Ladybug Limited: Hair Accessories for Lucky Bugs

2011 Fall & Holiday Craft Shows

2011-09-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

If you're local to the Corvallis, Oregon area, Ladybug Limited will be at the following craft shows this fall:

September 24 & 25 -- I'll be sharing 2 booths with Clover Green Design and La Petite Vie at First Christian Church's craft fair next to the Corvallis Fall Festival. Hours are 10 to 6 on Saturday and 10 to 5 on Sunday. I'll be in Booth 27 between the church and the Disciples House on Madison Street.

November 5 & 6 -- I'll be at the Philomath Frolic & Rodeo Holiday Craft Fair at Philomath Elementary School at 16th and Applegate. Hours are 9 to 5 on Saturday and 10 to 3 on Sunday.

November 11 & 12 -- I'll be at the 67th Annual St. Mary's Arts & Craft Bazaar in downtown Albany (706 Ellsworth St SW.) Hours are 10 to 7 on Friday (Veteran's Day) and 9 to 5 on Saturday.

November 29 (Tuesday) -- I'll be at Handmade NW's OHSU Heart Research 2011 Holiday Bazaar at the Center for Health & Healing at OHSU's South Waterfront District (3303 SW Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239). Show hours are 10 to 5:30 and 10% of sales will be donated to the Heart Research Center at OHSU.

December 2 & 3 -- I'll be sharing a booth with Clover Green Design at OSU's 31st Annual Holiday Marketplace in the Memorial Union Ballroom on campus. Hours are 10 to 6 on Friday and Saturday.

Ladybug Limited Hits 500 Sales on Etsy!

2011-09-03T14:09:00.001-07:00

Well, I mentioned it on my shop page on Facebook (where I post all my shop news now), but I'm so thrilled that I had to share the details here: I just had my 500th sale in my Etsy shop today!

I opened Ladybug Limited on Etsy in December of 2008, but hitting that milestone today has been worth waiting for. Oh, and in case you're curious as to which item was my 500th sale, the buyer actually bought 4 items: the upcycled retro cherry clips, the purple butterfly clips, my new Kimono Cutie clips, and my new (and very popular!) owl clips:
So how does an Etsy seller celebrate 500 sales? I started by refunding the buyer's shipping, but maybe I can talk my family into dinner out tonight as well :)

Ladybug Limited Model Shots by Anne Nunn Photographers

2011-03-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

The shop has been long overdue for an overhaul, but I started with the blog -- there are now tabs at the top to keep me organized (or so one would hope.) In my overhauling, I realized that I had some beautiful model shots by Anne Nunn Photographers just sitting on my computer!
I first met Anne through her sister-in-law, Jessica, a fellow MOPS mom. Anne, out of the goodness of her heart, volunteered to photograph our family and said that she'd be happy to do the model shots of my Bug in some Ladybug Limited accessories as part of the shoot. Obviously I cropped them quite a bit for the collage above, but aren't they wonderful? A thousand times better than any model shots I've ever taken with my point-and-shoot!

Anyways, if you are in the Willamette Valley, I would highly recommend Anne Nunn Photographers. Our family's session with her last summer was such a delight. To thank her, I gave her a display board with lots of clips for her daughter, which led to the funniest "model shot" ever:

For a better sample of her professional work, head on over to my Who Is Ladybug Limited? page to see the precious shot she took of Bug and me or to her blog where she posted a great shot of the family from the shoot...

Beaver Believer Accessories Package

2011-02-26T20:47:00.000-08:00

Now that I live in Corvallis, Oregon, it's practically mandatory that I'm an Oregon State Beavers fan -- I would be rejecting local culture to do otherwise! Good thing my son is such a sports nut...
For the school auction dinner fundraiser at my kids' school this year, I've donated this Beaver Believer Accessories Package -- just a little bit of everything I do. There's the fabric button ring (a craft show staple), the fabric button snap clips and ponytail holders in 2 other black and orange fabrics, the no-slip ribbon clippies in orange with black dots, and the button and flower felt headband. I hope whoever wins this auction has either a lot of Beaver Believers in their family or lots of girls to share with!

New Product Debut: Button 'n' Felt Flower Headbands

2010-12-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

My poor little shop blog has been rather neglected as of late since most of the news and photos are now posted on the Ladybug Limited fan page on Facebook. However, I did want to post some photos from the Christmas bazaar I did at St. Mary's, Corvallis, this weekend as I got to debut a new product!
I'm branching off into the world of felt with these button 'n' felt flower headbands. I made one for my daughter for her birthday back in October, which quickly led to another, which led to another, and so on -- you get the idea!
I need to find a good source for headbands, but for now, I'm loving that Bug has something new to be excited about -- it's so funny to watch her choose her clothes according to the headband she's picked out for the day.
I also took this close-up shot of my ribbon clips -- I've finally changed the clip cards on them to match my other clips and ponytail holders. I had to create a card for the button flower headbands, but at least they're all stamped the same. Now I just need to change over the tags for the adjustable headbands!

Upcycled Fabric Flower Clips = Perfect School Uniform Accessory

2010-10-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

So this was for another custom order: a friend of mine had fabric from her daughter's school uniform and asked if I would make some of my scrappy flower fabric clips to match. Once I figured out how to get as much of the plaid pattern showing as possible, they were a pretty quick upcycling project. Such a fun accent for a school uniform! If you need clips made out of a certain fabric, I'm happy to oblige...

