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!