Momma's Darlins: Sweet baby Cupie doll giveaway!

Momma's Darlins: Sweet baby Cupie doll giveaway!

Momma's Darlins is giving away an adorable plush kewpie doll. This talented Etsian is another potential victim of the CPSIA legislation. Visit her blog (and her Etsy Shop) and show some love and support!

CPSIA is Taking Comments Until Jan 30

Comments are being accepted by the "powers that be" regarding the CPSIA legislation until January 30th, 2009.

Please take a few minutes to voice your concern about these regulations that will kill the handmade movement.
Here is the link to the PDF on the official website

CPSIA and the Etsy Artist

Beginning this week, until this legislation comes into effect, I will post 3 Etsy Minis on my blog per week in support of the artists who will be affected.
If you are an Etsy artist who creates beautiful items for children, and would like your Etsy mini featured here, please convo me on Etsy
Etsy minis should be 3x1 in the Gallery format.
I encourage readers who do not have child-focused shops to visit these Etsy shops and show some love.
Also, please read my previous post about the CPSIA legislation, and use the contact information to have your voice heard.
I will post links to online petitions in future posts.
We cannot allow this legislation to destroy home based businesses. With this kind of regulation, all parents will be forced to buy expensive name brand clothing that do not express individuality and pricey name brand toys that have been made in sweatshops because those are the only companies who will be able to afford to survive.

CPSIA

My Etsy Mini this week is showcasing several artists who will be dramatically affected by the upcoming CPSIA legislation. They are only a VERY small sampling of the talented artists who are going to be squashed by this giant and unforgiving governing body who does not distinguish between giant toy sweatshops in China, and Joe Smith in Wachita who carves toys cars in his garage as a hobby.


Small Business Ombudsman
U.S. CPSC
Washington, D.C. 20207
Tele. (888) 531-9070
Fax: (301) 504-0121
E-mail: sbo@cpsc.gov

If you have questions on how CPSIA will affect your business, please contact the Small Business Ombudsman using the information above.
As of this time, there have been NO exceptions made for handcrafted, one-of-a-kind goods - ALL items intended for children under the age of 12 MUST be tested for lead content by a certified 3rd party. This includes everything from dolls to clothing, hair ribbons to minkee blankets and toys.

The dolls I make are primarily art dolls, so I will definitely be marking them as NOT intended for children under the age of 12.
As a Canadian, I cannot do much about the CPSIA regulations that will be coming into effect.
I am posting this here in hopes that my readers will take a moment to express their concern over this new legislation that will cripple home based businesses.

CPSIA Small Business info

CPSIA Legislation

Ask A Question re: new CPSC Reauthorization Legislation

Christopher Dentel, Inspector General
(301) 504-7644

Office of Inspector General
Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East-West Highway
Room 419
Bethesda, MD 20814

New Holiday Gift Guide

You may note a new feature here on My Hiding Place.
I have added an Etsy Mini application to my right sidebar. Each week I will feature a new selection of items from Etsy artists.
This week I have chosen a fabulous selection of gift ideas that are all under $20. You will find a little bit of everything - handmade coal (soap) for that naughty guy's stocking, an adorable onesie, a copper bird's nest ring, a beautiful art print, one of my favorite pillow covers, a felt garland, a sweet stuffie, gourmet jelly, and even a small messenger bag! A true something-for-everyone list!
This list is perfect for gifts for family, friends, or even as an office Secret Santa exchange present.

My Dolls

I realize that I have not posted many of my own projects here. In fact, I have not posted any of my own stuff since back in May or June.
Yikes!
I will remedy that now with my two most recent little men. They are such a joy to make, each one having such a distinct personality and style.

This little dude was made for my partner, ckchan, in the Craftster Invite Your Partner Swap 10. She wanted a "modern boy". He is wearing a Linkin Park tee (her fave band), trendy jeans, a faux suede jacket, mittens and a scarf. He has a tattoo on his right bicep (barbed wire armband style), has a silver stud earring in each ear and a "soul patch" goatee.
He was hard to part with. I miss him already :)



This little devil was made on commission for a customer who requested a doll in the likeness of his game character. He plays an online gangster game. This guy is wearing a genuine leather jacket (reclaimed leather from a thrifted skirt), a tee painted with the name "RETRIBUTE" and spattered "blood", dark jeans and has his very own little iPod (player sculpted of polymer clay, with real earbuds attached) that attaches to his hands and ears with Velcro.

Both boys are anatomically correct (they have "boy bits") and are fully jointed so that they can sit or stand and move their arms.
I apologize for the poor photos - these were not shot for the purpose of selling, but just for my own records and to show my fellow crafty friends :)

Bipolar?

