ got invited to a little girls birthday party

I really almost fainted! LOL!

First I made a rag doll...

Cuteness OVER LOAD!!

And then I made fabric paper dolls!!

They all fit in this little pouch I made,

perfect to sit on a child's lap in the car!

(plus I really like the embellishments I used!! Those pom pom things are vintage and I love them!!)

The clothes for the dolly stick to the doll

And are easy to take off and on!

And the outfits... *gasp*

I think little girls will love these

(I did, and technically I'm an adult!!)

And then you just pack 'em up in the pouch and away you go!!

These will be available via my etsy eventually--$17.

Until then, you can email me!

Thanks for looking!!

xo
Bryanna

Paper Roses

2011-07-31T17:55:00.010-05:00

Rarely

do I just "craft" for me, these days.

Blessed I am with orders

THANK YOU!!

But sometimes, especially on a hot day in Arkansas

(110 today, folks! Yep!! ONE HUNDRED AND TEN DEGREES)

I feel the need to nourish my soul

with some craftiness just for ME.

So when I stumbled upon THIS tutorial

I just could NOT resist.

Aren't they wonderful?

Thanks for looking!

Summer love,
Bryanna

The Circus is here, The Circus is here!

2011-07-21T11:37:00.004-05:00

Ever since WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

I have been dreaming of the beautiful costumes and colors

of not only Reese' character

But Rosie, too!

Amazing...

I made this in the inspiration of Circus...

Hope you like it!!

The material is upholstry fabric

And it is has a beautiful feel to it.

An animal print compliments on the side and flap of the bag

The embellishments on the front of the flap include

Rolled roses

Some vintage textiles and lace

and beautiful vintage brooch

and a resin cabochon with an image

of a lady smoking a fag!!

Love it!!

The flap has beautiful dusty blue trim!

The inside of the bag has...

CIRCUS fabric OF COURSE!!

I am thinking of making some more

for my etsy shop!!

What do you think?

Are you interested?

Of course, each piece is OOAK but...

They would be made in likeness!!

If you are interested, let me know!!

xo
Bryanna

PS) There is a belt buckle, also circus inspired, currently listed!

Buckle Up

2011-07-08T11:01:00.005-05:00

I love belt buckles

I actually collect them.

I won't bore you with them all... because there are LOT!

In the past, I've tried making them

And they never really turned out (Sorry, Christine!)

Then I got this INCREDIBLE Swan inspired

Belt buckle in a collaborative memorial

from Karen Hilman and Cassandra!!

Isn't it GORGEOUS!!

So... anyway I decided to try my hand again

And I'm pleased to say...

I've been successful!!

Thanks for looking!

xo
Bryanna

Miss Liberty

2011-06-28T16:43:00.007-05:00

My friend Shelly inspired me to work with paper clay earlier this month.

She suggested making clay figurines for July 4th.

I jumped in and came up with Miss Liberty.

I wanted her hair to be like "amber waves of grain"

I made her out of paper clay, but I cheat... I bake the clay... before doing so I added stamped detail to her gown.

She is painted and crackled (I *heart* one step crackle!)

To see Shelly's spin on Miss Liberty look HERE

I found out that in the Summer 2011 Belle Armoire my free motion sewing Pinafore will be published!

I hope you will check it out!

On newstands July 1.

Let Freedom Ring!!
Happy 4th!

xo
Bryanna

Oh, Dollface!

2011-06-23T00:04:00.003-05:00

I made these little Frozen Charlotte flat back doll heads

Out of paper clay... go figure!!

I put them in Frozen Charlotte molds

and then I painted, crackled and

Adorned them with some of my fav

vintage lovelies.

I did it for the pure pleasure

of creating.

They are not for sale

but I thought you'd like

to see them.

Have a great weekend!

xo
Bryanna

Not, why BUT why not?

2011-06-18T09:27:00.011-05:00

I decided to pretty up

My pantry!

Why?

Well, I ask why not?

Sometimes

You have to make things pretty

FOR YOU!

So...

My pantry used to look like this:

Depressing, unorganized... ugly!

And now it looks like this:

Cute, organized and fun!

I love mattress ticking so

I couldn't resist going with that for

the many yards of ruffles!

(about 15 yards)

I even made fabric covers for

My MILs awesome jams, jellies and pickles!

And then I also am trying to put all snacks

In these cute little cracker jars (not vintage)

and

candy shoppe jars (vintage).

(btw: gluten free pretzels are yummy!!

and furthermore- butterscotch chips

are so yummy with white wine!!!)

So next time you want to make something

pretty for you...

don't worry when you are asked, "WHY?"

but instead ask, "WHY NOT?"

Have a great weekend!

And Keep Creating!

Bryanna

Ruffles, Burlap& Wine Addict!!

2011-06-12T12:19:00.007-05:00

Between Facebook (go ahead Friend me! it's dangerous) and Pintrest, I've found myself lagging with the blogging! My apologies...

Friday, my friend, Amy won tickets to Peel Mansion Artfest concert and I was her date!! tee hee hee...

About 2 hours prior I decided that I wanted to go with a prarie chic feel (ok more like costume! LOL)!!

So I whipped this up from scratch... and really, couldn't believe I did it and it worked out!

It has a tutu feel to it, too! It's like the prarie meets ballerina while riding a horse (the cowboy boots!) LOL!!

It has all raw edges-- mostly tea stained muslin. But then on a whim I added some lace and then this gorgeous fabric from a prom gown that my friend Stacie bought and ripped up and then shared with me! (thanks, Stacie!)

I thought it turned out pretty good... especially for last minute... and it only took 2 hours...

The flower is a Cassandra orginal... that I keep pinning to my hats, to bags, to t-shirts and now... "the skirt"!!

In the end, I thought I looked cute! It isn't often I get out on a Friday night after dark!! (I think the p90x might be kicking in, too)

I've been super inspired in the sewing department lately... and the week before made this for my secret sister (who is technically no longer a secret!!)

The strap was my FAVORITE part... I love how it turned out! I've decided burlap is awesome!

And certainly not least... but last in this post at least...

I had a wonderful visit with my gal pal and flight attendant friend, Stacie. Here we are: (Im the one on the right)

A close up of me:

A close up of Stacie: (what a shape!!)

LOL! Ironically, John's nickname for me is Cupcake!

She and her sweet boy, Kaden, came out for several days last week. The kids had a great time!!

Whew! That's alot in the day of the life of a ruffles, burlap and wine addict!!

Check back!

xo
Bryanna

My Baby Swan

2011-05-26T02:01:00.002-05:00

When I went out on a limb

and blogged in regards to the loss of

My Baby Swan

(see blog posts:

The Whole Picture 3-15-11

and

Her Name is Swan 3-19-11)

I never expected such an outpouring

of love,

caring,

understanding and

empathy.

It came spilling out from

Family

Friends

My Mom's Club

and

Blogland.

I received cards of sympathy,

Home cooked meals,

Flowers,

warm kind emails

and beautiful Swan inspired gifts.

It has been such a lovely gesture of kindness

that I am at a loss for words.

To simply say Thank you

does not seem like enough nor

does it begin to cover how I really feel.

It was comforting to hear so many

sad and sweet stories so similar to my own.

I am humbled that so many opened up to me.

You do not know how this helped me to

begin to recover,

to heal

and to ultimately move on.

I am truly

honored you have shared your own loss stories with me.

Under the circumstances,

I have felt very inspired to do something

to not only honor my sweet Swan,

but also "the Swan" in your lives.

It is also my mission to inform and share

with women

information and awareness

about the RhoGAM immunization.

I encourage you to please click the link provided above

and educate yourself and the women around you

about who should have the RhoGAM immunization

and when.

Nonetheless, in this effort to give back

I wanted to make a donation to

a wonderful organization called:

SHARE.

SHARE is a pregnancy and infant loss support group.

Share's mission statement reads:

The mission of SHARE is to serve those whose lives
are touched by the tragic death of a baby
through pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or
in the first 2 years of life.

The primary purpose is to provide support
toward positive resolution of grief
experienced at the time of,
or following the death of a baby. T
his support encompasses emotional,
physical, spiritual, and social healing,
as well as sustaining the family unit.

The secondary purpose of Share
is to provide information, education,
and resources on the needs and rights
of bereaved parents and siblings.
The objective is to aid those in the community,
including family, friends, employers,
members of the congregation, caregivers,
and others in their supportive role.

In an effort to make this goal happen,

I asked a talented artist and friend of mine

Heidi Wallingford

if she would share her idea of decorating

tiny feathered swan ornaments.

I had seen Heidi's amazing swan ornaments

At Cassandra's art event in February 2011.

Upon seeing Heidi's beautiful swans and still pregnant at the time

I fell in love with not only the swans but the name:

Swan.

When I returned home, I ordered some undecorated swans

and had planned on passing them out as party favors

at my baby shower.

