Weddingbee PRO

I first read about Kaari Meng, founder of the popular vintage ephemera store French General, in the book A Shop of One's Own by Rachel Epstein. Kaari's story was most memorable to me because she is so driven and full of ideas. She owns her own store, has written several amazing books, has her own product lines and has created jewelry for stores like Anthropologie, and has been featured in so many major publications. I see her as an important role model for women like me who are small business owners in the creative industries.

I'm also impressed by how open Kaari is about sharing her ideas and helping others, who are so inspired by her, to create their own projects. Through her books, blog, kits and workshops, Kaari encourages creativity and shares her gift.

I feel so lucky to be taking one of Kaari's classes this year at Silver Bella, a paper arts retreat in Omaha. These photos of Kaari's class projects, a vintage rosary-inspired necklace and a charm bracelet, are from the SB website.

I encourage you to look at the French General website (be careful, you could lose hours) and look through the pages of notions, fabric, paper and home goods.

The jewelry kits from French General are packaged so prettily. The perfect gift.

(And let's put the wedding spin on it: an obvious idea for a girls' luncheon, having wild berry tea and tiny sandwiches, sitting around, chatting and putting together jewelry for each other on a fresh pink cotton tablecloth.)

(Kaari was also in the first issue of Where Women Create, which you can buy here! You better get the subscription to that because Princess Lasertron will be in the November issue.)