Polar bears and penguins are two of the most amazing alive today. They thrive in the harshest of climates on opposite ends of the Earth.
Etsy artisans have found so many wonderful and unique ways to celebrate the beauty of these fine animals, so I thought I would share some with you in my latest treasury entitled "Bipolar?".
Etsy artists featured from left to right, starting at the top:
rainbowswirlz
VIZArt
Cuore
GumballGrenade
craftpaca
beadedbear
everydaylifestyle
RedLightStudio
ptitebaloue
dmhstudio
KittenInTheEngine
gfelted

Confessions of a Closet Holiday Ornament Lover

I have a confession to make. Or maybe 2.
I really don't decorate my home for the holidays.
Shocking, I know. I mean what crafter doesn't decorate for the big holiday season? This is our big chance to pull out the bag of tricks and attack the house without anyone thinking we are freaks.
The thing is, I do not have children. There is no big Santa Claus mystery in my home. We have figured him out. I am not a religious person, so nativity scenes and stars of david do not adorn my mantle (I don't even have a mantle!).
My home is surrounded by HUGE pine trees, so I do not feel the need to hack one down and display it inside my home. I do set up a small 3' WHITE tree for the sake of being a little bit festive, and a tiny silver metal tree in my office to keep me in the spirit of the season. I love trees though, so I use that as my excuse.
My other confession is that I have a secret love for holiday ornaments. Not the Hallmark character things you see in the malls, but the beautiful artistic orbs that you can hold in your palm and stare at. I would hang these in my home year round if I had the space. I love looking at them. I love the shape of the gorgeous globes. I love the cold feeling of the glass or ceramic, and the fuzzy softness of the felt.
So if you stop by my house this holiday season, you will not find a jolly Santa Claus doorknocker awaiting your visit. You will not be greeted by Three Wise Men (or even one remotely clever dude). But if you bring me a shiny round bit of prettiness, I will certainly break out the egg nog for you!
In the spirit of the holidays, here are a few of my faves from Etsy. Each image is clickable and will take you to the Etsians shop.

Drenched In White Giveaway WINNER!

Just to show that the early bird does still get that worm sometimes, the lucky winner of the Drenched In White art print giveaway is Celebrate Life . She was the first person to enter the giveaway, and the Random Interger Generator at random.org decided that she would be the lucky lady to hang a piece of gorgeous art on her wall!

Congratulations, CelebrateLife! I will be contacting you for your mailing information to get your print to you.
Thank you everyone for entering this giveaway and supporting a new fabulous Etsian!
Keep your eyes on this blog for more great giveaways.

Everything Up Close: Light & Soul Review & Giveaway

Everything Up Close: Light & Soul Review & Giveaway

Visit the Everything Up Close blog and find out how you can enter to win a set of beautiful inspirational candles from Light & Soul. These soy wax candles are almost soot-free and super long burning.
There is also a special discount available to readers of the Everything Up Close blog, so even if you don't win the giveaway you can enjoy one of these lovely candles (or buy several for gifts!)

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

Visit GrosgrainFabulous's blog to find out how you can win a commissioned watercolor portrait of your child (a value of $99!).
Susannah Rodgers is a wonderful watercolor portrait artist and mother of 3. You can see examples of her work on the GrosgrainFabulous blog. Don't miss out - only one day left to enter!

MyHandboundBooks - fabulous Canadian Etsian!

I recently had the pleasure of attending a Trunk Show online through the Etsy Labs chat. The hostess, the lovely MyHandboundBooks, moderated the event which featured a talented group of Canadian Etsy artists. There were textile artists, jewelry artists, and so much more! I was very impressed with the quality of the talent that was represented.
MyHandboundBooks was not only the admin at the event, but she also presented items from her shop. Gorgeous!
If you have not visited her shop before, do so now! Her journals are absolutely stunning, and would make wonderful holiday gifts for the student, writer, artist, businessperson or just about anybody who would appreciate a finely crafted book.
My favorite item from her shop is the Distressed Blue Leather Journal/Sketchbook. The binding is perfect and visible, and the strap closure is such a lovely and practical accent.
MyHandboundBooks is one of the artists featured in the Blog-A-Day Giveaway on Sweet Figment's blog. Check it out and enter to win one of these beautiful journals (or one of dozens of other amazing giveaway prizes!).

Charity Art Quilt Project

Some of my readers may already be aware of the fact that I am hosting a charity Art Quilt project from my post and/or signature on Craftster. For the rest of you, I would like to share this endeavor.
I am not a quilter. At all.
That being said, I have begun a project in which textile artists from all over the world are contributing a single 8x10 quilt square which will be assembled into a large quilt to raise money for the Strive For Life Foundation.
The very general theme for the quilt is "gypsy", and that can be interpreted however the artist chooses. The squares can be pieced, embroidered, appliqued, stenciled, etc. The only requirement is that it be 8x10 portrait size. Squares are "due" by the end of January 2009 so that I can begin to assemble the quilt (and then either try my hand at some quilting, or hopefully find some creative and generous soul locally who can assist).
Interest in the project has been wonderful, but I am still looking for a few more artists to participate in this project to help such a deserving cause. If YOU would be interested, please leave me a comment below, on Twitter, Etsy, or email me (address on sidebar).

Some information about the Strive For Life Foundation:

Strive For Life was founded in early 2007 by Sheila Rodgers of Solon, OH. The purpose of this foundation is to provide aid to the homeless and orphaned children of Romania. Strive For Life is a 501(c)3 registered charity and is completely volunteer-based. Nobody takes a salary, and many overhead costs are donated. I am lucky enough to be a close friend and charity partner of Ms. Rodgers, and share her dedication and passion for this cause.
We are in the process of updating our website, so the information you will find there is a bit out of date (ie: we had a major project this summer where 50 volunteers from all over Europe went to work in various youth camps and homes with the children). Once we have the new information prepared, a wonderfully generous woman I met on Craftster has offered her services to "fix" our website. Isn't that fantastic?
If you have questions about the charity, or this project, feel free to contact me in any of the manners indicated above, or email Sheila Rodgers at smrodgers@striveforlife.com .

