Not Your Grandma's Baby Blanket

Unless your Grandma is extremely hip.  +wink+ Following closely on the heels of my newly redesigned bibs (flannel, chenille with blingy pearl snaps) I received a request from one of my favorite shops ~ Could you make baby blankets, too?

Baby blankets have been on my project list forever, but I just never seemed to get around to them.  So when this special request came in I decided there must be a market for handmade baby blankets.  Why not give it a whirl?

I made my first blankets today.  I decided to start with the smallest size - what has been called "receiving blankets" in the past and, depending on the size of the baby, may work as swaddling blankets as well. These are the kind you would use to bring a newborn home from the hospital and bundle up in their first few weeks of life.  These are all 30" x 30" double-sided coordinating pre-washed, pre-shrunk flannel.  I am a huge fan of anything polka dot, so plan to make the coordinating flannel always polka dot.

I also plan to make some larger blankets.  They will probably be flannel and chenille or minky dot (a kind of close-cropped very soft chenille).  

They look easy to make, but I was surprised how careful I had to be to measure correctly and sew slowly to be sure everything lined up.  Even then they aren't perfect ~ but I tell myself I hope customers will appreciate the fact that they are handmade and no two will be alike.  I am sure - as with anything - the more I make the easier it will be and the more detail I will enjoy adding.

I've fallen in love with flannel fabrics.  The designs are endless and run the gambit from soft pastels for the more traditional to crazy skulls for the more adventurous.  My tastes in choosing fabrics for my blankets, bibs and burpies (burp cloths) also runs the gambit.  I'm drawn to some of the traditional soft and sweet baby designs and colors.  But I also get a real kick out of the loud and crazy designs and colors you wouldn't expect to see in a baby product.  I am finding that a majority of my customers seem to be young, hipster Mommies and they go for the unusual and unexpected.  But I will carry some traditional fabrics as well.  For you know, the traditional Mommies and Grandmommies.  I love 'em all!  

What fun I have designing new things!  I haven't abandoned my Whee Ones - there will be many coming soon for the next holiday season; but my imagination runs rampant with ideas for new products, new fabrics, new designs.  It keeps my products - and my work days - fresh and fun.

Speaking of ~ since my product line is expanding I'm thinking of doing some subtle changes to my logo, colors, taglines, etc.  Once I've made those decisions, I'll slowly roll out the new image.  
And I just realized - as I often do - I'm making future plans in my head by writing /speaking them as I do it.  My apologies.  Now carry on.  +wink+ 

Long live flannel.

And babies.

Remembering Beginnings...

Although it seems I live 24/7 in my studio, I do get out occasionally.  Yesterday the Whee Ones, the mister and I participated in an Earth Day event, with one more to come on Monday.  (We are invited each year because I use [all new] fabric remnants to make my little critters. A lot cuter than clogging up landfills with bits of fabric.)

I was reminded why it is good to step out of the studio now and again...

Not only is it rewarding to be on the receiving end of a lot of warm fuzzies (figuratively speaking) ~ "Oh these are so cute!"  "You make all these?"  ~ but I usually gain some insight, some wisdom.  And sometimes in the most unexpected ways...

One man stopped and inspected the Whee Ones sitting on the table.  He smiled and said, "How did this all come about?  How did you get started with this?"

I thought quickly and gave him a short answer ~ something about loving stuffed animals as a kid and I never really outgrew that.

He seemed to be ok with that answer, but later I was still pondering the question.  I have been designing and making Whee Ones (and the occasional Cuddle Bunny, Security Bunny and Plush Pillow) for 3 years; but how did this all come about?  Why has it become a passion and how am I able to sustain not only the passion, but the business?

It did start with an affinity for stuffed animals.   As a little girl I grew up on a farm with no friends for miles.  So my limited little group of stuffed animals became my friends.  A large teddy bear (who knows where that came from, but it had been around the block), a squirrel, a dog, a snake (yes a snake) and a couple of other assorted rag tag critters were my best friends.  I read to them, I took them on grand hikes around the farm and every night they were lined up on my bed, heads on pillows and blankets up to their chins.  I can still see them ~ and it's been a couple of years, folks.

So even into adulthood I still had the occasional teddy bear on my desk or next to my bed.  In 2009, tired of beating my head against the wall with my photography (which was going nowhere - it's a tough industry) I felt a great need to do something tactile.  It took a few months to find my niche, but falling back on sewing skills I learned as a girl I did find a niche.  And once I did there really was no turning back.

