Purple Banner Designs

Calling All Cuties

2012-01-23T13:14:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I know that it has been FOREVER but we have been chugging away trying to get orders shipped and dreaming up new ideas. With that we are in need of some littles to deck out in PBD gear for some promotional pictures. We would like a broad range of ages and are looking for both little ladies and fellas. Basically we would send you goodies and you would send us pics, sounds fun huh?

Are you interested? Here are the details...

Please send the following information to purplebannerdesigns@hotmail.com

Name and age
Recent photo (taken in the last three months)
Size
Reason why you want to be a PBD kid

Mamas we will need 5-7 pics of each item sent and would like to receive them within 2-3wks of receiving your package. We will work with you to make sure that you get items that you love so if you have b day coming up or just a special photo shoot here's a GREAT chance to score goodies for the day!

We will be accepting applications through the 31st of January and those chosen will be notified by Feb 7th.

Can't wait to see your cuties!

Snowglobes!!

2011-11-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

We are SO excited about the new designs rolling out.

Check out our snowglobes!

Aren't they precious? Our girls are totally going to be rocking these during the Christmas season!

***Remember all Christmas orders need to be in by November 26th to guarantee delivery***

PAISLEY LOVE

2011-10-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

Jennifer emailed us awhile back hoping we could whip up some items for her new little girl Brynn. We were so excited and quickly overwhelmed her with fabric options.

(Poor woman probably thought we were crazy!) After much thought and some discussion she made her selections and we got started.

It's always fun for us to send a couple of suprises along with orders.

This time it was a onesie and an itty bitty skirt!

Burp Cloth Trio and Bib Duo

Custom Print

Up Close..

LOVE IT!!!

ZOOM ZOOM

2011-10-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Some dear friends just welcomed their VERY prayed for twins. The little men are cute as they could be and we were thrilled to be able to work up some goodies to send their way. Their daddy is a pilot so we added the plane as a nod to his profession. Oh, everything you see...was times 2. Double the fun!!

ZOOM ZOOM!!

PURPLE BANNER NURSERY EDITION

2011-09-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

The AMAZING Robyn emailed us with the hopes that we might be able to make some custom nursery bedding for her brand new man Braxton. He was a NICU baby just like my oldest so I had an especially soft spot for the little guy. Unfortunately Robyn had her heart set on a discontinued fabric but after searching high and low and praying even harder we were finally able to secure the yardage needed.

We whipped up three pillows, including this AMAZING name print, a crib skirt, a valance, a minky blanket, two changing pad covers, and a shirt for Braxton. There were a few VERY late nights but it was so worth it!

I think this testimonial from Robyn herself says it all...

We absolutely LOVE our custom made Purple Banner Designs nursery bedding! When we received the package in the mail, it was like Christmas. Bethany had perfectly packed each item with ribbon and layers of purple tissue paper! I look forward to having Purple Banner Designs creating more items in the future.

We can't wait either!!!

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK ALOT LIKE...CHRISTMAS?

2011-09-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

As difficult as it may be to believe, Christmas is only 88 days away!!! WHAT?!?

In an effort to calm the madness and to guarantee Christmas delivery all orders must be placed by Nov 26.

Please keep in mind that if we have to order fabric or garment bags it can take up to 2wks simply for us to receive the shipment. We are SUPER stoked about the new garment bags that we found though...

...see for yourselves!

Camouflage

Black and White Damask

Pink Polka Dot

Black and White Houndstooth

Quilted Orange w/Navy Trim

Quilted Navy w/Orange Trim

Zebra (also available with solid black, red, lime green, or purple handle)

We are getting ready to place an order for garment bags and if you order within the next 7 days you will receive 10% off. Also check back as we have some holiday designs in the works that would be PERFECT for Christmas cards.

OH!! Don't forget to head over to Stock Show Moms on FB we are hosting a giveaway for a $35 PBD shop credit. Good luck to all!!!

PBD Out and About

2011-09-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

We LOVE receiving pictures of our gear out and about!

Here are the latest...

AHHHH LOVE IT!!

Mad About Plaid

2011-09-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

Amy contacted us in hopes of putting together some goodies for her nephew and brand new little man.

After discussing color schemes and patterns she decided on plaids with coordinating fabrics for both boys.

Teal, lime, and brown for hers...

...and red, blue, and white for theirs.

We absolutely adored the way everything came out and so did they!

WINNERS!!!

2011-09-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

And the winners of "Levi's Lost Calf" by Amanda Radke and Michelle Weber are...

via Random.org

# 15 caci said...

The favorite show calf around our house is named Monkey...she is the sweetest thing!

#3 Clara said...

I follow Purple Banner Designs on Facebook

#11 KT said...

Mine was Moonbeam. My dad raised her and she lived for 15 years. I will never forget coming home from church camp and my dad saying he thought he had one good enough for me to show. She was my first show heifer and she is the reason we started showing cattle again. She is my favorite because she was family and created so many great memories for our family in the barn and in the show ring.

Ladies, please email purplebannerdesigns@hotmail.com to claim your prize.

Thanks to Amanda, Michelle, and everyone who entered!!

Make sure you check out "Levi's Lost Calf" by Amanda Radke and Michelle Weber on FB to find out where their next book signing is scheduled so that you can see Little Red in person and pick up the book for you littles...or you ;)

Country Plaid

2011-09-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

Amy contacted us about making a blanket for a brand new little man that incorporated red and black, calves and logos. We love the way everything turned out and so did she!!

LOVE this spin on "Branded"

This is me...

