designing.....

Oldies but goodies................ I have made thousands of different belts over the last 7 years... these are some of my faves....

oh charleston....

Just spent the last few days in Charleston, SC.  I love this city!  It was my first time there and the people are friendly, the weather so nice, beautiful beaches and a food lover and shoppers dream!  Wanted to share some pics with you...  The main road for shopping is King Street and is just lined with shops and dining.  There are the usual chain stores but so many small unique boutiques where you will find one of a kind items.  One we stumbled upon is Nancy's at 342 King Street.  Nancy's is such a unique store with fun, different and fabulous clothing and accessories.  In the back is a small but great shoe shop called The Shoe Fairy where my daughter picked up an awesome pair of low fringe boots that are just like the Sam Edelman pair she wanted for over $200 but these were only $84 and actually, we liked these better!  The gals who run the shop are fun, friendly and I was drawn in by one of them wearing a belt that reminded me of my designs... so of course I pitched my line!  What else could I do?

If you get a chance, visit this great city.  It's filled with so much to do and so much history!

King Street Shopping....

happy sunday.....

creative pumpkins....

Been so busy lately and away from blog land!  Lots of work and just busy with life in general.  Getting ready for the fall and the cooler weather and came across these wonderful, creative ideas for decorating with pumpkins!  Personally I am not a big fan of the color orange in my house or even outside so these ideas from Better Homes and Gardens are right up my alley!

This is my favorite...

vintage inspirations.....

I love vintage!  It could be a vintage perfume bottle, a quilt, a piece of jewelry...just about anything.  There is something about the fact that it has a history to it.  I often wonder who wore it or owned it and what they were like.  Then again I think one day my belts and creations will be vintage too and wonder who might wear them a long time from now.  Just celebrated a birthday and next year is a biggie.....so realized I am kinda vintage too!  Here are some beautiful vintage inspirations....

results are in....

Since this blog is not just about my business but all things that are creative and make a woman beautiful inside and out,  I sometimes include beauty information.  Over a month ago I posted about a new product I found called Perfect C.  I had been reading how vitamin C applied topically can be very powerful and great for your complexion.  However, it degrades quickly when exposed to air.  This little product comes in two parts... a vial of vitamin C powder and a liquid that you mix together right before applying.  I have been using it for over a month now and must say I absolutely would recommend it.  My daughter was caught sneeking it on her complexion too and is now a fan.  It instantly tightens, lifts, firms and brightens your face.  Bye, bye to dark circles and puffy eyes!!   I use it morning and evening.  You can find it in CVS or other big chain drug stores.

creative lessons.....

Thought I would share with you a little story....

My 17 year old daughter loves to decorate her room....over and over and over and over.....again....!  We have repainted so many times and her room has been pretty much every color!  Friday she came to me and said she wanted to re-decorate her room..again!  Mind you, we just did it over in the last six months!  I can't keep up with the constant change of mind so I told her if she wanted it different she would have to use her own money (okay...I chipped in a bit) and get really creative and maybe make some things herself.  She loves the look of Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters and wanted a "boho" vintage looking kind of a 70's vibe.  Off we went to some thrift shops in search of some vintage fabrics that she could use to make some pillows and here is what she came up with!  Very creative and cool!

So the lesson.....Mom's money doesn't grow off trees to re-decorate every six months, so if you want a change, use some creativity and your own dough!  She really enjoyed every moment and was very proud when they were done!

Here are the fabrics and plain pillows before:

And here they are after!!

life's little instructions.....

time for comfort food....

Sorry I have been so busy and haven't been able to post anything lately!  Lots on my plate right now....including wanting this yummy comfort food on my plate!  It's a bit chilly today here in the Northeast with a high of only 65 degrees predicted so tonight should be perfect for a little pasta!  I love posting recipes and welcome comments if you make them or have a better version to share....

Find the recipe here at Southern Living

preserved on canvas....

Found this great little site Easy Canvas Prints where you can send them your own photo and they will put it on canvas to be hung on the wall... I just love this idea and think it would make a great gift!  It's a great way to preserve memories of places you've been, family and friends or your beloved pet...

They also offer thousands of stock photos on canvas like the ones shown below but I like the idea of having my own memories hanging around!  It's also a great idea if you do craft shows or make jewelry and accessories.  You can have photos of your work mounted on the canvas as a backdrop in your booth.  People will be able to see your past work and it might even result in an order for it!

lauren hampton handmade belt on canvas 

trunk show goodies....

