Big sister gets married! :: The wedding of Amy and Sean - uncut version!!

Posted on | Sunday, February 22, 2009 | 8 Comments

Wow! What an eventful weekend! Matt and I headed to Washington to celebrate my big sister's wedding to Sean. It was a lovely and entertaining day and to only help in prolonging the spirit and festivities indefinitely, I thought to post a nice and only slightly embarrassing gag reel. I promise to post more "serious" photos soon, but I'm still getting through the hundreds of photos from the day and I'm in a chipper mood. ;)

First off, it was wonderful to see family and meet Sean's family. Matt and I had a fantastic time catching up and just getting acquainted with the groom's side of the family.

Secondly, thank you to Paul Rich Studio for being fabulous, top notch photographers AGAIN! Paul Rich Studio photographed our wedding and we couldn't be more deligthed in knowing that Amy & Sean's wedding was captured by such talented photographers. Their professionalism, skill, and ridiculously warm personalities amount to one of the best photographers you could work with.

Now on with the pictures!

Just wanted to post this picture of my mom. She made this jacket and her dress! She rocks. I made a dress too and very, VERY last minute, opted for a different dress. By the way, that's Matt in the background holding the veil I made for my sister.

Paul of Paul Rich Studio with the newlyweds. I cannot wait to see photos!!! I will post an update when the photo gallery is up on his proofing site.

Just because I'm the sister, I had to post this picture. Open wide!!!
And after the reception, everyone headed to the after party where spirits were high, the liquor flowed (I don't drink by the way), and people began acting a bit peculiar...

A glowing halo. My angel.

Yes, yes... I seriously got him to do this.

"This is much cooler than the rubber pencil trick."

Trippy - far out - dude. FYI - redlight special. These glow sticks were almost too much fun and are only $1 for 15 at Michaels.

"You wouldn't hit a guy who wears glasses would you??"

"I don't care what I look like... I just got married!"

"...and just to drive the point home... I'm married!"

Oh my goodness. Dad's doing his crazy dance again!

Somehow, my mom makes these bad boys a cute accessory.

"It's not like these pictures will ever see the light of day, right?" Photo courtesy of the groom's father. ;D

These glasses can bring out anyone's inner thug. ;) AKA - Groom's sister's husband, Brian.

Strike a pose. And to think... I'm like this without any social lubricants in my system. So this is the dress I bought about 24 hours before. I decided that the dress I made wasn't formal enough and a bit more "party" like, but I'll still post pictures soon.

With my newlywed sister. Aw~

Mrs. Callan and Mrs. Stewart

Everyone says we look alike. We don't think so. What do you think?

Mr. & Mrs. Callan!

Time to go home! More pictures to come!!

One sneak peak at the bridal fashion and my sister's t&h piece! Congratulations Amy & Sean!!! Have fun on the honeymoon!!!!

Straight hair :: Thermal Reconditioning from LeResh

Posted on | Thursday, February 19, 2009 | 6 Comments

I got my hair straightened and as promised, here are a bunch of pictures. I go to a great lady in Portland just off NW 23rd, LeResh. She is absolutely fantastic at what she does.

The hair chronicles of Myra begin...
At around 6th grade, my straight hair went curly. Not in a lovely, "oh, my hair is just nicely curled like this, always" kind of way! It was and naturally is unruly. I have major cowlicks along my hairline. I suppose if the rest of my hair matched, it might actually be lovely. Think pin curls of the 40s. Yes, my bangs are that curly! BUT, the rest of my hair is sporadically wavy and frizzy. I don't know what happened when the genes were doled out when I was in my mom's belly, but what I do know is that my mom and sister have the quintessential straight asian hair and I got the leftovers. As if the one dealing out genes started off giving me curly hair, but got tired midway through and quit. I'm rambling.

So for years, I wrestled with my partially curled-wavy-crimped-frizzy locks. I blew it out straight and flat ironed it and suffered through frizzy hell in humid weather. I have a cupboard full of various frizz/curl reducing products. Trust me... it takes years to develop this kind of collection.

Then I heard about thermal reconditioning.

It is an investment - ballpark - expect to spend at least $500-$600 w/o tip, but it varies depending on length of hair, texture and amount of curl.

Since it was a large sum of money, I had to rationalize it with Matt a couple years ago and put aside a mini hair savings fund. When I was ready, I tried to go the economical route and went to an unnamed salon to save a couple hundred and with this service, you get what you pay for. Don't scrimp! My hair was NOT straight and still frizzy and the service was not good!

I waited about 6 months before seeing LeResh. She is worth every penny and more. She straightened my hair right before the wedding and saved me from insufferable unruly hair when Matt and I were on honeymoon in Maui.

