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Anthropologie Gets Crafty and Save Handmade!
Thanks to Alicia from Anthropologie we have something else cool to do tomorrow before Melissa’s brooch class (seriously, this class is awesome!) - the Cards and Cookies event at the Highland Village Anthropologie! Here’s the scoop:
Every year Anthropologie hosts the Plush Event where customers can buy a stuffed animal from the store to be donated to the Star of Hope. The event on Saturday from 10 AM to noon is called Cards & Cookies and it gives Customers the opportunity to craft custom cards to go with the donated toys, making the gift more personal when they are delivered to needy children this Holiday Season. There will also be delicious sweets to eat!
Sweet treats for you and for a child in need - sign me up! Will I see you there?
Also, hot of the presses from Kirtsy - the world’s most awesome link site (think dig, but more awesome. I just said awesome twice three times in the same sentence *shurg*). We all know there have been problems with kids toys coming from China (problems like lead!!!) and this has made many moms seek out safer, handmade alternatives. Unfortunatley, handmade toys might be coming to an end - see the excerpt from Kirtsy’s newsletter below!
The Elves are Fah-reaking Right Now!!!
In the spirit of the season and of small business artists, makers and crafters everywhere, please join with us in taking a few minutes to help out thousands of our peers (and a kabillion elves) who are about to be put out of business.
In short, because of some well-meaning, but misguided legislation, hand-made toys—and all hand-made items for children—are about to become illegal. Which sounds like an exaggeration, but isn’t.
The ladies at Cool Mom Picks have written up an excellent post detailing the situation. Please go read all about it. And then do this:
- Find your congressperson and senators and write a letter like the sample here, particularly if they serve on the consumer protection subcommittee.
- Send a letter directly to the CPSC.
- Join the Handmade Toy Alliance and check out their proposed changes to the act, which make a whole lot of sense.
- Spread the word to everyone you know who cares about helping the little guy, particularly in today’s economy.
Note: We’ve all used the sample letter to send an email to our Congresspersons. It’s super fast. It’s super important. The elves need you.
Help Save Handmade!!! Tweet this, retweet, blog this - do whatever you can to spread the word!
More Sciency Crafts!
I love science and crafts, which is why the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s awesome blog appeals to me - it has both! Check out their latest craft here.
* Photo by Erin Blatzer, HMNS photo pool!
Crafty Cocktails!
Umm hmmm - yes! We have some Christmas Ale thanks to the awesome peeps at St. Arnold !This is the seasonal beer that makes grown men cry - this is awesome stuff (and so is their root beer! Holy cow that’s some good root beer.) Anywho, enough about the beer, this Friday we are making wine charms, which you can package as a gift or keep for yourself during Crafty Cocktails - $20 gets you a project, snacks and beverages! Oh and a whole lot of Sarah’s Christmas music…
Cupcakes are Awesome.
Somebody who is awesome made us some cupcakes and dang they are good! I mean holy cow I scarfed two good and didn’t even say “Does anyone want another cupcake or can I have this last one?” I just ate it. Mmmm cupcakes!
* Photo by Vegan Noodle!
Etsy Sunday - Whitney Smith Pottery
I never knew much about pottery until I was schooled by Jason Kishell, an amazing local ceramic artist. I still don’t know much, but at least I can appreciate it more! Ceramic art ranges from the functional to the avant garde and everything in between. While I can appreciate all, the pottery really speaks to me. Probably because I’m a foodie and love me some cake stands! Which brings me to Whitney Smith’s awesome shop on Etsy. As you can see for your self, she has brought a ton of whimsy to functional serving pieces. My favorite: the cupcake stands!
