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swagbarn.com
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The trials and tribulations of creating and selling a new jewellery & hair accessory line... all from my home on my limited spare time.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Friday, February 1, 2013
Giving back
I've been lucky to have had the opportunity to give back on a few occasions lately. It's been really fulfilling and it's something that has made me feel great while doing something for others.
Recently I was able meet a lovely lady named Mary-Anne Scaturchio-Selwa. She held an Alice in Wonderland themed tea party to help raise awareness and funds for Autism and National Service Dogs for Autism. The hair piece I made for the silent auction hopefully contributed at least small amount to these wonderful charities. This amazing event, held at the Italian Canadian Club in Milton, Ontario, had a large turn out and made me realize even more that a small caring community can make big things happen.
Congratulations Mary-Anne on your successful event (she raised approximately $4,000!). You definitely are an inspiration to so many of us. Mary-Anne has devoted her life to helping families that are affected by autism and she even teaches sign language to young children at My Smart Hands Milton.
I had the pleasure of making a very small contribution to Sydney Weaver's special night out at the O'Brien Awards, which recognizes the best in Canadian harness racing. I was honoured that she wore the Swag Barn hair piece I gifted to her and she looked beautiful!
At this black tie awards gala, Sydney was the recipient of the I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club Ambassador Award in recognition of her love and promotion of the sport and for winning a writing competition with her aptly named submission, It's A Wonderful Life. This inspiring young lady has also raised funds and awareness for charities like Reach for the Rainbow, a charitable organization that integrates children and youth with disabilities into the mainstream of society through summer camp programs as well as Friends of We Care, which sends kids with disabilities to Easter Seals camps. Sydney recently aqcuired part ownership if a harness horse and I've heard from a little birdie that she will be donating some purse winnings to charity. Sydney even lobbied to implement wheelchair accessibility in the new Acton, Ontario library. The list goes on.
I hadn't had the chance to meet Sydney (yet) but when asked if I could come up with a hair piece for her I jumped at the chance. I already knew of Sydney and with all the work she does for others I knew this was the absolute least I could do for her. Seeing the smile on her face as she opens the box with her hair piece is priceless. Thank you Sarah Scott for sending me the photos. Not only did I receive a lovely email message within minutes of her receiving the gift, Sydney made sure to keep in contact to let me know how great her night was.
We often don't realize how many people out there are working tirelessly and devoting countless hours to charities and causes that are close to their hearts. Even if it's something small that I can do to give back I am honoured to do so, after all, it's nothing compared to the efforts these special people put forth!
Until next time!
C
Recently I was able meet a lovely lady named Mary-Anne Scaturchio-Selwa. She held an Alice in Wonderland themed tea party to help raise awareness and funds for Autism and National Service Dogs for Autism. The hair piece I made for the silent auction hopefully contributed at least small amount to these wonderful charities. This amazing event, held at the Italian Canadian Club in Milton, Ontario, had a large turn out and made me realize even more that a small caring community can make big things happen.
Congratulations Mary-Anne on your successful event (she raised approximately $4,000!). You definitely are an inspiration to so many of us. Mary-Anne has devoted her life to helping families that are affected by autism and she even teaches sign language to young children at My Smart Hands Milton.
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| Photo credit: Marcie Costello Photography http://www.marciephoto.ca/ |
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| Photo credit: Marcie Costello Photography http://www.marciephoto.ca/ |
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| Mary-Anne accepting a beautiful painting from Aidan. |
I had the pleasure of making a very small contribution to Sydney Weaver's special night out at the O'Brien Awards, which recognizes the best in Canadian harness racing. I was honoured that she wore the Swag Barn hair piece I gifted to her and she looked beautiful!
At this black tie awards gala, Sydney was the recipient of the I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club Ambassador Award in recognition of her love and promotion of the sport and for winning a writing competition with her aptly named submission, It's A Wonderful Life. This inspiring young lady has also raised funds and awareness for charities like Reach for the Rainbow, a charitable organization that integrates children and youth with disabilities into the mainstream of society through summer camp programs as well as Friends of We Care, which sends kids with disabilities to Easter Seals camps. Sydney recently aqcuired part ownership if a harness horse and I've heard from a little birdie that she will be donating some purse winnings to charity. Sydney even lobbied to implement wheelchair accessibility in the new Acton, Ontario library. The list goes on.
