CJ's Fine Designs

Fall Photo Shoot with Mia & Ciana

2010-09-27T16:43:00.000-04:00

So far our new fall dresses are a huge hit! These adjustable knot dresses crafted from super soft corduroy are a great addition to your girl's fall wardrobe. Can be worn over tights or leggins with any tee to dress it up!

Mia is wearing the Hot Pink & Zebra design while Ciana is wearing the Brown with Owls design. Available in sizes 3 months to 10.

New London Market

2010-08-10T15:37:00.000-04:00

I have been assigned as the coordinator for the New London Market for 2010! I am very excited for this opportunity. There will be two cruise ships visiting New London CT this fall and they love the handmade crafts and souvenirs they find at the market.

I hope for a successful market and I will keep you all posted!

Follow this link to the application if you would like information on how to become a vendor.
Market Application

Posy Hairpin Giveaway Winner is Announced!

2010-05-10T16:03:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Paige Procknow of Kyle, TX! Paige was the winner of the Posy Hairpin Giveaway! Thank you everyone that entered and stay tuned for more upcoming giveaways!

Featured Seller and Giveaway!

2010-05-03T20:36:00.001-04:00

This fellow Etsian's name is Katie and she owns an Etsy shop called CinnamonAndSass. Katie lives in beautiful Bozeman, Montana. She says she is surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes, wildlife and good people. She also thinks it's the best place in the world!
Jewelry making is Katie's main craft, but she also sews, does paper crafts, makes flower accessories, plays with her camera, crochets, et cetera! She's been crafting since she was a kid. I asked what inspired her and she said anything visual. Her favorite thing to do is go to a supply shop and just look at their beads and chains; or browse through antique stores for fun vintage items that she can turn into jewelry. Katie is quite the talented crafter! Katie says space is limited where she is, so she works at her desk, the kitchen table or even on her bed. Sound like most crafters...

I wanted to know besides crafting, what is another passion of hers. Katie replied, "Cooking!!! In fact lately cooking and food blogging has taken over most of my spare time."

CinnamonAndSass can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.

You can also catch Katie's food blog at www.cinnamonandsass.blogspot.com.

Katie has agreed to give away one of her lovely Posy Hairpins. This Red Poppy Hairpin is approximately 1 inch of flowery goodness. This wine red fabric is hand cut and hand sewn with a creamy glass pearl into loveliness.

To enter just leave a comment here with your favorite item from Katie's shop.

Additional entries:
Become a fan of my blog
Tweet my giveaway and post the link here in the comments
Become a Facebook Fan and post here

The winner will be drawn on May 10th at noon Eastern Time.

New Treasury East on Etsy!

2010-04-19T20:24:00.000-04:00

Etsy has created a new feature called Treasury East. It is a wonderful tool to show off some of your favorites in a collection. I have created a lovely treasury called Welcome Spring. Please check it out!

It's Baseball Season!

2010-04-15T22:01:00.000-04:00

Let's not forget this is baseball season! Here is an adorable reversible shortall crafted with Alexander Henry's Baseballs on Red and Cranson Village's Baseball. Will be available for purchase soon in baby and toddler sizes.

Another Peak at a Beautiful Reversible Dress!

2010-04-10T14:32:00.000-04:00

Here is another superb dress by CJ's Fine Designs available for purchase soon! Check out Ciana in this dress crafted out of Alexander Henry's prints, Mocca and Geometric! This dress is chic and modern!

For the Boys!

2010-04-05T20:16:00.000-04:00

Well, I promised my customers I would design something incredibly adorable for toddler boys. Here it is! The first design for toddler boys for summer! This reversible John Deere Short-All is sure to warm your heart! It will be available for purchase next week!

The SAFE team's Spring Challenge and GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-04-03T10:32:00.000-04:00

My friend, Laura of Urban Eden, has entered a contest and giveaway with her beautiful Gardeners Soap and Poem. Please click on this link and vote for her!

Soap Contest, Click Here

My Favorite Spring Dress So Far!

2010-03-22T21:04:00.001-04:00

This is by far, my favorite of my reversible dresses for my upcoming spring line! It will be available for purchase within 2-3 weeks, so keep your eyes peeled on my website!

Another Peak at What's to Come!

2010-03-11T18:17:00.000-05:00

This is just another fantastic Reversible Pillowcase Dress by CJ's Fine Designs. This designer Apple & Pears Fabric is paired up with this whimsical jacks print on brown. Keep your eyes peeled for more!

First March Sneak Peek!

2010-03-08T14:23:00.002-05:00

Here is the first sneak peek for our new spring and summer line! This handcrafted reversible pillowcase dress is finely made with designer fabrics. Coordinating prints on both sides gives you two dresses in one!

Coordinating reversible bibs and burp cloth sets will be available too!

Waterproof Snoopy St. Patrick's Day Baby Bib

2010-03-01T19:17:00.001-05:00

This adorable Snoopy St. Patrick's Day boutique bib is a must have. Created with this licensed Snoopy fabric, you will be the talk of all the trendy mammas. The back is a waterproof layer of PUL. Adjustable KAM plastic snap closure is a wonderful finish.

Lead free, CPSIA approved.

Measures 9" wide by 15" total high. Very generous size!

100% cotton. Machine wash and tumble dry. Warm iron if desired.

