I have just listed the first of my long-sleeved dresses in my etsy shop and on my website. Two posts ago I wrote that I had decided to add some long-sleeve dresses to my shop and I had just finished cutting this one out, so I’m very happy to say that it is now finished and in my shops ready to go to a party, school~  or wherever your little girl would wear a dress.                                                         

I’m pleased with the way that this dress turned out. It reminds me of something out of Hansel and Gretel; in fact, I can picture Gretel wearing this dress! The embroidered scene in the center could be straight from the forest where Hansel & Gretel dropped their trail of bread crumbs. I can picture them coming upon this forest stream where a mother goose is teaching her two goslings to swim, and stopping to watch for a minutes before continuing on their way to the gingerbread house~ The eyelet trim on the sleeve ruffles dress the dress up a bit as well as tie in with the fabric’s design and the white, heart-shaped buttons mimic the hearts in the fabric’s design.

The addition of long sleeves  I think, besides being more practical for colder days, changes the “look” of the dress a bit. To me, the shorter puffed sleeves give the dress a cute, poised kind of look while the longer sleeves seem more relaxed and “artsy.” I like both styles equally well, but I find it interesting that something so simple as a sleeve length can change the overall look of the dress. It will be fun to have two sleeve lengths to choose from in my shops. I’m just beginning to cut out my next long-sleeved dress. It will be a size 3 and will probably be available in about two weeks- the time it usually takes to make one dress-  I plan on doing several more dresses with long sleeves so that you will have a nice selection to choose from, so be sure to check back occasionally to see what’s new in the shop!

Fall is my very favorite season, so I’m excited that it’s just around the corner. I’m looking forward to the end of the hot temperatures and dry hillsides and the arrival of cool, breezy but sunny days, and brilliant colors as far as the eye can see!

Does this picture look familiar to you? You may already have seen it because it ‘s one of the photos that I’ve used in a set of four blank notecards that you can find in the new notecard section of my shop. For the longest time I have wanted to make my own notecards and I’ve finally begun! My love of photography was just the  motivation I needed to ignite the spark and set me off-

And set me off it did!! I spent about two weeks  working until 1,2 &3:00 A.M. putting the notecards together; not because I had to,  there was no great rush. I was having so much fun creating them that I lost all track of time and tightly wound myself into a  sort of,  creative cocoon!  I couldn’t,  (didn’t want to-) stop!

I wanted to group the cards so that they related to each other and could  be hung as a grouping on a wall, if one preferred to use them in that way. The concept being similar I would think,  to the one used in creating an Etsy treasury – (I’ve never tried creating a treasury, but I think this is the concept behind it~)

For the present, I’ve arranged my cards into three different series, each consisting of sets of four different notecards. The first series is called The Language of Flowers and consists obviously, of flower pictures or scenes; like the tulip above, this rose photo is another example of the kinds of pictures you will find in this series, either in sets that are listed now, or sets that will be listed.

When I look at my photographs of flowers, they often look to me as if they are talking, which is the reason for the series being given this title- ( Between you and I, looking at the photo of the rose above, you see the hands cupped around a mouth, as if the rose is whispering some deep dark secret-  don’t you?)

I have only begun listing my sets. There are many, many more made, but not yet listed, so keep checking, because I will add new sets as these sell.

You can find my notecards listed in my website shop or in my etsy shop.  I’m really, really hoping that they will sell so that I’ll be able to continue making them, as I’ve become totally addicted to my camera and to the art of making note cards!  In my next post I ‘ll describe  what the other two series of cards I’ve created contain and show you a few examples of those~   here are a few more previews~       

To Pascal and I the distinction is pretty clear, but you’d be surprised at how many people are surprised when Pascal “Barks” instead of “Baaas”-  Really!

Over the years, we have been asked so many funny questions~ If I could only get Pascal to say “Baaa” when we’re asked, it would be wonderful! I keep working on it, but so far, Pascal’s clinging to his  “Bark;”  loud and proud!

If only-   Here-  just the other day is a wonderful example of how perfect it would have been  had Pascal responded, “Baaa”-

We were driving home, ( Pascal buckled into his seat belt in the front passenger seat,)  and  stopped at a traffic light. My window was open just a crack; just enough for the nearby sound of laughter to slip in and grab my attention. Looking in the direction of the laughter,  I looked up into the truck that was stopped beside me. The woman next to the window was looking directly into my car at Pascal and I could see just the top of the driver’s head as she craned her neck amidst her laughter, to see over her passenger and into my car as well. I smiled, (their laughter making it impossible not to,) and the first woman motioned me to roll down my window . I did, knowing full well what was coming~

“Is that a lamb in the front seat with you?” she asked. They were still laughing, but I could tell they both were serious about their question.  As has happened so many times in the past, all of these deliciously fun answers began competing in my mind………. pick me! pick me! Just as I was about to tell “the big lie,” Pascal decided that he’d answer the question himself~  “Bark! Bark”   That made them laugh all the harder! “We thought you were driving around with a lamb in your front seat!”  The light turned green and we continued on our way,  their laughter echoing in my ears.

I tried once again-  “Pascal, say Baaaa”-  He looked at me-  “Pascal,…… Baaa!”  I looked at him, he looked at me,………

“Bark!”

In my last post I mentioned that I intended to add notecards to my shop. I now want to officially announce that they are here!!! To begin with, I have two series of cards, the first is called The Language Of Flowers and contains sets of 4 blank, white notecards and envelopes, measuring 5.25″x 7.25″. Each card is mounted with a different, glossy, 4″ x 6″ photograph taken by me. Each card in a set is a different card, and each set differs from the other set, so be sure when you look,  to look at all four cards in the set. I have many more sets made up, waiting to be listed, so be sure to keep checking to see what I’ve added- This is the kind of picture you should expect to see in the series, The Language of Flowers~

The second series is called Notes From Rabbit Whiskers. These notecards are basically the same as the first series, except for the subject of the photographs. To anyone who knows the handsmocked, hand-embroidered girl’s dresses that I make, these might seem a bit familiar~  and very unique!

The next series is one that I  haven’t composed yet, but will very soon, so keep looking! This series will have sets with photos of beautiful scenery!

I Love making these cards and can’t seem to stop. I’m very excited for you to see them, so please come and enjoy! They are listed in both my website, and my Etsy shop!!!

In my last post I wrote that sometime in the near future I planned on adding a note card section to both my website and my etsy shop. And so I am!!!  I have been working on note cards until 1:00 A.M. for the past few weeks and I think I’m finally ready to list them in my shops!

In the past, every time I’ve posted flower photos in my blog people always comment on how much they like them. Now you’ll actually have the opportunity to buy them and own them yourself or give them as gifts to somebody special! Many of the photos are pictures of flowers,  but there will also be  photos of——– well, it’s a surprise! You’ll just have to come see!. I think they turned out great and I’m very excited for you to come see for yourself.

This has been such a fun project. I’ve  loved making the cards!!  (I always knew I would~)  They should be up in my shops in a day or two, so come by and take a look- I think you’ll like what you see-!

I forgot to announce in my last blog, some good news! If you’ve been to my etsy shop or my website you may have already noticed~  I’ve decided because of the depressed state of the economy, that the $25.00 reduction in the price of each dress for my sale that began in December ’08 and  ran through the end of January, ’09 will remain indefinitely. The current prices reflect what will now be considered the regular price, rather than returning to the pre-Dec.sale amount.

The other wonderful news is that the CPSIA law that was supposed to become effective Feb. 10 has been given a one-year “stay” so that it can be further reviewed and necessary changes made before being put into effect. I am very hopeful that the focus will be on the source of the problem, lead in the paint of imported toys from China,  and possibly,  in some metals used in children’s jewelry. There is an excellent article in today’s  Etsy Storque giving all of the details of the ruling.

And finally, I mentioned in an earlier post, that I have discovered so many wonderful shops at Etsy that I would like to share with you, and I want to feature some of these shops and their items from time to time. So~ being the beautiful “spring” day that it is, NOW seems like a great time to get started!