 I honestly can't remember (and I wish I could) but either Piper the Penguin or Simon Owl was my very first original design.  I realized it didn't take much fabric to make these guys (they are about 6-7 inches tall and about 13 inches around) so I could use fabric remnants.  Another win/win - saving the planet one Whee One at a time.  Using fabric remnants that would normally have been discarded meant less fabric clogging up landfills.

The Whee Ones were met with smiles, so I decided to open an Etsy shop and try out a few additional designs.  I actually made a couple of sales - much to my surprise and delight.  Which, of course, just fueled my interest and my imagination and before I knew it I had over 100 products in my Etsy shop.

Then my Etsy Shop began to gain the attention of small boutique owners ~ locally and across the country.  Not really having a clue what I was doing, I signed consignment contracts, took orders, designed, sewed, merchandised, packaged and shipped ~ to several shops.  As of this writing I am in 9 charming brick 'n mortar shops (6 of them local in the Denver Metro Area, as well as New York, Chicago and Seal Beach, CA), another online shop and my Etsy shop.

I have discovered that I love the "thrill" of the sell - not the sale (although sales are always lovely, too).  But not exactly being the most outgoing person (you do recall that rather isolated childhood ~ I talked to stuffed animals for cryin' out loud!)  it is a challenge to sell my product.  Or so I thought.   I'm always just a little nervous walking to a new shop, armed with just a brochure and one Whee One, but I have yet to walk out without a contract!  The Whee Ones have given me a confidence that has escaped me my whole life.  And that is exhilarating!

I have shipped Whee Ones to newborn babies, to Hollywood elite, to children dying of cancer, to little boys saying their "see ya' laters" to Daddy going off to war; to celebrate birthdays, to be hung in Christmas stockings and to fill Easter baskets.  It is all incredibly rewarding and humbling.

So thank you Mr. Man for asking me "How did this all come about?"  Because it is important to remember beginnings and to take time to be grateful for all that has ensued.

Thank you!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Three years ago ~ March 17, 2009 ~ I opened my cmh design Etsy shop and my life will never be the same!  Thank you to all of you who have supported me with encouragement, kind words, kudos, sales and all around love!  My Wee Ones, et al and I wouldn't be here without you!

Cheers!  And maaaaawah!  We heart you all!

Hippity Hop

Hop on over to my Etsy shop where it's all bunnies all the time.  Well, except for the tigers and raccoons and dinosaurs and owls and mice ~ oh, you get the idea.

But there are a lot of bunnies.  My Etsy shop and all of the fabulous brick 'n mortar shops I work with are excited to see Easter and Spring just around the corner!

So if you are in New York City, check out Stoopher & Boots; if you are in Chicago, stop by hanger 18; lots of shopping opportunities in Denver ~ Caboodle, Show of Hands Gallery and I Heart Denver; traveling to the San Francisco Bay area ~ pop into Modern Mouse in the East Bay, Alameda and if you are looking for sun and surf and great gifts, travel down to Hapa Collective in Seal Beach, California!

Hippity hop!

One Girl Show

If you pop into my Etsy Shop and the inventory looks depleted - never fear. There is a reason.

I am really fortunate to have my products in seven stores across the country as well as a handful of online shops.  When I started on Etsy almost three years ago, I never would have predicted that.  But I learned - without even realizing it - "if you build it, they will come."  A couple of awesome shop owners came knocking and soon I found myself doing consignment on both coasts.  That gave me the courage to knock on a couple of local shop doors, email a couple of awesome shops in other parts of the country and I discovered something about myself ~ I enjoyed "selling" and sealing the deal!  (I'm rather shy, so this aspect of my personality still astounds me!)

So with all that going on ~ and I'm planning to add to my brick 'n mortar roster ~ it's a lot to keep up with on my own.  I am determined to -  for as long as I can -  keep my business personal ~ with every product being handmade, handcrafted, stories written, merchandised and shipped by me and me alone. I really don't ever want to lose that personal touch.

So with 2012 upon us I am looking into the new year and I realized if I'm going to keep up (and still have some semblance of a personal life which sadly has been lacking) I needed to restructure a bit.  So here's my plan ~~

*Every Quarter (every 3 months) I will offer a select group of 25 products.  This will be consistent across the board ~ all the brick 'n mortar shops and Etsy. (Etsy may have a couple of extra products if I have things already made and sitting on my studio shelf.)

