tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82672330855038062392024-03-05T05:39:03.883-08:00ChalkydoodlesLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-5781797888530353112010-01-30T22:19:00.000-08:002010-01-30T23:13:01.223-08:00Our Last Day on Blogger!Hello, Chalkydoodles Blog Followers!<br /><div></div><br /><div>Our blog is MOVING to WordPress at <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/blog">www.chalkydoodles.com/blog</a>. After more than 2 years, we will be closing down the Chalkydoodles BLOGGER blog today at midnight. You can can get to our new blog by clicking <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/blog">here.</a> </div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Keeping up with Chalkydoodles</strong></div><br /><div>Our new blog has a brand new look to match our brand new website! Take a look at what's new at Chalkydoodles.com <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/"><strong>Shop ></strong> </a><br /><br />We've added tons of new products from talented artists as well as some new style in our original Chalkydoodles line. You'll find some of your old favorites and hopefully some new favorites, too!</div><div></div><div></div><div><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432796304740239618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGoUHHewDfXhHhFQEPi-hX_jl7LcMDNO9BRtgdTPv2fUl4KIImfX4AjzprJ4Be8aJx2zeqYHFRL-9kLJlLi9CwXnDnFgTTOrzB-VA1b75LlILcYM_7LVxVpE0xQMfKUoHbMabgj5hx-AC/s400/NEW+PRODUCT+mosaic+GOOD.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>If you want to follow us Daily or Every few Days:</strong></div><br /><div>If you would like to continue to keep up with Chalkydoodles, you can subscribe to our NEW BLOG by clicking <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/blog/subscribe/">here</a>. After subscribing, you will receive email notifications each time we post (usually daily or every few days). </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>If you want to follow us Weekly:</strong></div><br /><div>Once you subscribe to our Blog, if you would like to receive notifications less frequently, you can visit the admin page to adjust your settings to weekly notifications. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>If you want to follow us Monthly:</strong></div><br /><div>You can also sign up for our monthly <strong>Newsletter</strong> to receive information from Chalkydoodles just once per month. To sign up for our newsletter, visit <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/">http://www.chalkydoodles.com/</a> and enter your email address next to "Mailing List" at the bottom right corner of the page. Then click "go" - it's that easy!</div><div><br />Our monthly newsletter contains exclusive specials, coupon codes, information about upcoming sales, new products and other Chalkydoodles events - for Mailing List members only!</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Keep in Touch!</strong></div><br /><div>Thank you so much for following us here on Blogger! We hope you will make the move with us to our new blog home. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lyn at <a href="mailto:lyn@chalkydoodles.com">lyn@chalkydoodles.com</a>.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thank you for your support!</div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-22242987324642321892010-01-29T22:45:00.000-08:002010-01-29T22:47:35.115-08:00Grand Opening - Get 15% Off!It’s the Chalkydoodles Grand Opening Weekend! <br /><br />Read all about it on our <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/blog/2010/01/grand-opening-weekend-get-15-off/">NEW Blog</a>.<br /><br />Let’s kick off the celebration with 15% off your first purchase on Chalkydoodles.com.<br /><br />Just enter the coupon code grandopen15 when you check out. Hurry, hurry! Coupon expires February 3rd!<br /><br />Join us right here all weekend long for coupons, great deals and some sneak peaks at our fabulous NEW products!<br /><br />Coupon is good for orders up to $150. May not be combined with other discounts. <br /><br />Offer expires on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010.Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-51965048286593566872010-01-29T22:37:00.000-08:002010-01-29T22:41:05.384-08:00It's our Grand Opening Weekend!<p>Read all about it on our NEW blog <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/blog/2010/01/its-our-grand-opening-weekend/">here</a></p><p>Announcing our Grand Opening Weekend! Join us Fri, Jan 29th through Sun, Jan 31st for HOT Deals including, coupons, giveaways, sale items and more! Stay tuned here on our blog for daily details. </p><p><br />We’ll be sending out coupons for your first purchase as well as exciting news – like lower prices on some of your favorite Chalkydoodles items. We’ll also be introducing new items just added to our collection of wipeable, reusable, personalized goods.</p><p><br />*Make sure to sign up below for our Newsletter to receive coupon codes for up to 25% off your first purchase and free shipping!</p><p><br />Chalkydoodles.com is a whole new way to shop for your favorite Chalkydoodles oilcloth and chalkboard fabric goods. We’ve also got great upcycled clothing, accessories and home decor. </p><p><br />We’re the new authority on practical, stylish goods for your home, your family and you!</p><p><br />See you soon!</p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-76026421768304366492010-01-26T22:54:00.000-08:002010-01-29T22:41:58.544-08:00it's our grand opening weekend!Visit our <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/blog">NEW blog </a>to read all about our Grand Opening weekend Fri Jan 29th-Sun Jan 31st!<br /><br />We'll be posting just a few more blog posts here on our OLD blog, so get ready to make the move with us!<br /><br />In the meantime, make sure to join us this weekend for giveaways, coupons & more!<br /><br /><br />See you soon!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-58234882846155383452010-01-14T21:09:00.001-08:002010-01-14T21:21:35.149-08:00We are LIVE!<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pssst</span>... wanna hear a good secret? Be among the very first to see the all new <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chalkydoodles</span>.com</a>. The site is LIVE and we are beyond excited!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426831508566346482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrVGvx7yg9jh390YGifdTs5ZrqgNDogaT2H_WbaNTcwnxvtljokH329TSXVET_DTpzzr-Ak3qTRE726gzlyHycUW96R7CItBysnlULA0aVbTY0rMqEwRYfAd3BHV3ngSeEgrLMP53fAqC/s400/homepage.png" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div>And, check out our new <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/blog">blog</a>, custom-made to match our new website. We'll be moving all of our blog posts over to the new blog soon, but in the meantime, you can keep up with us right <span style="font-size:0;">here.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Have fun looking around the new site! We'll be back in touch soon with some exciting deals and info about the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chalkydoodles</span>.com great big Grand Opening!</span></div><div></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-79177260754636758142010-01-05T14:58:00.000-08:002010-01-05T15:16:50.249-08:00It's Gonna be a Great New Year!Happy New Year from your friends at Chalkydoodles! We've got lots of great stuff in store for 2010, so hold onto your party hats!<span style="font-size:0;"> <span style="font-size:0;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"></span></span><a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 341px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423396911002892306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLf5kqKPPdWdkbN0QELZjpSBdoZLJlWbr9TqPkm54C2Y3zycd00iznNpJI2DO9rxpLjRjpu14K9OaNNLXYhL_AAKG_ehJXPWXwtFUwT6F6Km0dhXpXRS3yfSWNmhNBv-PNjc2uQFkWvBO/s400/cd-home-4-1.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>The new <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/">Chalkydoodles.com</a> website is nearing completion - a whole new way to shop for your favorite wipeable, reusable Chalkydoodles goods. And, we think you just may find a few new favorites from our selection of exciting new products. We can't wait to show them to you!</div><br /><div></div><div>Plus, look for a bunch of great deals leading up to our new website launch date. We can't think of a better reason to have a sale, can you?</div><div></div><br /><div>Best wishes for a happy, healthy 2010! We'll see you soon with more details about the all new Chalkydoodles.com. (In the meantime, feel free to stop by our Etsy shop at <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.etsy.com/">www.chalkydoodles.etsy.com</a>!)</div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-1668557472730931862009-05-10T12:41:00.001-07:002009-05-10T15:35:56.202-07:00"How It's Done" with Modern Frills<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6916357"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334299822506771522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 53px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VJzXjvYMpuiShAhcfZthcvo1Oup_Ld_N_g_KYjdadChu7vZ2vHeQvHGIP_5f7LpW_7wB6WC_nO-_EHXtWmwbY56IYVfqeiTHLFZNiOaTPKddyCkOONzayh8cH5dFglXwJbP7Zxt60IqW/s400/MFBanner.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center">Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful, creative </div><div align="center">and enthusiastic moms out there! <span style="font-size:0;"></span></div><span style="font-size:0;"></span><br /><div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><br />Since most every mommy likes frilly stuff, today I want to introduce you to one of my favorite, brand new Etsy shops - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6916357">Modern Frills</a>. And, as a first in our "<a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-its-done.html">How It's Done</a>" series, we're focusing on an Etsy start-up shop as well as a sister-to-sister business team!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=6916357"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334302754999762994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH78OoAqwz8dhRJjaEc8QPpSxd_oXF_1Dnra-bpcsTfYv8KLX6ANBzdi3iJFfhC_P38CjyLNkNuehe6HalF51I7PuCPtj2lSCjdXVFXIKoihJOwa7aVAm_uch5vyRVMYb77QhbRFa8Cb5A/s320/sisters...close+up.jpg" border="0" /></a> Modern Frills was created by two of my fellow mommy friends, Jennifer and Kristina - who are also sisters! Our kids go to the same elementary school, and we've gotten to know one another by hanging out in the school yard each day when we pick up our kids from school.<br /></span><br />Modern Frills offers truly unique designs created with appliques from some of the most popular designer fabrics on girls, boys and womens shirts, tank tops, onesies and tote bags. They also offer darling "couture" bows made with the designer fabrics that you can custom order to match your shirt!<span style="font-size:0;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:0;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334297170842215378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBf-jnqlLxDxfpgq46SxS0cLjLbuSZS9QgfwmmMX96HlNPNNUdmqewrZn9x89dBdT1TMW_8PjLChdb1TkweFrc7yArqrP01oG2c0nB6Xbw-ysTo7mdsggxveT3x421UcBmEX6z1iYCyVf3/s400/MFMosaic1.jpg" border="0" /></span>Modern Frills has had a great debut on Etsy, with steady sales, and is already receiving trade show and wholesale inquiries. Plus, Jennifer and Kristina already have a small cult following here in Dallas! You should see all of the little gals running around the neighborhood in their Modern Frills!<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6916357&section_id=5964709"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334305268736216354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2kbr9mGV1aFqycVnrEJ3YdhCdDSZGSfUP7zF0mVj2M226UTgr7gLKdOEPw-cuguNUQk6X-E9y-612YZgpJHGwdZXfDdJBIxDEu80MnOAPkZzXxMCCaL59_JcW6AdMNxWdrUa7tT5OOE1/s320/MFAvaFull.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I love their take on children's clothing, because they combine the most popular designer fabrics from Amy Butler, Michael Miller, Anna Maria Horner and Joel Dewberry, with interesting, modern layouts. The colors really pop against the solid tanks and tees, and the fabric combinations just shout sweet and sassy at the same time!<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6916357&section_id=5946119"></a><br />Like most sisters, Kristina and Jennifer are definitely a lot alike, but their differences are also what makes their business partnership the perfect match. Kristina is more on the creative side - she comes up with many of the designs and ideas for new products. Jennifer focuses more on the practical, business side of things - and also helps hold her sister back just enough so that she doesn't go completely nuts on a creative streak!<br /><br /><span>Jennifer is also great at reminding Kristina that they want to grow slowly enough that they are still able to focus first on their kids and families.<br /><br />Some of their newest designs are these adorable tote bags. The little </span>girl silhouette style is my absolute favorite! I love the contrast of the black against the modern fabric, and it's just so darn sweet.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6916357&section_id=6101915"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334299403530778322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I55oDGy93VPkG7WAuSYo__efg6q0Glhyphenhyphenfo_Hz4kmi0idlyigtbMSm7cvD7hKXR5QKJirNJQQBEq2VlwyKpMuJI82B3u2x29uNG624BgjCq2P5TueC-n-Gd86YJ9wl8i5spf7hKxu0hXW/s400/MFMosaicBagsSil.jpg" border="0" /></a>What I consider to be one of their most genius ideas is their couture kids bows. They're made using designer fabrics - the same fabrics that you probably already have in your child's closet! You can custom-request a bow to be made in a fabric to match an outfit you already have, and to go with your new Modern Frills shirt! I love finding accessories that you can mix and match.<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21420920"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334312795478355138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzct0CAgaJTeFxjXaANKr_TY5Q_QJPh7-cJ7-ZfcQ4eneT8b9KovJkEbNnDGmXZVRYAw0qPhfzeenET5VkL2nMnhfzdXE9FZvn-87AsEy7q7dLqBg_Zr7aIqjwnxif2KUznhcfi2aaOSf/s400/MFMosaicBows.jpg" border="0" /></a> So, we know that Jennifer and Kristina are definitely creative, and definitely make a great business team. But, how have they been able to launch a new clothing line while juggling 2 households and 5 kids between the two of them?<br /><br />I asked Jennifer and Kristina to tell me more about their new business, their relationship and how they are keeping things running smoothly at home while nurturing their growing business. So, let's find out "How It's Done."<br /><br />~~~~~~~<br /><strong>Kristina:</strong><br /><br /><strong>~When people ask you what you “Do” how do you respond? (i.e., work, business, blog, mom, etc.)</strong> I usually say that I stay at home with my kids. That is what I do. I may mention Modern Frills as a side note, but I don’t consider it my job. I try to limit my working to when the kids are in school, napping or sleeping. It is tricky sometimes.