SophiaFredricka

Drop Cloth Suit

2012-02-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

I had the great pleasure of collaborating with fellow artist and friend Hugh O'Rourke on a super fun project. Hugh is a painter and sculptor here in NYC, you can view more of his work here. We met during my thesis art exhibit at NYU, as he works at the 80WSE gallery where I exhibited my installation. He knew my passion for sewing clothing and asked me to collaborate with him in making a suit out of his drop cloths from his studio. The idea of the suit came from famous artist Joseph Beuys' own sculpture Felt Suit.

The most challenging and most creative part of making the suit was laying out the pattern pieces. I had to find interesting areas on the drop cloth to create an interesting pattern effect on the suit. I kept Hugh's own work in mind while selecting which paint glob to use for the lapel or where to use the glued on pieces of newspaper.

I liked imagining what pieces of Hugh's art made the drops, splatters, and smears of paint, glue, and mixed media on the drop cloths.

Spaces Between Studio Show courtesy of Hugh O'Rourke

In the end I think the suit turned out really great! I made the suit to Hugh's measurements but the piece is meant to be hung on the wall as pictured below. Hugh was very excited when I brought the finished suit to him, I cannot wait to see it in one of his gallery shows, or maybe a fun photo shot of him wearing it! This project helped remind me of my interest in the meaning of clothing and the emotional response humans can have to sentimental clothing. This suit is a portrait of a painter, a garment made of the leftovers in the art making process. Anyone need a garment made for them from their own scraps?

posted by Sarah

Sweet handmade gifts for your sweetheart: Sneak Peek!

2012-02-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

We are making fun new Valentine-inspired gifts for our Etsy shop and are excited to share a sneak peek with you! Maybe you'll find something perfect for your sweetie (or yourself!).

Sarah made the perfect BFF gift. Two pairs of pink & purple heart earrings, one for you to keep and one to give to your BFF! They are super cute and now available on Etsy!

BFF Earrings on Etsy

Sarah also made a pair of heart and chain earrings perfect for your rockstar darling. Sweet -- and edgy!

Sweetheart Pink Heart and Chain Earrings - coming soon on Etsy

Christa has been busy creating new items from materials she has been collecting. Her current project is sweet little magnets made from bottlecaps and greeting cards.

Upcycled Bottlecap Magnets -- in our Etsy shop now!
Check them out, and watch for new designs coming soon.

posted by Christa & Sarah xo!

Still Life With Iris is coming to life!

2012-01-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

I feel like my life has been consumed by the world of 'Still Life With Iris' and I love it! I am designing the costumes for this magical play being performed at the Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo, MN. If you are in the chilly state in February you must go see it, it will warm your heart and dazzle your eyes!

STILL LIFE WITH IRIS
February 3rd -26th, every Thursday-Saturday 7:30 and Sundays at 2:00
To Order Tickets Call 763-493-8733
yellowtreetheatre.com

The costumes have been so much fun to design, you can see my costume renderings here. I started by doing a lot of research of images that created the feeling I wanted to convey through the costumes. The director Andy Frye and I met often to look at images and talk about each character. I then did my drawings to refine my vision and be able to start my search for each costume piece. I found a lot of costumes at my parents house (thanks for never throwing anything away!) and a variety of thrift stores in St. Cloud, Hutchinson, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Paterson, NJ! All of the clothes needed some sort of artistic tweaks or total reconstruction, but I would say 85% of the costumes are recycled, reused, or found materials. I feel really good about keeping my design eco friendly, which also adds to the charm of the clothes. Here is a sneak peek from the fittings I had with the actors...

Iris actress Mary

Leaf Monitor actress Sheila

Memory Mender actor Bruce

Mozart actor Nathan

3rd String actor Ryan

You can also watch a darling video Jason Peterson, artistic director, made of the costumes on Facebook. Thanks for the support and I hope you can see the show!

post by Sarah

Coffee and Q&A ~ Christa Haeg

2012-01-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a new SophiaFredricka exclusive series! Over the holidays, Sarah and I brainstormed some new content for our blog and one of the ideas is this new series! I will share with you the talents of one of our amazing artist or small business owner friends/family members via a blog post that takes a step inside their world. Coming up, you'll learn more about our painting, teaching, photography, graphic artist, quilting, restauranting, and jeweler connections. I've named the series "Coffee and Q&A" because I hope to meet with many of our talented friends in person, but if it doesn't work out, we'll just be sure to drink coffee when we are emailing about this series (or wine, if the interaction is in the evening!).

I'll kick it off by sharing my own story, and Sarah will be next. I'd love to know if there is anyone you know who might like to be included. I'd love to meet and interview more amazing people!

Christa Haeg
Chanhassen, MN
Photography, but also mixed media art and craft, and accessories
Christa Bahr Photography & SophiaFredricka
www.christabahr.com
In business for 10 years

A self portrait!
This is a watercolor I painted in college from
a photograph of myself when I was 6 months old.

I chose "Christa Bahr" because it is simply my maiden name, which I wanted to hang onto after being married. I own Christa Bahr, LLC, and www.christabahr.com so it will be around for a while! Sarah and I decided to name our co-creative business SophiaFredricka after our Grandmother, Bernice. Those are her two middle names and we think they are beautiful!

My creative work is a part time endeavor, but I wouldn't say it is just a hobby. I wrack my brain daily to come up with ways to make it my full-time gig in the future.

My preferred medium is photography and my favorite client is the Rieck family! I've photographed this family for over 4 years and love watching the boys grow. I am beginning a journey like this with other photo clients and know they will be favorites too!

A recent photo of the Rieck boys.

My favorite piece of art is a drawing I made for Joe, my husband, from a photograph we took together while on a motorcycle ride. The marks on the canvas are words from a poem I wrote.

This is a large (30x40" approx) drawing from a photograph. The photograph is the air cooler cover from Joe's motorcycle. You can see our reflection in the right side of the drawing. I took the picture and made a line drawing of it!

The most important lesson I've learned is that I'm a great planner, but following through, especially when things aren't working to plan, is critical to success. Sarah and I created an achievable plan for our Etsy shop in 2011 and it was a great success!

I find it a constant juggle/challenge to balance my full time job with family, art, and the daily things that keep the world turning like doing laundry and buying groceries and gas. I'd love to have a few clones, but I also love all the things I do each day. So, I make sure that I have fun with what I'm doing, or I stop; and I make sure that family is my top priority but know that creativity is an important source of sanity for me, so something I need to focus on each week too.

posted by Christa

New Projects & Products for the New Year!

2012-01-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful holiday with your loved ones and are enjoying the beginning of 2012!!