Where's Waldo?

I just wanted to post my latest fun treasury on Etsy. I had so much fun making this one, and I appreciate all of the lovely comments I have received there.

women-prenuers galore: Interview with Laura Lesan from Elle Custom Jewelry

women-prenuers galore: Interview with Laura Lesan from Elle Custom Jewelry

Come visit the Women-prenuer Galore blog and learn more about Laura Lesan, a Romanian-American jewelry designer. Her pieces are super feminine and definitely fashionable.
While you are there, enter to win one of FIVE special pieces that Ms. Lesan has graciously agreed to give away.

Ramblings of a middle aged crafter: Win a $25 Shopping Spree

Ramblings of a middle aged crafter: Win a $25 Shopping Spree

Visit CogansCreations blog and find out how you can win a $25 shopping spree for her etsy shop. Adorable crochet bears, pins, cases and holiday decor, along with cards and other lovely little goodies, you are sure to find many items to help you cross off your holiday shopping list. I personally love the Jailbird Bear - too cute!

So you want to be in a front page treasury?

Another day on etsy, another forum filled with threads complaining about how the same people are featured in front page treasuries on a regular basis. It seems the only thing I see more of than the same front page artists is the multitude of people who think it is their RIGHT to be there.
Front page exposure is not a right - it is a privilege granted to those who make their work look INTERESTING.
Take a look through the shops of the people who feel disenfranchised by Etsy admin. There tends to be a common theme - boring photographs.
Sometimes blurry, sometimes flat, but never the stellar shots we have grown accustomed to seeing when we visit our favorite online shopping venue for handcrafted goods.
I have a few pointers of what grabs my attention as both a buyer and a treasury curator. For the purpose of this article, I will use jewelry as an example since it is the most prolific category on Etsy.

1: I cannot stress this enough - use the macro function on your camera! Jewelry is by its very nature SMALL and detailed and regular shots just won't cut it.

2: Use a lightbox to help eliminate shadows and correct poor indoor lighting. Most of us are not fortunate enough to have a miniature photo studio in our home and we have to deal with traditional incandescent lighting. You don't even have to spend a ton of money - even the most inept handyperson can whip up one of these babies in an hour with items they likely have around the house. If you are shooting a piece that has lots of sparkle like diamonds, then you want to position your main light source in the same location as the camera in a head-on fashion.

3: backgrounds backgrounds backgrounds! Laying your goldfilled and citrine earrings on a beige table is not going to grab anybody's attention. Make them POP!
Imagine those same goldfilled and citrine earrings dangling from the lip of a pure white teacup on a bold green background. Much more appealing, no? Same earrings, but now they are interesting.

4: Pay attention to color and style combinations, not only in your pieces, but in how you display them. If you notice that turquoise and bright red is currently a popular choice for front page treasuries, then photograph your turquoise and silver necklace on a cherry red background. If tree themed items are popular and you just made a pair of gorgeous dangling leaf earrings, then put a few naked tree branches into a vase and dangle the earrings from them. Have a lovely aquamarine and Swarovski crystal choker? Drape it over a large conch shell to sell that mermaid's dream!

5: Props. I mentioned a few above, but props are very important in good jewelry photography. If your stuff is just laying on a blank surface, buyers (and treasury hunters) will not know how it hangs. Please do not wear your earrings to display them - even if they are just a sample pair, and you are selling made-to-order, it is just a huge turnoff. The viewer may be so turned off by this unhygeniec display that they will not stick around to read the details. If you can afford a bust to display your ware, then that is fabulous. Most of us cannot. Earrings are easy to dangle from items - the lip of vases, wineglasses, branches, teacups, ribbon, etc. For necklaces, you can make your own display bust or a more basic display . Wearing a ring is fine for pics (make sure you are manicured!), but have some creative fun too - maybe put the ring around a piece of pretty paper like a scroll, or in a pretty velvet ring box next to a champagne glass.

6: Play with angles. This one is hard to describe, but look around (on Etsy and around the web). The most interesting photographs are rarely head-on shots, but have dimension to them.

7: Photo editing. This is very important. Even experienced photographers fall back on Photoshop now and then to edit their pics. It is a fabulous tool for sharpening a hazy image, or removing shadow. Also, please crop out unwanted elements that accidentally wandered into the shot. Nobody wants to see the edge of your kitchen table, the tip of the cat's tail, or the side of your diet Pepsi can. If you don't have Photoshop, and cannot justify the expense for casual Etsy selling, then download one of the many free options available online. Photoscape is a great freeware program with many functions to get the job done.

I hope some of you have found these tips helpful. This certainly will not guarantee you front page Etsy exposure, but it will increase your chances (and help grab the attention of buyers!).
The rest is up to you - promote yourself everywhere and make yourself known. Visit the forums and be friendly - treasury curators are fellow Etsians and if they get to know you and like your work, they are more likely to heart your shop. Most treasury curators visit their hearted shops for at least some of their featured items.

Good luck and happy selling!

♥♥♥ GIVEAWAY! - DrenchedInWhite ♥♥♥

I have been promoting giveaways hosted on other blogs for a little while now. I figured it was time for me to jump right in and host one of my own. The big plus side of this is getting to meet fabulous new artists, and then sharing them with you.