2011-09-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Whenever I order a handmade product I always play a little game in my mind trying to fiigure what the individual is like, where they live, what they do, the whole name yards.

Today I thought it might be fun to take out all of the guess work for you.

So...this is me.

My name is Bethany
I am 28 years old.
I am happily married and have been for seven years.
I have two little girls, ages 6 and 2.
I showed cattle for 10 years.
I live in New Mexico.
I am a "has been" pageant girl, and yes I washed my own calves.
Purple Banner Designs came to be after searching for "show" clothes for my brand new nephew.
Everything else is history.
I teach full time at a private academy.
Half the day I spend with kindergartners.
The other half I spend with 9th-11th graders.
I learned to sew a year and a half ago.
My favorite color is teal.
Orders typically take 4-6 weeks to arrive in your hands.
As hard as I have tried to obtain long hair I am just a short hair girl.
I LOVE coming up with new ideas for PBD.
I usually sew between 3-6am.
I am addicted to sleep.
...and gummi bears. (But only the Haribo ones!)
Getting emails from people stating they LOVE their items is one of my favorite things!

***Don't forget to enter our giveaway for "Levi's Lost Calf" by Amanda Radke and Michelle Weber!***

"Levi's Lost Calf" by Amanda Radke & Michelle Weber...GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-09-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

In May we were contacted by Amanda Radke of Nolz Limousin. She had just finished writing a children's book entitled "Levi's Lost Calf" and was hoping we would be able to work up a PBD rendition of Little Red. After scouring the shops for the right colored mink we finally found the perfect fit for Levi's favorite little heifer and got to work.

It's hard to believe but she is in even cuter in person and Amanda loves her as much as we did.

Amanda shipped us the book as soon as it came off the press and my girls absolutely love it!

The illustrations are beautiful and the glimpse into cowboy life was

enthralling to my kindergarten students as well.

The most exciting news?

Amanda has offered to give away three copies of "Levi's Lost Calf" to PBD followers!

Want to win one? Then play along, here's how!

****Leave a seperate comment for each entry*****

1. Follow PBD, if you already do then leave a comment saying so.

2. Head over to FB and like Purple Banner Designs and "Levi's Lost Calf" (1 entry each)

3. Tell us who your favorite show calf was...name and all.

4. Blog, tweet, or FB about the giveaway. (Make sure you leave the link!)

That's up to FIVE entries per person!

Entries will close Sunday evening at midnight and the winner will be announced Monday morning!

Modern Cowboy

2011-08-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

Katie emailed us hoping to find some cute gifts for her rodeo friends. Her friend loves turquoise, lime, and brown so we went a couple of fabric options and then got to work!

She wanted to incorporate the little man's initial and their brand.

We backed each bib with the fabric we used on the front. They snap together to avoid the velcro tangle that occurs in the dryer!

Modern C

Rocking H

Logo Love

2011-08-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

Rhonda emailed about the possibility of incorporating her friend's logo into some precious baby gifts. She was also hoping that we could somehow create something that had both cinnamon rolls and planes. Everything turned out far better than we could have ever imagined and the recipients LOVED them!

Rhonda's friend is a farrier and they are planning on having more children so they wanted something gender nuetral. After looking through fabrics we fell for the brown paisley and never looked back.

The horseshoe was taken directly from her business card.

Cinnamon Rolls...

and airplanes ;)

SO FUN!!

2011-08-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

Leslie and her sister contacted us regarding a multitude of items and we were thrilled to take on the task.

An OSU orange blanket with a hereford and surprise inside where in order and although we were a bit nervous in the beginning we LOVE the way it turned out!!

We were even more excited when Leslie told us that the blanket was a perfect match! ;)

Their brand was placed on the inside corner and looked GREAT!

Then it was on to the Stockyard Friends. Two herefords, a buckskin, and a bay.

SO FUN!!!

WOW!!

2011-08-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

It's been FOREVER since we last posted! Fear not, we are still cranking out tons of show related goodies and can't wait to share them with you!

Stacy Young, sister of the famous Crystal Young, contacted us about making a black baldie and custom minky for her good friends new baby. At that time we weren't sure what she was going to be having so Stacy decided on a turquoise and brown paisley that is even more adorable in person!

She also requested a black baldie that we all ended up loving!!

Isn't he precious!!

The calves are all handmade and hand shaped so they take a while but are SO worth it in the end!!

Easton

2011-05-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

Holly Blue Belle

2011-05-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Jennnifer, over at jentsfrontporch.blogspot.com contacted us about making a Stockyard Friend that looked like her son's show heifer Miss Holly Blue Belle. Of course we said yes not thinking of the implications. ;) You see Miss Holly is a blue roan which when one truly thinks about is is not the easiest thing to reproduce. She rounded up some pics and we started brainstorming.

Two calves, black hands and tons of white fuzz later we finally accomplished what we were starting to think was impossible! Check her out!

This picture made all of the work worth it!

He's little man approved...nothing can beat that!

The Tale of a Kenzie not a Kinzie

2011-05-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie contacted us in hopes that we might be able to make

some of her birthday presents and of course we were thrilled to help out.

She was a joy to work with and knew exactly what wanted so we got right to it.

Her garment bag turned out FABULOUS and then we found out that her name was spelled with an E not an I. Thankfully with a bit of work we were able to switch it around but we never snapped another pic.

Bright Polka Steer on a Brown Pull-Over Hoodie

Turquoise Whimsy Steer on a Black Pull Over Hoodie

Her last request was a little bit harder but oh so fun!

She sent us a pic of her first calf and asked us to make a Stockyard Friend that looked just like him.

