Crochele Handcrafted

Crochele's 1000 Fan Giveaway!!

2011-10-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sponsor Introductions

Welcome to the giveaway! Okay, the giveaway isn't here, it's here: https://www.facebook.com/CrocheleHandcrafted?sk=app_204684816209053. I would like to introduce you to the wonderful and generous sponsors for the giveaway.

Crochele Handcrafted

I'm hoping no introduction is needed here :). It's me! I specialize in items for baby, child, adult and home. Basically I make anything! I love custom orders and that is what I do for the most part. I'm a stay at home mom of two boys. They keep me really busy and so does my business. No dull moments my house! Here's what I've included in the giveaway:

~ $15 Credit toward any item(s). Must be used in one transaction.

Here is where you can find Crochele:

~ http://www.facebook.com/crochelehandcrafted

~ http://www.crochele.etsy.com/

~ http://www.twitter.com/crochele

Marley Jane

Not only is this one of my good friends, she is a very talented and creative jewelry maker! Here's what she has to say:

"I began making jewelry in a class on the eastside of Portland with my mom. I couldn't stop making it day and night. I began to grow fond of my late nights in the shop. Jewelry became very much so a labor of love.

All pieces are handmade or hand assembled and are sterling silver or sterling silver plated. I am also happy to make your personal requests of any kind."

Here is what she has so graciously placed in the giveaway:

~ A Ring of your choice from her shop.

Here is where you can find Marley Jane:
~ http://www.facebook.com/marleyjanedotcom
~ http://twitter.com/marleyjanecom

Shadow Box By Bree

Our next sponsor seems to be one busy lady! Her work is unique and stylish. Here's what she had to say about herself and her business:

"I am a new mom that works full time and makes jewelry for a hobby! I started doing it shortly after my son was born to pass the time! I was inspired by a Shadowbox I saw full of old antique jewelry hanging in my sons great grandmothers wall! It made me want to create things for people that they could always cherish and remember.. Something created by them! I make custom and pre-made handmade accessories!"

Here is what ShadowBox By Bree has offered as a prize:

~ Your choice of either a Headband or Feather earrings.

Here is where you can find ShadowBox By Bree:

~ http://www.facebook.com/shadowboxbybree

Cottage On The Coast

Here you'll find some really cute handcrafted gifts for baby and home. From Crayon Rolls to Blankets and Pillows to reusable Sandwich/Snack Bags. She's got some really great fabric choices!

Here is what Cottage On The Coast is offering:

~ One Crayon Roll

Find Cottage On The Coast Here:

~ http://www.cottageonthecoast.etsy.com/

~ http://www.ourcottageonthecoast.blogspot.com/
~ https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cottage-On-The-Coast/107174405973906

Sascha Reinking Photography

Sascha Reinking is a New York City based photographer, specializing in Newborn, Family, Baby and Event Photography. He studied Architecture at the ‘University of Applied Sciences’ in Minden, Germany where he quickly developed a trained eye for details, light and contrast. Photography was a major part of his professional education. In 2003, after receiving his Master degree in Architecture, Sascha moved to New York City where he refined his craft and passion by studying photography at the ‘New York Institute of Photography’. He has worked as a lifestyle photographer ever since.

Here is what Sascha Reinking is kindly offering for the giveaway:

~ The above photos of the NY Skyline, 6"x12", mounted and ready for framing.

Find Sacha Reinking Here:

~ http://www.saschareinkingphotography.com/

~ http://www.facebook.com/SaschaReinkingPhotography
~ http://http://www.saschareinkingblog.com/
~ http://www.Twitter.com/SaschaReinking

Dominique ~ Independent Scentsy Consultant

& Thirty-One Consultant

Between Scentsy and Thirty-One, you are bound to find something, or MANY things, that you want. I'm a proud Scentsy owner and I don't know that I will ever burn another candle for the scent again.

Here is what Dominique is generously providing for the giveaway:
~ Scentsy: One Warmer with 2 Scentsy Bars
~ Thirty-One: A Thermal with some suprise goodies inside.

Find Dominique in the following locations:
~ http://dominiquefrancis.scentsy.us/
~ https://www.facebook.com/Dominique~Independent Scentsy Consultant
~ http://mythirtyone.com/hubbard11/

Lands End $50 Gift Card Giveaway by Coupons Are GREAT

2010-06-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite sites is giving away a $50 Lands End Gift Card. Go to their site and follow the easy instructions for your chance to win!

http://couponsaregreat.net/2010/06/06/giveaway-50-lands-end-gift-card/

Happy Birthday Treasury

2010-03-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

So, my 30th birthday is coming up in a couple of days and I decided I'd create a Treasury featuring a very SMALL number of things that I love on Etsy. I could look all day and fill many Treasuries. Until you really get into Etsy and browse, you just never know what you can find! Such a wide range of things and so many talented artists.

Rocking Italian Scooter Deluxe

2010-02-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

Created by TheatronItalianArt

I saw this on the front page of Etsy this morning and fell in love! It is absolutely adorable and I just wanted to share it with you all in case you missed it.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41381029&ref=fp_feat_1

Who wants to see my newest product?

2010-02-22T07:45:00.000-08:00

I finished up the sponges and thought I'd post some pictures of them. I really am quite pleased with the way they turned out. I think the colors are really nice and compliment each other well so they will coordinate with your kitchen/bath decor!

Clean up, Clean up

2010-02-05T17:39:00.000-08:00

So I came up with an idea and I've been testing it out for the last few days. I created a reusable sponge/dishcloth. One side is cotton and the other is a mixture of cotton and plarn (plastic yarn, made from plastic grocery bags! Earth-friendly? YES!!!) The plarn side is a little bit abrasive but not so much that it will scratch any surface. I have been using it like crazy and have washed it and dried it to see how well it will hold up. It's awesome! I'll be making a lot of them and placing them in my shop for sale. I'm really excited about this one, I know I really need to get a life ;~), but I am so tired of buying sponges and tossing them. This way, I can use them, wash them and reuse them! What's not to love about that? Save money and do my small part for the environment? Score and Score!

I haven't taken any pictures yet but I will and post them here as well as on my Etsy site: http://www.crochele.etsy.com

Stay tuned...

Deals Galore!

2010-01-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

I know this has absolutely nothing to do with my Etsy shop or my business but I really wanted to pass along this website. I visit daily and have found SO many awesome deals and FREEBIES! I'd say on the average day there are 8-10 really great freebies listed. I have gotten things like t-shirts, coffee, razors (the nice ones, not cheapos), garden seeds and SO much more. You can look for coupons or just browse the deals they have searched for and listed in one place just for us. You can find awesome deals on computers, gaming consoles, games, movies, blurays, clothing, etc. Please take a minute and check it out.

Win a FULL size Sentsy warmer and 3 bars!

2010-01-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

One Lucky winner will win a full size Sentsy warmer along with 3 bars. Three other lucky winners will win a Car Candle.

http://myfourmonkeysproductreviews.blogspot.com/2010/01/scentsy-wickless-candles-giveaway.html and follow the easy instructions to enter the giveaway! Many chances to win.

ShabbyKat Primitive's Sundries 'n Such GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-01-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

I've run across this awesome giveaway on ShabbyKat Primitive's Sundries 'n Such's Blog! Take a look and follow the instructions to get your chance at winning the following items:

~A small bag of Orange Chiffon Cake tarts

~A Nutmeg Vanilla Candle

~Two grunged up battery votives

~Two old grungy hang tags

Green With Envy!

2010-01-21T08:19:00.000-08:00

Some very talented members of the Etsy CreateCrochet Team have been featured in a really nice Treasury! Please take a look. Crochele's Pear Coasters have been featured! Yay, what a compliment. Thank you so much Ben!!

Just click on the picture to go straight to the Treasury.

Want to know more about CreateCrochet? Check us out here:

BLOG: http://createcrochet.blogspot.com/

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Create-Crochet-Etsy-Team/170047937483?ref=ts

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/createcrochet

Today's A New Day

2010-01-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

Today I've been looking into new ideas for my business. I'm excited and hopeful that they will turn out to be great ideas!

First idea is to include Adult sized items in my Etsy Shop. I already carry items for the home and will be expanding that line as well. I think that I will close my CrocheleCouture Etsy shop. It's just too much to keep up two shops and really be able to focus on them both as much as is required. I just haven't put any time into it and find it's worked out fine having more than just baby items in my Crochele shop.