LeResh is so sweet and great with many hair types. I have very coarse hair and the strands are super duper thick so nothing else would ever work... but LeResh is a miracle worker when it comes to straightening hair. You must see her if you have the same hair troubles as me! Some advice: She requires an in person consultation so she can see if you are a good candidate for the process. Thermal reconditioning is a strong process and if you have very fine hair or processed hair, it might not be for you. Also, after you get the treatment, you cannot wash your hair, put it up, or even pin it with a bobby pin for 48 hours. You have to be careful how you sleep on it too! It must stay straight. After this, ta da! Straight hair!

Whew~ Sorry for the long monologue! For those who have stuck through to the end of my hair stories, here are some photos of my newly straightened hair (excuse the photos. I have ZERO makeup and this is an old dress that is a little baggy after losing weight):

Be sure to contact LeResh if you are interested or if you have any questions! By the way, my hair is still down to my bum AND she gave me a complimentary trim. So you can get the idea of how long it got! I still need to get another haircut, but people keep telling me "NO!"... it is your trademark! Even my mom's friends tell her to tell me, "keep it long!" We'll see how long I can keep it long. Also, I was going to do a "before and after" photo series... but last minute, I changed my mind. I wouldn't want to put you through that kind of horror.

I'm back! :: NEWS

Posted on | Tuesday, February 17, 2009 | 14 Comments

I know the blogging has been quiet lately, but I haven't completely vanished! I've just been juggling several huge projects. I always multi-task. I can't help myself. For instance, when I brush my teeth before bed, I take Indy out for one last potty break, come back, clean the sink, and maybe throw a load of laundry in - still brushing the teeth throughout. I tend to be the most efficient when I have tons on my plate, so it's been great!

So onto the updates!

1. Working on and finished a dress to wear for my big sis's wedding THIS Saturday!
2. Still working on orders - Almost finished Sharon!
3. Still working on replying to all the convos
4. Got my hair straightened - it is naturally wavy/frizzy
5. Finished the new website - Most of it is up! Check it out here.
6. Working on finishing all the many pieces for my sis's wedding, again THIS Saturday!
7. Building pieces for upcoming photo shoots
8. Planning an exotic destination vacation with the hubby

Items 1 & 6:
YES! My big sister, Amy, is getting married THIS Saturday and I have a TON of pieces to complete. My mom pitched in and made a shawl for her and helped with the boutonnieres. I just need to finish all the bridesmaid pieces, ring pillow, and bridal hair piece. ALMOST! Also, I finished my dress last week. In 1 day... okay, it took all day, but it's done. Photos to come. OHHHH!!!!! And guess what?! A very nice lady is going to be making that uber chic shrug from the previous post for me! I cannot wait. I'll have more on this later. :)

Item 2: THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH FOR YOUR PATIENCE!!!! I'm really pushing to get orders out sooner!!!

Item 3: SAME AS FIRST HALF OF #2.... thank you, thank you for your patience and for those who resubmitted convos and emails. It meant so much to me to see the flood of convos from all the brides and ladies still interested. I'm still chipping away, but it was a huge help for me. Thank you!!

Item 4: I got my hair straightened, FINALLY! I actually have wavy/frizzy hair if you can believe it and it had been nearly 1.5 years since my last thermal reconditioning. I have more to post on this later in the week with photos! For now, check out my stylist's website, LeResh. I don't trust anyone else with my hair straightening. FYI... a potential giveaway lined up through her, so check back for a possible AWESOME giveaway.

Item 5: You heard it right! I FINALLY did it!!!! I think if you track back to June sometime, I mentioned how there would be a new website coming shortly. Well, "stuff" happened (i.e. I was too busy to even sleep!) and after recently getting some gorgeous photos from Lisa Warninger and Kimberly Hurst, I got the extra push to finish it. I did it all by myself! Okay, yeah, yeah... no big deal... but it was a big deal to me because I had to teach myself how to use all the programs as I went along. I didn't study graphic design and haven't taken any courses, so it was a big milestone for me. Trust me. You need Flash to view it, but check it out HERE (twigsandhoney.com). The old site didn't have all the functionality that I needed, hence the overhaul. PLUS, I'll have a new shop soon. It's not up yet, but I'm working on that. Enjoy!

Item 7: Photos to come. Possibly a few months from now, but I'll post once they become available.

Item 8: Matt has some vacation time he must use so we are going on a much needed trip soon. It won't be for long, but our #1 pick right now is Istanbul. Exciting!

Personal project :: What to wear?

Posted on | Thursday, February 5, 2009 | 6 Comments

My big sister is getting married in a couple weeks! AND I still have nothing to wear!

