WILD ABOUT CHRISTMAS

Dec 16, 2016

Wild About Christmas Fabric Combo by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

For some reason I have loved this fabric combo for years.  It made its first appearance in our shop when we were still selling the Jessie Apron.  I think the pops of animal print in the main Santa fabric are just fun - and a great way to add a little of an unexpected pop.

Wild About Christmas Fabric Combo by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

Wild About Christmas Fabric Combo by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

This fabric can be purchased at Hobby Lobby - and if you catch it on a sale, snag a bunch of it to make your family and friends some awesome aprons!  If you want to make this exact one, you can snag the Jessie pattern in our Etsy shop

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Jessie Apron Pattern + Tutorial by Bambino Amore // Wild Santa Jessie Apron by Bambino Amore

CHRISTMAS APRON FABRIC INSPIRATION

Dec 2, 2016

Christmas Apron Fabric Inspiration by Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

Christmas is the perfect time to really get creative with your fabric combos - it's almost like Halloween all over again, except with a sweet twist as opposed to a scary one.

Christmas Apron Fabric Inspiration by Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

Like this custom Gingerbaby apron that we made for a clients little one and her friend.  We began with a light brown gingerbread background for the body of the apron and added some white icing up the middle in the form of white ruffles on either side of a middle panel.  Inside that middle panel we added bright green braided trim + buttons in red and green.  The crisp white icing bias around the bodice was topped off with red ricrac and a sweet red bow.  The traditional red + white striped fabric ties the whole look together in the underskirt and the ties.

Christmas Apron Fabric Inspiration by Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

What do you think of this fabric combo?  It's a nice spin on a traditional gingerbread, isn't it?

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Last Two Photos - client thank you photos.

PUMPKIN + SPICE - FABRIC INSPIRATION FOR A THANKFUL GATHERING

Nov 11, 2016

Thanksgiving Fabric Inspiration by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

There is something special about this time of year, isn't it?  The air turns crisp and chilly while the house gets decorated with leaves + pumpkins.  The smells coming from the kitchen are both spicy and sweet - a beautiful juxtaposition of the season itself.

This month's fabric inspiration comes directly from this juxtaposition.  The vanilla bean half apron is the ideal hostess apron, although I wouldn't recommend cooking in it as it's a creamy white KONA with a crochet lace overlay.  We'll do a tutorial for this apron if you'd like - just drop us a comment below letting us know!     

Thanksgiving Fabric Inspiration by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

The two aprons above feature vinyl iron-on appliques that I made and cut on my Cricuit.  The combo of the spice and vanilla colored KONA cotton with the pumpkin colored skirt with golden pin dots is topped off with golden trim along the waistband.

What do you think of these three combos for Thanksgiving?  Do you have a favorite?

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Aprons by Bambino Amore - found at Bambino Amore

WE'RE BACK! AN UPDATE FROM BA

Oct 26, 2016

We're Back - an Update from Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

So...it's been a little bit and we have been crazy busy!  If you've been following us on social media then you know we lost the matriarch of our family, my grandmother, on January 21st and that sent us all in to a sort of tailspin.  It was completely unexpected.  She was not sick and she had just had a checkup the very day she died and everything was all good.  Except it wasn't.

We're Back - an Update from Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

I think she was just tired and ready to see my grandfather who passed in 2009.   Either way, it sucked then and still sucks now.  It's hard to not be able to pick up the phone and call her or hop in the car to go see her.  The house that they shared is no longer theirs - it sold quickly - and it was devastating to see happen.  But, life will always go on, whether we want it to or not.  Granddaddy once told me that everything in life is a choice.  Even the things that you think you have no control over, you still have a choice - and that is how you will react to it and then what actions you will take afterwards.  I hope that my choices will honor them and their memory.

We're Back - an Update from Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

About four months later, after mom did the things she needed to do for the estate, we packed up all of our stuff and headed north to Missouri where my Aunt + Uncle (and several cousins) live - and the house hunt began.  For nearly 6 months we went all over the state and even in to Kansas looking for the "right" house.  I was worried we would never find it and have to settle for something that was available and ok.

