Over the Top Studios

Girls Night In at Faded Elegance and a Crafty-Night

Another fun weekend was had by all who attended the Girls Night In event at Faded Elegance in Snohomish last Saturday night. Wine, Chocolate truffles, Spa Treatments and good company were present at this First Annual "Girls Night In" event.

Sara and Terry of Buchanan Chocolates spoiled us with their two-bite truffle. We were able to sample with our wine pairings a decadent Vanilla Truffle, Loganberry Truffle, Double Chocolate Truffle the crowd  favorite, Raspberry Truffle. Sara and Terry were kind enough to send the rest of us vendors home with samples of these delectable chocolates, what a treat! These are by far the best truffles I have ever had. The shell is not too thick and the filling is just the right consistency.

Tonya and Nancy from the Bee Hive Day Spa were also there giving expert advice and samples of their great products. The Bee Hive prides itself on it's organic treatments. Tonya has the most beautiful skin and is the best advertising for her spa. Monday was Tonya's birthday and she wanted a special birthday hat made for her by Over the Top Studios, so I obliged. It came out so cute and Tonya had it on display the entire evening.

 Finally, here I am with the product line. I had so many wonderful compliments and words of encouragement. Over the Top has now officially been in business 2 months: and they said it wouldn't last.

Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures, I always have Tim to do that, but he hurt his back playing hockey and was unable to attend. So, I am stealing shots from Faded Elegance. If you really want to see some wonderful shots of the event go to the Faded Elegance site and take a look. 

You can also sign up for the class I am teaching there on May 9th. We will be making a Mother's Day gift box just in time for Mother's Day. All the materials will be provided and the class is only $20.00. You will walk away with a beautiful box and all the know-how. Just bring your creativity! Maybe you can even fill it up with something special for mom - or yourself.  Instructions on how to sign up are on the Faded Elegance  website. Hope to see you then.

I will be posting the name of the "Marie Tag" raffle winner later this week as soon as I can go through the names. I will notify You by email and mail out your prize. Thanks for a wonderful evening everyone and see you at the Craft-Night!

Seattle Bride Feature and Kentucky Derby Hat

 Big news for Over the Top Studios, one of my wedding toppers will be featured in Seattle Bride June/July issue. Kelley Moore, entertainment and lifestyle expert, has chosen the topper for her own reception and will feature it in the magazine. Kelley made her final selection  at the Common FolkBridal Event last Saturday where she had plenty to choose from. Kelley has a definite look she is going for, I can't wait to see the final shots. It was so fun to watch her stage the shots before hand and I think they are going to be fabulous! Of course I am going to run out and buy every issue I can get my hands on.  But wait, it gets better: Kelley does a lifestyle segment for King 5 Morning News on KONG, in addition to having her own event design and production company. She will be doing a segment this Friday morning, April 24th,  where she will be featuring my latest creation - a Kentucky Derby Hat! Check out the Video Here. Kelley will be featuring it as the centerpiece for the party. Okay, my Tivo will be ready for this one. It will probably only be on for a minute and I don't know what will be said exactly but just seeing it on TV is going to be surreal.

It has been about 2 months since I decided to pursue making a real business of "Over the Top Studios" and it has been lots of hard work but tons of fun. I have had the opportunity to meet lots of interesting people and friendly shop owners. Being picked for Seattle Bride and for a segment on King 5 is icing on the cake. I just had to share this good news with all of you who have been supporting me the last couple of months through my blog and in the stores.

So since it will only be on for a few minutes I will give you a sneak peak. I also have a shot of the topper Kelley chose for her reception. By the way, I don't think it is actually going on a cake as much as as a centerpiece. See, cake toppers are great as centerpieces and gifts or on the top of cupcakes. Hint: More info on that in coming weeks!

The front of the hat.  The hat is styled after the old English riding hats women used to wear. I didn't want to do the traditional big straw hat. I couldn't find a hat to alter so I made one. I made a pattern from a modified  New Years Eve top hat I had. The paper and ribbon are Midori. The feathers on the side are vintage and the flowers are hand made.

 

From the side. Ostrich feathers, fans and glitter.

 

 

I love this horse pin. Can you believe I found it in the throw away bin at the Goodwill!

 The Wedding Topper which will appear in Seattle Bride. I love the feel of this piece. It is very modern yet romantic.

New Kids Party Hats and "Mini Marie"

 

 

    It has been a busy week for Over the Top Studios, two new products have been added to the line including a new kids party hat available in 4 colors and a mini Marie "Let them Eat Cake" gift box. The kids hats are very retro in feel and I am marketing them under the name "Snips and Snails". I love these hats because they are so cute yet affordable. The Marie mini topper looks good enough to eat. Topped with sugar coated berries, lavender pansies and purple glittered flower buds this mini version of one of my large toppers exclaims "Let them eat Cake" and has a hidden picture of Marie inside.

    In the midst of all of this I am still getting ready for the big Bridal Flair Event at Common FolkApril 18th. This is going to be a great event with unique, one of a kind items for your big day. Kathryn has been working on the event day and night and it promises to be a day of great food, great ideas and amazing vendors. I will be there all day and I have been creating some one of a kind wedding toppers just for this event. Common Folk is such a wonderful shop, if you haven't been there before you are in for a treat. Kathryn has such great taste and the shop reflects her artistic flair. There is something for everyone. She carries the entire Over the Top Studios line so come in and take a peek at the beautiful display she has put together.  I will be working almost exclusively on this event next week so I won't have a new project for you until after the event: don't worry I already have something fun in mind . By the way, thanks for all the great comments I have received regarding the SPRING BANNER project I posted last week. I am looking into teaching it at a local scrap booking store, if that works out I will post it on my blog with all the details.  By that time it may have to be a summer banner, but that's okay - we can just switch out the colors.

It is Good Friday today and Easter this Sunday, I hope all of you have a blessed weekend filled with family, friends good food and great conversation, but most of all hope - after all that is what this week is all about. Here are a few images to get you in the spirit.

Party Hats...not just for Birthdays anymore

This is a hat I have been working on for my daughters big dance invitational on February 7th. Seeing Valentines Day was right around the corner we decided to go with a "Love" theme. Our invitational is "Live, Love , Dance" and countless hours have gone into the event. It is our big fundraiser of the year. This hat sits about 18- 20" with the base. It is big but still wearable. I made a base on the bottom which showcases all the schools competeing. It will be a great memory for whoever wins the raffle. Yes, it will be raffled off.  Party hats are for all occassions and some of the best I have made were not for birthdays at all.

 

  

I love the way this turned out.

 

Some of the detail.

 

I love the little dove with a glittered tail and crown.

 

From behind - a series of satin bows and flowers.

 

 

The last shot. My husband's artsy shot done with his Lens Baby 3G.

 

There it is. I hope you love it as much as I do. I can't wait for the invitational and the raffle. I will make sure to get a shot of the winner and her prize.

Sneak peak for next week. I will be adding a photo album with past hats and a quick victorian Valentine cone you can make at home. Put one at each place setting and fill it with treats, your kids will love them.