Alberta Art Hop, This Saturday 5/16/09!!

Find Little Daisy Chains @

The Radio Room Art Square @ The Alberta Art Hop!

This Saturday May 16th From 9am - 9pm

11th Ave & Alberta (Portland, OR)

See you there!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Art Work By Sascalia, "The New Baby" on Etsy

Switch Shoes = Awesomeness!!

http://www.switch-shoes.com/

7871 SW Capitol Hwy
Portland, Oregon, 97219

Little Daisy Chains Hair Accessories can now be found @ Switch Shoes in Multnomah Village

Stop in for some tea, meet the amazing owners, Rina & Jennifer, and take in tons of colorful lively shoes not found anywhere else in the U.S.! Before you go don't forget to check out the variety of handmade goods artfully crafted both locally and across the country.

Daisies just need a little time...

....and some sun to open!!

Photograph by Alicia Bock available on Etsy

After finishing up my first craft show of 2009 I was reminded why I do what I do! The smiles, the conversation, the contacts, the friends, the next door crafty neighbors and of course the customers!!

Crafty Wonderland was just what I needed today. I really think the atmosphere from the show coupled with all of the warm thoughts and wishes went a long way.

I came home, soaked up some sun on the back of Mik's scooter, ate a nummy dinner out with the family and decided it was time to move forward. I've reopened my Etsy shop and am back on track to being a happy shiny Beck again.

Something I'm sure my Grandma is very happy about!

Spring-ful Thinking!

When Will You Rescue Me?

Free To Be By Wyanne

I'm desperate for sun, warmth and all things flowery. I want to get rid of this stupid gloomy mood hanging over my wee little melon. If it could just be Spring tomorrow, totally and truly spring, I feel like I'd magically snap out of it all. The thought of seeing pretty tulips (my favorite flower, sorry miss daisy), birds tweeting sweet tweets and the warmth of sunshine dancing on my skin....well, just makes me feel all kinds of better.

So here I'll wait for my hero called Spring!

Nannerpuss I Love You!!

Denny's? Not So Much, But Nannerpuss...he makes me happy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kK6F7t-x6E

The Sadder Side Of Life

You're Never Really Ready

My grandmother Elaine suffered from a mild heart attack that hit us all out of nowhere. She was hospitalized and on very rocky ground. She'd aspirated into her lungs and was suffering from pneumonia. The doctor's didn't think she'd make it and even had us all come in to say our goodbyes. This was more than a week ago. It was pretty much the worst night of my life.

We had the waiting room packed to capacity. Son's, Daughter's, Aunt's, Uncle's and a bazillion grandchildren from the age of 6 months to 35 years. It was moving to see and annoying for the medical staff to say the least. My grandmother like most grandmothers was the glue that kept us all together. I felt close to her. She'd treated me like I'd secretly always wished my own Mother had. I wasn't ready for any of this. Selfish but true.

She fought though and hard and eventually was moved out of the ICU, and all the scary tubes were nowhere to be found. She was awake again, breathing on her own, lucid, talking and cracking smiles and passing out hugs. I thought this meant she was safe again. I wasn't worried or the least bit scared. Things were better! We could all relax again.

Two days later she passed. We're all devastated, me entirely, but I am glad that we all had one more chance to give her a hug, tell her it was good to see her again and that we loved her. These last two weeks have been one heck of a ride. I find myself randomly thinking of her and either smiling or crying or both. From the cheese sandwiches she used to make my brother and I as kids, her famous 7 layer bean dip she'd make when she knew I was coming over or the candy she'd sneak to my kiddos when I wasn't looking, the very same thing she'd do for me when I was their age.

I'll miss her like crazy and I'm thankful for all she taught me about life and of course for that little bit of extra time we all got to spend with her. I would have done it differently had I known, but wouldn't we all?

The CPSIA can kiss it, pretty sure

Warning....smart ass coming.

What is the CPSIA you ask?? Why it is the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of course. It is a law that will go into effect on February 10th, 2009 mandating testing for lead and phthalates in any and every item intended for a child 12 and under. Yay right? Go safety!!! Well, not so much.

Although I agree toys should be safe as should any item for a child the law was written at a time when toys were being imported from China contaminated with lead paint. Remember Dora? Who doesn't? It was a pretty big scare and a wake up call that shook parents across the nation. It caused congress to act and fast (...and they pick toys, ha?), so fast that they didn't consider the effect it would have on the small business world or little ole crafty peeps like you and like me (who might I add, have never even been to China).

Words cannot even begin to describe the level of frustration I feel in regards to this asinine law. It is forcing many of us to do one of two things. 1) Shut down our businesses entirely or 2) Stop selling Children's items and "Re-Market".

Children's businesses can stay in business if they'd like, they just need to be rich!

