So lately I have been busy sewing like a mad woman! I have been fighting working to complete my daughter's Waldorf doll for her first birthday. Wow... never again. I recently stabbed myself with a needle and bled all over the stupid thing's neck. Fortunately the blood came out but I decided to take a little break from the blood, sweat and tears of doll-making and tackled another sewing project.

Being that I'm less than three weeks away from my daughter's first birthday, I came up with a few shortcuts to simplify the process of making the happy birthday banner. Here are some tips:

http://www.thedeliberatemom.com/2012/06/sewing-happy-birthday-banner.html#.T-x_ShdSQi4

When we starting planning the Spring Made by Hand Show, it got us thinking about how to attract MOMS THAT LOVE TO SHOP - okay that was the easiest part, but how to keep the kids happy too ... that's easy free stuff for kids.

Join us for the Spring Made by Hand Show, Saturday April 21, 2012 at the International Centre, Hall 4, Mississauga Ontario. 11:00am - 5:00pm.

It's a celebration of all things handmade - with 30,000 square feet of shopping and 150 exhibitors there is something for everyone.  

FREE FACE PAINTING

SPECIAL GUEST: CINDERELLA

All door proceeds will benefit Crafting for a Cure -  a not-for-profit registered charity that looks for opportunities to insure children are having a positive experience when a hospital visit is necessary. 

Admission is only $2 (donated to Crafting for a Cure) - children are FREE!

MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE www.madebyhandshow.com

Who doesn't love to shop?  Mommies, save the date and join us on Saturday April 21, 2012 for a shopping experience not to be missed.

The Made by Hand Show is returning to the International Centre, Hall 4 in Mississauga, Ontario on Saturday April 21, 2012.  This show will feature over 150 artists, artisans and designers from across Canada including wood, glass, ceramics, clothing, fashion accessories, art, jewelry, original paintings, photography, knitting, pottery and gourmet goodies.  Bring the children for face-painting special guest appearance from a Disney Princess.  With a variety range of prices and styles, there is something for everyone. Don’t forget to pick up something for yourself too. 1st 100 shoppers receive a free swag bag filled with goodies from our vendors/sponsors. Admission is a $2 donation to Crafting for a Cure.  For more information please visit us at www.madebyhandshow.com.

We are presently seeking handmade exhibitors, and looking for sponsors to assist with advertsing costs.  If you can help, or would like to exhibit your handmade creations please contact the Show Manager at madebyhandshow@yahoo.ca

Have you ever received a gift and thought "that's beautiful - where did you get it", and get a reply "it's handmade".  It's a feeling of pride that someone had taken extra thought into your gift, or better yet took the time and effort to make it.  Whether it's a birthday, wedding, valentine's day, baby shower there is something handmade to be bought. 

If you have never thought about supporting local artists, think again.  Here are my Top 5 reasons to buy handmade.

http://www.madebyhandshow.com/2011/11/buy-handmade-this-holiday-season.html

Starting out a with your own business can be scary. Most of us start online through an online source (ie. Etsy).  A great way to gain exposure for your company is to showcase at local trade shows and fairs. It’s an opportunity to network and give customers a chance to see, smell touch your products.
As we begin a new year, I thought it would be a good time to share my 10 TIPS TO ROCK IT AT YOUR NEXT CRAFT SHOW, however these tips can be applied to trade shows as well.

http://www.madebyhandshow.com/2012/01/10-tips-to-rock-it-at-your-next-craft.html

In our house I'm the lucky one who gets to be around and spend most time with our son, and I think it's the case in a lot of families with small children. So with Father's Day just around the corner, I would like to suggest some cool small wooden craft projects, that would be a great opportunity for dad to have a little one on one time with the kids.

Wood is a great material for making crafts and though it's a lot of fun to do the design, cutting, sanding etc. from scratch, it takes a lot of time and the small children can not really be part of most of that preparation. This is why the wooden crafts from The Little Experience are so cool – they come all pre cut ready to assemble and decorate (and everything you need is already included in the package).

Take for example this super fun Pirate Ship, Yarrr!! I'm sure most dad's will find this fun to work on with the kids – arrange for a little treasure hunt while the paint is drying up and that should make the day!

Another cool wooden project from The Little Experience (maybe mostly for the boys) is the Space Explorer Kit. Assemble the pieces and get ready to decorate a super cool rocket any way you like. The kit includes paint, but you can make it even more exciting with stickers, glimmer and glue or whatever you have in the house – I'm sure dad can come up with some fun ideas!

For the smaller kids the Made by Me vehicles from the American company Maple Landmark are just great! Dad will need to help putting on the wheels, and then the cute little vehicles are ready to be decorated with crayons, stickers, paint ... etc. When finished you're ready for a race.

Visit the Crafts section at Little Cool Toys for more great crafts for kids.

One of the cutest cards for Father's Day must be the Folded-Shirt Card ... See the rest of the post and the directions for making the Folded-Shirt Card here.