"It was the feel-good legislation of the year!"

That's how the movie review would might read for the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act that handily passed through both houses of Congress in August of 2008. How could we not want to protect kids from evil lead-laden toys? This is a no-brainer, right?

Well, not entirely. What might seem like a piece of legislation that has no victims does, in fact, have thousands upon thousands of victims in the form of small and mid-size companies and truly, even the kids this legislation is meant to protect. This legislation will put thousands of businesses out of business, simple as that. Aside from the fact that kids and parents may have far fewer options for selecting unique and hand-made toys and clothing, it seems that children with special needs could be hurt more as the availability and cost for their much needed tools and manipulatives could be impacted, if the legislation goes through as written.

Others have written far more informatively and eloquently than I could on this subject, so I'm mainly looking to provide links so others can learn more about this topic and how you can help! Because it is not too late, YOU CAN HELP! We all have a voice and the power to tell the media, other parents, and our elected officials how we feel about this!

I AM a parent. I have two boys, ages 3 and 6. Of course I want to see them and every child kept as safe as possible. But there has to be some middle ground here to make these regulations both protect kids and yet keep creativity alive and protect us from another huge hit to the economy!

Here are places to learn more...

Daddytypes.com - Is CPSC's New Lead Regulation Going To Wipe Out The Baby Non-Industrial Complex Next February?

Mothering.com - Toy Safety Legislation: Good Intentions Lead to Catastrophic Results for the Natural Toy Industry

TheSmarterMama.com - The CPSIA: Good in Theory, Hurting Small, Favorite Green Businesses in Practice

Etsy's Open Letter regarding the CPSIA

DOES THIS DIRECTLY AFFECT YOU?
If you are business owner and want to know how this will affect your business you can ask questions of the CPSC by clicking this link http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/newleg.aspx

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Tell everyone you know!
Take a few minutes to call your local newspaper or TV station and tell them about it. Pass the info along to a friend who might own a small business and see how it impacts them. Call up your local, independently owned toy store or resale shop and ask them how it will affect them or any vendors they work with.

Call your congressional representatives!
Or write to them. It only takes a couple of minutes.

Crafters & Artists please join the protest - http://craftingwithcats.blogspot.com/2008/12/crafters-take-action.html

Join a Facebook Group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49551386833
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=38306568596&ref=mf
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/166874?m=7bf7bab2

Wow, it's been more than 5 months since I've blogged!

Crazy!

Oh well, life gets in the way, right? I've been in a creative slump lately. But with the dark days and cold weather I am back to creating to keep my sanity. I have a few things in the works, but nothing to post just yet.

But I do have two treasuries running, please show them some love and leave a comment if you can. One all cool and wintery.... http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=33616 And the second all warm & homey....http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=22601

Waiting....and waiting....and waiting for summer to start!

Well, really it has, but the weather just can't seem to decide to stay nice. Wait, what do I mean stay nice? I mean be nice at all. Pattern is cool nights, clear morning with increasing sun & humidity until about noon then all out thunderstorms for the afternoon, then chilly in the late afternoon. With my son in morning camp it's getting hard to plan our afternoons. But today looks great, so as soon as camp is done today we are heading to the reservoir for some splashing in the water.

Oh, I have a treasury going for the next few hours. Filled with beautiful artwork (including this amazing barn painting that I love so much) that really brightens my mood. Please check it out if you have a moment! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=14009

OK, I'm off.

New blog to visit

My husband just started a blog for his business Green Mountain Soil, so please check out his blog at http://www.greenmountainsoil.com/blog/ if you have a moment! Thanks!

FEATURED ARTIST - Pauseability

I don't know about you, but I never quite know what will make me laugh or smile on any given day. Today it was an Uber Salad. Maybe it's because I'm reminded of a favorite Seinfeld episode about "The Big Salad", maybe it's because I truly appreciate the perfect salad, especially when I don't have to make it. But I think it's because I just love the word "uber". What can I say, I'm of German descent.

This uber salad is actually a pin, made the etsy shop Pausability. The best thing about this salad is you can wear it every day and it never goes bad. And if you don't feel like talking in a restaurant, you could just point at your pin and the wait person should get the idea. Really the possibilities are endless.

Yesterday I had a chance to convo with Moses, the artist and owner of Pauseability and get to know him a little better. Yes HIM (yay!). His shop is filled with beautiful and varied items from ACEOs to clay creations and cards. I hope you enjoy meeting him as much as I did...

How did you come to sell on etsy?

Last year, I started a brick and mortar shop called Pauseability which provides the space and materials for folks to pause and try out something creative. This also gave me the opportunity to craft. At the encouragement of my customers, I finally decided to put some of the things I made on sale on etsy.

I see you are in Singapore, are you from there originally or just living there now? And if you weren't living in Singapore, where would you like to live?