We are so happy we were able to donate $36 to the Make a Wish Foundation on behalf of everyone who made a purchase from our Etsy shop this holiday! Congratulations to the winners of our 12 Days of Christmas celebration and thank you for supporting SophiaFredricka, the handmade items on Etsy, and Make a Wish.

image from wish.org

Sarah and I are excited to bring some new ideas and projects to life in 2012 and look forward to unveiling them to you here and on Etsy! A few things in the works already are Sarah's amazing designs for Still Life With Iris at the Yellow Tree Theater in Osseo, MN which opens February 3rd, sweetheart refrigerator magnets by Christa, and beer/wine/coffee/tea cozies by Sarah. Stay tuned for pictures and more previews!

posted by Christa

Thank you for a fun 12 Days of Christmas!

2011-12-23T06:18:00.000-08:00

Happy 2 days before Christmas everyone! Thank you so much for a fun and festive 12 Days of Christmas celebration! We loved reading the posts and sending out the items everyone won. Thank you for the compliments on your new SophiaFredricka items!! We hope you have a happy and safe holiday filled with love!

image from christmaswow.com

xo Christa & Sarah

12th Day of Christmas: FREE Portrait Session

2011-12-22T05:34:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 12 Days of Christmas celebration! Today is the 12th Day of our Christmas celebration, which means it is also the last, and that Christmas Day is in 2 days!

Today we are celebrating by offering a second FREE photo portrait session to one lucky winner. Yesterday's winner was Jeff W! Congratulations Jeff, I'll email you with details!

Post a comment below to enter the contest. The winner will be announced and contacted tomorrow morning. Good luck!


Family portraits from this fall. See more in my Flickr sets.

Rules for today's free photo session contest:

Anyone can enter (even if you've won a previous SophiaFredricka contest).
Winner may select from the following portrait sessions: kids, family (kids + parents - may also include grandparents), graduating senior, engagement, pets, and others are available, just ask!
Winner may choose to apply a $200 credit to a half-day or full-day session (such as a wedding).
Session must take place in June-December, 2012.
Includes up to 2 hours of photography. If the session lasts longer than 2 hours, extra charges may apply.
Includes locations within 50 miles of Chanhassen MN but I am willing to travel farther. Extra charges may apply.
Includes a small print package, one to six of the following sizes: 4x6s, 5x7s, wallet sets, and 8x10s. More sizes and quantities may be purchased. Books and other printed products may also be purchased.

posted by Christa

11th Day of Christmas: FREE Portrait Session

2011-12-21T05:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 12 Days of Christmas celebration! Today is the Winter Solstice (least amount of sunshine for us, turn on those Christmas lights!) and the 11th Day of our Christmas celebration!

Today we are celebrating by offering a FREE photo portrait session to one lucky winner. Post a comment below to enter the contest. The winner will be announced and contacted tomorrow morning. If you don't win today, we will be giving away a second session tomorrow so be sure to enter again! Good luck!

Recent session with my little friend Jackson!
See some of my other portraits on Flickr.

Rules for today's free photo session contest:

Anyone can enter (even if you've won a previous SophiaFredricka contest).
Winner may select the following portrait sessions: kids, family (kids + parents - may also include grandparents), graduating senior, engagement, pets, and others are available, just ask!
Winner may choose to apply a $200 credit to a half-day or full-day session (such as a wedding).
Session must take place in June-December, 2012.
Includes up to 2 hours of photography. If the session lasts longer than 2 hours, extra charges may apply.
Includes locations within 50 miles of Chanhassen MN but I am willing to travel farther. Extra charges may apply.
Includes a small print package, one to six of the following sizes: 4x6s, 5x7s, wallet sets, and 8x10s. More sizes and quantities may be purchased. Books and other printed products may also be purchased.

posted by Christa

10th Day of Christmas: FREE GIFTRWRAPPING

2011-12-20T04:32:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 12 Days of Christmas celebration!

Today we are celebrating by gift wrapping all items purchased in our Etsy shop TODAY! No need to post a comment below, we'll wrap your items automatically. Two more days of of our Christmas celebration!! The next two featured items are family photo sessions. Watch for the new posts tomorrow and Friday and good luck!

Image from brunchatsaks.blogspot.com

posted by Christa

9th Day of Christmas: 90% off Vintage Button Earrings

2011-12-19T04:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 12 Days of Christmas celebration! Yesterday's winners were Erin and Sarah (we had to have two, check out the comments to see why). Congrats!!

Today we are celebrating our 9th Day of Christmas by offering 90% off Vintage Button Earrings to one lucky winner. Post a comment below to enter the contest. The winner will be announced and contacted tomorrow morning. Good luck!

posted by Christa

8th Day of Christmas: 80% off Purses

2011-12-18T07:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 12 Days of Christmas celebration! Yesterday's winner was RaeAnne. Congrats!!

Today we are celebrating our 8th Day of Christmas by offering 80% off a Purse to one lucky winner. Post a comment below to enter the contest. The winner will be announced and contacted tomorrow morning. Good luck!

I stitched the tomato pin cushion applique onto this vintage coin purse for a cute and unique look.
We have a few other designs and styles available in our Etsy shop - check them out!

posted by Christa

7th Day of Christmas: 70% off Floral Hair Clips

2011-12-17T04:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 12 Days of Christmas celebration! Yesterday's winner was Erin K, congrats!!

Today we are celebrating our 7th Day of Christmas by offering 70% off any one of the Floral Hair Clips in our Etsy shop to one lucky winner. Post a comment below to enter the contest. The winner will be announced and contacted tomorrow morning. Good luck!

Here are a few sneak peeks:

This turquoise mum definitely makes a statement, but is simple enough to wear every day too!

This is a sweet little arrangement, perfect for a holiday accessory.


Add a unique spin to Christmas with a red butterfly!

posted by Christa

6th Day of Christmas: 60% off Framed Floral Photos

2011-12-16T05:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 12 Days of Christmas celebration! Yesterday's winner was Jean. Yay & congrats!!

Today we are celebrating our 6th Day of Christmas by offering 60% off Framed Floral Photos to one lucky winner. Post a comment below to enter the contest. The winner will be announced and contacted tomorrow morning. Good luck!

I photographed these pretty bleeding hearts in my Grandmother's garden.
This photo would make a great gift for your sister, mom, daughter, or yourself.
Perfect for the livingroom, bedroom, bathroom, or office desk!
Check out all the framed floral photos in our Etsy shop.

posted by Christa

5th Day of Christmas: 50% off Fiber and Wood Jewelry

2011-12-15T05:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 12 Days of Christmas celebration! Yesterday's winner was Adrianne. Congrats!!

Today we are celebrating our 5th Day of Christmas by offering 50% off Fiber and Wood Jewelry to one lucky winner. Post a comment below to enter the contest. The winner will be announced and contacted tomorrow morning. Good luck!