Print Your Own Fabric at Spoonflower for a Truly Custom Order!

2010-03-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

So do you know about Spoonflower? This awesome site lets you design and purchase fabric that's printed on demand. If you can't find that perfect fabric, this is the site to go to create it. And in the case of the custom order that I sold today, Spoonflower is also the perfect site if you're hoping for some truly custom buttons.
I had an Etsy shopper contact me earlier this year asking if I would make button accessories from fabric that she would supply since she was going to design it herself. Before she ordered from Spoonflower, she checked with me as to what size her design should be and what the maximum space needed to be between the design as it repeated on the fabric. As you can see, she had fabric printed with the school crest for a school in Georgia and I got to make the buttons into button snap clips and ponytail holders to be sold in the school store. We started with 40 buttons to see how they'll sell, but this one fat quarter has enough crests for another 90 buttons! Getting the text and circles just so was rather difficult, but I think the end result was worth it.

Shop Local: Shop Ladybug Limited!

2009-11-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

If you're in the Corvallis area, I'll be doing two weekend bazaars for your holiday shopping pleasure. Some Ladybug Limited accessories (pins, rings, most of my no-slip clippies, and adjustable headbands) are only carried at these live shows since my Etsy shop has focused in on my fabric button goodies. So... for the best selection (and 3 for $10 deals!) come find me at one of the following:

Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 27 and 28) I'll be at the Benton County Fairgrounds Holiday Expo. Admission is free and shopping hours are 9 - 5 on Friday and Saturday. This is a big, fantastic show-- I did a lot of shopping there last year!
December 11 and 12 I'll be at the Zion Lutheran School Christmas Bazaar (at the corner of 29th and Harrison.) Besides handmade shopping opportunities, this bazaar will feature pictures with Santa and a baked goods sale. Hours are 5 - 8:30 pm on Friday evening and 8 - 4 on Saturday.

Hope to see you there! Ladybug Limited accessories make great stocking stuffers...

Ladybug Limited as shot by Pascale Wowak: Wow!

2009-10-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

So while doing the Fall Festival craft fair with Julie of ZozoBugBaby a couple weeks ago, she mentioned that she was getting an outfit ready to send to a photographer for a big project and invited me to send along a matching fabric flower clip for the shoot. New scraps in hand, I quickly got a scrappy fabric flower off to Pascale Wowak Photography for the shoot.

So can you see why I was thrilled to get these images from Pascale today? She posted about the shoot on her blog here, so you must click through for more great shots -- Pascale's daughter Ellie has so much spirit! And Pascale had such sweet things to say in her post: "Diana uses the same fabric as Julie to design matching hair accessories for Julie's outfits! And when I say matching, I mean PERFECT! How adorable is the barrette?! LOVE."

Thanks, Pascale! The photos are fabulous!

October 9 Update:
Julie has posted the big news on her blog! Her big project is that she'll be be releasing 3 patterns for P & B Textiles -- wow! This shoot was for her Rosey Tilt-a-Twirl skirt set -- isn't it adorable? You can't really see my scrappy fabric flower clip on the pattern cover, but I'm so happy for Julie and so thrilled with Pascale's beautiful images!

Pix from Corvallis Fall Festival 2009

2009-09-27T08:12:00.001-07:00

Whew, that's a lot of accessories for lucky bugs on one table! Over 400 items...

The ribbon crochet no-slip clips and some of the adjustable ribbon headbands ("won't slip like elastic or pinch like plastic...")

The hand-stamped fabric button clips and ponies and more adjustable ribbon headbands...

The no-slip ribbon clips -- boy, were they popular!

The fabric button hair clips and hair ties -- the whole bottom spinner was fall and holiday!

My new fabric flower clips and fabric button goodies to match ZozoBugBaby...

My new fabric button bobby pins...

And I also debuted the fabric button rings and pins (in two sizes.)

Watch for a big Etsy shop update this week with new goodies!

Upcycled Fabric Flower Clips -- They're "Scrap Happy!"

2009-09-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

I get so many scraps from ZozoBugBaby, that I was inspired to do something new with them. You can never upcycle too many scraps into buttons, in my opinion, but as you could probably tell from my Zozo post earlier this week, Julie's style can handle something a lot bolder than buttons! So this weekend at the Fall Festival Craft Fair, I'll be debuting my new fabric flower clips. I've got some in the shop, too, if you're outside the Corvallis area. These clips are made by die-cutting scraps which are then sewn on with a button to a standard silver snap clip. Simple yet fun!

Ladybug Limited LIVE with... ZozoBugBaby!

2009-09-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

If you're local, then you know this weekend is the Corvallis Fall Festival, only the biggest arts and crafts event to happen in Benton County each year. This year, Ladybug Limited will have a booth in front of First Christian Church (on Madison) with ZozoBugBaby, my upcycling collaborator.
If you've never seen ZozoBugBaby's clothes, you won't want to miss this as it's the only show we're doing together this year. And for my faithful few blog readers, mention this post and I'll have a free toggle headband for you!

Etsy Love: Livvy Sue

2009-09-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

If you've poked around the shop at all, then you probably know that I've had a long-time collaboration with ZozoBugBaby. Julie makes darling kids' clothes, sends me her scraps, and I make fabric button hair goodies out of them.