I was born and bred in Singapore. Japan is another place that I think I would enjoy living in.

What's your favorite thing from your shop?

Green with Envie (see right). I like the idea behind it (a whole book of envelopes), the fact that it is almost fully recycled and also its pun-ny name.

What's the next thing you plan on crafting?

A recipe journal - something practical but with little whimsical touches that has to do with cooking. Ideas are most welcomed. :)

If you could time travel to any time in history or future, when would you choose and why?

Can I be greedy and ask to be able to travel through time at will? Each experience will be such an eye-opener and so inspiring, just like when we get to visit a new place on a tour.

Thanks Moses for taking the time to chat and sharing your work! You can find Pausability at the following locations....

Etsy - http://www.pauseability.etsy.com/

Blog - http://pauseability.blogspot.com/

Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauseability

Brick and Mortar – http://www.pauseability.com.sg/

Get ready for summer to start

I know for most of you summer started weeks ago. But my son is still in school, for another day at least. That's thanks to all our snow this winter. I am so ready for no schedule, days at the lake, camping and all that!

I hope in all this I can find a way to carve out some creative time each day. Today I'm going to set up an outdoor art space for the boys and me. My older son wants to make a book this summer, so we'll get started on that.

What are your summer plans?

Before I forget, I snagged a new treasury today. It features new Etsy sellers who haven't had a sale yet. Please check it out! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=13314

Today a CELEBRATION!

Today is my husband's birthday. I don't know how you feel about birthdays but I always feel it's a good time to reflect on where you are in life. And for me, right now I'm pretty happy with where I am. I have things I want to do/change, but that's what keeps you moving forward, doesn't it? I'm just so thankful for what I have, a great husband who is truly a partner in my life, two amazing little boys who make me laugh everyday, friends and family I can truly rely on, time to pursue my dreams, my dad still with me (hopefully for years and years to come), in-laws that I actually not only like but love, a roof over my head in a really beautiful and friendly community and the ability to put food on my table. Oh and let's not forget the beautiful (albeit hot) day outside. Really, who could ask for anything more?

My boys and I are off to paint some pictures for Daddy's b-day. Go enjoy your day!

The Meg / Megan / Meghans have it!

I meant to blog about this yesterday, but I have a another treasury (this one a main one) and it is a celebration of artists name Meg, Megan, or Meghan(n). Please take a moment to check out these great items - http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=49494 It's only up for another 18 hours!

Worms! Who knew there were so many worms?

Good morning everyone! I just wanted to share a treasury I created yesterday dedicated to the little wiggly ones. Here it is http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=12328 I hope you all enjoy it! It's expiring very soon! So here's a picture of it!

Struggling with the creative/marketing/family balance

And I don't even want to talk about how long it has been since I exercised. I wish there was some way I could keep all the balls in the air without one or two (or more) other areas going to pot. Add to that my husband building his own new business and it feels a little crazy at times. Deep breath!

You know, I don't need a spotless house. It's just not in my nature I don't think. But damn, it's a disaster area right now and it's so affecting my mood and creativity level. It makes my mind feel cluttered, ya know?!?

And then I get sucked into the wonderful world of Etsy. I go on to do a few things and before I know it I'm reading up on new marketing avenues or techniques and BLAM.....hours have passed.

I really don't know how others balance all this. Anyone care to share? I did manage to make one bracelet last night. I still have a bunch of unfinished watercolors I think I told myself a week ago I was going to finish. Better get onto it and off of here. Have a good day all!

A worm bin like no other!

For those who are not into vermicomposting (composting with worms) this will not be very exciting, but for my husband and me, it is! Yesterday we completed our first real collaboration project, and we didn't kill each other! My husband is just starting a vermicomposting business called Green Mountain Soil (http://www.greenmountainsoil.com/).

A few weeks ago he was asked by the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center to donate some worms and possibly a bin for their composting exhibit. Well, he went and met with them and knew it would be a great opportunity to make a fun bin for them and so he set off on a mission. I agreed to paint it for him. ECHO stands for Ecology, Culture, History and Opportunity. It's a great museum if you are ever visiting Vermont, please check it out!

Today he delivered them bin and the staff loved it. They will be keeping it in their staff dining area so they can actually use it, then wheeling it out (it is on casters) for special presentations. My husband will probably come in at some point to give a presentation on vermicomposting. I'm really proud of him!

You can see a few pictures of the bin. We hope to come up with a lighter weight design that can be shipped flat, for those who might be in the market for a special worm bin. We want to work with schools and other science centers to help get the word out about the importance of vermicomposting! So, please contact us and we'll do our best to give you a special rate. You can find more information on custom bins, what vermicomposting is all about and more photos on my etsy shop at http://www.littledickensdesigns.etsy.com/.

Enjoy!

Well, what do you know!

