I love this artist Macien. Here is a sample of her work. Her newest items incorporate color and they just pop and feel so alive. She is able to draw them so they embody people I know or people from different eras, like flappers. When I see these girls I can almost envision them as real ladies. She has been so nice to give me permission to use some of her ladies for pieces I wear to show off my embroidery.
I wish I lived closer so I could go to some of her gallery shows. I love how different her ladies look and how they remind me of people I know or people from different eras, like flappers. Please go check out her site . I apologize that some of the heads of gotten totally chopped off. Check out her flickr and see all of her lovely ladies.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
CPSIA LAW (100th Post)
So when I started "Sew It's For You" it was based on a suggestion from my mom and my friend Ana that I should sell my gifts I was making. I wanted to have handmade gifts for my friends when we went to their houses, plus there was a baby boom among friends so I wanted to make personalized gifts for them. Originally I needed something to take my mind off of my husband being hospitalized and I couldn't concentrate on reading and I needed to keep my hands busy. I bought the Stitch-It-Kit from Sublime Stitching and taught myself to embroider. I got involved on Craftster, met some really cool friends (Pam) and started my etsy shop.
Let me start off by saying I would never knowingly give or sell items that I thought had lead in them. When I first heard of this law I didn't think it applied to me because I didn't sell toys. I read that the items included in the CPSIA were all items that kids under 12 could come in contact with. I watched as the fear grew on Etsy and made a phone call to Cheryl Falvey who is the lead counsel for the CPSC. I called her because I felt that there was a ton of misinformation on Etsy and on some blogs and at least I would know the facts from someone that knew the law. I was suprised she answered the phone. She was well aware of the plight of my fellow etsians, I explained that I embellish products that are bought from big box manufacturers and wholesalers and I can't afford to test each skein of floss from DMC and all of my other items. She stated to me that the original law did have a small business exemption in it and Congress shot it down. Cheryl said that the CPSC hoped that what would happen is that the small biz would get the exemption and that in a couple of years all the products from big box retailers would have to be certified or they couldn't be sold, which means we couldn't buy them and all would be right in the world. She said they were working on some rulings that were released last week and that untreated cotton, wood an other natural products should be excluded (if the vote passes). I did see that this was up for a vote on January 5th.
This law is making life for small business owners a mess. Let's say I had a onesie that wasn't white, the onesie would have to be tested as well as the snaps ( which means I wouldn't be able to use the onesie after testing) as well as each individual skein of floss I use. Expensive and Nightmare city. I think the craft community really needs to be vocal about how we will have to close our businesses and in turn not be able to shop at Joann's, Michaels, Hobby Lobby because we will not have a business to but materials for and not have a need to shop there, which in turn will help to make this fragile economy a lot worse..
I hope it doesn't mean I have to stop making kids items for sale. If the ruling does pass I will still make the items for gifts which is how my whole thing started. I will have to concentrate on making more adult items and I could make some great new things. I know this law could mean the possible closing of a lot of my friends businesses and that sucks. I hope the Cheryl can work her magic and all that she stated to me on the phone will become a reality.
Let me start off by saying I would never knowingly give or sell items that I thought had lead in them. When I first heard of this law I didn't think it applied to me because I didn't sell toys. I read that the items included in the CPSIA were all items that kids under 12 could come in contact with. I watched as the fear grew on Etsy and made a phone call to Cheryl Falvey who is the lead counsel for the CPSC. I called her because I felt that there was a ton of misinformation on Etsy and on some blogs and at least I would know the facts from someone that knew the law. I was suprised she answered the phone. She was well aware of the plight of my fellow etsians, I explained that I embellish products that are bought from big box manufacturers and wholesalers and I can't afford to test each skein of floss from DMC and all of my other items. She stated to me that the original law did have a small business exemption in it and Congress shot it down. Cheryl said that the CPSC hoped that what would happen is that the small biz would get the exemption and that in a couple of years all the products from big box retailers would have to be certified or they couldn't be sold, which means we couldn't buy them and all would be right in the world. She said they were working on some rulings that were released last week and that untreated cotton, wood an other natural products should be excluded (if the vote passes). I did see that this was up for a vote on January 5th.