I think we succeeded!

We loved him and so did she!

What an awesome way to remember your first calf or that big win!

I can see a few of these in our little's futures!

Lamb Lovie

2011-05-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

As soon as Lindsay received her All Star Cowboy lovie she emailed us about creating one for her best friend Holly. Except on this one she was hoping for a lamb. Lamb's have actually ended up being our hardest silohuette to get right but thankfully we finally have it figured out!

Lindsay loved it and Holly did too! Thanks ladies it was a joy working with you!

Stockyard Friends

2011-04-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Introducing Ringo...

We were recently asked by a very dear friend to come up with a stuffed horse for their her new niece. We were a bit freaked out to say the least. Horses are so...different. How to do their ears, what about their mane, wait their hooves! It's the detail that set our products apart and we knew we had to figure it all out. (SCARY!!)

After three failed patterns and LOTS of discussion we finally worked out all of the kinks and think that this guy is FABULOUS! One of the best things is how he fits in the crook of your arm, he's SO soft and cuddly and the halter ended up being the missing "it" factor.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

ADORABLE

2011-04-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

So one of the best part about Purple Banner is the creative outlet it provides. Our minds are constantly swirling with new things to try and although our sleep is sometimes lacking because of it we LOVE when we end up with a great new product because of it!

See, our friend Ashlie has some mad crochet skills and we kept thinking about how ADORABLE a steer hat would be. One that was actually anatomically correct and wasn't a Holstein ;)

We finally broke down and asked her to make a couple and I can't get over how cute they are. EVERY single time I see them I smile.

We started out without a face but Ashlie had an idea and we told her to run with it!

The simple one would be the perfect photo prop

and can't you just imagine little ones at Denver with the face?

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!

All Star Cowboy

2011-04-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

Lindsay was the winner of our last give-away with Crystal Cattle and we were so excited about getting to work something up for her soon to arrive little man! After talking nurseries and color schemes, cows and football, Lindsay decided on mixing the two. Genius I tell you, simply, genius!

The lovie turned out amazing!

And every little man with an ag lovin' momma needs a shirt that displays said love!

Lindsay, it was a BLAST working with you! We can't wait to do it again!

PINK COWBOYS

2011-03-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

After seeing the K State and rivalry shirts Katie contacted us about making an OK State shirt for little miss K. She wanted to keep a little biit of orange but asked us to girl it up.

We got right to it and this is what we ended up with!

We also whipped up a cute hair bow and now my girls are asking for them so we better get busy!

GO COWBOYS!

PEYTON

2011-03-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

When we were contacted about making a gift for a very precious little girl named Peyton Brooke we were thrilled! So we started thinking and loved the "It's All in the Name" idea but wanted it to be ultra feminine. After playing around for hours with different ideas we decided on a pale blue background with hot pink and

white lettering.

If you look closely each circle is made up by her name.

From far away it just looks like a beautiful print but when examined more closely the surprise is revealed. We backed it with a chocolate mink and absolutely adore the way it finished.

We also knocked out an initial shirt in this adorable shabby chic pattern and some bloomers to match!

The pants are probably one of the cutest things we have ever sent out. LOVE THEM!

Make sure you take a second and vote in the poll to the right. We want to hear from you!

PBD on Etsy?

2011-03-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

We have been thinking about this for awhile now but thought it would be best to receive your input before making the leap.

There are obvious upsides to the move, we would place ready to ship items in the shop making the whole process much easier for the majority of our customers. This would also enable all of you to put a shipping address in at the time of the order thus ensuring that you no longer receive frantic emails while we are standing in line at the PO because we somehow spaced on that itty bitty MAJOR detail. We would still take custom orders allowing those of you who enjoy the creative process the freedom to be involved at whatever level you desire, we would just create a custom listing for you and your items would ship within 7 business days. Likewise, the blog would remain up and running with pics of new products and our latest creations.

So what do you think? We really would appreciate your thoughts on this matter so please take the time to vote in the poll on the right column or leave a comment letting us know how you feel! Thanks so much for dealing with the craziness called us ;)

MOVED IN

2011-03-14T04:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I think that we may have given you all some wild ideas about us moving to a new site and although we didn't do that we did move into our own designated space! See, for the past 18 months all PBD has taken place in our office which also happens to be the hubs room of the house. So needless to say he was not exactly thrilled with thread, needles, fabric, and "stuff" everywhere.

Thus the search for a suitable space began.

It looks like suitable space right? NOT! I cannot tell you how many times I told the hubs "But it's not pretty!" And then this...

became this...

And after FIVE hours of sorting fabrics we now have all of this!!!!

We cannot begin to explain how exciting this is. It was to the point that sewing was something to dread not enjoy and now that has all changed! It is PURE JOY! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

See even the insides of the drawers are pretty!

Fabric...

and MORE fabric!

Knits...

Minks...

Fleece, courds, and tweed!

You have to love painted Mason Jars!

So PRETTY!

Buttons galore!

Some of the FAVS at the moment!

Have I mentioned that we are in LOVE?!?!?!

Check back tomorrow as a poll will be up and we need your input!

EEK!

MOVING

2011-03-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

Sorry we've been out of pocket lately. We've been busy moving!

That's right Purple Banner is moving and we can't wait to show you where.

So stay tuned for further details, hopefully we will have everything up and ready to show by Monday.

EEEK SO EXCITED!

TA-DA!

2011-03-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

We love getting pics of our products and are always thrilled with how they look in print.

Here are just a few...it obviously doesn't hurt that the kiddos are adorable as well!

