I think it was from the very get go that I had the yearning for what I call “art fair stuff”. All I ever knew was art fairs. I did them for years, like well over 10 years. And if you have not heard the story before I will sum it up quickly so we can all be on the same playing field.
I cannot exactly remember the age I went to my first Art Fair but I do remember how much the first painting cost. It was 11 bucks, I think. I am so losing it today! Lots of stress! Anyhow, I remember the lady who painted it sitting in the back of her tent. I remember all the artists sitting in back of their tents to escape the sun. There is such a great energy around artists. I was drawn to it well before high school. These people were “real”. Sometimes I am not sure what it is, and I am gonna sound real bad here, but sometimes when you go into a real fancy store, workers seem to act as if you shouldn’t be there. Or maybe it is just me and my lack of showering, or that I never look all that fancy. Whatever it is, I hate the way it makes me feel. I feel uncomfortable and just kinda like a loser! But I am super, I repeat SUPER self conscious. But artists never made me feel like that whether their work was 10 bucks or 10,000. All the artists I have come across have been pretty grounded, pretty true to their roots.
.jpg "1")
Okay..I gotta stay focused or this post is gonna be all over the place.
Anyways I have always loved creating. I get bored easily and that’s just not good. Needless to say when I started doing trunk shows everything changed. I poured my heart and soul into the collection for like a month then it would go off to production and I would get bored. I had no clue what to do. We went round and round on how I could still do art fairs. There was just never enough time to do it all. But I loved being able to make 5-10 of one thing and work all day and make like 6 or 7 different things. That is where my heart is…creating. I love to make things. It is then that I am totally in my element.
Needless to say this is when Platinum was born. I must tell you that it was first called “Silver label” then I realized I sounded like Levi’s! I was a little hesitant to launch it because..well, I am not sure why. I think mostly cuz I had been in the art fair circuit for so long and I knew selection was always huge and quantity was always low. Afterall, that is what made it “art” right? And it is completely opposite in the Trunk Show circuit. But who cares about the nerves cuz now we get to make stuff all the time. And today…OMG Sam was busily organizing and counting, so I had Kiera layering fabric. In the past, I pretty much just had Sam layer and cut. She was busy and I knew we needed to get Fall rolling out, so I asked Kiera if she could help. And what the heck? I come out to the cutting room and she can layer, draw layout and even cut. I was shocked and shocked in a good way! She could even do bodices. Crazy! Love it. So thank you to Sam and Kiera for making it so easy on me!
Okay, this email is all over the place…ya, email? I mean blog. Ha,I almost typed blood. I am so losing it tonite.
So who do you think won the great prize? And I am not saying what it is. CARLA can tell you all as soon as she emails Sam, [email protected] her address and size.
Yup, the answer was Chestnut Alley. I had picked this name cuz it reminded me of my Gramma. We had so many Chestnut trees in my neighborhood. I grew up across the street from my grandparents so we were all out there always having chestnut fights. But some of the last times I saw my Gramma she was out there with a broom in her nightgown with 3 or 4 little kids at her knees. She’d swing the broom up in the tree and they’d all chase them as they fell. My boys loved it. She is amazing, incredible and so dang cute. Love her.
Okay, I gotta take a few more. You guys are hilarious… so how about Hillary, Shanna, Michelle L, carrie paul and WENDY T. And yes, random for no particular reason other than it is so fun sending out prizes!
Thank goodness…it was the only answer that made any sense:) So much fun!
Congrats to Carla….. The love and memories of a Gramma is something special! Thanks for all your HARD work and so glad you have lots of great girls working with you! Now relax for the night!
I love the post! I love getting a glimpse into your life. I love how down to earth you are! Grandmas are the best, I love the little story you shared about her, she seemed great :-)…..I Love my Mamaw, I thanks god im still fortunate to have her here :-)…..We went shoe shopping today for when Field Trip comes in, my little one will be all ready to wear it! Have a wonderful night!
Chestnut Alley would have been an awesome name and the real meaning behind it even better!
