Help Save Handmade!

One of my New Year's resolutions was going to be to put more effort into promoting my handmade items. I truly think that I make something unique that is not only functional but pretty. I have thoroughly enjoyed creating these crafts -- it is relaxing, rewarding, and fun!

After browsing through Etsy this weekend, I realized that my craft is in major trouble! As of February 2009, anyone manufacturing a product that may be utilized by a child under the age of 12 must comply with stringent testing procedures to ensure that their product does not contain lead greater than 600 ppm. No one, including me, wants their children exposed to lead; however, this new law issued by the Consumer Products Safety Information Act, will not allow certification of testing of individual parts of an item -- for example, if I receive a certification that all individual pieces I compile for my hairbow holders are lead free, I still have to have the finished product tested. This testing must be performed on all batches of all designs. So, every one of my completely "unique" hairbow holders, clippies and headbands, must be tested. And, the testing is expensive!

This is not just about me. Thousands of moms and small business owners will be affected. It will even affect the Salvation Army, retail stores, and consignment shops. You will no longer be able to pass along your cribs or strollers or baby toys that do not have this specific certification.

Please help. Several sites and blogs are dedicated to protecting handmade. You can visit the CPSC's site for information.

Thank you!

Baby doll slings!

I was on a hunt for a baby carrier for my 2 year old. Her older sister has one and she HAS to have one. The fighting has begun over toys. "That's mine" echos through our house constantly! So, Santa is bringing Sofija a baby carrier. I found a really cute baby sling on Etsy (of course) and had to buy 2 (so we avoid the fighting). These are from Oh Boy and she offers a lot of pretty colors. Check them out!

A Great Review...

I just got word from Tracey over at The Mama Log that she posted a newsletter on her site with a review of my hairbow holders! So exciting! She has a wonderful site that is full of gift ideas and product reviews for babies and moms. Check it out -- you may even find a deal!

Handmade Christmas

I decided this year that I would purchase as many of my Christmas presents as possible off of my FAVORITE website -- Etsy. Here is the latest purchase that I am so excited about. My girls will love these adorable felt cookies! I think that after Santa eats his cookies that they so lovingly place on a plate by the fireplace, these cookies will be left in return! They are handmade by Posie and Me.

Cutest shirts EVER!!!

.....at least I think so!!!

These are something new at Princess MiMi Designs! I have yet to put them up on my Etsy shop but I tried them out on customers at my open house and they seem to have gone over well.



I am taking the fabric scraps from my hairbow holders, cutting out cutsie shapes and layering them to make the perfect statement on t-shirts and onsesies.

The best part -- the flower is removeable so that the shirt can be washed and/or the "blooms" can be changed to create a whole new outfit.

And, I know they are a hit when my little girls want to wear them! All of those clippies and headbands that I adore making -- they prefer to go without!! Now I just have to figure out how to get a good picture.

5 Big, Tall Wishes to Change the World

I was visiting one of my favorite blogs for great decorating ideas, The Inspired Room, and found the link to Cushions and Umbrellas blog. Cushions and Umbrellas is having a great contest called "5 Big, Tall Christmas Wishes to Change the World". I thought it was such a wonderful and inspiring way to spread some Christmas cheer. Here are my 5 wishes:

1. I wish that my two little girls will have a happy, peaceful and magical Christmas surrounded by family and friends and that the true spirit of Christmas will always be with them.

2. I wish for the children that I treat as a pediatric physical therapist will realize their potential and achieve all of their dreams in life. They are truly an inspiration to me and to all those that work with them.

3. I wish for world stability and peace -- financial, political, racial, religious

4. I wish for the ability to relax and enjoy every moment before it flits by!

5. I wish for everyone that is being affected by corporate cutbacks and closings a new, better, exciting opportunity that will put a smile on their face each day!


As part of the contest, I will tag Carrie from "Buzzings of a Queen Bee" because hers is my other favorite blog to read!

What are your 5 wishes??? I would love to hear!