This law is making life for small business owners a mess. Let's say I had a onesie that wasn't white, the onesie would have to be tested as well as the snaps ( which means I wouldn't be able to use the onesie after testing) as well as each individual skein of floss I use. Expensive and Nightmare city. I think the craft community really needs to be vocal about how we will have to close our businesses and in turn not be able to shop at Joann's, Michaels, Hobby Lobby because we will not have a business to but materials for and not have a need to shop there, which in turn will help to make this fragile economy a lot worse..
I hope it doesn't mean I have to stop making kids items for sale. If the ruling does pass I will still make the items for gifts which is how my whole thing started. I will have to concentrate on making more adult items and I could make some great new things. I know this law could mean the possible closing of a lot of my friends businesses and that sucks. I hope the Cheryl can work her magic and all that she stated to me on the phone will become a reality.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
AHB Weekend Wrap-Up
This weekend was AHB and we had a blast. We went over to Sarasota early. We had some errands to run before we left town so we were about 45 minutes from home when Dan asked me if I had everything and I said yes and then he asked if I had my embroidery and I said no. I had pt everything together differently since the last show because I organized that one and this time I was a vendor. I tried to be really organized for this show by packing the night before and tried to save time by dropping Dan off at work and picking him up so he wouldn't have to drive home ( which is north) to go south. The huge tub was at home in the workroom/office and he was super patient with me while I said the entire time how dumb I was. He didn't even get angry at me.
We then drove over and were running kind of late ( I am dumb remember). We first stopped at Laura's shop "Everything But the Girl" ( great band too btw) and chatted with Ragamufyn and 75 Rabbit for a bit and got a few goodies and made our way to the pre-party at the Sarasota Olive Company which we had the best sandwiches ever! The had little dense almost challah like rolls with the best hummus ever! We chatted a bit with Kelli, Kyle Stacey and Doug. We actually we the last people left.
We got up after a crappy night sleep at the really nice La Quinta with a really loud wedding party from NY that camped out next to our room.
a life size cardboard cut out of George W.
I had a couple of orders I had to get done so I worked on them but I had to make it to chat. I did make it to the FEST chat and I signed up to do Blogradio with Dogonwear more news about that to come.
We then drove over and were running kind of late ( I am dumb remember). We first stopped at Laura's shop "Everything But the Girl" ( great band too btw) and chatted with Ragamufyn and 75 Rabbit for a bit and got a few goodies and made our way to the pre-party at the Sarasota Olive Company which we had the best sandwiches ever! The had little dense almost challah like rolls with the best hummus ever! We chatted a bit with Kelli, Kyle Stacey and Doug. We actually we the last people left.
We got up after a crappy night sleep at the really nice La Quinta with a really loud wedding party from NY that camped out next to our room.
Our room at the inn...
The show was a blast Adrien did a fab job along with all of the people who helped her. I was literally working until the show and even some during. I did finish my tiki towel.
The dog I wanted from the shelter isn't she adorable?
My mom and dad with the ugliest baby ever. It is a weighted doll Stacey uses for people to try on slings. I told my dad we were going to send this picture out in the holiday cards and introduce the new grandchild..
My booth at AHB
The Crowd at AHB.
I didn't get around much at AHB. Like 1/2 way around the show. I did but an adorable bag from Sara Leigh.
We had to stop by Dan's work Holiday party and when we got there we saw this outside by one of the cars
a life size cardboard cut out of George W.
I had a couple of orders I had to get done so I worked on them but I had to make it to chat. I did make it to the FEST chat and I signed up to do Blogradio with Dogonwear more news about that to come.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Front Page of Etsy
I was on the freakin FRONT PAGE OF ETSY..I will get to it in a sec
I am thinking it may be time for another contest..I hit over 200 hearts yesterday on ETSY woo hoo. I know a lot of people have far surpassed this mark but it made me feel good to finally do it. Also Aunti Franni sent me a convo on etsy that I was on the front page last night at 10:22 pm...