Second I am going to be doing more wholesale orders. In searching through the Etsy Alchemy I found a request for shops that offer wholesale. I was contacted by the person that started that request and she was interested in several of my items. I'm doing research to find out how best to go about this. I've found that charging the standard 50% of the retail prices with a minimum order amount is most favored by wholesalers. I previously have carried items in a local children's boutique and they did pretty well. I didn't do wholesale pricing, I just did consignment. That seems like it works if you are local and can check out your own inventory as needed.

Off I go to do some more research! Wish Me Luck :~) Hopefully I won't need it.

She's Batty Designs

2010-01-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

She's Batty Designs (SBD) has eco-friendly, unique handmade greeting cards and adorable accessories that everyone will love! The SBD studio is located in London, Ontario, Canada and is an earthy friendly place. Check out my shop policies for more info on my eco-friendly shop. Something else that is a major bonus: All orders are shipped within 24 hours of receiving payment. Here is a look at just a few of the adorable things available in her shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/shesbattydesigns

Just a quick note; she also has a shop called Battys Bath that specializes in...you guessed it, bath products! This shop is set to open spring 2010.

Keep up to date on all things "Batty" by following:

http://shesbattydesigns.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/shesbattydesigns

http://battysbath.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/battysbath

Sign up for her monthly update here:

http://tiny.cc/sbd

"The monthly update includes lots of fun stuff including sneak peek of pictures from Jamie's studio, discount coupon codes for the online shops, a look at the latest handmade creations,and much more! If you're a fan of She's Batty Designs or Batty's Bathyou wont want to miss your chance to get the latest news and discounts!"

Red Apple Coasters now available

2010-01-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

Adorable apple coasters in red with stem and leaf. They are so cute and functional, too! You can machine wash and dry these so they are easy to clean. Can be used for a number of other things:

Table/desk coasters

Under your plants to keep tables dry

Face Scrubbers, reusable and eco friendly

Dish/Pot Scrubber

The possibilities are endless!

Here is direct link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38729184

Available in pear: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37155349

Crazy For You

2010-01-16T16:29:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day Sale!!

Beginning February 1st, 2010 a large number of Etsy Sellers will be participating in a Valentine's Day Sale. Bringing to you beautiful handmade items with special deals! You can get a sneak peak now!

Go to the following facebook page and become a fan. You'll be sent notifications telling you which shops will be participating and what deals you may be offered. GO NOW!! You can't afford not to!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crazy-for-You-Valentines-Day-Sale/251317601625?created

P.S. How do you like the Facebook Avatar? I spent all day working on it and I'm rather proud of it!

Helpful ETSY Apps

2010-01-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd pass on a few of the great pages that I've come across. They contain some very helpful links to applications that may help you build your business or just do cool things! They range from page stats to help with designing your banner and avatar. You may have seen or used them before but a reminder is always nice! Here they are. (You will see some repeats but each page contains some unique links.)Please feel free to add a comment if you know of another great site or app. Thanks!

SOCIAL MEDIA SEARCH TOOL

"WhosTalkin"

This one is great! Put your name in and hit search. This app will find your search criteria (shop name, item name, etc.) if it has been featured in the following outlets (with a few examples of each):

BLOGS ~ Google Blog Search, Ice Rocket, Myspace Blogs, Plurk, Twitter...

NEWS ~ Google News, Bing News, Yahoo News, Ask News...

NETWORKS ~ Facebook, LinkedIn, Myspace, Ning...

VIDEOS ~ Blinx, Yahoo Video, Metacafe, Youtube...

IMAGES ~ DeviantART, Flikr, Picasa, Photobucket...

FORUMS ~ Boardreader, Boardtracker, Omgili...
TAGS ~ Reddit, Wordpress.com, Blogmarks...

Originally Blogged By Gramkin Paper Studio.

"ETSY BUSINESS TOOLS YOU NEVER HEARD OF" (Part 1 & 2)

*Part 1*
http://gramkinpaperstudio.blogspot.com/2009/12/etsy-business-tools-you-may-have-never.html

*Part 2*
http://gramkinpaperstudio.blogspot.com/2010/01/etsy-business-tools-you-never-heard-of.html

Originally Posted to Etsy Forums By mikiep

Forum Post "Shhhh... SECRET Etsy Tips"

~ There are SO many great links within this forum post. You'll find some great tips as well. It is well worth the time it takes to read through them.