Valentine Baby Bibs - Get Em While You Can

2010-01-21T19:22:00.002-05:00

These beautiful Valentine boutique bibs are a must have. Created with this stylish heart fabric, you will be the talk of all the trendy mammas. The back is a waterproof layer of PUL. Adjustable KAM plastic snap closure is a wonderful finish.

Lead free, CPSIA approved.

Measures 9" wide by 15" total high. Very generous size!

100% cotton. Machine wash and tumble dry. Warm iron if desired.

Use Sleep Sacks to Prevent Suffocation

2010-01-11T17:19:00.001-05:00

Moms and Dads should use sleep sacks to prevent suffocation with infants and babies.

Check out my latest styles and patterns at CJ's Fine Designs.

Weekly Sewing and Craft Tip

2009-12-19T13:00:00.002-05:00

This tip is in in honor of the upcoming holiday. Some of the Christmas cards that I receive in the mail are just so beautiful, I hate to throw them out! Well, I have found a way to get another use out of them.

I cut the pictures and sayings from the front and re use them for gift tags for the following year. My family and friends love seeing the beautiful handmade tags each year, and I get to enjoy some of the beautiful cards for one more year!

Winner of the Coffee Cozy Giveaway!

2009-12-18T15:35:00.002-05:00

The winner of the Coffee Cozy Giveaway is Nicole Bergman of Langham, SK, Canada! CJ's Fine Designs would like to congratulate all of the winners for the Month of Giving contests!

Thanks to everyone who entered to win. Keep your eyes out for more contests in the near future!

Month of Giving - Coffee Cozy Giveaway

2009-12-12T14:21:00.006-05:00

For our third “Month of Giving” contest, CJ’s Fine Designs is featuring an Etsy shop called TheGreenHaven. Here is a little information about the shop owner for TheGreenHaven.

My name is Megan Anderson. I currently live in Frostburg, MD, which is a pretty small town. I’m going to college at Frostburg State University which is way up in the mountains, making it ridiculously cold.

My mother actually found Etsy for me. One of her co-workers told her about it and she passed it on to me. My craft is sewing, which I’ve been doing it most of my life. My grandmother started teaching me when i was around 5 or 6. (I’m only 18 now... so I’ve been sewing for about 12 yrs.) I can get inspiration from anything, from a new fabric I buy, to a bag I saw in a store. I often find that my best projects come when I just start sewing with no intention in mind.

I work out of my apartment in a small room, so i have to keep my material and inventory in tubs in my closet. I use an end table with a towel for an ironing board, and my desk has to get cleared off whenever I want to sew so that I have room for my sewing machine.

I will be going home for the holidays. I am very excited about that. My favorite holiday tradition is our family visits. Every Christmas Eve we go to my mother’s parents and have Christmas dinner and presents. Then Christmas day we open presents at my house and then go to my Dad's parents for Christmas dinner and presents. We all live within 5 miles of each other it’s so nice to have everyone close.

You can find me on:
Blog~ www.thegreenhaven.blogspot.com
Facebook~ http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&story_fbid=188066719607&id=1461616913#/pages/TheGreenHaven/215015841258?ref=ts
my other shop~ www.megsbags.etsy.com
other blog~ www.megsbags.blogspot.com

Megan has been nice enough to donate a Winter Penguin Coffee Huggy for this contest. This coffee huggy will make a great gift or you can keep it for yourself!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from TheGreenHaven shop on Etsy.

Additional ways to enter:

Visit my Etsy shop at CJ's Fine Designs and leave a comment with your favorite item.

Become a fan of my Facebook page.

Become a follower of CJ’s Fine Designs on Twitter

Become a follower of my blog.

The winner will be chosen on December 17th!

Snowman Pin Giveaway Winner Announced!

2009-12-12T13:18:00.002-05:00

CJ's Fine Designs would like to announce that Holly Casey from Tulsa, Oklahoma is our lucky winner of our Snowman Pin Giveaway.

Thank you to Brown's Country Originals for donating the Snowman Pin for our giveaway!

Month of Giving Contest - Snowman Pin Giveaway

2009-12-07T12:04:00.002-05:00

For our second “Month of Giving” contest, CJ’s Fine Designs is featuring Brown’s Country Originals. The owners of Brown’s Country Originals can be found on Etsy at brownsco. I wanted to get to know the owners a little so I asked a few questions.

What are your names?
Mike and Donna Brown

Where do you live, and what is it like?
We live in Pennsylvania lots of mountains, hills and lakes.

How did you find Etsy?
A friend told me about ETSY

What is your craft, and when did you start doing it?
We are a husband and wife artist team. I work with wood, chalkware, clay and papier mache. My wife works with dried, fresh and artificial flowers and hypertufa. These creative passions led us in 2008 to start Brown’s Country Originals. The name came from living in the country and our last name.

Hypertufa is a lite weight concrete. Besides the paper mache and chalkware we have a line of garden items my wife makes country/primitive hypertufa birdbaths, flower planters and flower pots. I make country/primitive wooden potting benches, planter and garden stakes.

What gives you inspiration?
Life, friends, family and my job.

Where do you work from (home, office, boutique, a tiny corner of the house... lol)?
Our studio is in our home.

What will you be doing for the holidays?
Spending time with friends and family

What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Searching for a real Christmas tree.