*Every Quarter (every three months) those 25 products will change to a new offering of 25 products.

From a production point of view this makes sense as it allows me to work more efficiently and get my product out the door more quickly.  Working "assembly-line" style really speeds up production.  Of course I have to indulge my creative spirit and take time to develop new designs, so those will be popping up from time to time. Some of these new designs will be offered as Limited Editions for a short time only and then retired.

So that explains why my Etsy inventory went from over 100 products to 33.  I'm still here. Here. There. There. And there.  And maybe someday ~ everywhere. :)

Things To Come...

2012 has proven to be a banner year for the Wee Ones and me ~ thanks to the amazing support from you!  Four online shops and seven brick 'n mortar stores/galleries have kept me quite busy (hence long time no blog).  To that end I am working on some restructuring for 2012 ~ streamlining my lines to make my turnaround time faster and more efficient; but also looking to grow the business even more (without making myself too crazy...).

I am hoping to sign with a few more brick 'n mortars and plan to introduce new little guys in my regular line. Something new I am looking forward to is featuring some limited editions as well. Limited meaning they will be special ~ unique fabrics and/or designs ~ with only a few offered for sale for a limited time, then the line will be retired.  Furball here is a tease of what's to come.

I'm nearing the end of my holiday orders and looking forward to some fudge-making, cookie-baking, sitting- around-the-Christmas-tree-and-the warm-fire-family-time, toasting our blessings this year and maybe catching a movie or two.

And sleeping in.  Omysweetgoodness sleeping in would be such a treat!  ;-)

Happy holidays to all of you with {hugs} and enormous gratitude...

The Sum of the Parts...

that make the whole.

I know when I buy something I don't really think about all the parts that go into making the whole item.  But when I am on the other side - actually making the item - I think seriously about the parts that make up the whole. I scrutinize fabric; in fact, I've been known to get really unreasonably excited if I find just the right fabric for just the right project.  I am sure to keep my inventory of threads up to date; yes I do need four shades of pink and eight shades of blue.

In my particular business - making my Wee Ones, et al - I think the thing that really brings them to life are their eyes.  For my critters who will be adopted by kids over 3 years old, I use plastic safety eyes.  When I attach those eyes... well, that is when the Wee One comes to life.  The eyes are the window to the soul ~ even in a stuffed animal. When those eyes become part of a bear or a dog or any critter I'm working on, suddenly a personality appears.

And that is when I smile.  And that is when I know I've got a winner.

So, all that being said, eyes are a crucial part of my inventory.  And more often than not, I lose track of my inventory "count" and realize that - uh oh - I've only got 4 pairs of 12mm black eyes left!  The person I always turn to is my Etsy friend, Clara of 6060.  She always has what I need and am in dire need of.  Her response to my requests are immediate and her turn-around time is amazing!  Although we are many, many miles apart I usually have what I need in just a couple of days.

There are many times she has saved the day for me ~ especially during crunch times like the holiday season.  So I just wanted to tip my Santa hat to Clara and say thank you for your outstanding customer service!  I don't know what I would do without you!

Bunnies. They're Not Just for Easter Anymore.

Bunny season is typically in the Spring and near Easter for me.   I've discovered something recently as bunnies - both BIG (about 13") and small like the guys above (about 6") - have been selling on a regular basis.  Go figure.

Then it was brought to my attention by a couple of customers that in some cases these bunnies are acting as "security blankets" -- or "security bunnies" if you will -- for little ones.   In fact some little guys become so attached to their bunny Mom is ordering a "back up" bunny, just in case the original goes missing.  Moms have told me they are just the right size to tuck into a diaper bag or a purse and they won't leave home without them.

I think that is the sweetest compliment I could receive!  You can be sure these and other "security bunnies" will be in stock at all times.

Why I Love What I Do!

All of my customers are special to me, but once in awhile an order comes thru that stands out.  I just never know where my critters may end up and what their stories will be. And, in the end, that is why I love what I do. A request for Rudy and Toby (the ram and dinosaur pictured here) was one such order.

A few months ago I had a note from Haleigh ~ she was excited to see the addition of Rudy the Ram in my Etsy shop, because one of her two sons carries the nickname of "Ram." As the mother of two boys myself, I remember well ~ if you buy one critter you must by another ~ so Rudy and Toby were on their way to Haleigh's two little boys.

