Sunday, January 25, 2009

{Sad Story}

This is some local coverage on the CPSIA law that comes into affect next month, which will cause hundreds of mom-owned businesses (like me) to discontinue selling handmade products!

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Scrap Happy GROUP

Ever wonder what to do with those extra or duplicate scrapbook supplies? You know, the ones you HAD to have?! Well, now you've got the perfect place to go! I've created the Scrap Happy Group on Yahoo Groups! Not only will we chat about the latest and greatest supplies, tools and techniques, you can ask questions, get scrapbooking advice and post your items to trade or swap. Whether you live here locally or across the US, you can sign up to be a member. This will also give you inside information as to upcoming promotions, giveaways here on the blog and new item releases.

On the Scrap Happy Group you can even participate in polls to help me offer just the products you want. Go there now to voice your opinion on a new "kit of the month" offering!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ScrapHappyGroup/

This is really going to be a blast. I will even be posting sketches & challenges so all members can create pages, cards or altered items for awesome prizes! But I can't do it without YOU. So, PLEASE SIGN UP TODAY! Be inspired and take part in the Scrap Happy Group. Swap & trade your extra supplies for new ones and have fun creating memories to last a lifetime.

Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions :)

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

{Much needed rest}

Lately I have been taking some much needed rest from the blog-world. Don't get me wrong, I love the blog, both figuratively and literally, but life comes at ya fast sometimes! So, now that we're back from Lauren's gymnastics meet in Las Vegas and have a 2 week reprive until the next meet, I'm trying to catch up.

Next in the agenda is to refocus on scrapbooking. Not only my personal back log, but business-wise too. I know I've posted here previously about the new CPSIA act coming into affect next month (see http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia). In a nutshell it will make it illegal for me to sell any handmade products intended for use by children under the age of 12, unless I participate in rigorous and expensive testing on each type of product. This is truly a shame. It's putting SO many wonderful artisans out of business...even local boutiques here in Salt Lake City!

So, look for more scrapbooking classes, products & inspiration - coming soon, here AND in my Etsy shop.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy NEW Year!!

Happy New Year! We've survived a Christmas Eve trip to the ER - Nolan had croup, tattered boxes, bags of crumpled wrapping paper, Nolan opening everyone ELSE'S gifts, long waits at the airport, packing up all the Christmas decorations, too much food and lots of late nights! Here we are in 2009!

Lot's of changes for the coming year. I think my resolution will be to slow down & enjoy life. Last year was so busy with teaching classes and creating product for boutiques that I didn't take time to do what I quit working to do: Spend more time with the kids! That's my New Years resolution. They're only young for such a short time and I want to savor every moment!

What's YOUR resolution for 2009???