Screen Shot but I may get a better one from Aunti Franni...
Bigger shot of my Jemaine shirt I made from a design done by the fabulous lilyvanilli a while back...
I am slmost at 100 posts. I think this is post 98. So when we hit over 100 a new contest will be established..I want to be creative on this one....
BIG SHOW THIS WEEKEND
Come visit me in 6B with Elle Belle on Sunday
I am thinking it may be time for another contest..I hit over 200 hearts yesterday on ETSY woo hoo. I know a lot of people have far surpassed this mark but it made me feel good to finally do it. Also Aunti Franni sent me a convo on etsy that I was on the front page last night at 10:22 pm...
Screen Shot but I may get a better one from Aunti Franni...
Bigger shot of my Jemaine shirt I made from a design done by the fabulous lilyvanilli a while back...
I am slmost at 100 posts. I think this is post 98. So when we hit over 100 a new contest will be established..I want to be creative on this one....
BIG SHOW THIS WEEKEND
Come visit me in 6B with Elle Belle on Sunday
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Featured EtsyBLogger: Spotted Cow Soaps
Spotted Cow Soaps makes soaps that look good enough to eat!!
This would be a great place for all your last minute holiday gifts and she is offering FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING effective 12/9/08 until 12/15/08.
Spotted Cow Soaps is the place to be!
See what I am talking about, it looks like dessert but it really is a gingerbread whipped sugar scrub for all those rough parts like elbows and feet.
For all the vegans there is this soap which is made from 100% vegan friendly glycerin. It had part of a loofah in the middle and smells like cranberry. Loofah is a natural exfoliant and is a great was to help revive your dull winter skin.
I know with some of my friends children they go through periods where bathing isn't important to them but this little mitt can make it playtime. It is a ladybug hand crotcheted mitt, made with 100% cotton yarn. The secret part is that a bar of soap fits in and they can scrub away in the bath. They can put on a puppet show for you! The will have such a good time they won't pay attention to the fact that they are getting clean too!
This would be a great place for all your last minute holiday gifts and she is offering FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING effective 12/9/08 until 12/15/08.
Spotted Cow Soaps is the place to be!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Hole, Sick, Vacation
I have been out of commission for a bit.. First I fell in a hole ( which was really a trench) then Dan and I came down with the flu and then we went on vacation for my dad's 60th b-day.
I am trying to get ready for a big show this weekend, send out x-mas cards and fill some custom orders. There is never enough time to get done what I need to do..
Here are some pics from the vacay.
I am trying to get ready for a big show this weekend, send out x-mas cards and fill some custom orders. There is never enough time to get done what I need to do..
Here are some pics from the vacay.
My dad and dan wearing my moms hats ( and they aren't even drunk!)
Our ship docked in Grand Turk. It is so beautiful. They were hit really hard when Hurricane Ike came through and rebuilt the part of the island where the dock is in less than a month. We found loads of shingles in the water. It was the clearest water I had ever seen. We were so close to the boat I could have swam there.
We helped to contribute to the economy by Dan buying loads of liquor.
This is from our water taxi on the way to St. Marteen.
Gtg back to work.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Featured EtsyBlogger: Storybeader
Storybeader makes unique jewelry and poems just for you. Every piece comes with a haiku poem especially made for you.
Someone years ago brought me a silver necklace with Fetish Bears on them from a trip out west. I know they are supposed to be good luck and when I saw this necklace (below) at Storybeaders shop I went and found my necklace.
There is anEtsyBloggers HOLIDAY S*A*L*E* is going on from Black Friday thru Cyber Monday!!
Storybeader is offering 10% off all items in the shop, plus free shipping in the US. So check it out!*
* I have been sick so sorry for the tardiness of this entry
Someone years ago brought me a silver necklace with Fetish Bears on them from a trip out west. I know they are supposed to be good luck and when I saw this necklace (below) at Storybeaders shop I went and found my necklace.
There is anEtsyBloggers HOLIDAY S*A*L*E* is going on from Black Friday thru Cyber Monday!!
