Meet Janae from ClaireandJanae

I am happy to introduce you to a fellow team etsyBABY member today… Janae of ClaireandJanae. She makes some fabulous things and I hope you enjoy meeting the artist behind the craft!

Tell me a little bit about your background in arts and crafts.When did you first start creating things?
I have always liked to make things but I didn’t start making baby things until I was pregnant with my daughter Danielle. I got a job at a quilt shop and my mom really helped me pretend I knew what I was doing. I studied art for a few years in College.

What were the first things you created? and how did your creativity progress from there?
In college I got really in to photography and sculpture. I was on a study abroad and discovered I loved it. Then later I had a job at a quilt shop and the first week they asked me to make an example blanket. I had never made a quilt before. My mom and my 17 year old brother helped me (he already knew how to quilt.) I dove in head first to sewing and two and a half years later I still love it.

How did you come up with your shop name?
I wanted something like fuzzy wuzzy or cuddle elephant or silly made up words that didn’t make much sense. I also wanted it to say baby. Then I decided to use Claire because it is my daughter’s middle name and my sister’s name. My name is ALWAYS spelled wrong so it is in my shop name but not my official brand name. My sister is an attorney and she loves talking about different ideas and what I need to do legally. Baby Claire and I spend all day making things and she has her own sewing machine (one of those kid ones) and a pile of fabric she shows me all the time. Since we are in it together I used our names together- it was last minute.

Is this your only business or do you do other things as well?
I actually just recently opened claireandmedesigns.etsy.com which is a design shop. It has lots of rude and nice cards and photos I’ve taken.

Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what?
I have a really simple screenprinting kit and I want to start doing that. And how to really use Adobe illustrator because I’m not very good at it. I have always wanted to learn how to blow glass and make vases. Someday….

How did you hear about Etsy?
I heard about it from another sister, who sells hair pins. She had a few ideas about things we could buy her for Christmas and showed me the site. We started talking and I started my shop.

Any words of advice to others?
My only advice is to keep really good records. If you don’t know how get a computer program to help you. And to remember that if you aren’t having fun, don’t torture yourself. Make your shop pay for itself or your husband will wonder where the heck all your money is going.

How will the new law by CPSIA affect you and your shop?
Since most of my items are a few of a kind, I will have to either switch to making just one of each item or not carry lots of things. The onesies will really take a hit. I will probably have to raise prices since it will take so much more time to get each item ready if they are one of a kind. I am really glad they put off some of the CPSIA things and I am waiting to see if they will change it so I can keep making things.

If you take a look at Janae’s shop announcement you will see that etsy has become a family thing!
claireandmedesigns.etsy.com– my other site with Cards and Photography
shelleanne.etsy.com – my sister Rachelle’s site with great hair things.
magnoliapottery.etsy.com– Pottery from my sister in law Brooke.

Thanks for stopping by my blog to read about another fabulous fellow etsian!

Meet Liz from DaisyCreek!

Today I am going to introduce you to another fabulous Team etsyBABY shop: Daisy Creek! Enjoy! Tell me a little bit about your background in arts and crafts.

** I have been doing arts and crafts since I can remember! In the town that I grew up in, we had a community organization that provided all sorts of activities for children during the school year, but especially during the summer. My mom always had me signed up for at least 3 or 4 things at a time to keep me busy over the summer and I always picked some sort of class where I could be creative. My need for a creative outlet continued in junior high school with sewing and other home economics classes that led to other classes in high school. Which ended up leading me to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and Textiles.

When did you first start creating things?

** I first started creating Barbie clothes with my mom when I was about 6 or 7 years old. I think that my love for sewing steered me towards getting my degree in fashion design.What were the first things you created? and how did your creativity progress from there?

** The first things that I started creating on my own were pajama pants in junior high. Then, in my first college course that I took while still in high school, I started creating my own prom dresses and outfits out of unusual fabrics like ultra suede and velvet. My creativity was in full bloom when I started college and I unfortunately lost some of that there. I think the pressure of projects/assignments/grades really hurt my creative drive and I actually stopped sewing for years after getting my degree.

How did you come up with your shop’s name?

**We bought 10 acres and have a little creek that runs near our property. When our daughter was born we would walk down to the creek and back every day. As she got older (and walking on her own), she would always point to the wildflowers and yell “daisy!” (They are my favorite flower, so she heard the word a lot). When I started the business, she would always ask to go to “daisy’s creek” and it just seemed like a cute name.