We're Back - an Update from Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

Then we found this beauty in a little town about one and a half hours away from my Aunt + Uncle and we just knew it was perfect.  Well, it's perfectly imperfect and I just love it!

We're Back - an Update from Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

It was built in the 1920's and has such amazing character - hardwood floors, large rooms, super tacky wallpaper, and two fireplaces, just to name a few.

We're Back - an Update from Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

Honestly, I can't wait until the spring so we can get to work on painting, adding trims, and doing a yard redo.  It will be awesome to put our own stamp on the house and add to the extensive history that we are now a part of as the new owners of this awesome home.

I really wish grandmom and granddaddy could see this house.  I know they would both think it's great!

What do you think?  What is your favorite style or era of home?

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Wedding Photos part of our family collection

GEEKY + TRADITIONAL BABY FRIENDLY FABRIC COMBOS

Sep 2, 2016

Geeky + Traditional Baby Friendly Fabric Combos by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

As some of you may know, I used to have an Etsy shop where I created little kids clothing and I have been yearning to create some clothes.  The perfect opportunity arose when my beautiful niece needed some clothes for her trip to Universal Studios + Florida.

Mom chose to go the more traditional route and create the gorgeous set you see above - using nothing but fat quarters!  Can you believe that?  Check out those fabric combos - little Lia's nursery has these very color combos.  The yellows, soft greys, and crisp white all create a cute + soothing color scheme (or so I'm told!).    

Geeky + Traditional Baby Friendly Fabric Combos by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

I, on the other hand chose to let my geek flag fly and created her two drop waist skirts with a totes adorbs Harry Potter Quidditch theme fabric coupled with a yellow polka dot fabric for one and a blue stars fabric coupled with bright red and + yellow trim on the second one.

Geeky + Traditional Baby Friendly Fabric Combos by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

I then took basic onesies and added a bit of pizazz to them.  The Harry Potter one was created using a Snitch graphic and the HP with the lightening bolt.  I took those graphics and loaded them in to my Cricuit machine and made iron-on appliques with glitter vinyl.  It really ended up looking great!

For the Wonder Woman outfit, I just added a store bought iron-on applique + then top stitched it for added durability. 

Geeky + Traditional Baby Friendly Fabric Combos by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

So what do you think about these fabric combos?  Would you like to see a tutorial for the skirts?  Perhaps one for the snitch applique?  Let us know in the comments section below.

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore

5 EASY STEPS TO ANGLED APRON TIES

Aug 21, 2016

Angled Apron Ties In A Cinch by Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

APRON TIES - ANGLE THEM LIKE A PRO


Have you ever wondered how we get those angled ties for our Bambino Amore aprons?  It's wicked easy and I'll show you how it's done.  So, let's get to it with this quick sewing tip.

STEP ONE: 

First, you need to stitch up your ties - according to whatever pattern/tutorial instructions you are working with.  This example is of the Lola apron tutorial, which will be coming to the blog in its entirety for free soon.

Angled Apron Ties In A Cinch by Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

STEP TWO:

Now you will need to angle the edges - following the instructions on your pattern/tutorial.  If you'd like it to look like this one - you need to measure over 1" on the top and .5" on the bottom, draw a line, and then use that line as your stitch line.

This is a wicked important step since it will determine how the end of the tie will look.  Some are curved, some are squared, and some are angled - ours are angled.  Regardless of your desired edge, be sure to back-stitch a bunch because you want those pressure points to be really durable.

Angled Apron Ties In A Cinch by Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

STEP THREE: 

The next step is clipping along the seams to get rid of some of that bulk - that's the real secret to a nice angled edge.  

Angled Apron Ties In A Cinch by Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

STEP FOUR:

Turn baby, turn.  I use a full on knitting needle to turn my ties.  Mom uses a crochet hook.  Once upon a time, I used a safety pin to pull the fabric through.  There are even some people who use a special tool.  Whichever method is easiest for you is what you should go with - just make sure that you turn the tie and push the point out without pushing through the fabric itself (ie., poking a hole in the fabric + totally ruining the tie).  

Angled Apron Ties In A Cinch by Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

Angled Apron Ties In A Cinch by Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

STEP FIVE:

Now you just need to smooth out (flatten) your seam.  I do this first using my fingers by rolling the seam and smoothing them with my nails - and then with the iron + starch.  That will get them nice and flat.

Angled Apron Ties In A Cinch by Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

NUTSHELL RECAP:  5 EASY STEPS TO ANGLED APRON TIES

  1. Stitch up your ties (lengthwise) according to your pattern/tutorial instructions
  2. Angle your ties by measuring over 1" on the top and .5" on the bottom, draw a line, and then use that line as your stitch line - making sure to backstitch.
  3. Clip excess fabric along stitch lines.
  4. Turn tie + push out point carefully
  5. Flatten/smooth out seam + press flat
And that's it - an easy way to get angled ties with beautiful pointed tips.  What do you think of this method?   

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Apron Pattern + Tutorial by Bambino Amore

SUPER-EASY HARRY POTTER BUTTERBEER

Aug 20, 2016

Super-Easy Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

In honor of the new J.K.Rowling book, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, I decided to try my hand at making a Hogwarts favorite. Yep, that means butterbeer baby!

Since I had never had butterbeer before I made this recipe, I wasn't sure what to expect.  I had an idea.  And I knew what I wanted.  I wanted a warm drink that I could make instead of coffee since I really don't like the taste of coffee that much, but, I do like a little coffee flavored vanilla creamer hot drink from time to time.  Or hot cooca.  Whatever.   

Super-Easy Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

And yes, it does taste better with some golden snitches (AKA Ferrero Rochers) to snack on while you sip it.  Grab your apron and let's whip up a batch.

Super-Easy Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

You'll need:
  • 1 Liter of Cream Soda (your choice of brand - it doesn't matter)
  • 3 tbsp. of butter
  • 3 tbsp. of brown sugar
  • 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
  • 5 Werther's Originals candies
Tools you'll need: whisk, pot (you don't need one as big as what I used - I just liked the cauldron look of this pot), measuring cups/spoons, a fork, and microwave-safe bowl

Steps:
  1. In your pot, boil the cream soda
  2. Combine the butter + brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl and melt the combo until the sugar has dissolved.  I did mine in 30 second intervals so that it wouldn't turn in to a hot bubbly mess - stirring with a fork
Super-Easy Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

Super-Easy Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers
  1. When your cream soda is completely boiling (like, really boiling, not little bubbles) mix in your butter + sugar combo with a whisk - being sure to keep stirring 
  2. Mix in the whipping cream while still stirring
  3. Toss in the Werther's candies - and you guessed it, keep stirring
Super-Easy Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers
  1. Stir, stir, stir until the candies are all melted.
Super-Easy Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

When the butterbeer has cooled enough to be tolerable, pour it in to a fancy (or not-so fancy - your choice) mug and curl up with a good Harry Potter book, a blanket that shows your house colors, and a handful of golden snitches.

Super-Easy Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe by Bambino Amore - the Apron Makers

In another post I will show you how to turn this nice warm drink (perfect for fall + winter) in to an iced latte alternative.  Yummy...

Have you tried a Butterbeer recipe that was share-worthy awesome?  Let us know!

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Apron by Bambino Amore - found at Bambino Amore
 

STEP UP YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY GAME!

Aug 19, 2016

Step Up Your Product Photography Game with Tips from Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

Hey everyone!  For this business tip tutorial, I'm going to shed some light on how I take all of the product photos for our Bambino Amore website + Bambino Amore Etsy shop.

