I Love that this blog affords me the opportunity to introduce you guys to some truly great talents and wonderful personalities. I'm thrilled to give you guys a glimpse into the darling world of Blondie Blu! Her blog is soaked is nostalgia and brimming with vintage fabrics that are to die for. She has sewing project DIY's, chronicles of her fabulous vintage finds, and she opens the doors to her amazing home and studio to let you in on the magic. And her Etsy shop is fantastic!
Again, I'm so happy to bring you this month's Feature Sponsor Blondie Blu!!
What is your name and what do you do?
My name is Helena Weber and my little business is named Blondie Blu. I also have a blog by the name of blondie blu and co. I just try to make pretty things (or at least things that I think are pretty) from vintage fabrics, linens, lace, buttons, etc. or from recycled goods. I've been sewing for over 20 years, and used to make much of my own clothing back in my "other" life, when I worked in a law firm. When I had my little girl, who was born very prematurely, her immune system was not very strong for the first 2 years, so I stayed home with her, which was wonderful. I enjoyed spending that special and magical time with her. I began sewing clothing for her, much of which was from vintage fabrics. I just loved the beauty of these old fabrics that had such soul to them. I began to sell custom children's clothing on line, and had such a wonderful and inspiring time doing so. Eventually as she grew, I began to branch out into sewing other wares – bags, pillows, wall hangings, etc. and my little business grew into Blondie Blu.
What/Who are you inspired by?
I am most inspired by the amazing women in my family – my Mom and her two sisters. They grew up during WWII and making due with what they had came very naturally to them. They all sewed and made beautiful clothing, drapes, upholstery – anything and everything. My Mom was especially thrifty and loved a good bargain. She could truly make something from nothing! As a little kid, I used to go with her to a little local antique/junk shop, where she would pick out different pieces of affordable furniture, take it home, strip it down and paint it or refinish it. The home I grew up in always looked beautiful thanks to my Mom, her talent and creativity.
Where do you create? home studio? kitchen table? sofa?
I have a little niche carved out for me in my home – one half of our very large master bedroom. There are skylights in the room and during the late morning and early afternoon, which is mostly when I work, the golden light bathes the room in a warm glow that is just the perfect atmosphere to feel creative in. I have 2 large desks set up with my sewing machine and serger, lets of shelves stacked with lace, doilies and buttons, and 2 large armoires filled to the brim with my vintage fabric treasures. Heaven!!
What are some of your fave movies/shows/bands/music?
I am a big fan of old movies – from the classics like "Casablanca" and "Gone With the Wind", to some lesser known ones like "Marty" with Ernest Borgnine (1955). Some newer movies I love are "Julie and Julia" and "It's Complicated". I don’t know what it is, but I could watch "It's Complicated" a dozen times and not get tired of it! I love a lot of classic rock bands like Van Halen and Aerosmith, funk bands like Spyro Gyra, Tower of Power and Earth Wind and Fire. I am a HUGE fan of anything Motown!!! Give me some Motown on the radio while I'm doing housework or driving in the car, and I am a happy girl! Some current musicians I love are Jack Black, Mumford and Sons and also Bruno Mars.
Do you collect anything?
Ha ha – well let's see, I "collect" vintage fabric, or would that be more like "hoard"? I also can never pass up a vintage Mary/Madonna vase if I see one at a thrift shop or estate sale. Just love them, and I find them so touching.
Favorite art/craft supplies?
Mod Podge Stiffy! Can't live without it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Five years from now, I would love to be writing my second (or third) craft, decorating, inspirational book. I would LOVE more than anything to write a book, and I have so many ideas. I would also love to have a little shop, perhaps in the back of a gypsy caravan or an old VW van.
Three favorite websites/blogs/shops...etc?
My 3 favorite websites/blogs are: Susan Branch (I absolutely love this woman, and she is such an inspiration); bluebird notes (Koralee is just the sweetest and so talented); and Aunt Peaches (original, quirky and just plain fun).
Anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you so very much to sweet Jenny for "spotlighting" me! It's been such a pleasure to be part of her lovely blog! XO
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It's the end of January, and me and Aaron have gotten off to a bit of a slower start than usual but we are falling into a rhythm now and have so much creativity to get out into the world. So stay tuned for that. And if you'd like to be a sponsor...by all means, drop me a line!
In the meantime I'd love for you guys to take a minute to visit Helena / Blondie Blu...introduce yourselves and take a peek into her fabulously vintage world! She's a sweetheart!
xo, Jenny