Featured in Etsy Developer Community

"Etsy's application directory"

This is a compilation of apps that are helpful that Etsy has listed. Here's what they said: "Note the applications listed are not managed by Etsy or affiliated with Etsy"

Wordle

"Beautiful Word Clouds"

This one is just a fun little app that allows you to add all sorts of words and it turns your words into a sort of collage. Try it out! Here's one that I came up with.

Couture Etsy Treasury

2010-01-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful Etsy Treasury. Take a look and click/comment. There are some very talented artists in this group.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=82449

New Spring Things

2010-01-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

With spring quickly approaching, new spring things are being added to my shop. Bucket hats, gladiator sandals and much much more! Take a look at what's up so far and if you have any suggestions, please tell me! If there is something you would like to see available I'd love to hear about it.

These will make your mouth water.

2009-12-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine asked me to make these cute little coasters for her and I liked them so much (and got so many compliments on them) that I decided to make them available in my shop. I have completed the pear coasters and now I'm working on the red apples. Some other ideas I have in mind: green & yellow apples & lemons.

I'd love to hear if you can think of something that would be especially cute! I'm always up for a challenge so bring it!! Nothing is off limits and no idea is a bad one...It may become a regular item for sale.

If you'd like to purchase a set of these you can visit my shop at:

http://www.crochele.etsy.com
(direct link) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37394015

Available in sets of 4, 5 or 6.

Thanks for visiting, come back :~)

Beautiful Etsy Treasuries!

2009-12-27T15:26:00.000-08:00

As yet another round of Treasuries is created, Crochele has been featured in three of them! Yeah!! Okay, so one was made by me ;~) but still...

Here they are. Please take a look and visit all of the artists pages and items. Really great items are shown and they are just a very very small percentage of what you can find on Etsy!

"Spring Fever!!!" ~ http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=102600

"The unforbidden fruit"(pear) ~ http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=102710

"Blue Bear...Baby!" ~ http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=102338

*I've shown a picture of "Spring Fever!!!". Pictures of the others are not shown, sorry :~)

Merry Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Eve is bound to beat the last 2 years! Each Christmas Eve we (the family) meet at Grandma and Grandpas to be together, eat tamales (yummm) and exchange presents. Two years ago I was just released from the hospital after having my second son on the 22nd. I'd been in the hospital for over a week at that point so I was ready to be HOME. Not to mention almost everyone at Grandma and Grandpas had the stomach flu...not just upset tummy's, I'm talking full on stomach flu! Here I am tired with a newborn child and I have to bring him to meet the family for the first time with sickness just waiting to be passed on to my son. Well, there really was no need to stress about it because everyone was too sick to really care too much about a baby and he slept the ENTIRE time in his carseat in a corner :~). All in all it was a great day!

Last year was the worst ice storm we have seen in a very very long time! I mean 3 inches of ice on EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE! My son (yeah the one born the year prior) had to celebrate his 1st Birthday at home with just his dad, brother and myself. My hubby managed to make it to the store to buy whatever kind of cake he could find (carrot cake it turned out) and I just happened to have bought a couple of toys that were supposed to be Christmas presents. Again, I stressed about it and it turned out to be perfect! He loved his cake and toys. Luckily the majority of the ice melted and we were able to make it to Grandma and Grandpas for our yearly tradition!

So, here we are! So far, everything has gone rather smoothly. We made the decision to celebrate our little guys' birthday early so he got a party for the first time. I was able to buy most of the presents I needed for Christmas and we are in for a dry evening/morning. Over the last few weeks I have received A LOT of orders and a lot were special requests for Christmas pictures or Christmas presents. I can't even begin to explain how much I love to be a part of that. Whether things go well or not this year, I am thankful for my family (all of them!) and am LUCKY to be able to be with them on such a special day. I'll be thinking of my mother and grandmother who are in another state and I'll be thinking of the family I lost too soon.

I wish everyone a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Featured Etsy Shop - Marleyjanedotcom

2009-12-23T11:02:00.000-08:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Marleyjanedotcom

I wanted to spotlight the shop of a very good friend of mine. All of her beautiful jewelry is handmade and I can tell you that they are all made of the highest quality! Please stop by her shop and take a look around.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks have been so great! So many orders requesting items for gifts. I feel honored to be able to provide that for customers! Many Thanks!

Happy Holidays everyone :~)

P.O.S.H. - Pinks of sultry hues

2009-12-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

Super cute Treasury! Check out these gorgeous pink, black and damask items! I had a really hard time choosing!

