Where's Wendy???

*We interrupt the CPSIA Blog-casting for an important announcement*

Where has Wendy been?
Her chair has been empty for a few days now, so there is no one to chat with!!
Oh, hey, I'll let the cat out of the bag....
SHE HAD A BABY!!!
Meet, Autumn Rose Mento:














There is a story attached to this baby, but I will let Wendy share that with everyone at her discretion.
Autumn Rose is a sheer delight, a miracle of sorts and blessing to all who know Wendy.
Hee-hee... I have even nicknamed Autumn, "Baby Wento". <3
Congratulations, Tim & Wendy, on your beautiful suprise, bundle of joy!!!
Happy parenting!!!
:0)

CPSIA Blog-In Part 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CPSIA Blog-In

Not to make light of our current situation with CPSIA, I just could not resist this monster doll created by Mini Monster on Etsy. It alone, tells a story!!
Today is January 28, 2009. The CPSIA Bog-In. Thirteen days left til Bankruptcy Day. *Ho-Hum*
My worries are no longer focused on MY shop and business, but on other far reaching effects of the CPSIA.

• Libraries
• Schools
• Resale Shops
• Sports Equipment
• Equipment for Handicapped
  
• Goods for the poor

Mark Riffey posted a Press Release of which I printed several copies and have been distributing to local area business in Katy to give them awareness and motivate them to DO SOMETHING!!
Last night while waiting tables at Babin's (my alter ego) I had the pleasure of meeting some retail reps for sporting goods. They supply children's bicycles and other equipment to local stores. One newer rep was only RECENTLY notified of CPSIA and she had VERY little knowledge on the subject. I found myself going into my whole educational spiel (sorry about that!!) while they ate dessert (Mmmmmm, bread pudding!) I ended with handing her my card with my blog on back so that she and her fellow employees could get more information. I have tried to be informative here, and provide links to other well known writers on the subject. I am *hoping* she gets a chance to learn more, not only to help us in supporting OUR views, but to help her in her job.
Wow, I have a ton more to write, but I am sooooo late for the shop, I better "GIT". I will post yet another post tonight!! Stay tuned!!
Don't forget to pop into the PINK ZEBRA BOUTIQUE before Saturday!! Selling out quick!!!

A Bright Light during a Gloomy Time

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Jaden Moore, who is 4, today.
His Mom brought him by the Pink Zebra to do a little bargain shopping.
Jaden was asleep when she brought him in, but he quickly opened his eyes and was ready to look around himself. He woke up in place for kids, he could sense it down to his toes. It took about 30 seconds of convincing him that the little white rocking chair was OK to sit in while Mom shops. After that, we chatted for a bit and I showed him my most favorite rocking horse. :0)
Jaden stood up from the chair, gently placed his beloved blankie in it and hitched his denim leg over the horse.
"This is a racing horse. He goes reaaaallll fast!"
Whadda Cowboy!!
Oh yea, my friend. Jaden brightened up my gloomy day!!! I feel as if I have a permanent scowl on my face these days.
Thanks, Jaden's Mom, for stopping in to see us today. I am glad I had batteries in the camera today to capture your son's happiness and freeness. It was catchy, and I found myself skipping just a little bit for the rest of the day.

PS I want to apologize now for any grumpiness lately. Lots of stress and closing the store is just not that easy for me.

U Love Color???

Then get ready for my little creation to be listed in the BOUTIQUE FELONY launch!!!
Here is a sneak peek:

One WeekLeft!!!

In case you forgot, The Pink Zebra Boutique will be closing next Saturday, January 31, 2009.
There are still lots of great deals and BEAUTIFUL clothing items, accessories and baby items left to purchase!! Most items are marked down 30-50%

5714 First Street
Katy, TX 77493

704-807-8340

HOURS:
Tuesday & Wednesday: 11:30-3:30
Thurs, Fri & Saturday: 11:00-5:30

Updates on CPSIA

Seems my blog comes up when someone searches "CPSIA Update" among other CPSIA related searches, so, I gues I oughtta give you what you pay for. LOL