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| Sydney opening her surprise gift! Photo by Sarah Scott. |
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| Beautiful! Hair and photo by Sarah Scott. |
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| Hair and photo by Sarah Scott. |
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| With her parents at the O'Brien Awards. Photo by Clive Cohen/New Image Media |
I hadn't had the chance to meet Sydney (yet) but when asked if I could come up with a hair piece for her I jumped at the chance. I already knew of Sydney and with all the work she does for others I knew this was the absolute least I could do for her. Seeing the smile on her face as she opens the box with her hair piece is priceless. Thank you Sarah Scott for sending me the photos. Not only did I receive a lovely email message within minutes of her receiving the gift, Sydney made sure to keep in contact to let me know how great her night was.
We often don't realize how many people out there are working tirelessly and devoting countless hours to charities and causes that are close to their hearts. Even if it's something small that I can do to give back I am honoured to do so, after all, it's nothing compared to the efforts these special people put forth!
Until next time!
C
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Catching up!
Yes, I know, I have neglected you....I'm so sorry, blog page.
It's amazing how time flies and how things pile up. It's now officially fall and I haven't even put my fall wreath on the door or brought my patio table and chairs in yet. The reason is...well...actually, I don't have a decent excuse. I just have to smarten up and "get 'er done".
So the point of this post is to update all of you on what I have been up to! I've been having an amazing fall so far. I'm so thankful for my creations to be worn for several weddings, wedding showers and tea parties in the last month or so.
I have to say, my clients are the best. I love working with people one-on-one to design something for their special occasion. They afford me the flexibility to use my creativity to bring to life the idea they have in their head.
Check out my customer reviews here.
I'm also on Facebook and Twitter! Check me out.
Here are a few of the pieces I have made recently.
Back to work for now, I'll be sure to post again really soon!
Until next time!
C
It's amazing how time flies and how things pile up. It's now officially fall and I haven't even put my fall wreath on the door or brought my patio table and chairs in yet. The reason is...well...actually, I don't have a decent excuse. I just have to smarten up and "get 'er done".
So the point of this post is to update all of you on what I have been up to! I've been having an amazing fall so far. I'm so thankful for my creations to be worn for several weddings, wedding showers and tea parties in the last month or so.
I have to say, my clients are the best. I love working with people one-on-one to design something for their special occasion. They afford me the flexibility to use my creativity to bring to life the idea they have in their head.
Check out my customer reviews here.
I'm also on Facebook and Twitter! Check me out.
Here are a few of the pieces I have made recently.
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| Hair piece, veil and boutonnieres for Megan and her groom! |
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| Wedding shower cocktail hat made for Mia. |
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| Fascinators for a wedding tea party! |
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| Lovely Danielle wearing her Swag Barn Hair piece. |
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| Hair pieces for all six of Danielle's bridesmaids. |
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| Ashley (maid of honour) wearing her brown hair piece. |
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| Custom hair piece and veil for Gemma & Carly's wedding. |
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| Custom piece made for Belle Bijou Handcrafted Jewellery designer Colleen. |
Back to work for now, I'll be sure to post again really soon!
Until next time!
C
Monday, July 16, 2012
My summer includes FW Fashion Camp
Wow, how fast time flies, I hope everyone is having an amazing summer!
My last couple of months have been busy busy busy, which is a great thing. I have, however, realized how difficult it is to keep up with everything from working full-time, being newly married (and trying to be as domestic as possible!) and continuing to be inspired to make my feather accessories. I admit, I have to try harder to fit everything in, including being consistent with this blog!
Swag Barn is going really well, lots of brides wearing my hair pieces and veils this summer. I've even made flower girl halos, boutonnieres, corsages and tea party fascinators which all turned out great! Check out my most recent photos!