I bumped into DrenchedInWhite in the Etsy forums back in October. I was immediately drawn to her beautiful, unique artwork and knew that she would be the perfect candidate for my first hosted giveaway. The artist, Robin Carlisle, is a relatively new face in the Etsy community. She began sharing her talent there in August of 2008.

One lucky winner will have a chance to win an 8”x8” print of one of her original paintings! Read on to find out more!

I interviewed Ms. Carlisle about her life as an artist, and I would like to share that with you now:

How long have you been painting?

Today? About 12 hours... That is only because I have a deadline to meet- I usually work in slightly more moderate stints.
In life, I can't quite remember when it all started. I first started showing my art in 1999.

What kind of space do you create in?

In my studio, an old brick laundry building, built in 1905 with cement floors, 20 foot ceilings, giant metal sliding doors with weights and pulleys, secret nooks and weird passages... My music and my art... Oh and string lights lots of those! It is pretty much the best place I have ever worked! Ever.

(note: I am extremely jealous as she has described my dream studio, especially with secret nooks!)

Where do you find inspiration for your art?

Life, people, hands, the changing of seasons, emotions, details, the way nature makes art out of every-fricken-thing! I am pretty easily inspired- I see beauty in nearly everything. From golden sunshine spotlighting newborn baby fawns in a dewy morning meadow, to the screaming of teenage lovers in a 2:am empty parking lot, all marked up with tear smeared mascara to the anthem of peeling out Camaro tires, in the pouring rain. REALLY I FIND IT EVERYWHERE!

Who are some of your favorite artists?

I really like Inez Storer (a painter whose work I stumbled upon at the San Jose museum of modern art), Sarah Cruse (she is my studio mate and truly IS my favorite artist... I also like her artwork.) To be quite honest and slightly embarrassed, I don't know many artists... Or rather I am not familiar with many artists’ works (living or dead). I am a self-taught artist... One of the drawbacks to having not gone to school for art is that I have not spent a lot of time viewing or learning about other artist's... I hope someday to have a better answer then a fancy, "I don't know".
What other venues have you used to sell your work?

Art shows: Galleries, cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques and such.
I have a website, it is called www.MotherMade.org. I made it because I am a mother and an artist and I wanted a place to feature my work as well as the work of other Mom artists... I love moms and art so it all just fit together there nicely.

I also have a blog... www.mothermade.typepad.com

Where do you promote your art? Do you use Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or other online social networking sites?

Oooo, promotion... This is something I am not to good at... I mostly just don't?... Do that. I love the making and the selling, but the promoting I am pretty much the worst at! I have a hard time even telling my friends I am having an art show with out felling like I am spamming them to death. I could use much help in this department... No really... Help me!
What do you find most difficult about starting a new shop on Etsy?

Promotion. And feeling like my shop is getting lost in the layers.

And finally: What is your guilty pleasure?

My real guilty pleasure??? Like the one that I am actually ashamed to tell people about? Like the real one???
That would be where I go through the Taco Bell drive through on my way home from the studio at 1:00 in the morning and order a Nacho Supreme (or even worse a Nacho-Bell Grande) then I park under the weird florescent blue/green light in their parking lot, and scarf it down while listen to NPR. Afterwards I drive home, get rid of the evidence (in the outside garbage can), go inside, brush my teeth and crawl into bed like nothing had ever happened.

I hope everyone has enjoyed meeting Robin as much as I did! If you would love to win YOUR CHOICE of 8x8 print from her original art, then just drop by her DrenchedInWhite Etsy shop and pick out your favorite piece. Come back here and leave a comment telling me the name of your favorite piece (please leave your email address, Etsy shop or Blogger account – you can’t win if I can’t contact you!).

For a second entry, follow my blog (link on upper left sidebar) OR link to this giveaway on your blog leave a SEPARATE comment telling me that you are a follower or the URL of your blog post.

All purchases from DrenchedInWhite between now and November 21 will get you another entry. Leave a comment letting me know what you purchased (and your etsy name).

Entries accepted until 11:59 pm EST on November 21^st , 2008.

Draw will be held on November 22^nd using a random number generator, and the winner will be notified by email/etsy/blog. Winner will have 3 days to reply. If the original winner does not respond within 3 days of notification, a new winner will be chosen.

♥♥♥Giveaway open to residents of US and Canada only♥♥♥.

I've been TAGGED!

I have been tagged by piccoladonna2006

The rules of tagging!: 1. Link to tagger & display these rules on your blog. 2. Share 7 facts about yourself - some random, some weird. 3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by including links to their blog. 4. Let them know they've been tagged by commenting on their blogs!

Seven strange facts about the Digital Misfit (otherwise known as Heidi):

1. I am agoraphobic
2. I do not know how to ride a bicycle (and I hate the phrase "its just like riding a bicycle!" to refer to easy things you never forget)
3. I watched the US election coverage from noon until 2am with a big bottle of champagne...and I am Canadian (I am so proud of my neighbours!)
4. I hate raisins.
5. I have an obsession with long knit or crocheted scarves.
6. I have a celebrity crush on Jon Stewart.
7. My musical tastes are very uncool and consist primarily of female vocalists from the 50s to 90s. I can't identify most of the current top 40.