What I didn't know until just recently is that they were surprise gifts for the boys from Mommy and Daddy to let them know that their Daddy was thinking of them.  Because, you see, Daddy is a Sargent in the United States Marines and as a member of the 26th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) was deployed to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Italy, Africa and Greece (with a lot of time spent on a ship in those areas) for almost 9 months.  Scary stuff.

Haleigh provided the image you see here ~ the top and bottom photos are the boys saying (as she so sweetly put it) their "see you laters" and the center photo is Dad returning home safely and embracing his precious little boys.

I was so touched by Haleigh's story ~ honored that she chose Rudy and Toby for such meaningful gifts at such an important time in her children's lives and honored that she shared it with me.  Thank you seems inadequate, but thank you Sgt. Johnson for your service and to Haleigh and the boys, thank you for your sacrifice and your service as well.

I can't say it enough ~ stories like Haleigh's are why I love what I do.  It brings wonderful people like Haleigh and her family into my life.  And I am grateful for that.

Happiness!

The second gift shop I signed with - can it be almost 18 months ago? - was Modern Mouse in lovely Alameda, California which sits across the Bay from the equally lovely San Francisco.  The owner, Eleen, (lovely herself) and I struck up a cyberspace friendship immediately.  Since then her brick 'n mortar store has grown by leaps and bounds, as has her ever-so-friendly and hard-working staff.  I'm thrilled to be a part of their beautiful shop!

Happiness has been a recurring theme in my life.  It has popped up when I least expect it; I've used the word happy so many times in business and in life it is practically my middle name.  I even have a tattoo with the Chinese symbol for happiness.

So, no surprise that Modern Mouse, Eleen and I would eventually join forces.  Eleen is all about delivering happiness (inspired by Zappos Founder, Tony Hsieh) and that is completely reflected in how she goes about her business and how she goes about her life.  And you know what they say about happiness ~~ it is contagious.  Take a peek at her online shop and you will see what I mean!  Happiness everywhere!

It was such fun to see my Wee Ones featured not once, but twice in Modern Mouse's October newsletter!  Drake-ula is proud to be a part of the Halloween Gift Guide!

And the other Big Deal in October is always (for me, anyway) Breast Cancer Awareness.  Modern Mouse partners with me in this cause and is featuring these BC Buddies in their shop!

And if you're just looking for a Wee One in general, a special selection can be found on Modern Mouse's shopping site.

One of these days I'm going to surprise those kids at Modern Mouse and pop by to say hi!  Thank you Eleen and crew for all you do.   Happiness all around!  

Booga Booga!

Holidays.  Dreams and nightmares.

Since I've been creating little critters the holidays have proven to be both challenging and delightful.  Some seasonal ideas really hit the mark; some don't quite make the cut and are delegated to the "donation" shelf. Because even if a plushie isn't exactly what I had in mind, it still can bring a smile to a child's face.  I'm big on Toys for Tots!  And however frustrating it is to spend time on a prototype (or two) and realize the idea just isn't going to fly; it is all part of the game.

But then there are the ones that do.  I just know in my gut when an idea is going to work ~ like my friend here ~ Stinky the Dead Cat. Some holidays bring out the more creative side of me than others.  Halloween is one such holiday.  Last year was my first year creating Wee Monsters, et al, and not only was I surprised by how much fun I had bringing them to life ~ I was equally surprised by how popular they were!  And then ~ blow me over with a feather ~ people started requesting them all year long.  (You guys are warped.  But in a good way! *wink*)

So this year I knew to start early with the current designs and take an hour here and there to work on some new ones.  I gave it considerable thought before entering into the Dead Zone ~ not knowing if that would be too sensitive or not.  Then I remembered that Halloween is closely associated with Day of the Dead (November 1 and 2) ~ so why not?

Enter Dead Seymour the Wee Monkey.

There are more dead creatures hanging out in my head.  I just hope I have time to create them all...  Holy cow!  It's October 1st already!

Lucky #7

I am so excited to share that my Wee Ones can now be found at the fabulous I Heart Denver store in the Denver Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver!  I made my first delivery yesterday and met store owner, Samuel (he's awesome) and his crew (equally awesome).

The store contains products that are entirely produced by local Denver artists.  Everything from glassware to tee shirts to bags to jewelry and more  (and, of course, stuffed animals.) :)  If you're in the area, stop by and check it out (2nd floor of the Pavilions).  You are sure to walk away with something crafted by a Denver artist.

