Bettybbite Dreams

Today I ran across this article on Facebook and I couldn't stop laughing. I hate my birthday... I always cry and I'm just not one of those people who send out announcements or do stupid countdown texts the entire month. (Kill me) I was born on the last day of the year (Yes, that means December 31st not January 1st which is in fact the first day of a New Year.) and that just happens to be six days after Christmas; which sucks. If you have a December birthday you know what I mean and you should get a laugh out of  22 Truths people with December birthdays will understand.

Yes, that is also two Lauren Conrad GIF's I have used in less than a month. I've been in a Hills mood lately and God granted me a gift of reality gold when I found out that E! was doing a Heidi & Spencer catch up special called AFTERSHOCK: Heidi & Spencer. Now, I'm really ashamed to admit this but I kinda feel bad for Spencer. I mean he almost got in a fight with a random guy at a fast food restaurant for how he acted on a TV show three years ago AND he gained 50lbs from stress eating pie. Seriously, he loves blueberry pie and I have a soft spot for stress eating Reality TV men. (Rob Kardashian I'm talking about you.) I have no idea if anything they said was the truth but I like them for the first time and the ONLY reason is because Spencer seriously admitted to hating himself and how he acted. Man, I love a good slice of Humble pie served up hot.

However, in more important news one of my artsy fartsy friends has something to share with you today and I am so excited so I'll just let her take over now: Meet Bettybbite Dreams

When I was a little girl I inherited 2 large trunks of jewelry and bobbles from my grandmother, Cubina Mahota Hamm Prater. I would wear them around everywhere and have worn them up into my 20s now, to which vintage has become exceedingly popular. I carried around one of her suitcases full of broken bits and missing earrings from moving out of my parents, through college and out of college. One day I just started stringing them together and thought what could I do with these, and then it hit me: Dreamcatchers

 

 My grandmother has Chickasaw in her blood, her name is Cubina Mahota. So I started making dreamcatchers from the strung beads, brooches and doilies she left me. From there it moved to repurposing necklaces, earrings and collar clips. I started collecting all kinds of antique and vintage things from other antique stores, estate sales and thrifted finds. It started as something to do with her stuff and moved onto giving them out as presents to the family and close friends.    

More people started to take interest in my spin on dreamcatchers, which are created from vintage finds. They would give me family heirlooms and jewelry from their own grandmothers that have been passed down and I would create dreamcatchers for them. I found this to be a great way to display these pieces that would usually just sit in an old jewelry box collecting dust. I add vintage laces and ribbons to them, to give this great delicate fullness feel and I can work in all kinds of different colors and sizes. I have an art and design background so each piece to me is a piece of artwork that I give to someone. Every piece placed on a dreamcatcher is well thought out and the idea that people can add to their own jewels to them really makes you a contributor to the art as well.  

 

I recently started an etsy account as I have started to collect an overabundant amount of supplies the last few months and I really enjoy making something others will cherish forever. Here are a few of the dreamcatchers I hold so dear to me, some are sold, and some are still up for grabs. Check out my Etsy Shop & Follow me on Instagram @bettybbite_dreams for special sales.

Also, starting RIGHT NOW I am offering all of Terri's readers a 20% discount valid until 12/31/2013 on my Etsy site with code: CRAZYTHOUGHS  !
*For custom orders email me at bprater.design@gmail.com
 

How beautiful are those dreamcatchers! I have always loved Bridgets style and she is so freaking crafty I can't even handle it. One time she made a bikini out of bubble wrap and SHOULD have won a bar contest for it. Or maybe she did... I can't remember college was blurry but the point is: The girl has got skills. Fun Fact: She was also with me the night that I met Chad for the first time and she just recently got ENGAGED! Congrats girl, you are going to be a BEAUTIFUL bride!
 
2007

 

2013

 

Umm, I just realized that's over SIX years of friendship... crazy. 

I just can't wait to get my grubby little paws on one of these babies. My husband BETTER be ordering me one for Christmas (Hint number two darling) and you guys should shop small and get a one of a kind gift for a one of a kind person this year! I stalked all her current ones on Etsy and I'm in love with the following:




I don't even like pink and that one is fabulous. I'm thinking a custom rose gold & sparkly white/flesh tone one for me... a big one with crystals. (Hint #3)  Is it too much to want fifteen of these on my walls? I mean you can't ever have too many things catching bad dreams right?

PS. This was the most enjoyable blog post I've written in awhile and I just want to say I'm thankful for all of you that keep up with me and enjoy reading about my crazy life. 

 

Christmas card photoshoot with Terra Dawn

This year I wanted to make sure that Chad and I had some professional pictures taken for our Christmas cards since we wouldn't be showing our actual faces at home. It will be our first Christmas not going home and I have to say I'm a little sad BUT the good news is that two of Chads sisters are flying up on the 26th to visit! Lucky for me I'm friends with an AMAZING photographer Terra Dawn and she fit us in for a quick mini session to snap a few shots. The only day that we could take these photos was the same day that we flew back from our LA trip and to say that we were tired is an understatement. However, it ended up being a beautiful sunny and somewhat warm Sunday afternoon in Kirkland and the pictures turned out amazing. We took these in Downtown Kirkland along the waterfront and in the city. PDA overload but what can I say, I like to kiss my husband. Okay, I'll shut up now and just show you the goods...

 

 

 

I'm so in love with ALL of the photos... the Christmas Card winner is still being hidden because I want to TRY and surprise our families. If you are in the Seattle area and like what you see contact Terra Dawn and set up your session! I can't suggest her enough; she's super fun to work with and super fast when it comes to returning the pictures. We had so much fun with her and even though we were both exhausted her positive energy pumped us up and made us feel great. It's always fun when a photographer squeals while taking the photo and says, "OMG these are so good!" I have to say.... she was right!

Terra Dawn has also decided to give any of you guys the hook up if you book with her and mention that you saw it here on my blog!

Mention Crazythoughs blog when booking and you will get $50 off a 1 hour session!
* Regular session cost is $325 but with discount only $275
* Comes with an online gallery of all images available for download at no extra cost
* Must book before 12/31/13 for $50 discount (Date of actual session can be anytime you & Terra agree on does not have to be before 12/31/13)