Crochele has been featured in a blog!

2009-11-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

http://thespeckledpear.blogspot.com/2009/11/etsy-shop-feature-014.html#comment-form

My little Bus Stop Booties have been featured among some really nice green items.

Crochele is featured in Sweet CuddleCakes' Blog!

2009-07-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

Crochele has been featured in Sweet CuddleCakes' blog! My Baby Gladiator Sandals are the featured item & are among shoes from Gymboree & Children's Place! This is an honor for me, check it out!

http://www.sweetcuddlecakes.blogspot.com/

*Scroll down to the post "10 Little Toes..."

NEW! Adorable Bath Mitts!!

2009-06-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

Made from 100% cotton yarn, these Bath Mitts are fun & functional! Fully machine washable and dryable. I know that my children would much rather play in the tub than be washed. Turn washing into a game instead of the dreaded "come here, let me wash you"! So far, you can choose from a puppy, dinosaur & piggy. More to come!

Crochele at Hip Happening!!

2009-05-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Crochele will be selling items at a local bazzaar/show for NW Artisans, featuring all handmade goods! The event is happening May 9th in the Historic Masonic Lodge in Milwaukie, Oregon. If you are local, or will be visiting, please stop by! There are 2 floors of wonderful items for sale and there will be food and beverages available.

If you have any questions about this event, please feel free to contact me!

Crochele Handcrafted

EtsyKids Design Challenge - Vote Now!!!

2009-04-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

I've entered the EtsyKids Design Challenge and it's time to vote! My entry is:

14. BABY DAISY Sun Hat and matching Gladiator Sandals

Vote for me! OR if you see something you like better, vote for that :~). The theme is "Rainbow of Colors" and there are some really great entries. Check it out and vote for your favorite!

Here's the link:

http://etsykids.blogspot.com/2009/04/etsykids-design-challenge-for-april.html

Newest Addition to Crochele Children's Line

2009-04-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Delia, owner of Styledbaby Boutique, Crochele has a new style hat! She asked me if I could make something similar to one she had seen so I gave it a shot. I'm really excited about these. It's not yet available at crochele.etsy.com but it will be available there soon. I will be making a few for Styledbaby Boutique in Hillsboro, Oregon. See styledbabydesigns.com for the address and phone number.

Crochele Couture Is Up and Running!

2009-04-11T11:18:00.001-07:00

I've finally added a couple of listings to Crochele Couture. Much more to come, for sure. See what's new:

Crochelecouture.etsy.com

Crochele on Facebook

2009-04-03T17:12:00.001-07:00

Are you on Facebook?? So is Crochele! Here is the link, where you can keep up with what is going on with Crochele:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/advertising/FacebookPagesProductGuide.pdf

Meet Crochele Couture

2009-03-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all of your help in deciding on a good name for my newest Etsy shop! (Yes, all two of you LOLOL) I've decided on Crochele Couture! The definition for couture is: The business of designing, making, and selling highly fashionable, usually custom-made clothing for women. How fitting is that!!??!?! Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know about it. Like I said in my previous post, I'll be selling items for adults. Yet to be determined what I'll be selling. I've just had enough requests for adult sizes of my children's items that I thought it would benefit myself and all of those wonderful customers out there! You can check it out but it's a work in progress at this point so check back soon to see it more complete.

CrocheleCouture.etsy.com

Til Next Time!!

Opening up shop...again!

2009-03-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

I've decided to open up a seperate Etsy shop to sell items specifically made for adults. I'm playing around with the names. I'd like to keep Crochele as the first part of the name, so that people recongize the name along with my child shop.

Does anyone have any ideas?? I just can't seem to come up with something witty :). Bring on any names you can think of! If I choose the name you've come up with, I'll give you 40% off your first order in either of my shops! Pass on my blog and share the fun :)

I'll choose a name by Friday 03/20/09 so hurry and get your ideas in!!

Here is the link to my children's shop: crochele.etsy.com Some of the items will be similar for my adult shop. I'll be carrying hats, scarfs, java jackets, sweaters and some undecided items.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Michele

Crochele featured in 2 Etsy Treasuries!

