Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Making things for Children

http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/leadpolicy.pdf

I just learned today, (I'll admit I just gave up on trying to understand it) and well worth taking your time to read it. Sarah Faix of Bit  of Whimsey Dolls was the lovely lady to give the information to me.  Whimsical not prim at all, but I enjoyed making these dolls for our granddaughter and sold several locally when I was doing the Sunday Market at Discovery Green.

If you make items for children, you might think, well that is OLD NEWS, but perhaps you are like many of us, we make dolls as carefully for others as we would for our own grandchildren. I couldn't afford testing items that are basically one of a kind, so I quit making dolls for young children. Having seen kids reactions to some of my creations with Sarah's patterns, it was disappointing, but necessary.

I want to be sure that items I buy for our granddaughter are made with reasonable care. But dolls with rusty pins or rusted star garlands should clearly be for decorative purposes only. Parents and grandparents should chose things that are safe, and supervise their use. With infants and toddlers, most folks do just that. If you have a grandchild that loves dolls, younger than 12, please purchase appropriate items for their use.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Kirby Hooking Circle will be having our Second Annual Hook-in June 25th

Kirby Hooking Circle at our 2nd annual hook-in to be held on June 25, 2011 at Bethany Christian Church in Houston.
Our theme this year is "Out of Africa -- A Rug Hooking Safari".. All the information and a registration form are attached.  We've got great vendors, door prizes, a rug challenge, and rug show featuring the ATHA Seeing RED Challenge rugs.  It's a great way to spend the day.

We had a great time at the first one last year. If you live in the Houston Area which for Texans means San Antonio (shout out to Cora) and beyond, this year we'll be having two rug displays. Here is a tiny peek at my rug for the challenge. It's way bigger than last year's, and called "Cape Town Musicians" . 

An American Primitive Group has lots of very talented artists whom I'm pleased to call friend. One of them, Rebecca, goodwool on Ebay, recently shared a rug with an interesting technique for doing her background. I wanted to try it in hooking my design, but saw it first in one of her rugs. Another person who inspired my idea this year was Martha Lowry winner of the Peoples' Choice award at the first rug show. Her whimsical "cow jumping over the moon" helped me think outside the box...   Rug Hooking is one of those crafts where we are so lucky to see individuals styles, and can then use them in our own way. Every rug show I've attended including those on-line, I've been amazed at the diversity of styles in the rugs created.

I'll have to add the pic later as my dh is currently using the camera...

Below is a copy of the email sent out to people who attended last year or are current members of Kirby Hooking Circle.  It has a delightful graphic at the top that didn't make it!

Out of Africa – a Rug Hooking Safari
Take a walk on the Wild Side and join the Kirby Hooking Circle on Saturday,
June 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bethany Christian Church,
3223 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77098
Registration $25, includes boxed lunch, & is limited to 70, so sign up today!

Come for a day of beautiful rugs, great shopping, door prizes, & spending
time with your friends, all while working on your latest project!

Shop our wonderful vendors: Cal Creations, Country Gatherings,
My Little House Rugs, and Red Jack Rugs

Special Features for 2011:
ATHA’s Seeing RED Challenge Rugs will be on Display!
Bring your own finished piece to place in our rug show from
1 p.m. to 3 pm., complete with Viewer’s Choice Award!
Participate in this year’s Safari Rug Challenge: Create a rug with an animal
theme (any animal – not just jungle) with a minimum size of 12x12 inches
(or 144 sq. in), and in any shape you wish. All Challenge Rugs will be on
display as well, with an opportunity to select your Viewer’s Choice!
Register today by completing the registration form below, and mail your
registration and check payable to Lurie McAdow at 11210 Huggins Drive,
Houston, TX 77035. Contact Lurie at luriemcadow@aol.com for more
information. Any proceeds from the Rug Hooking Safari will benefit the
Houston Zoo!


Out of Africa – A Rug Hooking Safari – Registration
June 25, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________
E-mail: __________________________________________________________________
Registration: $25 (limited to first 70 registrants)
Choice of Boxed Lunch (Please indicate your preference)
__________ Mixed Green Salad with grilled chicken
__________ Turkey Sandwich on Multi-Grain Ciabatta bread
****Please note: no outside sales are allowed.****
I agree that the representatives of the Kirby Hooking Circle, Bethany Christian Church or any vendors attending the Out of Africa – Rug Hooking Safari shall not be held accountable or liable for any damage, loss, harm, or injury to person or property resulting from my attendance at the Rug Hooking Safari on June 25th.
Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _______________
Please mail your completed, signed form and $25 registration fee by June 10th to:
The Kirby Hooking Circle, c/o Lurie McAdow, 11210 Huggins Drive, Houston, TX 77035