A sense of style

We've been spending some time visiting some of the Parade of Homes, this week, and the tour has inspired a number of discussions regarding style preferences. I've come to recognize that my preferences are becoming more and more distinct. I like clean lines and a bright, fresh canvas. Built in details have long been an infatuation, especially little touches like shelves recessed into the wall. Natural light is a must, and a careful combination of open spaces that run together, with architectural detailing that defines individual spaces, such as a half wall between a dining and living room.

And then, most important of all random, uncluttered displays of eye-catching objects that hint at personality and inspire curiosity.

I love so very many of my odd little objects.

When I walk alone

From within the shelter of the sky my wandering eye will often find the treasures that have been left behind by others who once wandered by.

In my silent hide and seek I find myself, in the quiet, speak to all the little bits of world that find their peace in simply being.

They listen well, ever patient in my rambling, never minding my senses and nonsenses and maniacal mental meanderings.  Until, at last, my thoughts are spent.

And this gentle world cradles me close.  In its solace I find strange comfort in being small, and knowing my small place in all that Is and will ever Be.

And I will not waste tears on puddles of milk.

I love the Etsy front page, right now..

Like a mad scientist..

I've been experimenting with some fun new concepts and designs.

This is a zebra named Reezba that I made for my oldest.


While being made almost entirely of cotton and wool, I would hardly call him "plush". His basic structure was made by wrapping a wire armature tightly with long strips fabric (mummy style), then stitching a white felt "skin" directly onto the wrappings. To give him texture, I raided my stash of embroidery floss and went to town winding him with a wide array of off-white tones, with blue and blue-gray stripes finishing off his stripes.

My favorite thing about him is his posability.

There is a giraffe in the works for her sister. Sadly, it has been in the works for over a month without actually being worked on. I hope to remedy this soon.

I've also been inspired by all the lovely felted wool playscapes available through Etsy and similar, as well as the topographical work of Crafterall (which might have something to do with the retro poppies which are displayed over my desk- a.k.a. the corner of creative chaos)

These two concepts have married and resulted in a new quilted appliqué playscape for my girls...
...which I believe will always be under construction. It's full of fun textures. Future phases of the project include trees, a cave, bushes, maybe a tent, and any number of other related items and ideas which haunt me when I lay sleepless in bed. I might actually make a few of these for my shop, as well, but it will have to wait until I get out from under the recent rush of Scavenger orders. Not that I'm complaining.

There's more.. always... but it will have to wait for another day.

One of these days, I'd really like to try posting a tutorial. :~)

What's Brewin'?

I just thought I'd pop in and share some photos I've taken of a few of the latest felt patterning squares I've made for Mischief and Scribbles pieces.

While I love the pieces that result, it always seems a bit of a shame that few people ever get to see the original patterns involved.

I love color. :~)

Blogging in.

It's odd that I haven't taken the time to post on my personal blog about the issue that has most consumed me for the last several weeks. In honor of the nation-wide CPSIA blog in, I'm going to remedy that byt addressing the effects on me, personally.

My first response was disbelief, quickly followed by a frantic search for some iota of information to debunk this crazy new e-myth. I'm still searching, and still empty handed. Turns out it is entirely true; the CPSIA may very well mean the end of my business.

For the time being, my shop will remain open and undergo a positive set of changes. I am researching like mad, and grabbing at the information resources that are finally surfacing after years of obscurity. I'm looking into testing options, contacting the manufacturers of my materials, exchanging insights with others, and doing my best to formulate a new product safety plan that will give both me and my customers peace of mind.

The process and desire have been a very healthy experience. I want my toys to be as safe as I can manage. The requirements of February aren't too far off the mark, and could be very legally livable in the long term, if certain allowances are made (such as the use of material certifications from manufacturers).

We have some details to work out, but I can work things out with the basic set-up of the GCCs.

But in August, legal operation will become impossible.

I wish I could stay open.

I wish to have options for my children.

I wish for the continuted encouragement of culteral expression through handmade toys.

I wish regulators and businesses were working together, rather than against each other.

I wish for a thoughtful, diverse, and kind nation for my children to grow up in.

Best wishes,

Hilary

Flannel Board Options Guide

First, felt piece sets:

The boards include one felt set each.

The three basic options are:

Creative Mischief abstract felt pieces (50+ abstract pieces, plus 4 faces)









Scribble felt letter pieces- Letters are made from "stroke" line pieces, and require assembly. One full alphabet set is included.








Juicy Jungle pieces. These include 20+ pieces made using Alexander Henry's Juicy Jungle fabric, includes at least three large animals.










Custom variations of these sets may be available upon special request.