It's wicked easy now that I have a system in place, but, once upon a time it was a totally different story.  Take a peek at the apron gallery on our Bambino Amore website see what I am referring to - I have totally stepped up my photography game with this new system.  And yes, I still take each of our product photos in my bedroom - using a wide wall that's completely clear of furniture.   

I tried every kind of white background you could think of - the wall (too bumpy + texturized), a disposable plastic table cloth (too shiny), fabric (showed every wrinkle), and finally - I hit pay dirt with a roll of sketch paper from the hobby/craft store.  I tried lights of all kinds from workhorse lights to lamps all over the place.  Finally, I was able to purchase some light stands with umbrellas and then I received some soft box lights for Christmas one year and all bets were off!

Here are the tools I use now:
  • Four soft box lights - with four daylight bulbs each
  • Two light stands with removable umbrellas - with one daylight bulb each
  • Sketch Paper on the Roll
  • Backdrop Stand
  • Sony Cyber-shot DCS-HX200V
  • Adobe Photoshop via Creative Cloud 
  • Super Awesome Mannequin that I got as a Christmas present
The name of this game is to make-do with what you have until you can upgrade, but, to always keep playing around + keep improving.

My system, step-by-step:
1.  Identify the light sources in a room that you're using to take photographs in.

Step Up Your Product Photography Game with Tips from Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

In my case, the overhead light casts a yellow glow and the windows cast a blueish light.  Since I will be working with my soft boxes, I am going to cancel out the yellow glow by just turning off the overhead light.  Easy Peasy.

2.  Identify what you want the lights to actually light up.

Step Up Your Product Photography Game with Tips from Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

I want to use the power of the soft boxes (they have four bulbs inside of each one) to light up the background so that I can achieve the blow-out white seamless look you find in all of our apron images.  That means that I will place the lights on the sides of the mannequin, aim them at the background, and then make sure they are not lighting the mannequin because it will wash out the color of the apron - which is a no-no in product photography.

3.  Light 'em up!  Now you want to flip the switches on the light boxes and be prepared to be less-than-impressed because it isn't so bright and doesn't look as awesome as you think it should.

Step Up Your Product Photography Game with Tips from Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

It's ok though, this is just one step and you're missing a key component - lighting the mannequin + apron.  Now it's time to bring in the light stands - one on either side and light those up.

Step Up Your Product Photography Game with Tips from Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers
 
Still not quite what I'm looking for, but, in some instances this is enough light - no joke.  We do need to bust out the umbrellas for this one though.  They will bounce the light and spread it out over the mannequin + apron more evenly and give us the right kind of light.

Step Up Your Product Photography Game with Tips from Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

4.  Snap, snap, + snap some more.  The lighting is all set and all that's left is to set the white balance on your camera the way you want to, break out a tripod if you feel the need (I don't always), and begin taking photos.  I tend to take about 20+ for each apron and then leave it on the mannequin while I process the photos just in case I need to take more.  Don't worry about the lighting equipment being in the shots - focus on your subject. 
Step Up Your Product Photography Game with Tips from Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

5.  Load + Edit.  Almost finished!  Time to see what the pictures look like so load them in to a photo editing program.  I use Adobe Photoshop CC to crop, adjust curves (if it's too dark or too light), and paint (using white and a feathered paintbrush).  Paint?!  Yep, we have to remove that lighting somehow.

Step Up Your Product Photography Game with Tips from Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

Step Up Your Product Photography Game with Tips from Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

Step Up Your Product Photography Game with Tips from Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

Now that we have cropped, adjusted the curves to lighten the image a bit, and painted out the lighting equipment we are all finished.  The result?  A fabulous image with a pure white background that looks like it belongs in a catalog or magazine - all ready for our shops!
Step Up Your Product Photography Game with Tips from Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below.  If you think this tutorial will help someone out with their product photography - tweet it, pin it, link it, post it, forward it, etc.

What products do you create yourself and take photos of on a mannequin?

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Apron by Bambino Amore - found at Bambino Amore
Step Up Your Product Photography Game with Tips from Bambino Amore - The Apron Makers

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