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April 22, 2006
Well, I finally did it. I joined the blogging craze. I'm only a year or so late.Here it is, A Patchwork World. It's brand spankin' new so there's not too much to see yet, but it's a start. I'll still keep this one up for a while as I try to figure out some way to archive it. I can't believe it's been a year since I started this. Well, a year on the world wide web, that is, kokoleo has actually been in the works for a decade, or a lifetime depending on how you look at it.
Remember, there's Free Shipping on all kokoleo website orders until April 25th!
Have a great day!
KB
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April 17, 2006
Are you seeking little indie flowers? Don't know what I'm talking about? Well check this out : Seek Indie.
It's an online scavenger hunt where you can win fun prizes from indie designers. There are 13 gift boxes to win. I submitted this Ladies (M) tattoo t-shirt (in prize box 3):
Now go get your flowers! And have a great day!
KB
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April 15, 2006
Changes are afoot on the kokoleo website. I redesigned the homepage and added some features to make the site easier to navigate (I hope). Is it too crowded and hectic? Oh well, so is my sewing room. I also moved the blog to it's own page and hope to transfer it to a real blog platform soon so I can make it less kokoleo-centric and more about my day to day activities and observations.
Why am I changing things up now? Because kokoleo turns 1 this month! As a thank you to thank all the customers who have encouraged me this past year, and to those who happen to stumble onto this site in the next 10 days, I'm offering free shipping on all website orders until April 25th, 2006. International orders too!
Happy Easter!
KB
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April 12, 2006
Special commssions have been keeping me busy lately. Here are a few I've finished in the past couple weeks:
An Easter sundress for Jasmine:
Monster Tees for Steamboat Kids:
Monster pants for Eamonn:
and these tees for Avenelle:
Want me to make something for you? Email me!
Have a great day!
KB
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April 5, 2006
Mark your calanders and head on out to Hollywood because on Saturday May 13th from 11am-6pm kokoleo will be at Meltdown Comics (7522 Sunset Blvd.) for the launch of:
I can't wait!
Have a great day!
KB
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March 26, 2006
By popular demand - kokoleo now offers
words-on-shirts! Like this:
Or these:
Or anything else your heart desires. $4 per letter + $10 per shirt. (If I don't have the size you need I will find it.) See the personalized page for more pictures and information.
Have a great day!
KB
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March 12, 2006
Wanna see the behind-the-senes? Most kokoleo items are born in this room. . .
Okay, it's actually rare that everything is all neat and folded like that.
The picture below shows the corner that contains my To Do list, notions, scissors (in varying degrees of sharpness) and boxes of fabric scraps. One person's scrap is another person's letter (for personalized banners and pillows, that is).
My trusty tools of the trade. . .
These puppets oversee all the work that goes on in my sewing room. Underneath the quilt in the corner are boxes, shipping supplies, polyester stuffing, patterns, pillowforms, etc.
And here's my desk where I keep kokoleo labels, shipping labels, felt mouths, and my trusty binder where I record all kokoleo business info. Below the desk are t-shirts, patterns and in the wicker hamper is. . . more fabric!
And lastly, my wall-o-kokoleo. . .
And there you have it. Thanks for stopping by. On your way out you might want to check your shoes for pins and your clothes for bits of thread.
Have a great day!
KB
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March 6, 2006
The Montrose Harvest Market was a success. I met some nice people and sold a few things. I signed up to do it next week so if you're in the area, stop by!
Have a great day!
KB
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March 3, 2006,
Here's the latest gang of kokoleo monsters to head off to Monkeyhouse Toys:
Also, check out that funky quilt. I got it at the Veterans thrift store for 99 cents. 99 cents! On the back it has embroidered, "For John and Miriam, August 16, 71. by Mama."
Shame on you John and Miriam for getting rid of Mama's handmade lapquilt! But thank you! I'm considering turning it into a couple purses or something but I won't start cutting it until I'm absolutely sure about what it should be. I want to make Mama proud!
If you live in the Los Angeles area and would like to pick up some harvest vegetables to go with your kokoleo monsters, I'll be near the bouncy tent at the Montrose Harvest Market this Sunday from 9-2. Stop by and say hi!
Have a great day!