Well, little did I know that when I purchased this skirt for my Bug last spring, that it would be the start of a new collaboration. Livvy Sue makes adorable/affordable little girl skirts, as well as bibs and cute kimono sets. Over the summer, she sent me some scraps, and I'm now finally ready to lauch the Livvy Sue collection in the shop. Too cute! I'll have to see if I can resist going back for another skirt or not...

106 Fans!

2009-07-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

Realizing it was time to finally get the shop onto Facebook, I set up a page on Facebook about a week ago. However, I soon learned that Facebook would not let me have a dedicated username unless I had 100 fans. So, it was time to get the word out. Thanks to some awesome mom friends like Tammy and Andie, http://www.facebook.com/ladybuglimited hit 106 fans today-- and yes, I got my username!

As promised, it's time for a drawing for those fans who helped me get that username. According to random.org, the random fan is (drumroll, please)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
49
Timestamp: 2009-07-03 04:38:10 UTC

Since I think Facebook lists the fans as the most recent fans first, according to my calculation, my 49th fan would be Valerie Wilson, who apparently found me through Dan Shipley, my cross-country teammate from my Concordia days. So, congrats Valerie, and thanks, Dan, for helping to get the word out!

Ladybug Limited as shot by Thea Coughlin Photography

2009-06-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts about selling on Etsy is trading with other sellers -- it's almost like getting something for nothing, right? Awhile back I traded some fabric button accessories with Julie of ZozoBugBaby and she sent some of these clips to a photographer for a product shoot. Well, today, Thea Coughlin Photography has a post up of beautiful images -- click through for some adorable kids!

Ladybug Limited Around the Web...

2009-06-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of new places you can find me...

On the Dot Creations has a thing for polka dots! This month, some of my dotty items are part of her Polka Dot Parade
You can now find selected Ladybug Limited hair goodies at online retailer Cat in an Apron, one of my first wholesale accounts. Click on through and see all the cuteness she has in stock!

Yay! Another Etsy Treasury!

2009-05-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

Got selected for another treasury this week by Minnow by E who created a treasury with a "Mellow Mustard" theme with lots of yellows and blues. So what did she pick of mine to feature? My little Vintage Duckies! They're in the shop if you'd like your own, in your choice of clips or ponies (or one of each.)

She's Mine! All Mine!

2009-04-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

It's not often I post my Etsy finds from my personal blog here on the shop blog, but since this one is for the shop, I had to double post!

If you've been around the shop lately, you may have noticed that I've gone a bit ladybug crazy. It all started when I got my long-lusted-after Shinzi Katoh fabric and made these buttons:First, I made that little ladybug my shop and Blogger avatar and then I worked her into my blog and shop banner. Well, that wasn't enough. I stopped by Craft Pudding, the coolest little stamp shop on Etsy, and asked her to make me a ladybug stamp of my very own. And here's what she came up with:Isn't she just the cutest ladybug ever?!?!?! I can hardly stand it and can't wait to stamp her on shop tags, business cards, and fabric for buttons. And while I was there, I also picked up a fat quarter of Craft Pudding's fabric from her stamp designs. Won't it make great fabric buttons?So, if you haven't checked out Craft Pudding yet, you are really missing out! Go now, but you can't have my ladybug-- she's mine, all mine!

I'm in an Etsy Treasury!

2009-03-24T23:21:00.001-07:00

This is probably no big deal to most Etsy sellers, but it's my first, so I'm excited:
Yep, my little day-old Bug Buddies ponytail holders made it in. I guess this means my pix must finally be improving :)

And as I've been told in the forums, technically this isn't my first as I was an alternate for an Admin-curated Treasury that was on the front page in January, but this is the first one my goodies are actually pictured in!

Oh, and if you want to see it, go now because it expires on Thursday. For the direct link, click here.

My New Ladybug!!!

2009-03-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

The Shinzi Katoh "Clover" fabric I've been lusting over for months arrived from Japan today! Isn't it so kawaii?
I immediately had to make Bug some ponytail holders with it:
And not only is it already listed in the shop in case you want your own ladybugs or bumblebees, I also had to make that Little Miss Ladybug my avatar (both on Etsy and Blogger) and she's in my new shop and blog banner.
I am in love!!!!

Big Giveaway Coming Up!

2009-03-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm one of the prize sponsors (prize #16) for 5 Minutes for Mom's Ultimate Blog Party 2009! So what can you win? The winner of my prize will get a $20 gift certificate to spend in my Etsy shop-- that's a lot of hair accessories!

Wanna double your chances? Stop by my personal blog here and leave a comment at that post (please!) telling me how you'd spend the second $20 gift certificate I'm giving away! (Of course, you're welcome to say "hi" here if you like.) I posted my prize picks there as there are just so many great prizes to choose from.

If you stick around here, you'll notice that this is what I call my "shop blog." I always post about my reviews and giveaways here, as well as any local shows I'm doing. If you want a Ladybug Limited coupon, this is the blog to subscribe to!

Stop by, join the party, and have fun!

Update: The party's over :( Stop by this post on my personal blog for the two winners. Thanks for all your sweet comments everyone!

Spring Craft Shows on the Calendar...

2009-03-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Shopping Local? I've got two local craft shows in the next month!

1. The Spring Craft Sale at the Keizer Lions Club (near Salem) this Saturday:

Where: Keizer Lions Club at 4100 Cherry Ave NE in Keizer

When: March 14
Time: 9am to 3pm

2. Meet Your Maker during First Friday Artwalk:
Where: Broadway Wine Bar at 200 W. Broadway, Eugene (indoors)
When: Friday, April 3rd
Time: 5pm to 8pm.