We are already thinking about what to use for our upcoming photo shoot.

Keep an eye out because I am sure the shots will AMAZING!

Something Pink...and Black

2011-03-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

When Brandi ordered Reba she also mentioned wanting to come up with something for RHD's Rachel Cutrer. She loved the idea of a blanket with the Brahman silohuette so after discussing fabric options and color choices we came up with this...

The blanket is a lightweight knit, making it perfect for springtime in Texas.

And of course we had to add Mr. V8 himself. He's looking quite dapper in pink I might.

Not every guy can pull that off. ;)

After the blanket was finished we were still having fun so we whipped a hat to match and added a fabric flower. These were so fun to make!

Congratulations Rachel!

We are sure that your little miss will be darling!

Sweet Treat

2011-03-01T09:27:00.000-08:00

Christa, from RHD, contacted us with a very special request. She needed a zebra and hot pink cupcake shirt for her little girl Kinleigh's 1st birthday.

After playing around a little bit this is what we came up with...

and it looked great on the birthday girl!

See for yourself ;)

PRECIOUS!

Go, Fight, WIN!

2011-02-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's the fact that I spent three years of my life on the sidelines cheering my team on or maybe it was the fact that it was something new but these shirts were so fun!

First, Rebecca contacted us about a powercat shirt.

She was looking for something fun and definitely purple and was thrilled with way this turned out!

Then Carissa, from the Brand Company, contacted us about a sweet suprise for her friend.

She had just found out that they were expecting and since she went to Texas A&M and he went to Nebraska, Carissa something that incorporated the two.

So we figured dueling helmets were in order...

I have to admit that we weren't sure about how this one was going to turn out but after many different attempts we LOVE it.

And of course the one thing any good football fan needs.. ;)

US

2011-02-26T06:30:00.001-08:00

I debated long and hard about posting this but I know that when I order something handmade I always wonder about that individual. What their life is like, their personalities, the whole nine yards.
(I'm weird I know but I accepted it long ago.)

So meet...us and follow along on our journey through life over at

http://www.lifesallaboutthesmallthings.blogspot.com/.

And, if you think we are weird...don't say I didn't warn you!

REBA

2011-02-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

Brandi contacted us after seeing our classic calf over at Crystal Cattle. She was looking for the perfect gift for her boyfriend's niece and was hoping we could make one that looked like Reba.

So she sent us some pics of the gal herself...

and after a HORRID first try we ended up with the cutest thing I had ever seen.

See for yourself!

The little bit LOVES her to pieces and sleeps with her every night.
It's things like that that make the long nights and the itchy eyes SO worth it!

A Winning Pair

2011-02-24T06:30:00.000-08:00

Terri contacted us about ordering one of the classic calves for her grandson PJ. She also wanted a shirt that coordinated with his ear tag so after looking through a few fabrics she choose the Riley Blake plaid and we couldn't wait to get started!

AHHHHH! He is so adorable! Apparently PJ wasn't too sure about him...
but his mom and dad were in LOVE!

Split Personality

2011-02-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

We had a ton of requests for front zip hoodies this Christmas and not a single one was a steer. We had a blast chosing fabrics and were so pleased the outcomes!

First Jerri contacted us about a hoodie for her little sis Kacy. This was our third project with Jerri so were excited about the opportunity to work with her again. She wanted something that coordinated with Kacy's garment bag...

...so we stuck with the brown and chose a fabric from the Whimsy line. It turned out FABULOUS!

Kacy thought so too!

Then Kelly ordered hoodies for her littles and one for herself.

We loved how they turned out and so did they!

Can you blame them? ;)

Momma's

Little 1

Little 2

Ladies, we had a blast working with you and hope you enjoy your goodies...hoodies!

Polka Dots

2011-02-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

So Miss Morgan started with this...

then her momma thought she needed this...

and we thought she should have this...

Definately a FAV!

ZNT Christmas

2011-02-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

Traci, from ZNT cattle, contacted us about making their Christmas extra special. We had already made a hoodie for her daughter Natalie so we knew that whatever we ended up doing would be a blast!

Natalie's teacher is expecting her first baby this spring and she wanted something unique for her gift. We discussing nursery colors and themes we ended up with this....

We loved the fabric combination but just couldn't shake the feeling that it was missing something. After walking around it hundreds of times it dawned on us to add the star. Simply LOVE.

Her next request was a bit more adventurous. Traci's mom owns Gothberg Farms and she was hoping to find a gift that would allow her to display her artisan cheeses at chef shows and farmers markets. We came up with a runner that incoporated her logo and could work in either setting.

We tried a couple of new techniques and were SO happy with the results.

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-24T08:56:00.000-08:00

May your celebrations remember the true reason for the season and your New Year be blessed!

From our house to yours...MERRY CHRISTMAS!

7 Hoodies, 6 Playsets, 5 Burp Cloths, 4 Bibs, 3 Stuffed Cows, 2 Blankets, and A Partridge in a Pear Tree

2010-12-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

Our lives are currently in a state of organized chaos (perhaps a little bit less organized than usual) and although we are loving it we also understand our limitations. With small children, full time careers, and the holidays around the corner we realize that we are running out of time. So in effort to maintain the small remaining portion of sanity we possess we will be unable to accept any more orders for Christmas. Any new orders placed will be shipped the first week of January.

We so hope that you understand our hearts in this. We were stressed to the max last year, something to be expected we're sure, but this year we really want to be able to enjoy our littles. We wish each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

It's Time to VOTE!