Is this your only business or do you have another job as well?

** After finishing college, I realized that I didn’t want to move to a big city and figured that was a prerequisite to becoming a fashion designer. After having taught gymnastics throughout college, I really felt a calling to go into teaching and that is what I pursued. I taught 3rd grade for 3 years in one district and have been teaching kindergarten for 8 years in the district that I currently work. I have loved teaching and it comes very naturally to me and I still have so many things that I would like to accomplish. But, while pregnant, I really started to create things again and started doing scrap booking (traditional and digital) and started sewing after my daughter was about a year old. And after making some Christmas gifts for people, I realized that I totally had the bug!!

Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what?

** Yes, yes, yes! I have so many ideas going on in my mind and things that I’d like to try. I’d love to do a clothing line and be able to market it to stores on the wholesale level. I’d also love to expand the kinds of accessories that I can do. I’ve always wanted to have my own store one day and I’m hoping that the cards will all fall into place on of these days.

How did you hear about Etsy?

** I was at a birthday party for a friend’s daughter and saw the cutest little pinafore/apron and took a peek at the tag (I am an admitted tag peeker and look at the tags of the kids in my class all the time!!). I saw the website and at my first chance went online to check it out. That’s where I found this incredible marketplace! I had been making my rhinestone tees as a business for about 4 months and was really nervous to sign up. It took me looking around at what other people had done for about 2 months before I gathered up the nerve to do it. And boy, am I glad that I did!!!

Do you sell your things outside of etsy? ** Yes, I sell in 2 stores locally, one hair and nail salon and online at http://www.daisycreekdesigns.com/

What’s your absolute favorite thing in your shop?** That is so hard! I think that my favorite rhinestone tee would have to be the “Nana’s Girl” one because it is the first tee that I did (although I have changed the font since then) when I started my business. The phrase is also the reason why I started my business – I had gone into a local boutique with my mom (Nana) and saw that shirt. My mom grabbed one right away for my daughter and after really looking at it, I kept saying to myself, “I can totally do that!” The rest is history!!

What is your favorite thing to make?

**I think that my favorite thing always changes. For me, my favorite thing is always the thing that I am focusing on more than other things. Right now I am doing a lot more sewing and creating new clothing items. I am really having a lot of fun making more “princess” types of things like wands and crowns – I have had a request from a local store for those, so it’s been fun trying to find my own vision of those. With everything, I’m trying to find my own way and put my own mark on it so when someone sees it they will know it’s one of my designs.

What shops do you admire on etsy?

** Wow! That’s the hardest question of all!! When I first started on etsy, I marked a lot of shops as a favorite who made different clothing items because that was a direction that I wanted to take Daisy Creek Designs. Since joining etsybaby, etsymoms and etsykids, I have become more aware of so many more sellers and how amazingly creative and talented they are. It would take pages and pages to answer this question because I admire each of my team members for so many reasons – each one differently!

Any words of advice to others?

** If there is something that you’d like to do or try, to just jump right in and get involved! I was so nervous to join etsy and it’s been such a great experience! And as I look back, it is so silly that I waited so long to join a team. I know that joining and being a part of these teams has made my experience on etsy SO much more worthwhile and has taught me so much!

How will the new law by CPSIA affect you and your shop?

** Since doing tees and clothing for younger children is really where I am at creatively, CPSIA would virtually make it impossible for me to continue. Most of what I do are one of a kind or in very small quantities and the enforcement of third party testing would make it impossible for me to continue financially.

I just want to thank Liz for taking the time to complete this interview with me! I just love hearing what inspires and motivates others along their etsy journey. I hope you decide to take a few minutes to browse her lovely store, www.daisycreek.etsy.com!

An Interview with Julia from MommysMonkey!

Tell me a little bit about your background in arts and crafts.

I have a long history in hand crafted items as small businesses. I originally started by designing and hand crafting unique hats for babies and children (Ratty’s Hats). Sadly, 10 years ago people were still afraid to ‘go out of the box’ with their kids and my creations often went unappreciated!In university, I created a very successful pet treat and accessory business called “Treats for Furry Feets“. I spent months creating, from scratch, gourmet pet treats from all natural (and when possible organic) ingredients. My fur kids were thrilled to be my taste testers! When I started my honours placement I had to let the business go, there just wasn’t enough time in the day for both.