Meet Your Maker is a cool little monthly show that I'm thrilled to be a part of for the first time! If you'd like to see what it's all about-- and check out some of the other vendors -- here's the link to the Meet Your Maker site.

Hope to see you there! As a little incentive to my local blog readers, stop by either one of these shows and I'll give you a free item from my table with any purchase! Just mention this post for your freebie...

Another review & giveaway!

2009-03-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

Today I'm partnering with ZozoBugBaby for a giveaway at Give Away Today. The winner will get a $30 gift certificate to ZozoBugBaby and a $5 certificate to my Etsy shop to pick out matching accessories. Wow!

And they had such kind things to say: "You are going to love Ladybug Limited’s unique hair clips and ponytail holders. I had a hard time even deciding on which image to show—I think all of their hair accessories are so stylish. "

So what's the catch? Well, the site is Give Away Today, so that means you can only enter today. Head on over to this post now to enter -- and don't forget to check back tomorrow to see if you won as you only have 24 hours to claim your prize...

Update: The winner picked her prize, these lovely crochet butterfly clips. But don't worry, I can make more...

50!

2009-03-02T08:08:00.000-08:00

I achieved a minor goal yesterday: 50 sales in 3 months in my shop! I opened my Etsy shop on December 2, so today is my 3-month anniversary.

Here's hoping for 100 sales by the 6-month mark!

I've Been Spotted!

2009-02-23T08:04:00.001-08:00

on Indie Spotting! Indie Spotting is a site for handmade finds, and today, these are featured on their front page and in their Babies and Kids section:
I tried to take a screen shot for this post, but as you can see, I don't exactly have that figured out yet! Good thing I was in the middle of the screen!
Anyways, head on over to Indie Spotting and see what sorts of handmade goodies you spot. Or, head on over to the shop and check out all the new items I put up this weekend!

What Dr. Seuss might write about the CPSIA...

2009-02-21T12:16:00.000-08:00

So you probably know that when Dr. Seuss wrote The Lorax, it was a bit of environmental social commentary. If he were alive today, do you think he'd have anything to say about the CPSIA? I like to think he would.

For some insight into what he might have said, check out this link, a story tentatively titled "The Trouble With String" by Heather Idoni and Jodi Whisler.

Cute as a Button...

2009-02-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

...is the title of my review and giveaway over at Evergreen Moms!

Among their comments: "...We particularly love Ladybug Limited's hand-printed fabric button hair accessories. From ladybugs (of course!) to teddy bears to initials, there are several designs and colors to choose from. So you can find the perfect accessory to match each of your little girl's favorite outfits. "

Head on over to this post to check out the rest of their kind words (*blush*) and enter for your chance to win.

Update: The giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Judy who picked these and these for her prize. Her ducks and bugs are on their way!

Time to Contact Your Senator!

2009-02-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

In response to the CPSC's press release postponing the testing and certification requirements of the CPSIA for one year, Heather of Boutique Cafe put up this post, "Breathe Easy... and Then Call Your Representatives." It's a great post, but even better is that Sen. DeMint's staffer took note and weighed in with a comment:

Tom Jones says:
January 31st, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Heather - you hit the nail on the head here.

First an introduction. I’m Senator DeMint’s staffer that handle’s CPSC issues for him. A couple quick things.

If your readers could:

1) Call their Senator Monday 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.

2) When you are on the phone with the office make a very specific ask. Let them know you want the Senator to co-sponsor the DeMint bill. 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. Finally say thanks for talking to you. 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.

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.

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.

Tom

If you haven't read Senator DeMint's legislation to amend the CPSIA, please click through here. Second, please contact your Senators! I knew I couldn't call tonight, so I e-mailed using the links found here (this will get you the e-mail or phone for your Senators.) Liberally using the information from Tom Jones comment, here's my e-mail to Senators Merkley and Wyden:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission's announcement this week that that they were granting a one-year stay of testing and certification requirements as mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was welcome news to me as I am a home-based seller of children's products. However, this is a hollow victory as PIRG is going to sue to overturn the order and the order doesn't do anything to deal with State Attorney Generals nor prevent any liability issues or all these same problems in one year.

Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina will be introducing legislation this week to reform the CPSIA-- see his post at http://demint.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=JimsJournal.Detail&Blog_ID=295d58b2-b6fe-c446-1432-24b6199424ed.

I am writing to request that you would co-sponsor this important bill with Sen. DeMint. Tom Jones, Sen. DeMint's staffer that handles CPSC issues, has asked that any senators who would be willing would have their staffers contact him on Monday, February 2nd. He works on the Commerce Committee and his email is in the "Global Email Directory." He can also be called through the DeMint front office phone line which is 4-6121.

I want to thank you in advance for your assistance on this urgent matter. I would be most honored if you would contact me to let me know if you are willing to co-sponsor this legislation.

Thank you for your time.

Please feel free to use any of this to contact your own senators! Let's get this fixed everyone!

Finally! Some Good News re the CPSIA!

2009-01-31T11:31:00.000-08:00

From the CPSC's press release yesterday:

CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.

Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.

For the rest of the release and Etsy's take on it, please see this article from The Storque, Etsy's blog. Then join me in a big shout of "Woo hoo!"