This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate in Fashion Weekly's Fashion Camp 2012. The magazine partnered with George Brown College in Toronto to offer this great course for fashionistas (or wannabe fashionistas like myself) to gain some inside knowledge into the fashion industry.
There were some great speakers at the event that provided some major insight into the huge world of fashion. Speakers included:
Aya McMillan, Editorial Director of Glam Media Canada
Christine Lu, Social Media Expert from Edelman Public Relations
Amanda and Jody from Plutino Group, artist management agency
Mark D'Orofino, owner of Cocoa Jewelry
Asif Husain, Director of Business Intelligence at Comark Inc.
Milos Vranesevic, World MasterCard Toronto Fashion Week
Mehreen Hussein, Photographer and publisher of Fashion Series
Angie Smith, Fashion Producer with The Marilyn Denis Show and Entertainment Tonight Canada
Amina Said, PR expert with eluxe.ca
Christine Lu advised to use social media to it's fullest potential. I've just recently joined the "twitter world" and have started to network even more. Check me out! @swag_barn
Angie Smith was great and I was happy to learn that she shops at Target too! She rocked an amazing dress and noted that she was a "high/low" shopper, my kind of girl!
I was really happy to meet some fabulous aspiring fashion gurus, including wardrobe and fashion stylist Ashley Galang and blogger Sarah Monaco. Check out Sarah's website and follow her at @ibleedfashionxx! I hope to cross paths with these girls some time in the future.
The most important thing I realized from Fashion Camp is -- it's not what you know, it's who you know. Not only does this apply to the fashion world but in any career, you have to network and create relationships if you want to get anywhere!
I also took this suggestion to heart from Aya McMillan "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." - genius! I'm gonna start dressing like Lady Gaga from now on, lol.
Until next time!
C
My last couple of months have been busy busy busy, which is a great thing. I have, however, realized how difficult it is to keep up with everything from working full-time, being newly married (and trying to be as domestic as possible!) and continuing to be inspired to make my feather accessories. I admit, I have to try harder to fit everything in, including being consistent with this blog!
Swag Barn is going really well, lots of brides wearing my hair pieces and veils this summer. I've even made flower girl halos, boutonnieres, corsages and tea party fascinators which all turned out great! Check out my most recent photos!
This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate in Fashion Weekly's Fashion Camp 2012. The magazine partnered with George Brown College in Toronto to offer this great course for fashionistas (or wannabe fashionistas like myself) to gain some inside knowledge into the fashion industry.
There were some great speakers at the event that provided some major insight into the huge world of fashion. Speakers included:
Aya McMillan, Editorial Director of Glam Media Canada
Christine Lu, Social Media Expert from Edelman Public Relations
Amanda and Jody from Plutino Group, artist management agency
Mark D'Orofino, owner of Cocoa Jewelry
Asif Husain, Director of Business Intelligence at Comark Inc.
Milos Vranesevic, World MasterCard Toronto Fashion Week
Mehreen Hussein, Photographer and publisher of Fashion Series
Angie Smith, Fashion Producer with The Marilyn Denis Show and Entertainment Tonight Canada
Amina Said, PR expert with eluxe.ca
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| My group presenting our Madamoiselle Fatale lingerie company (that's me trying to look fashionable on the far left!) Photo courtesy of www.mehreenhussein.ca. |
Christine Lu advised to use social media to it's fullest potential. I've just recently joined the "twitter world" and have started to network even more. Check me out! @swag_barn
Angie Smith was great and I was happy to learn that she shops at Target too! She rocked an amazing dress and noted that she was a "high/low" shopper, my kind of girl!
I was really happy to meet some fabulous aspiring fashion gurus, including wardrobe and fashion stylist Ashley Galang and blogger Sarah Monaco. Check out Sarah's website and follow her at @ibleedfashionxx! I hope to cross paths with these girls some time in the future.
The most important thing I realized from Fashion Camp is -- it's not what you know, it's who you know. Not only does this apply to the fashion world but in any career, you have to network and create relationships if you want to get anywhere!
I also took this suggestion to heart from Aya McMillan "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." - genius! I'm gonna start dressing like Lady Gaga from now on, lol.