When did you first start creating things?

I was always described as a ‘creative child” – I think that was people’s polite way of saying I was weird! I learned how to sew when I was 10 on my great grandmothers original sewing machine. It was the first Singer electric model and had one stitch – but that baby could sew through anything! When I was 14 my mom bought me a brand spanking new machine that seemed so luxurious with it’s 12 stitches. I used that machine until its sad end this past fall (over 17 years). I love to sew and make 99.9% of my items without a pattern – shirts and a diaper stacker are pretty much the only time I felt I needed one (I got that ‘knack’ from my great grandma).

What were the first things you created? and how did your creativity progress from there?
It’s be a long journey through the creative land. But Mommy’s Lil Monkey started when I went on maternity leave last January. I was hugely pregnant, stuck at home, and BORED – I started sewing blankets, diapers and other items for my pending monkey. When Jacob arrived and we were out and about I got so many compliments on the blankets and questions of where I got them – I figured it was worth trying to sell them! I loved being able to sew while Jacob napped, and creating Mommy’s Lil Monkey gave me the much needed brain work out a new mommy needs! Since then my best friend joined me with LilyBugz and we have been expanding our line as our little ones have grown. We create out of the needs we fill for our own monkeys – and hope that it fills the needs of other mommies too!

Is this your only business or do you do other things as well?

I start back to work in (ACK!) twenty days. I am a retail manager for a large Canadian communications and entertainment company. However my background is in social work and film studies – go figure! I do also dabble in collecting and selling vintage pieces – and LOVE a good church rummage sale!

Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what?

I would love to be able to knit or crochet. My grandmother is the most amazing knitter I have ever seen – she is 87 and can knit a sweater in a day. Her work is unbelievable and unlike anything you would find in even the finest boutiques. I tried learning how to knit when I was a teen but succeeded in trying it into knots and bending the needles!

How did you hear about Etsy?

An old friend of mine suggested I take a look when I was searching for sock monkey items for the nursery. I was amazed when I saw the site and couldn’t believe I had never heard or seen of it before. I didn’t start to sell on Etsy until July of 2008 – I just didn’t feel my items were ready for such a high calibre community.

Any words of advice to others?
Do what you love, don’t under value your product, and never deny yourself the need to stockpile fabric!!! You never know when you might need that beautiful floral print that’s on sale 🙂

How will the new law by CPSIA affect you and your shop?
Being Canadian I will still be able to sell within Canada and all other countries but the USA. However 75% of my customer base is in the USA so my store sales would be affected. I don’t rely on Etsy as a source of income (unlike so many affected) — but rather a reinvestment into more materials every time I make a sale. My shop will probably carry less stock and I will cut back on how much I produce and post for Etsy. I worry that many of the suppliers I purchase from through Etsy may no longer be able to sell their supplies. That means I will no longer be able to create – and I need to let my creative energies flow!

What would affect me more is that the many friends that I have made through team Etsybaby would be losing their livelihood and be unable to create and sell the things they love. I worry about the families who rely on their arts and crafts, the public libraries, the second hand stores, the increases on prices in general – especially in these increasingly hard financial times. I wish as a Canadian I could lobby my members of parliament to get involved – but we have such little say in what happens to our neighbours even though it affects us too! I have been spreading the word to my fellow Canadian crafters and buyers to let them know what is happening and most are in disbelief. The CPSIA laws have not received the global coverage they should – which means most outside the US are completely in the dark!

I hope you enjoyed learning more about MommysMonkey! I know I did. Take a few minutes to browse through her shop…she has some adorable things!

Meet SnooliBaby in my 100th blog post!

*When did you first start creating things?

I first started creating precious baby items after my son was born. I needed to find a way to make a little extra money as a stay at home mom. It started with a craft fair and then I found Etsy! The rest is well…history!

*What were the first things you created? and how did your creativity progress from there?

It all started with these unique three-sided loveys called Snooli Snuggles. I use this incredibly soft minky dot fabric and literally give my lovey three sides instead of the normal back and front. This adds just a little extra for those little fingers to cuddle.

*Is this your only business or do you do other things as well?