Where else can we find you? Blog, twitter, facebook, etsy shops, website, etc...
www.brownscountryoriginals.com
www.artsaflutter.com

The owner’s at Brown’s Country Originals has agreed to give away this beautifully handcrafted snowman pin. This pin is crafted of chalkware.

The winner will be picked on December 12th.

To enter, just leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Brown’s Country Originals shop on Etsy.

Additional ways to enter:
Visit my Etsy shop and leave a comment with your favorite item.
Become a fan of my Facebook page.
Become a follower of CJ’s Fine Designs on Twitter
Become a follower of my blog.

Winner of the Holiday Gift Tag Set is Announced!

2009-12-07T12:01:00.001-05:00

I am pleased to announce the winner of the Holiday Gift Tag Set is Gloria McKellar from Sebewaing, MI. She is very excited about her set of gift tags.

It was a very successful contest, with over 36 entries. Thank you to all that entered.

December is The Month of Giving

2009-11-30T20:29:00.004-05:00

CJ's Fine Designs has decided to bring you a month of giving to honor the holiday spirit! We are kicking off the month with a Giveaway from Etsy shop OhHappyDayCreations! I wanted to find out a little more about the shop owner:

1) What is your name?
Theresa

2) Where do you live and what is it like?
Right outside of NYC. Its getting cold now! Winter is almost here. It is a nice place to live. 30 minutes from the BIG Apple and 30 minutes from some nice beaches. I grew up here, so it home.

3) How did you find Etsy?
I was looking for some great handmade touches for my recent wedding. I had made a bunch of things myself, but there were still a few other things I wanted. Someone on a wedding message board mentioned Etsy...and I have been in love ever since!

4) What is your craft and when did you start doing it?
Right now I mostly make items for wedding, party decor. Pomander balls, place cards, gift tags. But lately I have made some pretty note card sets. I love rubber stamps, ink, and embossing. I am venturing into letterpress now too...be on the lookout for the cool new items come the new year.

5) What gives you inspiration?
Weddings, nature, color.

6) Where do you work from (home, office, boutique, a tiny corner of the house... lol)?
We have an second bedroom in our apartment. Its the office/craft room! I usually just spread out on the floor in there! My crafts have taken over!

7) What will you be doing for the holidays?
For Thanksgiving, we are headed to my husband's mom's house in CT. And for Christmas we will be with my family here in NY. My dad is Mr. Christmas. So naturally, it is my favorite time of the year as well. He starts decorating right after Halloween. We all joke about it...he bypasses Thanksgiving every year. LOL.

8) What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Being with my family and decorating the tree. Also, I love NYC in the Christmas time. All the shops, the tree, the people...it is really is a special place.

9) Where else can we find you? Blog, twitter, facebook, etsy shops, website, etc...
My etsy shop is my only internet home right now. I often think about starting a blog...maybe one day. There are so many amazing wedding items, ideas, and vendors out there. I might put a blog together featuring all the awesome Etsy wedding items I come across.

Theresa, from OhHappyDayCreations has been kind enough to offer this lovely Holiday Gift Tag Set to the winner of our first Month of Giving contest!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment for this post with your favorite item from OhHappyDayCreations.

Additional ways to enter:
Become a fan of this blog.
Become a fan of my Facebook Business Page
Become a follower of my shop on Twitter
Once you have fanned or followed me, just leave a message here!

The winner will be drawn on December 7th!

Coming in December!

2009-11-23T20:12:00.001-05:00

The month of December will be a month of giving here! I will be hosting three giveaways, so stay tuned.

There will be several ways to enter. Details will come soon!

Oswegatchie Craft Show

2009-11-22T11:40:00.004-05:00

Well, the Oswegatchie Craft Fair was a huge success. I just want to thank my friends and family that stopped by to see my boutique. My holiday bibs and jumper dresses were a big hit as well as my baby sleep sacks. I sold out of my reindeer bibs, but I will create more for sale this week.

My craft fair appearance will be at East Lyme High School on December 6th from 10am to 3pm. Make sure you mark your calendars and stop on in to see CJ's Fine Designs.

Weekly Craft and Sewing Tip

2009-11-16T21:48:00.000-05:00

I am going to be offering a weekly craft or sewing tip.

This week's tip:
When winding thread on a bobbin, wind two at a time. You always use up the bobbin before the spool. This way you have a backup to load into your machine in the middle of a project!

Holiday Baby Bibs!

2009-11-12T21:36:00.009-05:00

I just wanted to share my adorable Holiday Baby Bibs with you!

CJ's Fine Designs has everything from snowflakes to penguins and reindeer to candy canes. Why not decorate your baby for the holidays too?

Adorable Models!

2009-11-06T19:13:00.008-05:00

I just have to say that when working with children for models, you can do no wrong. My photographer, Little L's Photography, and I, worked with a group of children to spice up my Etsy shop.

My little friend Mia proudly posed in my Blue & Brown Corduroy Jumper Dress.

Ciana had a good time posing in my Pink and Purple Corduroy Jumper Dress.

Bianca showed us all how it is done while showing off this Hot Pink Polka Dot Jumper Dress.

Take a look at little Eva in this Light Pink Sleeper Blanket Sack.

Let's not forget Scott, who sweetly sported this Penguin Waterproof Bib for us!