It is definitely less stress to come up with an outfit compared with when I was a bride, but it doesn't help that I've been procrastinating. Last weekend at the fashion show, I saw a gorgeous Kate Towers dress that I thought might work and may still if I can find the time to try it on - currently at the English Dept. in Portland. Kate is the sweetest by the way and you must check out her lovely new site. I digress... so I might make my own dress! Last night, I made a pattern and sewed a mock up. It was made from a more affordable cotton with a sweet and girly checkered pattern (I'll post a picture when I finish the lining). Matt says I look like a "traditional" housewife in it. He is saying this in a good way. :) Actually, he said, "I can't believe you made that!" So it is an encouraging start! Anyhow, after mostly finishing it, I've tweaked the pattern a little and am ready to go fabric shopping for a more lovely and formal material. Wish me luck!

Here was my inspiration:

I love this dress at Anthropologie. Find it here. Alas, this dress is way over my budget and my size is sold out. =T
My mock up dress is this same shape, but I wanted to add a lovelier neckline and straps.

I would love to wear these shoes. My sister's wedding colors are white, black, silver and blue so I think these would be perfect! I discovered them here and you can find them here.

Photo credit: parker j. I have been obsessed with this shrug. The gorgeous Christine of cevd wore this lovely shrug for her wedding and I can't stop thinking about it. Something about the dramatic shape and volume gives me goosebumps. Love, LOVE it. SO, if I can get my act together, I wanted to make a shrug inspired by this one but in silver/blue/gray and a little toned down just so I don't take any attention away from the bride! This shrug reminded me of this old photo of Keisha Castle-Hughes:

Photo from here. Hopefully, this is faux fur... but I like the shape! I'll try to post an update in a week or two, IF I am able to finish in time. If not, I'm "watching" a couple dresses on eBay. *sigh* Why are the prettiest things in the world so darn expensive???

Dogs :: So lucky!

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I get jealous looking at Indy sometimes... so cute, lazy and happy all the time. This morning, while I was working, she decided to snooze right outside my door as if to rub it in my face that she can nap all day, everyday if she wants while Matt and I work. If she wasn't so darn cute....

Dreaming of kibble, bones, and cats...

"What's this?! I'm being photographed?!"

"Do not bother me while I nap. Hmf!"

"Yes. Take my picture. I know I am so cute."

"Getting more sleepy.. again..

Zzzzzzzz.... "ha ha ha! You wish you were me!"

Custom Order Update! :: Accepting new orders beginning February 9th

Posted on | Wednesday, February 4, 2009 | 3 Comments

***Custom Order Update! Accepting new orders February 9th, first come first serve basis - PLEASE READ***

I have over 400+ convos and emails and I hate to do this but I need to ask for a huge favor from everyone interested in a custom order. I still have convos backed up from December and I fear that I will never be able to respond to everyone. It would be a HUGE help for me if beginning on February 9th, Monday, anyone still interested resend your convo through the same convo by hitting reply AND putting in the beginning of the subject line, "STILL INTERESTED" (not a new convo); this way, I can fairly book those who have contacted me previously in the order received. If you have not sent a convo/email yet but are interested in a custom order, send a new convo. I will be booking my March-April schedule for 2009 spring weddings and beyond. I am still working on a large backlog of orders and anticipate all of these orders to be completed by the end of February into early March (if you have been trying to get an update - thank you for your patience with me!). So sorry for the inconvenience, but first and foremost, I need to take care of all previous clients. I truly want to work with everyone interested so I'm trying to make this process as efficient as possible.

1. Be sure to include in the convo the drop dead last date you can receive the piece.
2. Style of piece - include links to pieces I've done if there are any that you like
3. Colors, size?

I am predicting that my turnaround times will finally have come down a bit, but they are best estimates and may be longer or shorter depending. Anticipate an approximate 6-8 week turnaround, so plan accordingly.

Also, to everyone who still has a standing order, thank you SO much for your patience! As stated above, I hope to have them all finished in within a month.

Thank you so very much! -Myra

Two new pieces in my shop

Posted on | Tuesday, February 3, 2009 | 5 Comments

I just listed a couple pieces in my shop from this past weekend's English Dept. Fashion Show. I still have more to post about it, but thought I'd list a couple as I've received some interest in the pieces. I will also have some of the pieces available through the English Dept. soon! For now, here are the two pieces:

A lovely handmade flower belt. Like that ruffle shrug?? I LOVE it! It is by Elizabeth Dye and is available through her Etsy shop or at the English Dept.

... and a feather, lace and vintage brooch headband. Enjoy!

Sneak peak :: A Novel Romance Fashion Show

Posted on | Sunday, February 1, 2009 | 6 Comments

Here is a sneak peak from earlier Sunday. I'll have more later this week. Overall... BEAUTIFUL! I have so much more to write!

A Novel Romance :: The English Dept. Fashion show and more!