However, once I lost my Baby Swan

I knew the "swan shower favors"

would never happen.

Nor would there ever be another baby

like Swan in my life.

So I decided to decorate the swans

in my own personal art style

using Heidi's swans as inspiration

and "sell" them in order to

raise money and make a donation in Swan's name

to the SHARE organization.

I thought this would be a great way to honor my Swan

and also "the Swan" in your life.

There are a limited number of swans available for donations,

as I said they were bought for my baby shower

so there are not 100's but

Forty.

I am asking twenty dollars per swan.

See The Canary's Cupcake Etsy store.

There are no shipping charges but I am asking

that if you are in the NWA area

that you allow me to make an effort to drop off

the swan at your home or place of business

to save shipping costs.

(Out of area swans will be shipped priority mailing)

All of the swans have been decorated with

vintage embellishments in pastel colors

and include tiny crowns upon their

beautiful graceful heads.

Like our stories

Each swan is different

And will be personally chosen for you.

Each swan been signed and numbered.

You can request to have the swan as an ornament

or stabilized to a pale blue ceramic tile.

(in this case the bottom of the tile will be signed and numbered)

You can also have the swan as is and with

little manipulation of her wings

She will stand on their own.

Please do not feel as if you have to purchase a swan

to make a donation to SHARE.

You can make a donation at any time to SHARE!!

However it is the opportunity at this time to do so

through me, if you so choose.

Nor do you have to purchase a swan to make a donation.

Once the swans have all been sold and you would

still like to make a donation, please email me for

information on how to do so.

I appreciate your kindness

and for coming with me on this journey.

Your support has been a source of great comfort.

THANK YOU!

Much Love,

Bryanna

PS)
More information on SHARE can be found
on my blog sidebar. OR by simply clicking here
you can reach their website.

Also, SHARE is on Facebook.

A Special Sneak Peek...

2011-05-23T18:09:00.005-05:00

Something wonderful and special is happening at

The Canary's Cupcake

on Thursday!!

Please check back!

xo,
Bryanna

Jack?

2011-05-20T19:53:00.007-05:00

So... as ya all know, I am always worrying if JJ is catching on, etc.

Well, today...

as I was making Debbie's awesome fried beans for dinner

JJ wanted a handful of the beans before I cooked them.

JJ is not a fan of veggies

So I was really surprised and super happy.

So...

I gave him some .

And he went outside with them.

I didnt pay too much attention

I decided I was happy that

he at least seemed interested in the beans

Even if he didnt eat them.

A few minutes later he asked for the salt and pepper

(Again, I was busy cooking so... I gave them to him.
What could it hurt, right?)

A minute later he comes back into the kitchen

And hands me back the salt and pepper.

Then he shuts the door and starts to stare out the window at something.

I said,

"JJ whatcha doin?"

(it was thundering)

And he asked,

"Rain?"

I said

"Yes, it sounds like rain is coming."

He pointed out the window to the ground

And there were the beans

Puzzled, I asked

"Why are the beans outside"

And he said,

"Beanstalk"

(apparently salt, pepper and rain
are the recipe to grow the
perfect beanstalk!! LOL)

He has been staring out the window

At his beans

Waiting for them to grow.

Even excited it is raining!!

I guess he is catching on!!!!!!

xo
Bryanna

And the cow jumped over the moon

2011-05-19T15:53:00.009-05:00

I am going to a baby shower Friday

For one of the sweetest moms I know!!

The baby's gifts are wrapped and ready!

I'm very excited

As I love babies

and showers!

I made a few things as gifts

The first a hooded baby towel

I found the fluffiest, softest, and largest towel I could find

And then I embellished with ruffles

And nursery toile fabric.

I can just imagine the sweetest smelling baby girl cuddled up inside!

(did you say, "ahhhh" out loud?)

Next I made a matching "short day trip" baby bag

In the same Nursery toile fabric

and RUFFLES

Of course!!

A soft pink rose completes the bag!

Lastly,

My sweet dollie friend, Pearl

is modeling a fabric rose headband

Especially for baby!!

Thanks for looking!

Bryanna

Bring It!

2011-05-17T08:17:00.000-05:00

Generally speaking

The Canary's Cupcake

Is mainly an art inspired blog.

What I'm working on, art retreats, swaps, etc.

(Button bracelet for RoseMary- Mom's Club)

Occasionally life gets in the way

Mostly good

JJ, Family, Friends, etc.

(JJ and my Dad 2011)

Some not so good

eek!!

But today I am going in a whole different direction

With something kinda personal.

It may interest you

It may not.

If you click off now, I will NOT be offended.

(provided link to click to)

I am talking about

My diet regime!!

After JJ's birth

My body pretty much snapped back.

(before JJ, Me & John, I don't have an after but I was seriously fine)

Luck?

Breastfeeding?

Walking dogs in the constant great weather of CA?

Stress?

Who knows exactly why

I was just GRATEFUL.

However, with Swan

NOT SO.

Obviously no breastfeeding.

Age?

Depression?

Stress binging?

One would think

Being I didn't carry her full term

and I only gained half the weight I did with JJ

(JJ 52 pounds, Swan 20ish)

that there wouldn't be a problem.

NOT SO.

Of course, even with the post JJ "snap back"

I was a little heavier then before JJ.

But I still had all my parts in the right place,

so to speak.

In my defense, I probably started off way under weight before JJ

And therefore started Swan's pregnancy a bit "healthier".

Nonetheless,

No snapping back here.

NOW... some people think that because I am a smaller girl

that I don't have my bumpy bits

My wobbly dimples

My ICK spots that make me cringe.

I'm here to tell you that...

I DO!!

I hate the misconception about weight.

Some people who weigh more then I do

Look great!!

Are in great shape!!

Are stunningly beautiful!

See the proof:

(the beautiful Kim Kardashian)

Some people with smaller digits

May NOT look as trim, fit, etc.!

Like myself!!

Even if the scale "claims" they should be happy.

I hate scales.

I don't own one.

I'm not planning on owning one anytime soon! :)

Weight has nothing to do with anything

But numbers

and Ive always hated numbers & math! LOL!

What I do hate is feeling crummy.

Having a breakdown inside of my closet

EVERY MORNING.

And screaming at anyone in my line of vision

when ever I am anywhere near my closet.

And usually that person is JJ

which KILLS me!!

(JJ making pistachio pudding)

So...

I've decided to do something about it.

I started this workout

You may have heard of it...

p90x.

It's not all that new,

I am just catching on though!!

I am not following the diet suggested

But I am cutting out all processed foods.

And I am doing the workouts.

I have also added ZUMBA

Two days a week

With my Mom's Club friends.

(Fun! But I am seriously not a dancer! eek!!)

I did the before photos

"Required" for p90x.

Depressing.

And humiliating (had John take them).

And I am keeping track of my measurements.

I even joined a website/blog group thing.

To motivate me.

(as if the price of the dvds and equipment wasn't enough motivation!! LOL)

And I did put my gross "before pics"

For group

I am trying really hard.

Of course it is just week 1

and I am totally hurting

In all kinds of places

It hurts to sit

To stand

To move

Even laying still makes me wince.

I am trying to keep realistic outcomes

And stay positive

and mostly just stay

with "the program".

Wish me luck!

I am going to need it!!

Bryanna

Butterflies & Rainbows

2011-05-13T15:17:00.005-05:00

Last night was the Butterfly Release

It was beautiful!!

Huge lightening bolts lit up the sky

The chapel flickered in the light show

And

Behind the president of the chapter

As she began to tell

The most lovely story

about Butterflies.

It went something like this:

(I could not find this story anywhere
I took this from memory)

There once was a colony of caterpillar
In a beautiful lush meadow
And every once in a while
A caterpillar
Would climb up, up, up
Into the highest tree
And was never seen again.

The caterpillars wondered what had happened
To their tiny caterpillar friend
And so one day made a pact
That the next caterpillar
To climb up, up, up into the tree
Would climb back down
To the meadow
And tell the other caterpillar
What they had seen
Up, up, up in the tree.

The very next day
A catarpillar climbed
Up, Up, Up into the tree
And on her way down
To tell the other caterpillars
What she had seen
Fell into a deep sleep.

When she woke up
She had the most beautiful colored wings
And was infact no longer a caterpillar
But a beautiful butterfly.

As she danced through the air
Under the beautiful sunlight
She remembered her caterpillar friends
And could see them way below her
And
So she sailed down to tell them
The wonderful news.

But the caterpillars couldn't understand her
And she flew away
Without being able to explain.
And feeling disappointed
That she had broken her promise.

At first she was sad,
but then she remembered
That someday they, too
Would climb up, up, up into the tree
And turn into beautiful butterflies, too.

The story means this:

In the grief process

The bereaved

must learn how to deal with the loss,

or significant change.

Many people may hide away from the rest of the world

Much like being in a cocoon while trying to heal.

This cocoon phase is one of transformation

And often introspection and reflection.