2010-12-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

Alright everyone it is time to get serious...well not really but it is time to vote! Today's FB poll on RHD's page is the "Best Stock Show Gift Provider" so log in and like Purple Banner Designs! AHHHH, still SO excited!!! (Is anyone else starting to notice my addiction exclamation points? Hmmm, my name is Bethany, and I think I might have a problem.)

GIVEAWAY

2010-12-08T09:56:00.000-08:00

When the Best of the Barns nominees were named, Crystal (of the famed Crystal Cattle and I am Angus) and I, were so excited about being nominated that we decided a giveaway was in order!

The winner will receive their choice of a set of custom note cards...

Or a lovie/binky blanket. These are great when traveling because the velcro strap keeps everything where it should be. Instead of on the floorboards (really hard to get to when driving) or underneath the airplane seat (EWWWW!).

So head on over to Crystal.Cattle or Crystal's new FB page and leave us a comment about your favorite Christmas gift EVER. I am still trying to figure out what mine is....

And while you are at it make sure you check out the

and VOTE for Purple Banner Designs, Crystal.Cattle, and I am Angus!!

Best of the Barn

2010-12-06T11:01:00.000-08:00

AHHHHHH!! Did you see? Did you see?

Purple Banner is up for the first ever Best of the Barn awards in the Best Stock Show Gift Provider!

That has got to be the coolest thing EVER! I was out of town at a conference and my sister-in-law texted me the news. Needless to say I didn't pay much attention after that. I WAS TOO EXCITED!

So head on over to bestofthebarns.com and cast your vote!

It's Time to PARTY!!!

2010-12-06T10:39:00.000-08:00

My nephew just turned one! Seeing as he was the reason we launched PBD we had to come up with something extra special to celebrate the occasion! After thinking and thinking we came up with this...

Isn't he cute! I love how his ear tag turned out! He has cloven hooves and all...love him!

We also thought he needed an "All in the Name" blanket...

The perfect birthday presents don't you think?

The birthday boy and Auntie

Happy Birthday little man! We LOVE you!

Christmas Cards w/Shutterfly

2010-11-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, Purple Banner was started after searching in vain to find adorable items featuring show animals. Everywhere we looked there was an abundance of Holsteins and other oddly proportioned animals that just weren’t what we had envisioned. So, we made our own, and now we jump at every opportunity presented to incorporate our love of agriculture into our everyday lives, off the property.

Christmas is right around the corner and one of our favorite things is sending and receiving Christmas cards. We start thinking about the color, design, and PICTURES in, well, if you want to be completely honest…June. Crazy, we know but there is nothing better than checking the mail and finding Christmas cards! The aforementioned cards have actually been known to stay up for months on end. Who doesn’t like looking at them? Husbands don’t count!

We were fully prepared to design our own however, after scoping things out we came to the realization that Shutterfly is now offering “Story” cards. Christmas letters make cards even better and now you can include them! Talk about stoked!

Or, if you are in the giving spirit you can choose a card from Heifer International....

Or LIVESTRONG...

and 10% of the proceeds will go to that organization.

Can't you just imagine these with pictures of your kids and their animals? In the showring or out in the barn? My favorite part about this (besides the fact that they are offering bloggers 50 free cards http://bit.ly/sfly2010) is that YOU get to decide.

Now if you are like us, you have 100's of pictures to choose from, but this one fits eight...

...and that's just the outside!

So run on over to Shutterfly and check out which card you are going to be putting in the mail. They also have fabulous grandparent gifts. Heaven knows my mom will be wanting another personalized mug seeing as she broke her last one. And don't you think my desk at school would be a little more cozy with a desk calendar chalked full of my sweet girls faces?

Our cards are already picked out....but some things have to be kept a secret right?

JACKPOT

2010-11-15T19:08:00.000-08:00

Like Lauren, Ashley, received one of our shirts as a gift for her new little man. She decided that he needed something to match and contacted us about a blanket. We were thrilled because little C is as cute as cute can be!

I mean look at the boy...

I am always praying the entire time we wait for a custom print to come in because we have had some rather strange looking fabrics arrive at our doorstep. And GOD is so good because this print is precious!

Ashley wanted a minky dot on the back and I must admit it was perfect! Now I am just wondering what we should print next??

Crowned

2010-11-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

A friend of ours is having Christmas pictures taken and wanted something special, something handmade, something different for her little girl to wear. So we talked and decided on a blue tutu and a chandelier shirt like the one we did here. And then we changed our minds. We are so glad that we did! We love the way that the crown turned out and the black added into the tutu gave it an "edge" that it was lacking before.

She's going to rock it with leggings and Converse! We can't wait to see the finished product!

And the Kids Have It

2010-11-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

Lauren contacted us about making a blanket for her little girl Morgan. She had received one of our shirts as a gift and was hoping that we could make something to match it.

The shirt...

The fabric...

We put a black mink on the back and I loved how soft and cuddly it was.

Lauren said that as soon as she received the package Morgan saw the blanket said "Goat!" and took it right away. That makes me smile every time I think about it. Life is all about the little things isn't it?

Branded

2010-11-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

Zane and Traci, from ZNT Cattle, contacted us for some "design help" (her words ;)). After discussing multiple options they decided on a black zip up hoodie for their daughter N.

They also wanted their logo incorporated and giving a nod to their own design we etched the letters into the steer and then layered them to create something that would stand out. We loved the way that it turned out and were THRILLED to hear that they did too!

Purple Banner Has Gone INTERNATIONAL!!!