I guess because I made up my own treasury of sorts the "Treasury Gods" felt sorry for me because magically I was in the right place at the right time and I got one! Here's the link to it, it will be up until the middle of the day on Thursday.... http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=11875

But here's a screen shot of it for when it expires!

If I can't get a treasury I'll make my own!

So there!

Would anyone like some watermelon?

I hope you enjoy it!

A clean house is good for the soul

Well dang! I typed out a whole post and then accidently hit backspace. I HATE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS!

Ok, back to good for the soul. Today I promised myself I'd dedicate a few hours to cleaning and purging. My house needs it and my head needs it. Fortunately my husband took the kids out for the whole day so I have the house to myself. Ahhhhh....peace! So, my day is dedicated to a little bit of cleaning and a whole lot of creating. I have a few flower watercolors to finish, as well as an educational worm bin I'm painting for my husband's business (Green Mountain Soil). And then there are new beads calling my name! So please check out my shop later to see what I've uploaded at LittleDickensDesigns.etsy.com

But today I have to share the work of an artist I stumbled across on Etsy. Her name is Lisa Nelson and her shop is WhimsyArts. I just love this dog because it reminds me of my sweet lab-mix. My dog is getting up there in age and I know he won't be with us much longer. I don't want to think about it. This print is of the artist's sister's "very spoiled" dog. Hey, I resemble that remark! So, here's all the dogs in our lives and what they bring us! Check out WhimsyArts, there is some cool stuff there. Enjoy!

I'm planting a garden

On paper that is. It's cold and dreary today, so I'm painting funky flowers. Nothing like some bright colors to make a person happy!

I'm wishing today I was anywhere but here. Well, maybe not anywhere. Italy would be nice. Someplace warm where I could just sit outside at a cafe and enjoy a few nice glasses of wine.

Alas, too much to do. I need to paint a educational piece my husband is working on for ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. I'll be sure to post pictures when that's all done.

Not much new to report when you don't leave your house for the day!

Digging the itty-bitty format

I can see how ACEOs are addictive. I had some fun tonight making some. Finally got my new scanner working too, so here's the latest ---->

I really need to start going to bed earlier. That is all folks!

The pitter patter of little feet

I'm still hearing it. It's 10:34 pm and I'm still hearing it. The "E-Man", my 3 year old, has decided it's a great time to play a rousing game of only child. Not that he's not a charming evening companion, but come on!

I haven't made much progress today on cleaning out my space. I think I'm in major avoidance mode. Instead I spent too much time procrastinating on the computer and cleaning out my kids clothing drawers. They have way more clothes than I do. There is just something wrong with that! I think I need someone to issue me a challenge so I'll stay on track.


Here's an artist I'm diggin' on today. Her name is JessicaSimanowski. Check out her etsy shop -- http://www.jessicasimanowski.etsy.com/

The E-Man just said to me "Mama, you are the only one who has sounds in your body. You are the only one, nobody else". I'm not sure what that means and if I should be offended. Oh wait.....he's wearing a toy stethoscope. Does that make it better?

It's 11pm.....little man you are so going to bed!

Git up offa your....

Right now I'm trying to make myself do that. Weatherman promised a nice day today....uh yeah if you consider 57 and gray nice.

Can you tell I'm procrastinating cleaning out my craft space? Too bad I'm not still in college with a paper to write, then I could promise you that craft space would be sparkling clean about now.

Since I have no great wisdom to share this morning (coffee has not kicked in) I went in search of inspiration. This morning this baby quilt is making me very happy. It was created by Sea Urchin Art Quilts. BRILLIANT!

Alright kiddos, I'm off to create something, hopefully not more of a mess.

Shoutout to my man!

I would be very remiss if I did not let you all know about the business my husband started recently. It's a small-scale vermicomposting facility in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains. For those who don't know, vermicomposting is composting with worms. But I'll let the man explain it all to you when you visit his website. For those who are faint of heart, I'll spare posting the picture of the worms here, but I gotta say the little buggers are SO COOL! It's amazing what they do. Our son Alex considers them the 9th member of our family (me, husband, Alex, Evan, then our pets, a dog, cat, two beta fish, and #9 = thousands and thousands of worms).

http://www.greenmountainsoil.com

Welcome to my random thoughts

They are pretty random. What can I say? Motherhood seems to have brought out the scatter-brain in me.

I'm new to blogging and new to what I think is one of the coolest sites ever, etsy.com. I just barely opened my store there. I hope you'll check it out http://www.littledickensdesigns.etsy.com/

So today I'm wishing my kids had school or something so I could just craft and tool around websites for inpiration. Alas, I desperately need to clean my house for my son's birthday party in two days. But I did want to show off an etsy shop I saw this morning that I thought had some very cool stuff. Makes me wish I had a little girl! This comes from http://www.ogekko.etsy.com/

Off to clean (or procrastinate some more). Later!