My shop began by chance. I've always had crafting in my soul. It has always been a part of me and something that I do to fill my own cup as well as gift to others to fill theirs. It wasn't until I became pregnant with our first daughter that I decided to sell the beauty salon I owned and stay home to raise her. This opened up the door to having time to create for other people as well! Not to mention, my new baby girl inspired me to create cute, new items I had never thought about before. Marmalade Forest began organically on a cold October day. We were leaving in a few hours to take our daughter to the pumpkin patch and at that time, Oregon was quite chilly. I wanted a warm hat for her but she wouldn't keep a knit hat on. I grabbed what fleece scraps I had and quickly fashioned a bear hat with a bow on the ear that velcroed under the chin. She loved wearing it and we received comment after comment on it. I realized then that other moms wanted warm, cute hats for their littles too! I designed several more kinds (as you see in my shop, from unicorns to foxes) and thus began the start of Marmalade Forest. (fun fact! Our Rottweiler mix is named Marmalade, hence the shops name!) From hats I extended out into children's clothing, accessories and some non-children items as well. With the birth of our second daughter, I continue to be inspired to create more fun and whimsical items for all ages to enjoy!