2010-10-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Kacie contacted us from her home in England...that's right I said ENGLAND about making a few special items for her new baby boy. She wanted something soft and silky, beautiful but still "boy." After searching through literally hundreds of fabrics we found one that she loved and got to work.

She chose a silk charmuese for the front and minky for the back. I have to admit we were a wee bit nervous but fell in love with the end result.

She also wanted a set of burp cloths and although we were given free reign when it came to design we loved the blanket so much that we wanted them to be a compliment.

We can't wait to see pics of the little man!

It's My Party

2010-10-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

Katie contacted us with a request for a special birthday outfit for little R. She is turning one and everything she owns is ladybug. After discussing options we decided to stick with the color scheme but not the actual bug.

We used the reversible tunic due to its wearibility and versatility. Just imagine it with a pair of leggings and a turtleneck during the winter. Or by itself for spring and summer!

Side 1

Side 2

Happy Birthday R!!

All Bagged Up

2010-10-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

Jerri contacted me about making a garment bag for her little sister to haul to shows with her. We then became a bit sidetracked by the polka dot and tractors dress but we eventually knocked it out. It couldn't be cuter!

She wanted a brown polka dot with an aqua swirl pig and I must say she has GREAT taste!

It's All In the Name

2010-10-17T22:19:00.000-07:00

We were recently contacted with a request for something "Very special" for 3 month old twins. Perhaps something to do with their names (David and Sophia), definitely something blue and something pink, something...unique. Immediately our minds began racing and after searching to no avail we decided to design our own fabric.

David's was a mixture of blues with a touch of brown.

Classic little boy.

Sophia's was filled with pink. The essence of little girl.

And although we adored the way they turned out we thought that they needed a little something more.

Personalized teddy bears were in store!

Sophia's name is spelled out on her teddy's feet!

And David's is looking mighty studly in his bow tie!

ABSOLUTELY PRECIOUS!

ROCKSTAR

2010-08-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

I know that this has nothing to do with show animals but we tried out a new technique and LOVE that way it turned out! I teach kindergarten at the academy my older daughter attends and one thing that I adore is how much she and her classmates actually care for each other so when S's birthday rolled around I wanted to make sure we made her something she would be excited about. Well when you ask a five year old what they want you never know what answer you are going to get and she informed me that she wanted to me a ROCKSTAR. HA HA if you knew her you would laugh too! This is she ended up with and when she opened she said "It's what I've always wanted!" Good times I tell you, good times!

Polka Dots and...Tractors?

2010-08-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

Jerri contacted me about making something for a brand new baby girl that had everything. She told me that the little girl's mother had been showered with so many gifts that she wouldn't have to wear the same outfit twice for the first 6 months of her life.

So obviously she wanted something that would stick out from the rest and after much discussion we decided on a reversible dress that once she grows will still work as a tunic.

Close up of the tractor...

and flowers...

Pigs On a Blanket

2010-08-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

After seeing the steer fabric Christa, from RHD, contacted me about pig fabric. Of course we were thrilled to try.

Check out how cute it is!

I wanted you to be able to see how LARGE these blankets are. That is my five year old holding it up and no she isn't tiny either. The blanket is just BIG!

Lollipop Lollipop!

2010-08-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

My oldest daughter turned five this month and we celebrated with a Sweet Shoppe. I knew I wanted her to have something special that would work for not only the party but also family pictures.

This is what we came up with and I could not be happier!

They photographed beautifully!

This makes me laugh EVERY time I see it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET M!

She's Done it Again!!

2010-06-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

As we prepared to roll out the new Purple Banner Fabric I started recieving emails from Ms. Linnette about what the new product was. And although she loved the fabric, her little girl is far beyond the swaddling age so she was hoping for something a whole lot different. After dozens of emails back and forth, and a few late nights we came up with these...

We all know that show clothes have a habit of becoming dirty even before you put them on so she was hoping for something cute and fun to keep them clean.

We even added a little bling!!

I think we accomplished both...

And of course every show lovin' momma needs a bag to carry all of her essentials in, so for Linnette we did this...

Thanks so much for letting us work with you again! It's a blast every time!

Digging It!

2010-06-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

We were recently contacted with a few new requests but as always we were up for the challenge and couldn't be more excited with the results! Christa Jo from RHD requested a goat so we got to it...

and LOVE it!! That has to be hands down the cutest goat I have ever seen!

Then Ashley contacted us about some tees for a brand new little man. She chose a tractor and a steer but wanted something a little bit different so we added "Born to Farm" and decked the steer out in a lime green plaid. WAY CUTE!!

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Polka Dotted Basket

2010-06-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

We were asked to put together a gift basket for sweet M's baby shower. It was a lot of work but a ton of fun and we could not be happier with how everything turned out. Included were all of the "essentials."

Please excuse some of the picture quality I am not sure what was going on!

An initial onesie in brown/pink damask...

The cutest polka dotted bird you ever did see...

Couldn't resist another pic!

A stroller blanket and changing mat...

And of course cute burp cloths! Five of them to be exact ;)

Sweet!

Around Here

2010-06-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially here and with school out things have been a bit hectic.

Fortunately, we have still been able to knock out a few new designs as well as a couple of old favorites.

My sister-in-law is an extension agent so we are always looking for ways to incorporate "the clover."

We came up with this one and love it!

Retro Floral with Hot Pink Clover

Cars and Trucks C with Blue Dot Clover

And of course I couldn't leave you without a steer!

Here he is in brand new clothes!

Brown Ditto Dot

EEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

Well we finally figured out one of our new products and EEK!!!
Look for yourselves!

No your eyes are not deceiving you...that is Purple Banner FABRIC!! I am so excited I can't stand it!