<br /><br /><strong>~How old are your kids?<br /></strong>Ava Kate is almost 3 and Aidan is 6.<br /><br /><strong>~What are your top goals for your business, career or blog?<br /></strong>Ideally, I would like our business to grow slowly over the next couple of years. Once both my kids are in elementary school, I would like to take up about 20 hours a week. If it becomes more than that, we will have to find help. My kids and my husband are and always will be my top priority.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23171049"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334305268492732754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-E_Db-MlIbUjx9pPGGxz3LxbSZXkXHYdxLD4jIavEqYlCOWl-R2blEbC8N6OtLVzZHwb1NXIkaKxOfrh_USWlmtMd6iXIHFpZehjfqzxztjR7W1Jr8jYCTr6WfcKB9eI2yNyE4kfAixB/s320/MFBurpSet.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>~What are your top goals for your family and marriage? </strong>My top goal for my family and marriage is to always put them as a priority in my life. We are raising our kids in a Christian home with lots of love and happiness. We choose to live every day with lots of laughter together. We have a lot of fun together and I want it to stay that way.<br /><br /><strong>~What are the top 1 or 2 things you do to keep your life in “balance” while you work toward these goals? </strong>Slowing down. It seems that we are always have things to do or places to be. We limit the amount of extra curricular activities for the kids so we have time as a family to “just hang out”. We also have date night with our kids individually.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_1&listing_id=21378414&ga_search_query=anchor&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6916357"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334305267120485554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZXR0NXv09i9pD_rI2KzhK9MGogTOy2ornJ0O9VbjCFntuuPmIoBxRGHAAY-1xVOi0vmL9CcjKVwqBEsYK017TJypspURiuXFIl6-WrLu1Upt36iTRuaKmR_Q-eLdQatx4HM8J0y2v6mJ/s320/MFAnchor.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>~What is the greatest obstacle or challenge you face in reaching these goals?</strong> Not letting the crafty side of me interfere with my family time. When I get an idea, I obsess. I want to make it right away. My sister holds me back. I can be scattered because I want to do 10 things at once. Jennifer helps me stay focused.<br /><br /><strong>~What resources do you use (books, blogs, websites, people) to help encourage and educate you? </strong>I get ideas from everything and everywhere. I love, love, love fabric, trim, paper and all things cute. I am just trying to incorporate them into clothes and accessories.<br /><br /><strong>~What do you feel is your most important characteristic in helping you live your life well and keeping things in balance? </strong>Attitude. I try to live life with a positive<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4UYyjwO2HDDDA8ms9GWJnlhyphenhyphenqWZuN-YoyVfiM1-xxt5W5brayitRfIY9J3uNKALYCjyNat7mhaGyZFBYSYt7lLHbKkNstqhEucLTok4rRRgnIfDNptD0YEmlPOvnR5JyPcrUMUWMduZR/s1600-h/MFWhale.jpg"></a> attitude no matter what the circumstances. Sometimes life stinks, but there is always tomorrow.<br /><br /><strong>~What advice would you give to another working/blogging mom if they asked you for it?</strong> Don’t let it take you away from your family time. Your family should always be the most important thing in your life. Oh, and also….love what you do and have fun doing it.<span style="font-size:0;"> <span style="font-size:0;"><br /><br /></span></span>~~~~~~~<br /><br /><strong>Jennifer:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_1&listing_id=23623138&ga_search_query=peace&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6916357"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334305279303840722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RplEXSDD1EKxxM7NXQPWrifqPQRryWov0t5nTPd9Da_bHiUEy0-oWcW7kMfUo9f6yDEms7ofR0tHBVs6Y13DUL4U-KygevDQ8TR-cgKNT4roVfXs0IxbnLtHmOXt8mlNT-ovsdviKPfM/s320/MFPeaceblack.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />~ I am a stay at home mom of 3 kids - was an elementary school teacher for 8 years before our 1st child was born.<br /><br />~Madeleine is 8, Jacob is 6, and Dylan is 3.<br /><br />~For our business, I would like for it to grow slowly. Once our youngest child is in kindergarten, I will have more time to devote to the growth of our business so that one day a buyer from Nordstrom or Neimans will see our stuff and want it for their store! :)<br /><br />~When thinking about our family, we are doing our best to raise caring, confident children in a loving and supportive home. We enjoy spending time together as a family and supporting the kids at whatever it is they are doing...a sport, <span>piano, and school projects.<br /><br />~To keep a balance, we do not over-schedule our lives. Each of our children typically picks one extra-curricular activity and that allows us time after school and on weekends to relax, go to the park, or go for a walk together. Also, my sister and I belong to a moms group at our church and I really enjoy this time with fellow moms! </span><br /><span><span><br />~I think the greatest obstacle right now is time. I want ou business to grow, but not to the point that it interferes with being there for my family- so it is a fine line and I have to keep it in check</span></span><span style="font-size:+0;">.</span> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_1&listing_id=23030362&ga_search_query=owl&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6916357"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334305918637341346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGYVZP85UUSKNdYjNs8O8XlD8OJiVeZuBd62Hg4a01Zqx7Gas5EPqwtt1Io1th3pfmUBqFrCObCjZl7rrcTWnLUlAihdssxI4t_C1cMMBUWZmd0F6jlwyItQUc6l2cPRKoz0e3dae9SR3/s320/MFOwlOrange.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></span></span><br /><span>~Kristina </span><span><span>really is the creative one and she comes up with so many of our ideas. I think for me, an idea can come from so many places...the other day, I got an idea from a pair of shoes that I love.<br /></span><br />~Not worrying is a big thing for me. That doesn't mean that I never worry about something, but I really try to let things go, say a prayer, and focus on what I can change or influence instead of all those things that I can do nothing about. </span><br /><br />~Make sure you keep a balance in your life with work and family and enjoy what you are doing!<span style="font-size:0;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />Thanks, Kristina and Jennifer! We love your Modern Frills and can't wait to see </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuBb_oJmuaXu-9VuJb3nbDVtnJi7YD0cLliA8iyXSl_pRVd7-KWriYYEdgI0eMkOXXopDRuTLHcdLh3IZDFTHg4X2e0pPT9VIl38RWjYHo9PaZSYwz-3wvtQ2tPsaQ72ZMdb_3AOEdHt2/s1600-h/MFRosetteBlack.jpg"></a>your success grow (slowly, but surely!)Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-75178647576601395632009-05-08T13:55:00.000-07:002009-05-09T03:34:49.037-07:00"How It's Done" Part 2 - with Cecilia Leibovitz of Craftsbury Kids and the Handmade Toy AllianceThanks for joining us for <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-its-done.html">Part 2</a> of our interview with Cecilia Leibovitz. Cecilia is President of the <a href="http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/">Handmade Toy Alliance</a> (HTA) and owner of the popular online children's boutique, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.craftsburykids.com">Craftsbury Kids</a>, which offers a vast variety of handmade items for kids, home decor, gifts and even adults!<br /><a href="http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 144px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/_/rsrc/1229384058055/config/app/images/HandToyAllian_logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Today, our interview focuses in more detail on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (<a href="http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=CPSIA&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=290&ContentID=6275">CPSIA</a>), the Save Handmade effort, and more about how the HTA continues to work toward amending the CPSIA.<br /><br /><strong>~Can you give us a quick overview of the Save Handmade movement, your role in the Handmade Toy Alliance, how it all started and where it is today? (Including a brief overview of the CPSIA issue). </strong><br /><br />In November of 2008, I joined the HTA after receiving an email invitation from Dan Marshall, co-owner of a children's store called Peapods. He had started this small group for the purpose of discussing the new CPSIA and how to deal with it as a small business owner specializing in small batch products for children.<br /><div><br /><div></div><div>The CPSIA had been written in reaction to the 2007 lead toy recalls. After millions of mass-produced toys were recalled due to the presence of lead in paint, it had become painfully clear that the United States needed to take a closer look at the way toy safety was being handled.<span> </span><a href="http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px" alt="" src="http://www.dine-n-doodle.com/uploads/7/4/1/5/741574/398714.jpg" border="0" /></a>Alarmingly, the CPSIA was written in such a way that it lumps together all makers of products produced for children, including not just toys, but clothing, art, bicycles, books, CDs-literally everything under the sun made for kids. </div><span><div><br />Each and </span>every producer of children's products --from the mom at home sewing dresses for toddlers, to the retired senior citizen carving wood toys from his garage, to the multi-million dollar multinational corporations pumping out millions of toys in huge factories -- is treated exactly the same by the CPSIA, as currently written.<br /><br />The law was not written in a manner that is friendly to micro businesses and handcrafters. Rather, it was designed to work for extremely large companies, manufacturing in huge factories. A producer of children's products must have the wherewithal to invest many thousands of dollars for testing, technology, and equipment, in order to comply with this law.<span> </span></div><div><span><br /> </span></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.craftsburykids.com"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px" alt="" src="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/2/23606f33a03c7363bf87c761381eaafc.image.200x200.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/b/b4a98c6dea5e3124f260bd596c2abe7d.image.200x131.jpg"></a><div>The newly formed HTA group was painfully aware that CPSIA--only weeks from being enacted-- was poised to destroy thousands of small businesses, without helping children to be safer. It was evident that changes to the CPSIA were needed if we were all to remain in business. </div><div><span><br />When I first did a "CPSIA</span>" search back in November, Google yielded little more than two or three results linking to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website and documents associated with the CPSIA. The number of people who knew that the CPSIA even existed was next to zero. A search today, just five months later will bring up 1,280,000 results. </div><div><span><br />This is largely due to the work of the HTA</span> and its supporters. This tiny group of people rallied thousands of overnight activists, devastated by the cold reality that CPSIA could soon ruin the handmade and small batch children's industry. We needed to convince Congress to recognize the so called "unintended consequences" of the law.<br /><br />When I became a member of HTA there were just 3 or 4 members. Today there are over 300 members. The HTA recently incorporated as a non-profit organization, and I currently hold the title of President.</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/b/b4a98c6dea5e3124f260bd596c2abe7d.image.200x131.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" alt="" src="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/b/b4a98c6dea5e3124f260bd596c2abe7d.image.200x131.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>Our members are multi-talented, and have made huge progress in communications with Congress, and the public. We have introduced a proposed bill to amend the CPSIA in such a way that child safety is preserved, and small businesses are allowed to remain in business. <span><br /><br />The HTA mission is "Supporting </span>small batch children's apparel, toy, and accessory makers." An unexpected and happy side affect of CPSIA has been the banding together of many, many like-minded businesses. Up until now a trade organization for the smallest among small businesses who serve the children's industry has not existed. It is our goal to continue to help small batch producers succeed in the children's marketplace as we work toward improving the CPSIA, and move beyond this hurdle. </div><div><div></div><br /><div>We welcome new members to join, and benefit from our collective experience, and perks such as a profile page on the HTA website, future cooperative advertising opportunities, and guidance from fellow members. Anyone who is interested in joining can email me at <a href="mailto:ceci@craftsburykids.com">ceci@craftsburykids.com</a> to request complete membership details.<a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/0/07bd5bbf36c2c83d770e85eb77620608.image.184x200.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/0/07bd5bbf36c2c83d770e85eb77620608.image.184x200.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><span><br /><strong>~How have you balanced your role in the Save Handmade </strong></span><strong>effort with your roles as Craftsbury Kids owner and mom?</strong> </div><div></div><div><strong>Who do you have helping you with keeping everything running smoothly?</strong> To be honest, it's been tricky! There are just two of us running the business. During the 2008 holiday season (always our busiest time of year) my husband and partner Michael, took care of virtually all Craftsbury Kids business while I focused on CPSIA related work. He did this as well during a trip I took <span>to DC for a CPSIA rally and Congressional briefing this April. <br /><br />We have our 2 1/2 year old with us all day, and we tend to trade off childcare and work duties throughout the day. Michael </span>does a good deal of driving the kids to and from school, as well as helping with meals, and managing our customer service. I would not be able to get half the work done if it wasn't for Michael's help, and I'm very grateful for it.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/f/f358c7498c95abbad8814508c03659dd.image.146x200.jpg"></a><strong>~What are your goals for both the Save Handmade effort and with Craftsbury Kids now that the CPSIA is in effect?</strong> <strong>What changes are you hoping will occur and how will they be </strong><a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/1/1acd7bda1209d0897b142827fc1232db.image.150x200.jpg"><strong><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/1/1acd7bda1209d0897b142827fc1232db.image.150x200.jpg" border="0" /></strong></a><a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/1/1acd7bda1209d0897b142827fc1232db.image.150x200.jpg"></a><strong>reflected at Craftsbury Kids?