Edited to add: Found more on this after posting, of course. Thanks to Hilary at Endangered Whimsy for this post to point out our joy should probably be tempered with a bit of caution. (Check out ZRecommends' "Seller Beware" post for other reasons to hold off on the happy dance.) However, Hilary also highlighted the good news that at least one senator has finally realized that this legislation can only be controlled by... more legislation. Click on through to read Sen. DeMint's proposals to rein this thing in-- there's lots of common sense in there, so here's praying it comes out right once he proposes it as legislation this next week.

We Have a Winner!

2009-01-31T10:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who entered at my Bloggy Giveaways post! There were 136 comments left -- thank you for the sweet compliments -- and here's the winning number from random.org:

Here are your random numbers:
40
Timestamp: 2009-01-31 18:11:11 UTC

Comment #40 belonged to Heather, who said:

I love the cupcake cuties, anything cherry and monogrammed!! How cute!!

I've e-mailed Heather, who has 72 hours to claim her prize. Congratulations, Heather, and thanks for your entries everyone!

And for those of you who checked back here to see if you had won, can I offer you a deal to ease your heartbreak? :) Purchase anything from my Etsy shop by noon next Friday (Feb. 6) and I'll add 1 free ponytail holder from any fabric in my shop. Just write "Bloggy Giveaways Freebie!" in the "notes to seller" when you check out and let me know which ponytail holder you would like.

CPSIA update 1.28.09: The Blog-In

2009-01-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today I'm participating in the CPSIA Blog-In, publishing a post by Holly of Winklepots that you'll hopefully run into several times today to get the word out about the worst-case scenario should the CPSIA go into effec as writtent. If you thought this was just about toys, keep reading to see how far-reaching this legislation really is...

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.

What can you do?

Contact the CPSC at the link listed above.

Contact your local representatives.

https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Change can only be made when you make it happen.

The Bloggy Giveaways Quarterly Carnival! UPDATE

2009-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's Bloggy Giveaway time! I know you've got lots of giveaways to check in on here, so I'll make it short and sweet...

So what can you win? Any 3 items from my Etsy shop (with shipping included, of course)! I have the ribbon clips I started with, my fabric button clips and ponies, and my latest creation: hand-printed fabric buttons and ponies. I've linked straight to those sections in my shop in case you already know which you're interested in. By the way, if you've got more reading time, my shop is threatened, thanks to the CPSIA-- start with this post or any other on my main page for more info...

So how do you win? It's easy-peasy: just comment on this post on which 3 item listings you would pick if you're the lucky winner. Please leave your e-mail in your comment if it's not in your blogger profile so I can find you.

Details? Please just leave 1 comment and make sure you follow the how-to above. This giveaway is open worldwide but closes at midnight (PST) on Friday, January 30. On Saturday, February 1, I will number all the comments and draw a winner. I'll notify the winner who will have 72 hours to respond or I'll draw another winner.

Thanks for stopping by everyone! Good luck! For more giveaways open this week, stop by Bloggy Giveaways!

Updated to add: This giveaway is now closed. For the winner, please check this post. Please note that there is also a special offer for the next week for all those who didn't win but would still like to do some shopping :) Thanks everyone!

Not Going to Stop Praying Yet...

2009-01-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

So after reading ZRecommends post that I mentioned in my previous post, I decided to head on over to the Etsy forums to see what the response was to the Energy and Commerce Committee's letter to Chairman Waxman. I usually spend a bit of time in the forums, but since I'm not in Corvallis this week to fill shop orders, I haven't stopped in as much.

Anyways... found this forum thread entitled "Important Update We are being heard, but this is not over." Here's the leadoff post from Etsy Admin Matt:

matt says:

I just received a copy of a letter sent from Congressmen Joe Barton and George Radonovich to The Honorable Henry A. Waxman, Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

They have received 1000s of letters and emails, and are citing the cause of the independent producer. They are calling for a hearing to advocate a delay in implementation of the law, a "fine tuning" of the policies.

Click here to download the pdf:

http://tinyurl.com/7r4nn4

That said, nothing has changed yet! More than ever you need to keep those Emails and Calls coming to Henry Waxman and the Committee on Energy and Commerce coming!

Contacts:

Henry A. Waxman

California-30th, Democrat
2204 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515-0530
Phone: (202) 225-3976

http://www.henrywaxman.house.gov/htbin/formproc_za/waxman/zip_authen.txt&form=/waxman/email.htm

Before emailing: Read this great blog post by Kathleen at Fashion-Incubator

http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/dont-throw-yourself-under-the-cpsia-bus/

Whether you are a seller of handmade products for children or not, Kathleen Fasanella's post over at Fashion Incubator has some good points about the runaround we may be getting from Washington. Let's keep the pressure up on Congress to actually DO something about all this!

Hope at Last?

2009-01-21T21:49:00.000-08:00

Just read this post over at ZRecommends, and it's been the best news I've come across since learning that the CPSIA would mean the end of hand-crafted children's products! Apparently, implentation of the CPSIA will not proceed as planned on February 10-- hooray!

Today Committe on Energy and Commerce in the House of Representatives submitted a letter to their chair, Henry Waxman, requesting a hearing to discuss the issues because (to quote from the letter), "as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) begins its implementation procedures, it is becoming clear that, without the rapid application of some COMMON SENSE (all caps mine as I've been praying for a cloud of common sense to rain down in DC all along...), the new law also holds potential to impose vast economic hardship without actually protecting anyone." Read the full text of the letter here.