These earrings will brighten your day!
Check out all the fiber and wood jewelry in our Etsy shop!

posted by Christa

4th Day of Christmas: 40% off Headbands

2011-12-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 12 Days of Christmas celebration! Yesterday's winner was Katya. Congrats!!

Today we are celebrating our 4th Day of Christmas by offering 40% off a Headband to one lucky winner. Post a comment below to enter the contest. The winner will be announced and contacted tomorrow morning. Good luck!

How fun to have this cute butterfly perched in your hair!
This is just one of the headbands available, check out all of them in our Etsy shop!

posted by Christa

Vintage button earring preview!

2011-12-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the amazingly creative suggestions from our Start Something That Matters contest, I put together a sweet little line of vintage button earrings and am so excited I want to give you a sneak preview! These will be going in our Esty shop this week and featured in our 12 Days of Christmas celebration on Monday, December 19th!

posted by Christa

3rd Day of Christmas: 30% off Mobile Earrings

2011-12-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 12 Days of Christmas celebration! Yesterday's lucky winner was Anita Smithson. Congrats Anita!!

Today we are celebrating our 3rd Day of Christmas by offering 30% off Mobile Earrings to one lucky winner. Sarah created these earrings after seeing Alexander Calder's work in Venice. They are made of hand wrapped wire and hand cut vinyl. They are so much fun to wear, perfect for someone who likes to make a fashion and art statement. Post a comment below to enter the contest. The winner will be announced and contacted tomorrow morning. Good luck!

Sarah's Mobile Earrings. There are lots of colors available! Check them out in our Etsy shop.

posted by Christa

2nd Day of Christmas: 20% off Garden Art

2011-12-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 12 Days of Christmas celebration!

image from myfreebiesanddeals.com

Today we are celebrating our 2nd Day of Christmas by offering 20% off the spiders currently available in our Garden Art shop section to one lucky winner. Alternatively, the winner may request to use the 20% off later in 2012 when we will have many new items. Our master designer and welder (and our dad!!) has new items in the works but they won't be ready until springtime. Post a comment to enter the contest. The winner will be announced and contacted tomorrow morning. Good luck!

posted by Christa

12 Days of Christmas with SophiaFredricka!

2011-12-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

TODAY IS DAY 1! If you'd like to pick a FREE ITEM from our shop, leave a comment and your email address below. We'll randomly pick a winner at the end of the day and let you know tomorrow by 9am. Good luck!!!

Sarah and I are so excited for Christmas, mostly because we get to see each other, it's been over 4 months and I'm almost 6 months pregnant so I look quite different!! But we are also excited to get together with family and friends, sit by the fire and drink hot cocoa, go sledding and skating and skiing and sleigh-ing, exchange gifts, and dream up new projects for 2012!

We love our SophiaFredricka customers and want to celebrate with you too! So, we created a series of featured items and promotions to celebrate the 12 days leading up to Christmas (we moved it ahead a couple days so we're not actually holding promos ON Christmas Eve or Day, for your convenience and ours!).

image from myfreebiesanddeals.com

Here's the details:
In the next 12 days, we'll feature a new item or promotion in a new blog post. If you're interested in the promotion, post a comment on that post. At the end of each day, we'll randomly choose a winner and announce who it is on that blog post by 9am the next morning. We'll email the winner a code to redeem the promotion at our Etsy shop (so be sure we have your email address in order to be eligible to win!).

Day 1, Dec 11th: a FREE item - your pick! (excludes garden art and quilted items)
Day 2, Dec 12th : 20% off garden art
Day 3, Dec 13th: 30% off a pair of mobile earrings
Day 4, Dec 14th: 40% off a headband
Day 5, Dec 15th: 50% off a pair of fiber and wood earrings or a necklace
Day 6, Dec 16th: 60% off a framed flower photo
Day 7, Dec 17th: 70% off a floral hair clip
Day 8, Dec 18th: 80% off a purse
Day 9, Dec 19th: 90% off a pair of button earrings (coming soon!)
Day 10, Dec 20th: free gift wrapping on all items purchased today
Day 11, Dec 21st: free family portrait session & print package (up to 20 prints)
Day 12, Dec 22nd: free family portrait session & print package (up to 20 prints)

Rules: Individuals can enter one time each day. If there is more than one comment by the same person, we'll count the first comment when randomly choosing the winner. Individuals can only win once. Prizes can be "gifted" to another person. Prizes must be redeemed by Dec 31st 2011 unless otherwise indicated in the blog post for that day.

We hope you're excited about how we decided to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas with you!

posted by Christa

Luke at the Newark Museum

2011-12-06T17:15:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday I had the pleasure in accompanying my friend Luke Hayes to the Newark Museum to see his art on view. Luke makes quilts and they are works of art, amazing layers of colors and textures creating photo realistic portraits. The Newark Museum purchased his 'American Gothic' queen sized quilt and it is now on display with multiple historic and significant quilts in an exhibition called 'Patchwork: from folk art to fine art'. Luke and I had a wonderful day with our friend Ariel and meeting up with the curator Ulysses who gave us a private tour of the museum, saving Luke's piece for dessert. It was well worth the wait! His quilt looked great in the gallery and was definitely an eye catcher. Ulysses said people will jump when they see it, because the image is so realistic they think there are actually two people standing there.

Luke standing next to his 'American Gothic' at the Newark Museum

a view of the exhibit and Ulysses, Luke, and Ariel

detail of 'American Gothic' courtesy of Luke Haynes

With all Luke's quilts, he uses recycled clothing as his fabric, mixing patterns, textures, and fiber content. He then creates high contrast portraits of himself, friends, historical figures, or everyday objects and machine appliques them on top of a traditionally designed quilt background. The result is a 2-D domestic object filled with depth and meaning, contemporary with a sense of strong history. You can see more of his work and read all about him here and on his blog.

A self portrait of Luke entitled 'Tradition' photo courtesy of Luke Haynes

posted by Sarah

A winner has been chosen: "Start Something That Matters" by Blake Mycoskie

2011-12-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

"Thank you!" to everyone who stopped by our blog, read my review of Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie, Chief Shoe Giver and Founder of TOMS, and especially those of you who left comments! I loved ALL the ideas so much, Sarah and I have a lot to work with for our upcoming projects.

image from couponfrugality.com

The winner of Blake's book and the first edition of her suggested item is Erin! She suggested inspirational quotes in antiqued frames. What a great idea, and a unique twist to some of the framed photos I previously had available in our Etsy shop. I'm planning to put together some fun new items that will be available in early 2012.

I was so inspired by the other suggestions that after a little dreaming, sketching, and playing with my art room supplies, I created a sweet little line of button-jewelry! Each of the the ladies who left a comment will be receiving some new button-jewelry as a thank you and I plan to add some of these to our Etsy lineup too.