You've been tagged! (gotta spread the torture):
http://milkandcookeez.blogspot.com/
http://nyblaque.blogspot.com/
http://fookadesigns.blogspot.com/
http://cleopatras-closet.blogspot.com/
http://fasterkittykill.blogspot.com/
http://heatherknitzdesigns.blogspot.com/
http://inspiringadventuresofalwaysinspired.blogspot.com/

AWESOME GIVEAWAY for BeatBlack at In Shadows

In Shadows...: ... is hosting a giveaway for a $50 gift certificate good for ANYTHING in her etsy shop, BeatBlack.
If you have never checked her shop out before, definitely pop by and pick up a holiday gift for the quirky friend in your life. Heart-shaped brain pendants & cufflinks, Intestines necklaces, and the most adorable cupcakes & truffles you have ever seen, all carefully sculpted from polymer clay.

America, Yes You Did!

November 4th 2008

A Busy Mommy On The Go: On The Second Day Of Christmas

A Busy Mommy On The Go: On The Second Day Of Christmas

If you are a lover of all things crochet like I am, then you MUST enter this giveaway ASAP! Ultra Cute Crochet is giving the winner their choice of ANY item in their store, custom made. Pop by A Busy Mom On The Go's blog and find out how you can throw you name into the (beautifully crocheted) hat!

Sweet Figments Giveaway Featured Artist #2 - Zahour

Sweet Figments: The Blog A Day Giveaway!

My second feature artist from the Sweet Figments Blog A Day Giveaway is Zahour.
This amazing metalsmith & jewelry designer has some stunning pieces listed right now in her etsy shop.
I am most impressed with the Male 4 Dot Industrial Ring in the satin finish. I think this very masculine sexy ring would make a perfect holiday gift for a deserving partner. It is SO hard to find modern stylish rings for a man. They are either too plain (and look like wedding bands - way to make a boyfriend sweat!) or too gaudy (Soprano's post-series overstock anyone?). Zahour has solved this dilemna with many gorgeous pieces that a modern man would love to own.
Stop by her shop and browse around - you are sure to find something for that special sexy man (and don't forget to get something nice for yourself too - there are LOTS of fabulous pieces for women of style!).

Sweet Figments Giveaway Featured Artist #1 - Little Black Box

Sweet Figments: The Blog A Day Giveaway!

Thirty fabulous prizes are up for grabs in this awesome giveaway hosted at Sweet Figments!

One of the items is a handmade jackpot of sample goodies, the Little Black Box.
Earlier I posted about a similar package I received from another company (Spotted Box). The Little Black Box is the standard of sampler boxes. You could find jewelry, silk scarves, bath and body goodies, candles, magnets, photography, dog treats, stationery, keychains, buttons - and much more - inside your mystery stash of handmade goodness! Each box contains approximately 17 promotional items from various artists/crafters around the web.
Want to know who is in the box? Take a peek here to read about the contributors.

Little Black Box is only available to US customers :(
International customers can order a Little Purple Box from their sister site.

Everything Up Close: GamiWorks Review & Giveaway!

Everything Up Close: GamiWorks Review & Giveaway!

Visit Everything Up Close to find out how you can win a beautiful Chiyogami tile pendant with matching tin from GamiWorks!
If you are not familiar with Chiyogami papers, you really need to check this out - the beautiful Japanese designs come in all different colors and patterns.

Everything Up Close: Touch the Earth Review & Giveaway!

Everything Up Close: Touch the Earth Review & Giveaway!

Last day to enter this amazing giveaway. I am a bit of a tree-hugger, so I am in LOVE with the 5 group prayer flag (Tree) - the designs and words are inspirational.

The Spotted Box

My Spotted Box arrived today!

What the heck is a spotted box you ask? Well before I discovered Momma In FlipFlops blog, I would have asked the same thing. I was the winner of a recent giveaway for this fab package that she hosted.
Like The Black Box, and its international sister, The Purple Box, The Spotted Box is filled with samples and discounts from a bunch of wonderful family & eco-friendly online shops that feature handmade goodies.
The Spotted Box seems to specialize in items for a new mommy, but there are goodies for everyone to enjoy inside.
I received little soap samples (can't wait to wake up with a Double Espresso soap shower!), 2 kinds of lovely bath salts - including one in a tiny wee glass jar!
Three different companies offered the softest baby washcloths, 2 others offered sweet baby hair clippies. There was even a felt sunny-side up egg and a felt pumpkin sugar cookie in there!
My dog is thrilled with his homemade organic peanut butter doggy biscuits.
Each box contains at least 25 different samples and gift certificates from some of the vendors named in the box listings. The boxes are each unique and contains some of the items listed.
Here is a link to the list of online e-tailers participating in the November Spotted Box, which goes on sale November 15, 2008.

If you have an online shop that is suited to the Spotted Box, and can offer samples of your (or related) products, or even discounts, then Contact Tory at tory@thespottedbox.com for information.

GROSGRAIN Grand Opening Giveaway!

GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain will be opening shop on November 6th! If you are not familiar with Grosgrain's amazing clothing for little girls, just hop over to this blog and review past posts - it is truly the stuff of a sweet young girl's dreams!
To celebrate this grand opening, Kathleen Dougherty (Grosgrain's brilliant designer-mommy) is holding a giveaway of a complete autumn wardrobe set which includes 3 reversible skirts in the fabulous Alexander Henry Birdseed fabric, and 3 coordinating reversible long-sleeved shirts!
Birdseed has been one of my favorite fabrics since it was introduced, and Kathleen has definitely used it to its full potential with these adorable outfits!

