Lisa Mende Design: Spreading Holiday Cheer! My "Fir Ladies" by Joe Jumper of The Clay Pot

Last year I found this image on Pinterest and was intrigued by the uniqueness of the designs. I had always visualized making dresses out of things found in nature, but had never carried the idea further than just thinking about it. Here it was...someone had actually done it! I had to find out who this clever person was! After doing a little research, I discovered the creative brainchild, behind the dresses, was Joe Jumper, owner of The Clay Pot in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They were created for the windows of a local boutique named

K: A Boutique by Katherine Roberts.

The base of the design is created from chicken wire, and covered with live cedar skirts, burlap blouses and adornments such as this carnival ticket brooch and ribbon. Are these great or what? Remembering last years fab designs, I couldn't wait to see if Joe had been commissioned to create designs for Katherine Robert's holiday window for this year.

Look what I found.....

Up close of a sassy bustier with peplum!

Mid-length one shoulder with peacock belt

Stunning maxi

Twine and peacock feather necklace

Pretty dresses all in a row!

This years dresses are also made of cedar and burlap, but peacock feathers

were added for the perfect accent!

Look out Project Runway you might have a new contender!

All this goodness was created in this quaint little place!

Located in a 1930's bungalow, Joe isn't new to the design scene. He has been in business for twenty one years, but says the past two have been his favorite. Along with his design business Joe, holds summer workshops for kids called "Camp Joe Joe's Creative Camp for Kids". He also teaches numerous workshops for adults which range from flower making to creating gifts.

One of Joe's favorite events is "Project Snowman". This past weekend, he held the second "Project Snowman" event, where children and their parents make yarn snowmen, that are distributed over the holidays to children in the local hospital. The event was attended by over 150 children and adults and produced over 100 snowmen. From the looks of the smiles on everyone's faces I would say this event was a huge success!

Here are some photos from "Project Snowman 2012."

I asked Joe to tell me what he liked best about what he does and this is what he said, "It's all about changing and coming up with new ideas, being creative and keeping my customers coming back for more!" He takes pride in knowing that his customers feel they can come to him for creative ideas for any special event in their lives. Kudos to Joe for not only his fabulous creations, but also for spreading holiday cheer to all those around him!