I call I Heart Denver my lucky #7 ~ the 7th store I am partnering with on consignment.  I guess my Etsy shop would bring that number to 8, but as far as brick 'n mortar shops ~ this is lucky #7.  So you know what that means.  Those Wee Ones are going to fly off the shelf.  :)

Thanks, Samuel and crew ~ I am so happy to be part of your one-of-a-kind 100% Denver store!

One Word Tees = Awesome!

So here was my dilemma ~ I needed a special tee shirt and I needed it in two days.  Here's the deal:

About six weeks ago I applied to and was accepted into a very cool local event called Project Hello.  It was so named because the concept was to introduce yourself thru your art.  My proposal utilized one of my Wee dogs, Coco.  Coco would interview attendees asking a few important questions (like what is your favorite food - you know, important stuff) and then blog about all his new friends. (That blog post is forthcoming.)

While perusing Etsy one day I came across One Word Tees and noticed one of the shirts said simply "hello."  It hit me immediately - how perfect for Project Hello!  It not only would break the ice for interviews and introductions at the event, but it was unique and fun and most of all ~~ comfortable!  :)  I ordered one immediately and received it in two days.  I was so pleased with the shirt and so happy that I had a unique way to present myself and my Wee Ones at the event.

Late Tuesday afternoon, June 21, I had a thought.  And then I kind of panicked.  You see, my husband, Charlie (although my friend Susan thinks he should go by Mr. Cindi) is not only my biggest cheerleader, but also my wingman.  He jumps right in to support me at events - driving me around, loading the Jeep with tables and screens and bags, helping me set up and tear down.  But most of all - being one of those guys who has never known a stranger - he is my #1 sales rep and PR guy.  He's a good guy.  :)

So my thought late Tuesday afternoon was - oh man... he needs a "hello" shirt, too!  The problem?  I live in Colorado and One Word Tees is based in Delaware.  A quick glance at a map of the US and one realizes, hmmmm... can we make this happen logistically?  So I quickly emailed Ross at One Word Tees and explained my dilemma.  He said he would do his best to get a shirt to me by Friday, the 24th (the event was Saturday, the 25th), but couldn't guarantee delivery.  Well, this being Wednesday, the 22nd, now I told him I totally understood; but let's give it a shot.  I think we can do it. And even if it doesn't arrive in time, I don't care.  I know "Mr. Cindi" will love it and appreciate the thought. :)

Ross didn't hesitate.  He got the package off Wednesday ~ a big thank you to his lovely and talented fiancee Nicole for the special drop off at the PO!  One of the happiest moments I've had in a while was opening my mailbox Friday afternoon and there it was - a package from One Word Tees!

Long story (sorry) short - my husband loves his tee and proudly wore it beside me and supported me all day long at Project Hello.  The most fun though?  Going for a celebratory glass of wine (it was a good day) and a bite to eat after at one of our favorite local restaurants, Racines (nicest people, best service and yummiest food in town!).  For two hours people were saying "Hello!"   I joked that when we sat together we were a U2 song.  (Vertigo - "Hello, hello, to my place called Vertigo")

So if you are looking for something unique and fun, check out One Word Tees.  I love their concept - so simple and clean, but so fun!  And the service?  Well I think you can see - it is superb.

Thank you Ross and Nicole.  Customer service like this is what sets businesses apart.  And you are the best!

Constantly in Motion...

Last night I had a unique experience as a participant of RAW Natural Born Artists Denver. What is that you ask? Well, let's share.

About a week ago the Co-Director of the Denver RAW organization contacted me and asked if I would be interested in participating in the upcoming event at Jet Hotel downtown Denver. I learned the monthly events feature a wide variety of artists ~ poets, musicians, photographers, painters, fashion designers, jewelers and more. I decided my Wee Ones and I must fit into the "and more" category. Kind of like Andy Rooney used to be on 60 Minutes. (And if you don't get that reference, then I really AM old.) She explained to me the March event was going to have an unspoken theme of animal-esque and my Wee Ones were perfect for that.

So, since I am trying to adopt a new attitude of saying "yes" to things (particularly related to my Wee Ones, et al), I said "yes." I should follow that immediately with ~ I have the greatest husband/best friend ever because he's always up for coming along on my little adventures. He quickly said "yes" to my invitation. That raises my comfort level immensely because as an introvert and someone who doesn't even like to talk on the phone, my husband balances me by being the kind of guy who has never known a stranger. It works.