If you ever have new ideas or would like your own custom item made by Sarah or myself, don't wait for another book contest! Contact either of us and let's put our creative caps on - it's what we love to do!!

posted by Christa

FIT

2011-12-03T19:41:00.001-08:00

Today I went to the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum with my good friend Mary. FIT always has something interesting in their two fantastic galleries. Today we saw The Great Designers: Part 1 which had a lovely collection of clothing designed by fashion icons such as Coco Chanel and Isabel Toledo. One of my favorites was a dress by Boudicca. It was a very structured yet simple ensemble from their fall 2006 collection.

Boudicca, fall 2006, photo courtesy of FIT

The second and larger gallery had an exhibition featuring the wardrobe of fahionista Daphne Guinness. I am still unsure who this woman is, why she is famous, and why she has so much money to be a couture clothing collector, but her taste is very exquisite, risque, and avant garde. Many of her pieces are designed by the legend Alexander McQeen so it was great to see so much of his work up close and personal. The layout of the exhibit was very dramatic yet allowed the viewer to see many sides of each garment with the use of mirrors and transparent walls. Most of her collection is black, white, or red, full of structured details, beads, and rhinestones, and most of her shoes are fashionably made without heels. I loved the show, but am glad I don't have the need to wear sequined cat suits and platform shoes everyday. If you didn't make it to the MET to see Alexander McQueen's exhibit last spring you must go to FIT to see this exhibit, it's free and way less crowded and make you appreciate the ease of wearing sneakers, jeans, and a t-shirt.

Daphne Guinness, photo courtesy of fashionindie.com

Nina Ricci shoes, photo courtesy of FIT

posted by Sarah

Sneak peek: hair accessories for the holidays!

2011-11-19T04:41:00.001-08:00

I am giddy-excited to give you a sneak peek of these festive hair accessories! It was so fun to shop for the supplies, create the designs, and assemble these sparkly, colorful pieces. I wore one that I made for myself to work yesterday and received TONS of compliments. I can't wait to get these into our Etsy shop and see who gets to own and wear them this holiday!

I'd love to hear from you, what color scheme is your favorite to wear? What makes your hair and eyes sparkle? Or what would you absolutely HAVE to buy as a gift for that special girl/lady in your life?

posted by Christa

Book review: Start Something That Matters, by Blake Mycoskie, Chief Shoe Giver at TOMS

2011-11-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

As an official participant in TOMS' "Books for Bloggers Program", I read Start Something That Matters, am telling you what I learned, and am giving a second book away (along with a handmade item from my Etsy shop), FREE! Find out how to win the free book below.

I am impressed with Blake's background (he has been described as a serial entrepreneur - how cool!) and his tenacity (figuring out how to make shoes in another country and then ship them to the US to market them, with no background in manufacturing, fashion, or anything else related to his mission at TOMS - that takes drive!). It just goes to show that if you have an idea and are willing to find the right people and ask them to help you, you can make any dream come true. At first, Blake just wanted to help kids, but this became so big that it's now his full time gig!

More than once I was brought to tears (read the story about Pam on page 49, and the section on Trust). Blake's parents obviously taught him to think with his heart AND his head, and to be guided by his soul. As a new parent, that's something I hope to teach my kids. The stories about his family also helped me remember how dear my family and friends are, and that they are truly my greatest treasures.

I've been inspired to take action! My sister and I have a small business where we re-purpose materials into something new and usable. We want to do more, so this holiday we are donating $1 for every purchase to Make a Wish Foundation. We hope to make a small difference now, and make this idea grow.

Want to read the book and be inspired?? Enter to win a FREE book, & a FREE SophiaFredricka item!!

How to enter the contest:
1. Visit our online shop
2. Post a comment to this post (below) with a suggestion for a NEW ITEM IDEA
3. The winner will receive a copy of "Start Something That Matters" AND the first edition of the item they suggested

Forward this to others who would like to read it and enter the contest!

See what others are saying about the book:
Helen's Book Blog
Wall Street Journal
Huffington Post
LA Times

SophiaFredricka "Start Something That Matters" contest rules:

Comments must be posted to this blog post by midnight November 30th, Central Time.
Winner will be chosen and notified by Friday December 2nd.
Winner needs to respond with shipping address and whether they'd like their name shared by Sunday December 4th, 2011 or they forfeit the book and their item. A new winner will be selected.
Winner needs to have a valid shipping address.
Winner will be announced on the SophiaFredricka blog on Monday December 5th.
Prize will be shipped via FedEx by December 12th, 2011 using standard shipping.
All rights to the new ideas are reserved by Christa Haeg, Christa Bahr, LLC., and SophiaFredricka with no obligation to acknowledge or pay any type of fee to the contest Entrants or Winner.
No cash value.
Void where prohibited.

posted by Christa

Great gift ideas for kids

2011-11-16T11:51:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's easy to find the perfect gift [or gifts!] for kids. But sometimes you're looking for something special and it can be a challenge! I poked around Etsy and found great gifts available this holiday season!!

Check out my favorite gifts for sweet little girls ...

by gush4plush

and my favorite gifts for busy little boys !

by ArmadilloDreams

While you're at Etsy, check out the latest in our shop: SophiaFredricka! We have lots of new items for the holiday and free shipping on your second item. Happy shopping!

posted by Christa

'Still Life With Iris' Costume Renderings

2011-11-12T16:06:00.000-08:00

I am working on an exciting project with Yellow Tree Theater in Osseo, Minnesota. Yellow Tree Theater was started three years ago by Jason and Jessica Peterson, University of Minnesota Duluth alumni and my classmates. They invited another fellow UMD alum Andy Frye to direct a show this season, he chose the magical play Still Life With Iris, and asked me to be the costume designer.

This is a big undertaking me being in New York and all the actors, other designers, and theater in Minnesota, but I love the play and my friends so much I couldn't turn it down. Still Life With Iris opens in February 2012 and runs from the 3rd through the 26th Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30pm and Sundays 2pm. If your in the area you need to check it out!

I am sharing some of my costume renderings I did for the play and you can check out all my costume renderings in my online gallery here.

Now, Still Life With Iris is a fantasy children's show with a dark twist. There are three worlds that I decided to design vastly different.

Nocturno is a land where everyone who lives there works during the night to create things we see in our everyday life. For example there is a Flower Painter, Rain Maker, and Thunder Bolt Bender. Each person wears a coat that holds their memory, if they get a rip in their coat they will forget something and if they take it off they lose their memory completely. I designed the coats with DIY handmade style and my family in mind, cozy, colorful, full of little details, trims, and buttons.