And now for the custom options for Board and it's Case:

I'm happy to select a fabric based on your general preferences, or you may select your fabric personally.

The possibilities are pretty open. If you'd like to browse options, these are same of my favorite Etsy fabric sellers:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5579277
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=10295
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5914319
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5166892
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5480635

Feel free to link me to any listing that catches your fancy.

You also have the option of a custom embellishment on the exterior of the case- a simple felt appliqué picture, a specific animal image, or initials, perhaps? If you are feeling indecisive, I can play with the fabric and see what feels right.

If you do not specify an applique preference at the time of order, I will make one based on the style of the fabric.


New backdrop option:

I am now offering appliqued landscape backdrops as an option. Contact me for more details.



I've decided to use 8 1/2"x 11" frames by default, rather than 8x10. The little bit of extra play surface really makes a difference. Larger frames may be available upon special request.


Thank you!

Hilary

What a day!

Wow.


I am three weeks out and totally booked on my custom order allowance, but have a short wait-list for anyone who is interested in being contacted as soon as I am able to take more orders. I won't make promises at this point, but chances are still great for getting a wait-list item before Christmas.

Thank you so much to everyone who curious enough to come take a look, and especially to those who have shown an overwhelming interest in my flannel boards and other toys.

I think we all need a little more candy in our lives- what a wonderful gift!

Wow do I ever need sleep, now..

One spot left..

Wow.. my shop is feeling pretty depleted!

I have one spot left for a custom flannel board with a 3 week turnaround.

I'm not comfortable taking orders beyond that point. I plan to recruit the help of a friend to get through the holiday rush, and will, as ever, continue to develop and post new toys.

Be sure to check back here and in my shop for new items.

Those who wish may contact me through Etsy Convo to get on a waiting list for custom flannel boards. The first five people on the list will still be able to take advantage of my sale this week ($10 off purchases of $65 or more).

And for now? I'm going to get to work! I want to try to shorten the promised turnaround for all my wonderful new customers.

Thank you!

Thank You Daily Candy!

For the sweet mention!

I'm excited for all the new interest in my flannel boards and felt pieces. As of this morning, I have reached my cap for a 2-week fill. Any orders taken at this point will be 3 weeks out.

I am still happy to take custom orders, and will keep posting new felt sets as they are made.

Until further notice, my blog posting will be restricted to store announcements and new listing alerts. Feel free to subscribe if you would like to stay updated on my product availability.

Love to all!

special request

I had a fellow etsian approach me about helping her with felt lettering and pieces for an interactive calendar for her kids. what a great idea! We're still working out the details, but it's a project I'm very excited about playing with. When doing one, I may as well do more.. I think I might have one hanging on my wall before long, and maybe another posted in my shop.

First things first, we're working on some samples to make sure we're on the same page. I guess I better go get to work!

the balancing act

We played with blocks tonight. It's one of those activities that always refreshes my happy fuzzy childhood memories. It had been a while since our last serious building session, and I was amazed at the things that came from those little hands.

Our session certainly had the effect of doubling my excitement for Christmas (yes, that again...). The one gift we actually have planned and purchased is a good basic set of standard unit blocks purchased from some serious block aficionados Now all we need are Legos, and we'll be set to relive the best of my childhood. yay!

Speaking of kids and Christmas, my girls figured out how to tune into the local Christmas-obsessed radio station, today. I love it, but I hope Duddy doesn't go nuts. I suppose it is a little early..

I'm still stuck on Christmas

I've shared this with a few, already, but I'm absolutely in love with this product photo from the shop of Nest Pretty Things.

For the last several years, we've either had a live tree, or stayed with family for The Big Day, so we've never invested resources (including storage space) to an artificial tree.

The thing is, they just aren't the same. There's a lot of practicality in them, sure, but having grown up with "tlc" trees, they always look a little too perfect, a little too full. They smell way too much like clean water, and not enough like pine.

Oh, you can buy candles to make up for it, but you still miss out on the lovely raining mass of needles after you forget to water it for a week, and the thrill of the fire hazard that help you remember to check the batteries in your smoke detector.

I'll probably break down and do it, someday. Kids are really good at pointing out the alleged necessity of such things, but as of right now I still hold a monopoly on influence over them. Well, that is, I do as long as i keep Troy convinced of the truth and right of everything I think, do, and say. (wish me luck?)

Add to that influence their love of pink, and I think we might make ourselves a bare branch Christmas tree of a similar color palette this year. Maybe. True, it's bound to consume even more storage space than a typical artificial tree, but look. It's pretty. And pink. And my girls are afraid of the dark. And so am I.

Maybe it would find a permanent home in their bedroom.. or mine.


It's definitely on The List, anyway.