2009-03-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

I love Etsy Treasuries! Especially right now since Crochele is featured in 2 of them! Here are the links...Check 'em out.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=45630

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=46455

I love Twitter

2009-03-10T12:13:00.001-07:00

I have recently signed up with Twitter and I'm hooked! What a great way to get your name out there and keep people updated on your business. I've had so many people add me and I've had so much fun adding people to my list. There are some very interesting people out there. I've even started following Martha Stewart (and yes, it's really her) and Demi Moore (who seems to be a very down-to-earth type of gal). If you should decide to join, or already have a twitter account, add me!

My ID is: crochele

Here's the direct link: http://www.twitter.com/crochele

At the very least, check it out. It could be a help to you and your business...Or a great way to keep up-to-date on your friends!

Finished Little Dress

2009-03-05T08:26:00.001-08:00

So I finally finished the little dress. Here are a few pics of it! I'll post again when I've added it to Etsy and have some better pics.

Please be patient with me :)

2009-03-01T20:48:00.001-08:00

I decided to change the look of my blogger page and it's become quite the mess! So, until I get it straightened out, please ignore my mess :). Stick with me though, I will get it figured out soon!

Michele

New Etsy Listings!

2009-02-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

I've been updating my Etsy page for DAYS now and I think I've almost got it done. I've also added several new listings...go check them out!

I'll be adding the little white and red dress I finished as soon as I can get some good light for pictures.

'Til next time!

I'm an EtsyHooker

2009-02-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to announce that I'm a part of the EtsyHooker Team! I have been seeing them and hearing about them around Etsy and I am so happy to be a part of it. I have such great expectations from this and for my business. You can search Etsy for "etsyhooker team" and see all of the WONDERFUL things Hookers make ;).

Learning as I go

2009-02-22T12:24:00.001-08:00

I started the most adorable little crocheted dress and got about 3/4 of the way finished with it and I just wasn't happy with the way it was turning out, size wise. So, last night I pulled it almost all of the way out! Now, I'm redoing it and I'm much happier with it. This is the first dress I've attempted and I'm doing it all without a pattern or anything. Just making it up as I go. So, needless to say, it's a learning experience! I like it that way though. It makes things more interesting. Anyhow, I'll get some pics up when I am finished with it, or closer to finishing it.

Proud Member of CreateCrochet!

2009-02-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

I've recently joined the CreateCrochet Etsy Team! I'm so excited :). What a talented group of crocheters, i'm proud to be a part of it! I just wanted to put it out there!!

Until Next Time
Michele

New Ideas

2009-02-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

I'm widening my range of items I make. Currently, I'm working on a couple of bib designs and they are turning out really cute! They'll be pull-over type so that baby can't pull it off and it really will keep all of babies shirts clean. Not to mention pants! They have a pocket on the bottom to catch all of those little pieces baby can't quite make into their mouth :).

Second, I'm going to start working on some cute little summer dresses and cardigans. I had a special request for dresses. I'm excited to start these. I've got some GREAT ideas in mind. I'll update with some pics soon!

Til Next Time!

Response from MY vendors...

2009-01-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

I emailed the companies that produce the yarns that I use and I got a response...From 4 of them, which I believe came from the same place, were very vague and basically stated that they would be in compliance with any laws being put in place regarding the CPSIA. I'm hoping to hear more from them in the near future. Sounds to me like they are as in the dark about things as the rest of us.

This is where the good news come in...The 5th company that I contacted responded saying that their yarns do not contain lead and that I would receive more info regarding this when the head quality guy returned from vacation. I took this to mean that they have tested their yarns and this is excellent news for me, since the children's items that I sell are made of nothing but yarn!!! I'll be getting documentation, if available, so that I am following the laws as stated in the CPSIA. I just wanted to share this info with you so that maybe it will help you get something from YOUR vendors. It's a little encouraging atleast :)

'Til Next Time

Today is a big day!

2009-01-20T07:50:00.000-08:00

Today is a big day in our country! I'm so excited and hopeful of the things that our President Elect Obama will accomplish. You had better believe I'll be watching today as he officially becomes The President of the United States!!!!

Yet another update to the CPSIA

2009-01-17T11:04:00.000-08:00

At this point, I have no clue how to feel about this Act that has been put in place! Frustrated, Angry, Dissapointed...should I go on or is that good? ;).

I have high hopes that things will get cleared up. It's just the waiting, and the unknown that is so hard!

Currently, I'm working on contacting the companies that produce the products I use to make my crocheted items to find out if THEY do any type of testing of their products for lead. I've contacted all of the companies and now I wait...and wait...hopefully not too long!