This is my only business right now, but I’m thinking about making an Etsy shop that is just for non-baby items…give myself a little grown-up time. I plan to make vintage styled aprons in the latest high quality fabrics from designers like Amy Butler, Michael Miller and Joel Dewberry. I was also thinking of including some silk sashes and belts and maybe a purse or two. We’ll see how it goes.

*Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what?

I also dream of making more of my Snooli Friends…I’ve made a few puppies and now a monkey and some bears. I’ve also just completed some bunnies just in time for Spring. If only I could find a pattern for a lion or a horse.

*How did you hear about Etsy?

You know, I heard about Esty a long time ago and silly me, just moved on by. Then one day, I heard the name again and remembered it. I came straight back here and opened up my shop! Lucky for me, I’ve had a few sales. Thanks everyone!

*Any words of advice to others?

It seems like the first sale on Etsy is the toughest! I just wasn’t sure how to get my shop noticed. So I started browsing around and checking out other shops…adding items and shops to my favorites. Then I posted a sale on my local craigslist site pointing people to visit my Etsy shop. Finally I got my first sale! And they’ve just kept on coming. Thank Goodness!

*How will the new law by CPSIA affect you and your shop?

I’m pretty sure that the new law will put my Snoolibaby shop out of business. I’ve been doing lots of reading and I’m not really sure how I would even go about doing testing on my toys…that are made entirely out of fabric. I don’t even use buttons. I think I’m going to have to just keep selling until someone stops me. I have two small children that mean the world to me and I would give them my own toys to play with in a heartbeat! What’s a stay-at-home-mom to do?

An Interview with Peg from KuddleZoo!

Yes, we have a stay of one year before the CPSIA Law for third party lead testing comes into affect. That’s one small victory for us, the little guy…but that still means in a year all these wonderful shops that sell amazing children’s items are not going to be in business. Please check out this link and do something to save us http://blog.buyhandmade.org/ from this unreasonable law.

I will not be doing a feature on a baby item shop every day anymore but I will try to do at least one a week until this law is changed! Today, I’m introducing you to Peg from KuddleZoo! Enjoy!

Tell me a little bit about your background in arts and crafts.

I really do not have background in arts and craft, other than what I had in school while growing up. But I have always enjoyed others creations and dreamed of making something that someone else would say “Wow I wish I could do that”. I think she’s accomplished that 🙂

When did you first start creating things?

I have always come up with ideas for odd things, or a way to make an old thing better. Most of my kids’ first toys were things I bought at a second hand store and fixed or repainted. I had been looking for a way to express myself for a long time when I stumbled upon quilting. I really love to make up my own. In between fixing things for the kids and quilting, I have dabbled a little bit in making slide shows from others’ photos.

What were the first things you created? and how did your creativity progress from there?

About five years ago I told my husband I wanted to try to make a quilt. He said “OK. Good luck and what do you need”. I bought some material and a book on quilting and away I went. When I finish the first one I had fallen in love. I told my husband I wanted to make the kids all one for Christmas. I made 5 king sized quilts in 8 months, each one different. One day my sister-in-law was having a bad day and I wanted to do something fun for her. I thought I would make her a cow quilt. It could not be just any square quilt though. This is when the first Kuddle Zoo quilt was born. It took me three weeks to make the first one, but she loved it. As I showed other people these quilts they wanted to know what it was for? I really had no answer until a friend brought over her baby. Being a new mom, she had asked me to show her how to swaddle her baby. I grabbed the closest blanket I had, which was a horse I was making, and used it to swaddle the baby. She bought it right then and there. When my grandson was born I made him a Pegasus KZ quilt which is my avatar and it was him that I made the first snuggler for.

Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what?

I would continue to make new kuddle Zoo animals I have fun coming up with new ones. One thing I dream of doing is making imaginary friends to give to hospitals and swaddling quilts or blankets for the NICU. I love to know someone will love something I made from my heart and hands.

How did you hear about Etsy?

One day I was at a fabric store and the person that was cutting my material saw what I was making. She told me I should go the Etsy to sell them. I signed up a week later. I love the helpful and wonderful people there.

Any words of advice to others?

Have Patience, nothing happens overnight. I still don’t sell a bunch. But I love to make them. I know one day they will.

How will the new law by CPSIA affect you and your shop?