As of today Friday, January 23, 2009 the CPSIA Law is still holding fast. The original law for lead compliance and testing is still on the "go ahead" for the first phase of lead testing compliancy.
On February 10, 2009 (Bankruptcy Day), any item for a child 12 and under, must come complete with a lead compliance certificate. i.e.: If you are a VENDOR (the retailer, person who sells the merchandise) you must require these certs from your MANUFACTURER, your supplier. As of today (holding my breath as things change sometimes) using XRF technology is deemed a "reasonable testing method" for lead.
This rule is for ALL items; clothing, books, crafts, toys, shoes, toothbrushes... You get the picture.
I personally have not experienced any testing on my items. I find it redundant to spend so much money on my small stock at this time. I barely have anything anymore, and do not have time right now to make anything (except for the Boutique FELONY launch, hee-hee).
HOWEVER.... Flip over to CPSIA Cheerleader and read Olivia's experience from her Testing Party last Tuesday. She gets right to the point and tells it like it is.

Now, after peeking in on chats, forums and reading bits and pieces, I see that there are so many people who do not know the definitions of some RETAIL words. So I am going to try and define them for you here:

• RETAILER: A business which sells goods to the consumer. Like Walmart or Pink Zebra Boutique. A storefront.
  

• RESELLER: One who buys goods from a manufacturer and sells them to customers unchanged. Not much different than a retailer, but its more like investing than retail.
  

• WHOLESALER: Person or firm that buys large (or small) quantities of product from vendors, warehouses them and then resells to retailers. Like a middle-man.
  

• MANUFACTURER: Entity that makes a good through a process involving raw materials, components, or assemblies. Commonly used interchangebly with producer.

A CRAFTER, someone who makes handmade anything: bows, toys, paintings, clothing. We use raw materials, combine with our hands (wave a magic wand, LOL) and we have manufactured something. We, my friends, are the manufacturers, and we, by that default, are the parties responsible for having our items tested for lead before they are sold to ANYONE retailers included.

The other reason I wanted to define these words was to try and clear up a short (raw) video of Julie Valesse when she was trying to talk herself out the interview she was in. She kept saying "reseller" when she was referring to second hand stores (who sell childrens items). The people who work in Resale shops are NOT "resellers". They are simply retail salespeople who work in a store that sells second hand items. There is nothing different about them than me selling items in my store, excepting the fact that I make mine...
Anyhoo....
I feel like I am writing in circles tonight.
Last week, a letter was written to Nancy Nord, the Chairman of CPSC. They were demanding of her.... time, decisions, ideas.... etc. Which is good, don't get me wrong!! One could only hope she would get the hint that she has been less than expedient regarding anything that has to do with CPSIA. Lets say shes been sloth-like. I personally would not be suprised if she were to just up and quit---step down and let some other bozo take over this mess of a law!! (I WOULD!!) Waxman, the author, asked for some clarifications on CPSIA. Everyone I know has their fingers crossed... But in the real world, having any kind of change will not happen before February 10.
That is why "reasonable" testing HAS to be done.
That brings me to Obama. After his innaguration, he put a stop, or stay, on all things in motion that Bush had not finished or signed. CPSIA was NOT one of them!!! CPSIA is already a law that has been passed. There is NO motion anymore. The only thing they (congress & Henry Waxman) can do is make some amendments. IF they want to. IF they feel like it.
Thats my wrap up of what is happening in my little world. I spend my days on Tweet Deck, following all the #CPSIA chatter, checking my Google Alerts for related blogs and news items and answering emails. Just trying to keep up with any news. I have also been calling Senators, newspapers, Legislators and even my Attorney General. Gonna bug the poop out of everyone until they take notice of this poorly written piece of legislation, and then change it to something we can all work with.
Here are some blogs for you to read. I do. They keep me in the loop as well. Its always nice to read someone elses point of view. They get more of it than I do!! LOL
Fashion Incubator
Rick Woldenberg
TheSmartMama
Mark Riffey
JUst Add Charm
ZRecommends
Organic Baby Farm
National Bankruptcy Day
Business Week
I hope this post helps you or least gets you the information you were looking for!!

El Cheapo Prices on Etsy!!

Clearing out my ETSY SHOP!!
Everything knocked down 50% or more!!
Great Shower gifts for the Mom to Be!!
FREE Shipping to my Bloggy Readers. Just message me and I will send a corrected invoice!!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade KraftyMommas.etsy.com

Boutique Felony

Get ready for an all out "One last Hurrah" eBay & Etsy Launch.
Mark your calendars and start saving your money now, you won't want to miss this last blast of Handmade Boutique!!
Starts January 27!!! I'll get you a link when we launch!!