I'm still creating new crochet items and wait until you see what I've just created! Little baby gladiator sandels. They are SO cute! I'll get them on my Etsy page as soon as I can. In the meantime, feel free to stop by and see what's been added w/in the last day or two... crochele.etsy.com

Encouraging News!!!!!

2009-01-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

As a follow-up to my last post...

I've received some very encouraging news from the owner of Styledbaby Boutique! Apperantly, the law was not written as it was supposed to have been. It wasn't meant to be so broad. It's being revised to be more specific and remove some of the things like cotton and yarn and so on...

I'm very happy about this news! I would have adjusted the things I create to fit in with what Styledbaby Boutique carries. I absolutely adore this shop and would do whatever I could to help keep it in business. BUT as of right now, I won't need to do this :). For now, things are staying the same at the boutique and hopefully soon the law will be rewritten and there won't be such stirct rules regarding testing ANYTHING made for children under 12 years old, for lead.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

-A very relieved Crochele :)

Crochele needs your help!

2009-01-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

I've just found out that I'll no longer be able to sell my children's line at Styledbaby Boutique. In August, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed by Congress. This act places very strict rules on any item being sold for children and requires that any of these items be tested for lead. As a small business, Styledbaby cannot pay for this to be done and as of Feb. 9th will no longer carry children's items - NONE. This is sad news for myself, Styledbaby, customers and basically any person buying items for children. This act could potentilly raise the prices of children's goods 50% because any business selling these things must have them tested for lead before they can be sold.

Please see the following blog and read it in it's entirety. It's really important to us all! Please also take a moment to follow the link within that blog and send a letter to our Congress asking that the Act be revised. Right now, it says that even a childs shirt has to be tested for lead...REALLY??? I am all for placing strict standards on anything that a child may come in contact with, to keep them safe! I have 2 children of my own but COME ON! Anyway, please help us all out! Go to the blog and I thank you in advance!

PLEASE SEE THE THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2009 ENTRY:

http://styledbabyboutique.blogspot.com/

Spring Things

2008-12-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

I spent all day yesterday working on a super-cute bucket hat! It's the first in my newest line of spring accessories and clothing. Today I'm going to start working on some embellishments/appliques for the hats to liven them up a bit. I'll attach some photos when they are complete!

Until next time :)

Welcome!

2008-12-26T11:26:00.000-08:00

This is officially my first blog!

I'm a VERY addicted crocheter! As a child, my grandmother taught me the very basics of crocheting. Until about a year ago I hadn't picked up a needle but decided that I'd give it a shot. I was VERY pregnant and had a 2 1/2 year old to look after. I was looking for something to occupy my time while my little one was sleeping/playing etc. So, I bought a book and some cheap yarn and that's where it all began! I started out with the basics...hats, scarves and blankets for my boys. Most didn't turn out so well but as I fed my addiction :) I got better. I began making blankets for baby showers. I made anything I could think of, for anybody who may want it! Eventually, I had people telling me that I should sell my things. My hubby also hinted at the fact that he wouldn't keep feeding the addiction so that I could give away what I made, lol!

AND HERE I AM! I currently sell baby things on crochele.etsy.com and also sell baby things in a baby/mom boutique called Styledbaby Boutique. I absolutely love it! It's so exciting to see people who love my work as much as I do. Nothing makes me happier than a proud parent choosing one of my pieces for their little one. It's a huge compliment!

I'm currently working on spring things. Getting ideas for hats, sweaters and anything that may be a little springy :).

Well, that's it for now. I'll be updating my blog as new ideas occur :). Thanks for reading and have a good one!

Crochele Handcrafted

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These will make your mouth water.

Beautiful Etsy Treasuries!

"Spring Fever!!!" ~ http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=102600"The unforbidden fruit"(pear) ~ http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=102710"Blue Bear...Baby!" ~ http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=102338

*I've shown a picture of "Spring Fever!!!". Pictures of the others are not shown, sorry :~)

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Crochele featured in 2 Etsy Treasuries!

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Finished Little Dress

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New Ideas

Response from MY vendors...

Today is a big day!

Yet another update to the CPSIA

Encouraging News!!!!!

Crochele needs your help!

Spring Things

Welcome!

"Spring Fever!!!" ~ http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=102600

"The unforbidden fruit"(pear) ~ http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=102710

"Blue Bear...Baby!" ~ http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=102338