Which is why, as part of the RAW Artist experience, I would have much rather sent him in for the one-on-one interview with the videographer and the sound guy and the lighting guy; but I took a deep breath (oh, and a glass of wine) and made it thru that on my own. Miraculously.

So, anyway, I spent an entire week preparing. And it was worth it. What fun we had! And what wonderful artists and creative people we met! I made a fair amount of sales, but I can't put a price on the contacts I made, the exposure the Wee Ones received (and may I say, they were very well-received!) and just the fun we had and the interesting people we encountered. What a great experience!

I'll explain the photo now ~ because it does tie in. I snapped it with my iPhone as we were leaving Jet Hotel this morning (we spent the night and it is a charming little place). And as usual I'm in motion and the image is blurry. But I decided I liked it because it is who I am and how I am - constantly in motion. And yes, that's my BFF in the background holding the elevator for me. ;-)

My Dad was a man of few words but I do remember two things he said to me in my adult life.

"You sure know how to make work for yourself, Cindi."
and
"I get tired just watching you run up and down the stairs!" Constantly in motion.

Both of which have certainly helped me get to the point I am at today. Constantly working and constantly in motion. So yay on that.

And thanks for coming along. :)

And The BC Awareness Beat Goes On!

I love to gather ideas - ideas and inspiration from people, places, experiences... I am basically a shy person and many years behind a camera lens taught me the power of observation.

The idea I am writing about today was inspired by Stephanie, the owner of Stoopher & Boots in New York City. In late August I asked Stephanie if she would be interested in carrying a few of my little BC Buddies (a variety of pink BC Awareness inspired Wee Ones) ~ with 10% of each sale going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure ~ she enthusiastically said, "Yes! How soon can you send them?"

In the past I had only run my BC Awareness Campaign during the month of October. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in New York City took place in early September so I extended my campaign to two months. At the end of October I asked Stephanie if she would like to pull the BC Buddies from the shelf until next year. She responded,"I'd like to keep them ~it is always a good time to support such a good cause!"

So thank you, Stephanie! You inspired me to keep the BC Buddies in my Etsy shop year 'round. Because I totally agree ~ it is always a good time to support a good cause! Thinking about it, I realized women (and men!) don't just get breast cancer in September or October. It is estimated that in 2010 about 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women* ~ and that's just women. That is day after day after day after day...

And proof positive of that ~ I have sold three BC Buddies in the last two days. I am thinking they will make dandy Hanukkah and Christmas pressies...

Yay!

*American Cancer Society

Hoot! Hoot!

When I was in high school in the 70's (yes I'm ancient), owls were all the rage.

So to see them come back into fashion is a kick. I don't know why I liked them in 1972 and I don't know why I like them now.

But I do know that Simon and Greyson make me smile. Hope they do you, too. :)

Handmade by Heart

Last night I finished up my work for the day, sat back, put my feet up and sighed. Barely able to keep my eyes open, I reflected on my last few days. For nine days straight my work days have averaged 12-14 hours. And the next week looks to be the same.

Who says working for yourself is easy? *wink* Those of you who do, know it is not. But it is a labor of love.

Mind you, I am not complaining. I love what I do. The freedom to let my wild imagination take me wherever I want to go each day is a gift! I tell everyone being this busy is a good problem to have! I’m tired; but it is a hard-earned, feel-good, happy tired.

In my reflection, I thought about something that has been popping onto my onto my radar lately. I hear comments now and then from people wondering why handmade items are so expensive. They say, “Why pay a higher price for something handmade when you can buy ‘the same thing’ at Wal-Mart for half the price?” Well, that’s certainly a personal choice and in these tough economic times, understandable.

But if that someone who wonders would really like to know why a handmade item is “expensive” ~~ hold my hand and I will walk you thru what it takes to create one of my Whee Ones from inception to putting it in one of my awesome customer’s hands.