The trunk show is officially on at Helen Ainson in Darien, Connecticut!  This evening at 5 pm they will be hosting "meet the designer" night until 8 pm.  You can come in and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and wine!  Mingle and share your custom ideas to create your own one of a kind piece!  Bring an old brooch, a necklace or any bauble that you may want to incorporate for your piece.  The weather looks like it's going to be good so come out and relax with the girls!

Belts on display....

Just made the center display tube yesterday...a great way to display my creations at a trunk show using a sona tube from Home Depot, some wooden dowels and covered with fabric!  

Lauren Hampton belt on display 

Hours of work goes into each show!  

There's a style for anyone....

eat, drink and design......

Looking forward to seeing you there tomorrow evening!!  Bring your special pieces of vintage jewelry or other baubles you would like incorporated into a one of a kind piece or just come and have some fun with the girls!

the happiness project....

I had over an hour to kill in the airport last week so I headed for the nearest bookstore to find something to read.  Normally I would pick up a couple fashion or decorating magazines, but I was in such a solemn mood heading to Florida to my dear uncles funeral, so I went towards the book section.  I guess I was looking for answers.  Answers to why he died so suddenly.  Answers to why I take my own life and the people around me for granted so much of the time.  Answers to why I am so frazzled all the time and cannot seem to enjoy life.... Then there it was, a book.....  The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  It was on the shelf in the best sellers section so I picked it up and knew instantly after reading the back cover that this was the perfect book for me.

Like so many of us out there we chase happiness through all kinds of "things" instead of really trying to find what it is that makes us happy.  Once I started to read Gretchen's book I realized that happiness is a decision!  I rarely ever recommend books but this book is just a great read.  It would be a great book to do with a group and I am actually reading it with my daughter.  I loved the movie, Eat, Love, Pray and that was based on the book that was about a woman's search for happiness and fulfillment but she ended up traveling around the world for a year!  I don't know many of us out there that have the luxury of just getting up and leaving our kids, families and jobs for a year so this book spoke to me.  This is about the author's year spent finding happiness right in her own home of New York City.  She didn't leave or go away on vacation.  Instead, she dedicated each month to a different challenge for improving herself and those around her.  It is filled with insight and will make you think about your own life and she sprinkles humor throughout the pages which make it a fun read as well.  It will make you want to start your own Happiness Project!

welcome september....

It's trunk show season again....  I have been busy working on a big trunk show for this Thursday in Darien, Connecticut at Helen Ainson.  I will be showcasing about 70 pieces of my work to include handmade one of a kind belts, necklaces, bracelets and evening bags.  The show begins Thursday evening at 5 pm and they will have refreshments....yum!  Also I will be there to meet and greet and clients and you are welcome to bring with you ideas you may have for a custom piece.  I have had clients give me old brooches or special pieces of jewelry that they wanted incorporated so feel free to bring your ideas!

A few of my new pieces.....

Lauren Hampton Handmade Belt

Lauren Hampton Handmade Belt

Lauren Hampton Handmade Agate Belt with Jeweled Center

Lauren Hampton Handmade Belt in Turquoise/Black & Silver

Lauren Hampton Vintage Look Handmade Belt 

I will only be there on Thursday evening but the show will run for a few weeks.... If you like something you see make sure you are there early because these are one of a kind.....

i smell fall in the air....

It's only a matter of weeks but you know what is coming....yes, it is that time again.  Time for crisp air, apple picking, raking leaves and all the nice things that come with the season.  Here are some inspirational ideas you may like for your home!

This photo courtesy of Old Town Florist is shown for a wedding but I think its gorgeous for my fall table for dinner every night!

A jar filled with the colors of fall and a candle.... what could be prettier and simpler?
Photo courtesy of Good Housekeeping 

Perfect little candle holders for tea lights on a crisp evening.. just hollow out the apples enough to fit the tea light...
Photo courtesy of Tumbler

stickers for grown ups...

This is the coolest site for grown up stickers!  Harmonie has wall/furniture stickers that look so awesome!  Just think how creative you can get with these things!  I love the one below which is shown on their website.....

This is the sticker...or peel off...or whatever you want to call it!

And here it is on a piece of furniture...love it!

feathers...

Feathers are literally everywhere this season..  Look around and you will see them on clothing, shoes, hats, shoes, earrings...etc...

Lauren Hampton One of A Kind Feather Belt

Lauren Hampton One of A Kind Feather Belt

These little lovelies will be in my upcoming trunk show this Thursday at Helen Ainson in Darien, Connecticut.   The trunk show begins at 5 pm that day and will run for a couple of weeks.  They are doing a meet the designer night with refreshments that evening from 5 pm to 8 pm.  Hope to see you there!