Brushes, Bling and Ammo Boxes!

Well after my Son's birthday I was running full tilt for See No Evil Benefit Race 3. Unfortunately I didn't have time to design any custom brushes for awards. I have however made a few sets for some customers since then. Check them out! My latest and greatest designs are still under wraps as they where gifts. In about a week or so I will be able to show them off so check back. Brushes are adorned with glittered edges for extra fabulous sparkle and/or Swarovski Bling!

 Below is a set I made for a gift. I embellished the edges of the brushes with glitter spots and added the black crosses which where embedded with tiny Swarovski Crystals.

I made items for the boys too! I designed this ammo box for my nephew Ethan for his birthday!

Construction Birthday Party

It was that time of the year again. My son's birthday party was right around the corner and normally what takes months of planning, I whipped something together in just one week! Luckily, planning was easy since Carson wanted a Construction Birthday. How fun! I was able to use many of his own toys for props and borrowing a few ideas from Pinterest and coming up with a few of my own, I was able to throw together a fantastic party that everyone loved. I hope you enjoy it too!

 

 The Birthday Invite! This I did make in advance as it's typically very time consuming. It turned out cuter than I had hoped for. 

 I like to decorate my entrance so guest can get a hint at what to expect! Fun and easy. 

As so as guests walked through the door the kiddos where given hard hats from Hobby Lobby and Tool Belts from Home Depot. The tool belts I placed in paint trays. 

The Gift Unloading Zone! This is one of my favorite spots to decorate since the fireplace is where most of the pictures will be taken while Carson is opening presents. I used a Home Depot orange bucket and made the signs and banner for an extra touch.

Close up of the signs!

 It's hard to tell but the banner is made with chevron yellow and white, a grungy black with charcoal dots, and construction orange paper. The string is twisted orange and white.

This is something I was pretty proud of! I found metallic wrapping paper, used caution tape for ribbon and designed the gift tag. 

I also used boxes from Home Depot, peg board, and caution tape to set up a designated play area. I sat out all of Carson's construction toys and added some custom signs on the walls. 

For lunch I decided on a "build" your own dog, gourmet Hot Dog Bar. Included ideas where Mexican Dogs, Italian Dogs, and good ol' fashioned chili dogs. 

 A tool box was used to set the utensils in(I should have bought yellow or orange server ware). 

 I customized some labels so folks would know the difference between the Italian Parsley and Cilantro. I whipped up a cute Hot Dog Loading Zone sign to add to it. 

I used the tray from the Tool Box to set the condiments in. 

The custom labels where places on the cups so guests could write their names down and keep up with their beverages. I found the striped staws at Hobby Lobby and also added the Danger sign. 

Dining Area. I used table runners from Hobby Lobby and designed the banner and balloon display. 

What's a party without a delishes Birthday Cake! I didn't have time to cook one, I ran out of time to order on, so I bought one already iced and decorated it myself. I used a black Wilton Sugar Sheet for the road, cookie icing for the street stripes, candy rocks found at party city and used some of Carson's toys to decorate with. The CARSON banner was another personal touch I wanted add. I also set up a few safety cones and framed themed pic of Carson to put next to the cake. 

A closer view of the cake.

This was one of the funnest things to do!  A few days before the party I set this scene up using the party props. Carson loved it too! 

 The kiddo's went home with party favors I put together myself. I found the tractor toys at Party City, used Reece's Pieces candy, yellow ziplock baggies and designed the labels which where kept on using a few staples.

Win Pics and more Disco Dazzle!

Things have been busy as usual here at Craft & Crown. I've been cranking out new items for new customers and returning, which means my craft is a success! I really love designing all these beautiful pieces of work for my clients.

I've also started producing Barrel Races. One of the perks to coming to my races is that you get a custom Win Picture if you win your division. I based these off of the age old win pics that race horses receive after every win.

 This Teal with gold and  copper acid wash has been a customer favorite. Black glittered edges which is apart of my Disco Design Line.

 This is a full set I made custom for Dreaming of Three founder Jackie Harris. It was a gift from another Do3 member to her.

 Win Picture from See No Evil Race 1 Benefit.

 Win Picture from the Texas For Oklahoma Benefit.

 Another custom set I made for Kathleen. She won my FB Contest, so make sure you like my page so you can stay up to date on the latest!

 Have a favorite quote or does a bible verse mean something special to you? I can put it down on a brush to remind you every day.

And don't forget I make awards!

Bow Down To The Crown

BOW DOWN TO THE CROWN

 

Craft & Crown has came a very long way since the last post from back in February. Lots of improved designs and even awards are now available for your equestrian event! It's so exciting to see all of the fabulous items rolling out and making their way into the hands of riders and onto the hides of their horses. Here's a little preview of what's been going on at the Crown in 2013!