I just want to give a great big Thank you to my wonderful models!

Autumn Inspired Finds

2009-10-31T17:06:00.022-04:00

I love shopping on Etsy. There is always something for every occasion and for everyone. I have decided to put together a collection of my favorite fall inspired items for some wonderful Etsy sellers.

Use these Oak Leaves in Autumn Colors stamped by SoftDayStudios to decorate your holiday table, accent handmade cards, scrapbooking or other craft projects.

Decorate your wrist with this lovely Autumn Colors Bracelet crafted by Innerversion. Wear with it to accent a dress or to dress up a sweater and jeans.

You can't have fall without the smell of fresh pumpkins and spices. This wonderful Pumpkin Spice Shea Butter Soap is crafted by Wickfulthings.

Keep your neck warm during this cold season with this handknit Spiced Pumpkin Cowl by Phydeaux.

Keep your lips from being chapped with this tasty Pumpkin Spice Lip Balm by BohemianRose. This lip balm is just like a slice of pumpkin pie, but without the calories!

Fill your home with the enticing aromas of vanilla cream pudding sweetened with caramel and hints of pumpkin with this Pumpkin Pudding Melting Tart by CountryHomeScent.

Accessorize your home with these handknit Organic Nesting Bowls by EcoChicHandKnits. What a wonderful addition to your fall decor!

Your Thanksgiving Host or Hostess will be touched when you thank them with this Festive Seasonal Fall Card created by AddieBear.

Fill your home with wonderful autumn scents with this Autumn Leaves Soy Candle made by AjsCountryCottage.

Bring a Thank You bottle of wine with you to Thanksgiving dinner adorned with this Personalized Thanksgiving Wine Bottle Gift Tag crafted by FanfareDesigns.

Etsy Treasury

2009-10-13T10:41:00.003-04:00

I got an Etsy treasury!!!
Check out this fine collection of Autumn inspired Etsy Finds.

Click Here

Halloween is Just Around the Corner!

2009-10-04T20:54:00.027-04:00

In preparation for Halloween, I thought I would post some great Halloween items for you all to take a look at and shop from!

Etsy has so many options to offer for any occasion including Halloween.

Check out these awesome Halloween favorites!

From Etsy seller, MomentInTheSun, Eerie Pumpkin gift boxes in bright orange and green on midnight black with glitter accents.
Fill 'em up with Halloween goodies and sweet treats.

From Etsy seller, HouseHoldWords, A cute and whimsy little Grim Reaper. Have fun with this little guy applied to your laptop, car window, locker door, toaster and more!
Order more than one for party favors or gift giving!

From Etsy seller, KittyKatKards, Wish someone a happy Halloween with this adorable origami bat card! The card features a personally folded bat and a paper punched message. Cards are left blank for your personal message.

From Etsy seller, smc801, Wish everyone a Happy Halloween with this large and very cute rustic wooden Bat door sign.

From Etsy seller, CatnipStudioToo, use this set of 4 tags. 2 angry cats and 2 spooky pumpkins in black, cream, and orange polka dot card stock papers with inked edges. Cats have button eyes, paper noses, and black eyelets with poly satin ribbon ties. Pumpkins have hand cut faces, and green eyelets with poly satin ribbon ties.

From Etsy seller, CustomKids, tranform your little one into a Jedi Knight for Halloween with this one of a kind custom made Jedi Robe.

From Etsy seller, ThePigAndThePeacock, they have made these delightful Jack-O-Lantern soaps just in time. These fun soaps are scented with a pumpkin spice blend. This listing is for one set of two 2 ounce soaps.

From Etsy seller, craftylittlekitten, she introduces you to this cute little trio of ghosts...The Boo's Brothers!!!

From Etsy seller, MHaynes2009, she has these adorable felt pumpkins. Buy one, or buy more for a pumpkin patch!

Sleep Sacks

2009-09-20T11:24:00.005-04:00

Keep your baby warm without blankets this fall with these adorable and stylish Sleep Sacks handcrafted by CJ. More styles and sizes are available. Just contact CJ's Fine Designs for a custom sleep sack!

New Fabrics In Fabric Shop!

2009-08-05T13:56:00.008-04:00

Check out the new fabrics in my fabric shop, CJs Supplies

I have Alexander Henry, Robert Kaufman and much more in stock!

Shop CJ's Fine Designs Locally

2009-08-03T22:25:00.003-04:00

I am pleased to announce that my Children's and Baby line can be found locally at Guppies Coastal Kids Shoppe in Niantic, CT! You can also still purchase my products online at: www.cjsfinedesigns.com

Winner of May Giveaway!

2009-05-31T15:18:00.003-04:00

I am pleased to announce that the winner of my May Giveaway is Theresa Lautenslager of Rosalia, WA. She is the proud owner of the shop Flight Fancy.

She will receive her flip flops generously donated from Solely Charming shortly and sport them all summer long!

Please keep watching out for my June Featured Seller and Giveaway.

May Featured Seller & Giveaway

2009-05-12T20:18:00.014-04:00

Jaylene from Apple Valley, California is my May Featured Seller! Jaylene owns and operates her Etsy shop, Solely Charming, out of her home studio. Jaylene creates the most unique and fun flip flops. Her Etsy store is stocked with high quality flip flops and accessories.