The process ends as the person emerges from their cocoon

Metamorphosed into a different person.

Thus the transformation of the grieving process

Is much like the story of the butterfly.

After the story

We went out to the garden to release

Our tiny winged friends.

Under the canopy of the hospice building

As we were about to release our butterflies

We were told this:

An Indian Legend Goes:

If anyone desires a wish to come true they must first
capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.

Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly can not reveal
the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all.

In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly its freedom,
the Great Spirit always grants the wish.

So, according to legend, by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom,
the wish will be taken to the heavens and be granted.

Just as we went to release our butterflies

The rain stopped

And as the butterflies flew away

The most beautiful rainbow

Appeared.

This is a TRUE story!

This really happened,

It was amazing.

It was the most beautiful sight

Seeing all these tiny butterflies

Dancing in the rainbow.

I will never forget Swan.

And I am hoping to be able to make

A donation to the SHARE organization

In her memory.

I am hoping you will help me...

Please stay tuned

For more information

In the next few days.

Thanks

Bryanna

As you release this butterfly in honor of me,
know that I'm with you and will always be.

Hold a hand, say a prayer,
close your eyes and see me there.

Although you may feel a bit torn apart,
please know that I'll be forever in your heart.

Now fly away butterfly as high as you can go,
I'm right there with you more than you know.
-Jill Haley

Butterfly Release

2011-05-09T21:43:00.006-05:00

NWA SHARE Parent Support Group
Will be holding their 8th annual butterfly release.
May 12, 2011, 7:00PM
Circle of Life
Jones RD. Springdale.

The mission of SHARE is to serve those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or in the first 2 years of life.

The primary purpose is to provide support toward positive resolution of grief experienced at the time of/or following the death of a baby. This support encompasses emotional, physical, spiritual and social healing, as well as sustaining the family unit.

The secondary purpose of SHARE is to provide information, education, and resources on the needs and rights of the bereaved parents and siblings. The objective is to aid those in the community, including family, friends, employers, members of the congregation, caregivers, and others in their supportive role.

This event will be to remember the families who have suffered the loss of a pregnancy or death of an infant/child.

I will be there, if you are in NWA and would like to be there for me or the Swan in your life, please do so.

Bryanna

Surprise!

2011-05-06T20:57:00.006-05:00

I was so surprised to open the pages of this:

And find myself in not ONE but TWO nice photos for Jenn Hayslip's Petticoats & Parasols.

(Above photos from Where Woman Create. Photos taken by Tiffany Kirchner-Dixon The Fancy Farmgirl)

It was a wonderful event and after seeing the photos I went back and revisited my own photos of the event.

Joanna and Sherry

Me and Christine

Cassandra and me

Cassandra and me

Joanna and me

Jenn and me

Christine

Christine and me

Petticoats & Parasols was a wonderful event and I had so much fun!!
These photos made me miss my friends...
and also gave me the motivation to keep going with the P90X workout and diet!!!!

xo
Bryanna

PS) First picture posted in this blog post is ripped from Jenn Hayslip's blog, Sweet Eye Candy Creations.
For more photos and information about Jenn's upcoming event, please visit her blog!

Old Friends are Gold

2011-05-04T20:37:00.010-05:00

Early this week

I had the great pleasure

Of meeting up with a dear friend of mine.

We met in the United flight attendant training program

Both small town girls

Stacie from Iowa

and Bry from Ohio

Suddenly thrust into a big city:

Chicago

Too many years ago to count

So young...

So excited about starting the

"glamorous life"

of a Flight Attendant!

We have remained in touch

However

Sometimes not talking for years at a time

But

She's the kind of friend

That you can pick up where you left off

Without having to fill in all the little parts

Maybe you are lucky like me

And have people like that in your life.

You know the type...

they "get you"...

SO---

We were very happy to discover we are a mere

FOUR hours from eachother!!

So I took a trip to see my sweet friend Stacie and her amazing family!!

Our boys are just months apart

And enjoyed eachother's toys and company!

We went to the park

Where they refused to leave... LOL!

(Hmmm... they, too, enjoy drinking together!!)

tee hee hee!!

Stacie made lots of adorable gifts for me...

Like these adorable pots of fresh herbs!!!

And a darling little mini book for pictures

With JJ's favorite theme!!

If I might add...

She had chocolates and my favorite water waiting for me, too!

Even bubbly water!!

*sigh*

She is still the sweet, warm, beautiful and friendly person I met so many moons ago!

(If I might add...

during training she had to take me to Emergency Room

which was quite the ordeal as I literally was BLINDED!!

See, I didn't forget, Stacie!! *wink*)

We are planning on getting together again

Talks of a mini familiy holiday in Branson

New friends are Silver

And old friends are GOLD!

THANK YOU, Stacie, for being a good piece of my life.

Blessed.

I am.

LOVE
Bryanna

PS)
You can find Stacie HERE

at her blog FLOURISH WITH A VINTAGE FLAIR blogspot.

Little Pink Studio Basket Swap

2011-04-27T13:00:00.004-05:00

I decided to join Cerri from Little Pink Studio in her Easter Basket Swap

I was so glad that I did!!

I got a gorgeous swap from Lorraine of Paper Bird

She made this incredible darling egg!!

Lorraine was a very generous swap partner and I LOVE everything she sent!

Thank you, Lorraine!!

I found this little stuffed bunny

In an antique store

A few weeks ago

I wasn't going to keep him

I actually bought him for someone else

But when it came down to it

I couldn't part with him

I have some weird attachment to him!

Isn't he too adorable?

Hope everyone had a

HOPPY EASTER!

Thanks for looking,
Bryanna

Lucky Day!

2011-04-18T16:29:00.012-05:00

Cassandra and I decided to do an Easter Basket swap
So we not only joined Cerri's at Little Pink Studio
(more to come on that later)

But we also decided to do an Easter Basket swap
Together!

I am soooo glad we did so!
Not only was it fun
Creating a basket for her
But it was SUPER fun
Getting a beautiful basket!

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH,
Cassandra!!!

I love the basket that Cass sent me...
It's INCREDIBLE!

Look:

And why, YES, that is a Juicy Couture box...
We support eachother's Juicy habit!!

Tee hee hee!

In that box was THIS!

Love it!

Here is the basket I sent Cassandra!!

The Juicy bracelet I got Cassandra has a macaroon on it...
In a dreamy soft sea green!
It looks good enough to eat!!

And if that wasn't enough to make today a great day...

John got me THIS!!!

A Sage Green 2010 Subaru Forester SUV 2.5x Limited!!
FULLY LOADED!!
wooo hoooo!!

I love it!!

I guess it's been a LUCKY day!

Thanks for looking!
Bryanna

PS) All pictures by Cassandra
THANKS!!

SShhhhh... It's A Secret, sister!

2011-04-17T14:14:00.010-05:00

My MOMs Club invited all us mommy's
to participate in a secret sister program
in January
thru April
So... I joined...
AND
I'm so glad I did!

I had a great time spoiling my sister
And I got a lot of awesome things from the sister spoiling me!!
(um... can you say CAKE? And trashy tabloids! And bath bubbles??)

Tonight is the BIG reveal
of Who is Who
In Secret Sister World

I'm excited to meet my SS

Here is what I made the sister I spoiled

An Easter Basket
I love the way it turned out!

I filled it with
Her favorite treats
Oreo's & Twix

And this adorable chic
(He reminds me of a Yorkie!
Maybe it's the beady eyes!)

And then I made
A Necklace
A Bracelet
and A pair of Earrings
out of
Vintage Buttons

And then I found this
Adorable Notebook
and so I added it, too!

And because packaging is everything
(thus my LOVE affair with T&Co
The last 20 years...
*sigh*
The blue box is the best thing ever!!)
Anyway...
here is the FINISHED product!

So... I am going to squeeze
(I *heart* spanx)
Into my new favorite jeans
(Thanks to a MOMS club clothes swap
I scored a great pair of Citizans of Humanity jeans
from Tara!!)
And I'm off
To Secret Sister World!

I hope my SS loves her loot!!!

xo
Bryanna

This Easter Bunny is Busy!

2011-04-14T16:42:00.006-05:00

Here are some Easter Bunny duties I've been working on!

I hope you are busy making your Easter a blessed one, too!

Thanks for looking!
Bryanna

*My etsy store is closing again, as Ive sold out around town. Thanks for looking!

Confession

2011-04-09T16:39:00.018-05:00

In "flight attendant" land... where I once existed
There is a 'flying' term called "jumpseat confession"

Basically what this means is that
When a flight attendant is sitting on thier jumpseat
(a jumpseat is where the flight attendants sit for take off/landing/turbulance)
You may find yourself sitting next to a flight attendant
you will never see again
This is because there are thousands of flight attendants
Especially for large airlines
Like United ('my' airline)

So because you may never see this person sitting next to you
Ever again
You have the freedom to
Get anything off your chest

So over the years I heard many stories
And shared some of my own
I have to admit that I did enjoy the freedom of
Being able to talk freely
And not judged

Anyway...
The other day I had a "jumpseat conversation"

But in lieu of a jumpset
A park bench
With another Mom
Who was also watching her children play

I never met her before
And I
Do not know her name
We just starting talking
As we watched our children play

She asked if I was having any more children
And I told her about Swan.

AND

She told me about breast cancer
Hers
And how she found it after a miscarriage
3 years ago
For that miscarriage she was grateful
And
Eventually had a healthy birth
A daughter

She continued to talk and
so she said,

That the cancer was back

This time in her bones
And liver
Stage 4

I watched her quietly watching her children
A
3 year old daughter
and
6 year old son

I noticed
That her hair was gone
And her skin translucent
She looked fragile
And very, very beautiful

We said goodbye
Shortly after our "confessions"

Over the last few days
Ive thought about her
A LOT

Especially yesterday as I held the final autopsy report
for my baby Swan
In my hands
And wept
But not just for me
Or for Swan
But for her

Life is short
Don't waste it.

Bryanna

*images are of my crafting room. Ive been spring cleaning.

The Canary's Etsy now OPEN

2011-04-03T11:27:00.006-05:00

I have re-opened up The Canary's Cupcake Etsy shop with some new spring accessories!

All items are Spring, Easter and Mother's Day inspired!

Soft colors and hues with gorgeous vintage accents!

I will be adding more items over the next couple days.

Currently I have some beautiful wrist corsage cuffs, vintage embellished nighties and a incredible embellished altered jacket on sale. I will be adding one or two more altered embellished jackets and some statement necklaces.

I hope you enjoy!

Thank you for looking and happy SPRING!

Bryanna

What do you see?

2011-04-02T13:50:00.006-05:00

Different art and different styles of art appeal to different people

I appreciate all art but am often drawn to art that flirts with my soul

I try to be kind to anyone who goes out on a limb to create something

And I look to many different artists for inspiration

Recently a friend joined an art swap

And was asked to "think outside the box"

Doing so, she came up with a beautiful orginal piece

I was not in the swap, but was fortunate to get one of the swap pieces.

Nonetheless, I was really disappointed to hear that the hostess of the swap

Said that my friend had thought "too much" out of the box

I thought that was a terrible thing to say

And it made me angry because who are we to judge

Another persons "master piece"?

As a matter of fact

Who are WE to judge anyone?

And the decisions they make?

JJ is my masterpiece

And I think his art and everything about him is beautiful!

Thanks for looking,
Bryanna

2011-03-28T08:55:00.004-05:00

While traveling I've been keeping busy...

I'm still planning on opening my Etsy store early April!

Here are some projects that have lifted my heart a little!

A burnt rose on a gorgeous vintage nightie

The lapel of a pink corduoroy jacket that I embellished with roses in pink tones and vintage jewels

More Mother's Day/Easter fabric cuffs in gorgeous spring colors (I'm tempted to keep them all for myself!)

It looks like I'll be home by April 1st... so next weekend I will be posting lots of new items on ETSY... stay tuned!

Thanks for looking!
xo
Bryanna

The Healing Power of "Home Sweet Ohio"

2011-03-24T08:54:00.004-05:00

Walking the mall with EO (Aunt Diana)...

Best tasting cake in the world... Tapp's Cake Emporium, Parma, OHIO...

JJ and his buddies...

Giggles...

Ohio State Bird...

My Mom and Aunt bought me this Swan trinket box in memory of Baby Swan...

I'm healing...

xo
Bryanna

Her name is Swan

2011-03-19T10:32:00.002-05:00

I'm home.

I delivered a little girl at 4:22 pm Friday. She was 3.5" and weighed 30 grams.
I was in labor from 8 AM until delivery but I didnt take any pain meds so after
having some time to grieve and hold her I was discharged at 9 pm.

For some it may seem morbid to hold your baby in that condition, but for me it
brought me peace. I can tell you she was perfect in every way. I could count all
her fingers and toes and she was amazing.

Her and the placenta are being taken to pathology so we can get a confirmation
on what happened and then she will be buried at Beards Funeral Home.

I am so grateful I had that opportunity to see and hold her.

I am physically feeling very well. I have had very little bleeding or pain. I
finally got some rest last night and that has been most helpful emotionally.

I was fortunate to have my Mother with me yesterday, as John had to go back on
site Wednesday and will not be home until Easter. For many of you that may seem
wrong, but I guess because we were both so raw that it was almost easier to not
have him here then to see the same sadness on my face mirrored on his. I think
today is the day (if I could choose) that I would have liked him to be here out
of the last 5. Maybe because today I feel a little less bright, and empty.

Thank you to each and everyone of you for your kind words, thoughts, prayers, flowers and gifts.
I am very grateful to you all for going with me through this difficult time.

Much Love,
Bryanna

The Whole Picture

2011-03-15T20:03:00.005-05:00

Even before blogging I often wrote when I needed to talk things out.

I've decided that I am much more open, more personable, more MYSELF on paper then in real life.

I am also generally funnier on paper, too!

I wouldn't say it is because I think things out before writing them down.

I write (type) quickly and from my heart.

It is when I stop to think what I need to say that I say the wrong things.

When you open yourself up to blogging,

Like so many of us have

There are good things that you share

Art journeys, presents from friends and family, a good find at the thrift store

Your children's acheivements, a good meal you cooked, a great swap you recieved, etc. etc.

I think it is common to take a corner of your world and present it in the best light.

For example

When I take a photo of... let's say my living room...

I present it in the best light.

What you don't see are the tiny trucks and toys JJ has scattered all over the rest of the room

The stains on the carpet from the dogs

The laundry waiting to be folded behind the couch

And so forth.

It's rare when an art blogger shows the downside... the WHOLE picture!!

In this case I'm about to show you the whole picture

but not of my living room

But what is going on with me.

Many people will disagree with this post

I know one person for sure who will think I am making a mistake by posting this

And maybe for many people it is a mistake

But for me...

It is just talking it out

I've thought A LOT about quitting blogging in the last few months

I often am disappointed in the cattiness and cruelity that has unexpectadly popped up in "art blogland"

But tonight Im not blogging for YOU

Im writing for me.

I found out today I lost my baby.

I was 17 1/2 weeks.

Almost half way through pregnancy.

There was no cramping or bleeding.

I didn't fall.

Nothing.

I feel fine.

I had a bad dream a week ago

And I havent been able to shake it.

When I saw the midwife today and she couldn't find heart tones...

I wasn't surprised.

Not that it made it any easier.

Because it did not.

I'm sad in a way I didn't know possible

In way that makes my heart hurt in ways I didn't know existed.

Of course, I am not the first woman to lose a baby.

And I won't be the last.

Sadly.

So today... I write from my heart.

Because I'm sad

And I don't know where to channel my sadness.

My hurt.

I told so many of you through my blog that I was expecting

That I guess maybe this is just full circle.

I may not have anything to say for a long time.

Thanks.

Bryanna

Spring Designs

2011-03-13T10:38:00.004-05:00

With the anticipation of Spring just around the corner...

I've been working on some new designs in addition to doing some upcycling...

I'm hoping to have everything listed in my ETSY shop before the first week of April

New Designs include Mother's Day wrist corsages ($25 and under)

Here is a sneak peek...

ENJOY!!

Stay tuned for more peeks at other new designs coming SOON!

IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE:

Easter: April 24

Mother's Day: May 8

Thanks for looking!
xo
Bryanna

Favorite!

2011-03-04T08:42:00.011-06:00

Here are some of my favorite snapshots of the past weekend at Marie's Danse Des Fleurs. Please enjoy them!
And a very special THANK YOU to Tiffany of The Fancy Farmgirl who not only took all these incredible snapshots but also was gracious enough to share!
The photos can be enlarged but *clicking* on them!
Enjoy!
Cassandra, Myself and Joanna

Joanna and Me

Me in "the gown" !!

Will the real Marie please stand up?

Marian and Me

Jenn

Cassandra

I hope you enjoyed the snapshots!
Have a great day!
xo
Bryanna

Marie's Danse des Fleurs Grand Ball

2011-03-02T11:33:00.003-06:00

I had a WONDERFUL time in Florida at Cassandra's Marie's Danse des Fleurs!

The resort was gorgeous, the weather was heavenly, the food was incredible, the event was fantastic and Cassandra was a gracious hostess!

It was BY FAR the BEST event I've ever been to!

Here a few snapshots of the ball... all us girls dressed up in Marie fashion! It was a lot of fun!!

Cassandra, Joanna and Bryanna

Our beautiful pregnant Marie, Marian of Maid Marian Made.

Joanna and Bryanna

Marian, Cassandra, Bryanna and Joanna

Joanna and Bryanna

More pictures to follow so check back!

Thanks for looking!!

Bryanna

Where will your shoes take you?

