Personal baskets are made for any occasion

One step into Cindy Jaeger's shop on West Main Street is enough to tell a customer about Jaeger's personality—and merchandise—personable, colorful and irresistible.

Once called a "Pinterest lab" by a customer, the shop is stuffed full with a rainbow of ribbons, fabrics and an assortment of other items for purchase, including embroidered pillows and canvas paintings. After more than 15 years in business in Tomball, Jaeger continues to see her customer base grow.

"I don't really know what makes me different, but I know customers love handmade design," Jaeger said. "I actually sit here and make everything, and people love that."

Jaeger got her start when she was in her early 20s and made a decorative basket for her daughter. Once it was picked up by a major manufacturer who ordered close to 800, she knew she was onto something.

Each basket is individualized for each customer and can tailor to any season, holiday, party or event. Jaeger said they make popular presents for baby showers and children, but they can be used for any occasion. As the Easter season approaches, Jaeger is taking orders for colorful baskets up until Feb. 10. Customers can choose what fabric will be wrapped around the basket's exterior, but Jaeger prides herself on her distinctive bows.

"I have been making ribbons and bows since I was 7 years old," she said. "My brother taught me when he worked for a florist and was setting up in our church. I was sitting in the front pew, and he asked me to help. I made 21 bows that day, and since then have made more than 1 million. A bow just makes everything happy."

Jaeger remains heavily involved in the community. Whistle Stop Tea Room owner Cindy Vincik said Jaeger is not only a businesswoman, but also an ambassador for the City of Tomball.

"She is constantly putting out discounts and promotions related to events and works with [Tomball Marketing Director] Mike Baxter on letting people know about events," she said.

Jaeger's warm personality and passion for the city is known throughout Tomball, Vincik said.

"Her true care for each [business owner] to be successful and for the community to be on the map for tourism and events is amazing," Vincik said.

Additional merchandise and services

Party time: Cindy Jaeger Designs can host small parties for adults and children as young as 5 years old where attendees can paint their own canvas. Jaeger provides canvases she has textured herself which can be painted with any design. Adults can bring alcoholic beverages. There is no cost for reserving Jaeger's shop, but the canvases can run anywhere from $25–100, depending on the size.

Custom embroidery: Customers can also purchase embroidered pillows, which make great presents and keepsakes. One popular design is a grandmother pillow where all the grandchildren's names are embroidered along with a sentimental phrase. Cindy works with an in-house monogrammer, and there are 10 fonts customers can choose from. Pillows cost $68.99.

Seasonal Baskets

Easter baskets are some of Cindy Jaeger's favorite designs and color patterns, she said, and she is offering an array of choices for customers this year. Each year she makes about 300. All orders must be completed by Feb. 10. Baskets costs $89.99, small; $99.99, medium; $109.99, large.

Jaeger designs baskets for a variety of other seasons and occasions, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day and Halloween. She also specializes in birthday baskets, flower girl designs, baskets for weddings, bridal showers and baby showers. Right now she also offers "French Flair" designs.

Cindy Jeager Designs, 210 W. Main St., Tomball, 281-255-4554 www.cindyjaegerdesigns.com

• Tues.–Sat., 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Closed Monday