I asked Jaylene what inspires her the most and she said, "The idea of creating something that makes someone else feel special and that becomes a part of who they are. The joy of my products being incorporated into something as special as someone’s wedding day."

Jaylene tells me about how she became an Etsy shop owner. "I owned a retail gift and craft store for several years and have missed that. I helped my husband design footwear at one point when he worked in that industry and later started designing my own footwear. I began creating those designs, and they were popular with friends and family, so I decided to search for a venue to sell my handmade designs." Jaylene continued to explain that she had been crafting for over 15 years in several different forms. She has done florals, tole painting and rustic wood crafts before discovering her talent with footwear.

Jaylene is a mother of one and a Grandmother to two with another one on the way. She actually discovered Etsy by accident. While on a social networking site, she came across an ad for Etsy. She had been looking for a venue that showcased handmade products. She loves to shop for supplies right on Etsy too! I asked Jaylene what she like to do to relax and she replied, "Aside from creating new products, I like to read and spend time with my family and grandchildren."

For this months featured seller giveaway, Jaylene is going to giveaway a pair of black flip flops with your choice of rhinestone color! Perfect for the summer!

To enter, just visit Solely Charming on Etsy and then leave a comment below as to what your favorite item is in the shop. Additional entries can be submitted by becoming a follower of this blog during the giveaway or becoming a fan of my Facebook business page during the giveaway.

The winner for this giveaway will be chosen on May 27th, so hurry up and enter now!

More Fabrics Listed

2009-05-04T14:49:00.002-04:00

If you like designers like Alexander Henry and Amy Butler, then I have the supply shop for you! Check out my shop, CJ's Supplies, to see all of the great new fabrics!

April Giveaway Winner!

2009-05-02T11:03:00.003-04:00

I am pleased to announce the April giveaway winner is Krystal Brobst of North Port, FL. She is a very excited work at home mom of two with another on the way. She can not wait to receive her new earrings from Ella Scott Jewels. Thank you once again to all that entered. I will be starting my May Giveaway shortly, so keep looking out for that!

April Giveaway Winner To Be Announced

2009-05-01T18:21:00.002-04:00

I will be announcing the April Giveaway winner in the next couple of days. Thank you to all that entered. I had a total of 74 entries!

New Supply Shop

2009-05-01T18:07:00.001-04:00

Check out my new supply shop on Etsy at:
CJsSupplies.etsy.com

April Featured Seller and Giveaway!

2009-04-03T15:15:00.006-04:00

This month I will be featuring a wonderful Etsy seller from EllaScottJewels
Janet is a fabulous crafter on Etsy. She creates the most beautiful and unique jewelry!

I asked Janet when she began crafting and she said, "I got started crafting when I was younger but didn't do it much while I was in college. Once I became engaged though I was a crafting nut and even made my bridesmaids jewelry. Then this past year I made bouquet crystals and the jewelry for my brother and sister-in-laws wedding and since then there is just no stopping me." She loves working with semi-precious stones because you will never find the same two stones and that adds character to all that she does. She says, "Most of my current work uses stone and I just love the pops of color throughout my shop."

Janet bases her business out of her home in Richmond, Virginia where she is raising two year old twins. She found Etsy by chance a little over a year ago. When she decided to start her business she looked into a bunch of different avenues but kept coming back to Etsy because it was the best fit for her. She says, "I have been on Etsy since October 08. I actually opened my shop one day before my 30th birthday and it is the best present I ever gave myself."

I asked Janet if she wear her own work and she said, "I absolutely wear my own work and love it! Most of the time when I make a piece I wish that I would have bought extra to make one for myself."

"My favorite crafting tip has got to be practice makes perfect. Looking back on some of the older stuff I did I am so glad that I continue to create new things all the time. My work has definitely come full circle and without any formal training I know it is just from constantly getting in there and getting my hands dirty.", Janet says.

Janet has two favorite supply stores. One is local, Fandangle Beads, and no matter how many times she goes there, she always seems to find new treasures. Her second favorite supplier is a national chain, Fire Mountain Gems. She loves the great discounts she gets from them and she buys all her silver and copper there.

Janet says she is most inspired by her children. "You can see there playful nature in a lot of my pieces. Second would have to be nature. Spring has certainly given a lot to work with. Lastly would be fashion. I try to keep up with the trends so that there is something out there for everyone."

Ella Scott Jewels also does custom work. If you have an idea in mind just ask!!

April's Giveaway will be these Blueberries and Cream Earrings crafted by EllaScottJewels!

Beautiful blue candy jade stones are suspended from hammered sterling silver ovals and sterling silver earwires. These little beauties measure in at approximately 2 inches from the top of the earwire.

Blueberries and Cream come packaged ready to give as a gift or to keep all to yourself!

To enter, just visit EllaScottJewels shop and leave a comment below as to what you favorite piece is.

Additional ways to enter:
Become a follower of my blog in the month of April.
Become a fan of my Facebook Page in the month of April.

The winner will be picked on May 1st!

Destashing Supplies

2009-04-02T15:09:00.002-04:00

I have gone through my fabrics and have started listing fabrics on my Etsy site. Check in and grab a deal or two!

CJ'FineDesigns

Binky Clip Giveaway Winner

2009-04-01T11:39:00.004-04:00

Barbara Gajewski with BarbaraCrochetStudio of New York is the winner of the March Binky Clip Giveaway!