I am very fortunate to still have my Grandmother. She is Carson’s great great grandmother. I am proud to say that we have 5 generations still living in our family. Not many can say that. Thanks for sharing parts of your personal life with us Denise. It’s what makes Matilda Jane so personal.
Wow, you really favor your grandma! It’s in the eyes 🙂 Thanks for sharing, love all the stories behind MJ.
Oh, how I love following your blog!! The surprises are so very fun and your generosity is amazing and contagious!
What a beautiful pic of Gramma and a great memory to share with us 🙂
cute! i wonder if i will wear nightgowns all the time when i am a grandma. my mawmaw seemed to always be in hers and it wasn’t because she didn’t have anything else to wear either-she was dressed to the 9’s for church every sunday! maybe you should design some cute pj’s and use some of that super soft tee material…you could call it gramma-jamma’s 🙂
I totally agree with the person that talked about y’all’s eyes being the same. Beautiful!
I love art fairs as well. I am drawn to things that are unique, and things that have that touch of vintage that usually have a fabulous story behind them regarding their inspiration!!! My best friend and I go to Canton or First Monday Trade days here in Texas and it is a HUGE art fair. We used to go every month but have taken off during the summer and since I just had a baby…ha! Your Platinum site is a much “cooler” option!:) So thanks! Can’t wait to see the fall pieces y’all are working on now!
I love how artists find beauty in everything they make. Thanks for sharing this love. I received another box today with an extra dress, and I just adore both my ordered piece and it! It really is like my child is wearing a treasured and loved piece of art. Thank you for clothing with some depth:)!!
Congrats Carla…we kinda knew her answer was right, but it was so much fun coming up with guesses. Grandmas are super special. I am blessed that ours was here visiting with us today. She even spent the morning helping with the word scramble. So glad you shared your story with us!
I have to say that you amaze me… and yes, you nailed it on the head! Some store owners can be so snotty… I love the art fair atmosphere <3 So cool that you have another rockin' addition to your team too!
Yay!! I can’t tell you how tickled I am to see my name in your blog! Thank you, thank you.
You crack me up, your train of thought is almost as crazy as mine! I must be an artist too. LOVE the stories, keep ’em coming! And glad to hear there is another Finn coming, I loooove mine.
what a sweet pic of your grammy! 🙂
Denise – You make me feel so comfortable to just be me. Thanks for your honesty…and for just being you! Don’t ever second guess yourself…and don’t ever feel like you have to explain yourself….at least not to us!!! We are one big, happy, extended MJC family and we love you, your team and your clothes! Don’t ever change…just keep creating and keep being you!!!! …I mean, after all, that’s who we all fell in love with, right?
Your art fair stuff is my favorite!!! I wish I lived closer so I could go to one of your art fairs.
Love your blogs! Love that you’re true to your heart! And love that my name got picked, yay!
Congrats to Carla and the other winners! And thanks, Denise, for sharing that lovely story. I was fortunate to have my great-“Gram” until I was 33. I have so many memories of her that have flooded back since reading your post. No chestnuts, but many days on her patio playing “The Waltons”.
I love that this post is so honest and true. I want to teach my daughter to love who she is and embrace that. And with MJC I feel I am supporting a company that is exactly that, Honest and True to who they are. Going North to Syracuse to visit family and so spreading the love of MJC while I am there!!
Love that dress on the manican!!!
Thank you for sharing your stories. I so appreciate how real they are. Your art fair pieces are beautiful and inspire me. I also love to create and sew. Just never enough time with my 4 kids. I understand the need to have a creative outlet. Keep it up. my girls and I just adore everything you create. good night
I wanted to say thank you for our extra goodies within our platinum order. Today, my Lola had a playdate with a girlfriend. They Love to pay dress up like a princess. So Lola’s friend loves MJ to death. She has wanted some of your pretties for a long time, but with both mom had dad out of work, it’s not really an option. Riley loves watching boxes show up on our porch…. Even though they aren’t for her. So I decided to create a special present for Riley with the special extras you sent us and give it to my UPS man to re-deliver to Riley. This little girl was so excited, I thought she may cry! We have a rockin hot UPS man who says ” Riley!! Matilda Jane is here for you!” She says, no it’s not for me… In a sad tone. I said, look on the box, it is for you!!! She slowly opened the box…. Inside was the extra knot and ruffles you had sent us. She starts weeping, which makes me cry 🙁 lola walks over to her and says ” we can both go dress up in our Matilda Jane now. They knew you were a princess but don’t have any
pretties, so the brown guy ( lol, ups man ) brought these just for you!!!! Thank
you Denise for being so giving, this little girl does not have much…. But this
made her day and she has not stopped smiling since . Xoxo
OMG Jennifer that is the sweetest story. I am crying at work this morning. I love being able to do things like that for others when I am able and I am sure that is exactly why Denise did what she did in sending the surprises. Thanks for that sweet story!