(I am so excited for this..... I have not done an eBay launch in 2 years. I get to take pictures!! Yea!!)

Smoke this, CPSIA!!

Gotta new Button

Song of Encouragement. We can fight. We can win. CPSIA

It's just a sad picture
The final blow hits you
Somebody else gets
What you wanted
You know
It's all the same
Another time and place
Repeating history
Just another episode

But I believe
In whatever you do
And I'll do anything
To see it through

Chorus:
Because these things
Will change
We can see it now
These walls
That they put up
To hold us back
Will fall down
It's a revolution
It's how we'll become
Who we're
Supposed to be
We'll sing hallelujah
We'll sing hallelujah
Oh

So you've been
Out numbered
When you've been
Out cornered
It's time to find
What you're
Fighting for

You're getting
Stronger now
From things
They never found
They might be better
But we're faster
And never scared

We've got the ways
That we can beat this
There's something
In your eyes
Says we can beat this

Chorus:
Because these things
Will change
We can see it now
These walls
That they put up
To hold us back
Will fall down
It's a revolution
It's how we'll become
Who we're
Supposed to be
We'll sing hallelujah
We'll sing hallelujah
Oh

Tonight we're
Standing on our feet
To fight
For what we worked
For all these years
The battle of long
It's the fight
Of our lives
We'll stand up
Champions tongiht
And it's the night
We changed
We can see it now
When the walls
That they put up
To hold us
Back fell down
'Cause it's a revolution
Throw your hands up
'Cause we never give in
We'll sing hallelujah
We'll sing hallelujah
Hallelujah

#FBOP

Could not help myself, I have to share.

For my Tweets on #FBOP

The Color of Things to Come

Yep. CPSIA is like a disease with me. I eat, drink and sleep it. You can imagine how much I TALK about it. :0)

****
I had the pleasure of attending my very good friends' daughters' baby shower this past Saturday. Kristin and her husband, Noah, are expecting their first child. A girl, named Isabella. Bella for short. It was sooooooo nice to get out of my regular routine of doing for others and allowing some time for me. I ate fried food, chatted with other women, drank a glass of wine. If I had hair, you could say I let it down for a couple hours!!
While I was there, taking snapshots of all the baby gifts Kristen received, I realized that CPSIA will affect baby showers after February 10, 2009. All those cute and colorful toys, clothing and bibs.
((See?? No matter what I am doing, CPSIA sneaks in a takes over!! It affects EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE!!))
Especially all the handmade items.
You see, last week, the CPSC made a sort of exemption for handmade. Under current ruling, one must have EVERYTHING tested for lead. Be it by XRF gun scanning, or third party accredited labratory, every item deemed for a child 12 and under must come equipped with a GCC (General Conformity Certificate). However, the CPSC decided that 100% cottons, 100% cotton/wool yarns and untreated wood will not have to be tested. All of these fibers may not be treated in any way, shape or form. No dyes, no paints, no color.
So I am posting before February 10, 2009 pictures and after. All that I will be able to afford to make for children (if I choose not to spend 1,000's of dollars testing) is stuff with no color. Me and a 100's of other handmade clothing crafters.

What do you think? Do you think it will come down to this for us handcrafters?? No more color??
Please leave me a comment.

This just in! Another CPSIA Day

Repeal the CPSIA!!!
VOTE HERE
(This one is easy, no registering)

Tomorrow, Thursday, I have a meeting with Mr. Frank Lombard, Vice President Katy Area Economic Development Council.
I am prepared to knock his socks off with the list of businesses this will effect in the Katy District boundaries.
Ye-a, baby. I am ready for some CPSIA Butt!!

GO VOTE!! To save Handmade from CPSIA

It's easy! Its fun!! Everyone is doing it!!
It only takes a minute to register and then vote.
We need 500 votes to make this the #1 Cause President Obama will have to address once in office.

VOTE NOW!

Thank you. EVERY vote counts!!

Pink Zebra & CPSIA KraftyMommaStyle

((Pardon the ghetto pillar behind me. Landlord has not completed the fix.))

I was interviewed today by none other than Jeff Ehling of our local ABC Channel 13 News.
Go see the broadcast HERE
Then go to the consumer blog HERE and post a comment. Jeff needs LOTS of comments!! Encourage him to investigate more and report more or even bump this up to 20/20 or Good Morning America!!!

DO IT!! Or else!!

Another One Bites The Dust - Thanks CPSIA

As those of you who know me have noticed, the bouncy, positive, happy-go-lucky Trevor has not been around for a while. She's bee hiding behind denial of any wrong doing and pretending that everything will be "just fine". I made the realization yesterday, that it will not be fine. Not for a small Boutique containing nothing but Handmade goodies for children. These very goodies, sought out by many Moms who want their children to stand out in a crowd, will be banned hazardous substances come February 10, 2009. It makes me cringe.... knowing how hard us Moms work to put out a safe and beautiful product, all made with our two hands. Those very products which are fine today, will be trash on Tuesday the 10th. National Bankruptcy Day.
I was in the mindset to go rent the XRF gun and make time to test every item in the shop.... detail all the findings etc. Pull anything with any lead content. But why? I would only have to continue renting the XRF at $400 a day until August when third party testing and certificates on compliance will be mandatory for each item. And then what? 1,000's of dollars to test items that sell for $15?? Hell no.
So, in compliance, I am closing the doors to the Pink Zebra on Saturday, January 31, 2009.
Until then, if you would like to make some purchases, all items will be available in the shop at a ridiculous discount. There will be no lead certs, so don't ask, LOL
At least I can say I did not go out of business for lack of sales and customers. I have a wonderful following of Moms!! I will have to say I went down because of a new law. I did not bomb as a designer, on the contrary.
And don't me wrong, CPSIA, I plan on fighting you until you give up and roll over to show me your belly. I am on you like stink on poop!!!
I have decided that I will keep on offering creative wearable art for 13 and up. I will start early on the production of Homecoming overalls for the local high schools. Denim jackets, cool jeans. My market will just change. *sigh* I will miss making the cute little baby twirl skirts and baby quilts.
But!!! On the positive side, I will less stressed, I will have more time for my family and I might actually start making money, instead of constantly investing it.
So, thanks CPSIA, for giving me this huge headache, and redirecting my creativity. I guess. I hate you with abandon. You will never truly know how much you have hurt me and so many others. We are good people who love children and never dreampt of doing them harm.
BTW, where is my silk screened Wordle shirt?? :0)

CPSIA Updates and my dreaded Opinion

dIts update time!! Good and not so good.
Yesterday, CPSC issued a clarification letter regarding resale/thrift/ministries Stores. Childrens items may still be donated and sold. HOWEVER the shops will still be heald accountable for any recalled items and clothing/toys/furniture containing lead and phylates. That is great for them!! (BUT how are they gonna DO that??)

Tuesday, the CPSC voted to allow some natural fibers, ((Undyed, un messed with, un painted, un embellished)) like cotton, wool and wood to exempted from testing. That is great for the natural toy makers!! I bet they are wiping the sweat off their bow as I type!!

So, you see, the CPSC is starting to listen to us, the small bodies, combined to make us big. They are beginning to react. Make small tweaks where the law was so much like a blanket, without any shape.
In it's own little way, the CPSC was doing the right thing when they wrote the CPSIA. And I see it now. *enter rays of sunshine raining down from the Heavens* Although, yes, I do believe they hurried and whatnot to get it done and passed. They included way too much and forgot a ton, ifyouknowwhatImean.

Until today, I was thinking, "Me, MY, I" instead of "WE, THEY, US". I was being very selfish with my thoughts pertaining to the CPSIA. All I could conjure up was how it would affect ME & MY business, and MY shop.

I woke up this morning with a realization: The CPSIA will not be changing in favor of the micro/small manufacturers. Namely, ME; US. :0)

But why not?? You ask....

Well, it starts here: If you make something, then you are a manufacturer. I am a manufacturer. Jennifer is a manufacturer. There are a billion manufacturers, tiny and huge. The CPSC does not care an iota what size the manufacturer is, they just want conformity from ALL manufacturers. The same rules, the same regulations, the same testing guidelines. EVERY MANUFACTURER big or tiny in the childrens industry, must comply to the same book of rules and regulations. Its professional. Its safe. It will weed out the ones who can't and leave the ones who can.

"But I only do this part time and make $5000 a year. It's a hobby. I
should have an exemption."