Storybeader is offering 10% off all items in the shop, plus free shipping in the US. So check it out!*
* I have been sick so sorry for the tardiness of this entry
Sunday, November 23, 2008
hmmm holes=crash
So I was supposed to get my hair cut on Thursday night. Tammy didn't feel well so I made my appointment for another day. Dan was going to an opening with my dad of our doctors new office so I ran up to the mall. My dad dropped Dan off there and we stayed until like 7:30. Well we were walking through the parking lot when BAM!
See above ditches? I ate it in it. It was soo dark from Macy's until really Jcpenny's I didn't see a trench in the ground and busted ass. I was super embarrassed and Dan was just trying to get me up so I didn't get run over by a car.
I didn't go in and say what happened cause I just wanted to go home. My ankle got really swollen so I decided to go fill ot a report at the mall on Friday ( when I called the lady at security yelled at me because I didn't fill it out the night before). Dan took them to the spot which the mall stated was clearly marked..hmm 12-15 ft. trench in a dark parking lot was so clearly marked that I fell in it right? Don't you all see how well marked it is? The also said the lights were on timers so it may be dark in the parking lot. Put the lights on timers at 9:30 when the mall is closed...Anyway they wouldn't give me a copy of the incident report and the mall office just said to tell the Dr. that the mall insurance company would pay for it.
I called Dan's worker's comp attorney cause at this point I was fuming ( and my ankle still hurt) and asked wat I should do. We went to 2 different Dr. offices and no one would see me without payment and the stupid secretary at the mall was like" you pay and then we decide to pay.." hmmm no way in hell. So we wound up in the ER. While waiting my mom e-mailed Dan the number of Westfields Corporate Office and I spoke to lady that apologized a ton and she said she would take care of it. In the ER got a bunch of xrays taken, nothing was broken but a really bad sprain. I took a vicodin and was super spaced out. The put me in a half cast for a couple of days to keep my ankle from moving and gave me crutches. The vicodin left me loopy and I remember almost eating it with the crutches so I got wheeled away...
* thank goodness I shaved before going to the hospital..lol
Moral of the story, park downstairs at the Westfield Countryside Mall and fill out an incident report if you fall becuase it is worth hurt pride to not be hurt...
See above ditches? I ate it in it. It was soo dark from Macy's until really Jcpenny's I didn't see a trench in the ground and busted ass. I was super embarrassed and Dan was just trying to get me up so I didn't get run over by a car.
I didn't go in and say what happened cause I just wanted to go home. My ankle got really swollen so I decided to go fill ot a report at the mall on Friday ( when I called the lady at security yelled at me because I didn't fill it out the night before). Dan took them to the spot which the mall stated was clearly marked..hmm 12-15 ft. trench in a dark parking lot was so clearly marked that I fell in it right? Don't you all see how well marked it is? The also said the lights were on timers so it may be dark in the parking lot. Put the lights on timers at 9:30 when the mall is closed...Anyway they wouldn't give me a copy of the incident report and the mall office just said to tell the Dr. that the mall insurance company would pay for it.
I called Dan's worker's comp attorney cause at this point I was fuming ( and my ankle still hurt) and asked wat I should do. We went to 2 different Dr. offices and no one would see me without payment and the stupid secretary at the mall was like" you pay and then we decide to pay.." hmmm no way in hell. So we wound up in the ER. While waiting my mom e-mailed Dan the number of Westfields Corporate Office and I spoke to lady that apologized a ton and she said she would take care of it. In the ER got a bunch of xrays taken, nothing was broken but a really bad sprain. I took a vicodin and was super spaced out. The put me in a half cast for a couple of days to keep my ankle from moving and gave me crutches. The vicodin left me loopy and I remember almost eating it with the crutches so I got wheeled away...
* thank goodness I shaved before going to the hospital..lol
Moral of the story, park downstairs at the Westfield Countryside Mall and fill out an incident report if you fall becuase it is worth hurt pride to not be hurt...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
FEST: Meet Sew It's For You!
Here is my interview just in case you'd like to know about me...
FEST: Meet Sew It's For You!