</strong><span><br /><br />Now that President Obama has named a new Chairperson to the CPSC, I'm expecting we'll see more rapid forward movement </span>with implementation and any changes to CPSIA, though there is still much work <span>to be done. I'm hopeful that the "Risk Based Reform Bill" being introduced by HTA will be carefully considered by both Congress and the CPSC.<br /><br />I'm hoping </span>for commonsense implementation, if not amendment to the law, so that Craftsbury Kids and other businesses focusing on small batch production are able to affordably remain in business, and continue to offer the amazing range of safe beautiful handmade items currently available to children in the USA.<br /><br /><strong>~Can you tell us a bit about your vision for and how you started Craftsbury Kids?</strong> <strong>What has been the most rewarding thing that has come outof your work with Craftsbury Kids? </strong><span>I</span> started Craftsbury Kids out of a desire to celebrate the amazing talent of artists and crafters who carry on the quality of old world craftsmanship in our modern a<a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/7/7a1d9a96bfe1bff2d9da96edaae01db8.image.200x154.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/7/7a1d9a96bfe1bff2d9da96edaae01db8.image.200x154.jpg" border="0" /></a>ge. </div><div> </div><div>Many people aren't aware of the beautiful and impeccably made toys, clothing, and other items that are still out there for children today. You can literally feel the love that went into the making of these things. The emails and letters we receive from pleasantly surprised customers are the biggest reward my work brings.</div><div><br /><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>~Can you provide some of the most important links for folks wanting to learn more about or get involved with the Save Handmade effort?</strong><br /><br /><a id="SAWARN1d64k6b" href="http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/" original_href="http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org">http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/</a><br /><a id="SAWARN1d64k6b" href="http://www.cpsia-central.ning.com/" original_href="http://www.cpsia-central.ning.com">http://www.cpsia-central.ning.com/</a></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/1/157218203138374771fc170ab8e54e7c.image.200x172.jpg"></a></div><div><a id="SAWARN1d64k6b" href="http://www.amendthecpsia.com/" original_href="http://www.amendthecpsia.com">http://www.amendthecpsia.com/</a></div><div><a id="SAWARN1d64k6b" href="http://www.coolmompicks.com/savehandmade" original_href="http://www.coolmompicks.com/savehandmade">http://www.coolmompicks.com/savehandmade</a></div><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www,craftsburykids.com"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px" alt="" src="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/1/157218203138374771fc170ab8e54e7c.image.200x172.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And that's "<a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-its-done.html">How It's Done</a>." Thanks again, Cecilia!<span> <span> (All of the photos of handmade and small batch toys in today's post are </span></span>courtesy of Craftsbury Kids and are available at <a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/">www.craftsburykids.com</a>)</div></div></div></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-43943072740630189812009-05-07T18:43:00.000-07:002009-05-08T12:34:40.058-07:00"How It's Done" with Cecilia Leibovitz of Craftsbury Kids and the Handmade Toy Alliance<a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333288678089860882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 54px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMxU1MDJF4OxugIF1ppo1XY-msdUqBZW79nal7PJZyGLw-_IXuqkWmolrOP0YjFI1PyAmv4WobKmK32SrZST02HWOxWXD8XxpPx08MmmugNBP7KRyDfKxhIAkI_gmNsqooCz3DQUIXZaS/s400/CraftsburyKidsLogo.gif" border="0" /></a> This Mother's Day weekend, we have the amazing privilege of spending time with Cecilia Leibovitz, owner of <a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/">Craftsbury Kids</a> and President of the <a href="http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/">Handmade Toy Alliance</a>.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=1&chapter=0"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333292324400855874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDM6-cVet-_wTHBeYfb1KRRMNSrEHjIm36VeNI-tK9yh51HYR2nC-4RXvKr2OJslc7Oq6x_LT7ABD9uITxj3zL4j6rDI0NBIZtItMFQdWShNjRZFmDOJqTrgNNJS5q60RAir9BhbSR0nNa/s200/ceciliawithtoyschalkydoodlesinterview.jpg" border="0" /></a> Many of you probably recognize Cecilia's name from her work addressing the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (<a href="http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=CPSIA&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=290&ContentID=6275">CPSIA</a>) issue in her role as President of the Handmade Toy Alliance (HTA). Cecilia played, and is still playing, a huge part in bringing the Save Handmade movement and the problems with the CPSIA to the public's attention. <span style="font-size:0;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">In fact, if it weren't for my relationship with Cecilia through Etsy and Craftsbury Kids, I would not have even been aware of the incredible impact the CPSIA would have on handmade artisans, like myself.<br /><br /><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://coolmompicks.com/images/savehandmade.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div>Cecilia is an excellent example of how you can accomplish huge business and personal goals while at the same time, thriving in a relationship and raising a house full of children!<br /><br />Plus, she's honestly a really nice person who is also driven, well-spoken and just plain smart. Basically, she's the woman you're raising your daughters up to be! She's not afraid to stand up for a cause, and when she does stand up, she isn't likely to sit down anytime soon.<br /><br />Due in large part to Cecilia's efforts, just about every Etsy shop proprietor or other small business owner that makes and/or sells children's products is most likely aware of the CPSIA, how the changes it requires has already affected their business and the potential effects it could have in the future. <span style="font-size:0;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Cecilia's efforts with the HTA have gained national attention, including numerous Internet, television and other media appearances, including a huge response to the </span><a href="http://amendthecpsia.com/">Amend the CPSIA Rally </a>held in Washington D.C. on April 1, 2009. Members of the HTA played an active role in the rally, along with groups from various other sectors affected by the CPSIA.<br /><br /></div></div><div><div></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 432px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 412px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.craftsburykids.com/Main%20Page/hellosunshine_main.jpg" border="0" /><br />Since Cecilia fills two enormous professional roles (in addition to wife and mother) I thought it would be best to divide our time with her into two parts. Today, let's get to know Cecilia as an entrepreneur and owner of one of my favorite places to browse and shop for handmade <a href="http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 144px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/_/rsrc/1229384058055/config/app/images/HandToyAllian_logo.jpg" border="0" /></a>children's products - Craftsbury Kids.<br /><br />Tomorrow, we'll learn much more about her role in the Save Handmade movement and position as President of the HTA.<br /><br /><div><strong>~When people ask you what you "Do" how do you respond? (i.e., work,business, blog, mom, etc.)</strong> I retail and promote the work of artists who create items for children.<br /><br /><strong>~How old are your kids?</strong> My son Anton is 15, daughter Talia is 11, son Liam is 6, and my youngest son Jasper is 2.5. I have two step-children, Jessica who is 21, and Alexandra, 15. </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=511"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/5/5f27ca7b120eda368113e27de1f8276d.image.200x200.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong> </strong><strong>~What are your top goals for your business & career?</strong> To continue to shape Craftsbury Kids based on my vision that children have the innate ability to play, to have fun, and to be amazing. Rather than offer products that result in their passivity, I want to encourage children to have an active role in their play and everyday decision making.<br /><br />When we ask children to mold their personalities to limited ideas, activities, and products created in response to fads, or the latest blockbuster movie, we hinder their growth. When we show children that there is so much more out there, they can develop a confidence and a realization of their own ability to create and achieve incredible things, whether paintings or doctorates.<br /><br />I would like for Craftsbury Kids to continue to develop as a source that offers parents and children choices that allow them to express themselves.</div><div><a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=945"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/d/d557e30858e0539a0d75d3ba07d3eacc.image.200x200.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>~What are your top goals for your family and marriage?</strong> To always try my best to keep the lines of communication open. To respect that we are each individuals with our own ideas.<br /><br /><strong>~What are the top 1 or 2 things you do to keep your life in "balance" while you work toward these goals?</strong> Try to have a sit down family dinner as often as possible (the goal is every night but this doesn't always happen).<br /><br /><strong>~What is the greatest obstacle or challenge you face in reaching these goals? </strong>Balancing my time between self, family, and business. I can often get swept up with work, and have to remind myself that there's always tomorrow.<br /><strong><br />~What resources do you use (books, blogs, websites, people) to help encourage and educate you?</strong> I read lots of blogs. There are so many great ones out there. These three business books that I read years ago have influenced and been helpful to me over the years: Soul of a Business, by Tom Chappell; The Ecology of Commerce, by Paul Hawken; Price Wars, by Thomas J. Winninger<br /><strong><a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=505"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/5/56ecbf48f831de71c1a316fbe85a2e0e.image.160x200.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />~What do you feel is your most important characteristic in helping you live your life well and keeping things in balance?</strong> I'm pretty good at accepting change, and I'm willing to try a different approach if the direction I'm going in doesn't work out. It's not easy to let something go when you've invested so much time, effort, and energy, but I feel it's an effective way to keep things balanced. Once I recognize the need for change, I'm able to move forward much more easily.<br /><br /><strong>~What advice would you give to another working/blogging mom if they asked you for it?</strong> Don't let anyone tell you that "you can't." If you enjoy and have passion for your work, then you're doing the right thing, and you will succeed!<br /><br />Now, to give you a taste of what to look forward to tomorrow, here's one of my favorite quotes from Cecilia's interview about the Save Handmade <a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=84_187&products_id=1336"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px" alt="" src="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/4/4bb8ba30fb86f494a4878a8097ceaaeb.image.200x156.jpg" border="0" /></a>movement: </div><div><br /><strong>"When I first did a "CPSIA" search back in November, Google yielded little more than two or three results</strong> linking to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website and documents associated with the CPSIA. <strong>The number of people who knew that the CPSIA even existed was next to zero. A search today, just five months later will bring up 1,280,000 results.</strong> This is largely due to the work of the Handmade Toy Alliance and its supporters."<br /><br />Thank you so much to Cecilia. Please come back tomorrow for Part 2 of our time with Cecilia Liebovitz in our ongoing series, "<a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-its-done.html">How It's Done</a>."<a href="http://www.craftsburykids.com/bmz_cache/7/7a1d9a96bfe1bff2d9da96edaae01db8.image.200x154.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-24422508425958623752009-04-11T21:48:00.001-07:002009-04-12T12:01:53.604-07:00"How It's Done" with Emma Dear - Part 2<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6606498"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323855153155213394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 53px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFt5SV7yTkdXayJREni5upKy1HoXytb-osElVBz0RK8NdXP-tROUaZw8CVXdP0nPeh0bgEJGeI1RNFs-yQ3qR43mgnBwy9RQxNlP_JHBvvMgcONt1Sca1tHO4hUUesjw3l1khIFoqOjHWB/s400/EmmaDearEtsyHeader.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>We're wrapping up our time with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20493326">Becky</a> from Emma Dear. <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-its-done-with-emma-dear.html">Yesterday</a>, we learned about Becky's background and love for all things vintage and handmade.</div><div></div><br /><div>Today, we get to learn a bit more about how she maintains a successful <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.etsy.com">Etsy</a> vintage shop while maintaining a successful family at the same time! All of the lovely photos in today's post are vintage finds from Becky's Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6606498">Emma Dear</a>.</div><br /><div></div><div>~<strong>When people ask you what you “Do” how do you respond?</strong> Usually I say I’m a work at home Mom with an online business.</div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6606498&section_id=5798134"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323856132798942562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGzd3beVaWd-hVWTvYkZlTzDNA9CsY4BITEE1WFH33yuI8qnFLBBulzc-wB0zkNCPJrYUejl4E-R08KRUa29kQxuTjLamoW9W2WXVrCm-6KGeG3ZRoHGbbbJK7U3Yxq9s0n213Y6sncJV/s200/EmmaDearpeachbuttons.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>~How old are your kids?</strong> Teddy is 3.<br /></div><br /><div><strong>~What are your top goals for your business? </strong>I would like to have a steady flow of business of both my vintage and handmade items. I have so many personal responsibilities that I have to keep my goals small.</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>~What are your top goals for your family and marriage?