Mainsail Studio

I have been absent from Mainsail Studio for a while - for good reason! My joy in creating things has shifted from my basement studio to my job at a school where I get to spend my afternoons with the most fun and creative kids, in a place where no project is too big! Recently the students and I created this giant paper mache horse. It took months but was so much fun!

Not AI. This is a life-sized realistic horse made with recycled paper, plastic bags, paper bags, jumk mail, newspapers, used coloring pages and boxes - and lots and lots of tape. I made his structure with the students as my assistants and then left the paper mache to them - and they are AMAZING! These kids are so intentional as they work. He is getting so smooth and solid. Hoping to be ready for paint this coming week, mane / tail and eye construction next week. Oh! And the muzzle is made out of a roll of toilet paper that the older kids turned into clay with the help of glue and water. When we started it I thought it would be a fun attempt and story to tell - but he is actually looking like a horse!!! I love these kids so much.

Not today…. Last night I shared that Aries would be in my shop today. I lied. I woke up sick today so I won’t be bringing him down there. But he will be there at some point soon.

It’s been a while since I have introduced myself to newcomers - I am Wendy, owner of Mainsail Studio. I am the mom of three teens and one adult. My joy is making dress up clothes, accessories and home decor, inspired by imaginary play. Since my kids are older now, I spend my time sewing one of a kind things for your kids instead. From the concept, to the fabric design, and final construction of each item, I do it all in my Burke Virginia home studio. Many of my items are adjustable to fit people who are no longer children, but still kids at heart. This is my shop where you can find finished pieces everyday from 10am-8pm. Address is in my profile. Mainsail Studio, Space # H2 located inside @paintedtreedulles

“Puffy Wings” are my new favorite thing to make! So satisfying to squish, light weight and comfy with adjustable straps, machine washable… They are just the right combination of fantasy and fun and easy enough to wear for everyday play. Makes a great easy Halloween costume if you jazz them up with a tutu and dragon horns. Tails and headbands are coming soon! My full “Handmade Halloween” has started with new drops at Painted Tree Dulles every week. Each costume accessory is 100% handmade by me, with kids in mind, but I can make custom sizes for adults as well!

New OOAK for this week: Rainbow Unicorn French clip barrettes (2)
Squishy Bows - Floral (2) and Watermelon
Polka Dot Butterfly headbands - 4 One of a Kind Styles
Double Butterfly bows on soft nylon ponytail holders
Lots of fun velvet scrunchy bows. The velvet is super soft and stretchy.
Extra large green dragon wings velvet scrunchie
Extra Large Rainbow Butterfly velvet scrunchie

A rainbow unicorn like this one is on the shelf at my booth inside Painted Tree Boutiques at Dulles Landing.

I dropped some new items today. My favorites are this new wings style that I am calling “squishy puffy wings” because - well they are squishy and puffy! They are super soft, sensory friendly and wire free! Adjustable straps mean they can fit kids of all sizes and shapes, even teens! I only made four, but if people enjoy them I will make more. These are priced at $34, less than my other wings because it isn’t custom printed fabric. But the fabrics are gorgeous! I have color shifting green/purple, color shift pink/gold, neon pink velvet icy blue crushed velvet.

Other fun finds from my shop today:
Flying donut hair clips
New headbands
Rainbow Butterfly bead craft kits
DIY Mix and Match Unicorn Headband sets
Mermaid Kitty Ponytail Bows
Gift Wrap rolls featuring Mainsail Studio prints