friends for my friends

A few weeks ago, the girls in my Wednesday night preschoolers class asked "Mrs. Kim, do we have any baby dolls to play with?" I had to say no, we didn't. So what does a teacher/out of work toymaker do when her class perceives a need? She gets busy and makes some dolls, of course!

As you can see, they are quite imperfect. To save time, I stitched their facial features with different stitches on my machine, which is somewhat unpredictable. But the girls played and played with them last night, and seem to really like them. This pattern is from a vintage sewing book, but if you'd like to make similar dolls you might want to buy a pattern from Bit of Whimsy Dolls or visit this site for some free patterns (scroll down - there's all kinds of patterns there).

I made the dolls blankets out of some leftover fabric, and just pinked the edges so it wouldn't ravel. The girls have informed me that the babies need bottles, though, so I guess I'll need to find some. Have to take care of my kiddos! :)

don't try this at home

If you've read my profile, or know me at all, you know I very much dislike cleaning. Especially washing dishes. I have been known to put pretty much anything in my dishwasher that will fit, and hope for the best. So far the biggest disaster has been sand toys. (Trust me - even if they look like all the sand is off, it's NOT.)

Recently I've bought salad greens packaged in clear containers. They look like plastic, but the label says they are made of corn. I liked the size and shape to store some of my craft things.

So I put them in my trusty dishwasher.

Here's how that went:

So after much laughter, I revised my list of things to NOT put in a dishwasher:

1. Cast iron

2. Sand toys

3. Containers made of corn

Please feel free to adopt my list as your own.

and now two years ago...

it just doesn't seem possible that a year has passed since this post.

I've always heard that "time heals all wounds". I guess maybe time heals some wounds. It might make a few more bearable. But there are some that never, ever go away. I prefer God's work over time's work any day, though.

Here's me and Ron, I don't know exactly when, but I was probably 13 or 14. It's supposed to be like the "American Gothic" painting, but it was always hard to keep a straight face around Ron.

In the mood for a carnival?

Here's something fun this morning - I've recently found out about a "blog carnival". It happens every two weeks, and a different blog hosts each time. Today it's at Momspective - go check it out! (I'm the last one on the list, hint hint!)

New resource!

When the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) made it too costly and complicated for me to sell (safe) children's items, it broke my heart. But to add insult to injury, it seemed that no one around me even knew what was happening. I know I am not alone, for many other small businesses have suffered the same fate. But I don't think I've ever talked to a person IRL who was even aware of this new legislation. The people I contact through the internet are sometimes unaware, but often have believed the misinformation and myths that are circulating. And some misguided souls actually think these burdensome new laws are good, and will actually make children safer!

This is why I was so glad to hear about a new website: WhatIsTheCPSIA.com. Its purpose is to inform those who have not heard, and to give correct information to those who might think the CPSIA does not affect them as a consumer, or apply to them as a business. It also gives resources for affected businesses, libraries, thrift stores, etc., and ideas on how everyone can take action!