Craft & Crown is so happy to be a Series Sponsor for the See No Evil Series brought to you by Dreaming of Three. See No Evil is a series of  benefit barrel races to help raise funds for 11 year old Dominique McAllister. He is an 11 year old little boy who is battling Luekemia. There will be a race on May 11, July 13, September 2013 and a Finals in November of 2013. There will be a saddle given to the year end Average Champion, and many other awards for the jockeys. This first set of brushes will be awarded to the May 11 Race to the Reserve Champion of each Division.They are apart of my new "Disco Line" and feature shimmering glittered edges and a high gloss finish.

Also part of Craft & Crown's sponsorship to the race are these awesome Picture Conchos that where added to Cuff Bracelet's from Blingmyride.com. Craft & Crown added Crystal AB stones and a high-gloss finish. These will be awarded to the Champion of each Division. Of course, we had to have something to put them in to present to the victors. I used a combination of techniques to design a jewelry box to hold their Trophy in!

Aside from awards I have been busy making many personalized brushes for clients. Below are a few of the many that I have been tediously designing. Many hours and lots of love are put into each and every brush.

There are sooo many more things going on Craft & Crown but I will have to save it for another post! I hope you enjoy what you see. If you are interested in placing an order please email craftandcrown@yahoo.com and visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/craftandcrown to view all of my items.

FWSSR 2013

This year my good friend Erica Cole, whom I also sponsor in Craft & Crown gear, ran at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo(FWSSR) AQHA classes. She competed in the Amateur and Senior Barrel Racing and Pole Bending after only having a baby back in December. I was very proud of her to take on the endeavor, much less actually make it to the Cowboy Publishing Timed Event Challenge. I have to say it's probably the toughest I have seen in years and I knew even if she had the perfect run it would be tough for her to make the top 65. There where probably close to or over 300 horses all-together that she had to out run.She had some tough luck in the barrel race classes, but we where still looking forward to Pole Bending, which her mare, Foxy Jab O Lena, excels at.

She had not ran but 2 pole patterns since a year ago at the last stock show so I was curious to see how the pair would mentally handle everything. Some of the best horse/rider teams in the US are at this race and saying that this is tough is an understatement. Of course, Erica rallied and they ran a 21.6+5 and a 21.5+10. Although the second run wasn't fast enough, her Ammy run made it to the top 65. She drew number 45 and when it was her turn to go Erica and Foxy wowed the crowd as they slithered through those poles with effortless speed. Unfortunately they pulled the very last pole down. They ran a  blazing 20.85 with a +5, which would have been good for 11th place without the +5.

  Despite Erica's tears of disappointment I, and everyone else, couldn't have been more proud of her 3 beautiful runs in one day after a year off from having a baby! Afterwards, she saw her video and realized how great they really did run. She is now more determined than ever to go out and win and show what a team they are! That is why I am so very happy to be sponsoring this up and coming young lady who has made leaps and bounds from where she just started a mere 2 years ago when she started barrel racing! What a team Erica and Foxy has become and they most definitely get noticed everywhere they go. Check out the pics I was able to take while I documented her experience at the FWSSR and first time back at race since having her beautiful baby boy, Lawson. Congrats Erica!

Above, Erica Cole and her 17 year old QH Mare, Foxy Jab O Lena ready for their 1st run back in almost a year since she had her baby boy in December 2012.

Below is the Stall Sign I made for them to display Foxy's great pedigree and information.

 

Below-Craft & Crown gear that they ran in, Classic Equine Dy-No-Turn bell boots and fuscia polos with Fleur De Lis embellishment.  

 

The arena getting drug at the John Justin Arena. Some of the best Pole Bending horses and riders in the US are competing in this event.

 

Making their way up to the warm up pen.

 

 

Foxy is a very nervous mare who loves to do her job, so Erica hand walks her to keep her calm and focused. Once she get's in the alley she's like a stick of dynamite ready to explode and go to work as fast as she can! 

Below Foxy sure is looking like a sleek and gorgeous race horse. 

The one and only Martha Josey even told Erica "She sure is a beautiful mare".

 Made it down from the alley and half-way around the 1st pole in 3.3 seconds! Wow!!!

 

 After a hard days work, Erica bathes Foxy in cool water and a body liniment. She also "muds" her legs to make sure she is feeling great and not sore the next day. Care for our horses is #1.

 

 Here is Erica's 20 second pole run! Fox sure is a natural at weaving and cutting it back. I personally believe Pole Bending is one of the most difficult, nerve-wracking event's to compete in. Once again I can't say enough about how much they accomplished at the FWSSR 2013. I think they are going to be pretty tough this year, so be on the look out for this team at local North Texas Barrel and Pole Bending races.

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