</strong> I would love to go on vacation at least twice per year. My husband and I really enjoy the beach so taking a couple of weeks each year to relax in the sun by the sea is very important. Also I want to be prepared financially for when my son gets older and goes to college. Since we have our dream house already my goal is to get everything super organized and finish up all the small, lingering projects that we have. Life runs smoother when you’re organized!</div><br /><div></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_18&listing_id=19181899&ga_search_query=embroidery&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6606498"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323855400190042898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoheDizFw8IP8PWpKNOI4-L4-BlIt4xeJ26QMjthqB9pzHJoE4ixfv1Rji4BCOC3TEyErQ35LIqhnH3FciQA1_BCaGsxomRXp7HoKld2tNvE4C7xJXIrXcUPhTTl4lH9KC0Nvbm90R8KJ/s320/emmadearSmile.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>~What are the top 1 or 2 things you do to keep your life in “balance” while you work toward these goals?</strong> Exercise and taking time to relax. When I exercise regularly I feel better, sleep better and things just go smoother in general. Also listening to music and singing…it causes such a release!<br /><br /><div><strong>~What is the greatest obstacle or challenge you face in reaching these goals? </strong>Don’t laugh, but my consumption of sugar. I am convinced that a sugar addict suffers with health and exhaustion issues that a non-addict would not have. I am a sugar addict and it’s terrible to realize that sometimes I am shooting myself in the foot! I am working on the problem though, but just yesterday I had two doughnuts! I know I'd get more done if I didn't eat sugar because it often robs me of energy!</div><br /><div><strong>~What resources do you use (books, blogs, websites, people) to help encourage and educate you? </strong>I love browsing Etsy to look at what other artists are doing. I find it inspiring to see success on Etsy because if someone else can do it, so can I! I love reading self help books because there is so much knowledge and education one can obtain by reading! I’ve been able to change so many of my old, stagnant attitudes with these sorts of books.<span> <span> <span><br /> </span></span></span><span><span></span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_9&listing_id=22441324&ga_search_query=ribbon&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6606498"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323856545313704482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEo0vQA3k8EDS02Fz6iQAdoQzvHPBdiyp-DpEVpQyIYjeea4w0FjFOWnL4UsNz_CzbRnjTh6OQp5ajRZhk0ZAP9yWXXN_I6MB4RwNSinh5TcT_NyCPPj1qyMubBsSNUHqDViGRzpDsVdD/s320/emmadearribbon.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>~What do you feel is your most important characteristic in helping you live your life well and keeping things in balance?</strong> Not doing too much of one thing. A little exercise, a little pc work, a little housework, a little time with Teddy. It’s hard sometimes to jump to another thing when you’re on a roll (and sometimes I don’t) but if I switch off to another thing during the day the house stays clean, my business runs smooth, my son is happy, etc.</div><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22368386"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323858130436071682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BIPHZkjtaLgDzxGjdbhvCsrNL6GNHxdXr4aTVkICG2fgEI0E0Cj-l0VOHiLx_6xBcbCVwdI-r5MQCQbNWPz7pUFIqLnLHZgB34WZgqQDhGDxw0O_TRUX6cgwBRiPOTyqseEPYYvzJ3OJ/s320/Emmadearbunnycard.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><strong>~What advice would you give to another working/blogging mom if they asked you for it?</strong> I am convinced that if you work very hard you can achieve your goals. Sometimes you feel like you’re going in circles but make some goals, keep your eye on what you want and just keep working hard. When you’ve reached your goals you will be even happier because you know it’s because of your OWN hard work and no one else’s.<span><br /><br />A</span>nd that's "How It's Done!" Thank you so much, Becky. It's been fun sharing your story this holiday weekend.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-28421777300500857412009-04-07T19:28:00.000-07:002009-04-10T13:24:20.921-07:00"How It's Done" with Emma Dear<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6606498&ga_search_query=emmadear&ga_search_type=seller_usernames"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323156082133998258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 53px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1rHOFstNXcT1q84JNH4qqK6YW6RmapI-mdtC1oeWMeVBs-Q1AJccV4cGuPNF8URobCGBc6UyMTHtl34M6GRCs7K40G7Pqm4V1Oa0TqGsP0CNQiUfN98eNoCpxNAkR3dCNWO6WhLmxZVT/s400/EmmaDearEtsyHeader.jpg" border="0" /></a> This Easter weekend, I thought it was the perfect time to visit one of my favorite Etsy shops, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6606498&ga_search_query=emmadear&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Emma Dear</a>. In our "<a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-its-done.html">How It's Done</a>" series, we're getting to know women who balance work, motherhood and homelife.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6606498&ga_search_query=emmadear&ga_search_type=seller_usernames"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323158290099820770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBT9CNt57Kxi-elJypWVuPR5-qPmsJt3n8MfwHxP2Efzfd_2yZ_6wSGFQ_tTJM-3BiBG_7H4n3sdX4nHOxFf_FoY6YokAm1Cs-6O-PZtlSB6uOH5oHDSrIwiQ7Abrdy4YUasvs70JONoU/s200/Christmas+013LittleEmpressEDIT.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Becky, a designer, seamstress, Etsy vintage shop owner and mom to little Teddy, has a great story and a great deal to share about what it takes to run a successful online business while maintaining a happy home. </div><div><span><br />I first got to know Becky as a frequent customer in her original Etsy children's shop, Little Empress</span>. Oh, the things I found in the Little Empress shop! Everything was handmade, hand embroidered and creatively designed using bits and pieces of lovely vintage laces, fabric and trims.<br /></div></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21393962"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322759894897757058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq370_LqSwB5dty4WR-9PTrJNpzsdcq9THBOvR9zwwnNbXrlMVmxDtlHP9esaXl4XOK50Ll3IULELJZ382iHDRSsSFEtgvqUdLGPo0E699cxaHX1Tvg-EiuW1hlSggdNDu0YBol-fluvoq/s400/Emmadearbunny.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21396322"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322758404115439890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yupp4vqWZO7N5YZsZIKiBf_nQoAaCErovSyjJt5mjpkqAeiQo7MmKWZBMLk0_IYxfIkKJYM-ouR4tQN-nj57DFgr1kfj-r2itU-iUJF4sFNHpZylF70T5S72Mp7JWYR9udA5dH1goxx-/s400/EmmadearCarrots.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Becky just has a way with combining vintage with new to make just lovely, joyful pieces for little girls to wear. And, as a wonderful surprise, I found that Becky also sold boys clothing in her other Etsy shop, Oscar and Theodore where you could find equally delightful designs with a vintage twist on traditional boy's wear.</div><div><a href="http://coolmompicks.com/savehandmade/"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.coolmompicks.com/savehandmade/"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://coolmompicks.com/images/savehandmade.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>But, the <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2009/01/help-save-handmade-childrens-products.html">CPSIA</a> legislation came to pass, and Little Empress (and Oscar and Theodore) passed away. Initially, Becky made the decision to close her Etsy children's shops due to the regulations regarding testing of children's items. But, in the end, Becky told me that she is very happy with the way things turned out. </div><div><span style="font-size:0;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">She opened her new Etsy shop, Emma Dear, which focuses exclusively on vintage finds, handmade creations and trims - and is having a ball with it!<br /><br />Happily, Emma Dear also offers many of Becky's handmade items, like darling sachets made with vintage sugar sacks, embroidered vintage pillowcovers and cases as well as hand-quilted vintage patchwork squares and circles. </span></div><div></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXb9ugvtS17MHm3MHLx42w1uG-UagE-5XUVI0vzf9F4IFKADBCPppf8LT_aCYtX_HStruZr3gO5f1qL_x18VudwwG0B_sRN9i-CR5AStfCq_jWRZHuoMvE6CGFX5-Lq9bnivmuMkJbcf-t/s1600-h/emmadearsack.jpg"></a></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322758401007881474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgIDn_TP_iN6ttvuR6fAmX3fMWai1Zg70g-vxy2RT0P8Oa-wvjaTkt4eJ9AxdO_toXgesz3k1IHsj_oxsu6iLYMI5JhifA7wcSQxRcm2GoxngbIPiI6ZHrE7cFUzGo26EcRmmC8eK64Pc/s400/emmadearcolorcircle.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23375402"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322758398931952610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsmpYzx4YvGzgsNVCMj6HDVCv-657jJkxRzbNJlpySbXl9BF1V6rrzZH_n4V52RGpaxgrydxLQjXk1cGQ7e6bPOCyUM08uwVrhVxAzasZurCmWfON4Wro6Oa0fwOqNkcc6X820ZtUTawu/s400/EmmadearGoose.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here's a bit of what you'll find on the Emma Dear shop home page on Etsy:<br /><br /><div>"I find an exuberance in collecting the things of days gone by. Life would be no fun without old stuff and so I surround myself with them in my home (much to my husband's dismay) and sell them here in my shop!"</div><br /><div>I especially love the "<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6606498&section_id=5798175">Old Made New</a>" section in the shop where you will find many of the items that were available in the Little Empress shop (thank goodness!) Here are a few of my favorites:</div><br /><div></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20375899"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322764943829572466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVqaCSk8Xmiffe5xyBC7Ba7O4Si-jbINjCGHkcl0bG5MTa9ilK5pY-0XaZ6l_8pfDtw2Ij12b9fRS8VT5q7E7asqfOx9TmVJn282yC8qu6XJzJH2Jrd2qc0oSnLBzeUZghDaAZ9_uILGq/s320/emmadearnecklace.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22517716"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322764934055814674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLfuNxyoQ1kgfHRQOFEIVtjCq2v44Fh6p4rKFUxp3l4gwBwcSZdwgPnDPCouBrwxk5W_Q3-a0tqn3dJj_TAECuM7DokGsHcR-5PecoLkDAqfUH1tlgtsCrZAdH9ydn5H3fLpWR4NTXQr1/s320/emmadeargoodmornin.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21264669"><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323148778717489970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bpn8lNufee35dF97xThfUaEVLYSE2AUxMDw3k3ThMLslF7hMamz3148DSgwKM7ePx4Rk3sGKNcoHC-BWODh-4P1pAbc33sNWpsqxsj87DsABTPpEJ7K5BW8OTb7SylDUdx11v8a_pTA0/s320/emmadearsack.jpg" border="0" /></a>Now, I'm going to stray from the "usual" format in our series which features a little Q & A, and start today with sharing from Becky's Etsy profile for Emma Dear. I absolutely love Becky's description of her life, shop and story: <span style="font-size:0;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">"My name is Becky and I'm the daughter of junk hoarders. I grew up in a small house on Long Island that was literally filled to the brim with vintage stuff.<br /></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21417632"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323147480047096258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYgauSurnZEw2w52opaBFvFiggELfebCVBhxsBVu5PODZUUHEHhW2xe6uVTbqNNExYRLdJfTokwn2EnU6LC4AzJazwOxsYR3E6YOpTo1L0flwQKTW7HyaOT4h3SxGXHFDo97r28r3QagA/s320/emmadearbook.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Back in the '80's when I was a kid, this was rather embarrassing. </div><div><div><br /><div>But now it's all hip and chic to collect all things vintage, haul things home from the dump, scout out garage sales and thrift stores. WHEW! I am certainly glad of that!<br /></div><br /><div>Not only did I inherit the junk collecting gene from my parents, but also a creativity gene. So you will find various things in my shop handmade by me...</div><br /><div>I have a three year old son called Theodore (Teddy) who enjoys picking through my vintage button collection and using my serger thread spools as binoculars as he roams his pretend safari looking for wildebeests (his favorite animal), warthogs and lions.</div><br /><div>I have a large house that often defeats me by constantly remaining dirty even though I swore I cleaned it. I love to read and spend a lot of time at night cramming a New York Times Notable as my eyes tear with exhaustion." </div><br /><div>Don't you just love it! Come back tomorrow for more about Becky and how she keeps everything in balance. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-58396672552198698772009-04-01T19:21:00.000-07:002009-04-10T13:01:42.927-07:00"How It's Done" with The Handmaiden's Cottage - Part 2<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15328508"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319927071596978866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 182px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyxwK6gZsdO6r4fdb0Yy8HmbUs91VRuQJC00dC27dgYngpVKmR77_hg3cjeiMOqYwewdMCYxWnverRcd_cpeK4PfFN592A-Mj_c6h9iZB4vVIO2sEKSy0Ksk6wwfZgFJCQWRkYtmvSClH/s320/handmaidengirl.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tonight, I'm wrapping up our time with Lynn Jeffries of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5910219">The Handmaiden’s Cottage</a> on Etsy. <div><br /><p>I found this Bible verse on Lynn's Etsy shop home page tonight: Mary said, "Behold, I am the <em>handmaiden</em> of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201:1-38&version=31">Luke 1:38</a>)</p><p>What I love most about this particular verse is what comes just before it in the passage. Why does Mary feel so confident in her role as the Lord's "handmaiden?" And why is she so willing to put her own will aside in order to fulfill God's will for her life? </p><p>"For nothing is impossible with God." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201:1-38&version=31">Luke 1:37</a>)</p><p>If nothing is impossible with God, then anything is possible if we are following His lead. Thank you for this reminder, Lynn.</p><p>Besides sewing, quilting, gardening and, of course, Etsy-ing, Lynn also keeps a sweet little blog entitled "Notes from the Handmaiden." You can read more about the handmaiden herself here <a href="http://handmaidenscottage.blogspot.com/">http://handmaidenscottage.blogspot.com/</a></p><p>Read Part 1 of my interview with Lynn <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-its-done-with-handmaidens-cottage.html">here</a> and read below to find out more about her life and her work: </p><p><strong>~What resources do you use (books, blogs, websites, people) to help encourage and educate you?</strong> I’ve used all those things. I get a lot of inspiration from my customers, also, which is great. So many times, I’ve been asked to create something new and it turns out to be a great seller! </p><p><strong>~What do you feel is your most important characteristic in helping you live your life well and keeping things in balance?</strong> Making sure your have your priorities straight, because what really matters are the people in your life that you care about. </p><p><strong>~What advice would you give to another working/blogging mom if they asked you for it?</strong> You can’t be everything to everyone, just take comfort in the fact that you are doing the best that you can. If you’re doing what makes you happy, it will have a positive effect on everyone in your world. </p><p>And that's "How It's Done!" Thanks again, Lynn.</p></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-13022572502112174792009-03-31T19:32:00.000-07:002009-04-01T20:20:19.145-07:00"How It's Done" - with the Handmaiden's CottageThis week in our <u><span style="color:#800080;">"How It's Done"</span></u> series, let's step into the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5910219&order=&section_id=&page=3">Handmaiden's Cottage</a> with Lynn Jeffries. Lynn is the mother of twins - and a grandmother of three!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5910219"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319566571089149938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 53px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK0vms5q0lsK2JEl2xPsSVI7ccW4iqTBVC-OrGf326Ts2tB3dZ8zS_pawgY9ChTtH1FRDcSuMFH6bZQ7KesNEiS73F7-YSlWWyYFMFb5hXz41I402UYaUKn1NpMURjiyyIUgoUE394H9c/s400/handmaidenheader.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>I first got to know Lynn when she lovingly designed a layette set for my niece (hand quilted and embroidered baby booties with a matching bonnet - so very sweet.) And, as I've gotten to know Lynn better while working with her on this feature, I have truly been inspired by her creativity and simplistic approach to her work and her life.<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5910219"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319552717632463714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2flGOOX1i22aNC51g6ZnuW4z8SlwONnzIkBtyIVZ1TeYfKmP-qHSiyQC2UEI77auyScsione1FTDem74EAH49HJtD8Q4mGslpxgX3d_RajHAECXYHOQanwCMtxeN5OZeXG0sKKU_71ZM/s320/studio+lynn.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><p>Lynn's Etsy shop features handmade clothing, quilts and other delightful things made on her "no-frills" sewing machine in her home studio - in an actual cottage! </p><p>Here's what Lynn has to say about her cottage home in her Etsy profile:</p><p>"... I love living the creative life! I am inspired by our little cottage that sits on over two acres only a stone's throw away from the City limits of our small community. I grew up in the country near my Grandparent's dairy farm only five miles away from where I live now. I have managed to travel a little in between!</p><p>I have a liberal arts degree from a Jesuit University and my career was in finance. I am so lucky to have found my true passion now. I've been doing all types of needlework since I was a child and feel like I've finally "come home."</p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18169546"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 430px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 386px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.47733861.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was Lynn's needlework that first drew me into her shop. With her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18169546">"Child's Artwork" custom quilted pillow</a>, she transforms your child's drawing into the perfect gift. Her quiltwork is also hand-done and and adorable - especially on her children's clothing and accessories.</div><div><br /><div></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22285241"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 430px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 541px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.61878843.jpg" border="0" /></a>Lynn is also a volunteer Master Gardener through the Ohio State University Extension Office in (her) area and gardening is also one of (her) great loves, especially flower gardening.<br /><br /><div><p>Lynn says, "My mother (whom I dearly miss) had a very, very green thumb! I love selling on Etsy because it is one place where your creative efforts are so appreciated. My customers, well they're the best! They challenge me, they design with me, they become my friends."</p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=14188046"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 430px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 477px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.58471282.jpg" border="0" /></a>So, let's get to know our new friend, Lynn a little better:<br /><br /><p><strong>~When people ask you what you Do how do you respond?</strong> I used to hate that question before I started my own business through Etsy, because I took an early buy out from my government finance job, so I was technically “retired” at 47! Now I say I’m a business owner..it feels a lot better! </p><p>I think I work harder now than ever, but I love what I do, so it’s hard to call it work!</p><p><strong>~How old are your kids (or grandkids)?</strong> I have 32 year old boy (man) and girl (woman) twins and three grandchildren, Brianna 6, Alivia 2, and Noah 4 months. They all live in Florida and we live in Ohio. </p><p><strong>~What are your top goals for your business, career or blog?</strong> I guess I haven’t set any lofty goals for myself, just wanted to bring some extra money in and in the meantime be able to create something that has a heirloom quality and provide a way for people to bring their own visions to fruition through a creative partnership.</p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 430px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.63313252.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><strong>~What are your top goals for your family?</strong> I guess that would be to remain as close to my family as possible. When I make things (other than custom orders) I make them in sizes that fit my grandchildren, so I’m thinking about them when I’m creating. </p><p><strong>~What are the top 1 or 2 things you do to keep your life in balance while you work toward these goals?</strong> Take time out for exercise and prayer, which I don’t do perfectly!</p><p><strong>~What is the greatest obstacle or challenge you face in reaching these goals?</strong> Because I love what I do, I could “work” nonstop. It’s easy to get caught up in working constantly because you control how much you do.<br /></p><br /><p>Wouldn't you like to hear more from Lynn? Stop back by tomorrow for Part 2 of our time with Lynn Jeffries from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5910219">The Handmaiden's Cottage</a>.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-43155776686691477272009-03-24T21:04:00.000-07:002009-03-24T21:59:59.555-07:00"How It's Done" with Devon Rose - Part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVE4uFiekJVRR8ZjHVxgqBjL4ko1HZsNtIwYrIVdRJ0AC6iEVhf0u3IayuiM3NVGkE7_Ol6QvW5x1uTCsV6hW8r6dfcGRGf2fZ-ppQUvqnFjq8pkwOu6yqmjQ607_bhey6zTkfdqkwmkte/s1600-h/devonrose2.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316984178522595042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 75px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 75px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVE4uFiekJVRR8ZjHVxgqBjL4ko1HZsNtIwYrIVdRJ0AC6iEVhf0u3IayuiM3NVGkE7_Ol6QvW5x1uTCsV6hW8r6dfcGRGf2fZ-ppQUvqnFjq8pkwOu6yqmjQ607_bhey6zTkfdqkwmkte/s200/devonrose2.bmp" border="0" /></a> <div><div>Today, I'm wrapping up our time with designer and mommy, Emily from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5543699&ga_search_query=devonrose&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Devon Rose</a>. <span><br /><br />R</span>ead on below and <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-its-done-with-devon-rose.html">here</a> about her life and business and how she keeps everything in balance. Then, check out her brand new Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6965556">The Payne</a> where you'll find her eclectic and comfy take on women's ready-to-wear. <div> </div></div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22683427"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 430px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 430px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.62804296.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p><strong>~What resources do you use (books, blogs, websites, people) to help encourage and educate you? </strong>Devon and I spend a lot of time at the bookstore. I'm <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780793198993&z=y"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316983045772763650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n9wdw4Z1HQLgjEqfddHhCEiPGNzVI9YaBF1BdHifiiMB02BXUVFmOuIrWGf5ow84rvJ10I9WrLcHv6TjFpMtgrJ2b0emoTseGuHsZHGg8KW22TEsqJCVhZup_MQOAcvyGeE0zn1Zr_zp/s320/fashiondesignerbook.jpg" border="0" /></a>constantly checking out whats going on with women's and girl's fashion. Mostly, I enjoy Japanese and British fashion mags. </p><div>As far as books on the subject, I highly recommend "<a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780793198993&z=y">The Fashion Designer Survival Guide</a>" (an insiders look at starting and running your own fashion business)by Mary Gehlhar.<span><br /><br /><strong>~</strong></span><strong>What do you feel is your most important characteristic in helping you live your life well and keeping things in balance?</strong> I've always manged to keep a youthful attitude (I would say almost to the point of immaturity up until the birth of my daughter) but, I feel that it really helps me to put things into prospective and not "sweat the small stuff" all the time. <span> </span></div><div><span><br /> </span>A youthful attitude..its one of the many things that I love about my husband, who is always curious about everything, can turn the most mundane project into a ridiculously funny moment, and always knows how to make me smile.</div><br /><div><strong>~What advice would you give to another working/blogging mom if they asked you for it?</strong> Try to keep things in perspective. Don't beat yourself up if you weren't able to complete everything on your "to do" list for today. Remember to take time for yourself to just chill and be happy :)</div><div><br /></div><p>And that's How It's Done - thanks, Emily! Now, I'm going to do a little more window shopping at The Payne...</p></div></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-16316897020795925592009-03-23T14:22:00.000-07:002009-03-23T20:05:21.148-07:00"How It's Done" with Devon Rose<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITMzESI4HSuY8cXbAFPVMRhg_wDbiWVjYGt1UNFYQq3hKZgnxs73agxrtgR_Vap0xdaecKqYezYzUhoKjJm1pDWjyULCHfg6Nb1sQCW7RZNMzDv3ooGY6jvzxBrqbSDJqhzbju1FkU24A/s1600-h/devonrose2.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316503366646624082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 75px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 75px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITMzESI4HSuY8cXbAFPVMRhg_wDbiWVjYGt1UNFYQq3hKZgnxs73agxrtgR_Vap0xdaecKqYezYzUhoKjJm1pDWjyULCHfg6Nb1sQCW7RZNMzDv3ooGY6jvzxBrqbSDJqhzbju1FkU24A/s400/devonrose2.bmp" border="0" /></a>This week, let’s get to know Emily of the wonderfully innovative Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5543699">Devon Rose</a>. Emily is a clothing designer and full time mom to one-and-a-half year-old Devon Rose.<br /><div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316509431096714066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 53px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypTwp1zcLDMGpCHMRubnMWu5-aJ0hQF75HGbPmxu4ZR5y6CD5Cwyzj6oQBo5LJL8OI_GlCEfwBg9EyOQXbfBNGTqsifC0egXYOBiv98Vw8UV9248acy9eOQ_pZi10JujL4dFwg38LjB2i/s400/devonRoseTO+FIX.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div><div><div><div><div>I stumbled onto Devon Rose a few months ago, and immediately fell in love with the classic, yet quirky line of children’s clothing.<span style="font-size:0;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">I bought a pair of these </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21673575">"Long-Winters Nap Leggings"</a>for my 3-year-old (which she wears with absolutely everything!), as well as a sweet white lace <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17770328">“Sundays Blouse”</a>. Both were darling and very well made. Emily was also willing to work with me on the sizing (my daughter is extra-long and extra-lean).</div><div></div><div></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 430px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 430px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.59401347.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I browsed the Devon Rose spring line today and am now eyeing the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21588445">“Sixties Spring Shift.”</a> Make sure to take a peek at the shop (and you’ll get to see more pictures of Emily’s muse, Devon Rose, too!) </div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21588445"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGgBhpxy-NVvZwZIXiLr_zrdjf8sSa_uJ5T1mxPB0uOA_K7fw06UOSkRmUlO6R8AnbpRtwOs8lWNkKSLr5mRpTMubs9GMMt_rjzosufe8UuTvzxP1c134fIH7csLLMDIq3fr1VdFq0hY/s400/sixties1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>~ <strong>What Emily has to say about her Etsy Shop:</strong> Devon Rose makes handmade treasures for the free-spirited, firey and creative soul that is your beautiful child! <span style="font-size:0;"><br /><br /></span><strong>~What Emily has to say about her inspiration: </strong>Devon Rose, born August<strong> </strong>30th 2007 is our inspiration and our model for our new baby's clothing line. We are proud "30 something" parents that love to create beautiful and lasting things. We know that you cherish your baby and we want our pieces to be your favorites to dress her in! </div><div><br /></div></div><div></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 430px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 430px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.53372780.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>So - I know you must be asking - how does Emily design amazing clothing, run a successful Etsy shop, blog and still have time to nurture little Devon Rose? Let's find out...</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>~What are your top goals for your business?</strong> I'm slowly (but steadily!) building a successful design company for Devon to take over as the Designer when she's ready.</div><br /><div><strong>~What are your top goals for your family and marriage?</strong> It's so important to me to make sure that Isaac (my husband) and I never let all of the everyday drama of life diminish the romance in our relationship. Isaac works a lot, so I really try to work on keeping things light and cherishing the time that we do have together. I spend ALL of my time with Devon and she is awesome at keeping things light and happy. To her, everything is hilarious and amazing!