The Goods are the rulers of Nocturno and they get what they want. What they want is the best of everything. So this means the best chair, the best shoe, the best little girl and so on. They are dangerous, mentally unsound, and intoxicatingly sexy. They wear formal high fashion garments that are sleek and a bit off putting.

The Tunnel of the Unwanted is where everything goes that no one wants. This includes three colorful characters Captian Also, Third String, and Ray. They each have a sad story of how they came to the tunnel and hold a nasty grudge against anyone they meet. They wear their most prize possesions on their back and resemble horders with their collections of unwanted items.

posted by Sarah

Something special about handmade: yo-yo quilts, wall quilts, and tablerunners

2011-11-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

There's something special about handmade items for the creator and for the recipient. These items often hold special meaning and energy. And I think the more time and skill required, the more special they are!

Our Mum creates amazing handmade quilts using her own imagination, patterns, and ideas from others. She has a few of her items for sale on Etsy. The most popular right now are the yo-yo quilts and you can see why! Yo-yo's are so fun and playful!

Closeup of Mum's floral tablerunner

Posted by Christa

DIY furniture: give a table a new look

2011-11-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

I recently bought this table at a local garage sale for $3. It is in great shape and was made locally in Minnesota. I think the curved drop-leaf sides give it great character and I couldn't resist it even thought I thought the wood was terribly boring. I brought it home and got to work on changing that!

I disassembled all the hardware and put it in an old cake pan. Then I wiped down the sides of the table and leaves. I sanded the surfaces I planned to paint (basically everything except the bottom/inside. Then I painted it a medium yellow (I almost painted it red, but was painting some cabinet doors yellow, so I used the same paint). After I painted everything and gave it a chance to dry for a few days, I got to work on antiquing the table. It's really simple - I just added a black walnut stain with a clean cotton rag, let it dry for a few minutes, and wiped it off. I let the stain dry for a few days and put the table back together (Joe helped with this part).

I'd love to know what you think! Would you take on this project or like something like this in your home? It's totally our style. I'm curious how unusual that is!

DIY and found on Etsy: Halloween Decor!

2011-10-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

Halloween is right around the corner, are you ready for this fun and spooky holiday? I came up with a fun theme for the three of us this year - I think it will be a hit!

Here are some fun and inspiring decoration ideas for your house, yard, or your moster bash if you're hosting this year.

Our creepy, crawly, and cute golf ball spider with industrial nail legs. http://www.sophiafredricka.etsy.com/

spooktakular outdoor decorations

a plethora of creepy-crawlies to make anyone's skin crawl

the ultimate collection of Halloween garden art

friendly and scary 8-legged friends

a creative collection of handmade gothic items

eco-friendly meets creepy

by Christa

DIY: Pullover Sweater into a Cardigan

2011-09-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my favorite DIY fashion sewing projects: making a pullover sweater into a cardigan. I love cardigans because they are so easy to layer and taking them off means I don't have to take off my glasses or wonder what does my hair look like now! I have broken down the steps so you too can change that lovely sweater you never wear into you new favorite piece of clothing!
This is also just in time for my class ReClaim Your Closet I am teaching at the Textile Arts Center in Brooklyn on Saturdays in October. There is still room if you want to sign up and learn hands on sewing techniques to alter your own clothes.

Step 1: Make bias strips from fabric

My favorite technique in making a cardigan sweater is to use a knit fabric and cut bias strips to use as a binding around the cut edge of the sweater. Bias is the true diagonal 45 degree of fabric. You can easily find it by using a a ruler and a square. Draw diagonal lines the length of your sweater from neck to hem plus 2" of seam allowance. Each strip should be 3 wide.

Step 2: Stitch on either side of the center front of sweater

Find the exact center of the front of your sweater by laying it flat on a table and measuring equally from each side seam to center. Make a line of pins from neck line to hem.

Stitch on either side of the pin line with a size 3 stitch length. Then cut directly in between the two stitch lines. This will be your opening of your new cardigan.

Step 4: Bind the cut edges with the bias strips

Start by laying the bias strips face down on the right side of the sweater lining up the cut edges. Pin the strips to the sweater and stitch the bias to the sweater. Stitch about a half inch away from the cut edges.

Now it is time to bind the edge of the sweater. Wrap the bias strip around to the inside of the sweater and tuck under a half inch of seam allowance. Pin as you fold under the seam allowance, then switch the pins to the right side of the sweater. Pin right along the edge of the bias making sure to catch the bias fold on the inside of the sweater.

Stitch right along the pin line, right where the the sweater and the bias meet. The stitches should catch just the edge of the bias fold on the underside.

Step 5: Last step hand stitch ends of bias

Trim the ends of the bias and tuck them inside. Then hand slip stitch the ends shut and give it a good press with an iron and your done!

Now you have a super cute cardigan sweater!

Stay tuned for more re-fashion DIY tutorials!

posted by Sarah

Art sale success & new items on Etsy!

2011-09-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

The art sale at Rhonda's house during Waconia's Nickle Dickle Days was a success! I sold 4 floral hair pieces and my Dad sold 2 garden art pansies (I know that doesn't sound like much, but people are usually lookers, not buyers, at small festivals like this - we had low expectations!). Rhonda sold many of her fantastic signs and her husband Tim sold just about every jar of salad dressing he made. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit, and to those who sent good thoughts our way.

The floral hair pieces that didn't sell are now available in our SophiaFredricka Etsy shop! Be sure to check our Etsy shop for these and other new, recently posted items. Here's two of them:

posted by Christa

New Senior Photos: Lauren!

2011-09-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

I shot some amazing senior portraits yesterday at my beautiful in-law's house in the south metro. Lauren is a beautiful girl and her pictures are stunning! We had a lot of fun trying out all the options my in-law's property has to offer. Lauren also picked out some great outfits that compliment her skin and hair color and went so great with the natural setting.

Check out a few of my favorites below!
Posted by Christa

A nice breeze came through at just the right moment to give her a "model hair" look!

This truck offered a really unique setting. It's not the only piece of rust on the property, but this one has a unique grill that complemented Lauren's outfit. Doesn't this just look like a CD album cover??

This soft red shirt brought out Lauren's natural warm skin tones and complimented the brick on the house. I love this pose!

Lauren is a natural! This is a great shot with the combination of tin and brush in the background.

Local art fair: come see me and other artists in Waconia Sept 17th!

2011-09-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

Next Saturday is Waconia's annual town festival: Nickle Dickle Days. There is a TON to do including: an antique car show, local retail sidewalk sales, live music and entertainment, and an arts and crafts fair. It's always fun and bustly, but not too crowded.

