Tooth Fairy Pillows -- The Result

Quite some time ago, I designed a new Tooth Fairy Pillow and posted the sketches.

I've been selling the old pillows at craft sales, trying to deplete my inventory, and finally sold the last one. The old ones were cute enough, but they lacked the kitchy quality that kids like.



I'm happy to announce that we are now selling the new line!

I design and hand draw the caricatures using non-toxic fabric paint. The back pockets are sewn in a variety of fun fabrics.

Almost There

Well, it's been far too long, my fellow Contessas, and I need to get back into the groove. I miss my crafting life. And I miss all of you.

I signed up for a couple of craft shows in November, and was making some Tooth Fairy Pillows on the weekend to supplement my inventory, when I realized how much I miss spending hours in my sewing room, guiding fabric through the feed dogs. As I get reacquainted with my creative self, I thought I'd update you on what's been going on.

I know I've mentioned it previously, but the new site (once it is launched) will be the turning point for Urban Contessa. UC will market to businesses, encouraging them to thank their clients for their loyalty with practical gifts from Urban Contessa. I will continue to participate in craft shows, simply because I think they're fun. I like meeting and chatting with fellow crafters and shoppers. And it gives everyone else an opportunity to purchase a Contessa Creation.

For now, the Contessa line will be limited to placemats and napkins for home decor, Tooth Fairy pillows for the kiddies, and rosary bracelets. I will also carry tote bags which will predominantly be sold at craft shows.

My mother, Lynn Nadeau, and my aunt (Mom's sister), Cecile Landry, have taken over the jewellery division. They live in Sudbury, Ontario and have quite a following; regularly hosting open houses in their homes. They have a great time doing it and a remarkable flare for style. It's obvious they passed down the crafting gene. Thanks for that!

The new web site is almost done and I expect to have it up and running by the end of next week. In the meantime, I'll take some pictures of the new Tooth Fairy Pillows and post them in the next day or so.

New Pictures

Many thanks to Amanda Morrison-Hill who was the photographer for my photo shoot. I've been wanting to do this for some time. My profile picture is exactly what I wanted. I think she captured the essence of what Urban Contessa is about. I urge you to check out her blog and her website.

I'm still working on updating my website and as soon as I'm done, I'll let you know. I think I may use a different picture on the site (also one that Amanda took), but I'll mull that one over for a while.

New Beginnings

Geez. I looked at the date of my last post. June 22. It's been almost three months! It's not like I don't blog. You all know I'm blogging elsewhere. And I am busy with my real life, not to be confused with my Contessa life -- my imaginary life of doing nothing but running my business, writing and eating bon-bons.

The Husband has left for two weeks vacation. So while he's gone, I'm going to take advantage of the alone time and recreate my site. Which I started doing yesterday.

I also have my photo shoot on Thursday with Amanda. As soon as pictures are available, I'll post them. And update my profile picture.

BTW ... those 40 lbs. Still got 'em.

Photo Shoot

Although the craft show was more successful than I thought it would be, it made me realize that it's not what I want to do.

Oh, I'll still do them.
Especially if Shandell calls me up and says,
"Hey, Mo, there's a craft show at blah, blah, blah ... wanna come?"
If she does, I'm there.
But otherwise, I don't think it's my bag.

Contessa Parties are the way to go.
Or rather, Contessa Fiestas, as Hilary has coined them.

Thanks for that, Hilary.

I also think I'm going to go a slightly different route.
I think I'll focus my marketing on professionals.

Tooth Fairy Pillows to Dentists.
Placemats and other house decor to Real Estate Agents.
Rosary Bracelets to Funeral Homes.

This, of course, means updating and revamping the website.
And taking some professional photos of yours truly.

The website I'll have to tackle on my own.
I don't have the budget to hire someone to do it for me.
And I think I'm proficient enough to put together something I can live with.

But I've enlisted the services of my friend Amanda Morrison-Hill.
She's decided to pursue her love of photography.
So in the spirit of supporting my fellow entrepreneur, Amanda is my photographer.
Besides, I know her, like her and like the casual feel of her style.
You should check out her blog.

She recommended taking the pictures at the Centennial Building in Whitby.
It was City Hall at one time.
It's the perfect location.
Great architecture, beautiful landscaping.
And if it rains, we can go inside.

The shoot is booked for September 17.
Subject to re-booking based on our respective hectic schedules.

Think I can lose 40 lbs by then?!

Craft Show - May 30

We'll be at the Festival of the Arts this Saturday, May 30, 2009.

If you happen to be in the Ajax area, please drop by, introduce yourself and say Hi. And while you're there, pick up a little something for your mom, your sister, your friend and, of course, yourself! We'll be selling home decor items plus totes, bookmarks and toothfairy pillows.

Hope to see you there!

The Outer Fringe

Robi was telling me about some beaded fringe that she had bought for her lampshades. She was intending to trim the shades and add a little bling to the room.

Then she changed her mind.

She said she'd bring in the beads.
Maybe I could make some jewellery with it.
Sure.
Why not.
I never say no to craft supplies!

But this is what she brought in:


Three strings of pretty, beaded fringe.

Are you kidding, Robi?
All this for me?
I'm very excited!!
Thank God Robi changed her mind.

Forget taking them apart, though.
I'm leaving them intact and going shopping for some coordinating fabric.
These puppies are just screaming "table runner".
Oh baybee!!
Fabricland, here I come!

And thanks, again, Robi!