2011-02-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

Where will your shoes take you this weekend?

To work?

To church?

To Oz?

Home?

This weekend, my shoes will take me to sunny Tampa, Florida.

To Marie's Danse des Fleurs

at Saddlebrook Resort

Two of my favorite girls will be there...

(Cassandra, Joanna, me... April 2010)

and it will be my last trip for a long time! Because...

(get it? Bun in the oven!! tee hee hee)

It's going to be a magical weekend!

These shoes are the shoes I altered for "Pretty Shoe" night on Friday evening.

I hope your shoes take you somewhere fun!!

Thanks for looking!
xo
Bryanna

PS) Old Wives Tale:
Never buy your lover shoes... it just gives them something to walk away in.

My Marie Gown

2011-02-21T16:01:00.004-06:00

In anticipation of Marie's Danse des Fleurs this upcoming weekend in Tampa, Florida...

I made a gown in spirit of Marie Antoinette.

It brought me to tears several times and my expanding bust and waist line did not help!

But it's done...

Thanks for looking!

xo
Bryanna

Last minute preparations...

2011-02-19T08:46:00.004-06:00

In less then a week (EEK!) I will be in Florida for Marie's Danse des Fleurs...

I should be ready... I've had plenty of time... BUT I AM NOT!! AHHHHH!!!

Among many things... my growing waist size has been slowing me down!

I finished up a few things...

(above images are part of a make-n-take project offered on vendor night)

I also made a ruffle bag for a RAFFLE give-a-way...

Now I have my gown to finish... it's been ripped apart again and again...

And I haven't started my shoes or wig or... oh! so many things!!

Wish me luck!

xo
Bryanna

I won... and Valentine Sweetness

2011-02-15T07:59:00.007-06:00

I'm bragging I know, but look what I won!!

I won it at Amy Power's blog, inspire co. However, the actual cuff itself was made by Julie Collings of, the adventures of bluegirlxo.

I love it! Light/soft blue has become my favorite color over the last couple years (a close runner up is lavender/violet/soft purple) so when I saw the opportunity to win this gorgeous soft blue cuff I entered!

Amy has a delightful online craft magazine... have you seen it? It is entitled INSPIRED IDEAS and the current issue is the spring issue. Prior to that there was an Autumn 2010 issue and a Christmas 2010 issue. The previous issues are free, and the spring issue is available for $3.30!
There are over 20 projects from lots of different artists... I encourage you to go check them all out! It is really fabulous!

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day... we did over here (except we miss John!)... however we had lot's of yummy cupcakes from our fav cucpake shoppe here in NWA... Bliss Cupcake Cafe... they have wonderful cupcakes... I was never a fan of Sprinkles in Los Angeles... but I was a huge fan of Vanilla Bake Shop in Santa Monica... and I have to say, Bliss Cupcakes are pretty good... almost as good as Vanilla Bakeshop!

JJ had a GREAT Valentine's Day party at preschool... he was on a sugar high for the rest of the day! He rarely gets sweets/white sugar at home so this was an extra special day for him!!

I hope you had a great Valentine's Day!!

Thanks for looking!

xo
Bryanna

Eat Cake! Tote Bag

2011-02-11T09:28:00.011-06:00

As a rule, I try to always host a swap or creative exchange when I attend an art event. Marie's Danse des Fleurs was the perfect "over the top" event to host a gift exchange swap. In a gift exchange swap each participant makes or buys a sweet little gift for every lady in the swap! It is a lot of fun and it is a great to be able to really create anything you enjoy doing without a lot of guidelines.

Because I am the hostess of the swap, I wanted to make something to hold all the gifts to give to the ladies in the swap. So I decided to make a carry all tote in the spirit of the event!

I came up with this sweet little EAT CAKE tote!

The fabric transfer image is a beautiful delicious cake and the script reads: EAT CAKE and MARIE'S DANSE DES FLEURS. You can find these yummy cake images and more HERE.

I added a fabric ruffle around the top of the tote in a ticking pattern of aged black and cottage white.

(I realize these photos are not the best representation of the bags, but my sweet Aussie, Circe', looks too adorable not to post them!)

I then decided to make large burnt roses with vintage jewelry centers to also include on the bag. It was the "icing on the cake"!! Even if I do say so myself... tee hee hee!

I'm very happy with how the bags turned out, and I am looking forward to giving them to the girls!! I think they will enjoy them, as they make perfect little flea market bags!

In other news, we are still snowed in... here in NW Arkansas (it's getting old!!) however I've almost completed my Marie gown and wig! So I guess multiple snow days are a good thing! It was also our (John and my) anniversary yesterday and although we are apart (he is out of town working!) he was sweet enough to pick out, order and have a beautiful handbag delivered... and all before the snowstorm!! What a good husband!!

It's beautiful and I love it! You can see it HERE.

Thanks, John, I love you!

Thanks for looking!
xo
Bryanna

Snow Day

2011-02-09T07:43:00.007-06:00

It's been a snow-y winter here in NWA...

Last night we got a reported 12"- 14" of snow... AND it's still falling hard!

(I took these pictures from inside my house, it's too cold to go outside, so they are not the best... but you get the idea)

JJ is home from school... AGAIN... and it looks like Fayetteville will be shut down for the rest of the week. Restaurants closed, stores closed, no mail, no garbage pick up (week 2 for us! eek!!) etc. It gets a little "loco" here when it snows... I grew up in the snow belt of OHIO where we got lake effect snow... so really this is nothing... but to Fayetteville it's DRAMA! LOL!

John is stuck in Tulsa... and tomorrow is our anniversary... boo!

So JJ and I are nestled in... with the 4 dogs... just keeping warm!

I have reserved this little slice of my living room for myself... it is cheery! I am hoping to keep it free of toys! And maybe during nap time I will have a minute to read!

I guess as long as the power holds... we will be OK!

So... I am just hoping that Mother Nature gets this out of her system... because I have BIG beautiful plans in 2 weeks... eek!

Stay Warm!
Bryanna

Pretty Cakes

2011-02-02T13:53:00.009-06:00

In preparation for Marie's Danse des Fleurs, I've been busy working on my Welcome Soiree Make-N-Take "Cake" Project.

The snapshot above is what a finished cake will look like once the ladies are finished decorating them on Friday evening at Marie's Danse des Fleurs.

To get the boxes ready, I "frosted" and "trimmed" them. There are white, pink, violet, blue and yellow mini cakes!

The bottom of the mini cakes are covered with vintage music note paper:

The top inside of the box has the Marie's Danse des Fleurs image:

The actual inside of the mini cake box has a small raw edged silken pillow. Just perfect for a sweet little jewelry box, don't you think?

At the event, the ladies will finish the project by adding their choice of millinary, paper rosettes, jewelry pieces and other gorgeous embellishments!

Below is the actual project description:

Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? This sweet welcoming project will be the first step in inspiring you during Marie's Danse des Fleurs art retreat and grand ball event. Faux mini cakes will be iced and ready for you to decorate by adding your own borders and special touchs to the top of your sweet mini cake. Trims, flowers, laces, glitter and other yummy embellishments will be provided to make a keepsake of the wonderful weekend ahead. These sweet cakes are tiny boxes, the perfect place to stash sweet memories of the special weekend ahead spent with friends and fellow art enthusiasts.

Oh... they make me hungry!! tee hee hee!!

Thanks so much to my Mom who helped me get the cakes done!! Thanks, MOM! Love you!!

Registeration is still open for Marie's Danse des Fleurs. You can find it HERE or you can contact Cassandra Van Curen HERE or at cdvcreations@yahoo.com.

Join us for cake!

xo
Bryanna

Congratulations!

2011-01-21T08:09:00.006-06:00

My beautiful and sweet friend, Melina, got married this New Years.

We were unable to attend as Melina and her new husband (and adorable baby) live in California... our 'old' home...

But we were there in spirit!

I made her veil

And she loved it, and so did her husband, David!

It was a classic bird cage veil. I got all the supplies at Joggles.

The brooch is vintage, of course, and was a beautiful added embellishment.

We wish Melina & David a lifetime of happiness!

Congratulations!

Love
Bryanna

Good Friends Know

2011-01-16T17:56:00.007-06:00

A good friend knows when you need a pick me up!

I've been feeling a little under the weather lately...

And my good friend, Joanna, knew that

And so she showed up on my doorstep Thursday evening!

We had such a nice weekend!

AND I feel much better!!

She brought her twins who were wonderful with JJ!

We worked on all things Marie for Cassandra's (another good friend!) Marie's Danse des Fleurs event in February!

We had a great time working on a beautiful piece for Joanna... and now Joanna and I are "over the top "excited to go!!

A good friend also tells you when something is a fabulous and you must have it!

Like this Hazel embroidered jacket... so beautiful! LOVE IT!!!

It's good to have friends... espeically good friends that live close!

I am so fortunate to have made REAL good friends through my art journey!