Read this example I found on Forbes.com of the cost impact for the average Jane

Crafters "must put a sample item from each lot of goods through testing after complete assembly, and the testing must be applied to each component. For a given hand-knitted sweater, for example, one might have to pay not just, say, $150 for the first test, but added-on charges for each component beyond the first: a button or snap, yarn of a second color, a care label, maybe a ribbon or stitching--with each color of stitching thread having to be tested separately.
Suddenly the bill is more like $1,000--and that's just to test the one style and size. The same sweater in a larger size, or with a different button or clasp, would need a new round of tests--not just on the button or clasp, but on the whole garment. The maker of a kids' telescope (with no suspected problems) was quoted a $24,000 testing estimate, on a product with only $32,000 in annual sales."

And Forbes.com views on CPSIA?

"CPSIA is now shaping up as a calamity for businesses and an epic failure of regulation, threatening to wipe out tens of thousands of small makers of children's items from coast to coast, and taking a particular toll on the handcrafted and creative, the small-production-run and sideline at-home business, not to mention struggling retailers. How could this have happened?"

I'm scared. I'm angry I'm confused and I'm totally heart broken. I've voted, protested and even spoken with the Executive Assistant of the Consumer Product Safety Office (and if you know me that last one is HUGE).

I can't shut down my business especially in this economy. My husband's IT job is safe, for now, but his second job as a Real Estate Agent... well should I say more? It's pretty much toast. It's particularly sad for me because I started my business because of my daughter and now I'm not even allowed to make her anything.

So where do I go until someone big enough to care steps in and saves the day? Well, I go and get in my car and drive to each and every local children's boutique I have worked so very hard to get into and pull my items off the shelves. I contact wholesale/retail clients from sea to shining sea to either swap out the "child" like items they have left or take product back in and take a loss. Basically, I guess I just redirect my entire business and keep my fingers crossed that someday this stupid law will be recognized for what it is and I can make Riley whatever I'd like.

The End.

Yay for Lime & The Front Page on 1/16/09!

Yay Green!!

Thanks PoleStar!

Name That Song Contest!!!

Name That Song!!!

Click on the each of the nine earrings above and guess the song they're referring to by either their title or their description. Then email me all nine song titles/and or the artist that sings it at littledaisychains(at)gmail.com (or post the answers below but keep in mind people could steal them).

The top three entries will win a free pair of hoops of their choosing! I've announced the contest on Etsy, as well as on Twitter. Now is your chance to join in the music type fun.

On and for motivation, the top entry so far has only 5 of the 9 songs correct. YOU can top that!

All three winners will be announced at 10:30 pm Friday night.

Good luck!!!!

Stretch!

Filling orders, tweeting, yawning........the end.

Why Hello ArtFire!!

Why Hello, ArtFire!!

I've tried new selling venues before and for some reason I just can't get fired up about it (bah-doom ch)! I get as far as signing up and that's about it. Maybe a listing or two max to try it out if I'm feeling extra motivated but then nothing for days, weeks and then poof it's been a year and I haven't been back. Ever.

This time it's going to be different. This time I'm not going to bitch and moan about learning all things new I'm just going to stick with it, explore, list and do. I have to say I think that it helps tons that listing items on ArtFire is actually free. I dig taking risks that don't cost me a penny.

Although, wait. I think I did pay a membership fee. Yup, I did. Okay so a whopping 700 pennies a month. Still not bad!

If you haven't checked ArtFire out yet please take a quick peek. It basically reminds me of early Etsy and feels a tad more promising then others I've doinked around with. Plus it would be cool to be able to see artists I know and love tons and tons.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=14597

Yay for new!

Oh and did I mention...ArtFire gives you seller stats?! Hells yeah!

Yay! I'm still loved!! I was all kinds of panicky.

Today Was Like A Big Fat Welcome Back Hug!

My first 24 hours back in Etsy land and I sold 6 things, made it into 4 treasuries (one of which ended up on the front page of Etsy, score)! I got contacted by a rockin' style blog to be featured in the up and coming future AND got an awesome sized wholesale order. What the, what?!! I DID miss all things Etsy, crafty and fun! I enjoyed making, and emailing (oh my god my email was so dead during my break it was nice but not nice, ya know??). I was so afraid my first day back I wouldn't get a single convo or email, comment on my blog, response to a twitter comment, a sale, etc. I thought all that time, 10 days....of not promoting, not making, not doing anything crafty would totally screw me over and I'd be lost at sea. Think I'll have to try this break thing a little more often now that I know it won't be the death of me. ;O)

Breaks are good people, good!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Can I tell you how glad I am that it is now 2009??! Soooooooo glad! I'm finally over the flu, my body is no longer reacting to the new medicine my Dr. decided to give me, my house is super clean and shiny, my Etsy shop is now up and running after a huge unheard of 10 day Beck break, my crafty corner is all kinds of ready and now I actually think I am too! Phew!

Hope you all had a lovely holiday season and a rockin' new year and a big fat yay for all things new!!!!

Some rad type goodies I've bought...