Just read Jennifer’s post, and now I’m crying. That was the sweetest thing, how kind of you to think to do that especially in such an elaborate way. That little girl will remember that for along time to come. And I’m sure seeing their child so happy probably brought so much joy to her parents as well whom I’m sure needed it in a time like this. We need more people like you in the world.
I am so excited. I honestly never win anything! Your clothes are amazing. Thank you.
Jennifer- your story is soooo sweet- I just had to go get a kleenix to wipe my tears! Maybe it is a combination of your story & Denise’s blog with the memories of her grandma that is making me so sappy this morning. Both of my gradnmas are gone now & I was super close to both. Grandma did not have a chestnut tree, but a willow tree that we played in for hours!!
Deiise- I love your stories and how down to earth you are! This is all a part of why I love Matilda Jane so! It is not just about the clothes, but the real- honest- to goodness – great people!!!
OK, Jennifer, now I am crying…that is just precious. I love how you arranged it for the ups guy to re-deliver it. And, I know I am probably sleep-deprived & way off, but is that a spring 2011 sneak peek at the top with the first picture? I LOVE it either way & I am glad I came back so I could read Jennifer’s post…that makes my day!:)
I love reading your blog. In a sense I feel like I know you and share some of your same experiences. I guess you could say I’m an aritst, although I feel conceeded calling myself that. Teaching art and creating on the side pays my bills. I recently went to a children’s upscale boutique to purchase both of my daugthers new shoes and a few other things and the sales lady told me that I might want to go to Target. I didn’t have makeup on or my hair fixed (I like to be comfy when I shop), but the point was I had money to spend. I put the items back that I had in my hands and went somewhere else. I love going to art fairs and sharing the experice with my daughters. Venders always welcome you with a smile regardless what you look like. Thanks for creating such wonderful things for my daugthers to look and feel beautiful in!
oooops sorry for spelling your name wrong Denise in previous post – kids are yelling for breakfast & I caught myself in my first “just a minute” of the day! Have a great day everyone!
Jennifer-what size is Riley? If she is a 2 I can mail her c/o you-2 of my extras-let me know. I have a slim jim in a 2 and a sprite tank in a 2 that I am more than happy to give to Riley. P.S. in return can I see a picture of the hot UPS guy?
Your grandma is beautiful. She looks like a very wise lady. Congrats to the winners!
Awesome Story and a lovely Granny.. I miss my grand parents so much.
Enjoy your gifts winners. Woo — hooo (LUCKY) !
I know they will be awesome..
Denise thanks for sharing the love.. <3
Thanks so much for the story behind the name, it was very interesting. Congrats to all the winners!!
I enjoyed reading everyone’s thoughts…Denise, your love of family, and random acts of kindness, has flowed all week into all of our lives too. Friends of my girls, and my little niece have all enjoyed your generosity this week. It’s been a really fun week! I love your heart, creativity and hard work, and it all shows in the Platinum pieces, which are always my favorite.
Such a beautiful story!! Thank you, Denise, for sharing with us! Congrats to Carla and all the other winners!!
I love that you are so normal!! And I love what kind heart you have!! You have given to a few of my causes and I have to say I’ve never meet such an incredible “famous” lady!! Thank you! (wink)
@ Jennifer…omg, I’m sitting here at work trying to hold back the tears! What an AWESOME way to pay it forward and it can’t be said enough…Denise, you have a wonderful heart and that is one of the MANY reasons I love and support your company. xoxo-paige
Congrats to the winners!!!