I'll be at Rhonda Tesch's house (100 E Main Street - right across from the park) with my new floral hair pieces. I just finished the last few this week and finished my display with pretty caramel colored ribbon today. Rhonda will be selling her beautiful home decor painted signs, and a few other artists will have great items for sale at her house. Come check us out and be sure to say 'hi'!

Posted by Christa

Here's my floral hair clips and headbands. What do you think? I hope it's a good variety and that they sell, sell, sell!

NYC Fashion Week 2011

2011-09-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

Even though I love clothes and live in NYC I have never been to a fashion week event. This week I changed that and went to the Textile Arts Center's Manhattan space for a (Sustainable) Fashion Nights Out event. It was less flashy than most of the fashion events in NYC, but thats why I liked it so much, also they are promoting sustainable fashion trends which supports people making changes in there everyday life to help keep the earth cleaner and happier. There were multiple eco-friendly designers selling their wares made from recycled and earth friendly materials. Beautiful clothes, but of course way out of my budget. One eco-friendly designer I am obsessed with right now is Erin Considine who makes lovely fiber and metal jewelry using sustainable and organic materials.

Erin Considine's bracelets, you can buy selected designs here

I like to stay up to date on the latest emerging designers and sustainable fashion through my favorite blogs:

Ecouture

Of a Kind

Craft

posted by Sarah

Listen To Your Mother

2011-09-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

I was reading our blog and was inspired by Christa's post on how to make a cute hair clip display using a large picture frame and ribbons tied around it. She was inspired by our Mom who suggestion the project. I took my Mother's advice and twisted it into my own project! I am an avid jewelry collector and maker so I need a lot of space for my jewelry. I used a wood frame covered in window screen mesh that I found at work in the throw away pile as my base.

Then I attached a wide ribbon at different levels to accommodate bracelets, barrettes, short necklaces, and long necklaces. I attached the ribbon using a staple gun and made sure the ribbon was really tight to hold up all my heavy jewelry!

I am really pleased with the final look! I am glad I used a brown ribbon so my colorful jewelry stands out, I used a red ribbon to hang it on a fun turquoise 3M sticky hook, perfect if you can't hammer nails into your walls.

posted by Sarah

Check out the High Line in Chelsea NYC

2011-08-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of inhabitat website

I recently re-visited the High Line in Chelsea and was surprised to see the immense progress made on the project. The High Line once was a elevated train track that ran along the Hudson River, now it is a renovated walking path and park filled with beautiful plants, innovative architecture, and gorgeous views of the city. The architects and landscapers involved incorporated the original rails into the design and only planted vegetation that would naturally grow there. The first portion, which runs along 10th Avenue between 14th Street and 20th Street, was opened to the public a couple years ago, now it goes until 26th Street!

photo courtesy of the High Line website

It is such a unique place in the city, fairly quiet and quite serene with many benches to sit and ponder. It is quite a gem in a city full of things to see!

photo courtesy of the High Line website

posted by Sarah

New Senior Photos: Ross!

2011-08-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

Ross and I had a great photo session today! I used my Canon EOS digital rebel and both my wide angle 10-24mm lens and standard 28-90mm lens. The weather was perfect (overcast and cool-ish) and we both had great ideas for locations and poses.

Posted by Christa

Ross, like most high school seniors, is proud of his ride, so we took it to a local parking ramp to get a few cool pictures.

Then we stopped at the railroad tracks nearby and got some awesome shots.

Ross spotted the perfect old warehouse with a loading dock where we got a few unique photos.

The loading dock offered a really cool setting - you can't even tell how filthy it is!

Then we headed back to Ross's house and got some great images with the trees, landscaping, and pond as the backdrop.

I posted a few of my favorites in this post - I'd love to hear what you think! Ross and I talked about the pros and cons of guys smiling in photos. What do you think? Did we capture the essence of Ross without making him look too giddy about graduating?

I also have to mention that we got a few great shots with Ross's sister Melanie. I had the privilege of photographing Melanie's senior portraits a few years ago - and we got a few great brother-sister shots today too! Looks like a great holiday card!

Local art fair: Volksfest & Art Fair in Victoria, MN

2011-08-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I swung by the sweet little town of Victoria, MN to check out their annual Volksfest & Art Fair and I was really impressed with the number of kids activities: gymnastics mats, a rock climbing wall, a dunk tank, and face painting, just to name a few! The kids weren't the only ones having fun though - there were many food and beer tents and a wide variety of artists. The weather was perfect and the fair seems to be growing - I recommend you mark your calendars and attend next year!

One of my favorite TJ Brecht items.

One of my favorite booths was TJ Brecht's handmade furniture. You can check out a few of their items on their website, but I must say it doesn't do them justice! Their booth was very eye-catching and they have really unique, striking items including tables, small hutches, shelves, grandfather clocks, and more. Take a peek and let us know what you think. Don't you just love their pieces?

Posted by Christa

How to create a business name and logo (and how we created ours!)

2011-08-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

Christa and I have been asked how we came up with our name 'SophiaFredricka' and what inspired the logo design so we thought we'd share it with all of you here!

Our Grandma Bahr had two beautiful middle names, Sophia and Fredaricka. She was a creative crafter and Christa and I have many fond memories making fun things with her. Naming our business after her is a great fit because of the family tie and special meaning, and SophiaFredricka has a beautiful and memorable ring to it (although, there is one downside, it can be challenging to remember exactly how to spell it - we changed the spelling to make it a tiny bit easier).

When we started talking about the logo design, we both knew we wanted the words 'SophiaFredricka' to be prominent. We also knew we wanted something simple yet eye-catching which encompassed our concept of tradition and handmade. Together, we created the idea of an intricate frame around our name like a picture frame around a formal family portrait. We both drew a bunch of little frames in our sketch books. Christa looked over at what I drew, and pointing at one in particular said, "Thats it! It's perfect!" It was a decorative, swirly frame that had a charming hand drawn look. Then Christa wrote out 'SophiaFredricka' in her pretty hand writing.

We scanned the hand drawn images and used Photoshop to give the frame a color and add background color. Christa resized the frame and the words to fit nicely together and prepared them for our Etsy shop and blog headers. Voila - a great, customized name and logo! You can do it too, all you need is an idea, paper, pen, scanner or digital camera, and Photoshop. We'd love to know, do you have a creative business name or logo design up your sleeve? We'd love to hear your ideas!

posted by Christa and Sarah

DIY Craft Ideas: stroller fun and a great hair piece display

2011-08-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

I am excited to share a couple of today's projects with you (there is one more in progress - details coming soon!). They were so fun, fast, and easy, I made this a DIY post so you can make them too!

First up is my stroller project. We got a second-hand stroller that needed a new belt clasp and a few minor fabric repairs. Sarah installed a new (red!) strap with new clasps earlier this summer. We used the stroller all the time after she put in the new strap, but it really needed a water bottle holder and we also got the perfect thing to bring more red into the color scheme: red ball fringe to trim the canopy!

