Tell us a bit about yourself..
My name is Christine Cook, I have been married for almost 3 years to my husband Chris. We have 3 beautiful daughters, Madilyn-8, Gabriella-3, and Alaina-1. We live in North Olmsted.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I work part time as an LPN at Fairview Hospital in the Labor and Delivery unit, my main job there is scrub nurse on the c-sections. And I am also going back to school to be an RN at Kent.
Where do you get your creativity from?
I love creating things and I definitely consider my 3 girls as my muses, they are the reason that I ended up even starting Miss Princess Tutus. Without them being so girly, I don't think I would have started making tutus!
What got you into the craft hobby?
Last year when we were pregnant with our last daughter we were roaming around a craft exhibit at Great Northern Mall, there was a girl there selling tutus and I was immediately drawn to them. I wanted the girls for Lainey's first birthday pictures to be dancing around in beautiful flowing tulle! So about 4 months before their birthday pictures I started researching them online and was going to purchase them...Then I got the idea that I could make them and it has led me to this point.
How would you describe your creative process?
I'm always thinking about different color combinations to put together on tutus. I also am always trying out new things on my tutus. When I made my first tutu, it was definitely lacking that "something." So after about a week of staring at it, I decided to attach a flower and a button in the middle of the flower. Then I found a little glue gun that glues "bling" and put some bling on it. It really made it pop out! Even though not every tutu I made has bling on it, every single tutu has a flower with a button to match the look they are trying to convey!
What is your most favorite item that you have ever produced?
My favorite tutu so far has been the first one I did for my youngest daughter Lainey. Her 1st birthday party theme was Hot Pink and Lime Green ladybugs, because we have always called her Lainey Bug. So when I started thinking about making her tutu, I knew I wanted it to match her party! So her tutu was shimmer pink and lime green and it had a sparkly green and pink ladybug button. We got a lot of great pictures of her in that tutu! And even used a picture of her crawling away with all the tulle around her butt as the picture for my business cards!
How did you get your business off the ground?
I started my own website and blog, and I also have promoted my business on Facebook. This business is still a work in progress which is why I want to really get our name out by craft shows and other venues. I plan on doing a lot of shows in the upcoming months in hopes that people will be looking for a great tutu for their little princesses!
What are your goals with your business?
My main goal is to just have happy, beautiful princesses! About a month ago, I did a photoshoot with our photographer that does all our family work and had my 3 girls and 6 other girls. The looks on their faces when they saw all those tutus was awesome! I really hope this takes off and I can continue to stay part time after school is completed, but only time will tell.
What do you do in your free time?
I love spending time with my girls and my husband. I also love reading, and definitely get lost in books. I'm getting sad that winter is coming up, because Spring and Summer are my favorite and I like being outside enjoying the sunshine and warm weather!
What's the message behind your work?
Custom Made Tutus for that Special Princess in your Life. Just to provide beautiful handmade tutus that your princess will cherish and wear out! I love seeing the pictures of girls who are wearing their tutus and look amazingly happy!
Check out Miss Princess Tutus this fall at the Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature 67 of the areas most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the North East Ohio Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show
Sunday, October 23, 2011, 10:00am-5:00pm
Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church
5500 West 54th St.
Parma, OH 44129.
For more information, contact Becki Cooper, at info@avantgardeshows.com.
