shop spotlight || briar handmade

Today's Shop Spotlight is on Briar Handmade, a shop that specializes in unique & modern baby bonnets. From the moment I discovered Briar Handmade, I fell in love. I remember seeing black and white photographs of my own Mom and Grandma as young girls in bonnets and I love that bonnets are making a comeback, because not only are they the perfect accessory to complement any outfit, but they serve a purpose as well. And if you have a little girl, I mean really...would childhood be complete without at least one picture of her in a bonnet?

|| black dots & honey bonnet ||

Briar Handmade is owned by beautiful Mama of two, Rachel Goode. Her shop is named after her daughter, Gracelyn Briar, and she finds inspiration most often from beautiful fabric and in collaborations with other designers. Of course, her daughter is always an inspiration as well!

Rachel shares her story below:

“I graduated from George Fox University with a BS in Psychology. Prior to becoming a Stay-at-Home Mom, I managed an upscale home furnishings and décor retail store in Portland, Oregon. I married my (almost) highschool sweetheart; we started dating after graduating from high school together and we just celebrated our seven year wedding anniversary! We have two children - Noah, who is four, and Gracelyn, who is almost one.”

“I've been an avid quilter and sewer for years and often fantasized about owning my own business and selling my goods.  After my daughter was born, I started using my Liberty of London fabric stash to make little bonnets for her in a style that I wanted, but couldn't find anywhere else on the market.  We received compliments everywhere we went -- from grandmothers who applauded me for covering my daughter's ears, and from other mamas for the bonnet's style.  My husband suggested that I sell them and that's how Briar Handmade LLC started in early 2014.”

|| summer bloom bonnet ||

“I get asked frequently if I am going to branch out and create other products.  Right now, I'm having so much fun and staying completely busy with bonnets alone, that I will be sticking with these for a while.  You never know though!”

|| swiss dot & liberty bonnet ||

“By far, the most challenging aspect of running my business is finding a healthy work/life balance, especially when working from home.  Those lines can often get blurred and transitioning from a stay-at-home mom to a work-at-home mom is a constant work in progress.”

“The best part of owning my own business is seeing something that I have created worn by someone else.  There is still a huge "pinch me" factor that people actually buy, like, and appreciate what I am making.  Also, it is such a great feeling doing something that doesn't feel like "work".  I honestly enjoy every part of the process.”

|| linen petals bonnet ||

“Outside of Briar Handmade, I love trying new restaurants and eating really good food! We are trying to raise our kids with diverse palettes and an appreciation for good food, so we do lots of cooking at home as well as family date-nights. I enjoy a good book, a good nap, and good iced coffee (all of which never happen often enough!). My favorite place, other than home, is at our family's beach cabin on Washington's coast.”

what briar handmade is known for || gorgeous handmade modern bonnets

what sets briar handmade apart || the styles of bonnets offered are just so classic; with a mix of floral and liberty of london prints, as well as iconic stripes and polka dots, the selection is perfect -- not too many, not too few, but just the perfect variety to suit any taste and to keep it classy

my favorite products || I would be lying if I didn't say the heirloom liberty secret garden was my favorite, and though it is no longer available, every single liberty print that Rachel offers just continues to melt me; she recently released this linen petals bonnet [above] and I love it for a summer picnic or stroll at the park

product review || black dots & honey bonnet + navy stripes bonnet

quality + craftsmanship || The craftsmanship of these bonnets is superb; they are so well made but still so lightweight; I love the simplicity of them -- it keeps the design pure and true, just the way a bonnet should be. Rachel considers every detail when creating her bonnets and the quality shows through as soon as you open the package. From the stitching to the lining, perfection exudes from each one.

overall opinion on...

style || Rachel calls herself a perfectionist but also claims she tries not to take life too seriously...I think these bonnets embody both of those qualities perfectly. The bonnets are created with so much love and care, but they aren't overdone or pretentious. They are subtle yet sophisticated, the perfect touch without being complicated or too elaborate.

function || I also love how much function these bonnets serve. I initially considered them to be more of an accessory than anything, but I've found myself putting them on Olivia on a regular basis -- especially for a walk on a breezy day. They keep her head and ears warm without overheating her when the sun is shining. Rachel offers both cotton lined options and fleece lining, which I will certainly be scooping up for the winter. The Pima cotton she uses is luxurious but light, and some times I've seriously wished V's bonnets would fit on my head. That would be a sight to see!

value + recommendation || I seriously pray for so many more baby girls so I can put them in bonnets from Day 1. When Olivia was born 14 months ago, bonnets weren't readily available and the ones that were certainly wouldn't have been described as "modern." I think it would be darling to photograph a tiny newborn in a bonnet and I adore each and every one that Rachel makes! I would highly recommend Briar Handmade; I am certain you won't be disappointed.

coupon code || BLESSEDNEST15 || save 15% off your total purchase || Valid 7.21-7.23 only
start shopping here

giveaway || one lucky winner will have their choice of any [in stock] bonnet from briar handmade. to enter, simply complete the steps below in the rafflecopter. all entries will be verified and giveaway ends Sunday, July 27.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway