Save Handmade!

On February 10th, a change comes into effect in the US which will cripple stay at home artisans like myself. And since most of my business is from the US, I am naturally concerned. Basically, toymakers will have to subject their goods to outside tests, costing thousands of dollars, to assure the public that their toys are safe. For someone like myself, this is beyond my reach... I'm sure this applies to lots of folks out there who make wonderful handmade toys. Please help by visiting these blogs:
http://handmadekids.wordpress.com/
http://coolmompicks.com/savehandmade/
Also Etsy has had articles recently on how we can help stop this happening. I am certainly all for making safe toys, and for ensuring that mass-produced toys are safe, but only the large companies can afford the testing. So lets lobby for exemptions for small toy manufacturers!
Thank you for reading.

Happy Creative New Year!

I hope that you all had a great break over the holidays! I had been so busy that I was glad to have a rest (that doesn't stop me making stuff though!). Now I am awaiting my sewing machine back from service because I'm raring to go with lots of ideas for things for both shops. We spent Christmas up in the beautiful Blue Mountains and the breath of cool mountain air was most enjoyable. The girls got to spend most of Christmas day with their cousins at their place and that was such a beautiful time for them all.
Special thanks to my brother-in-law Matthew for making the most enjoyable Christmas dinner I've had in a while, especially for the homemade herb and bacon stuffing in the turkey. He is quite a cook! I should try to commemorate the meal in felt!!
Here are a couple of things I have made for both the shops over the break:
(told you I wouldn't be able to stop creating altogether!)