Sacred Herbals giveaway at Indie Reviews by Celtic Goddess

Indie reviews by Celtic Goddess: Indie Spotlight and Giveaway - Sacred Herbals!

Visit Indie Reviews by Celtic Goddess to read about Sacred Herbals, a wonderful etsy shop filled with natural bath and body products . Only the finest organic ingredients are used to create such gorgeous products as Milk & Honey Bath and Glow Face Serum. Enter to win a Dream Bath Bomb and Gaia Perfume Oil in this fabulous giveaway!

George Bush & Dick Cheney Are A Couple of Clowns!

I don't normally blog about something I just stumble upon, but when I saw these vintage clown dolls for sale on etsy , I had to share!

Small And Mousey's etsy shop is filled with all manner of vintage goodies, but this one is my favorite by far.

Clowns creep me out. Period.
I still want these dolls! LOL
It is remarkable how VERY much they look like ol' Dubbya and Dick. Even with details like Georgie boy wearing some cowboy gingham check, and the Dick sporting his American stars and stripes.
A great satirical toy to add to a collection of oddities.

Momma & Baby Giveaway at TOTE-N-TOTS!

TOTE-N-TOTS: Momma & Baby Giveaway

Visit Tote-N-Tots blog to find out how YOU can win a stunningly chic diaper tote and adorable baby booties.

Take time to browse the Tote-N-Tots Etsy Shop and snap up one of these amazing bags for yourself (and for a gift!). These bags will be a fashionable favorite long after baby is out of diapers!

~~Brock and Ava~~: My very first blog giveaway!

~~Brock and Ava~~: My very first blog giveaway!

Visit Brock and Ava's blog and read up on how you can enter an amazing giveaway to win a Vera Bradley Lola bag with matching zip-around wallet in Pinwheel Pink!
This is Brock and Ava's very first blog giveaway, so be sure to show lots of love!

Crafting With Cats: Giveaway!!!!!!

Crafting With Cats: Giveaway!!!!!!

Visit Crafting With Cats blog and leave a comment for your chance to win a unique pocket shrine of your choice!
Will the wee laughing Buddha grab your heart, or are you a lover of angels? Either way, you are sure to squeal with delight at these lovelies, crafted from recycled beer bottle caps!
Don't forget to visit SilverSunbeam , the etsy shop where you can find these lil goodies and much more (my favorite is the Grandma & Grandpa Go To A Party shrine box)

KiWi Cuties print giveaway!

KiWiCuties is having a giveaway to launch her new line of prints. Stop by her blog and show some love to be entered to win!
Also visit her Etsy shop to see her fabulous line of original art, cards and clothing!

Frugal Granola: Grand Opening & A Giveaway! (Living A Simple Life Part 29)

Frugal Granola: Grand Opening & A Giveaway! (Living A Simple Life Part 29)

Visit Frugal Granola's blog and celebrate the grand opening of her brand new etsy shop filled with earth-friendly goodness and upcycled treasures (The Pink Sorbet bag is my personal favorite!).
This blog is a fabulous resting spot if you are winding down after a long day. The soft sounds of a thunderstorm with a pan flute playing are soothing as you read.

Quiltish: Daisy A Day

Quiltish: Daisy A Day

Visit Quiltish to find out how you can win a 4 half-yard bundle of Amy Butlers Daisy Chain fabric line! If you haven't seen this line yet, be prepared to sigh with desire for the creamy teal, olive, and spring green loveliness!
The sponsor of this amazing giveaway is SewGoodFabric who is also having a sale where you can buy select Amy Butler and Alexander Henry fabrics starting at only $6 per yard! Her shipping prices are fantastic too (even for Canadians like me!) .

A Taste Of Canada

Wow - it has been FOREVER since I have made a personal content post here at My Hiding Place In Cyberspace!
I get so excited promoting all of the great giveaways in the crafty blogger world that I forget that I, too, am a crafty blogger! :)

In addition to working on several dolls for customers and Craftster swap partners, I have been working in all different mediums, crafting for an amazing tree-themed swap, also hosted on Craftster. This month has been the PERFECT time for a swap like this. The colors outside are unbelievable and inspirational. Autumn is one of the reasons I love living in the north. You just can't be unhappy when the sun is hitting the trees that look like blazing fire, and the leaves crunch noisily under your shoes. I even love the sweet, earthy smell that is exclusive to October here in northern Ontario.

Well I suppose I should head on downstairs and get back to sewing! I will leave you all with some beautiful autumn color that I used for inspiration in the Tree swap. All photos were taken in my backyard this year.

Sweet Irie: Wednesday Feature and Giveaway: Crocheted Little Things

Sweet Irie: Wednesday Feature and Giveaway: Crocheted Little Things

Visit Sweet Irie's blog and read the interview with Lu at Crocheted Little Things , then enter for your chance to win an adorable pair of crocheted swirl earrings.
The winner of this giveaway will be announced on October 28th, so hurry over there soon!

Steam Powered Rings

Cathrinette Rings has a fabulous etsy shop filled with innovative and beautiful steampunk inspired rings.
One of my favorite pieces, the Steamed Artistic steampunk wire ring with mysterious amber seen here is a perfect example of the artistry of her one of a kind jewelry. The rings are designed in a style that would suit men and women, and come in ALL ring sizes.