KB
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February 28, 2006
We're having a surprise baby shower for our friend T.J. tomorrow (I hope she doesn't read this before then). I made these for her boy and soon-to-be little girl:
Want some for the big and lil ones in your life? Email me!
Have a great day!
KB
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February 18, 2006
I've been busy busy busy this week sewing up a storm. Here are a few things I've made:
This month it was my turn to do something special for Sage's preschool teachers. I made these aprons:
And for my friend Devorah, I made these ginormous banners to decorate her booth at the Specialty Kid Show in Las Vegas next week:
She'll be representing some of my monsterific stuff at the show. Among the items will be these embellished tees based on my monster dolls:
which I'll soon be offering on my website as well. Stay tuned!
Have a great day!
KB
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February 14, 2006
Have a great day!
KB
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February 8, 2006
The kokoleo kid shop is now open! Here's a sneak peek of some of the items I added tonight:
See? I told you I was on a monster kick.
Have a great day!
KB
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February 4, 2006
Say goodbye to these guys, they're going to the Monkeyhouse:
Monkeyhouse Toys, that is. The owner, Mayra, is the nicest lady with the coolest shop in Silverlake, the hippest area of Los Angeles. These guys told me they are super excited to hang out in her shop for a while.
In other news, our fence was fixed! So as soon as I have a day where the sun hits it in just the right way, I'll take a bunch of pictures and update the shop with all the items that are currently crowding my sewing room.
Have a great day!
KB
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January 31, 2006
Those of you who frequent this website may be familiar with the white fence that serves as the backdrop for many of my clothes. Well, here's what it looks like now:
It seems it wasn't strong enough to hold up against the Santa Anna winds that blew through Southern California last week. I've been waiting all week for it to get fixed so I can photograph my new clothes and update the shop. Here's a sneak peek:
My husband asked me if I thought I was obsessed with sewing. I responded, "Don't come in here without shoes on! You might step on a pin." I'm starting to sound like my mom.
Have a great day!
KB
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January 21, 2006
Monsters! I can't get enough of them and neither can my boy Sage. I made these little guys to take to a shop and Sage fell in love with the chained one and wanted to take it to preschool for "share day." I was afraid it might frighten the children so I didn't let him.
Also, I've been making monster pants like crazy. I don't know why. I'm hoping people might want them. You can find the cammo one and the leopard star patch one at All A'Board (Mohawk and Sunset) in Echo Park.
And! Check out this:
Click on "Today's Featured Indie Star." That's me! Sweet! Thank you Marisa.
I promise to update the shop soon. I swear.
Have a great day!
KB
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January 11, 2006
Introducing kokoleo Monster Bottoms! They were such a hit with my son that I've decided to offer them to you.
Right now I only have sizes 6-9 months but I promise there are more sizes to come. Also, by popular demand, coming soon - kokoleo kids clothes! Stay tuned.
Have a great day!
KB
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January 10, 2006
On Christmas eve my 3-year-old Sage got it in his mind that Santa was going to bring him "monster jammies." Where he got this idea I don't know, but the night before Christmas was not the ideal time to fill such an order. The next day after all the presents were open, Sage commented, "Mom, I think Santa forgot my monster jammies." I told him, "Well, Santa didn't have the time to get you monster jammies, but he put an order in to kokoleo and they will be ready for you soon." He seemed content with this explanation and a few days later I whipped this up for him:
And now he wants to wear them every night. He says they're good for scaring the bad monsters away.
If you like monsters too, check out my updated Things That are Stuffed shop to see the new arrivals. Like monsters on shirts? Check out my fellow craftaholic Jennifer's stuff at Dishy Duds Designs. Her monster tees are super cute.
Have a great day!
KB
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January 7, 2006
Buzz! Buzz! in the blog world. I happened to Google "kokoleo" today and to my delight I discovered the shop has been mentioned on some some pretty cool blogs recently.
Sweet Juniper! posted a picture of my "Noogun" monster in a blog entry entitled "Dutch's Holiday Shopping Guide for the Anti-Materialist* Indie Sonofabitch Parent." Ha! Cool!
MMMM, BRAINS posted my Dainty Rocker baby dress purchased off my website. This blog chronicles the life of two hip parents and their brand new rockin' baby girl.
Blogging Baby posted my website as a place to shop for an entry entitled "Christmas shopping for the anti-consumer, Part 5: Infant and kids clothing."
