Merry Christmas!

We have really enjoyed the family time of this season. We did the traditional see the lights in S.L.C. thing. We rode "tracks" which is always the highlight for the boys and for us because of them. It is always so nice to go to the "big city".

Christmas was more than leisure. It snowed all day long, the kind that gets down your neck and hurts your face if you look anywhere but at your feet. We stayed in. The kids didn't get up until 8:00 A.M. They are great kids!

Otherwise, it was perfect. I feel like we do well together. I tell Hank that I love him and no mater what, he says, "me too". I think that means he loves me too. Slade likes to tell me he loves Papa but not me. I don't care because he always gives me perfect cuddles.

We were talking about what our favorite things were and Hank said my most favorite thing was the desert. So to celebrate that fact and to remind us all that there are warmer days in our lives, I posted an Arches picture from October. It features my two kids and their cousin Harry.

Good evening!

I found Christmas!

I was able to help with costumes for our ward play this weekend. I wish I had pictures, if and when I get some, I will post them. It was a HUGE undertaking and involved incredible amounts of time for all involved. I feel so lucky to work with such great people! The experience had so many layers of goodness.

First, the story was how Mary and Joseph got themselves into such an interesting situation. They were played by a 14 year old Mary and a 15 year old Joseph. That in itself brought home the overwhelmingly crazy predicament. It broke down the story into such basic moments that could be understood by all and, more importantly, felt by all. By the way, the play was "Savior of the World". It is always so sweet to think of the real reason we do this "Christmas thing" and have moments when we celebrate it for what it is.

Second, the amount of people willing to help in such an active way. Just in my realm, I had help from countless people that made it actually work. We dressed at least 40 to 45 people and most had two changes during the hour long play. It was crazy amounts of fabric, so much I couldn't even estimate. This isn't my strong point, organizing people and giving them jobs. I usually just work in my little world quietly putting together a wedding gown or some other formal outfit. It was fun to be in a situation I am not used to and seeing it come together. Thanks to all of those wonderful women that helped so graciously.

Yes, I did shed a tear during the last song of "Silent Night" while sitting with my cute little boys that wanted to "come find Mama" by the second half of the play.

Here's to the true Christmas Spirit!

Jesse and Mitch

Mitch is the last sibling in my husband's family to be married. He found Jesse and they are a very cute, and very in love, couple! I was honored because they made a trip to Utah to get the dress done. I met Jesse when we had our first design meeting. It was an intense project that lasted a bit less than a week. I always have a great time working on dresses for out of town brides. For some reason the time limit and the pressure makes for a great gown. This dress is a silk satin with silver embroidery and beading at waist. One of these photo's have my great in-laws with the bride and groom.

Rissa's Dress

I've decided to post some past dresses until I get my web site going. Rissa was married at The Red Butte Gardens in Salt Lake City. I love the color of this gown and the hem is one of my favorites. Her wedding day was a bit stormy, but the photographer caught some great shots when the clouds broke. I wish I had that shot to show. Oh well.

Paper Dress 2nd Try

Here is the enhanced version of this dress. The boys and I spent hours looking for huge pearls but, alas, were unsuccessful. It will be interesting to see what comes next in this series. I have always noticed that if I allow myself to do a series of things, I surprise myself with the outcome. My goal is to display these as an installation in a modern environment. I am thinking birds flying the flowers from tree branches to the dress. Think of the mice and birds in Cinderella.

Halloween Boys

Thought I would post a cute photo or two of the boys. Like a true moose, Hank wouldn't dance and be happy. He really took the moose personality on and just stood there for the photos. Slade, though, threw down some moves. They chose their costumes pretty early in the game. I am loving Halloween so much more since the kids came along. We are having a great time.

Savanna's Gown

I just received some photo's of Savanna in her gown from Pepper Nix Photography. I really enjoyed working with this family. I was able to do bridesmaid's dresses for Savanna's brother's wedding and then Savanna's gown and her Bridesmaid's dresses as well. (Phew, did you follow that) This, all in one summer. I think this family is quite remarkable. I feel lucky to have gotten to know them. The mother, Susan, is the best party planner ever! I loved how she helped create these great receptions and kept the bride's desires forefront in her mind.

First blog


O.K. My friend Andi suggested that I make a paper wedding dress to use as a display item in an other's studio. I am not working on any other projects, so it sounded good to me. Scott, my husband, is wary of such a fruitless endeavor, but I am having fun. It has been great to be able to do what ever I want and use shapes that I can't talk brides into trying. This photo is of the dress how I would make it for someone to wear for her wedding... or a version of it. I will now make details over sized and add surreal elements to it. I finally get to order chandelier crystals on ebay, which has been something I have wanted to do, but couldn't justify. Ironically, I am justifying it with a paper dress. Silly me. Hopefully, very soon, I will post the final dress photos.