hug your people.

short and sweet for today. hug your loved ones. life is unpredictable.

maternity leave...

my mom, aunt, me @ 8.5 months pregnant (ignore the boobs, please) and Mamama- the inspiration behind Oatmeal Lace. :)

so it's almost time for our little man to show up which means I have to seriously face the fact that I am going to be taking time off from making bags.  I've been organizing like mad on the back end and laying down the groundwork to keep my shop going while I take 4 weeks off from constructing anything. did you hear me- anything!!!  just saying that gives me so much anxiety.  I cannot remember a day since I've started the business where I haven't done something related to oatmeal lace.  it's been my baby and seeing how far it's come this past year is just mindblowing to me.  I'm so thankful for all the wonderful people I've worked with and the support of my family and friends.  I can't wait to see what the future is going to bring, both personally and professionally.  baby p is certain to inspire me to branch out in new directions and hopefully (crossing fingers and toes here) will be lulled to sleep by the sound of the sewing machine so I can create all sorts of fun new items to share with you. :) I'll try to do a post or two after his arrival so you can see his cute little face and finally share his finished nursery. hope you all have a fabulous weekend and again, thanks for following along with me.

**sidenote: my mom totally called it on the dress being a little 'revealing' in the front. I didn't think it was an issue until I had to lean over to grab something...several times...whoops. mom's are always right, right? :) love you mama!!!

deal of the month!

before baby p arrives I want to offer a little something to my lovely readers. I appreciate you all being so accommodating to my upcoming maternity leave and want to show my thanks by offering my biggest discount yet.  so if you're like me and like to get things marked off your list well in advance than I hope you'll take advantage!! :) 

jr. bridesmaid bags

so I've been testing out a smaller size clutch (6 inches) with a couple clients who have asked for bags that could work for a junior bridesmaid/flower girl gift.  I've decided to add them to the shop since they've gotten such a great response.  

I'll be carrying them in both the antique brass and silver, and they come with chains (which are removable), which will make it easier for the younger ladies to carry.  question for anyone who actually reads this- would you like the option of having a chain on the regular size bag?  I know when I carry a clutch I don't expect it to have a chain, but it might be nice to have your hands free to hold a glass or two of wine, right? (I've been craving alcohol lately- knowing that I'm reaching the end of my 10 months of pregnancy has me itching for an ice cold glass of savignon blanc. or a beer. or whiskey- I'm not going to be too particular. :)

thanks for your input!!!

happy birthday, america!

hope all my USA friends are having a wonderful long weekend and enjoying a relaxing holiday with friends and family. thank you to all who serve and have served our country- we wouldn't be celebrating without you.

alison's amazeballs wedding!

although I'm not on twitter very much these days since work has just been crazy (both in the office and at the home studio) I miss it and am so glad that for a few short months last year I had the time to start building relationships with some really awesome people in the wedding world.  one of the lovely ladies I met was Alison of Engaged & Inspired fame.  love pretty details, real weddings and stunning images? just make sure your pinterest account is up and running so you can save everything to your inspiration folder. :)

I was honored when she asked me to make the clutches for her bridal party and just had to share one of the photos that was taken by Jason & Anna (her wedding photographers) that day. do yourself a favor and head on over to check out the rest of her amazing, DIY wedding. seriously, go now. :)

Wednesday Giveaway Part II!

I love giving things away - it is so fun! so, this week we've teamed up with Collared Greens to give one lucky Southern Weddings reader a fun little prize: a matching clutch and bow tie. c'mon, admit it- you like matching with your beau. i'm not talking brazenly matched air brushed t-shirts that you bought on your last trip to Panama City, but something simple and classy that accessorizes the already fabulous dress/suit that you're sporting to a friend's wedding.

head on over to Southern Weddings website and get the gist on how to enter.  good luck and can't wait to find out who the winner will be! :)