notes from my nest: 6/8/08

This Week's Special Offer:

These easy to make butterflies from Martha make perfect Summer party decorations.

Add a little fun to bath time with these Soap Buddies. Tutorial provided by Plum Pudding.

Have you checked out Letterfu? Your kids can send letters without envelopes, cutting or glue!

Genny

Genny shares...

I live in California with my husband and two kids, ages 7 and 9. I've been married for 12 years, but my husband and I have been together since we met in high school swimming class.

I started my blog at the end of March, with the hope that it would become a place where others could stop by and “fill their cup”. My Cup 2 Yours is a place to share stories and insights, have a few laughs, and maybe even cry a few tears. I write articles focused on encouragement and inspiration, and share parenting stories and various tips. I also have a place in my sidebar where I share “green” products and ideas I've discovered. I typically posts 1 to 3 times a week and hope you’ll stop by for a “cup of coffee” soon!

I have had work published in magazines and newsletters, and some of my articles have appeared on various websites. I'm also a regular contributor at Faith Lifts, over at 5MinutesForMom.com. In addition, I'm an aspiring children’s writer and some of my children’s manuscripts have received awards. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, taking Pilates or Piloga classes, dancing, and reading good books.

Modern June is a collection of original designs by Kelly McCants. Please read on to learn more about Kelly and be sure to visit Modern June!

Meet Kelly...
I have been sewing for 27 years. I would have to say that my career started against my will. It started when my father would not let me take art class in 7th grade. Instead he took me to Sears, bought me my first sewing machine and insisted I take Home Ec. I am still so amused that got a D the sewing part of the class. I still can’t draw but I sure can sew. Later I started drafting my own patterns so I could make my funky 1980's wardrobe. I was in 10th grade and I could not afford to dress like Madonna.

I received a degree in Technical Theater and Fashion Merchandising and spent my twenties as a costumer for film and theatre. I enjoyed the fast pace of freelancing at some of the best regional theaters on the east coast. What I most enjoyed was being on a movie set. Doing wardrobe in that creative and chaotic environment was a blast - times I will never forget.

Today I am the stay-at-home mom of two great kids. I homeschool our children and strive everyday to create a balance between teaching, motherhood and my business. I have a great old home and a very cute husband.

Modern June started out as a simple creative outlet for a semi-desperate housewife. I had become anxious to do something that was just for me. I had also become obsessed with vintage aprons so I started selling my growing collection at the local farmers market. I could not bear to see them go so I drafted patterns of my favorite vintage aprons. By Christmas of that year I was making totes and a few aprons but everyone wanted more Modern June. Those patterns went to work.

Modern June is now sold in over a dozen brick and mortar shops across America and Canada, as well a few online boutiques. The best place to find Modern June is on Etsy!

Although we have left the days of June Clever behind, I believe there is a bit of housewife in all of us. Our homes ground us. It just sounds charming to have a nice, lovingly decorated home and to create wonderful meals for our happy family. This may not be our reality but we can dream.

Put on your apron and be creative!

My favorites from Modern June: