New Home?

Hey Gang!

Thought I'd let you all know... my husband and I are 1 step shy of going under contract on purchase of our first house! We're awaiting the sellers' signatures on the paperwork, now that we've accepted their counteroffers. We've got a good house inspector lined up, a paralegal to talk to, and a friend who works for a mortgage institution helping us out. So far, all the ducks are in a row, except for that thing about packing... ick. :)

But yes, very exciting, and we're looking forward to changing our residency from Norwich to Colchester, and settling in to a great house, if all goes well.

Wish us luck!


-Beth

My Inaugauration Experience

Ok, my sewing expertise has taken me many places, but this by far was the coolest. Because of my association with The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps, I was able to attend the Inauguration Ceremonies and parade this past Tuesday. Our day started at 2:30 am for the trip from southern NJ into Washington. Arrival at 4:30 am in Kennedy Stadium was eventful to say the least. Thousands of buses full of excited people emptied into the parking lots, waiting for shuttles to take us into the city. Most of the city mass transit wasn't available because the walking traffic took over the streets as expected. The grid of Washington was changed to accommodate millions of people attending on foot, and walking was what we did for sure. Miles and miles. We entered the Washington Mall quite early, to see that thousands were already there at 5 a.m. Our eventual destination was the parade route, so onward we went. There were giant screens all over the city so you could view the events live. We located the security check points we would have to pass through to get to the parade route, got in line and was quickly told that the line "started down there". I looked in that direction, and didn't move. There were tens of thousands of people all over the place....what line I thought. We stayed where we were, passed through Secret Service Security, and found our place on the parade route at about 10 a.m. We waited in the coldest, windiest conditions I have ever experienced. I ski. In blizzards. On great big mountains full of snow. This didn't compare. Every part of my body shook. My nose ran like water. I couldn't even answer my phone because my hands wouldn't move. My kneecaps clattered. The only way to make my body stop shaking was to tense up, and over 6 hours of this, my entire body hurt. Finally the parade started and it was everything I expected. Police lined up by the thousands, Marines lining the parade route, crazy cool snipers on the building tops high above us, people of every race, religion, color and age waiting to view their image of hope for the future pass by. I, however, just waited for my Cadets. I am still on the fence about politics, and all of the ongoings of Washington, but the sheer number of people attending was quite impressive. As each unit of performers, military units, politicians, and floats passed by it got colder and colder, yet we stayed. Finally The Cadets passed, in beautiful fashion. A group of under 21 youth gathered from all over the world for this historical event. I was choked up with pride. They sacrificed so much to be here. The wait was worth it. Would I do it again? Yep, in a heartbeat........but I would definately wear more layers.

The Cadets

Woa. Wait a second. Please.

I am simply shocked at the rush of emails I've recieved today. As an early member of this team, but one who has been somewhat inactive the past few months, I really thought we had a strong and vibrant team. But this...today, is distressing to say the least.
One wonders, as a group of professionals, if issues of discord could not have been handled a bit more professionally. I can see there is quite a bit of dissent, differences of opinion, even outright anger, but we're a team. Can't we do this better? Must the whole team be dragged through this?
If the situation seems untenable to some, perhaps a second team is an option, or like was suggested, a committee. But to read some of the emails flying about, you would think we were the U.S. Congress. I've met many of the early members of the team, and I found you all to be gentle spirits full of kindness and comraderie. But honestly, today I am aghast. Perhaps I don't know all of the details, but unless millions of dollars are at stake, or the future of some of our businesses (as is the case with the CPSIA issue looming over many of us), I think a little perspective and softening of rhetoric is called for.
Whatever has been accumulating of late, I wish and hope for you all to step back and look at what the real issues are, and approach them a little more professionally. Otherwise no one, no matter how good they think they are, will be able to lead a team of this size.
Jillain started this team, and worked very hard to get it going. NO ONE on Etsy was more supportive of me when I started. She felt it hard when things didn't work out well. She deserves just a bit of gratitude and respect, whether you think she is the right leader or not.
Thanks for your time.
Audrey

Corn and Potato Festival

Hi-
Amy here. Haven't ever posted here but I have a question/possible opportunity for fellow Ct crafters. I received an application for a 3 day festival in North Branford. Wondering if anyone has been as a vendor or as a buyer and what it is like. Is it worthwhile to sign up for? Hard to judge on some of the summer fairs if they are worth going to and i would hate to commit to 3 days and have it be a bust. If anyone is interested in the application conatct me and i wil forward it on. thanks for any insight anyone can offer.

Fun Christmas Gift!

So I wanted something I could make to go with some yummy esty soaps I'm giving to the ladies in my family. Of course I have 36 tupperware gallons worth of felted sweater scraps, so I made these. Cozycoleman showed me the tutorial (there's lots of them), and I was hooked! It's so simple, from one square of knitting or felt, and two ears, plus stuffing. A fun snowbound kinda project, and kids can do it!

Handmade for Kids and the US Government

Hello Team! Rebecca here. I know I'm not the most active member. I recently became aware of something that will be in effect as of February 10, 2009 barring something unforeseen and will affect the business of countless Etsy sellers and small businesses.

This summer, H.R 4040, put forth by the CPSC, was signed into law. It aims to get hazardous chemicals out of children's toys, clothes, furniture, etc. (There some exclusions, but it's not very clear to me.) This sounds good. It requires that ALL, products marketed to or intended for children 12 and under be tested. The cost of the tests, which would have to be done for each product type/model (every blue ball, red ball, green barrette, orange barrette) could easily reach into the thousands of dollars. The supplier's test will not suffice. The end manufacturer will be responsible for obtaining their own certification.

Etsy canNOT help here. They are a venue, with sellers from around the globe. We are individually responsible for following our country's guidelines as is stated in their terms of use. (see section 5- Restricted Activities then #5 in that list.)

Attention can and must be brought to this, to the effect it will have on sellers on Etsy, eBay and beyond or independently and therefore our already struggling economy. It is possible it will can even affect the sale of such items at thrift stores and garage sales.

There are several links that I have found helpful. You will find them below. Please, even if you are not a maker of items specifically for children, I hope you will take some time to look this over and pass it along. We need to work together on this.

Etsy Thread about the CPSC Deadline alot of my links are from there.
National Bankruptcy Day- this is sort of new with not a lot of info, but there are links for contacting your congressman. On the Etsy thread, they suggest handwriting the letter instead of email since snail mail will more likely get read for security reasons.
Petition against H.R. 4040 You can e-sign this even if you aren't a children's item seller. Be sure to pass it on.
Rick Woldenberg’s speech at the CPSC conference- Links to the 3-part Youtube videos where Woldenberg speaks about the impact this will have on his company. He is not a small business, but the quickness and all-encompassing nature of this act has even big business worried.
H.R. 4040- PDF The act in its entirety.
Ask a Question of the CPSC- The site says: "Everyone is encouraged to submit questions. They will be very helpful to CPSC staff in developing general guidance on the new Act and Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) pages on specific issues".
Updated 12/6/08:Etsyan Grecowoodcrafting's explanation in plain English, it's a worthwhile read.
Updated 12/7/08:Fashion Incubator- The story broke here. Lots of news articles and info.
A sample letter from Handmade Toy Alliance to print off/email and send to your Congressman

So if anyone has any ideas on how to get the word out, about what this bill, as it stands now, will do to small businesses and craftspeople, feel free to post, comment. I'm not exactly sure how to proceed. Feel free to repost this info on your blog(s), Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc. Maybe get it out to the news media, with emphasis on small business. At its core, I think the bill means well. I'm completely for protecting kids. But I think this act will harm kids, with all the parents whose livelihoods will be at risk.

Thanks for reading this. It's long but important.
Rebecca

Holiday Gift Guide

Here are but a few offerings from the talents of the CTEtsy Team!

Holiday Spectacular this Saturday!

COME ONE COME ALL!!

Don't forget to make plans to come out to the Holiday Spectacular Craft Show on Dec. 6th!


Meet some of you fellow CT Etsians and shop till you drop! Bring a friend, stranger, invite everyone!

Maybe our customers will look like this when they leave! One can only hope!

Click here to go to the mini mall of artists at the fair:

http://www.mclainjewelry.com/minimall.htm

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Specials

Specials deals from the team for Thanksgiving weekend!

Cute, Cuddly, and Cannibalistic
http://www.fenrislorsrai.etsy.com
Anthropomorphic animal illustration and art dolls
SPECIAL: In note to seller, name an animal. You’ll get a original charcoal ACEO portrait of the named animal, signed and dated by artist. (ACEOs are 2.5X3.5 inches)
LOCAL PICKUP: Bethel, CT at Rainy Day Paperback (Greenwood Ave, rte 302)

Redding Roasters Coffee Company
http://www.TheRoaster.etsy.com
SPECIAL: Free shipping to US and Canada on orders of $25 or more
LOCAL PICKUP: Bethel, CT at Redding Roasters Greenwood Ave, rte 302)

Walk in the Woods, LLC
http://walkinthewoodsllc.etsy.com
WHAT YOU SELL: Nature inspired gifts and art
SPECIAL: Free Shipping on all ACEO work and Artful Cards (many
On Sale)
LOCAL PICKUP: Winsted, CT only, by appointment

Ladybug Soapworks
http://ladybugsoapworks.etsy.com
Cold-process soap & bath and body products.
SPECIAL: Free shipping on all orders over $25.00 (within continental USA)
LOCAL PICKUP: Wesleyan University campus-by appointment

Heart of the fire
http://heartofthefire.etsy.com
One of a kind Fused glass and fine silver jewelry
SPECIAL: free shipping on jewelry and all purchases will be entered into a drawing for a necklace worth over $100 from Nov. 28 to Dec. 24
LOCAL PICKUP: Windsor, CT only at Art & Soul

Doublemuse
http://www.doublemuse.etsy.com
Hand made pottery and Jewelry
SPECIAL: 20% of all Sales from Black Friday to Cyber Monday
will be donated to Toys for Tots.

Bonhomie Jewelry
http://bonhomiejewelry.etsy.com
Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry in Fine Silver, Sterling Silver & Copper
SPECIAL: 20% off all items and Free Shipping

Styren Designs
http://www.styrendesigns.etsy.com
Handmade pens, wine stoppers, key chains, ornaments
SPECIAL: 10% discount on everything in my shop

DesignsByGalina
http://www.designsbygalina.etsy.com
Handcrafted jewelry: gemstones and silver wire-work :)
SPECIAL: 10% discount off everything in shop

McGuinness Photography
http://jmcguinness.etsy.com
Photography, Photo Pendants, Crystal Sun Catchers
SPECIAL: Buy One Get One Free -Free item must be of equal or lesser value. When checking out, please indicate in "Message to Seller" what your free item is.

Carrie W designs
http://carrieWdesigns.etsy.com
Handcrafted Boutique Jewelry - (semi-precious gemstones, pearls,
copper and sterling silver)
Sale: 10% off until the New Year! Free shipping in US

Esoteric Enchantments
http://www.EsotericEnchantments.etsy.com
Wearable Art (jewelry), Photography, and Home Decor.
SPECIAL: 20% off

Silver Dragon Creations by Patricia C Vener
http://SilverDragon.etsy.com/
One of a kind and very limited edition fine art jewelry
SPECIAL: Free Shipping

Lilly Queen
Http://LillyQueen.etsy.com
Handmade unique jewelry.
SPECIAL: Free shipping

Howard Avenue
http://www.howardavenue.org
Designer Auto Litter Bags "Carbage Bags"
SPECIAL: Free shipping on all litter bags

Archeress Arts
http://archeress.etsy.com
Renaissance, Victorian, and Fantasy Jewelry and Adornments.
SPECIAL: Free First Class shipping (anywhere), OR $3.00 off Priority Shipping (anywhere).

Candy's Trinkets
http://candystrinkets.etsy.com
Handcrafted jewelry, bookmarks, cellphone charms, keychains, suncatchers, ornaments.
SPECIAL Free US shipping