Nope. Not gonna happen.
Heres why: I could hop onto Etsy or eBay and in 5 mins find 10 items that are NOT in compliance of TODAYS safety laws. All made by home based businesses. Bling pacifiers, bling shoes, bottons, charms. Everyone seeks them out cuz "they're so cute", no one else has one and
they are hand made. The reason I can find them there and NOT at Walmart or Macy's, is because they are illegal. They pose both a choking hazard and a lead violation. You would think (and I did for so long while in denial...!!) that if you went to Joanns or Hobby Lobby and purchased all your goodies there, that everything would just be safe. Nope. I was so wrong. It took a while for me to realize it, but there are all sorts of neat do-dads available.... for GROWN-UPS!! Charms, beads, crystals, paints..... The list goes on and on. It is all those neat little things that we as childrens designers are adding to our *safe* garments; making them hazardous. In fact, I made some jeans with "Penelope the Pirate" on them.


I hand stitched chain and little fringe-trim coins to them. That chain and coin collection could have been a toxic waste dump for a tiny one (Good thing I only made them for a 8 yr old and a Mom when I listed them). It is US, the tiny hand made manufacturers who are guilty of offering lead and phylate laden childrens items.
Because there has been no one to police US. Until now.
As a childrens manufacturer, I am guilty of having screwed up by using inappropriate items on my applique masterpieces. Oops. :0)
This all brings me to the truth of the whole CPSIA deal.
It is my opinion that CPSIA will make us, as manufacturers, all on the same page, weed out
the ones who cannot comply (myself included) and also weed out the ones in non-compliance (using lead, intentionally or not). It will bring out the professionals (thanks K!!) and bury the rest.
In all my attempts to see this to the end, I fear it has already taken a piece of my heart. I know that my baby things are lead free. I know that if I can stay out of the *fun* stuff and just applique, my kids' stuff will be lead free. But I do not have the capital to have my one of a kind
items tested for lead. I do not have enough time in any day to complete what I NEED to do, much less the things I want, and still be a Mom, wife & partner. I have no time or money to run out and rent XRF to test everything!! The past four weeks I have stressed myself silly and sick over this mess because it does not just affect my lifestyle, but it affects my passion, my heart.
I have to create.
I am honored to have met some of THE COOLEST people on Earth - some are smart, some are talented, and some have just WOWED me with their super powers. I never would have found them, if it were not for fiasco called CPSIA.
Next month, I will be purchasing the book, The Entreprneur's Guide To Sewn Product Manufacturing, by Kathleen Fasanella. I'll have time to read it and enjoy it. I am really looking forward to a good book!!!
After that, I am getting a head start on Homecoming Overalls for the high school girls!! No more "pedal to the metal" for me!!

CPSIA Wordle

Brought to you by Jill, of Twinkling Tees.com
Its such a perfect fit. I think I want this silk screened on a tee... Size medium, if anyone wants to make a sample. I promise to wear it.

The kids back to school, um, today (its after midnite!!) and I am so looking forward to getting some work done!!
:0)

Celebrate Pink Zebra Month!!

At the Pink Zebra this month, we are celebrating everything pink & zebra (with a little pink cheetah thrown in). I did a little display yesterday and chose some really sweet items. The center of the display is our new in store mascot, Pink Zebra Zoe. She was originally made to display necklaces, earrings and bracelets, but I addes some bows and baby bands to her hairdo. She was donated to us by Serendipity in Katy. Another cute little house filled with handmade gifts and stuff.

After digging up the pink & zebra, it dawned on me that Valentine's Day is right around the corner!! Oh no!!! Take a look at the pathetic attempt to focus on Valentine's Day....




Guess I better get sewin'!!!

CPSIA *The Saga Continues*

Well, here it is, January3, 2009. A brand new year. Exactly 2 years ago the Pink Zebra Boutique was founded. A deposit was made, paint purchased and the excitement was started!!!
Now, in our new location and sales happening, the CPSIA has cast a weary glow. I am trying, I really am!! I am done being in denial, done trying to read between the lines and done trying to make my shop exempt.
I got away from my PC for 3 seconds the other day and Googled XRF rental places and found one close by house (of all places!!) Houston has everything!!
Here's the dirt. I can rent one for $400/day to test the items in my shop. Everyone's stuff. (I don't even think I have $400 in inventory right this minute!! HA!!) I will have to photograph everything and then take lots of notes. Hopefully, the gun I rent will be pc compatible, meaning I will be able to download all the scanned info directly into my laptop. That will help bunches if I ever do get questioned by anyone important. I wil be able to provide whatever information I have to show that I am at least TRYING to be compliant to this new law.
I am not planning on renting though, for a few more weeks. It seems that Monday, January 5th, is sposed to be a day in which some amendments might be made. I am kinda waiting to hear something. I do have my fingers and toes crossed, just in case.
In other CPSIA news, a very stupid woman, incredibly full of herself, did a report on FOX news yesterday. OMG!!! She was fed misinformation, got the facts wrong and if I am correct, she only HEARD about the law 5 mins before going on air!!! *rolling my eyes*
Sooooooooo.... a few fellow Twitters & I sent her a tweet or two to let her know her facts were wrong. Yea, well, heh-heh. Can you say, "Cat fight"? I am cracking up!! She is so totally caught in the headlights, but insists that she is right.
I would post her video, but I don't wanna make you barf. That would mess up your keyboard.
((Hey, did you notice I am not whining and bitching tonight?? I took a couple of pajama days, and I feel so much better!!))
I will leave you with a few links to some blogs and whatnots with more outlook on CPSIA and its impact on the handmade community. You really should read them. Very informative and they will make you an informed reader, parent and consumer.
Challenge & Fun
Fashion Incubator
LA TIMES news article
My Charmed Life A well versed blog entry regarding CPSIA
National Bankruptcy Day
Have a fantastic Sunday, friends!! Happy sewing or whatever!! Thanks for stoppin' by!!

Keeping Katy Creative

There are so many fantastically creative and artsie-fartsie people in this world. (Me included!! LOL) But I had the pleasure of meeting someone today who has taken her artsie-fartsie to a brilliant level.
Meet Terri Bieber, Executive Director of ARTreach.
ARTreach is a non-profit organization that provides mentoring and art-related programs to children at risk and others in need. They work through social service agencies, juvinile probation departments and the school districts.
I could go on and on, but you can go check out their blog and website for more of the cool details. I just think this program is FABULOUS and wish I had known about it sooner in life.
Here she is with her way cool ride---an official ART CAR!!!

There is a story behind it and the whole creative process, including a video!! But I don't have ALL the specifics. LOL Only that I believe it took 72 people (all volunteers) and 6 hours to paint this car donated by Don McGill Toyota of Katy. WHAT FABULOUS ART!! Would'nt you have fun driving that??? I know I would!!!
Not to mention what nice person Terri is. Full of ideas.... I can see the glint of paint in her eyes when I talk to her.
Anyhow, here are more pics of her wild wheels!!









Now I am off to convince DH that I need to paint my vehicle Pink & Zebra.....

Christmas, New Years... Yada-Yada

*WOW*
Christmas totally snuck up on me and bit me in the butt!!
And now look at the time?? Is it really the 3rd of January 2009?? YALZA!!
And today, in this post, I PROMISE not to whine about ((CPSIA)). :0)
So, without further adieu, here is some of my Christmas Fashions!!
A Katy Tiger Christmas


A Christmas Quilt for a sweet friend

I wish I had more pictures, but it seems I was so busy sewing and handing off to the gift givers, I never even thought of it. Just seeing the Mom's and their happy faces as they trot out to the car with the handmade goods tucked under their arms.
HERE'S A GREAT CHRISTMAS DAY STORY!!
So, Mom gets home about midnite on Christmas Eve... Crawls into bed to get some sleep. Mom hears the jingle of Santas reindeer in the neighborhood and sleeps with a smile.
Morning comes. The small ones wake up and creep into the living room to see if Santa left more than coal in their stockings.
Little Girls 7 & 9 are overcome with pleasure that Santa had indeed left them something fantastic!! New bicycles!!
The go through their stockings and smile and giggle as they KNEW mom would NEVER buy them *fake nails*. :0)
#7 gets that "look" on her face and says, "I don't feel very good". Rolls around on the floor under a blanket for about 1/2 an hour and then runs to the bathroom.
Yup. Lins barfed on Christmas Morning.... From sheer excitement and shock to see 2 new bicycles under the tree from dear 'ole Santa.
Whatta great guy he is!! ((WINK))