All of my quilts are made at most two at a time. I can not afford to get the testing done and I will have to stop making the KZ quilt, blankets and snugglers. I probably would have to stop selling them and just make quilts. I give all of my friends with new babies these as gifts and I have sent some out to families as Santa, but with this new law I would not even be able to do that anymore. I think that is what I would miss the most.

I hope you take a moment to check out the amazing creations at www.kuddlezoo.etsy.com!

YEAH!

mattEtsy Admin matt says:Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously(2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.
Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay.
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6022029 http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia09/brief/stayenforce.pdf
To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck “Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email.” in your profile.
You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://shopetsybaby.com/etsybabyforum/index.php?topic=642.0

BLOG IN – SAVE HANDMADE!

Please read this article to learn about the TRUTH and REALITY of the CPSIA’s new law!

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They’re banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we’ve seen in decades. I’d like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren’t originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children’s books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there’s always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it’s passed testing. It won’t even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can’t sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can’t even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children’s items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you’ll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you’d better start buying now because it’s all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren’t certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

An Interview with Nancy from TuTuCuteandMoore

Do you really not want to be able to buy your child/granddaughter/niece/friend an adorable handmade tutu from TUTUCUTEANDMOORE? SAVE HANDMADE!
Tell me a little bit about your background in arts and crafts.
I grew up watching my mother sew and run a small business with her creations. She taught me patience, as well as giving me the freedom to make messes and jam her sewing machine hundreds of times! I received a degree in Family & Consumer Science, formerly home economics, so I’ve always enjoyed creating and teaching the arts to my former students.

When did you first start creating things?
When I was old enough to thread a needle!

What were the first things you created? and how did your creativity progress from there?
Clothing, curtains, pillows, recovering furniture, Barbie Doll clothes, then I was off to children/baby creations. I started Tutu Cute & Moore in 2001, when I was approached by a children’s boutique to create a line of tutus for her new shop, which I’m still selling to.

Is this your only business or do you do other things as well?
I retired, after 35 years of teaching Family & Consumer Science to high school and middle school students. I was ready to retire from teaching, but not ready to retire from life, so I’ve continued with my sales to retail children’s boutiques, opened my Etsy shop and I’m now teaching a YogaStretch class, which is wonderful.

Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what? I don’t spend time dreaming, as I’m making exactly what I love to make…beautiful flower filled tutus, sweet tooth fairy pillows, fun birthday party hats and personalized onesies and more! Also, I’m adding a new line of personalized handpainted birthday placemats, as well as, a party animal line. How could you not enjoy doing this?

How did you hear about Etsy?
A friend had opened a shop and thought I would also be interested.

Any words of advice to others?
It’s been said many times before, but, do what you love and everything seems to fall into place.

How will the new law by CPSIA affect you and your shop? My motto is: things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out. I’m an eternal optimist, so I’ll deal with what ever happens. However, it would be an incredible loss to our country if handmade shops were closed!

An Interview with Hilda from WarmandFuzzyBaby UPDATED 2/22/10

Time to meet Hilda from WarmandFuzzyBaby…yet another adorable shop about to basically be closed down if something doesn’t change…

Tell me a little bit about your background in arts and crafts.

I am a stay at home mom. I was a critical care nurse who started selling on Etsy after rediscovering crocheting. I`ve seen my mom crocheting my whole life and took an interest in it since I was a little girl. She also taught me how to sew yo yo`s at the age of four which has also become a lifelong joy. Sewing that is.

When did you first start creating things?

I started at the age of four.

What were the first things you created? and how did your creativity progress from there?

I started making yo yo`s using inexpensive fabric and a yarn needle. I found it amazing. Crocheting was a way of amusing myself until the past two years. I have also started to make crochet patterns like crazy!

Is this your only business or do you do other things as well?

This is my only business. other than being a stay at home mom!

Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what?

I love making many many things Like: hairbows, sewing, ATC`s ACEO`S, card making, tags, the list is endless and I would need 42 hours a day just on Etsy if I wanted to sell any of it.

How did you hear about Etsy?

A friend found it looking for a pattern.

Any words of advice to others?

Never give up on your dreams. Never stop creating and being supportive because that will be your artistic legacy. It is a powerful lesson to teach your children.

How will the new law by CPSIA affect you and your shop?