And then there's this one: het Dag-Konijn, which, um, I don't understand a word of (it's in Dutch, I think) but they linked to me so I like them.
Also, I found that Kokoleo-Ko is a popular kids' folk song in West Africa and it means "Bird crowing all day." Who knew?
Viva la Bloggers! Have a great day!
KB
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January 1, 2006
Happy New Year!
Changes are afoot on the kokoleo website. Please check back in the coming weeks for new items to be added to the shop - grownup clothes, pillows, toddler dresses, etc. Also, I'm once again accepting commision work for banners or pillows or anything else your heart desires.
Have a great day!
KB
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December 21, 2005
I promised to update the shop this week and I didn't so here, have a cookie:
I've been busy with house-decorating and cookie making and all that holiday family togetherness stuff. I send my best wishes to everyone who stumbles upon this website amidst your holidays. I'm excited about 2006 and I can't wait to see what it brings for us all.
Have a great day!
KB
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December 12, 2005
Well, I did it. The Bazaar Bizarre has come and gone and I had a great time. I got some kokoleo items into the hands of some very nice people, met some creative crafty folk and even got a little Christmas shopping done. Thank you Greg, for holding the event, Lauren, for helping me in my booth all day, and all the handmade fans who stopped by and chatted. I can't wait to do it again next year! Check out my picture diary of the event:
Friday night, I set up all my stuff in our dining room.
Saturday night I made a cake to donate to the cake walk. Later I found out is was one of the first to be chosen. People liked my boobs!
Here's my booth all set up.
And here I am behind it.
This guy bought some monsters. Do I always stand like that? I'm all elbows!
Erik took these from above.
My little advertising executive Sage.
My friend Lauren's sweet little princess Ava.
Here I am with Greg Der Ananian, the founder of the Bazaar Bizarre, and his proud mama.
The following are some other crafty business ladies I first met in cyberspace and finally got to see up close and personal. They do exist! There are real live people behind these crafty web sites we all love.
Junk In Our Trunk, with the banner I made for them this summer:
Twospace:
Zoomzabebe:
Bigger Krissy:
Sew Darn Cute:
Atomic Mama:
Sidepony:
Miss Alison:
Bellaceti:
And many more that I just didn't have the time to photograph. I hope you enjoyed the slideshow. This week I will be adding lots of new items to the website so stay tuned!
Have a great day!
KB
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November 25, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving! Sorry I haven't added much new to the site in a while. I'm finishing commissions and gearing up for the Bazaar Bizarre at the Shrine Auditorium on Sunday, December 11th. I've been sewing like a banshee so there will be lots of new things. Come check it out!
Have a great day!
KB
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November 2, 2005
New to the shop: baby peace pants (12 mo.), a Scottie skirty (2T+), a checkered skirt (2T+), a cute new kokoleo model. Coming soon, more pants and skirts.
Planning to be in L.A. on December 11th? Check out my booth at the Bazaar Bizarre at the Shrine Auditorium.
Have a great day!
KB
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October 24, 2005
Coming soon: New baby pants and embellished tees!
Have a great day!
KB
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October 8, 2005
I added 2 new bags tonight. I had this gingham flower print vintage fabric for probably 10 years and I finally brought it to life in the form of a purse and a tote. I've been busy with commissions too. Yesterday I finished these dresses for a little girl named Izzy:
There's still a waiting list for banners and pillows, but if you get your order in by October 15, I can have it to you before Christmas.
I have the best job in the world.
Have a great day!
KB
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September 26, 2005
I thought I'd post 2 of my most recent commission pieces. This was for Lela in New York City:
And this was for Tracy in Los Angeles:
I really like doing commissions for people. I'm always up for a challenge and I really enjoy turning other people's visions into reality.
That said, I'm going to be taking a break from commissions, including banners and pillows starting in the middle of October. I currently have a banner/pillow list that's 11 names long and need the time to catch up, gear up for the holidays, and get ready for the L.A. Bazaar Bizarre (that is, if I'm chosen to particpate. I just applied.) If you have a commission order that you would like fulfilled before the holidays, please contact me before October 15th. I will resume commission work again starting in January.
Have a great day!
KB
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September 25, 2005
New bibs and gallery pics added tonight.