Looks like the House of Representatives' Committee on Energy and Commerce got the message from all of us making hair accessories, as well as thousands of other crafters: "...it seems obvious to us that the hand-knitted sweaters and homemade hair bows sold by artisans on eBay are highly unlikely to endanger children's health."

Please join me in my dance of joy!

A Printable Resource re the CPSIA

2009-01-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

So if you'd like something to print out to educate those still in the dark about the CPSIA, head on over to this link to print out a Save Handmade booklet with lots of photos.

I'm featured on page 5...

Ten predictions for the CPSIA’s effect on children’s products in 2009

2009-01-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

I haven't said much lately about the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act), but unfortunately, this isn't a case of no news is good news. In fact, all we've gotten lately from the Consumer Product Safety Commission is confusion upon confusion. There are rumors of concessions for various products or groups, but then the CPSC comes right back with threats. So no, none of us who sell our handmade children's products are anywhere close to being in the clear yet, and yes, my business and thousands of others are still threatened.

So back to the title: for 10 predictions on the CPSIA's effect, click on over to this story posted this afternoon on Z Recommends. If you thought the CPSIA wasn't very far reaching, you'll think again after reading this. I felt compelled to comment, so I've reprinted my comment below:

I think you’ve totally hit the nail on the head with these predictions! I keep praying that a giant cloud of Common Sense will move over DC and rain down on the heads of the CPSC, Congress, President-Elect Obama and anyone else who can make a difference with this well-meaning but very misguided piece of legislation. I think the CPSC has done a dreadful job of handling all this, too, by the way and I know I’m not alone in that opinion!

I’m all for safer children’s products, but this legislation has gone about it in the wrong way: “all products” is pretty far-reaching. So are libraries going to ban children or dump their children’s sections? (That’s about the only prediction you didn’t touch on in your list above that I could think of.)

So what have I done? As a mom and Etsy seller of children’s hair accessories, I have spread the word wherever I could since I first learned about this almost 6 weeks ago: I’ve e-mailed all the major bloggers I read who I thought might pick up this issue (including you guys), I’ve posted on forums (both on Etsy and a hair clip forum I belong to), I’ve signed every petition I can find, and I’ve e-mailed the CPSC and my representatives. Oh, and I’ve posted Save Handmade buttons on all 3 of my blogs and submitted an entry to Endangered Whimsy, a blog that highlights all the children’s products that will soon disappear.

So what can I do now? I don’t know. At this point I just keep on keeping on. I’m still stocking my Etsy shop and working on wholesale and consignment agreements as if this will all be worked out. I read about a Class Action Lawsuit against the CPSC this morning and will have to look into that. Testing all my products? Too expensive at my price point-- all my items are $5 or less and come in countless variations.

I feel like I’m on information overload at this point, but thanks for this post-- I’ll go mention it in the Etsy forums now. Mass media has missed so much of the scope of this already, so thanks for actually getting this right.

And yes, this is the longest comment I’ve ever posted on any blog… sorry!

So what to do now? If you haven't, please click on the Save Handmade button over on my sidebar. Sign a petition, e-mail a representative, or just pray for common sense in Washington...

Something New! Hand-Printed Button Hair Clips and Ponytail Holders!

2009-01-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

Last night, I put up the first of many listings into my Etsy shop for my new product line: hand-printed fabric button hair accessories. I'd had been thinking about this ever since I saw fabric ink listed in another Etsy shop and thought it would be a great idea to use rubber stamps to make some custom buttons. Plus, it was a good excuse to buy some Japanese rubber stamps! As far as I can tell, this hasn't been done anywhere else (at least not on Etsy), so I'm calling these a Ladybug Limited original.

Anyways, here are the results so far:There's lots more for me to photograph and list, but Bug's patience will only hold out so long, so I'll be adding these to my shop all week. The initials set and ladybugs set are, of course, her 2 favorites, so they were the first I listed. I'm partial to the tricycles myself.

The great thing about these clips and ponies is that any design can be done in any of the 12 colors I have. After stamping these on an unbleached quality muslin, I heat set the fabric ink, so no worries about the design fading or rubbing off.

So are there any designs you'd like to see? I have more holiday ones coming, as well as more animals and some botanicals. I had to make sure to do lots of hearts for Valentine's Day-- they'll make great little favors for Mugger's kindergarten class. I'll be posting them to this section of my shop, so feel free to check in!

Valentines Party Favors Now in the Shop!

2009-01-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day, how about some clips or ponytail holders for all your young (or young at heart) valentines? I've just put up this item in my Etsy shop for your custom order. All you have to do is tell me which fabric you'd like and whether you're purchasing the clips or ponies as singles or pairs so I can card them properly for you. I think all those little girls (17!) in my Mugger's kindergarten class are getting a heart ponytail holder this year. At only $2 per clip or ponytail holder, it will be nice to share something that will last longer than a paper card with all his little friends.

Fresh Picks for Spring!

2009-01-03T10:53:00.001-08:00

Well, I've been busy loading up the Etsy shop lately. Just look at all these new designs!
These clips and ponytail holders are all the result of my new collaboration with ZozoBugBaby, a local creator of beautiful children's clothes and fellow Etsy seller. Julie of ZozoBug is based in Salem and contacted me about using her scraps to make some clips and ponys to coordinate with her Spring 2009 line. Aren't her clothes adorable?
Such talent! I love her whimsical pattern combinations! Thanks, Julie, for the chance to upcycle your fabric leftovers.

For those of you who haven't stopped into my Etsy shop in awhile, all the fabric button items are now "pick a pair" so you can either have 2 clips, 2 pony o's, or 1 of each. Decisions, decisions...

Giveaway at my other blog...

2008-12-15T09:23:00.000-08:00

Want to win these? Then stop by this post today!

Endangered Whimsy

2008-12-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the CPSIA, Ladybug Limited is now featured here on Endangered Whimsy, a gallery of products endangered by this legislation.

Don't know what the CPSIA is? Click on the "Save Handmade" button in the sidebar to educate yourself.

Help Save Ladybug Limited...

2008-12-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

... and all the other shops selling handmade children's products! The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act has been passed and as of February 10, 2009, all of us selling handmade children's products will have to shut down because of the prohibitive costs associated with lead testing and third-party certification.

I'm all for no lead in children's products, but seeing as how this has been a made-in-China problem and this legislation does nothing to address products from China, I would urge you to take action! If you'd like some more info written for consumers, please start with this post over at The Smart Mama. Cool Mom Picks also had a very good post up about this yesterday with a checklist of how we can all be involved.

And, yes, I'm the Diana mentioned in the "Edited to add..." on CMP's post. I think it's important for everyone to realize that this affects ALL children's products: toys, clothing, ANYTHING intended for kids 12 and under, so I spent my evening e-mailing a lot of my favorite blogs and websites about this. So far I've contacted Z Recommends, Rocks in My Dryer, Thingamababy, Northwest Mom Finds, Goody Blog, and 5 Minutes for Mom.

What will you do?

Edited to add: ZRecs has a great article out on the CPSIA today with 5 steps we can all take...

In Stock Now...

2008-12-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

In case you saw me at one of the local shows in Corvallis, here's a slide show of what I have in stock now. (If you double-click on any image, you can navigate the whole album to find what you're looking for.) Need a stocking stuffer? E-mail me!

Fabric button ponytail holders and snap clips are $4 a pair. The no-slip ribbon clips are $5 per pair.

Adjustable Toggle Ribbon Headbands

2008-12-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

Introducing the world's most comfortable headband! This headband is simply a piece of 7/8" ribbon threaded through a toggle, which allows you to adjust the headband for a perfect fit. It won't pinch like plastic or slip like elastic! These are also the headbands I'm giving away as part of my Grand Opening Special in my new Etsy shop, so head on over for a look!

I don't have these listed in my shop yet, but if you'd like to buy one, here are a few of your choices at $4 apiece:
Please note that some of the prints above are sold out, but all of the polka dots and stripes below are available...

Ladybug Limited Live!

2008-11-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

So if you're in the Corvallis area, I'm doing 2 local shows the next two weekends...

First up is the Shepherd of the Valley Handcrafted Holiday Bazaar this Saturday (tomorrow!) from 10 to 2. If you click on the link, you'll find the address and directions to the church, but you can't miss it at Walnut and Highland Drive. I'm also the vendor coordinator for this bazaar, so I'm pretty excited about the selection. If you go to the church website and click on the "Special Events" tab you can find info about the vendors coming.

If you are big into shopping the day after Thanksgiving, then don't miss the Holiday Expo out at the Benton County Fairgrounds that Friday and Saturday. I'll have an 8-foot table at that one, so I'll have lots of my new items like ribbon headbands, fabric button ponytail holders, and fabric button snap clips.

Stop by at either event and say you saw this post and I'll give you a free ribbon headband!

UPDATE: Thanks to all who stopped by-- it was fun!

Ready in Red

2008-09-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

How about some sparkle? This sparkle flower is also available in pink, purple, light blue, and green. Perfect for dressing up any outfit.
Beautiful red bows, accented with a pearl center. If your Little Bug is a bow fan, I also have these in white, cream, pink, rose, baby blue, peach, and lavender.
Here we have some dainty red rosebuds. This rosebud clip is available in lots of colors: baby blue, dusty blue, dusty rose, purple, white, cream, yellow, peach, and pink.

Revved Up Reds

2008-09-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Made to match Gymbo's Strawberry Fields line, these clips are one of my Bug's favorites. The strawberry topper is also available in pink, which so far I've matched with a pink polka dot ribbon.
Love this combo: a little flower button with a stitched ribbon. This one looks great with Gymbo's Holland Days line.
Polka dots and stars! Such a fun combo.
Feeling patriotic? How about a big red star with some red, white, and blue ribbon?

Pink Plus...

2008-09-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Love these little crochet flowers, here a light blue flower with a pink center. If your Bug is a flower girl, I also have these flowers in bright pink with a yellow center, orange with yellow, lavender with yellow, and yellow with a pink center.
More crochet toppers, this time a butterfly in black with a bright pink center. I have these butterflies in other colors too: besides the black with pink, I also have blue with white, dark pink with light pink, green with yellow, and red with yellow.
Here a delicate mauve rosebuds. This rosebud clip is available in lots of colors: baby blue, dusty blue, purple, red, white, cream, yellow, peach, and pink.
Here a pink and green striped ribbon is topped by a green flower button. These buttons come in all sorts of pastels (pink, yellow, peach, and baby blue), so more will be up soon.

Pinks and Browns

2008-09-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

Love these preppy little stripes! Two shades of pink with brown.
Such a beautiful ribbon, again in my Bug's favorite pink and brown combo.
More pink and brown stripes, this time with a brown button to pop the brown stripe.
One of my most popular clips: the pink pearl-center bow on a brown ribbon. If your Little Bug is a bow fan, I can also top a brown ribbon (or any other color) with a white, cream, baby blue, rose, peach, or lavender pearl-center bow.

The Pink and Green Set

2008-09-18T21:31:00.001-07:00

Gotta love this set! These printed ribbons are so cute on their own, so no toppers are added. Get your fill of circles, squares, and stripes in pink and green and brown. Would you like to give the set as a gift? Add the clip organizer below and I can box the whole thing for you...

The Ladybug Limited Clip Organizer

2008-09-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

To organize your Ladybug Limited clips, how about a ladybug ribbon? This cute little clip organizer keeps your Little Bug's clips neat and all in one place. This holder will be included FREE with any single purchase of 4 or more pairs of clips!
And if you're purchasing multiple pairs for one Lucky Bug, let me know and I can gift box them together rather than packaging them individually.

Baby Blues

2008-09-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Printed ribbons are so much fun! I have this same print in pink, if that's your preference.
Yay for polka dots! This time, the center is polka dot ribbon, but also cute with a white button.
And the ever-elegant pearl-center bow clip. If your Little Bug is a bow fan, I also have these in white, cream, pink, rose, peach, and lavender.

Butterflies!

2008-09-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

What Little Bug wouldn't love to have these crochet butterflies flitting in her hair? I have these butterflies in other colors too: besides the blue with white, you can have black with pink, dark pink with light pink, green with yellow, and red with yellow.

Dark Blues

2008-09-18T19:57:00.001-07:00

Ah, the rosebud clip! These are so dainty-- and I have them in so many colors! Besides this dusty blue bud, I also have baby blue, purple, red, white, cream, yellow, peach, rose, and pink.
And then, the classic: the two-hole white button with the stitched ribbon. Here a navy ribbon, but available in so many other colors, too.

Purples

2008-09-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

These polka dot clips are my Bug's favorite! I have nearly endless polka dot combos, quite a few of which are shown in my samples album -- just double-click on the slideshow at the top left of this blog to see them.
These square buttons are so unique and pair so well with the stitched ribbons!
And finally, for the older girl-- or for the one who's apt to pull buttons off...
...these printed ribbons will jazz up any outfit. So sweet and simple!

Neutrals

2008-09-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

Looking for a great goes-with-everything clip? This cheerful daisy is one of my favorites! Here it's mounted on a navy ribbon, but you can have it on any color ribbon you like.
These pearl-center bow clips shown in white and cream will dress up any outfit. If your Little Bug is a bow fan, I also have these in pink, rose, peach, baby blue, and lavender.

Ladybug Limited is on 5 Minutes for Mom!

2008-03-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! This month's giveaway is featured on 5 Minutes around the Blogosphere at 5 Minutes for Mom!

So have you checked out 5 Minutes for Mom yet? It's a great way to find mom-owned stores & websites, as well as all sorts of giveaways. My favorite part of the site is the Ultimate Blog Parties where you can meet lots of other mom bloggers and also win lots of prizes. I participated in the most recent one and it was a blast!

Grand Opening Giveaway! UPDATED (2x)

2008-03-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

Ladybug Limited business cards and clip cards have arrived, so I'm officially open for business! Here's a sample of how your clips will come packaged...
I have lots of stock left from the MOPS boutique I did on Friday (here's the pic of my table), so...
... to celebrate my Grand Opening, I'm having a Grand Opening Giveaway! Three winners will each receive a pair of Ladybug Limited hairclips, valued at $5. To enter to win any pair of clips (a premade design or custom), please do the following:

Double-click on my Ladybug Limited Samples slideshow and find your favorite.
Leave ONE comment at this post by 11:59 pm PDT on Monday, March 31st, telling me which one you like best.

If you'd like to earn a second entry, just highlight this giveaway on your blog and leave me a SECOND comment with the direct link to your post. (This step is optional.)

Three winners will be drawn at random from all the eligible entries and announced on this blog. I'll also contact the winners by e-mail, so please leave me a way to contact you in case you win. You'll have 72 hours to respond or your prize will go to another winner drawn at random.

Good luck!

Just visited random.org and here are the winners:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

1
12
8

Timestamp: 2008-04-01 15:28:59 UTC

So, Theresa N., Mattie, and Lee, congratulations! You have until Friday to claim your prize!

UPDATE #2: Lee has not claimed her prize, so this time the random number (generated by my son!) is 5. "Not So SAHM" has until Monday to claim her clips...

Hairclip Giveaway! UPDATED

2008-03-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

As part of 5 Minutes for Mom's Ultimate Blog Party 2008, I'm giving away a pair of hairclips of your choice. To enter, stop by this post on my other blog and comment!

UPDATED: Jennifer has claimed her prize. Here's the pair of custom no-slip clips I created for her:

Coming Soon...

2008-02-17T04:15:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for the launch of my little crafting venture, Ladybug Limited. I make so many hairclips for my daughter that I've decided to sell them as well. I'll be launching an Etsy store soon and doing a boutique in March, so I hope to be up and running by then...