Tuesday, January 27, 2009

So nice to know other people work the same way...

I was over reading French General's blog this morning, and there was a picture of her office in complete bury-ment and disarray.
It makes me feel so good to know that other people work this way. I'm a big piler, but can find things easily. I appreciate a clean desk, but can never get there myself.



This is as clean as it gets for me. I just happy that the piles fit under the lamp shade of my desk lamp.



I am been putting forth a lot of effort into removing the piles from the floor. I am now down to about 60 pounds of magazines that I need to go through and tear out the images I want to keep. I have even purchased clear binders to organize my tear sheets... someday I'll get there.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Look at these cool things!

I have been absent from the blog for a bit. My January has been very full so far. My class that I teach at the University of Idaho has started; I've been asked to assist in a presentation in Second Life for the University... which is very fun and exciting and groundbreaking, but requires time; my sister and I are planning our promotion strategy for Mister Judy, since we have A LOT of spring merchandise that will probably not be sold to retailers... and then the usual business with family, freelance, and house.
But for now... check out these cool clothespins that the spouse gave me for Christmas!






For now they are marching around the edge of my Fire-King teacup... I think I will try to frame them in some way... I have never seen anything like these before. It's amazing they survived, as clothespins usually receive a fair amount of wear and tear.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Pens

Mariko at Super Eggplant always has the coolest pens and accessories. She just did a test between the classic Sharpie.. that we all know and love... and the new Bic Mark-it. I think I need to make a trip to the store.

Monday, January 05, 2009

The CPSIA and Small Business

In August of last year, Congress passed bill HR4040--the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). This bill is aimed at protecting our children from toys containing lead and phthalates and addressing other safety issues. However, parts of this bill will directly effect all small handmade toy makers, designers and store owners in such a way that many may not have the means to continue operating.

The CPSIA now requires all children's products, including natural handmade toys and clothing to be tested by a third party lab, often at a cost of up to $4,000 per item. That could cost a small company more than $20,000 a season. That could easily put many small companies out of business.

The CPSIA simply forgot to exclude the class of children's goods that have earned and kept the public's trust: toys, clothes, and accessories made mainly by small businesses in the US, Canada, and Europe. This must be amended before it's too late.

We strongly urge Congress to amend the current legislation to exclude small businesses from this exorbitant type of testing, similar to the exemptions granted by the FDA for small producers under the food labeling laws.

It is our small businesses that have worked hard to maintain the trust of consumers by ensuring handmade toys, clothing and accessories are safe. It is unfair to punish the businesses who truly are the backbone of our country and who have been committed to producing safe toys and crafts for the consumer.

For more information, visit the Handmade Toy Alliance. You may sign a petition here.

Many of you know that I have a small children's clothing business with my sister called Mister Judy. This law will effect out ability to produce our products if the testing is required. Please help us and our fellow small business owners by contacting your congressmen and requesting them to clarify the CPSIA and exempt small businesses from the third party testing in the US.

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Christmas and the New Year

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday season. We are still recovering from the festivities, the cookies and candy, and basically not eating any fruits or vegetables but living on a diet of turkey dinner leftovers and shortbread.
We started off the Christmas season with an amazing snow storm which kept Miss E home for 3 of the last 5 days of school. It turned our neighborhood into a frosty wonderland which kept all the kids busy for many days.




Then we visited the Sugar Plum Fairy at the Nutcracker.... so beautiful and inspiring.



Some of the decorations around the house... some fabricated and some natural...







I was sewing and knitting like a mad woman for most of December. Here is the log of creation:
3 sets of man-style pyjamas
3 sets of leg warmers
1 eyelet slip... after we discovered the Miss E's party dress was slightly transparent
1 girly purse/tote bag for art supplies

Here is the slip...

I was determined not to purchase any additional fabric but use up all these bits of eyelet that I keep leaving behind after various curtain projects.

The spouse, in a flurry of creativity, crafted The Atomic Death Trap 3000 sled for the kids. Obviously it was a smashing success...