Until next time!
C
Monday, April 30, 2012
Effie as inspiration for fascinators & garden parties!
Following up on my last posting about The Hunger Games... I was so inspired by Effie that I named this piece after her.
This earthy piece is also perfect for that garden party you might attend this spring!
Speaking of a garden party, what a great idea...I might just have to break out the old English china cups and saucers and host a garden tea party this summer. Hats and fascinators are, of course, mandatory.
I'll get right on the planning. If, in the meantime, you need a fascinator for a special occasion or just to wear for fun on a normal day please let me know, I'm always here to create for you.
Until next time!
C
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| "Effie" |
This earthy piece is also perfect for that garden party you might attend this spring!
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| "Goldie" |
Speaking of a garden party, what a great idea...I might just have to break out the old English china cups and saucers and host a garden tea party this summer. Hats and fascinators are, of course, mandatory.
I'll get right on the planning. If, in the meantime, you need a fascinator for a special occasion or just to wear for fun on a normal day please let me know, I'm always here to create for you.
Until next time!
C
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Capitol Couture
I wasn't so sure what all the hype surrounding The Hunger Games was about, I haven't read the books but with all the buzz I just had to see it.
Although the movie was good and the plot intriguing, it was the fashion at The Capitol that kept my attention. My eyes were all over the screen taking in all the colours, makeup and awesome hats!
I admire how such talented and creative people can even imagine these fashions in their mind and bring them to life.
The hair, makeup and nail art are truly amazing. I can just imagine all the nail salon's scrambling to perfect their skills in order to capture the newest trend in manicures.
After coming home from the movie, I had a million ideas in my head about all the new hair pieces I could make. The movie, even though it wasn't 5 stars for me, was certainly a 10 in inspiration points!
If you haven't seen the movie yet, check it out, let me know what your favourite fashion at The Capitol is.
Until next time!
C
Although the movie was good and the plot intriguing, it was the fashion at The Capitol that kept my attention. My eyes were all over the screen taking in all the colours, makeup and awesome hats!
I admire how such talented and creative people can even imagine these fashions in their mind and bring them to life.
The hair, makeup and nail art are truly amazing. I can just imagine all the nail salon's scrambling to perfect their skills in order to capture the newest trend in manicures.
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| Our first look at Effie in the movie, my eyes nearly popped out of my head in amazement. |
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| Effie's glamorous dinner attire, check out those nails! |
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| Do you think this beard design will be the newest trend for men? |
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| Some of the amazing outfits in the movie, look at those fabulous hats! |
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| In love with this look, and especially the shoes. |
After coming home from the movie, I had a million ideas in my head about all the new hair pieces I could make. The movie, even though it wasn't 5 stars for me, was certainly a 10 in inspiration points!
If you haven't seen the movie yet, check it out, let me know what your favourite fashion at The Capitol is.
Until next time!
C
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Some of my favourite wedding blogs
Lately I have been preoccupied getting ready for The Original Wedding Soiree taking place at the One King West Hotel on April 15. With all these wedding hair pieces surrounding me I have been hit by the wedding bug all over again. I know, I know, I am already married (and not thinking about doing it again)!!
I get so inspired by so many beautiful ideas to celebrate the most important day of a couple's life together. A few of my favourite blogs/websites right now are Wedding Chicks, Style Me Pretty, Style Me Pretty Canada and WedLuxe Magazine. The photos are amazing... take a look at this photo shoot, amazingly beautiful, right?
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| courtesy of WedLuxe Magazine, photo by David Hou |
I am looking forward to meeting new people and having a wonderful day at the Wedding Soiree and gathering even more inspiration for my hair pieces.
Tickets are still on sale for the event and can be purchased here.
Also, if you visit my Facebook page today or tomorrow I am offering two "speaker pass" tickets to the show. These passes includes entry to the show (and all it's perks) as well as access to speakers Karina Lemke (Destination Weddings), Lori Pannia, Editor in Chief of The Ring Bearer (Couture Trends) and Abby Larson, Founder of Style Me Pretty! Good luck!
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