</div><div><br /></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 430px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 430px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.57644506.jpg" border="0" /> <div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>~What are the top 1 or 2 things you do to keep your life in "balance" while you work toward these goals?</strong> I make sure to take a lot of breaks though out the day (from all of that cutting and sewing) to just focus on Devon. I take her to the park or to the bookstore (she LOVES to look at books) We just have fun and goof around together. It also helps to break up the monotony I sometimes feel from sewing too much. I also make sure to give myself some "me" time -so important! I recommend nightly bubble baths!</div><br /><div><strong>~What is the greatest obstacle or challenge you face in reaching these <a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.53372780.jpg"></a>goals? </strong>Sometimes I have the habit of falling into the slump of focusing too much on the negative instead of all the positive aspects of my life. My husband is amazing at pulling me out of that negative mind space. </div><br /><div>Well, I'm inspired already. Check back tomorrow for more questions and answers from Emily of Devon Rose and for the scoop on Emily's new line of women's clothing! Yes, she makes women's clothing, too!<br /><br />Our <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-its-done.html">"How It's Done"</a> series focuses on women who balance work, mothering and family. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-49757555792018735672009-03-12T14:47:00.000-07:002009-03-12T15:39:02.702-07:00How It's Done - Part 2 with Lyn PollardHere's Part 2 of the <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-its-done.html">"How It's Done"</a> interview with Lyn Pollard from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chalkydoodles</span>:<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfO150pdvCyAqJBVKz3BP4IDRVVFs9kxJ6-VbRJJ9fikE-IK_7U2S1mNpUvRj4ML9LyVOProJed_bQt0_Y9wcIU_CrzbIoWV1J8ylJxL6mSBB7K9gK09HrimgV1p8f_TjeLW2QLB4LtjQ/s1600-h/Pinpricks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312431047827379154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfO150pdvCyAqJBVKz3BP4IDRVVFs9kxJ6-VbRJJ9fikE-IK_7U2S1mNpUvRj4ML9LyVOProJed_bQt0_Y9wcIU_CrzbIoWV1J8ylJxL6mSBB7K9gK09HrimgV1p8f_TjeLW2QLB4LtjQ/s200/Pinpricks.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>What is the greatest obstacle or challenge you face in reaching these goals? </strong>The actual sewing part of my job is a love-hate thing. I really like the downtime while I’m sewing to think, decompress and just be quiet. But, sewing oilcloth can be really tough to do when you’re making larger items, like tablecloths, because it’s bulky and you have to pin it a lot. I am constantly bleeding from pin pricks. It’s ironic, really, because I have always hated needles (and blood!), and now I get poked with a pin or needle at least once or twice every day!<br /><div><div><br /><p><strong>What resources do you use (books, blogs, websites, people) to help encourage and educate you? </strong>I try to keep things in perspective. I have several friends who have children with serious special needs. When I talk with them about what challenges they are facing with their life and kids, it always helps to remind me that the challenges I am facing could be very different and helps me to count my blessings.</p>I also read the <a href="http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nie</span> Dialogues</a>. If you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">aren</span>’t familiar with this family’s story, take a few minutes to ready about it, <a href="http://web.me.com/andrewtbagley/NieRecovery/Home.html">here</a>. Stephanie and her family find joy in the simplest things, even while facing life-altering injuries and circumstances.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDbykhbjcfLyzhVZ_JT9DBIP7PrgPpY6E7kf7qAHG7Ks1Yyq-d0-cX8xV-XhbDzmnQvWSiv4bB7LTrWRvst9ufrnFZtbtA4vChrxhpBA9VcVFQ9ws7uyYN0xixcXNoo41Wm3Llf4yQI8/s200/i-read-nienie2.png"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDbykhbjcfLyzhVZ_JT9DBIP7PrgPpY6E7kf7qAHG7Ks1Yyq-d0-cX8xV-XhbDzmnQvWSiv4bB7LTrWRvst9ufrnFZtbtA4vChrxhpBA9VcVFQ9ws7uyYN0xixcXNoo41Wm3Llf4yQI8/s200/i-read-nienie2.png" border="0" /></a> <p>Another thing I do from time to time is to read a few blogs that have been set up by families whose children are suffering from cancer. It is so inspiring and convicting to read about the struggles these families face with their children literally every minute of every day as they fight to survive. It makes you realized how often you complain about tiny little things that really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">aren</span>’t a big deal at all. And, it feels good to be able to support these families with your prayers, even when they are just friends of friends.<br /><br /><strong>What do you feel is your most important characteristic in helping you live your life well and keeping things in balance? </strong>The ability to ask for help and a focus on forgiveness. </p><p>I try to see my life as an adventure, that is always unpredictable and always changing. This is a really new outlook for me, because I used to have a lot of anxiety, was a real neat-freak and I hated change. </p><p>Since starting my small business, I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ve</span> really learned how to let the little things go. My house is clean (only because I have someone help me clean), but it’s not very tidy! My kids are well-rested and fed, but they might forget their library book or have the same exact lunch in their lunch box for an entire week (yes, BB&J – and not cut into fun shapes, either.) To be honest, my husband makes their lunches almost every day – and that is such a help to me – but also sometimes a big source of guilt! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBBHeTDBIBzpcrGMZeSVaFAJqu2BYrlyrTL2jeNA3qp8BegkREvd9ycqu2OYCSHSYkkbCQ3EC2ggZ9ZqmLF6PFe5McJBLG_EwG_UZwPu4d54BxUG-yOfdHbsvGeUR85Vjt2saxF9kjUXI/s1600-h/LakeKids.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312433486131221282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 167px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBBHeTDBIBzpcrGMZeSVaFAJqu2BYrlyrTL2jeNA3qp8BegkREvd9ycqu2OYCSHSYkkbCQ3EC2ggZ9ZqmLF6PFe5McJBLG_EwG_UZwPu4d54BxUG-yOfdHbsvGeUR85Vjt2saxF9kjUXI/s200/LakeKids.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>It’s not that I don’t want to have a perfectly neat & clean house or put a note and homemade cookies in my kid’s lunches every day, it’s just that I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ve</span> found peace with doing those things just every now and then, and still feeling like my life is full and my kids are happy. And, I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ve</span> learned that it’s OK to have other people do things – especially when I feel overwhelmed when I try to do them all by myself!</p><p>Also, the role <strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDbykhbjcfLyzhVZ_JT9DBIP7PrgPpY6E7kf7qAHG7Ks1Yyq-d0-cX8xV-XhbDzmnQvWSiv4bB7LTrWRvst9ufrnFZtbtA4vChrxhpBA9VcVFQ9ws7uyYN0xixcXNoo41Wm3Llf4yQI8/s200/i-read-nienie2.png">forgiveness</a> </strong>has played in my life is huge. It’s not that I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ve</span> been wronged by a ton of people or anything like that. It’s that I have learned to forgive myself for the wrong things that I do to other people, or to myself (like beat myself up or feel guilty when I don’t do something as well I wish I could.) Also, I’m a follower of Christ, and seeking His forgiveness in my life is the most important thing. He gives me peace through <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2008/10/what-hat-to-wear.html">prayer</a>, and I look to His Word for strength and <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2008/09/firsts-and-lasts.html">help</a> when I know I can’t do it on my own.</p><p><strong>What advice would you give to another working/blogging mom if they asked you for it? </strong>Go for it! You can absolutely start a business or a meaningful blog. Just have a very specific idea of what it is that you want to do, and do a lot of research on the market you are wanting to enter. The better understanding you have about your competition and your specific market, the less time you will have to spend on your business to make it a success. Knowledge is power! And, always ask for help – because you’re gonna need it!</p></div></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-90408918238927327652009-03-11T14:23:00.000-07:002009-03-11T23:52:20.086-07:00"How It's Done" - with Lyn Pollard from ChalkydoodlesThis week, I'm kicking off our new Blog Series <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-its-done.html">"How It's Done"</a> where we'll get to know a lot of different types of working moms (and grandmoms) and see what they are all doing to keep it all together!<br /><br /><p>We're going to take a unique peek into these women's "worlds" with a behind-the-scenes approach to how they run their businesses, but at the same time thrive in their roles as mothers, wives and friends.</p><p>I couldn't ask all of my featured guests to answer these tough questions without first answering them myself. So, our first featured Mom is - me!</p><p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><strong>When people ask you what you “Do” how do you respond?</strong> I’m a stay-at-home mom, and I have a small business making oilcloth & chalkcloth items for home décor like aprons, splat mats, chalkboard labels, etc. I have an online shop on Etsy.com and have wholesale clients in several states.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JA17ren8I1tf4vX4BziMm2xKwRTlc4pCne5rBqk7y0IqY9lrYMjx2sY41Q8MSzt4m-CXeSD-aDXW4aVByRWR0pChKMa6O6siiYN_Hd0IyI4EBSEu27-YEoqNgz67VshcQEVcDie5XgGa/s220/ChalkyCanton+015croppedonsidesCROPPED.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JA17ren8I1tf4vX4BziMm2xKwRTlc4pCne5rBqk7y0IqY9lrYMjx2sY41Q8MSzt4m-CXeSD-aDXW4aVByRWR0pChKMa6O6siiYN_Hd0IyI4EBSEu27-YEoqNgz67VshcQEVcDie5XgGa/s220/ChalkyCanton+015croppedonsidesCROPPED.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p><strong>How old are your kids?</strong> I have a five-year-old and a three-year-old.</p><p><strong>What are your top goals for your business or blog?</strong> My business goals are to continue to develop a market presence for Chalkydoodles and expand my new Teen line and furniture line.</p>My goals for the Chalkydoodles Blog are to share a little about my life as a business woman and mom, and to share about my struggles and triumphs as I seek to maintain the “balance” we are all looking for! Also, I would love for my Blog to become a forum where other moms with similar goals for their businesses and families can share their knowledge and experience as well as be encouraged.<br /><p><strong>What are your top goals for your family and marriage?</strong> To always feel like I’m giving the amount of time and love to my family that I really want and need to first, and then to make Chalkydoodles work with the time and energy that’s left over. I do a great job at this sometimes and a terrible job at others. This is where I would love to learn from other moms about what they do to make everything work!</p><p>Also, something I do as a Mom is to try to live each day with my kids as if it is the very best day we've ever had. I'm constantly taking pictures of our family, because I try to see every day as a special occasion that we are celebrating. I think this helps to teach my kids to appreciate even the smallest things in life (like a beautiful sunset or getting to scoop up yogurt pretzels on the bulk food aisle) and to see them as little pieces of a puzzle that fit together to create a good and happy life.</p><p><strong>What are the top 1 or 2 things you do to keep your life in “balance” while you work toward these goals?</strong> I let (or sometimes make) myself stop working or sewing every day for as long as I can and do nothing except piddle around the house - picking up random things, organizing a drawer, straightening a picture, pulling a few weeds in the garden, putting the books neatly on the shelf in the kid’s rooms, etc. This is something that I used to take for granted before I started Chalkydoodles. I just wasn't super-excited about the daily routine of just keeping things in order. </p>Now, I look at it as a treat to be able to take time to just “be” a mom and housewife and not have to sew or be on the computer taking orders, emailing, etc. Making the beds is actually fun now. This little ritual totally helps me keep things in balance and reminds me – I’m a mom and wife first, and a business-woman second. Also, I keep up a Family Blog. Just posting pictures and writing about my kids and life on a regular basis makes me feel like I am doing something to record and tell our story and to share about just the simple every day things that make life good.<br /><br /><p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />That's it for now! Be sure to check back tomorrow for Part 2 of the "How It's Done" interview with our first guest Mom - Me!</p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-41921627041696232032009-03-09T17:00:00.000-07:002009-03-09T20:43:16.027-07:00How It's Done!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHQg0XmLOasWxYjb38Q2m64agiVezb9fNmx00bNVoECOsFw5oJnQxMihUo1MjVvicOGW7yx7PtGv_AhPjPNgmgFE8CzBt3Q7DFGaDS3VDx4t2X6Dm2215AUqWmzNeXusZuHT_LY8pCynA/s1600-h/momapron.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311398158026803906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHQg0XmLOasWxYjb38Q2m64agiVezb9fNmx00bNVoECOsFw5oJnQxMihUo1MjVvicOGW7yx7PtGv_AhPjPNgmgFE8CzBt3Q7DFGaDS3VDx4t2X6Dm2215AUqWmzNeXusZuHT_LY8pCynA/s200/momapron.jpg" border="0" /></a>This week, I'm kicking off the first "series" on the Chalkydoodles blog: <strong>"How It's Done!"</strong> <div></div><br /><div>I'm always asking - and being asked by other moms - how do you do it all? It's both fascinating, and encouraging, to learn about the routines, habits and strategies that other moms have in place to "keep it all together." </div><div></div><br /><div>I'm so blessed to have a lot of amazing women - and moms - in my life, both professionally and personally. Fellow Etsy shop owners, other online and small business owners and bloggers, moms who work at home, moms who work at work - and they all have a story!<br /></div><div>So, join me regularly as I feature a different Mom (or maybe even Grandmom or two) and spotlight their business and their talents. There might even be some giveaways along the way! </div><div></div><br /><div>Let's find out what these Moms do, why they do it and - most importantly - <strong>How It's Done!</strong></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-32806158885813632752009-02-02T07:09:00.000-08:002009-02-02T07:54:35.861-08:00What TO DO TODAY to help Change the CPSIAFor those of you wanting to help with the CPSIA Issue - here's something you can do TODAY:<br /><br />Senator DeMint <strong>has crafted a fix</strong> to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) that will both protect children and allow businesses to stay afloat.