Accessories are such a great way to bring some individuality to your wedding day look. Sara Harris of Buttons N' Blossoms is a friend of a friend of mine who makes amazing one of a kind pieces. I happened to see some of her work on my girlfriend's facebook page and absolutely loved it! I know you'll feel the same. I'm so glad she agreed to share a little about herself and her business with us today!
Tell me a little about yourself-
Hi, I'm Sara Harris!
oh. and we both like Jesus. a lot. So, we have that going for us!
When I'm not working as an executive assistant for a real estate firm, out on a run, or baking my 3rd batch of cookies for the week, I find time to design blossoms for happy days, weddings, and special events!
When and why was Buttons N' Blossoms created?
If you've ever been to Central Oregon before, you would recognize the
simplicity of life that everyone adapts too while living here. There
aren't a lot of boutiques or large department stores. I love and hate this
at the same time.
When I was getting married last year, the details and embellishment that I
love so much was hard to find unless I drove across the mountain to the
big city. I became exasperated searching for the perfect veil when so few
existed. It finally got to the point when I just decided I would make a
hairpiece myself. I had so much fun doing this; I created blossoms for my
bridesmaids and flower girls as well!
After the wedding I realized how much I would miss the process. All the
planning, creating, and embellishing each little detail- I didn't want
this process to be over. That's when my girlfriends helped me realize it
didn't have to be! After much encouragement from my husband, friends, and
family, Buttons n' Blossoms was officially born in February of 2011.
It has become the creative outlet I so desperately needed. I wanted to
share my love for the little extras and pretty details that make any day
special. To my delight, others seem to like my handmade blossoms as well!
So, I keep having fun making them! In the process, I learn so much about
new techniques, designs, and styles unique to each individual person,
which I really love a lot!
What types of accessories do you make?
It really depends on the needs of the client. Originally, I started out creating just blossoms from old fabric and petals just for hair. It evolved when I couldn't find the colors and shapes of petals I desired and I began using vintage milliner's iron in order to shape my own petals with the fabrics I wanted. I learned a stiffening and cutting process before they are finally shaped, in order to get the final desired effect. This really helped me expand what I could do. I started making flowers to clip on handbags, belts, and even shoes!
It really depends on the needs of the client. Originally, I started out creating just blossoms from old fabric and petals just for hair. It evolved when I couldn't find the colors and shapes of petals I desired and I began using vintage milliner's iron in order to shape my own petals with the fabrics I wanted. I learned a stiffening and cutting process before they are finally shaped, in order to get the final desired effect. This really helped me expand what I could do. I started making flowers to clip on handbags, belts, and even shoes!
Adding feathers, lace, elastic, and French netting was the next hoop to jump through.After this, I began designing intricately hand beaded pieces with French netting and ribbons. This allows for a more elegant bridal look inspired from the 1920s era.
I am now delving into wedding garters and full bridal party bouquets and
boutonnieres completely designed with fabric flowers (the bouquets are a work in progress).
I really like doing custom orders for bridal parties. One of my favorite tasks is designing the bride's hair adornment, wedding garter, and then
having coordinating blossoms for all the bridesmaids, flower girls, and even boutonnières for the groomsmen. This way the whole wedding party comes together in a really wonderful way.
What inspires your creations?
I have been blessed with constant inspiration around me through the
flowing streams, majestic mountains, & colorful landscapes. I have a great
appreciation for textures, colors, and making ordinary things beautiful.
Often times, when I see the dress that will be worn with the piece, or I
can picture the setting it will be worn in, my head begins to fill with
tons of different routes we could take with numerous pieces that would
work.
I love looking in antiques shops and finding inspiration in the little
knickknacks that adds a dash of whimsy and vintage to the piece. The 1920s
was one of my favorite looks. I love the lace, creativity, and handmade
items that were made at the time. Lots of times, I find my inspiration
through old photos and styles from this age.
I have been blessed with constant inspiration around me through the
flowing streams, majestic mountains, & colorful landscapes. I have a great
appreciation for textures, colors, and making ordinary things beautiful.
Often times, when I see the dress that will be worn with the piece, or I
can picture the setting it will be worn in, my head begins to fill with
tons of different routes we could take with numerous pieces that would
work.
I love looking in antiques shops and finding inspiration in the little
knickknacks that adds a dash of whimsy and vintage to the piece. The 1920s
was one of my favorite looks. I love the lace, creativity, and handmade
items that were made at the time. Lots of times, I find my inspiration
through old photos and styles from this age.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Oh there are so many wonderful parts, it's hard to narrow it to just one
thing!
Believe it or not, my degree was in communications and marketing- not art.
I love the artistic aspect, but one of my favorite parts of my job is
creating my branding for the company. I love putting together displays in
shops that really reflects the nature of Buttons n' Blossoms. The people I
get into contact with because of my work being noticed, has helped me get
in touch with some really fascinating and creative individuals!
I would also say I love working with brides. I love sharing in their
excitement and being apart of making their day as unique as they are. Part
of why I like this aspect so much, is because I remember how much I loved
the creative design for my wedding and I love being able to do some of
that again. It brings me a lot of joy when I find the perfect button,
piece of lace, or bead that will fit their vision perfectly! I find a lot
of fulfillment in that.
Oh there are so many wonderful parts, it's hard to narrow it to just one
thing!
Believe it or not, my degree was in communications and marketing- not art.
I love the artistic aspect, but one of my favorite parts of my job is
creating my branding for the company. I love putting together displays in
shops that really reflects the nature of Buttons n' Blossoms. The people I
get into contact with because of my work being noticed, has helped me get
in touch with some really fascinating and creative individuals!
I would also say I love working with brides. I love sharing in their
excitement and being apart of making their day as unique as they are. Part
of why I like this aspect so much, is because I remember how much I loved
the creative design for my wedding and I love being able to do some of
that again. It brings me a lot of joy when I find the perfect button,
piece of lace, or bead that will fit their vision perfectly! I find a lot
of fulfillment in that.
Do you have a favorite piece that you have made?
Probably the one I made for Nicole Neu. Nicole was the Display Coordinator at Anthropologie in LA. She designed all the window displays and themes throughout the Anthropologie boutique stores. Nicole is SO artistic, SO creative, and really knew the feel she was shooting for! When she contacted me to help with her wedding, I was more than thrilled to help out, but a little intimidated! I knew the piece she had in mind would be
unique, different, and a new challenge! It took me quite a while to finish
everything, but well worth the result.
everything, but well worth the result.
I also really like Harmony, Margo, and Autumn. They are just my personal style!
Do you have any advice for other aspiring small business owners?
To small business owners, I would say it is well worth the journey! It may
be hard at first and everything has its ups and downs, but the fulfillment
you feel in doing what you really love is so worth it.
I feel the Lord has blessed me with certain talents and abilities and when
I can use my gifts and give it my all, I feel I am doing what I am called
to do and this brings me so much joy. It doesn't matter how much time I
end up putting in, because in the end it feels more like play than work,
and I love the process!
To small business owners, I would say it is well worth the journey! It may
be hard at first and everything has its ups and downs, but the fulfillment
you feel in doing what you really love is so worth it.
I feel the Lord has blessed me with certain talents and abilities and when
I can use my gifts and give it my all, I feel I am doing what I am called
to do and this brings me so much joy. It doesn't matter how much time I
end up putting in, because in the end it feels more like play than work,
and I love the process!
Sara, thank you so much for sharing about Buttons N' Blossoms!
You can find Sara's creations on her website www.buttonsnblossoms.com/
and on her Etsy store! www.etsy.com/shop/ButtonsnBlossoms