The canopy is removable so I took it off (and replaced the elastic that holds it in place - it was shot!). I pinned the ball fringe around the full perimeter (on the inside so the sea green trim still shows) and machine sewed it. And that was it!

To make the water bottle holder, I searched through my fabric stash for the perfect fabric and found a beautiful green table napkin. I trimmed off the fringe and ironed a 1/4" seam allowance on each of the short edges. I then pinned the short edges together and sewed two lines for extra strength along the short edges and across the bottom. I then pinned the napkin fabric to the side of the stroller fabric, right where I wanted the water bottle to hang. I disassembled that side of the stroller and machine sewed the napkin fabric to the stroller fabric. To help the opening of the water bottle holder keep a circular shape, I inserted a thin wire (used for jewelry making). I can't wait to try it out tomorrow! Has this inspired you to decorate or make something more functional? I'd love to hear!

My second project is for an upcoming art fair. I have been making these wonderful colorful floral hair pieces and need a fun, easy way to display them. My amazing Mom had a great suggestion and I tried it out today! I took a picture frame (no glass, mat, or backing) and tied 3 ribbons, equally spaced, around it. Then I clipped the hair pieces onto the ribbon - easy as that! I will get enough of the same ribbon to use in 3 different frames. I can't believe how easy this was and I think it could be a great way to display hair pieces at home (or lots of other things like photos, holiday cards, brooches, etc)! What do you think? Great? Too simple?

ReClaim Your Closet!

2011-08-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

'Dress Pants' by Sarah Bahr
photography by Christa Bahr
model Nicole W.

I am so excited to announce the fall classes I am teaching at the NYC Textile Arts Center. In my class I will teach students how to creatively alter their clothing using simple sewing techniques. Do you have a beautiful shrunken sweater? Make it into mittens! Did you get a funky floor length dress from your aunt? Make it into a fun mini! Do you have a pair of men's trousers laying around? Make them into a dress!
If you're in NYC check out the many classes and events offered by the Textile Art Center in both their Brooklyn and Manhattan spaces.

ReClaim Your Closet 4 Week Adult Classes:
Thursdays September 1st-28th 6:30-9:30pm Manhattan
Saturdays October 1st-22nd 11-2pm Brooklyn
Mondays November 7th- December 5th 6:30-9:30pm Manhattan

Photo-happy: Check out new Flickr uploads

2011-08-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! I have been in an amazing creative groove this week - exploring some new opportunities at work and doing some fun projects at home! Dan & Casey stopped over to order their wedding books through Apple (it was so fun to look through the photos again!!).

Image of Apple's beautiful hardcover books from their website.

I also uploaded and organized a TON of photos into new Flickr sets! Below is a sneak peek.

Posted by Christa

One of the many red cars photographed at a local car show (I dedicated an entire Flickr set to red cars!)

Venice. Oh, lovely Venice.

One of my favorite images. Sarah in Harriet's 1950's silk dress outside the Guthrie on opening night.

Tomato Art Festival!

2011-08-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

If you are in Nashville you must check out the Tomato Art Festival!
As Minnesotans we love a homegrown tomato fresh off the vine as much as any other tomato lover. That's why we were so excited to have Christa's handmade applique coin purse featured on the Nashville Music and Art Blog written by Beth Inglish. Her blog is full of fun posts on artists and events with a Nashville twist!

Summer is for Art Fairs!

2011-08-06T18:02:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we attended the 'Red Hot Art Festival' in Stevens Square Park in Minneapolis. Our artist friend, Erin, was selling her awesome leather jewelry Artist Built at the fair. There was a great variety of artists and goods for sale. The park was a perfect venue, small, shaded, and lots of green space to have a picnic and enjoy the live music. I love finding the smaller fairs, that way I can talk with the artists and leisurely browse at my own pace.

Artist Built's colorful tent

Today we went to Waconia, MN to visit our cousin Rhonda who was selling her beautiful hand painted signs and home decor in front of Jim Gilbert's Wild Bird Store on main street. There were a couple other artists around the downtown area exhibiting their work. Waconia is also home to the exciting Nickle Dickle Day so mark your calendars for September 17th for a fun filled day of crafts, cars, and music!

painting by Rhonda Tesch Art Market

My balance of work/baby/life

2011-07-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

Intro

I am inspired to write my own response to the “My balance of work/baby/life” series created by Joanna on her blog: A Cup of Jo. I am a working momma with a full time Marketing Manager job at Capella University. I work in an office but thrive on family time so have negotiated a flexible schedule which allows me to work from home a day or two a week. In addition to my full time job, I am a portrait photographer and run an Etsy shop with Sarah, my lovely sister. My husband and I have one fascinating and brilliant daughter who is just over 10 months. When she was born, we were between homes and living out of boxes at my in-laws gorgeous and spacious home. Shortly after our daughter was born and I returned to work, we found a fantastic home in an amazing neighborhood but it was a foreclosure that needed a lot of work. We closed on the house just before Christmas, cleaned like crazy, made a few necessary updates, and moved in on New Year’s Day.

The past 7 months have been a whirlwind of construction projects, landscaping, playtime at the beach (which is a hop-skip-and-a-jump from our front door), and enjoying precious family time. Although I feel I have found ways to balance everything that is going on in my life, figuring out the best schedule has not been easy, mostly because as our daughter grows, her schedule and needs change. As soon as we've found a schedule that works, something changes and we need to figure out a new one.

1. What's your work schedule?

I typically work in the corporate office in downtown Minneapolis 4 days a week and from home on Fridays. If possible, I work from home one or two more days a week, but we have so many meetings, it’s not usually an option. On days I go to the office, I get up around 6am, do yoga on our deck and then wake up my husband. While I shower and get dressed, he makes a big breakfast and then I hightail it for the transit station to make the bus. On the 25 minute bus ride, I usually focus on a work project, check email, or read. My day is filled with meetings, emails, and some work time and sprinkled with calls and text messages from my husband, Mum, Sister, or Mother-in-law. I typically leave work at 4pm, work on the bus ride home, and spend the evening hanging out in the yard or at the beach with my husband and daughter. Sometimes we have family or friends over for dinner and once in a while I have an evening event to attend. On Fridays, I start and end work a little earlier, and usually get a walk in or read some books with our daughter too. It’s so nice to see and hear her in person on days I can be at home!

2. How do you handle childcare?

Shortly after we were married, my husband's company had a massive layoff and he was let go from his manufacturing engineering position. We really wanted to start a family and didn't want to do full-time childcare so decided that I would continue to work and my husband would stay home with our daughter. He is very busy updating our new house and takes on a few short work projects here and there so once or twice a week my Mum, Sister, or Mother-in-law take care of our daughter.