In honor of the CPSIA law being granted a “stay,” and because those of us involved in handmade products for children want the very best and safest items for children, it seems fitting that I start by featuring some of the wonderful unique, one-of-a-kind products for children that are now available for you to buy because of the “stay” granted.

The first shop from Etsy that I’d like to feature is my friend’s,  NeedfulThingsofSalem shop. This shop has a wonderful variety of one-of-a-kind items ranging from hand-knit, and hand-crocheted, to sewn items, quilts, stuffed animals and many other fun items. I would particularly like to feature some of the beautiful  creations for babies in this shop.

One of my favorites is the beautiful crocheted baby blanket in white with baby-blue trim around its border. This would make a beautiful gift for a newborn baby and would be perfect for either a girl or boy. There is a cute pair of matching hand-crocheted booties that would make a lovely “pairing” with the blanket.

Another of my favorites for babies in the shop, also happens to be a blanket.  This blanket is totally different from the one I just mentioned,  and reflects the amazing and diverse skills of this artisan.  A hand-appliqued, Teddy Bears and Hearts, baby quilt, is created in beautiful, soft, pastel colors with a deeper blue border. To complete the baby’s room, there is a matching, hand-quilted wall hanging. Can’t you just picture these two in a baby’s room?

Among the other wonderful baby items that are my favorite, the following two, either individually, or as a set,  would make wonderful baby gifts. The first is an adorable, cuddly, stuffed, white bunny, just right for hugging! Either by themselves, or combined with the bunny, these delicate white booties made from Irish lace, would make a beautiful gift for a baby girl.

There are so many wonderful items to be found there, and a wide and reasonable price range;  treat  yourself to a fun shopping experience. Go explore the many handmade “treasures” of NeedfulThingsofSalem~  Enjoy!

I love children too! I have two grandchildren of my own who I love dearly and want them to have the very best, illness- free lives, possible. I would be devastated if they were to get lead poisoning. I don’t think you could find anyone involved in the business of “handmade” who doesn’t want to see children protected from everything that could be hazardous to their lives. I don’t want children to get lead poisoning either. It must be stopped. But enforcing this law is not the way.

As the law now stands, it has the potential to create an infinite amount of hazardous avenues in our children’s lives. Think about it.  Thousands and thousands of shop owners and creators of handmade items for children will have to go out of business once this law is enacted because the vast majority of us cannot afford the exorbitant fees required to get each of our items individually tested. The children whose medical expenses, food, shelter, clothing, and other expenses necessary for a child’s support, are currently being met with income from their parent’s small business, will suddenly be left “out in the cold, “deprived of all   necessities.Income for the majority of small business owners, currently is used, at the very least, to supplement living expenses.For many, income from their “handmade” business is the sole source of support for the family.

Think of the thousands and thousands of children whose parents are suddenly going to find themselves jobless~ In today’s economy, their unemployment is not likely to change soon. How will these children be fed, clothed, have roofs over their heads, medicine, and all of the other things children need?

This well-intentioned law is going to backfire with disastrous results for our children! It HAS to be prevented from happening Feb.l0! In an effort to support the fight against this law, I phoned Congressman Dan Lungren’s office yesterday after reading on etsy that his aide was looking for stories about the impact the CPSIA is going to have on the lives of small business owners. I spoke to Alexandra who wanted our stories to give to Congressman Lungren so he can help  fight  this law when Congress meets.

Alexandra made the very good point that the this law was written in reaction to the lead found in children’s toys that were being imported from China. That is the problem that needs to be addressed. Restrictions need to be put perhaps, on children’s items imported from China, as opposed to every item a child under 12 might come into contact with. As she so well said, the CPSIA law is the equivalent of someone getting badly injured or killed in a car accident, and the government, in an effort to ban future car accidents, says that  all driving will be banned.

Please think about the impact this law is really going to have on children. Is this really what you think is the best way to solve the problem of lead in toys imported from China?  If you don’t want to witness the effects this law will have, not only on small business owners, but on our children then please help in our fight to prevent this laws enforcement. Write letters. Spread the word to everyone you know.

Do you know,  as of today, most people haven’t even heard of this law– yet it was passed a year ago—yet it’s scheduled to be enforced in a little over TWO weeks!!

Think of the children…………….

After reading about that I went over to Etsy’s forums to see if anyone had reported it yet and they hadn’t, so I posted the good news. While I was there I read another post that gave a link to a wonderful Forbes magazine article about the CPSIA law and the horrible repercussions it will have if it is put into effect the way that it is currently written. It is the most informative, well-written article that I’ve read on the subject and I’d like to include a link to it as well for anyone who’s interested in reading it. It is also a great idea to pass the link on to everyone you know as MOST people aren’t even aware of this impending law-

I am so happy and encouraged that my shop and the shops of others who sell handmade children’s items won’t be forced to close!

Etsy also has very interesting and informative forums for discussions that I have been reading and participating in. It is through these forums that I first learned about a new law that, if not stopped now, is scheduled to be implemented on Feb.10, 2009. Maybe you’ve heard about it, but for everyone who hasn’t, it’s called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and if it’s implemented as it is currently written, it will put an end to every business that sells handmade items for children under the age of 12. I am extremely concerned about this law, and feel most strongly that it be stopped from being enacted in it’s current writing, as it will put me and every other seller/maker of children’s products out of business. That means that not only will I not be permitted to make and sell my hand smocked dresses to you, but you will not have the opportunity to buy anything handmade, including toys, for children under 12 years old.

Many people involved in Etsy have been working very hard to fight this law, but we need a lot of help; YOUR help! The more letters that can be written to congressmen and state’s representatives, the more they will recognize the need to change the way this law is currently written. Some of the sellers at Etsy put together an excellent brochure that explains the CPSIA law, what it covers and who it effects and what you can do to help  prevent it from becoming a reality. This same brochure is being given to the reps and congressmen to help them understand the far-reaching and negative impact this law will have on everyone. This is a a link to the brochure

I hope you will find the time to read this small brochure and do what you can by writing letters to help protect everyone from being  “bulldozed” by this terribly unfair and flawed law. Thank-you!

The white leaf mini print on cherry-red cotton fabric, makes a beautiful background for the intricate design hand-smocked by me in white and green embroidery floss. Taking center stage in the smocking, a hand-embroidered, lovely winter snow scene plays out. Scotty and Rabbit talk in their snow-covered garden while a snowman listens in the background among a forest of pine trees. A little house sits quietly on a snowy hill.

This would be an ideal dress for Christmas, and extra wonderful because with it’s winter scene, it can be worn the entire season! If you are looking for a size 3 and would like a longer dress, this is the dress for you. Because it is one-of-a-kind, if you are interested, you should check it out now while it’s here- and on sale as well!

With the holidays ahead, and at such a great savings, now is the perfect time to buy the heirloom dress you’d love to give her; that very special, one-of-a-kind dress that she alone, will have. Or buy a few, one for now  and one in a larger size for her to grow into later.

It is also a good time to take advantage of the reduced prices and buy some dresses to put away for those times that you’d like to give a gift that is extra- special , such as the birth of a new baby, or perhaps an Easter dress, or simply for a child who is so special  that you want to give them a gift that reflects how much they mean to you.

Whatever your reason to buy a designer original dress, It’s a Good Time!

Pre-requisites for adoption: one little girl who likes especially, to wear pretty dresses, has a desire and love for baby chicks and will bring them with her on outings, to parties, to the park, and out to play.

These baby chicks love to travel, love fresh air, sunshine and flowers, love smiles and giggles; they are the perfect companions for a little girl’s path of adventure. Dress photos and purchase options.

Each dress tells a story, with its charming characters, and poetic moments, all stitched with care. In my blog I will share some of my stories, as well as ideas for new dresses and children’s clothing designs. I also hope to be able to share the stories of the lives these dresses take on as they are enjoyed by little girls around the world, helping to create beautiful moments and memories. If you send me your story, I’d like to post it here too.

The lamb in this scene discovers a small group of chicks. A few friends are waiting just beyond.

A closeup image of this dress

More dresses