Congratulations to Barbara! Keep watching for our April Giveaway!

March Giveaway! Ribbon Binky Clip!

2009-03-25T10:27:00.007-04:00

I will be giving away any ribbon binky clip of choice for my March Giveaway! Simply just go to my Etsy shop and comment below on which ribbon binky clip is your favorite. You will then be entered to win that binky clip. Winner will be chosen on March 31st.

You can get an additional entry by selecting to follow my blog in March!

Fellow Etsian Speaks Out!

2009-03-23T13:49:00.005-04:00

Etsy shop owner of shadesofsplendor, Victoria, has touched me in a way I never could imagine.

Victoria is a mother of 3. While be challenged with everyday parenting, her 5 year old son, Ethan, has lead poisoning. Victoria does not know exactly what caused the lead poisoning. It could have been a multitude of things. Victoria is a crafter, just as many of us are, and understands the frustration with the CPSIA laws. She also knows the importance of them. These laws will continue to protect children from suffering as her son does.

Victoria says, "I will be the first to agree that the new CPSIA laws are ridiculous: they are going too far: that changes must be made to protect our "way of life". I am a crafter, I understand the dilemma and the pain that is affecting many of my friends here on Etsy, and the impact it is having on your income and family. To hear that a child could not buy a baseball glove; or after spending an afternoon shopping for a bike, was turned away at the register, saddens me greatly." She shows great compassion for our crafting community. What we don't understand is the other side of the CPSIA; Victoria's side.

"MY child suffered from lead poisoning. I have read posts that have seemed so heartless, with words such as "only one child has been known to die of lead poisoning in the last 10 years", or "I made it through, and I'm 80 years old"." She continues with, "What if it HAD happened to YOUR child? What if your son or daughter was the one who had died- or, what if your child was one of millions who suffered neurological damage; perhaps causing near blindness in one eye? MY CHILD HAS SUFFERED. We never found the "item"- for all we know it could have been any number of things combined during the phase when every toy in our home was up for teething and chewing on."

Ethan is a very happy 5 year old boy who battles his lead poisoning with therapy to retrain his eye-brain connection. He will be entering Kindergarten this fall where he will be challenged on a daily basis.

Victoria and her son are a perfect example of why the CPSIA laws are so important. These laws have not been created to attack crafters, but to protect children. I hope we all don't loose sight of that as we continue to fight for amendments.

Materials or Components That Can Be Used

2009-03-15T18:00:00.001-04:00

These materials or components can be used (separately or
in combination) and sold (provided they have not been treated or altered
or undergone any processing that could result in the addition of lead):

Wood

Other natural materials including coral, amber, feathers, fur, and untreated leather

Yarn, dyed or undyed

Dyed or undyed textiles (cotton, wool, hemp, nylon, etc.), including children’s fabric products, such as baby blankets, and non-metallic thread and trim. This does not include products that have rhinestones or other ornaments that may contain lead or that have fasteners with possible lead content (such as buttons, metal snaps, zippers or grommets).

Children’s books printed after 1985 that are conventionally printed and intended to be read, as opposed to used for play

Certain educational materials, such as chemistry sets

Precious gemstones: diamond, ruby, sapphire or emeralds

Semiprecious stones provided that the mineral or material is not based on lead and is not associated with any mineral based on lead

Natural or cultured pearls

Surgical steel

Gold, of at least 10 karats

Silver, at least 925/1000 pure

Platinum, palladium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, and ruthenium

CPSIA Affecting Amazon.com

2009-03-12T22:01:00.000-04:00

Update on New Safety Legislation for Children's Products (CPSIA)
Posted: Mar 10, 2009 5:58 PM

On March 14, 2009, Amazon.com will remove from our Toys and Baby categories approximately 2,500 ASINs for which we have not received certification of compliance with the lead and phthalates limits set by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”) from the manufacturer.

All seller offers against these ASINs will be cancelled and their detail pages will be removed from our site.

At Amazon, the safety of consumers is of utmost importance. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

CPSC Newsletter

2009-02-19T13:32:00.002-05:00

Check out this link to the CPSC Newsletter. It is very interesting.

Click Here

Michael Miller Fabrics - CPSIA Safe

2009-02-15T20:43:00.003-05:00

Here is a link to the letter sent out by Michael Miller Fabrics certifying CPSIA compliant fabrics.

Click Here

CPSIA - FAQs

2009-02-10T19:02:00.000-05:00

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Now that it's February 10th, do I have to stop selling children's Items that have not been tested for lead?

A: No, not at all. Before you start throwing your toys on the bonfire or hanging up your knitting needles, please understand that the CPSIA does not make it illegal to sell children's products. So what happens today? As of today, the new legal lead limit for products intended for children 12 years and younger has been reduced to 600ppm. On August 14th, 2009, the legal limit will drop to 300ppm. The new legal limit for Phthalates is 0.1% of the total weight of a children's product.

Q. What the heck are phthalates?

Phthalates are particularly nasty substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility.

Q. Do I need to have my goods tested by a third party testing facility?

At this point, manufacturers do not need to have third party testing or lead-free certification for their products, but are liable if their products contain more than the legal limit of lead or phthalates. This remains the case until February 10th, 2010. We are not yet sure what will happen one year from now. (Keep the pressure on!)