We only made a test swatch so my creation options were limited but I figured my nephew could use something new. I mean he is the reason we embarked on this journey.

So I made him a Binky Blanket! It has Minky fabric on the back and the strap has Velcro on it so his sweet parents can either secure his pacifier or attach it to his stroller. (Thus ensuring it doesn't get thrown.) And just think all the while he'll be sporting show cattle! EEK!!

Back to the Drawing Board

2010-05-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

Well we worked up a sample this weekend and it was not exactly what we were thinking. It turned out smaller than anticipated and all of the details that make our products unique and truly special got kind of lost. So it's back to the drawing board to work out the kinks. Once we get everything figured out though it is going to be awesome so keep checking in... We cannot wait for everyone to see it!

BIG THINGS COMING!

2010-04-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

Ahhh! Our minds have been racing over the past few weeks with ideas for new products. We cannot wait to show you all that we have been woring on but are still waiting on some items to come in. We are hoping to finish at least one this weekend but keep checking in as BIG THINGS are coming!!!

Good Earth Paisley

2010-03-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

I loved the Good Earth Paisley at first sight.

What I didn't realize was how much more I would LOVE it after working with it.

Our latest venture...a horse for a sweet friend of ours. She first ordered this for her daughter.

Not a week later she contacted us with regards to one of her very one. However, instead of a steer she wanted a horse and we were all too happy to comply.

We adore how it turned out and hope that she does too!

2nd Time Around

2010-03-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

Linnette was one of our very first customers so we were thrilled when she contacted us to make some new shirts for her little. She made us laugh over and over again throughout the process, whether it was talking about the difficutly of a four year old trying to keep white clean (Oh how I hear that one!!) or adding "this" and trying "that", sparkle here, glitter there. We figured things out though and were all THRILLED with how things turned out.

Stained Glass Horse on Lime Tee

Aqua Swirl Steer with Turquoise Border and Lime "Bling" on Chocolate Pull-Over Hoodie

Close Up

Front of Black Zip Hoodie...Blinged out J on Black and Pink Paisley with Pink Border

Back of Zip Hoodie...Pink and Black Paisley Steer with Pink Border

Petit Garden Pig with a White Background on Denim Tee

YAY, YAY, YAY!!!

Thanks Linnette you were a doll to work with. We hope you enjoy them as much as loved making them!

HULLFARMS

2010-03-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

Ronn Hull contacted me in hopes of having a hoodie made for his daughter. He wanted a zip hoodie with the Brahman on the back and perhaps her name on the front. After emailing back and forth this is what we came up with it!

Front View...

Back View...

I LOVE IT!!!

I should note that I couldn't feel my fingers by the time I finished but that's just a minor detail right?

Crystal Cattle Winner!

2010-03-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a month since the giveaway but I forgot to post pictures from the Crystal Cattle giveaway. Marissa from Live Auction won and was a complete doll to work with.

She decided on argyle steer stationary....GREAT CHOICE!

Seeing as it was a giveaway I wanted to make things a little more special so I whipped up a drawstring bag in the same fabric.

LOVE IT!

I know there are a ton of pics but they are so cute I couldn't resist!

Thanks to Crystal, for having us and to Marissa and everyone else who entered our giveaway!!! Make sure you check in next week we have some items that just shipped out that are A-MAZING but I don't want to ruin the suprise!

Loving It...Them!

2010-02-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

Turquoise Whimsy Steer on Black Hoodie!

Royal Stewart Steer!

Black and Pink Paisley Black Hoodie.

I was disappointed with how this pictured...I totally need to convince my husband I need a new camera!

Sweet Treats!!

2010-02-04T16:20:00.000-08:00

So the last time I posted I showed you this...

I made this for a dear friend's little girl's first birthday and it fit her to a T when it came to personality. Since we loved the way that this one came out we thought that we would try it again for Miss K, just play with the colors.

It was ok...but when I started stitching it I just wasn't that into it.

So I started again from scratch and am glad that I did!

Because this is what I came up with and I LOVE it! It may be my new favorite! It screams birthday and I adore the sparkly sprinkles. You can be sure that my girls will be sporting these for their birthdays. Then again who knows maybe we will come up with something else by then. ;)

I must admit though...
I am in the mood for buttercream icing now!

Yummmmmmm!

Just a Little Note...

2010-02-04T15:41:00.000-08:00

Our turn around time is usually arond 2 weeks but at Christmas things got, well, CRAZY! Unfortunately, due to the chaos it took longer than anticipated to get J's order to her and we wanted to make it up to her.

So we made her these...

To match these...

We loved the way that they turned out and so did she!

Calling all Shorthorn Lovers!

2010-01-25T10:37:00.000-08:00

After a LONG and arduous wait...the TARTANS are finally in!

We love Horns in our family so we searched high and low until we found some that we liked.

I can't wait to cut a steer out of them.

Royal Stewart

Nova Scotia

Monogram for little J...his daddy is a golfer.

Happenings...

2010-01-25T10:12:00.000-08:00

It's been a while but things have been busy at Purple Banner!

I was packing items to ship last night and was once again amazed at how excited I get.

I can't wait for these to arrive and hear what their new owners think.

Here are a few of the things we have finished over the past couple of weeks.

Turquoise Dot

Sibling Teal Whimsy Brahmans

Bright Polka Dot Steer Hoodie

LOVE IT!

Our newest monogram style.

Good Earth Brahman

Sibling Monograms

I am starting tonight on shirt for a sweet baby girl's first birthday.

This is one I did for another friend but I want to mix it up for Miss K.

I will let you know how it turns out.

Now Introducing.... STATIONARY!

2009-12-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week we were contacted with a request for stationary. We thought it was a GREAT idea and started working on all of the details. After searching and searching for cards that would compliment the designs in both look and feel we finally figured it out.

Tell me you wouldn't want to get one of these in the mail...

Welcome to the CRAZINESS!!

2009-12-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

It's been a bit crazy around here a good kind of crazy but, crazy nonetheless.

Here is what we have been working on...

Bright Polka Steer

Brown Curly Swirl Steer

Pink Swirl Steer

Sibling Argyle Steers

Triplet Monograms

On newest Brahmans

Horse Talk

2009-12-03T00:45:00.000-08:00

It has been a week of firsts at Purple Banner...first Brahman, first show pig, now first show horse. After receiving the order I knew it would take a bit to figure out but, it was well worth the effort.

I am thrilled with the way they turned out.

They are headed to two little girls in TX so I am hoping they love them too!

When Pigs Fly...

2009-12-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

We have had some requests for show pigs so I got to work trying to figure them out. I am so glad I did because they are WAY CUTE!!!

This one landed in the hands of Christa over at Ranch House and actually turned out to be one of my favorites....ever.

Of course a hoodie had to follow. M adores pigs so her mom thought it would make a great Christmas present.

Too bad she was so excited about it she gave it to her the night she got it! Hee hee I am so like that too.

She was right though she LOVES it!!

Mr. V8 915

2009-11-21T18:56:00.000-08:00

The lovely ladies over at Ranch House contacted us yesterday and asked if we could make a Brahman. Now I am not going to lie, I was a bit apprehensive, but more than willing to take on the challenge. After staying up half the night and cutting him out three times I fell for Mr. V8 himself.

Here he is in real life...

And here he is in Teal Whimsy...

I love the fact that it has so much personality and was even patterned after one of their own bulls.
It just doesn't get much cooler than that!

Monograms!!

2009-11-21T18:21:00.000-08:00

Things have been a bit crazy at Purple Banner this week but it's been a good kind of crazy. My four year old decided that she and her little sister needed matching shirts for Thanksgiving and persuading her that they didn't have to be turkeys took a good bit of time. Thankfully, I was finally able to convince her that it would be way cooler to have shirts with their initials on them and what a blessing that turned out to be because I love these!

They are wearing them to church in the morning so I am hoping to get some good pics then. If I do I will be sure to post!

And the Winner is...

2009-11-16T19:27:00.000-08:00

Clara C!!!

Thanks to all for your interest in our line, I am so excited about the possibility of working with you in the future!

Clara, contact me within 24hrs to claim your Purple Banner Design.

I can't wait to get started!

Hoodies are here!!!

2009-11-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

We have had individuals requesting hoodies but I didn't want to post them until I had tried it and figured out all the kinks. That added to the fact that my little girl has been asking me to make her a "cow shirt" made me decide to take advantage of my day off and give it a go.

I LOVE the way they turned out! This is a zip hoodie because it was all I could find in her size (we live in a small town) but I just can't believe how great it looks.

The zipper is fully functional and doesn't even touch the steer when raised or lowered! What do you think?

GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-11-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

Our new site is worth celebrating and I thought what better way than a GIVEAWAY?!? It's quite simple really we will be giving away one custom shirt to our lucky winner and that lucky winner just might be you!

Want a chance to win? It's easy complete any or all of the following:

Become a follower of Purple Banner Designs. (1 entry)
Look through our fabrics and tell us which is your favorite. (1 entry)
Tweet or FB about the giveaway (make sure you leave the link). (1 entry)
For TWO extra entries blog about Purple Banner Designs and the giveaway (once again... make sure you leave the link).

Leave a separate comment for each item you complete, if you decide on them all thats 5 entries! The winner will be chosen through Random.org and announced on Monday so hurry up and get your entries in!

New Fabrics!!

2009-11-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

Our new fabrics are in!! I am absolutely loving the teal and brown this season! (As if you couldn't tell right?)

Brown Ditto Dots Aqua Ditto Dots

Aqua Curly Swirl Brown Curly Swirl

Brown Doodle Lime Doodle

Aqua Petal Brown Petal

Brown Leafy Stripe Lime Leafy Stripe

Brown Whimsy Simply Stripe

Aqua Whimsy Turquoise Whimsy

Teal Whimsy Cocoa Whimsy

Our Story...

2009-11-13T18:00:00.002-08:00

Growing up in the show industry I completely understand how consuming the lifestyle can be and how much pride individuals have in who they are, what they do, and what they stand for. Seeing as my brother is still actively involved, the minute I found out we had a nephew coming our way I started searching for show apparel to deck him out in. I thought what a great way for him to show his J3 pride right? WRONG! There was none! The animals were either of the farm variety (which if you show just doesn't work) or very generic with clique phrases. Needless to say, not exactly what I was looking for.

So I decided that I would try my own hand and everyone fell in love. Ever the salesman, my brother posted on steerplanet to see if anyone else thought that they were as cute as we did and the amount of interest surprised us all. I never imagined that gifts for my nephew would turn into a business but here we are and I can't help but be excited.

We specialize in custom apparel for your showman.

You pick the design...you pick the fabric...you create YOUR shirt.

The possibilities are endless and each one is hand stitched ensuring that it is as unique as the individual who placed the order.

Look around and tell us what you think. We can't wait to get started on your Purple Banner Design. If you are interested in placing an order check out our contact information in the right sidebar.