3. Where do you work during the day?

Most days, I work in a cubicle on the 7^th floor of a skyscraper in downtown Minneapolis. Although I love the hustle and bustle of downtown, lately I don’t take time to leisurely explore things because I am usually running errands or on my way to or from work. On days I work from home, I had been setting myself up on our kitchen peninsula but we recently brought a desk into our living room so I now work there. Our kitchen, dining, living room is one big open area right in the middle of our house so I’m in the middle of it all – which I love!

4. What do you like best about your current set-up?

I love that my husband and I are our daughter’s main caregivers and that she has not been sick or had any injuries due to group childcare. I also love that I have a stable job with benefits and that my company is very flexible and values home/life balance.

5. How do you and your husband fit your marriage into the balance?

We have a really great relationship and find time throughout the day to check in. Sometimes we talk while I’m pumping at work, and sometimes we catch up while lying in bed. We are also really in tune with each other and support and respect each other’s contributions to our family. Before our daughter was born, we were more social, but home life is our new normal and we both love it!

6. Do you ever wonder how other women manage the juggle? Have you talked to other women about it?

I often wonder how other moms seem so put together, relaxed, and happy! But I have not talked much with other working moms about how they manage it. Once in a while at work we exchange stories of victory or horror including sleepless nights, house catastrophes, and vacation adventures. But we don’t really get into managing a work/life balance. Even before I read the “My balance” blog series on A Cup of Jo, I created a list of working moms I want to talk to in order to find out how they manage it all!

7. What would you love to change down the road (or would change right now, if you had a magic wand?

I would love to work from home full time. Being around other creative people is inspiring and motivating, but I like to buckle down and get work done rather than spend time in meetings and at the water cooler. I find my work-at-home days to be much more productive and fulfilling than my office days.

8. What's your favorite part of your home life?

My favorite part of my home life is just doing things together. I love it when my daughter and I are playing or starting dinner, and my husband is working on a project, and then we all sit down to eat and chat together. It's so nice to have a wonderful, loving family.

9. How does your husband contribute to managing the juggle/house/childcare?

My husband is our main childcare provider right now, and also is doing a lot of home construction projects. He usually makes me breakfast and does the dishes. We trade off on making dinner and getting groceries. I’m in charge of cleaning and laundry. We use cloth diapers so do a little extra laundry each week. I also make all of our daughter's food from scratch and freeze it in ice trays so her daily meals are a cinch for him to prepare and super healthy. Since our house is under construction it is a bit of a mess. My husband and I have different definitions of “clean”. He is a bit of a germ-o-phob and I’m an organization freak. But I would not describe our house as tidy or germ-free! Neither of us spend much time cleaning!

10. Do you have time for yourself?

I used to run a few miles every day but nursing has really zapped me so now I just do a few minutes of yoga in the morning. The drive to and from the transit station and the bus ride also serve as quiet time. I don’t need much alone time though – I get my energy from being with other people so this is typically enough.

11. What advice would you give to other moms about how to balance work and life?

I would recommend making sure you are comfortable and happy and talk openly with the people closest to you. Also, a schedule is nice, but being present in the moment and flexible will make you happier, and everyone else happier too!

Posted by Christa

New Photography: Dan & Casey's Wedding

2011-07-27T19:04:00.000-07:00

I had the amazing privilege of capturing the special moments of Dan and Casey's intimate sailboat ceremony on camera. I used a Canon Digital Rebel EOS XTi and a Canon S90. We were lucky enough to dodge the rain during our time on the boat and overcast skies are perfect for photos! The champagne and the love warmed us up, which was good because the air was a bit chilly. That evening, we had a delicious dinner at Fitger's Brewhouse. Two days later, Dan and Casey celebrated with hundreds of friends and family at Dan's parents' house, which is perfect for an event like this! Check out all the photos in the Flickr set I created. I'm really pleased with how amazing the images are and I just love unique weddings. If you are married, what is your wedding story? If you are not married, what is your dream wedding location? I'd love to hear the beautiful and amazing stories you each have!

Posted by Christa

Dan & Casey on the front of the boat - right after saying "I do!".

Christa is on Flickr!!!

2011-07-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

It has been hot hot hot and humid here in Minnesota, but we have been busy! There are some new items in our Etsy shop and Christa has started a Flickr account featuring her fantastic photography. Her work spans from artistic nature shots to intimate family portraits. Here are a few of our favorites. Tell us what great photos you've taken this summer!

Posted by Sarah

One of my favorite places: West Yellowstone, MT. I captured this sunrise/moonset combo right outside the Blue Spruce cabin which my in-laws own and rent to visitors. A large print of this image hangs inside the cabin.

Fantastic pinstriping on a hot rod at the Hastings Cruise In.

A wonderful wedding and a unique portrait of the rings for friends Jen and Shad.

This was a really fun reception and the boys had fun dancing with the bride.

Travel photography is amazing - it always takes me right back to the location.
This is from a special trip we took to Venice, Italy before Sarah began her MA program.

Northrup King First Thursdays Open Studios

2011-07-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon we headed to the Northrup King Building in northeast Minneapolis to take a look at the open studios. The building was built in 1917 to house a seed company and now is home to over 190 artist's studios, offices, galleries, and event spaces. It is such a unique place to visit! We met a lot of great artists and saw a nice variety of art, though many studios seemed to be closed because of summer and the holiday week.

We met Heidi Ehalt who started a collective photography studio in the Northrup King Building. Her work spans from portraits, commercial, to fine art, all very beautiful.

photograph by Heidi Ehalt

Another interesting artist we met was Allison Johnson who's jewelry line potpourri is primarily made of wood, with the addition of stones and silver. Her line is very unique but extremely wearable, you can buy her work at retail shops around the metro and on Etsy.

citrine gemstone in walnut on blackened sterling silver Allison Johnson

Happy 4th of July!!!

2011-07-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

To get in the spirit for the holiday weekend, take a look at Christa's Etsy Treasury list 'Star's and Stripes Forever' featuring some great items made by other Etsy artists. We absolutely love the cute handmade pillows by uneekpillows.

Mini Primitieve American Flag Pillows by uneekpillows

Welcome to SophiaFredricka!

2011-06-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the blog of SophiaFredricka!

We are two sisters who love to create.
Our grandmothers were both very artistic and crafty, along with our parents. We grew up using our hands to make just about everything and used mostly found materials.

Now adults, we sill love making and inspiring others through our work.
Through our blog we will be showing DIY tutorials of projects we think you would like, feature artists we love, showcase our own work, and share everyday inspirations.

Please visit us at Etsy and our websites (linked below in the signature).

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned,

Christa and Sarah