I enjoy your blog so much. I can so relate to what you are saying. No matter how many nice things I have to wear I always end up somewhere with a stained shirt, no make-up and lucky if I got a shower that morning! However my kids always look awesome and that’s really all that matters to me! I’m sure fancy retail shops would assume I am the nanny or babysitter! You have such an amazing gift – not just your artistic talent but you seem to be such a genuine and thoughtful person and that makes you and every thing you do shine!
Congrats to the winners! @Jennifer: That was a wonderful thing to do for that little girl. She will remember it always, and who knows how she may try to pay it forward later on….maybe even as an adult!
Congrats gals! It was so fun to play the word game! Denise, your stories are so neat! Thanks for sharing them!
I trully adore this great memory of yours Denise. And also congrats to all that one, these giveaways are amazing.
I knew it had to be connected with your Grandma, since I figured that would have been the time frame of you working on fall…. but just didn’t know it:0) Thanks for being the person you are!
Wow! Lovin’ the stories today. Yes, I am crying too. My husband just added up all the money I’ve spent on MJC in the past 6 months and I’m feeling a litte guilty that there are little girls out there that love Matilda Jane and wish they had it but don’t, while my little girls are wearing it every day. If only we all coud be as amazing as Denise and Jennifer…
Dear Denise, I received my order today…Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all the lovely things in my box! I was not having a good day today, but am now over the moon! And love reading your blog–thanks for sharing your stories 🙂
I just wanted to let you know that my twin girls, Hannah and Mia were looking at the field trip line and noticed that certain articles of clothing are named after a girl. Mia said, hey momma will you send a pic of me and sissy and maybe we can get an outfit named after us, the hannah skirt and the Mia Mine Knot dress. Mia in spanish means ” mine” and that is what I say to her all the time. Anyways I thought it was really cute what they said and amazing how observant they are at 6 yrs old. The girls love Matilda Jane and thank you thank you thank you for being so creative and creating Matilda Jane Clothing!!! You will FOREVER be on Mia, Hannah’s, and momma’s bodies!!!! When is the second fall line coming out! Already have list made!!!!!!
Mollie
I do enjoy all of your posts but this one was especially heartwarming. You are gifted with many talents and yet you are so real and your genuineness comes through in all you write and do.
I also check out facebook and cannot figure out how to post an answer on it so here is the answer for the pic:
Kylee, Kiera, Megan, Sam, Sara and Mark.
I so wish I had that blue and green dress and pant set in your art fair pic… and you’re right, the lower availability IS what makes it art… My attitude is that for any piece I don’t get, there’re two, three or ten more that I’ll HAVE to have that I will get… I still get disappointed some times, but logically-speaking, three girls can only use so many clothes…
Just looking at the last picture again and noticing some toile in the bottom left corner….please, please, please make toile skirts again!!!!
and did I hear Nut Goddess? Did I even post? I am losing it. I had Jesus and Hillary Clinton’s intern in my assessment area last night before Jesus punched the cop. He later decided he was God. Good night to be at a psych hospital. ha ha.
You look a lot like your grandma, I think it’s the eyes. Maybe it’s the black and white pic. Plymouth was fun last year, so sad that there won’t be anymore matilda jane at art fairs (I guess other than 435).
Congrats to all the winers, love your grandma. She is a cute old lady!!
What a beautiful story!!!
So excited to win something too – that’s so much Denise!!
Do people tell you that you have some of your grandmothers features? She sounds like a fun gramma who will go out with her gown on and take the broom to the tree for the little ones. Warm wonderful memories for you and your family.
Oh my, The Hopscotch Ellie is amazing! The fabric on the apron is just darling, little girls, playing games. The fabric in the skirt has a paisley design, I bought it for our little one whose name is Paisley, perfect for her! If you get a chance to grab one, get it, in any size, you will love it:)
I just love this story!!!
I love your stories and how real that you are. You are such an awesome artist and a great person too. You do make a difference in people’s lives! Thanks!