I will not be able to sell any of my handmade items since they were geared to kids under 12. I will have to sell only patterns leaving me short.

Unfortunately Hilda has found that she needs to put her family first and has decided to close her shop. Updated 2/22/10

An Interview with ME! (KimsCraftyApple)

For the past week or so I’ve been doing interviews with shops that are going to be affected by the CPSIA Law starting on February 10th, 2009. Turns out…my shop is also going to be affected so I thought I would do an interview with myself so you can see what will be missing from my shop in a few short weeks…

Please be forewarned…I tend to ramble 🙂

Tell me a little bit about your background in arts and crafts. When did you first start creating things? What were the first things you created? and how did your creativity progress from there?

I have been creating things for as long as I can remember. My Grandma Landwehr still tells the story of the quilt I made my brother for his birthday when my parents were house hunting in Wisconsin. I took my mom’s rag bin and hand stitched it together…it even included one of those furry toilet seat covers! Once I started school I LOVED art! I was lucky enough to be chosen in second grade to help paint a mural on a wall across from the library in the elementary school. I continued to take as many art classes that were available to me…I even got to make Ukrainian Eggs in third grade!

My middle school art teacher (THANKS Mrs. Pemberton!) told my dad that he should buy me whatever supplies I asked for because I would put them to good use…and he did. My dad has been very supportive and encouraging in all that I try to create…if it weren’t for him I don’t think I would be where I am today.

My High School offered some great art programs as well and when I could fit it into my schedule I took them…including Jewelry and Jewelry I.

I was only able to take one art class in college because for some reason art classes do not count toward a degree in Engineering and Madison (I honestly think that is ridiculous). I took a 2D-Design class that was pretty neat. I also was able to take a pottery class at a shop in Willy Street in Madison when I was doing my coop one semester.

Other than the classes I’ve taken I have just always been creating things. In college, when a strap on a girls tank top would rip off they would have me sew it up, or if we were at a party, sometimes we would just create a halter top! A good friend of mine was always having me make necklaces and things for his girlfriends 🙂 It was fun being the one that could help people out and fix things.

When I met my boyfriend’s (now husband) family, I discovered that his mom was also very crafty. I remember walking into her house for the first time, looking around and thinking, “This woman is going to like me.” And she does! They let me sell my jewelry in there road side apple store and it has grown from there. Once she saw that her son and I were serious she offered to teach me to quilt (the easier way at least). We would go over every Tuesday night and I would sew on her machine and she would make us an amazing dinner. The following Christmas, my parents got me my own machine…one of the best gifts ever!

My mother-in-law also dyes fabric 100% cotton fabric with fiber reactive Procion dyes for quilters. This means that the color that you are seeing is the color that it is going to stay…it will not wash out. I fell in love with this after my first lesson…it was just so fun to start out with a boring piece of white fabric and making it so unique and gorgeous! I thought…hey, this would be fun to do with onesies! And things have just grown from there. I actually will be running a hand-dying workshop shop this June (more details to come soon on http://www.quiltsbybarb.com/)

Is this your only business or do you do other things as well?

For about 9 months of the year I stay home and raise my adorable baby girls (15 mo apart). The other 3 months of the year I help run an apple store. My family and I own and operate an orchard in Wisconsin (http://www.lapaceksorchard.com/ and http://www.lapaceksorchard.blogspot.com/). I do sell my crafts and art at the apple store (surprisingly well), at craft sales, and a few shops in downtown Poynette, WI.

Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what?

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS! My mind is always seeing something and trying to figure out how to make something amazing with it. My husband can tell when I haven’t been in my workroom for awhile because I’m cranky and he’ll say, “Just go downstairs and make something!” I also have to keep a sketch book by my bed because I’m always having new ideas while I’m sleeping.

How did you hear about Etsy?

On Martha Steward right after I had my second daughter. I opened my store five days after she was born (yes, I’m a little crazy).

Any words of advice to others?

Remember that you have to spend time promoting and talking to others. Unless your product is absolutely amazing or you get extremely lucky it’s not going to sell itself. Be patient and it will happen (at least I hope so :))

How will the new law by CPSIA affect you and your shop?

I sell a variety of things in my shop but the most items that I have are my hand-dyed onesies and outfits. I will technically no longer be able to sell these on February 10th.