This afternoon/evening we did the Art Crawl through Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Echo Park. Not all the galleries, but as many as we could find. there's a lot of crazy great art being made in this city. Places we checked out were:
Rosemary's Billiegoat Odditorium - creepy gothy crazy.
Arts and Books - small and random
Maker - freakin' awesome! My new favorite gallery.
Gallery O - deco vintage nostalgic kitch.
Libby's Vintage Home and Garden - I want to live there amongst the plants and aprons and iced tea glasses.
plus the army surplus store, a few other shops along the way and a delicious Thai feast at Sompun Restaurant. Sometimes I really love L.A.
Suffice it to say I'm inspired.
Have a great day!
KB
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September 20, 2005
Two new friendly monsters added tonight.
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September 19, 2005
I haven't dropped off the planet, I swear! I added a whole heckuva lotta stuff tonight - embellished baby tees, toddler pants, purses, and a tutu! Lately I've been busy making banners, pillows and other commissions - a diaper bag and a Superman inspired messenger bag. Soon to come: friendly monsters, new bibs, new sundresses and new and improved web site features. Also, beginning next week, look for kokoleo items at All Aboard! in Echo Park.
Have a great day!
KB
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August 31, 2005
The news and images coming out of the Gulf Coast are scary. New Orleans is one of my favorite cities and I'm just praying for my friends who live there. The D.I.Y. community is now collectively crafting for a cause to raise money Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. Please support this effort. Click on the banner above to find out more.
Have a great day!
KB
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August 29, 2005
Happy Birthday Sage! My boy is 3 today. It was a pirate themed birthday. Arrr. Here's his cake.
Starting this week kokoleo baby clothes can be found at Rockin' Baby Shop, located at 5048 Eagle Rock Blvd. in Los Angeles. It's seriously the hippest baby shop in the city - check it out!
Have a great day!
KB
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August 23, 2005
I added lots of fun new stuff today - baby and toddler hats, new pants, embellished shirts and a friendly yellow monster.
Have a great day!
KB
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August 22, 2005
I had a great time at Creative Grounds coffeehouse in Atwater Village today. It was "Family Fun Sunday" hosted by Annette Gladstone and it was complete with music, a snowcone machine and a clown, face painting and balloons. I set up a table and sold a few kokoleo items and met some great and talented people.
I have new baby hats and pants coming to the website soon, as well as more toddler and kids' clothing. Numerous people have requested more kids sizes, 5T and up, so I'm going to get to work on that. Post-toddler/pre-teen kids need funky handmade stuff too!
Have a great day!
KB
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August 15, 2005
I'm back from our visit back east. I forgot about all the TREES and lush vegetation. West Virginia mountains make Southern California mountains look thirsty. Great times were had with old friends and inspiration was gleaned from just being back in good old Shepherdstown.
But now I'm back and I've been busy in my sewing studio whipping up some new stuff. I scored a bunch of awesome vintage sewing notions and fabric at a thrift store in Ventura this weekend so many new items are bound to evolve from this haul. Tonight I added 3 new funky bags to the shop as well as new pictures in the "Friends" section and some new links to other crafty folk.
Have a great day!
KB
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August 5, 2005
I will be back on my old West Virginia stomping grounds this week so any orders made during this time will be shipped on August 11. Any commission requests will be answered at that time too.
Last night was the opening of the Folk Show at the Erotic Museum of Hollywood. My pieces have their own walls! It was such a fun show. If you're in the area, check it out.
Have a great day!
KB
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July 29, 2005,
I added some new pictures to the "Friends" section this week. Check out all the cute kokoleo kids! I love seeing my stuff in action. Coming soon: New bags.
Have a great day!
KB
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July 27, 2005
I added 2 new baby dresses, sizes 2 and 3T, a 2T skirt and a crown, yes a crown, to to the baby shop today. That's a lot considering I'm doing it all in an unairconditioned house in sunny southern California! I hope everyone is beating this heatwave and enjoying the summer.
Have a great day!
KB
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July 17, 2005
Lots of new bibs in the Baby Shop!
Have a great day!
KB
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July 13, 2005
I added a fun new "Embellished" section to the baby shop today. Coming soon: Lots of funky new bibs. The personalized banners and pillows seem to be a hit and currently there's a waiting list. Quick! Get your kid's name on the list too!
