A Challenge to start the New Year

Many of us struggle with day to day things. Money is tight all over. We struggle with health issues. Not enough time to do the things we want. Mostly they are things we can change or at least deal with. When we look at the overall picture ... Life really is good to us. God is good to us. Maybe we can give a little to make a child smile!

I am CHALLENGING all of those who come across this blog post to help out in a very small way. I grew up in Connecticut. Spent most of my life there. In Connecticut Paul Newman started a camp for children with terminal illnesses or cancer. It's called the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Here the kids can experience a few days or weeks of being a kid just like any other kid with others who understand why they don't have any hair or are puffy from steroids or don't have a lot of energy. But they are still kids.

The Farmington Valley Quilt Guild (I hope that's the one Jackie but correct me if I'm wrong) has decided to donate 300 pillowcases for the children. They are a small guild and Jackie is offering up a CHALLENGE to all her readers to make just one pillowcase. She will send you a simple 20 minute pillowcase pattern. (Or I can send you the pattern.) I am Challenging YOU! It takes very little fabric. You might find it so simple that you make a few of them! Such a small gift that makes you feel good as well as bringing a smile to a child's face.

You can contact Jackie at jackie@cvquiltworks.com

her blog!... http://www.cvquiltworks.blogspot.com/

her web site!... http://www.cvquiltworks.com/

CPSIA 2008

or Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act signed into law on August 14, 2008.

Regardless of whether or not you make/sell products for Children under 12, this new law will effect you, and effect all children.

The CPSIA of 2008 will effect everyone who makes items for children under the age of 12, and everyone who buys products for children under the age of 12. In order to be in compliance with the new law, third-party testing and certification would be required for all products for children under 12, stating these items are lead-free and phthalates-free. Testing that is so expensive it is prohibitive to most of us. EVERY ITEM needs to have certification with it for all components including threads, zippers, buttons and fabrics! This would apply to all products inclusive of handmade items, vintage items, and any items made - either for sale or for free - for children (other than your own) under the age of 12.

Go after the foreign made stuff! Not only will this affect the small business person but also organizations that depend on donations of items such as blankets from crafters that make them for the needy. Don't sit idle as it won't go away just by us wishing it so.

featured - Spotted Cow Soaps

What a name! Well....she does live in the heart of Vermont amongst dairy farms! She started making soaps because she had some skin issues and it just took off from there. I think her day job as a Food Service Director has spilled over into her soaps and scrubs. Just stop by and see some of the stuff she has to offer.

You might try this to help celebrate  the New Year!

Visit Spotted Cow Soaps!