Last Day To Vote

Today is the final day to vote in Christy's Craft Challenge! What makes it extra special this month? A prize pack of handmade goodies from our own LNKHandmade Team!!

Make Your Own Cat Toys

It's Caturday! Let's talk homemade cat toys!
Holly Tse is living proof that absolutely anyone can take their passion for crafting and turn it into a viable business with little money upfront. It doesn’t matter what you love to do, if you have creativity (which all crafters have in abundance), you can make anything work. She turned a love of playing with her cat and her passion for the environment into a book called, “Make Your Own Cat Toys: Saving the Planet One Cat Toy at a Time”. She created over 50 eco-friendly cat toy “recipes” and self-published the book by herself in her spare time. She used a low cost print-on-demand publisher, taught herself how to use the publishing software and visited Flickr for inspirational cat photos in order to illustrate 114 images for the book in a month.

The end result looks amazing and has received high compliments from a publishing industry professional who has worked on NY Times bestsellers. The book was also featured in The Daily Cat, an online weekly that is nationally syndicated to CBS, FOX and NBC websites.

What really inspires her is hearing how much people enjoy the book. It makes them smile, it gives them something enjoyable to do and they have fun bonding with their pets by playing with the toys they make. As well, she hopes to inspire others to be more eco-friendly and to show them that it’s fun to be green. You can save the environment and also save money too.

For less than the cost of a couple of fancy cat toys, you get 52 eco-friendly cat toy ideas that are fast, fun and easy to make. That’s a new toy each week for a year!
To create the toys, you creatively reuse stuff you have around the home such as packaging, old clothing, and crafting materials.
The book is cute, witty, and fun to read. It’s a great product for crafters who love cats, have friends with cats or are concerned about the environment.

If you would like more information, please feel free to visit her website for the book at:

www.MakeYourOwnCatToys.com

New at ChimeraCrochet

New, originally uploaded by Chimera Creation.

You can check them out in my flickr stream 1. Pixie, 2. Undead Zombie Cupcake, 3. James, 4. Bunton

Or even more fun- check them out in my shop- http://chimeracrochet.etsy.com The Owlingtons, The Woolingtons and HedgeBalls now have their own sections!!

P.S. Stay tuned to http://lincolnhandmadeteam.blogspot.com for some AWESOME giveaways coming up SOON!

So I'm Giving Artfire A Try

I figured I'd give the free account a try. I mean, it is free. I have two pills listed there, and I'm debating making it all pills all the time. ChimeraCrochet's Pharmacy, as it were. Speaking of pills, I better make some more, because I have a feeling I'm going to sell out soon. SO either snap up what I have on Artfire (click above) or shimmy over to ChimeraCrochet (link is over there to the lower right) because I just sold another one overnight.

Naughty Prescription For Love

Naughty Prescription For Love, originally uploaded by Chimera Creation.

New in my shop @ http://chimeracrochet.etsy.com are some Prescription For Love Amigurumi Pills. I have a few different kinds listed. They would make a perfect gift for Valentine's Day!

Top Ten Change Ideas

The email I got:

We're excited to let you know that this morning we opened voting for the final round of the Ideas for Change in America competition at www.change.org/ideas.

As you may know, we launched the competition back in November with MySpace and more than 50 nonprofit partners in response to Barack Obama's call for citizen involvement in government. First round voting ended on December 31, and the top rated ideas from a diverse range of 7,783 submissions have qualified for the final round.

The final round of voting ends on January 15, and the following day we are co-hosting an event at the National Press Club with the Case Foundation to announce the top 10 rated ideas and present them to the Obama administration. We will then launch a national campaign in coordination with our nonprofit partners to ensure that each idea gets the full consideration of the administration and 111th Congress.

To select your "Top 10 Ideas for America," go to www.change.org/ideas and become a part of the people-powered movement leading the call for change in America.

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Call To Action

This coming Monday, January 5, is the deadline for comments to the CPSC. The CPSC has asked for comments regarding component testing and natural materials exemptions! This is our chance to speak directly to the CPSC and push them to include these important additions in the CPSIA/provide your personal feedback on anything that hasn't been touched on. Here is the link to the CPSC forms.

More links and comments in the etsy storque.

Crochet for Cleaning... And Love... Awww!

I just read Crafterella's latest blog post and now I am totally going to crochet a swifter cloth! I didn't even think about making one. What I did think of making were scrubby washcloths for Josh. He somehow managed to finally lose or destroy the microfiber ones I got him, so I thought- why not crochet some? I think I was inspired by the latest issue of craft magazine where they talk about crocheting acrylic scrubbies- how gentle they are, yet full of cleaning power. So, I crocheted him two round ones with 2 strands- one acrylic for scrubby, one cotton for absorbency. They have been working quite well thus far. I think when I make my swifter covers I will use an acrylic and cotton mix too! What do people use for a cleaning solution?
In other crafting news, I am debating getting some black wool roving and spinning some black yarn to crochet Josh a black beanie. I just would love him to have something so handmade and full of love that I did for him.

CPSIA Amigurumi For Adults?

Discuss here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5956002

This is from the Child Safety Protection Act, which the new law references.
Intention isn't everything, and apparently, just slapping a "not for children
under 12" tag on your product won't solve the problem.

CHILDREN’S
PRODUCT.--The term “children's product” means a consumer product designed or
intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger. In determining whether a consumer product is primarily intended for a child 12 years of age or younger, the following factors shall be considered:
(A) A statement by a manufacturer about the intended use of such product, including a label on such product if such statement is reasonable.
(B) Whether the product is represented in its packaging, display, promotion, or advertising as appropriate for use by children 12 years of age or younger.
(C) Whether the product is commonly recognized by consumers as being intended for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.
(D) The Age Determination Guidelines issued by the Commission staff in September 2000, and any successor to such guidelines.

Honestly, until a few months ago, I didn't even consider my items as things children would use. It may sound stupid or naive, but I figured adults were my main client and it wasn't until a customer mentioned purchasing one of my amigurumi for her child that I even realized parents would buy these for children. I buy amigurumi for myself and you can look thru my purchases to see that as an adult, I collect these items.Now more than ever, perhaps I should take out any tags or mention of children in my listings. I really don't have children in mind when I make or market my items. In fact, in talking to my consumers, I know the majority of my items have went for adult use (wedding centerpieces, gifts, desk sitters). That, and the fact that some of my items are clearly for adults (pills, animals chopped in half, etc.) is this really something I need to worry about for my shop, if I am more clear and consistent with my labeling and intended audience?

Chimera Crochet Booth

Chimera Crochet booth, originally uploaded by sra_nelson.

Here was my first craft fair set up! I sold three things, a cuff, a scarf and a washcloth set. Not bad. I'm already getting excited for seasons of crafts in December!

I made yarn.

Shetland and Top, originally uploaded by Chimera Creation.

Hooray! Just thought I'd share. There are more photos in my stream.

I will be there!

Holiday Bazaar -- Saturday, Nov. 22

We are excited to be hosting our first ever "Local Artisans Bazaar" right in the studio! Yoga Body and Balance is pleased to present a warm, friendly venue for local talent to display their wares just in time for the holiday season. This event will be taking place on Saturday, November 22 from 1 pm-5 pm. This will be in part to benefit the Friendship home. We'll have food, drinks, conversation and, of course, hand crafted art by some of Lincoln's finest established and budding artisans.

We invite all of you to come enjoy (and contribute to) this atmosphere while supporting your neighbors. Please bring your family and your friends and spread the word to help make this venture a smashing success. The kinds of things you can expect to see include but not limited to: crocheted wearables; semi-precious stone jewelry; hand embroidered pillows; paintings; ACEO cards; poetry books crafted by author; handmade journals; hat boxes; a novel; musical recordings; baby clothes; chakra readings; plus a variety of gift baskets from several vendors and more. This is also an opportunity for you to join in the fun. Thank you in advance for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the Bazaar!

SERIOUS crafting!

Lisa and Lynette working hard!, originally uploaded by sra_nelson.

This is from our recent Lincoln Handmade meeting! They are SO much fun to go to. Today we were working on banners to display when we do craft shows together. Everyone is so creative and I got some great ideas for other craft projects while I was there. I wish we could meet every week!
See more photos @ Lincoln Handmade Flickr Group!

HAWT INTERVIEW

A fun interview trade with loveoneworldzero!

1. You sell a wide variety of things- what do you sell the most of, and does that surprise you?
Yes, a whole ton of variety going on in the shop! Our hot item this year are the Knit or Die bags. In a way that surprises me, I know that knitting is very popular but who knew that there are so many punky knitters in the world!

2. How did you come up with the name for your shop?
Love One World Zero is myself (Reneighborhood) and 100FACE, we have been a couple for 8 years and for the longest time it seemed that people disagreed with our relationship and our dreams so much... we are dreamers, what can I say? Hence the point system.. Love 1 :: World 0.

3. Who are your favorite three musical bands?
Ooohh, the toughie! Many of my musical favorites are based on specific albums but my favorite artists as of today
in no particular order are: The Faces, Daniel Johnston, and Joy Division... aw, Roky Erickson too! I know I broke the rules!

Face it, I'm Whimsical

In my head are dreams of sophisticated felted jewelry, expensive crocheted necklettes in muted tones, luxe toys for rich children... My title font is fancy, my colors are cutting edge in a modern tone on tone way...
But no, I just can't acheive that because I don't think that way in real life. When I'm crafting something, I reach for the glittery purple yarn, not the cream merino wool yarn. When my crochet hook weaves in and out, it makes a jellyfish of four crazy colors, not an organic bamboo yarn scarf.
Harumph! Face it, I'm whimiscal. And I guess that's okay, because that's me, and that's what I enjoy making.

Nexus Festival

I just wanted to make a quick post while I was thinking of it to promote the upcoming Nexus Festival. They have made a myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/nexusfestival

There will be members of the etsy team Lincoln Handmade there, so be sure to check it out if you're local.

A Great Interview!

Q. Being a SAHM, what are the financial goals for your etsy store? (To help support your family? To just support your craft? Etc.)
A. I do want to make a serious business out of my it and hopefully (one day) be able to help out with the money I earn. Right now, any little bit I make goes back into supplies.

My husband, Julian is very good at helping me balance my business finances. We keep very strict records on what I spend and what I make. We also have a plan and goals for the business. We are aware that seeing a profit might take time.


Q. Do your children help at all in your crafting or etsy store? If they aren't old enough, do you plan on having them help when they are older?
A. My 10 year old, Julio loves to do whatever I am doing. I love to work with him because he is so willing to learn. My 13 year old (Caleb) is not very crafty and prefers action games and sports. Daisy, my 8 year old is too busy being the boss to do crafts. She does prefer scrapbooking and paper crafts, but she prefers to work alone.


Q. Do you have any tips for balancing children with an at-home job?
A. Well, I homeschool as well as run a business out of my home, so I have had to learn to balance many tasks at once.

My advice would be to always put the family things first. After the kids have done their school work, hubby's lunch has been fixed and the household chores are done, then let everyone know that you are working....Take it seriously. If it is going to be a business, it has to be treated like one.

My family knows that when I say I will be in my work room "Working" it is "Do Not Disturb Mom" time. My 13 year old is very helpful when it comes to keeping the 2 youngest in line when I am busy working.

Also, never take on too much work at once. Go at an even steady pace and don't expect to get rich quick.
Thanks Renee!

Felted Punk Toy

Felted Punk Toy, originally uploaded by Chimera Creation.

Heheh. I had a lot of fun constructing this. I used brown wool yarn for the body, then I felted it. After stuffing/eyeballs and sewing on his bottom, I added a angora bunny fur mohawk. It makes me giggle, the thought of fluffy bunny hair being used to make him so punk. ;-)

Featured Shops With Stay At Home Moms

I wanted to ask my fellow SAHM and Etsy sellers a bit about how they run things with children.

Today I will feature two of these great Etsians: Kymsart777 and oldbagcrafts

First up is Kymsart777:
Q.Being a SAHM, what are the financial goals for your etsy store? (To help support your family? To just support your craft? Etc.)
A. My financial goals are ultimately to have a successful business which is profitable, productive and enjoyable! I have had several crafts businesses in the past, one in particular was extremely profitable...but at the time, my kids were little and the money simply was not worth the time that it took away from my family. I decided to close at that time and about 2 years later, started my Etsy business. At present, I reinvest most of my profits back into my business...I have high hopes that I will soon be able to maintain a profit.

Q. Do your children help at all in your crafting or etsy store? If they aren't old enough, do you plan on having them help when they are older?
A. My children have always helped me with my business. We used to joke that they would be born at a crafts fair or covered in glitter and glue! They always come up with ideas and I listen with open ears! I bounce ideas off of them as well. They help more as they get older, and have always been a part of helping with crafts fairs, promoting and the like. My oldest daughter has just started her own jewelry business...I have to get her to open a store on Etsy!

Q. Do you have any tips for balancing children with an at-home job?
A. For me, home and family are always first...Always! I have taught my kids to respect what I do as "work", often people assume that because you are at home, and crafting, that it is just a hobby. I have a dedicated space that is for my "work", and treat my home business as I would any other. I get up, get dressed for work, and close up shop in the evening for family time. I give myself vacation time and sick days...It helps. My family knows that this is my "job", and respect that fact. It helps to make sure there are boundaries, but that my family feels a part of what I am doing. We celebrate the highs, and work through the lows together. Like I said though, Family is first..that is why I am a SAHM.

Totally Crazy

I've had this huge burst of business energy since returning from my trip to Colorado. I've redesigned my blog. Redid all the graphics for my two etsy stores. I bought a flickr pro account and have been uploading like crazy. I started a new project wonderful ad campaign. Basically I've made a recommitment to focusing on etsy instead of wasting time surfing the net. Though, I admit, I still do that a whole lot too! (Confession: I love reading celebrity gossip! I totally need to go to barnes n noble so I can Meet Vivienne & Knox Jolie-Pitt in the latest issue of People magazine.)
I've also been buying a lot of stuff. It's a friends and my moms birthday this month so I've made a few etsy purchases (Including two crocheted worms for myself. hehehe). I've also been dealing with two etsy disputes. Two people have not delivered goods to me so that's really sucked. Thankfully both orders were under $15, so if I never get a refund, I won't be out TOO much money.
So anyways, that's the most exciting news, other than my local etsy team, Lincoln Handmade, meets tonight. Hopefully that will be fun!