Special Delivery

2011-01-07T20:36:00.002-06:00

Yes, John, JJ and I are expecting a new baby Summer 2011!!

We are very excited!

However, right now I am a bit under the weather so forgive my long lapses in posts.

xo
Bryanna

Countdown to Cake and more...

2010-12-29T21:35:00.004-06:00

In less then 2 months I will be eating some delicious cake at Marie's Danse des Fleurs!!

A month ago, sugarplums "danced in my head" and now beautiful gowns in rich luxurious colors "dance" in my head!!

I am inspired by so many things...

I have so much to think about.... and more to dream about! I can't wait!!

For more information go HERE or HERE... signups still open!!

I hope to see YOU there!!

xo
Bryanna

Merry Christmas from the Lenans

2010-12-17T19:33:00.006-06:00

Dear Family & Friends,

We have recieved so many incredible Christmas cards from so many of you... and we want to say THANK YOU!! Unfortunatly we did not get "snail mail" Christmas cards out in the mail this year... but please know we THANK YOU for all your wonderful cards! We are so happy that you are in our lives!

We have had a great year in Northwest Arkansas, and love living here VERY much! JJ is healthy and happy! He turned 3 in October. He has grown almost 2.5" and gained 10 pounds!!!

We have had A LOT of visitors this year! And we hope to have even more in 2011!! Thank you to everyone who came out here to visit us!

Other wonderful things that happened to us include:

JJ started preschool at the First Baptist Church of Farmington!

We've made wonderful friends here and have enjoyed their company this past year!!

John moved to NWA and started working out of the Tulsa, OK branch!

I had my first successful clutch of finches this year!

We added a new addition to our family this year: Circe (seer see). She is a Red Merle Austrailian Shepherd. We are enjoying having a working cattle dog!

I got an iphone! and I love her!! tee hee hee!!

My "vintage" car has gotten us through yet another year!! LOL!!!

I think 2 of my goals for 2010 may be met in 2011... ssshhhh... Ill tell you later!!

I hope you had a great 2010 and an even better 2009!!!

May you have a wonderful Christmas filled with magic and joy! And a great New Year!

Love,
THE LENANS

John, Bryanna and JJ

Mes Belles Chaussures Winner

2010-12-13T17:50:00.003-06:00

Drum roll PLEASE!!

The lucky winner is....

LAURA B!!!

Laura:Please send me your address so I can get your kit in the mail before Christmas! It would be perfect for that last minute altered art project!!

Thanks to EVERYONE who entered! I really appreciate the support and time!!

xoox
Bryanna

Mes Belles Chaussures Blog Party AND Giveaway!!!

2010-12-10T19:06:00.010-06:00

Accueillez des amis!!

Puis-je vous offrir un cocktail champage ?

Reposez-vous s'il vous plaît!

Ohhh ... regardent toutes les jolies chaussures!

I've altered this pretty shoe into an art kit for a very special shoe loving lady!

If you would like to win this pretty "Marie Antoinette" altered shoe and art kit, please email me at: thecanaryscupcake@yahoo.com and Mes Belles Chaussures for the title subject! The contest closes Saturday night at 11:59PM.

Winner will be announced on Sunday!

Bonne chance!!

Thanks again to our lovely hostess, Cassandra Van Curen! Cassandra is also hosting a Marie Antoinette event in February 2011. You can find out more about Marie's Danse des Fleurs HERE or you can click on the button below!!

xo
Bryanna

Teaser...

2010-12-09T17:05:00.003-06:00

Here is a teaser of the GIVEAWAY for Cassandra's Blog Party on Saturday (hey! It isn't too late for YOU to sign up!!)

Also, don't forget about your party invite...

xo
Bryanna

A Party and a Pretty Give -a-Way!!

2010-12-06T15:20:00.007-06:00

Have I told you about this ??

It's on Cassandra's blog and you can get to the post and read all the pretty details HERE.

I'll be there with rings on my fingers and bells on my toes!! Not only will I be there... I will be having a give-a-way, too...

And then I will be at THIS party too!!

Here is YOUR invite:

I do hope you will join me!!

xo
Bryanna

Snow Birds

2010-11-29T11:02:00.005-06:00

I made these pretty Snow Birds this weekend out of paper clay... they were a lot of fun to make! I found the tutorial HERE and it was a very good well explained tutorial with photos...

I also spent some time bleaching out and then dying bottle brushes!

Thanks for looking!

Bryanna

Snow Man Tutorial

2010-11-25T22:37:00.005-06:00

HI! Thank you for taking a peek at my blog today!

I've been busy working on a few things, the first a little ruffle bag my MIL asked me to make. It was a lot of fun because it was for a young "fashion forward" 10 year old girl... I loved adding the sparkly charms! My MIL was really pleased with it and that made me super happy!

I was in the holiday mood especially with the light sprinkling of snow we had here in NWA. So I sat down to do some clay molding. I came up with this cute little snowman pin!

If you would like to make this cute little pin, I'm offering a sweet snowman tutorial for $5.00 on my etsy. You can get to the tutorial by going HERE

Thanks for looking and I hope you'll join me in making a snowman pin!

Bryanna

What a Charming Smile

2010-11-17T09:03:00.000-06:00

My friend, Angela, wanted a personal charm of her two beautiful girls... Cora (who is in JJ's preschool class) and Emmy.

Look at how cute these little girls are:

So I set to work resizing, retouching (with some thanks to Cass!) and finally my favorite part soldering and embellishing!

Here is the finished product:

If you would like a personal charm of the special people or pets in your life, check out my etsy!

Thanks for looking! Have a good weekend!

Bryanna

Inspiration Point!

2010-11-16T16:38:00.009-06:00

Lately inspiration has struck and in between Taylor Swift songs I've been busy at work... soldering... sewing... soldering some more... I was so inspired by Cassandra's beautiful soldering work that I couldn't help myself but set out on my own soldering quest...

Many of these will be available in my ETSY shop!

For the sweet baby in YOUR life... an embellished baby head band or sweet knit cap:

And for the girlie YOU...

I love days of inspiration... don't you??

Please check out The Canary's Cupcake ETSY Shop...

See you there!

xo
Bryanna

Kiss the Cook

2010-11-04T12:47:00.005-05:00

I thought I would show you these Romantic Ruffled Aprons that will soon be available in my etsy store! These particular aprons were made for Cassandra, however, I will be offering them in my etsy store as made to order in similiar likeness.

This romantic ruffley apron has been made from a 1930's wedding gown. Ruffles include a layer of beautiful shiney satin, vintage lace, vintage chiffon and then accented with lightly tea dyed muslim. The bib has an embellished button strip sewn onto it that has been taken from the back of a button up vintage wedding gown.

This crisp white French bakery style apron is made from starched white muslim. Each ruffle measures 8" and are very full giving the apron a nice starch, fresh appearance. The bib has some gentle pleating at the neck to give it a nice soft appeal.

I think either apron would win you a KISS in the kitchen... especially since mistletoe will be in season soon!!

Bryanna

Looking back...

2010-11-01T08:44:00.008-05:00

It is hard not to reflect back in your life... sometimes the reflections bring joy, or pain, or closure, and are a learning experience... AS I reflect back on the last year, even going as far as reflecting back to the first several posts here on THE CANARYS CUPCAKE, I can't help but feel all of those things and so much more.

I feel thankful that John, JJ and I made it to NWA safe and sound. I have to say as I read how we left with our three dogs that I couldn't help but burst into tears since two of those sweet pets have died in the last year. My heart aches just thinking how a year ago I could hug my sweet doggy Phoebe and now she is gone. I wish I would have hugged her more... lesson learned...

I am grateful that JJ was NOT diagnosed with Autism and is doing much better now. I am grateful that his therapists have been so encouraging and helpful and kind. I am grateful that the church opened their arms and hearts to us and accepted JJ into their preschool program. With thier help and kindness he has blossomed. I am eternally grateful! JJ has always been the apple of our eyes and now as he is talking and interacting more I am just overwhelmed with emotion. The sacrifices we made to ensure our child's safety and health have paid off. We made the right decision... and that feels good!!

I am blessed to have the family and friends in my life that have been supportitive and helpful. And I am so happy that so many of my friends have visisted us in the last year... I wish some family would visit more... but I am happy to have my own family so close. My own grandparents were a HUGE part of my life, and I am so happy that JJ has that opportunity to have a close relationship with his grandparents as I did mine.

I am so thankful to my husband John who works long hours and away from home to make sure that JJ and I have everything we need. We were lucky enough to have John move here to Arkansas in June, and although he is now working out of a branch closer to NWA, he still takes jobs that entail travel. We miss him when he is gone but it is so nice to know he will be coming HOME. And that this... our little house here in NWA... is our HOME now!!

I am happy to have found found a house that we love and that is a safe place for JJ. I am looking forward to spending more time working on it (decorating, etc) in the next year then I have in the past year. Which brings me to this... If you haven't already noticed the decline in blogging you will now. I have come to this part of my life where I want to cherish every moment I have as JJ isn't always going to want to be with his Mommy, etc. I want to make sure I don't miss anything and in order to do so... I want to spend more time doing things with him. I will still blog and maybe some weeks or months more then others... Art is still an important part of my life but my family will always come first. It's just that time in my life to not miss a minute of the real life happening in front of me! I will still share, so I hope you will hang in there with me!

Thank you to everyone who has taken this journey with me... I hope you will continue to look and read my blog!! I promise that when I do blog I will make it worthy!! lol!!

Thank you again for all you have done for me... I am grateful to all my readers!!

In celebration of The Canary's Cupcake one year birthday and 100th post, I have opened an Etsy Shop!! (hey, I said I wasn't going to be blogging as much... I didn't say I'd stop creating all together!) I will be posting more items later... please stop by and say HI!!

The beautiful banner for my shop as well as my gorgeous blog is designed by the wonderful and talented, Cassandra Van Curen of My Artful Adventures!! I am SO LUCKY to have her as one of my many friends that has stuck by me over the last year!! THANK YOU, Cass, for everything!! xoxox B.

Thanks to you all!!
xo
Bryanna

No tricks here...

2010-10-31T09:55:00.003-05:00

Happy Halloween to ya' all!!

We've been busy with preparations for Halloween here...

I made 17 of these little Halloween Rattlers after taking Ann Denises' class at Wicked Tea. I thought they were a good treat for the children in JJ"s pre-school class since no candy was involved (Ok... what can I say... Im the NO-Fun Mom passing out healthy snacks!! The raisin lady... LOL)

They are made out of clay and then hand painted and decorated... it was a lot of work but also a lot of fun!!

Unfortunately JJ caught an awful case of the sniffles and our Halloween fun has been a little limited...

I hope everyone has a great trick or treat kinda day!!

xo
Bryanna

Watch this...

2010-10-25T11:10:00.003-05:00

If you haven't seen TEMPLE GRANDIN yet, I suggest you should... IT IS EXCELLENT!!

It is on HBO or it is available at RED BOX for $1.00.

ENJOY!!!

Wicked Re-Cap

2010-10-19T08:19:00.008-05:00

I had a great weekend in Dallas with Joanna and her family... and I learned a great deal about the Texas Homecoming Mums...

On Saturday we headed out to Wicked Tea... the cottage was adorable and decorated to the nines!! Halloween has always been a favorite holiday of mine so I was really happy with the decorations and atmosphere!!

I did win this:

For this:

In my favorite class of the day I made this:

In another favorite class we made something I really just LOVE but... I couldn't finish and so when I do... I will post...

All in all... we had a fun fall weekend!

Thanks for looking...

Bryanna

A Wicked Spoil Alert

2010-10-13T16:52:00.006-05:00

I'm taking a road trip to Dallas this weekend to see Joanna and also attend A WICKED TEA hosted by Cindy at Paper Cowgirl. If you are attending the event and are my partner for a swap, I'd suggest you do not read any further...

Cindy challenged us to make our own name badges so I made this for my name tag:

Joanna is hosting a magic potion bottle swap...so here are the bottles I made for my partner (I made 3 because they are miniature vintage liquor bottles and quite tiny)

And I am hosting Marie Laveau Voodoo mini book swap:

I'm hoping to have a great weekend and I hope you do, too!!

Talk to you next week! Thanks for looking!

xo
Bryanna

Día de los Muertos

2010-10-11T14:53:00.011-05:00

From Wikipedia:

Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and by Mexican Americans living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs on November 2 in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. Due to occurring shortly after Halloween, the Day of the Dead is sometimes thought to be a similar holiday, although the two actually have little in common.

Joanna and I decided to do a creative exchange entitled with a Day of the Dead theme.

For Joanna, I made an alter of a skeleton bride and groom. I have read that it is believed that whatever one does in life, one can do in death. I found this art medium in Issue 32 of Cloth-Paper-Scissors. It was a blast to create!

I also made a D.O.D tote:

And a necklace using beads made by Gaea.

In return Joanna made me this incredible glittered SUGAR SKULL... L.o.v.e.

And a Frieda Skeleton... I love her hair... she is soooo super cool!!

Joanna also gifted me (for my birthday) a Juicy charm... the rabbit in the hat... so so so cute!! You know I wanted that one!!

We exchanged our swap this past weekend, as Joanna and her son came out to NWA for JJ's 3rd Birthday!! woo hooo!!!

Thanks for looking!!
xo
Bryanna

Be a Lady!!!

2010-09-22T09:34:00.003-05:00

A purse is something a horse eats out of
A handbag is what a lady carries.

I am out on holiday until October 4.

Thank you for looking!
xo
Bryanna

Big Girls do cry AND play with Dolls...

2010-09-21T13:57:00.008-05:00

I did finally cry over the entire "needle embedded into the ball of my foot" deal... LOL. I also finally got the needle removed... after 5 days of walking on it... whew!!

However, I've cried more over losing/misplacing/JJ hid my camera... so.... I'm borrowing my Mom's... bear with me...

So I wanted to tell you all once again how wonderful my visit was with Cassandra... and show you my lovelies that she gifted me...

I've been wanting a Juicy Couture Charm Bracelet for a while... I guess when you make so much jewelry (esp. charm bracelets) yourself it is nice to get a outside designed and designer one... SO when I opened the box and saw not only the gorgeous bracelet but an adorable little tea cup charm I about died!!! wooo hooo!!!! Not to mention now John has no reason to NOT gift me... he has thousands of gorgeous charms to pick from (JOHN: hint hint!! I really like the top hat and rabbit charm... and the hot dog... and the cupcake...hint! hint!! )

Cass and I set up a Blythe swap (I totally dropped the ball... eek!!) but Cassandra changed my very plain dolly into a wonderful red head with the most beautiful sagey green eye chips... not to mention she decked her out in incredible Little Red Riding Hood (oh! my fav!) attire...

Isn't she just gorgeous?! Oh! I love her!!

Cass also made her these adorable accessories (and for the record I totally thought the hair clips were for me and started to put them in my hair!! lol... oh well... I can borrow from Dolly if I want!!)

And... then... the icing on the cake (I love CAKE!!)... was this adorable little chaise lounge for Dolly...

Then when I thought I had been spoiled enough... she gifted me with Paper Nosh's Alice in Wonderland stationary!!! It is amazing... you should go to Paulette's site and check it out... incredible!!!

(picture from PAPER NOSH)

It was truly a most wonderful visit!! Thank you so much Cassandra!!

xo
Bryanna

Cake!

2010-09-13T16:01:00.006-05:00

I had a GREAT weekend with Cassandra... we ate cake, we shopped, we ate cake, we talked, we ate cake, we exchanged gifts (oh my!! I got some lovelies!!) we ate cake, we crafted, we ate cake, I stepped on a needle that broke off in my foot and then we ate more cake.

Yes, we ate a lot of cake... and we had a lot of fun!!

And yes, I stepped on a needle in my sewing room and it broke off in my foot (ouch)... I didn't cry but I wanted to!!

It's an inch long (ouch) and about a half inch into my foot (ouch) and I had to go to the ER... for MANY hours... and they couldn't get it out (ouch) and well... it hurts...

See:

I still haven't cried... but I want to!!

And I didn't take any pain pills during Cass' visit... but it hurts... and I still haven't cried...

So for now... I'm going to take a half a pain pill since JJ is home... and John isn't... and I might just squeeze out a small tear... or two!!

xo
Bryanna

PS) The needle is still in... they can not get it out... and so it stays... and so for now until the scar tissue forms around it... it hurts. OUCH!!

Welcome Cassandra!!

2010-09-10T07:49:00.011-05:00

Well... the weekend has arrived and soon to follow will be my dear friend, Cassandra! Yes, the same crafting queen that is having that wonderful Marie Antoinette event in February 2011!

As is traditional in this artsy world... you don't let a friend visit without spoiling her with crafty handmade gifts!!

I had posted HERE in regards to the tote bag for Cass... but after really getting a feel for the bag and the pattern... I had decided it wasn't good enough!! So I went back to work and ended up with a much better made bag which I am now very proud to give to her!!

Layer Cake Tote for Cassandra:

The inside has two 'doiley' pockets... one for her beloved Blackberry (aka: The Crackberry) and the other for her lipstick, etc.

Another crafty endevor I made was a reversible Halloween/Day of the Dead themed apron. Both fabrics are Alexander Henry-- whom I LOVE. His fabric is just incredible visual imagery!! I just LOVE IT!!

This side is dubbed REGENT SKULL:

And this side is THE GHASTLIES HAUNTED HOUSE: (please click on pictures for larger images... this fabric is adorable)

I trimmed the apron is some beautiful black lace. It is a little longer then the "traditional" apron but I wanted to get a good sense of the pattern... plus Cass is a little taller then I am (I am quite short!) so... I think it will be wonderful for her!!