I begin with:

1. Sketch an original idea (this requires dreaming one up)
2. Translate the sketch into a pattern
3. Choose fabric
4. Lay the pattern on fabric and cut out the pattern
5. Sew the pattern together to create the Wee One
6. Name the Whee One and write a story about it
7. Photograph the Whee One
8. Edit images to get at least five good ones for posting
9. Post story and images to Etsy
10. Contact my consignment shops (three of them) and see if they would like the Whee One in their shop
11. Design the “hang tag” containing the story of the animal and my contact information
12. Print and cut the “hang tag”
13. Tie the “hang tag” on the Whee One with a coordinating ribbon
14. If shipping to a store, create and print an inventory sheet
15. If shipping directly to a customer, hand-write a thank you note on stationery I have designed and printed; make a fleece stuffed “thank you heart”; add business card and put all in a plastic Ziploc
16. If shipping directly to a customer, wrap Whee One in tissue paper and package in either a padded envelope or box; print a label for envelope/box
17. If shipping to a shop, inventory all and gently wrap in a plastic bag and pack in box; print label
18. Drive to the Post Office or FedEx to ship; secure delivery confirmation/tracking number
19. Send a follow up email to the customer or shop to notify of shipment and provide the tracking number to track package so they know when to expect it
20. Start all over again. :)

That is for one Whee One. I also have lines of Liten Venns (Norwegian for Small Friend), plush pillows, knit hats and baby bibs. When I have time I also have administrative duties – general paperwork, filing, etc.; keeping track of the budget and finances; frequent trips to local fabric store to purchase fabric and supplies; ordering supplies online; stocking supplies in my studio and organizing studio. And then, of course, there is time spent marketing - online promotions as well as snail mail brochures, flyers, business cards ~~ and the occasional craft fairs.

So if a handmade item seems expensive ~ well, chances are it is not. Chances are it is a bargain.

It is one of a kind – no other like it. Made with loving hands and attention to detail. It is a little piece of someone’s heart…

Think Pink!

BC Awareness is the name of the game for September and October!

It is that time of year again when seasons change and everything turns... PINK!

September and October bring Breast Cancer Awareness to cmh design! Once again we are donating 10% of the sale of any BC Buddy to Susan G. Koman for the Cure! Check my Etsy shop often because new buddies are added daily! You can also find my BC Buddies at Stoopher & Boots in New York City and [soon] Caboodle in Denver!

And thank you for your support! :)

A Fall Preview ~ BC Comfort Friends Make a Return!

Just as last year this October cmh design will focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a cause near and dear to my heart.

This year I am featuring a family of Wee Ones ~ The BC Comfort Friends. A cat, a dog, a bear and a bunny (and probably more!) can be found in my Etsy shop in just a couple of days. If you would like to purchase one ~ or order several, 10% of all sales will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure!

So this is just a little preview of what is to come in the Fall! Can Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah be far behind??

Finding Direction

When I opened my Etsy Shop about 18 months ago it was a mixed bag of photography, knit hats, note cards, dog treats and stuffed animals. Initially I thought ~ wow, what an opportunity to showcase all my interests!

Three months in (after a thoughtful hike along the East Bay in San Francisco/Berkeley) I made the decision to narrow down what I offered in my shop. I felt that the wide array of items offered were perhaps working against me ~ that maybe potential customers were confused when they entered my shop. Was I a photographer? A seamstress? A baker? A knitter? I was confused; I can only imagine what visitors thought.

On this early morning walk along the San Francisco Bay, watching the sun rise and reflect off the city skyline I thought about two things: (1) Considering all my interests, which offered me the most satisfaction and the most happiness? and (2) Considering all my interests, which presented the opportunity to actually make some money?

Although photography was, and will always be, a passion, it is an extremely competitive market. I have always had an affinity for stuffed animals, so I decided to focus on that.

So I did. And sales picked up. Within six months I began designing my own stuffed animals and developed a line of one-of-a-kind "Wee Ones." Sales hit an all time high at that point. A few shops across the country began to approach me interested in consignment possibilities.

Wanting to stretch my imagination and creativity a bit (because I have to admit I like creating new things) I recently expanded into applique plush pillows and applique baby bibs. And then I remembered ~ oh yeah, I know how to make knit beanies/hats. It is fun to go from one line to another ~ to mix it up a bit. But this time, I realized I had unconsciously created a new focus.

While at a networking social the other night a few people inevitably asked, "So what do you do?" I instinctively handed them a business card and said, "I make stuff for kids." They knew immediately what I do.

And with that, I realized ~ I have a direction. I have a demographic I can focus on; I have a market I can cater to. I know what shops to contact; I know how to promote my business. Everything makes sense now. :)

Direction. It makes all the difference.