<br /><br />The details of the plan are here <a href="http://ceska.typepad.com/little_ida/2009/02/call-to-action-bill-to-amend-cpsia.html">http://ceska.typepad.com/little_ida/2009/02/call-to-action-bill-to-amend-cpsia.html</a> and here <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=72858823792&ref=nf#/note.php?note_id=73025773792&ref=nf">http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=72858823792&ref=nf#/note.php?note_id=73025773792&ref=nf</a><br /><br /><strong>Senator DeMint plans to introduce the bill Tuesday morning (2/3/09)</strong> and will offer it as an amendment to the stimulus package.<br /><br /><br />One of Senator DeMint's staffers, Tom Jones, has urged folks to <strong>call your senator TODAY</strong> and help pass on a very specific message regarding the CPSIA issue.<br /><br /><br />Here is a copy of the blog comment by Tom Jones, (Senator DeMint's staffer):<br /><br />Comment taken from Heather Flottmann's Blog at <a onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," href="http://www.boutiquecafe.com/home/2009/01/31/2188/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.boutiquecafe.com/home/2009/01/31/2188/</a> ) (Bold/emphasis added)<br /><br /><br /><br />"I’m Senator DeMint’s staffer that handle’s CPSC issues for him.<br /><br /><br /><br />A couple quick things. If your readers could:<br /><br /><br /><br />1) <strong>Call their Senator Monday</strong> (2/2/09) and let them know that the problems with the CPSIA still exist. There are still liabilities issues out there, its not clear yet what retailers reaction to the order will be (its great to not have to test for a year but if no one will sell your goods that a bit of a hollow victory), PIRG is going to sue to overturn the order and the order doesn’t do anything to deal with State AGs. And of course all the problems come back full-bore in a year. Please try to impress these things on your Senator’s office.<br /><br /><br /><br />2) <strong>When you are on the phone with the office</strong> <strong>make a</strong> <strong>very specific ask. Let them know you want the Senator to co-sponsor the DeMint bill. </strong>Have their staff contact me. (I work on the Commerce Committee and my email is in the “Global Email Directory.” (they’ll know what that is) I can also be called through the DeMint front office phone line which is 4-6121.) Also let the person on the phone that you’d like a written response on whether the Senator will co-sponsor issue.<br /><br /><br /><br />3) <strong>Finally say thanks for talking to you.</strong> The person who answers the phone has the lowest job on the Congressional totem pole and when the phones get hot it can be very stressful. Throwing a little sunlight their way helps.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>The main line for Congress is 202-224-3121. Tell the operator which state you are from and ask to speak to one of your Senators. Once you’re done with that, hang up and do it again with the other Senator.</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks again for all your help with this. If it wasn’t for you guys being so engaged on this issue, it wouldn’t be moving like it is.<br /><br /><br /><br />Tom"<br /><br /><br /><br />So, let's all <strong>PICK UP THE PHONE TODAY (2/2/09)</strong> and follow these easy steps to contact our Senators and do our part to help change the CPSIA. <br /><br />Have a great Monday,<br /><br /><br /><br />~Lyn<br /><br />Chalkydoodles<br />(Excerpts taken from <a href="http://ceska.typepad.com/little_ida/">http://ceska.typepad.com/little_ida/</a> and <a onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," href="http://www.boutiquecafe.com/home/2009/01/31/2188/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.boutiquecafe.com/home/2009/01/31/2188/</a> )Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-78895170409149910622009-01-18T11:58:00.000-08:002010-02-10T09:36:37.675-08:00Our Reversible Oilcloth Splat Mat - Vote for Etsy Top Selling Items!<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Visit the </span><a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">NEW Chalkydoodles Shop</span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/">http://www.chalkydoodles.com/</a></span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/"></a></div><div align="center">to see our great selection of oilcloth <a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/floor-mats.html">SPLAT MATS</a>, tablecloths, aprons, vinyl wall decals, chalk labels and upcycled clothing! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/floor-mats.html"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 430px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 429px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.39187455.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><br /><br /></p><p align="center">Single-sided, reversible, round, chalkboard, pet splat mats and more! </p><a href="http://www.chalkydoodles.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436668727163985010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16s0e8lrUfPS0QAU4fMDf2tljbnwf4wSje4F7OtraV3SoKssdW_EWtNKjY28CS5IZDm_bytJZpAVnn9TAQZaZrrat7JdI32MMllepxWw1r7TpSeBfNpZjEUPQdPrhVRkLJKYjxfdMBDGI/s400/NEW+PRODUCT+mosaic+GOOD.jpg" /></a> <p align="center"><br />The NEW Chalkydoodles Collection of practical stylish goods for your home and family.<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p><p>From the Etsy Blog, The Storque: The <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=voter_cat_27&listing_id=15585463">Chalkydoodles Oilcloth Splat</a> is among items highlighted by Etsy sellers in the Shop Makeover series.<br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center">VOTING IS NOW CLOSED<br /><br /><br />You can cast your vote for your favorite top-selling item, including our custom splat mat.<br /><br />Choose your oilcloth fabrics and trim to create a mat all your own! Use it for art projects, under messy tables or even as a fun, waterproof rug.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Read more about it in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/etc/sellers-top-items-of-2008-shop-makeover-community-vote-3244/">The Storque</a>:<br /><br /><br />"In an effort to better understand which of their items are workin' it, sellers shared links to their top selling items of 2008 in the comments of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/shop-makeover-series-2009-3163/">this post</a>. Now we want YOU to pick your favorites from this pool. The hottest items will be featured in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/">Gift Guides</a> and here on the Etsy blog!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?room_id=27">VOTE HERE</a> (Voting is now closed).<br /><br />Nothin' like a lil informal/virtual focus group for your products. Sellers should check out the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/tags/Shop%20Makeover%20Series">Shop Makeover Series</a> and get involved. May your shops bloom and grow!<br /><br />Good luck to everyone!"<br /><br />Thanks for featuring Chalkydoodles, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.etsy.com">Etsy</a>. We can feel the love! </p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-63219357691987511852009-01-15T20:17:00.000-08:002009-01-15T20:38:06.009-08:00CNN on CPSIA and Handmade Toys<p>Interested in the CPSIA issue and it potential effects on handmade children's products and small business? </p><p>Read the article posted on CNN Money today:</p><p><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/14/smallbusiness/toy_law_threatens_small_companies.smb/?postversion=2009011509">http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/14/smallbusiness/toy_law_threatens_small_companies.smb/?postversion=2009011509</a></p>Also, the issue was the cover story today in the Santa Maria Sun:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.santamariasun.com/cover/1357/all-worry-and-no-play/">http://www.santamariasun.com/cover/1357/all-worry-and-no-play/</a><br /><br />I'll be continuing to post news articles and other information as it becomes available. <br /><br />Thank you for your support!<br /><br />~LynLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-43026153822147933382009-01-14T14:02:00.000-08:002009-01-14T17:45:59.203-08:00Help Save Handmade Children's Products!<div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19058642&ref=em"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291302294564620738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRG64Wv24jUG0VDLnX2ebeHpvj4ZDp4U88sD86twldCXUQpFUm02gMfAm3sI2JN6uQM0Oivv0M99UjguK3eNGmoOPYxU7Esg63LsIRUqeAzpJWQ9kBEJtnIo4-cH3ICoYY03R0MXixYu5/s320/savehanmadeviolastudio.jpg" border="0" /></a>Most likely, many of you have heard about the new <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html">Consumer Protection Safety Information Act of 2008 (CPSIA)</a> and the impact it may soon have on the Children's Toy and Clothing industry. </div><div></div><br /><div>As a small business owner, I am appalled by the unreasonable testing regulations on children's toys and apparel that will go into affect on February 10, 2009. </div><div></div><br /><div>And, as a mom who loves to buy darling one-of-a-kind handmade clothing and toys (like the wool Maia doll by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19058642&ref=em">Violastudio</a> on the left) for my kiddos, nieces, nephews and friends, I am terribly saddened by the prospect that soon I may no longer be able to purchase these items.</div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>According to the new regulations, artisans like myself will be required to pay for expensive testing for lead and chemicals, called <a href="http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_phthalate/index.asp?gclid=CM3D7rSij5gCFRsRagodRAO_DQ">phthalates</a>, on all children's products they make and sell. The required tests are very expensive, and will effectively render most sellers of handmade goods unable to continue offering their children's toys, clothing and accessories.</div><div> </div><div>As an affected party, I am working with many of my fellow artisans on Etsy and throughout the children's handmade products community to spread the word about this potentially terrible blow to our businesses and, in many cases, our livelihood.</div><br /><div>If you have not yet heard about this issue or if you want to learn more about it, you can read an excellent summary of the legislation <a href="http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=CPSIA&TEMPLATE=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=6668">here</a>. Below are other sources to help you learn more about what is being done by numerous advocates of children's handmade toys and clothing to appeal to lawmakers to change this law so that it will not put hundreds of small business owners out of business. </div><br /><div>There is also a lot of confusion right now among advocates striving for change and those who are being affected by these regulations. As a former journalist, I am a firm believer that access to clear, accurate information from a variety of reliable sources is key to educating the community on an issue and to helping advocates find the best way to make their voice heard.<br /></div><div>Finally, there is a class action lawsuit being filed on behalf of artisans, crafters and small business owners, like myself. Click <a href="http://reformcpsia.org/2009/01/class-action-lawsuit/">here</a> to read a press release about the lawsuit and to learn how to become involved.</div><div> </div><div align="center"><strong>Handmade children's items featured on </strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.etsy.com"><strong>Etsy.com</strong></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div> </div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.etsy.com"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291327700905330546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 68px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIFTaAIT183s94h_tw0cdXsB9jujOsPKVigQMTwZHZFvWeR50ZgZhQGwXNvqhPR0FdQYSXJ76SXvZcQ_Cp9nn6BIpQvWuNmFJnAVQTtrpqHo44KwLkH-TnCJWJY2KS1Zcutonb_OJwAsE/s400/mosaic5968697.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Where can I learn more about the issue?</strong> </div><br /><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy.com </a>Where the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.chalkydoodles.etsy.com">Chalkydoodles</a> shop resides, is heavily involved in the issue and has multiple blog postings on the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/cpsia-updates-and-calls-to-action-3157/">Storque</a> regarding the issue. Also, read Etsy's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/handmade-childrens-items-unintended-consequences-consumer-pr-3056/">Open Letter about the CPSIA </a></div><br /><div>The Handmade Toy Alliance <a href="http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/">http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/</a></div><br /><div>The Toy Industry Association <a href="http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=CPSIA&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=290&ContentID=6275">summary of CPSIA </a></div><br /><div><a href="http://cpsia-central.ning.com/">CPSIA Central</a>, a discussion site for those working to amend the CPSIA</div><br /><div>BuyHandmade blog at <a href="http://blog.buyhandmade.org/">http://blog.buyhandmade.org/</a></div><br /><br /><div></div><div><strong>What can I do to help?</strong><br /><br />Vote for change on the website <a href="http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia">Change.org</a> and join more than 10,000 other voters who have voted to support a proposal by the Handmade Toy Alliance to amend the CPSIA "so that all businesses large and small are able to comply and survive."</div><div><br /><u>Contact your representatives and senators:</u></div><br /><div>U.S. House of Representatives:<a href="http://www.writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml">www.writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml</a><br /></div><div>U.S. Senate:<a href="http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm">www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm</a></div><br /><div><u>Write the Consumer Product Safety Commission (the CPSC):</u></div><div></div><br /><div>CPSC Contact Information Here: <a href="http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm">http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm</a><br /></div><br /><div><u>Sign Petitions<br /></div></u><br /><div>Petition to "Repeal the CPSIA"</div><div><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/RepealCPSIA/?e">http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/RepealCPSIA/?e</a><br /></div><br /><div>Petition regarding the CPSIA's Impacts on the Children's Apparel Industry</div><div><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/?e">http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/?e</a></div><div> </div><div>I hope and pray that amendments will be made to the CPSIA to exempt certain materials from testing and/or to provide provisions for small businesses being required to test their products. If you enjoy purchasing handmade items and want to show your support for small businesses, please take a moment to read and then to act.