A Father's Day Hoop

During the Blue Plum Festival, I had a customer request a custom for this adorable hoop to give to her husband for Father's Day. 

The story goes like this: when he was a little boy he would ask his mother how much she loved him. His mother would reply " I love you to the Bluff City bridge and back." Although this particular bridge was only about a 10 minute drive away from their home, to a young boy it felt like a lifetime, so he measured his mother's love by these seemingly countless miles between.

I really find so much happiness in creating these customs. I love being able to put stories like this one on something so permanent and special. And the sweet stories I learn about my customers and the recipients warm my heart! 

You are so Loved

I just finished up this new hoop today during the kid's nap time and added it to the shop. I love the depth of this simple phrase. The reminder that you are cherished and delighted in, with the unparalleled love of God.

I've been thinking a lot about how as parents, we are our children's example of God's love for them. We will mess up and make mistakes countless times, losing our temper, becoming impatient with the diddling of toddlers...the list is endless. But what's more endless is God's grace to cover our imperfections. So I remind myself that His mercies are new every morning and allow myself to be honest with my children about my shortcomings, asking for their forgiveness, and living out the Gospel with them. And through all of it, I never want them to forget how loved they truly are.

Head over to Garland & Pendant's online shop to see what I've been up to, and if you're interested in a custom order you can email me at garlandandpendant@gmail(dot)com.

New Shop & Major Updates

I started embroidering about a year and a half ago when I got a beginner's kit from my brother for Christmas. It wasn't until September this past fall that I began creating my own designs and stitching almost every chance I got. I love my newfound hobby and am growing in the craft and learning what I can about handmade businesses to see where this might lead! Check out the new online shop to see what I've been up to. 
I'll be writing about my experiences with Garland & Pendant and tidbits about my life as a wife and mom as I go!

Something New

This is why I've been completely absent in the blogging world! We've been using tons of spare time to get our house ready to be put on the market since we're expecting another Blackburniña this summer! 
We're hoping to have the house sold and a new one purchased, plus moved in and completely nested (fingers crossed) before July rolls around.....But, we have absolutely no idea if things will unfold this way! We've had so much support from our community, everything from painting walls, building shelves, sheet rocking to bringing us lunches!
For now, I have to go sand the walls in our front room....and drink a Dr. Pepper.

Allison