Have a great day!
KB
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July 9th, 2005
I got an email tonight from the Erotic Museum in Hollywood informing me that some of the pieces I have in the "Scandalous" section of this website have been accepted into a Folk Art show this fall. Eek! I'm excited. Check out their website here:
http://www.theeroticmuseum.com/main/
I've been busy making embellished baby shirts and bibs for a trunk show at Creative Grounds in Atwater Village this Sunday. It's Family Fun Sunday at the coffee shop so bring the kiddies and stay for music and crafts!
New to the website: A patchwork flower dress, size 3T.
Have a great day!
KB
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July 5th, 2005
This week I've been busy making bibs and hats for Notsuoh Bleu - the cutest hippest shop I've come across since I've been in L.A. I'm not just saying that because they've welcomed kokoleo baby clothes into their shop, although it has influenced my opinion a bit. If you're in the area, check them out for yourself at 1750 Hillhurst Ave., near the intersection of Sunset and Hollywood boulevards.
Tonight I added a laptop bag to the shop. Lately I've been busy with banner commissions and preparing for a local craft show. Have I mentioned that I love that this is my new full-time job? I really do. Thanks to so many of you for your encouragement and support.
Have a great day!
KB
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June 24th, 2005
The Scandalous section of the Gallery is now up. If you are a friend of my parents, in-law, or unsuspecting customer who came to browse for baby clothes, I advise you not to check it out. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Have a great day!
KB
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June 23, 2005
I added a diaper bag and a purse to the Purse section of the shop. Lately I've been busy with banner and pillow commissions. It's fun to see how very different each one ends up looking.
Coming soon - I don't know. I have a million ideas swimming around in my head. Stay tuned.
Have a great day!
KB
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June 14, 2005
Kokoleo is taking off! In the past week I've shipped out dresses, pants, pillows and bibs to London England, NYC, and Scotts Valley CA. Thanks to everyone for supporting my crafty venture and buying handmade!
I added a made-to-order "Kokoleo Banners and Pillows" section to "Things that are Stuffed" shop. Soon to come - a multi-pocketed diaper bag and yoga mat bags.
Have a great day!
KB
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June 6, 2005
New baby bibs are in and the clothing gallery is up!
This weekend was spent gathering inspiration from numerous galleries around downtown L.A. and West Hollywood. I've lived here for six months now, I think it's high time I make something with a palm tree on it.
Have a great day!
KB
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June 3, 2005
New dresses are now in the baby clothes shop and a new bag is in the purse shop. Also, I added a Mixed Media section to the gallery. Coming soon - new baby bibs and a clothing gallery featuring many of my past projects. Thanks for stopping by.
Have a great day!
KB
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May 25, 2005
I added a mobile and a size 3T dress to the site today. Also, puppets, paintings and prints are now up in the gallery. I'm curently working on two commissions - a yoga mat bag and a diaper bag. Busy busy.
Have a great day!
KB
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May 18, 2005
The Gallery is now under construction. Browse with caution as the monsters adjust to their new home.
Have a great day!
KB
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May 17, 2005
On Monday my Maggie baby dress was featured on www.craftrevolution.com! I'm so happy I'm offering free shipping to everyone (even Canadians and international folks) until the end of May!
New dresses for little girls (3T and 4T) are coming soon, as well as a few new purses. I took a bunch of pictures of my puppets today, so look for them to make an appearance on the Gallery page soon.
Have a great day!
KB
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May 10, 2005
I added some new items today - a flower pin, a scary baby dress, some hard rock baby pants, and a hat. The Links page is up and running and the Gallery page is in the works. I'm tweeking this site on a daily basis so please come back often to see what's new. I got a nice vintage fabric and notion haul at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena this weekend so lots of new items are destined to come from that.
Have a great day!
-KB
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April 20, 2005
Welcome to the GRAND OPENING of www.kokoleo.com! Ack! I'm nervous. I've only been thinking about doing this for years, and now I've done it. I have to thank my friends who encouraged me to make this website and my husband who helped me make it.
Roll your cursor over the embroidered images above to see the different sections you can browse. The Gallery and Links sections will be coming soon. If you encounter any problems or if you'd like to share any comments or advice, please email me at kbvanhorn@yahoo.com.
Thanks for visiting. Have fun!
-KB