Q. Ok, I understand that my products do not need to have third party testing or certification at this point, but I know that I am also still liable. I want to make sure my items are safe for children because this is the right thing to do! How can I assure that my products do not have lead in them?

Work in materials that you know are lead free.
Avoid zippers and other fasteners that may contain lead. Instead, use wood buttons or other natural materials.
Look to less expensive home testing technologies, especially XRF. Pool resources with other sellers in your area and test together to save money.

Q. What materials are recognized as lead-free by the CPSC?

The following materials are known by the CPSC to be inherently lead-free or are exempt, and can be used in their untreated/unpainted state without any risk of sanction or penalties by the Commission.

Precious gemstones: diamond, ruby, sapphire or emeralds
Semiprecious stones provided that the mineral or material is not based on lead and is not associated with any mineral based on lead
Natural or cultured pearls
Wood
Other natural materials including coral, amber, feathers, fur, and untreated leather
Surgical steel
Gold, of at least 10 karats
Silver, at least 925/1000 pure
Platinum, palladium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, and ruthenium
Yarn, dyed or undyed
Dyed or undyed textiles (cotton, wool, hemp, nylon, etc.), including children’s fabric products, such as baby blankets, and non‐metallic thread and trim. This does not include products that have rhinestones or other ornaments that may contain lead or that have fasteners with possible lead content (such as buttons, metal snaps, zippers or grommets).
Children’s books printed after 1985 that are conventionally printed and intended to be read, as opposed to used for play
Certain educational materials, such as chemistry sets

The Commission has also provided limited exclusions for products containing component parts that contain lead in excess of the 600ppm limit, specifically:

Components that are not accessible, that is cannot be reached by a small child’s finger or tongue. Paint and other coatings or electroplating are not considered barriers that make a component inaccessible.
Components of electronics devices intended for children that cannot be made inaccessible and cannot currently be made with a lead level that meets the limit.

Q. I am outside of the United States. Does the CPSIA apply to me?

A: Yes. If you are selling products to customers in the USA, you must be fully compliant with the CPSIA.

Q. Where do things stand for vintage sellers?

Vintage sellers are not required to test their products for lead and phthalates. However, you are liable should the products you sell be over the legal limits.

Further Resources:

- For more info, read the CPSC Small Business Guide or download the PDF.

- The Consumer Product Safety Commission is in charge of implementation and enforcement of the CPSIA. Visit their CPSIA landing page.

- You can sign up for CPSC email updates here.

- Keep informed on CPSC updates here.

Suppliers Providing Compliance Information

2009-02-09T21:11:00.001-05:00

This is a list of Suppliers that will supply information on their products regarding the CPSIA compliance.

Aetna Felt Corporation*
Aleene's
Amy Butler*
Anvil knitwear
Beacon Adhesives
Bead Wholesaler
Baum Textile Mills*
Beazu Beadworks
Blue Sky Alpacas*
Carters
Coats & Clark
Continental Bead
Cluster Stuff*
Crafty Chica
Crayola
Darice Beads
Delta Creative
Dharma Trading Co
Dritz
Duncan Paints
ecospun*
Eurolaces Direct
Fabric Indulgence and Art Supply
Fairfield Processing
Faswell Corporation
Fire Mountain Gems
Fruit of the Loom
Greenfibres*
Guyot Brothers
Kunin Felt*
L.A.T. Sportswear*
Maxi-Lock*
Michael Miller*
Moda Fabrics*
Monterey Mills*
Mountain Mist*
National Nonwovens*
Natural Clothing Company
NearSea Naturals
Pickering International
Pisgah Yarn*
Plaid Paints
Polartec
Rhinestone Guy
Rhode Island Bead and Components
Ribbon and Bows Oh My!*
Ribbon Queen*
Sulky of America*
Sweetgrass
Target
The Ribbon Factory*
The Ribbon Retreat*
The Snap Source*
The Artist Depot
Tuplip
Wazoodle
Weir Dolls and Crafts*
Westminster Fibers
Wrights
Yarn Undyed*
Yarn Workshop*
YKK

Great News for Crafters!

2009-02-01T19:17:00.000-05:00

The CPSC has granted a 1 year stay on the new CPSIA law. They feel as though they need more time to amend the law. Attached is the press release:

CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products

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.

The stay does not apply to:

Four requirements for third-party testing and certification of certain children’s products subject to:
- The ban on lead in paint and other surface coatings effective for products made after December 21, 2008;
- The standards for full-size and non full-size cribs and pacifiers effective for products made after January 20, 2009;
- The ban on small parts effective for products made after February 15, 2009; and
- The limits on lead content of metal components of children’s jewelry effective for products made after March 23, 2009.
Certification requirements applicable to ATV’s manufactured after April 13, 2009.
Pre-CPSIA testing and certification requirements, including for: automatic residential garage door openers, bike helmets, candles with metal core wicks, lawnmowers, lighters, mattresses, and swimming pool slides; and
Pool drain cover requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.

The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.

Handmade garment makers are cautioned to know whether the zippers, buttons and other fasteners they are using contain lead. Likewise, handmade toy manufacturers need to know whether their products, if using plastic or soft flexible vinyl, contain phthalates.