Portfolio: Flannel Zen

I've decided that I want to document the more unique items that drift through through my shop, so I'm sure this is the first of many portfolio posts to come.

I love making my framed boards, but wanted to expand my offering with something simpler and a little more cost friendly.

Enter Flannel Zen. The pink was my prototype for testing the waters in my shop, and just sold tonight. The green is a larger mat (about 16" x 18") that was made as a custom order for a teacher who wanted a good sized play surface that doesn't consume shelf space. Both are going out in tomorrow's mail.

Watch for the kiwi bird to show up again in future creations- we got to be good buddies while he was here, and I'm a little sad to see him go.

Creating with and for kids.. interested?

I have had a thought somewhere in the back of my head for some time about putting together kits that would include materials and instructions and allow buyers to make and personalize some of my toys. This would reduce costs for the budget conscious, and allow buyers to share a bit more of themselves in their gifts. As for ho0w much it would cost? That depends on the toy and degree of pre-assembly required.

Then a few days ago I helped my girls make six-sided snowflakes. We had a blast. :)

This had me considering how much fun it would be to sell a dozen or so sets of pre-folded paper, all ready for cutting, at a minimal cost. After all, it's always fun to get something in the mail, and better still if it means spending time together on a little project, right?

From there I was considering selling other small and inexpensive craft kits, and perhaps even a subscription. They could include items such as ribbon wands, silk flower fairies, and sun catchers, and each kit would include all special materials required, plus an idea/instruction sheet.

So I am putting the following questions into the wind:

Would you be interested in purchasing a DIY toy kit?
Which toys from my shop would you be most interested in making?

Would you be interested in childrens craft kits? (kept between $3 - $5 including shipping)
Would you like to subscribe to 6 regular mailings of kits? (each kit would be slightly discounted)
Would you prefer monthly, or weekly mail-outs?


So, new blog = my readership presently consists of 2 Jessicas. (thanks guys!) Because I want to get some serious input and expand my readership, I'm making a little giveaway of this and posting it in my shop announcement. yay!

Leave me some honest feedback, and you may be one of two lucky souls chosen at roandom to receive a little pack of 10 colorful folded papers for making snowflakes!

C'mon... you know you want to. ;~)

Look out your window..

and say "cheese!" :)

Well, the leaves are just about gone, and we have our first snow of the year falling in a perfect snow-globe fashion. Time for a shift in seasons, and a shift in focus. Yes, it's true. I have Christmas on my mind.

With all the recent economic chaos, the holidays promise to be simpler and sweeter, this year. You can bet the toy giants will be pulling out all their biggest guns to convince us that less-spendy is the same as deprived.

I disagree.

Mind you, I'd rather have the year end prosperously for all, but I am genuinely excited for the shift in focus from overstuffed stocking to making memories. Think of this is a "greeting card" Christmas. I don't mean that we'll all be handing each other cards instead of gifts, but that all the well worn sentiments that have slowly lost their meaning over several decades of exchange will be revived in each of our lives.

While many would protest, I insist that the holiday season officially begins on Halloween. Therefor, I think it is perfectly appropriate that I share my own special sentiment for the season here and now:

May we all live a greeting card life everyday.

Where is Wynken?

I can think of no more appropriate way to launch my blog, than to simply share the poem for which my blog and etsy shop are named.

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod
                                                              by Eugene Field

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night
   Sailed off in a wooden shoe—
Sailed on a river of crystal light,
   Into a sea of dew.
“Where are you going, and what do you wish?”
   The old moon asked the three.
“We have come to fish for the herring fish
   That live in this beautiful sea;
   Nets of silver and gold have we!”
                    Said Wynken,
                    Blynken,
                      And Nod.

The old moon laughed and sang a song,
   As they rocked in the wooden shoe,
And the wind that sped them all night long
   Ruffled the waves of dew.
The little stars were the herring fish
   That lived in that beautiful sea—
“Now cast your nets wherever you wish—
   Never afeard are we”;
   So cried the stars to the fishermen three:
                    Wynken,
                    Blynken,
                      And Nod.

All night long their nets they threw
   To the stars in the twinkling foam—
Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe,
   Bringing the fishermen home;
’T was all so pretty a sail it seemed
   As if it could not be,
And some folks thought ’t was a dream they’d dreamed
   Of sailing that beautiful sea—
   But I shall name you the fishermen three:
                    Wynken,
                     Blynken,
                       And Nod.

Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes,
   And Nod is a little head,
And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies
   Is a wee one’s trundle-bed.
So shut your eyes while mother sings
   Of wonderful sights that be,
And you shall see the beautiful things
   As you rock in the misty sea,
   Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three:
                    Wynken,
                     Blynken,
                       And Nod.