Here is a post about me too! Thanks Flor!
http://mytransfers.blogspot.com/2008/11/ive-been-itching-to-stitch-this-kitschy.html
FEST: Meet Sew It's For You!
Here is a post about me too! Thanks Flor!
http://mytransfers.blogspot.com/2008/11/ive-been-itching-to-stitch-this-kitschy.html
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
This weekend's other projects
This is everything I got done from Friday night until last night ( not including the crayons) Whew and I still have a bunch more on my list to get done. I think I will have another blog contest for my 100th post..Only 8 more to go to get there...
Girl Angel on tote
Boy angel on tote
Angel tote for my mom's friend
Happy Challah Days Apron
Merry Christmas towel
Nuts towel patter from Urban Threads
Toolbox Onesie
Lion Onesie
Lion Onesie again...
Whew!
Girl Angel on tote
Boy angel on tote
Angel tote for my mom's friend
Happy Challah Days Apron
Merry Christmas towel
Nuts towel patter from Urban Threads Toolbox Onesie
Lion Onesie
Lion Onesie again...Whew!
Jumbo Crayons
One project I did this weekend was make JUMBO crayons with Dan. As you can see with the previous post I have a HUGE amount of stuff to accomplish and we decided to add something else to list. They came out great. I think it took between 11 and 12 grayons for the snowmen chunky ones and 9 and 10 for the Christmas tree ones.
Crayons peeled and in the silicone molds...We baked them at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes. I forgot to put tham on a baking tray soooo
melting crayons
cooling ( like I said above I didn't put them on a tray)
we chilled them int he freezer and had 6 Colorful Christmas Trees
And 6 colorful snowmen. These made JUMBO crayons.
Crayons peeled and in the silicone molds...We baked them at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes. I forgot to put tham on a baking tray soooo
melting crayons
cooling ( like I said above I didn't put them on a tray)
we chilled them int he freezer and had 6 Colorful Christmas Trees
And 6 colorful snowmen. These made JUMBO crayons.Thursday, November 13, 2008
List ( recently undated 12/9)
Things I need to make before Thanksgiving ( and 1 before the holidays)
squirrel towel
2 onesies
pattern for Annie Oakleaves
santa towel
angel towel became an angel bag
apron
bag for my friend
challah towel
one christmas toddle outfit (pants and top)
towel for the family I work with tutoring their son
friend of my moms towel
2 kids pillowcase covers
lion onesie
lion diaper
I need to make 24 reindeer 20 x 20 napkins by christmas... added 11/16/08 (I have finished 11 of them)
whew..good thing I do not have any plans for the weekend..
things in red I have completed so far..blue should be starting soon
squirrel towel
2 onesies
pattern for Annie Oakleaves
santa towel
angel towel became an angel bag
apron
bag for my friend
challah towel
one christmas toddle outfit (pants and top)
towel for the family I work with tutoring their son
friend of my moms towel
2 kids pillowcase covers
lion onesie
lion diaper
I need to make 24 reindeer 20 x 20 napkins by christmas... added 11/16/08 (I have finished 11 of them)
whew..good thing I do not have any plans for the weekend..
things in red I have completed so far..blue should be starting soon
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Stuff I made this weekend
In prep for the show I made some new items. Here are some pics. I have a ton of stuff to get done before Thanksgiving. I need to be home every night from now on!
The Santa Towel pictured below sold on Sunday, as well as the Happy Challah Days one and the Deer One ( that were here before)..
JDS clipart for the Santa
Pattern for the napkins from Sublime Stitching
The Santa Towel pictured below sold on Sunday, as well as the Happy Challah Days one and the Deer One ( that were here before)..
JDS clipart for the Santa
Pattern for the napkins from Sublime Stitching
Monday, November 10, 2008
HHB total success in my book!
HHB was held yesterday and I wanted to thank all of the vendors that came to the show. I know it wasn't a huge monetary success for everyone but I think overall the show was great. We had a fantastic location, BEAUTIFUL weather, and traffic all day. We did close up shop little earlier than we advertised because we forgot about the time change and even with closing early we were helping people pack in the dark. While we were finishing up my stuff was on the lawn and the sprinklers went (reclaimed water nonetheless)on super quick. Dan with his fast thinking covered on of the heads and Stacey, Doug and I moved most of the stuff before it got soaked.