If you are shopping for a bracelet instead of a ring, check out this brass and rutilated quartz beauty.

Don't forget to stop by Steampunk Rings, the blog of Cathrinette Rings and enter for your chance to win one of TWO rings in her latest giveaway!

HUGE Indie Fixx Autumn Cornucopia Giveaway!

Visit Indie fixx for your chance to win one of two amazing prize packs full of awesome goodies from indie artists & crafters. Each prize pack is filled with almost $400 worth of beautiful handmade items.

There are 2 ways to enter:
You can blog about Indie fixx (or brag about this awesome giveaway on Facebook, Myspace, Craftster, etc) and then go back to Indie fixx and let them know where to find your post.

The second way to enter is to just leave a comment in their box letting them know you found out about the contest right here on my blog. If you win, then I win too! How cool is that?
The 2 winners will be comprised of the person who blogged about the giveaway and the person who responded to the blog.
So enter soon - this fabulous giveaway ends November 14th, and don't forget to mention that you read about it here, at My Hiding Place in Cyberspace, and share this link with them so your entry will be valid!

Good luck and I hope you win!

NyBlaque: MY FIRST BLOG GIVEAWAY!! WOOHOO

NyBlaque: MY FIRST BLOG GIVEAWAY!! WOOHOO

Win your choice of a GORGEOUS pair of earrings or a beautiful unicorn necklace by visiting NyBlaque's blog! Giveaway ends Sunday (Oct 19th), so hurry over!

Bonghi Natura GIVEAWAY!

Visit Bonghi Natura's blog to find out how you can enter to win one of 3 lovely prizes in their latest giveaway!
Bonghi Natura Blog

Also, visit the Bonghi Natural etsy shop in the month of October and buy some amazing handmade soaps and body scrubs - 10% of all purchases will be donated to support Breast Cancer Research!

Pitter Patter Boutique babylegs giveaway! Ends tomorrow!

Visit The Pitter Patter Boutique blog and enter the giveaway for these (or your choice) of adorable babylegs! The draw ends on Oct 9, so get your entries in fast!

Gabrie's Shop October Giveaway !

Gabrie's Shop is holding a FABULOUS giveaway for this stunning necklace. Round Swarovski green crystals and black pearls lead the way to the elegant butterfly pendant.

Stop by Gabrie's Shop and find out how you can enter to win this gorgeous $85 piece!

The Giveaway: Zaja Natural Giveaway

The Giveaway: Zaja Natural Giveaway

Visit The Giveaway Blog to enter to win a fabulous natural skincare set from Zaja Natural!
While you are there, read the great interview with the lady herself, Zaidat Bombata. I am so jealous of her amazing workspace. I can only imagine how wonderful it smells :)

Good luck!

Sweet Irie: Wednesday Feature and Giveaway: Rio Oso Designs

Sweet Irie: Wednesday Feature and Giveaway: Rio Oso Designs

Enter here to win a $20 gift certificate to Rio Oso Designs etsy shop. Have her make you a custom banner for your own shop, or browse one of her many beautiful pre-made designs.

my tiny star: Update! Nie Nie Auction and GIVEAWAY!

my tiny star: Update! Nie Nie Auction and GIVEAWAY!

Etsy seller mytinystar is holding an online silent auction to raise money for the Nielson family. "Nie Nie" and her beloved husband are fighting to recover from critical burns sustained in a private plane crash in mid August of this year.

You can help the cause by making a bid on mytinystar's wonderful original art and doll.
She is also holding a giveaway to help promote this auction. Visit her blog to find out more!

Best of luck with the silent auction, mytinystar. It is wonderful artists like you that make the huge world wide web seem like a small and caring community.

And best wishes to the Nielson family for a successful recovery from their tragedy.

Make Believe Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Make Believe Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Info For Craft Swap Partners

Ok, so I will be the next one to pirate this post so that I can share information with current and potential crafty swap partners from Craftster.org and around the web. I will even keep this topic updated if my abilities/wants change :)


I'm addicted to creating: poppets, dolls & stuffies, polymer clay charms, jewellery, polyshrink pendants and art dolls, upcycling 100% wool sweaters into fab bags, painted wooden keepsake boxes

I'd love to experiment with: crochet/knitting/embroidery

My favorite colors are: greens (celery, lime, kelly, wasabi, etc), brown, turquoise (esp turquoise with a bold orange-red)

I'm not too fond of these colors: metallic gold, purple

I'm currently or always in awe of: unique poppets, classic tattoo crafts, LOOOONG knit or crochet scarves, handmade cold-process soap, resin bangles, ironic crafts with swear words (pillows, embroidery, etc), bold jewelry, handmade pottery and lampwork art beads

I'd never refuse to take: scarves, purses, poppets, stuffies, supplies (hell I wouldn't refuse anything!)