Then I decided to try to make a Layer Cake Apron:

Being it was a whim and I had never made one before I was quite happy with the outcome... and it is so darling on!!

So keeping in the theme of cake... we are planning on going HERE!! You cupcake ladies need to check out that menu... it is incredible... I think my favorite is the Lavender Honey... oh dear... And they even have some Gluten Free and Sugar Free cupcakes which have totally been given the JJ seal of approval!

And I also got a cake from the famous "Cake Lady" here in Fayetteville that makes the best wedding cake around!! It's my birthday so I try to get as much cake as possible the entire month of September... tee hee hee!!

So... I hope ya'all have a good weekend...

I know we will!

xo
Bryanna

Layer Cake Bag

2010-09-07T19:23:00.005-05:00

The Rebekkah Layer Cake Hand Bag

THE INSIDE:

Both back and front of tote is layered with ruffles. Inside of the bag has pocket made out of doiley.

(more to follow)

Thank you for looking!
Bryanna

Layer Cake Tote Bag: $75 made to order

bryannalenan@yahoo.com

Carpet Bag

2010-09-06T20:15:00.006-05:00

FROM WIKIPEDIA:

A carpet bag is a traveling bag made of carpet, commonly from an oriental rug, ranging in size from a small purse to a large duffel bag.

In a effort to keep myself busy this weekend... I did a lot of machine sewing. I have been wanting to make a "carpet bag" for some time... SO... when I found a beautiful vintage oriental rug in deep blues and golds I was really inspired to do something super special with it.

I detached the lining that was orginally on the rug (a white cotton blend) and in its place I attached a vintage dress lining in a deep gold. It makes a gorgeous lining...

I was equally pleased with the beautiful brooch I had hoarded... isn't it the cat's meow??

My carpet bag measures 12" x 5" and it has Carrie Bradshaw all over it!! What do you think?

xo
Bryanna

Heavy Hearted

2010-09-04T08:49:00.007-05:00

I'm trying to be a "big girl" about it... but I just can't seem to stop crying.

In the last month we have lost two of our family pets.

Kody died of old age (17 years old) three weeks ago, and Phoebe (6 years old) had cancer and I had to put her to rest yesterday.

We are so fortunate to have had them in our lives. As they taught John and I to be better people and also how to be a better parent.

Every time I turn the corner I can just see Phoebe's squirmy little body behind me, but yet when I turn she is not there.

Both dogs are terribly missed.

KODY

PHOEBE

To say that we loved them would be an understatement.

Thanks for listening,
Bryanna

Tote Bag

2010-08-22T16:39:00.004-05:00

It seems as if everywhere one goes these days beautiful embellished tote bags are hanging from the arms of every woman... there are some really cute bags at Charlotte Russe, Macy's, Forever 21, Etsy... and BLOG LAND!!! So... when my friend Cassandra pointed me to this blog and handbag tote... I was hooked!! Then Cassandra challenged me to make a tote for her upcoming visit (Ok... so she politely hinted but I took it as a dare... tee hee hee...) and off to work I went.

First I bought a pattern on Etsy... um... 3 hours later... I decided that the seller wasn't kidding when she noted, "this pattern is for the expierenced seamstress"... NOPE!! NOT kidding...

But then I found THIS...

and from that I made (*drum roll*) this:

The inside has the same material as the ruffled rose material on the outside of the bag, and I made a small pocket out of a vintage doiley... the pocket is just large enough to hold a cell phone...

It definatly has some INexpierenced seamstress errors... but I'm willing to work them out... stay tuned!!

Thank you for looking!!
xo
Bryanna

Victorian Cuff Swap-PART TWO

2010-08-20T15:54:00.004-05:00

I love Fridays! Especially when they start off like this one...

I got this lovely cuff in the mail today from Marsha...

She did a great job and it fits like a glove!!

I am going to wear it this evening to JJ's preschool open house!!

THANK YOU, Marsha!! I can't wait to meet you Cassandra's Marie's Danse des Fleurs!!

And a big SHOUT OUT to Shelley and Natalie for hosting this great swap!!

xo
Bryanna

A Wicked Tea Bracelet Cuff

2010-08-19T09:39:00.003-05:00

I am going to join my good friend, Joanna, in Texas for a Paper Cowgirl event come October. Information in regards to the Halloween inspired event, A WICKED TEA, can be found HERE.

In the meantime I decided to make myself A WICKED TEA inspired cuff using the darling image that is the face of the event designed by Heather at Vintage Bella. Thank you, Heather, for giving me permission to use the adorable image!!

The cuff is made it from a thick piece of velvet and the image was transfered onto fabric and then made into a button. I embellished with vintage ribbon and trims. The bracelet is very much inspired from the beautiful and meticulous work of Christine at DollyBelle's Peepshow. I am very happy with the outcome and am looking forward to wearing it in October.

As always THANK YOU for looking... and for those of you who leave comment via my email it is always a pleasure to hear from you!!

xo
Bryanna

bryannalenan@yahoo.com

Victorian Cuff Swap... Part ONE

2010-08-16T16:53:00.004-05:00

As always, I have the swapping bug... and so when I saw Shelley and Natalie's Victorian Cuff Swap I rushed right over and signed up!! It must have been my lucky day because I got a FABULOUS PARTNER...
So... for Marsha I made this...

And the back or bottom looks like this:

Part TWO will be the reveal of what I got from Marsha... I am so excited to see it (it's on it's way... and I will be sure to share it with you). And you can find Marsha's BLOG HERE.

Thanks for looking,

Bryanna

I heart the Wizard of Oz

2010-08-12T17:46:00.006-05:00

When I saw a swap call for a Dorothy Tag Book hosted by Karla Nathan, I couldn't help myself but to join!!

I choose the Tin Man for my character and here is the tag I made: (I actually made 6 tags)

Opened it looks like this:

The middle part of the inside has the Tin Man's "song" and a tin locket

And to the right is an old image of the Tin Man

When the locket is opened there is a tiny picture of sweet Dorothy and Toto:

Here is the heart slightly opened a peek of the locket:

Thanks for looking!!

Bryanna

bryannalenan@yahoo.com

When We Two Parted

2010-08-02T20:00:00.009-05:00

I have always felt strongly for Lord Byron's beautiful poem, When We Two Parted. As a matter of fact I committed it to memory years ago. So using the poem, Deirdra Doan and Ruth Rae as inspiration I began working on a pinafore for an upcoming Somerset challenge for the 2011 Spring Edition of Belle Armoire. I hope you will like what I came up with...

I have machine sewn the entire poem over the pinafore. It is difficult to photograph but here is a close up of some of my script.

On the front of the pinafore I attached a heart with wings as I found it fitting for the lovely words.

It is attached with vintage buttons and coffee dyed seam binding.

Lori stopped over and suggested that I attach this pretty patina-ed jewel to the crest... I think it really compliments it... don't you?

Thank you for looking!
xo
Bryanna

A Starlet Statement

2010-07-21T08:10:00.007-05:00

I've been working on a collection of statement necklaces... they are also for the Starlet Hair Lounge in Cerritos, California. They are little simplier then my usual statement necklaces but I have really fallen in love with them... and I hope you will, too!!

Thanks for looking!
xo
Bryanna

Hollywood Starlet Jewelry

2010-07-18T08:38:00.008-05:00

SO... I've been busy working on a new jewelry idea for fabulous Breanne Fair's Starlet Hair Lounge in Cerritos, California.

Then on a "whim" I had to throw in a couple whimsical creations... I'm so over the top about these charm bracelets... what do you think?

*CONFESSION* There are 2 little whimsical bracelets but the second one shown is going to Melina... who is expecting a baby girl ANY DAY NOW!! woo hoo... it just had to go to her because look at that sweet little baby girl charm!! tee hee hee!!

Check back in a few days for some more jewelry pieces...

Thanks for looking!!

xo
Bryanna

To the Mermaids...

2010-07-10T10:55:00.005-05:00

When a dear friend (I won't squeal as to who, just in case the items are gifts) asked me to make her some mermaid inspired bracelets I couldn't resist! Mermaids are so tempting and inspiring... don't you think?

These particular items are super special because they were inspired by Kim Caldwell's Les Sirenes art event next weekend. For those of you lucky enough to go have a fabulous time! Kim's events are wonderful and I am saddened to not be able to attend! Kim is one of the most gracious and generous art hostess' you will ever encounter and I can only imagine the wonderful sea inspired loveliness she will have waiting for you!! Oh and the venfor faire with the likes of the taleneted Christine Rose Elle, and sweet Holly... and Christine Saqui... oh dear! My personal favs!! So lucky indeed!!

Enjoy yourselves!! And I am honored that a small piece of me will be there in some of my artwork!

All you beautiful mermaids have a great weekend!!

xoxo
Bryanna