I will post pictures of the show later. This is my little Oscars thank you for the production of HHB 2008 I wanted to thank Karrie of Fiberologie for allowing us to have the show and open up on her day off for us ( and for her staff for coming in too), Mike of Nova for allowing us the use of his space, Limeys for being fantastic to deal with, before, during and after the show. Mark, Mike, Jessi and Jodi really helped us out and everyone appreciated the discount. All of the places we had that published about the show Creative Loafing, Skirt, St. Pete Times, and TBT. My folks and sister for coming and helping us during the day. Doug ( Stacey's husband) who helped multiple people unload, set-up and strip down and was as super good sport. Dan (my husband) for being there all day and watching the booth while I was chatting away, I know it was his IDEAL Sunday. He also helped Doug with setting up and stripping down vendors spaces. Lastly Stacey my partner in crime for this event. I would have never been able to do this without her. She is uber organized and always thought of things I didn't. I know planning this was not easy for her with her family, work and etsy life but we did it. Pluse she made me an AWESOME apron.. I am so glad we decided to take a chance. We wanted to do a show we were proud of, Mission Accomplished.
*some vendors are not pictured I do not know what happened to my camera( and I forgot to take some of people that asked me to come around later) please e-mail me at handmadeholidaybazaar@gmail.com if you'd like your booth picture up here. Thanks.( some people are not in the pics because they chose to not be in them, I gave them that option if they weren't feeling like a they were having a movie star day)
Fallen Fey/Kreepy Kids
Our Pursenal Touch
Me Me's
NS Studio
Real Raspberries
Demigod
Flying Zoo
Unique Concepts
Athena's Armoury
Kootie's Closet
Little Chick
Sew It's For you
Vida Madre
Elle Belle
Cute Kitties
Kori Clark
Perpetual Pickles
Bungle Bear/Paper Sparrow
Chiara's Hand Painted
Modern Bird
Elizabeth
I will post pictures of the show later. This is my little Oscars thank you for the production of HHB 2008 I wanted to thank Karrie of Fiberologie for allowing us to have the show and open up on her day off for us ( and for her staff for coming in too), Mike of Nova for allowing us the use of his space, Limeys for being fantastic to deal with, before, during and after the show. Mark, Mike, Jessi and Jodi really helped us out and everyone appreciated the discount. All of the places we had that published about the show Creative Loafing, Skirt, St. Pete Times, and TBT. My folks and sister for coming and helping us during the day. Doug ( Stacey's husband) who helped multiple people unload, set-up and strip down and was as super good sport. Dan (my husband) for being there all day and watching the booth while I was chatting away, I know it was his IDEAL Sunday. He also helped Doug with setting up and stripping down vendors spaces. Lastly Stacey my partner in crime for this event. I would have never been able to do this without her. She is uber organized and always thought of things I didn't. I know planning this was not easy for her with her family, work and etsy life but we did it. Pluse she made me an AWESOME apron.. I am so glad we decided to take a chance. We wanted to do a show we were proud of, Mission Accomplished.
*some vendors are not pictured I do not know what happened to my camera( and I forgot to take some of people that asked me to come around later) please e-mail me at handmadeholidaybazaar@gmail.com if you'd like your booth picture up here. Thanks.( some people are not in the pics because they chose to not be in them, I gave them that option if they weren't feeling like a they were having a movie star day)
Fallen Fey/Kreepy Kids
Our Pursenal Touch
Me Me's
NS Studio
Real Raspberries
Demigod
Flying Zoo
Unique Concepts
Athena's Armoury
Kootie's Closet
Little Chick
Sew It's For you
Vida Madre
Elle Belle
Cute Kitties
Kori Clark
Perpetual Pickles
Bungle Bear/Paper Sparrow
Chiara's Hand Painted
Modern Bird
Elizabeth
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