Some things I've been wanting:

• retro apron
• doll shoes
• anything with goddess, trees or birds on it
• big purse in a retro fabric
• handspun yarn
• huge long art scarf
• soft & cozy armwarmers in a neutral color
  

And a little bit more about me:

do you keep a journal/art sketch book? not really, though I do sketch out craft ideas now and then

do you have any pets? a chubby mixed breed med-large dog named Booker

do you have any kids *ages*? nope

do you have a portable CD player, mobile phone, or ipod? just a small mp3 player

do you need another random trinket box? need? no. but I am always open to receiving something unique

do you need something to carry your knitting/sewing with you? I would always welcome a sewing machine "cozy" or a bag to hold my current sewing project supplies. I also do not have a needlebook, which I could definitely use - and one of those sewing machine scrap bags that collect all the bits of thread that usually fall to the floor

do you need a CD case/folder thing? I rarely listen to my CDs, so no.

do you need another purse? always - I have lots of purses, but can always use another. Purses always fit, and a fab new purse can really perk up an outfit!

what crafts do you do/want to do? I like to sew and play with polymer clay. I love making custom jointed dolls. My specialty is making poppet type dolls in the image of a person. I love playing with shrinkydink. I like painting. Basically I love trying anything and everything - I just cant crochet or knit!

what crafts do you admire? knitting and crochet, dollmaking, ATC, clothing, resin bangles, felting and/or handspun, embroidery, soap making...all crafts have something amazing to admire about them.

do you collect anything? nothing in particular, but I have a fondness for purses, teapots, birds, goddesses, and trees...oh, and winter scarves!

do you wear earrings? very rarely...and yet I make them. ironic?

do you wear bracelets/cuffs? More now than before. I do love resin, beaded and felted cuffs/bangles most.

whats your wrist size? umm, average?

do you wear necklaces? almost always! The bolder, the better. I love big & chunky necklaces and pendants that make a statement. I am not into delicate chains, and not a big fan of gold. Not a fan of plastic.

do you want gold or silver findings? Silver!

what is your shirt size? I am a plus size chick so I guess an 18-20 retail size or a 2x.

what is your shoe size? 9 US/CAN

would you like some clothes made for you? definitely! I have been dying for a vertical patchwork skirt in neutral colors (long jellyroll-type strips instead of squares). If corduroy is involved, I would be in love!

what is your favorite color? turquoise, green, brown

what is your favorite color to go with your favorite color? I love combining my three fave colours (chocolate, green and aqua) in any manner. I also love aqua with bold orangey-red.

do you have a favorite animal you would like something made with? bird of any kind

do you have a favorite TV series you would like something made with? not really

do you have a favorite book you would like something made with? Orwell's 1984 maybe

What is your favorite food? hard call. anything Italian, Indian food, cupcakes (not only delicious, but adorable too!), beautifully decorated desserts.

What is your favorite smell? Satin Sheets scent from Something Special; exotic florals mixed with sandalwood; traditionally masculine scents; lavender; green scents

are there any colors you hate? purple (though lilac is ok)

would you dislike receiving items made from animal products? I am fine with reconned furs and leather

is there anything you would rather not receive because of religious references? I do not like traditional/Christian religious crafts - crosses, etc. I do like goddess items. I am atheist (and would LOVE atheist-themed crafts!)

is there anything else you would dislike? not a huge fan of classic floral patterns (retro and funky flowers always welcome)

do you have any actual allergies? my skin is sensitive to perfumes, but I spray it onto my lower pantlegs.

what are your favorite movies? documentaries, indie films, dramas

who is your favorite person from those movies? relative unknowns; anthony hopkins; john malkovich; kevin spacey

who is the best dresser on TV? I loved SJP's quirky style on Sex & The City

who are your celebrity crushes? no celeb crushes for me

who is the best cartoon character? smurfs, Thundercats

what are some of your favourite bands? Old jazz - Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday; 80s stuff like Pat Benetar, Bonnie Tyler; strong female vocals like Alanis Morissette, Melissa Etheridge, etc

My Poppet Zola

I have recently become poppet-obsessed. I received the pattern from the wonderful Ghilie
on Craftster and after spending some time collecting all the materials, went to work on my first poppet.

I named her Zola, an Italian name meaning "earth".

Her body is made of Alova Suede (great to work with!), with thrifted yarn in 2 colours for her hair, and silk leaves for her inner ear. Her eyes are from suncatchereyes (eyelids of felt and jewelled lashes courtesy of the beauty section of my local dollar store). She is fully jointed (oh what a pain! will use teddy bear joints in the future because I SUCK at jointing using the buttons!).

I have been busy making poppet clothing for her as well as her upcoming siblings. I will also be making them to help raise money for the Strive For Life Foundation (to benefit Romanian street kids and orphans). I am working on finishing the element series (Lahni, the sky/air poppet; Shula the fire poppet and Mizu the water poppet), as well as my Manny Ramirez poppet and an Alice Cooper poppet for a friend. I will post pics when they are all complete.

My hand-y pincushion (with pattern and tute)

Here is the basic pattern for my hand-y pincushion as posted on http://www.craftster.org/


http://www.mediafire.com/?eja2jmmhmmf

Trace the pattern onto freezer paper and iron onto your fabric. Cut 2 of the hand and one of the end piece. Make sure right sides are facing, and it is time to sew!

Sew all around hand leaving bottom open. Sew end piece to half of wrist area leaving it open, and turn right sides out. Sew a line down from either side of the middle finger so that each of the 3 fingers is defined (do not do this before turning!).

Stuff hand firmly with polyfil, using screwdriver or pen to get stuffing into the fingers and thumb.Ladder-stitch the end piece closed.You now have a hand pincushion that you can leave plain or decorate as you choose!