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Just a last minute reminder to anyone reading this Sunday morning, that the English Dept.'s Novel Romance fashion show is happening TODAY! See you there at Portland's Ace Hotel! Here is a sneak peak at a new piece that will be making a splash at the show:

More photos to come!

Friday night project

Posted on | Thursday, January 29, 2009 | 14 Comments

A couple weeks ago, my mom and I went to the fabric store together and there happened to be some pretty good deals, so I got her and I some lovely supplies. Here are my late Friday night project results. A cropped jacket with oversize collar made from quilt lining and fully lined and a fun, bright skirt made from a cotton linen blend and also lined. I made the patterns from scratch, but I think I'm going to tweak the jacket a little bit more and make a second one. I somehow didn't get the lining quite right, so the armholes feel a tad tight. A work in progress, but it was still fun and I wore it out with Matt on our date night. :)

I forgot to mention, but my hat is from here. Love it!

Giveaway winner! :: Thank you to everyone!

Posted on | Monday, January 26, 2009 | 2 Comments

Thank you to everyone who posted comments for the giveaway! I had a wonderful time reading through all the sweet and thoughtful comments and it was really great to hear which pieces people like the most. I really wish I could make a piece for everyone! I used a random integer generator to "draw" 1 winner (random.org), and made the rule before I generated the number that for any multiple posts from anyone, the first one was the only one that counted. So the winner is.....

"auroralauramarie"!!

auroralauramarie posted this comment on January 22, 2009 8:41 AM:
"Hello Myra,

Your work is lovely. I stumbled upon it looking for inspiration for my "vintage picnic" wedding. I am hoping (fingers crossed) that you will be available to make a hair piece for me for my August wedding. This piece is my favorite!

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=8831086

It has a very elegant and vintage feel while still remaining fun!!!! I think that it would be perfect for an outdoor vintage picnic wedding.

Have a beautiful 2009!"

Here's her pick:

If this was your post, please email me at info@twigsandhoney.com with your mailing address so I can send you your one of a kind piece and put "giveaway" in the subject line.

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!! My first year was such a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to a whole new year! I'll do another giveaway later in the year, so check back for updates. :)

Twigs & Honey Giveaway piece and more

Posted on | Friday, January 23, 2009 | 5 Comments

Thank you to everyone for your extremely sweet comments to the last post! I'm excited to see who will be randomly chosen! I wish I had time to make several hundred pieces for everyone. It has been great to read the comments and get a feel for what pieces everyone is most interested in, which gives me great feedback for what pieces might make reappearances this next season. Here's the piece I'll be giving to the winner of the giveaway, to be announced Monday. Remember, get your comments in by midnight on Sunday (January 25th, Pacific time) and post them on the previous post for January 19th.

The lace ribbon band is a fuchsia color, but it is coming off more red in photos.
Another reminder to all brides and those interested in seeing some lovely fashion. The English Dept. is putting on a fashion show, A Novel Romance, on February 1st at the Ace Hotel in Portland, Oregon. I'll be making the accessories and I've been busy putting together a nice collection. Here's my favorite piece so far:

Most of the pieces I'll be making for the show will be available for purchase sometime after the show (I think I'm going to use them for a photos shoot). If you attend the show and see a piece that you like, contact me to let me know that you are interested at info@twigsandhoney.com. First come, first serve basis and price upon request.

One last note! Like the necklace I'm wearing with the giveaway piece? It is made by one of my favorite designers on etsy, Joie de Vie. Blair, the lovely Mrs. behind the line, was so kind to send me this piece and I love it. Isn't it so cute and perfect for Valentine's Day, which is coming up! Thank you Blair!!! You can find this same necklace in her shop by clicking here.

1 year Twigs & Honey anniversary :: Giveaway!

Posted on | Monday, January 19, 2009 | 247 Comments

These pieces were a couple special projects from this past year.

I meant to do this post a little sooner, but it's been so busy!
Anyhow, I wanted to thank everyone who worked with and supported me this past year with twigs & honey! I cannot believe how fast the year went by, but on January 25th, twigs & honey is celebrating 1 year since its first Etsy sale to this lovely lady. As a modest thank you (if I had more time, I would do something bigger), I am doing a giveaway on this blog. Starting today, January 19th, through midnight, January 25th, post a comment on this blog, copy and paste the link to your favorite twigs & honey piece, and describe why it is your favorite. You can navigate through all my past Etsy sales by clicking here. I'll choose someone randomly (yes! So everyone has a fair chance.) and the winner will receive a specially designed, one of a kind Valentine's Day twigs & honey hair piece. I'll try to post the picture later this week. I'll post a follow up blog post after January 25th, to announce the winner. Thank you to everyone following this blog and hooray for anniversaries!

A few of my favorites from last year: