Take Root

"It is a process, finally, of cultivating oneself and one's relationships with others- including spiritual ones. Mainstream society consists of the exact opposite--ever briefer and more superficial encounters with ever larger quantities of goods, services and people. There is no pleasure or contact, only the giddy adrenaline fueled whirl of changing experience without substance, touch without intimacy, information without meaning, company without community." From Choosing Simplicity by Linda Pierce

All of my reading as of late (with the exception of The Tales of Beetle the Bard) has had to do with voluntary simplicity. This quote was actually at the end of the book I was reading and it struck a chord with me right away. My life has been just as it says- full of meaningless contact, the acquisition of more and more worthless goods, having a steady stream of information coming to my brain so it couldn't rest and really realize what was underneath all of this nonsense. Its too much. I've said, "Enough.". My first steps have been decluttering (I've gotten rid of bags and bags of clothes and shoes, the tv, the playstation and it's games, old paperwork, purses, even outdated foods in the cupboards) and reading books on voluntary simplicity. I've also been striving to drastically reduce my Internet usage, since this, in addition to the physical clutter of my home, is my number one 'drug'. So far, I haven't obtained more peace, but I feel like I have planted seeds. Now I must continue to water them and tend them most gently so they will sprout and set down deep roots.

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.

From Twitter

Struck me as funny:
7daytrial I think I'm going to have the doc look into baby safe anger management drugs. I have the meanest fetus around.

pbacgrad just made the kids jalapeño burgers. :-) Childhood trauma in 5.4.3.2.1

Hoho!

, originally uploaded by chamico.

One of my favorite flickr kitties in a nice seasonal greeting. Here's hoping your holidays are happy!

Chain Curtain

Chain Curtain, originally uploaded by Chimera Creation.

I got my photos back from the wonderful Copperlight Studios! It has been great modeling for them. They are so nice to work with, and obviously they do a fantastic job!

Put Her To Work

Put Her To Work, originally uploaded by Chimera Creation.

Thank goodness I have an almost 2 year old to shovel the walks for me now! About time!

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?

Support

A suggestion:
http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/Home/our-proposal-to-modify-the-cpsia

LOLZ

1229129039405, originally uploaded by Evanovich.

Economy

superpoop.com

Crafty Aliens

Crafty Aliens, originally uploaded by Chimera Creation.

Fun time was had by all at the LNK Handmade holiday party! Lots of good food and good people!

Season of Crafts

Season of Crafts, originally uploaded by Chimera Creation.

Here was my booth from Season of Crafts this weekend! It was great to see you out there! Thanks for supporting me, and supporting handmade! Oh that's right, you didn't come.
(o__O)
We had fun anyways.