Yay! Now that one of our family holiday parties is over I can share with you a few things I've bought this year. Score! I've been itching to do a show and tell.

Last year I did a handmade Christmas, all goodies I bought for the family were from Etsy. This year I tried to focus more on supporting LOCAL Portland artisans. Didn't always work but it felt so much better when I was able to support my local community, let me tell you.

1. Pot Holders by Appetite Home (not this exact set, but you get the idea)

2. 2009 Desk Callendar by Cecily Ink

3. Swallow Pendant by The Pendant Factory

4. Petite Black & White Wallet by Balasa Designs

5. Sock Monkey By Bada Babies

6. Maple Teething and Grasping Square By Little Sapling Toys

With the exception of the teething ring I so wanted to keep it all for myself. Can't wait until I can share more fun goodies that I've purchased this year!!

Yay, Etsy Front Page 12/21/08!!! ;O)

Etsy Front Page 12/21/08

I totally missed it but today while I was with the fam damily for some yule tide type fun I made the Etsy Front page!! I was an alternate for the screen shot you see up above and when one of the items had sold I got popped in. Score! Ruby Girl (you need to check out her jewelry, pure awesomeness) twittered me to share the good news. I did some hunting by using the handy dandy Majaba site (well Craft Cult now, but my brain has yet to switch it over) to see which item it was. 15 new hearts so wah lah the Daisy like goodie below was what made it up, up and away.

So cool!!

PSU SHOW NOW CANCELLED....Figures.

SOOOOOOOOOOOO Bummed!

Just got this message. Not a happy camper, stupid weather. :o/


Hello vendors,
It is with extreme difficulty that I have come to this decision.
The Farmer's Market for the 20th has been canceled and the latest forecast for Saturday is 28° an freezing rain. This means that there will be very little traffic for us and travel for all of us would be dangerous.
Despite the marketing that has been done, the success of this venue hinges on the visibility of the farmer's market and the traffic created by it.
Booth fees cannot be fully refunded because much of the money was spent on marketing, postcards and the donation promised to the Women's Resource Center.
I'll be working with Handmade NW to figure out how much money will be returned to each of you and checks will be going out next week.
It is a rare instance that there will be any refund due to a severe weather event, we cannot promise that this will be the case for future events.
Have a safe and pleasant weekend and feel free to email me with your concerns.
Sincerely, "Organizer lady"

Last Craft Show Of The Year!!! This Sat. 12/20

Yay!!!

PSU Solstice Art & Craft Market

Saturday December 20th from 8am-3pm

1825 SW BroadwayPortland, OR 97201 - Smith Memorial Building

It's finally here, my last craft show of the year. I'm super excited! After having a show every weekend since the 25th of October I'm ready for a breather to say the least. I'll be celebrating this Saturday with special deals and discounts to hopefully clear out my end of year stock.

Come say hey, get last minute holiday goodies & save on all kinds of Daisy Chains goodness.

All Necklaces buy 2 get one free

All Hair goodies buy 2 get one free

All Earrings buy 2 get one free

All Mirrors buy 2 get one free

All Bracelets buy 2 get one free

Want to mix and match? Go for it! Freebie will be the lowest priced item of the three.

Only blog readers will know the down low so take advantage.

See you there!!!

*Special prices for craft show only, thanks.

Holy Crafty Wonderland!!

WOW!

Today I braved Portland's snow storm and headed out to volunteer at Crafty Wonderland's huge Holiday show! Although my normal 30 minute commute took an hour and forty five minutes it was so totally worth it. I wasn't a vendor this year, although I was hoping beyond all hopes I'd be able to fill one of those empty spots, I did get to volunteer. From 11am to 2pm I got to be a hero. Why you ask?? I my friends, was the magic potty pointer outer. Among my potty saving duties I got to point people in the direction of the ATM, hand out vendor maps, smile and grin, meet and greet and count the shoppers with one of those handy dandy metal clicker thingies. Click, click.....I dug the clicking. Oooh and the most awesome thing!?? One of the shoppers who asked me a question, totally wearing one of my clippies, awesome!!! By the time I was done volunteering 1734 customers had entered to shop all things crafty.

Oh...and did I mention Littleput Books brought me Hot Chocolate? Awesome!! Thanks Ryan!

I'd brought 300 buck-a-roo's with me to do my own holiday shopping this year and I seriously could not wait to get started. The idea that I could now actually be on the other side of the booth for once and come and go as I pleased was kind of relaxing. I nearly got all the way through the entire show booth by booth but unfortunately with the silly ole snow storm and it getting dark I had to jet with about 30 more booths I didn't get to peek at! I tried though, swear!

The ride home was way, way more scary by the way......

Butler Creek Elementary Bazaar This Saturday!

Tomorrow come say hey at the Butler Creek Elementary School Holiday Bazaar!

December 13th 9am-3pm

Butler Creek Elementary School 2008 Holiday Bazaar

2789 SW Butler Road Gresham, OR 97080