The stay of enforcement on testing and certification does not address thrift and second hand stores and small retailers because they are not required to test and certify products under the CPSIA. The products they sell, including those in inventory on February 10, 2009, must not contain more than 600 ppm lead in any accessible part. The Commission is aware that it is difficult to know whether a product meets the lead standard without testing and has issued guidance for these companies that can be found on our Web site.

The Commission trusts that State Attorneys General will respect the Commission's judgment that it is necessary to stay certain testing and certification requirements and will focus their own enforcement efforts on other provisions of the law, e.g. the sale of recalled products.

Please visit the CPSC Web site at www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html for more information on all of the efforts being made to successfully implement the CPSIA.

Information on CPSIA - Everyone Should Read This

2009-01-28T16:13:00.001-05:00

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.

2009-01-27T21:04:00.000-05:00

I just took the handmade pledge!

HotPinkThread's Views on CPSIA

2009-01-21T19:47:00.006-05:00

After speaking with the owner of the etsy shop, HotPinkThread, I am convinced of the horrible effects of the CPSIA law on small businesses. HotPinkThread's owner says, "I can't afford the required testing as of 2/10/09. $130 per sample is too expensive for my children's items." She is concerned about how she can afford to stay in business. She says it will also affect her ability to purchase handmade items for her two children. She loves to shop handmade and is dissappointed that she may not be able to do so after 2/10/09.

HotPinkThread owner has decided to shift her focus onto her handbags instead of children's items. She says, "I am hoping that an amendment will pass to assist small business owners like myself to stay in business. I don't mind using tested and certified materials, I just can not afford to test each one of my creations."

Please support this cause and send letters to your local senators and representatives to help raise awareness on this issue.

CJ's Fine Designs SALE

2009-01-13T18:15:00.001-05:00

Check out my online shop to catch some of my items on SALE! Specials throughout my site!

CJ's Fine Designs

HipKidsTyeDye - How the CPSIA is Affecting This Etsy Shop

2009-01-12T10:57:00.004-05:00

The owner of HipKidsTyeDye says, "I tye-dye because I love it. I tye-dye because my the best part of this job is receiving letters from the moms of kids who love their dresses, shirts and hats so much they won’t wear anything else. I tye-dye because I can flex my creative muscle and play mad scientist in the basement with bottles of dye."

The owner of this online Etsy shop has been tye dying for over 10 years. She is very concerned with how the new CPSIA Law will affect her business.

"My cottage business is at risk of being shut down due to expense of mandatory third party testing and labeling of my items. I have done my due diligence on the products I use and although certification from the manufacturers is not good enough according to the law, at the very least I have peace of mind knowing that the dyes I use are safe. This CPSIA legislation is a perfect example of overkill. Sometimes more is not always better. Sometimes it’s just more, and it doesn’t serve any real purpose but to clog the market with unnecessary re-testing."

She states that she will continue to support handmade and she hopes you will too! Please visit her shop at:

Hip Kids Tye Dye

The Enchanted Cupboard - CPSIA Affects This Etsy Shop

2009-01-12T10:01:00.006-05:00

The owner of The Enchanted Cupboard is a stay at home mom that homeschools her children and runs her shop at home. You can check out her online Etsy shop at: The Enchanted Cupboard. She takes great pride and joy in her lovely creations. This is how the law will affect her and her business:

"I completely believe in attachment parenting and so that leaves very little of my life for me with 4 kids. My art/craft is my outlet. I have always painted but making toys has given me great joy. I am often giggling in my art room over the little faces and what new thing I created by gluing two wood pieces together. I don't get that much sleep these days with our little one teething, so find a little joy in my day is BIG.

The day I found out about the law felt like the walls were coming in on me. I didn't even realize how sad I was till we have been having some good news lately in the news. I was joyful again, I even wanted to redo Christmas!

As a parent this scares me. I want to be able to get other creative things for my kids from other crafters. This year in our house 50% of the items under the tree we from etsy sellers. Santa even felt my kids were good enough that they got toys made by the ETSY Elves this year. Last week I shopped for my daughter's first birthday, everything was homemade from Etsy shops. It was exhilarating, no crazy packaging, no plastic, and toys she will treasure forever.

I think there are some simple steps they can take. Like in the NEVER ENDING STORY, the princess only needed a name for the nothing to go away. If the give us a name instead of calling us MANUFACTURES they could easily fix this for us. In recent reports, they have been calling us "independent craftsperson". Also, American made products that already are tested and certified non-toxic should be exempt. There is a great many things that do not contain lead and I am working on compiling a list. I want to make sure I list things I use and plan to use in the future. Simple step can be made to change this law, they just need to "walk" that way to change them."

Please write to your local representatives and congressman to make a difference. Also, don't forget to vote at:

CPSIA Affecting Small Businesses

2009-01-11T16:52:00.004-05:00

The new law to protect children from lead paint is called the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act). Although an important law, it is affecting small business in a very negative way.

Under this law, the government beginning on February 10, 2009, is going to mandate lead testing on all products manufactured or assembled that are intended for children 12 and under. While being a great idea, the oversight for the law makes it illegal to sell any products that are intended for children age 12 and under that are not certified as being tested. That is going to put small businesses out of business because the cost of the testing will have a huge impact on us.

An amendment to exclude consignment shops has already been approved, but for crafters like myself we are still keeping our fingers crossed.

Please click on the link to vote at
http://www.change.org