</div><div> </div><div>~Lyn</div></div></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-11109540262256206792009-01-04T17:15:00.000-08:002009-01-04T20:14:41.206-08:00We've got the Look!<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5533276"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chalkydoodles</span></a> was featured in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Etsy</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Storque</span></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Spoltlight</span> this weekend! Our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5533276&section_id=5504322">Oilcloth Tablecloth</a> with coordinating border found its way into the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Etsy</span> Finds: Getting Tricia Royal's Look - Home Decor Edition.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-getting-tricia-royals-look-home-decor-edition-3136/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287641744068467906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeVN2XwMYcFXa7gs-TcM0fG34i7n-QyJ_7O6Ua5NCx8irqWZRZl07KR2VoSJNPUItugN7s33gzGAE7wHNatYYthPB5GCLAF8gKSP-0hzQi4cnhjOcQAWRkKvhMuNFdtWJ1nv2lShqTt81/s400/EtsyFindsTriciaRoyal1.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287641754844523058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 397px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0OHjLmifbCW70bSoBQStaVP_QPUT2u94U5MpiYfDTz1Z1msP_TUkzuxzXdIw56dscwAJB6iipIzWo-hI5apa07w8FGV-fJ2GKoQqC0TAOcbT8InsdrLoSTzPMmQC1pIhYBFw-PrEEP7l/s400/EtsyFindsTriciaRoyal4.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17987512"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287641753587890946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 397px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXS7YALtH_lBeL7gdAOAulXjLg2GWroj54QtOWXvPTlJLXSEbr4ldMm2X0XHLgYyBK6yMzEvUx_nLsQuDRCfoGUiVmSTvc-1d4FakMo945uc8S5EBJMx8SaB-0CUNjemb4YRfpj-tv_x3/s400/EtsyFindsTriciaRoyal3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In the Get the Look: Decor series, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Etsy</span> highlights products by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Etsy</span> artists that allow shoppers to re-create the look of popular designers, artists and fellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Etsy</span> shop owners.</div><div> </div><div>From the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Storque</span> Spotlight article by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Etsy</span> admin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">iheartmoustaches</span> published on January 4, 2009:</div><div><div><div><br /><p>"This weekend's <a title="Get the Look: Decor" href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/title/get-the-look-decor">Get the Look: Decor</a> is inspired by the <a title="Tricia Royal" href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2007/12/sneak-peek-tricia-royal.html" target="_blank">San Francisco home</a> of <a title="Bits and Bobbins" href="http://bitsandbobbins.com/" target="_blank">bits and bobbins</a> artist and <a title="Wardrobe Remix" href="http://flickr.com/groups/wardrobe_remix/" target="_blank">wardrobe_remix</a> founder Tricia Royal aka <a href="http://bitsandbobbins.etsy.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">bitsandbobbins</span></a>. Her home is bright and cheery, filled with a hodgepodge of colorful vintage finds, quirky handmade items and artwork. Today we're going to show you how to achieve Tricia’s playful look using elements found on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Etsy</span>. You can view more inspiring photos of <a title="Tricia Royal" href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2007/12/sneak-peek-tricia-royal.html" target="_blank">Tricia’s home</a> in the <a title="Sneak Peeks" href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/category/sneak-peeks" target="_blank">Sneak Peeks column</a> on <a title="Design Sponge" href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/" target="_blank">design*sponge</a>. "</p><p>I just love Tricia Royal's unique, vintage-infused style, and am thrilled to have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Chalkydoodles</span> included in the impressive collection by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Etsy</span> artisans.</p><p>Great color, great style. Couldn't think of a better way to kick off a great New Year!</p></div></div></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-80870014063645185882008-10-18T20:03:00.001-07:002008-10-19T13:47:11.114-07:00What Hat to Wear<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnGmkh2v-ZZTEf8KqwbspusgZ1ZbZOJQ5peHjeLqlf1PVbzWJegfrKfWjVAf_qg7vpsp0ke9eGl-JYERDpitehnUED36qK716QB-bICBX75Be7cwKJ19B7dEmeaGKlSbL74dGCSOApzrH/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258722411633752690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnGmkh2v-ZZTEf8KqwbspusgZ1ZbZOJQ5peHjeLqlf1PVbzWJegfrKfWjVAf_qg7vpsp0ke9eGl-JYERDpitehnUED36qK716QB-bICBX75Be7cwKJ19B7dEmeaGKlSbL74dGCSOApzrH/s400/002.JPG" border="0" /></a>This week I was faced with my first real ethical issue as a stay-at-home mom, turned online business owner. I had to deal head-on with real competition in the very real world of, well, business. I had to figure out "What Hat to Wear."<br /><div></div><br /><div>(Yes, I know it should be "which hat" but then it wouldn't cleverly refer to my favorite TLC style show, not would it?)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>When you've been changing diapers, wiping noses and trying to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Oxyclean</span> stains out of everything for so many years, it is truly a cold, hard reality when you face the real world and the choices you have to sometimes make as a business owner and entrepreneur. It's easy to lose your "edge" you once had in the corporate world when you've been in the <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2008/07/living-list.html">toddler world </a>for so long. There was a day when I would not have thought twice about writing that heated email when a deadline wasn't met or applying the information I found in my competitive research to enhance the proposal I was writing. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, why was it so hard this week for me to still feel like a "good person" when I made a savvy business decision that, while a bold move for my little business, was nothing compared to moves being made all across corporate America thousands of times a day?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Yes, the move was good for my business (I opened a second <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Etsy</span> shop selling oilcloth by the yard to remain competitive. I also listed several new items in my original shop that I knew that my competitor might soon offer). No, it was not good for my competition. Yes, it made me feel great that I was brave enough to make a strategic move (my sales have increased noticeably based on the moves already in less than a week). No, it did not feel good when my competition verbally (textually) confronted me regarding the matter.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Another key part of this discussion is that my competition seems like a really cool, really creative, really interesting person - who is also a stay-at-home-mom with an online business. We've "chatted" online from time to time about our businesses and a little about our lives. I like her, and would even want to be friends with her outside of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cyber</span> world. But, because our products, materials and concepts are very similar, I also compete with her either directly or indirectly on an almost daily basis.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, my question is this: </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>When you're a stay-at-home-mom and a business woman, when you literally wear both hats at the same time, when you realize that you need to take your business to the next level in order to compete in your targeted marketplace...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Do you - </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>1) Put on your Nice Mom Hat: Think about how you would treat another mom that you chat with in the carpool line and that you genuinely like and identify with and respect? Do you behave the way you would with someone whom you would consider to be an acquaintance or a potential friend? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>OR </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Do you -</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>2) Put on your Business Woman Hat: Act like a business woman who has a job, who works a lot of long hours mostly after her kids are in bed at night when she is really tired, who has made many, many sacrifices for this new business over the past 13 months, who has a solid business plan and a specific marketing and product branding strategy in place and the business know-how and experience to implement it successfully?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, you've figured out which hat I wore. It wasn't pretty, but it sure did the job. And the problem now, is that I feel like I can't just sit back and enjoy the business success I had this week. I feel guilty, or mean or something - something that I NEVER felt in the corporate world, not even with I worked for Arthur Andersen. Now that's sad. My husband, a really nice guy who is also a really hard-nosed attorney, can hardly even understand my dilemma. It's just business, right?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I guess it boils down to this. Even when we have to be cut-throat in the business world or just the "outside of our own home" world, we don't have to be cut-throat in our hearts. The decisions I made this week were strategic and smart for my business, but they made another person feel frustrated and deflated, and I do feel terrible about that. As a woman, I can try to use kind words and sentiments to ease the tension. But, as a believer, I must - must - take painstaking steps to make sure that a cut-throat, haughty or evil attitude does not remain in my heart. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In my mind, this is the only way I can wear both hats without one of them completely falling off. I an not willing to sacrifice my business or to deny myself the opportunity to use my intelligence and experience to make good, strategic decisions. But I am also not willing to let the loving, sympathetic, joyful heart that my <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2008/09/firsts-and-lasts.html">5 1/2 years </a>now as a mom has allowed me to develop to be hardened one little bit by my own sin of pride.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, I have the solution. I need to clean out my closet - to find a third hat.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>If I'm going to wear the Business Woman Hat, it's only going to be with my Prayer Hat right underneath it. I have to cover these business decisions I make with prayer, just like I would decisions about my kids and my family. The reason I ask for God's help in my "real life" is because I know I can't always make good <a href="http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/2008/07/sew-or-swim.html">choices</a> on my own. It only makes sense that the same thing be true for my "business life." The problem is that in both of my lives, my Prayer Hat seems to get shoved to the back of the closet. Then, I forget to take it with me, or just forget to put it on. </div><br /><div></div><div>My new question, then - can I be a mom, run a business, be a good wife - all while wearing 3 different hats?? </div><div></div><div>It's quite a look, but I think I can pull it off.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>"My Help comes from the Lord," <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20121;&version=31;">Psalm 121:12</a></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8267233085503806239.post-31590363363867028192008-09-15T21:07:00.000-07:002008-09-15T21:45:01.698-07:00Chalkydoodles is online with PBS Kids Sprout thanks to Cool Mom Picks!Let's have a party! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chalkydoodles</span> was highlighted on the PBS Kids Sprout website today by Cool Mom Picks as part of the Sprout for Parents topic of the month - celebrating birthdays and grandparents.<br /><br /><br />We LOVE this article and are so happy that our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chalkydoodles</span> Chalkboard Banners caught the eye of Cool Mom Picks!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sproutforparents.com/sprout/ParentsPlace/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246469928723468434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqN_tnMoCUQTsYD5ud5RG4vKZenYaWo69oOBjwSqzSYc7kb3v184Cz1sjv_E-ohKgmEmMbj8qhBJeF2JJyt010bxq0issaWmpqQ_Todtes355NStZNaVVdIdJSicDq5fDyfkETIxsj8Ye/s400/PBSKidsSproutsHOMEPAGECIRCLE.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13712711"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246473649450831762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe1ukjbGpvI9VIwFi-o0RLLp-jjeJvTg1cH0Bn84apcC2ubGRz4dnEtazO65_SUPqKv61s0W0MVHgKiqHJxteIEqbXWD87edoEvrTf-nGGI5N7QUeNwDZZ99a15Qw76lbP9Vg9SKWV5O8/s400/PartyBanner2+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's an excerpt from the article titled <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Chalkydoodles</span>: Reusable Party Banners, Hold the Wrinkly Mess<br /><br />"Decorating for a party is often times the best part of throwing one...That's why we love the idea of a reusable banner, like the handmade oilcloth and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">chalkcloth</span> designs from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5533276"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Chalkydoodles</span></a>."<br /><br /><br />And here comes our favorite part!<br /><br /><br />"Just choose how many panels you'll need...Dallas mom Lyn Pollard will hand create an adorable banner that works for any party, family gathering, or festive celebratory happening. When the party's over, just wipe off the chalk and store the banner for the next bash. Who knew <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">eco</span>-friendly could be so easy?"<br /><br /><br />THANK YOU PBS Kids Sprout and Kristen & Liz, Co-founders of Cool Mom Picks! We're having a chalky celebration here in Dallas as we speak!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sproutforparents.com/sprout/ParentsPlace/article_detail.aspx?id=79ab2941-2e29-48b3-abd8-9b18005f8135"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246469933522839250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-IYa_Jo3FmH-BH3aMJXEIX_Fk7RctcXhZGc0Sa3SydDFoMMvGGujuyuiQTXk-0RoffLaH0xWpgkqyZucp-6GTf6BwkQZ3qQJlcL2p6u875ELnSX2xI8pl4P6ejjgusL3rO65RnjNDw44/s400/Chalkydoodles+PBSKidsSprout.jpg" border="0" /></a>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02645026613626615665noreply@blogger.com1