Category: Art and Crafts
Posted August 26th, 2009 in Art and Crafts, Products, clothing | Tags: clothes, pulli pants, unique gifts |
You know, we are always adding lovely, lovely locally made goods to the shelves at Milagros. One recent addition is Pulli Pants!
Pulli Pants are made by a local mom, Jackie Karnes. Jackie finds wonderful sweaters on local resale racks – cotton, merino wool, and so on – and repurposes them into fun, colorful, delightful pants for baby, toddlers, and kids. Upcycling is super stylish with Pulli Pants!
Each pair of Pulli Pants is one of a kind, just like the little miracle in your life, so come in and check out the full selection!
Posted July 22nd, 2009 in Art and Crafts, public policy | Tags: CPSC, CPSIA, public policy |
As we have noted previously, thousands small crafters and manufacturers across the country have been waiting for guidance from the Consumer Product Safety Commission on the labeling requirements that take effect on August 14.
Well the word is here and it looks like good news for the multitude of small enterprises – especially crafters – out there.
You can read the full ruling here. Also, some specific guidance is included in the FAQ on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website. The questions posted on the FAQs yesterday (7/21/2009) are the most relevant for crafters, designers, and small manufacturers.
Each affected companay will need to review this for themselves to determine what they may or may not need to change in terms of labeling and tracking but overall the guidance gives a lot of flexibility to the manufacturer. And it seems that the need to support small entreprenuers has sunk in at CPSC.
We look forward to continuing to support WAHMs and other by offering a multitude of unique locally-made items on the shelves of our Portland store and at our Crafty Mamas Bazaars.
Peace.
Posted July 6th, 2009 in Art and Crafts, Milagros News, public policy | Tags: CPSIA, public policy |
We have posted about the Consumer Product Safety Improvment Act (CPSIA) before. This legislation was passed last year with good intentions. The influx of tainted toys from overseas deserved a response. However the CPSIA has created a regulatory environment that is poised to strangle thousands of small, ethical manufacturers and crafters with red tape.
Since the day we opened our doors, we have been a staunch promoter of our local craft industry. Over the past few months, we have been working side by side with countless local crafters trying to improve the CPSIA so that it does not put these small enterprises out of business.
We have made some progress but there is still a long way to go. Right now, we hope that you will join us and take action to help crafters and designers based here in Portland and throughout the USA.
The CPSIA has a tracking label requirement that is scheduled to take effect on August 14. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued no guidance for small and micro enterprises on how they can effectively meet this requirement.
Batch labeling applies well to mass-produced plastic toys but is nearly impossible for many small manufacturers to comply with (especially ones using natural materials). Additionally, many small and micro-enterprises create unique or limited run items, creating individual labels for such small batches is cost prohibitive. These businesses are overwhelmed by the prospect of implementing this piece of the CPSIA and without proper guidance from the CPSC, it is unclear how they can comply and stay in business.
The timing of this situation could not be worse. Complying with the many aspects of the CPSIA is creating a unique stress and economic burden for small businesses while they struggle with the most dramatic economic downturn since the Great Depression.
If this requirement is not delayed so that the Consumer Product Safety Commission can take the time to create guidelines for crafters and help them comply in a cost-effective manner, many, many businesses will choose to close because the expense of labeling will be impossible to meet.
How can you help?
- Contact the Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission today! Ask her to delay enforcement of the labeling requirement. Here is a sample letter to use!
- Contact your congressional delegation! Ask them to request a delay by the CPSC. Sample Letter to Congress.
- And, yes, please ask friends and family in every state to do the same! BTW – Congress loves faxes, truly.
Need to find your representatives and Senators? Here is contact info for the Oregon Congressional Delegation:
http://www.osba.org/leginfo/national.htm
If you live outside Oregon, use this site to find out how to contact the folks who represent you.
Go ahead and cc: President Obama on your letters, here is his contact info:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/
Thank you for your support of the local craft industry. We are still hoping for the best with all of this. No matter what happens with the CPSIA you will always find locally made items at Milagros. That’s a promise!
All the best,
The Fuentes Family
Milagros Boutique
Posted June 18th, 2009 in Art and Crafts | Tags: artist, Events |
Caryn Stockwell of Second Star Designs will be joining us for Crafty Mamas on Saturday.
Caryn focuses on “short runs of classic clothing that appeals to the Little Girl in each of us. 100% cotton clothing in designer fabrics that are delightful to the touch and easy to care for.”
You can now find Caryn’s lovely revsersible apron dresses and swimsuits at Milagros everyday!
Join us for Crafty Mamas on Saturday, June 20 from 11 am – 3 pm.
Posted June 17th, 2009 in Art and Crafts | Tags: Events |
UPDATE: We will have FREE chair massages for the Mamas from Noon – 3pm!
There will be a lot of wonderful artists at the next Crafty Mamas Bazaar! Including:
- Erin Maidlow makes delightful dresses for girls. You can find many of her items at Milagros.
- House of Six Cats is a fine photographer who creates eye catching jewelry, night lights, and more!
- Purple Cow Creations specializes in fun Peekaboo Pillows!
- Monica Poulsen makes fun and stylish handbags.
- Denise Wright makes a wide variety of fun & funky clothes for kids – skirts, shirts, and more.
- Sarah Ankarberg of Plain Folk Crafts lovingly crafts a variety of traditional items – dolls, birdhouses and decorative gourds, greeting cards and art prints.
- Dawn Miles will be at the June Crafty Mamas Bazaar, with a selection of the many crafts she has up her sleeve including delightful plush animals made from recycled material.
- Julie Wheeler aka Strongrrl! Maker of fine handmade clothing, purses and bags, dolls, and other crafty goodness.
- Marlene Schenter makes texture balls, knitted hats, and tutus and Susan Crawford makes little purses and water bottle covers from recycled jeans.
In addition to this great mix of locally made good, we will have treats, activities, store specials and giveaways!
Please join us Saturday, 6/20 11 am – 3 pm at Milagros! See you there!
Posted June 13th, 2009 in Art and Crafts, Milagros News | Tags: Art and Crafts, artists, Events, Products |
The next Crafty Mamas Bazaar is Saturday, June 20 and yes YOU should be there. We will have a great mix of locally made good, treats, activities, store specials and giveaways!
One of the artists to be featured is Julie Wheeler aka Strongrrl! Maker of fine handmade clothing, purses and bags, dolls, and other crafty goodness.
Check out her etsy shop and blog for more about Julie and her handmade delights.
Posted April 18th, 2009 in Art and Crafts, Classes, Events, Milagros News, public policy |
Be sure to join us today for our first Craft Mamas Bazaar of the year! There will be a many wonderful local vendors at this event including Caryn Stockwell of Second Star Designs.
Caryn focuses on “short runs of classic clothing that appeals to the Little Girl in each of us. 100% cotton clothing in designer fabrics that are delightful to the touch and easy to care for. Like all parents, I believe in quality at a price that won’t break your budget; clothing that you can pass down from older to younger daughter.”
Check her and many others out at Milagros today, 4/18 from 11am – 3 pm. And don’t forget there is a SALE!
Posted April 15th, 2009 in Art and Crafts, Events, clothing, public policy |
Be sure to join us this Saturday for our first Craft Mamas Bazaar of the year! There will be a many wonderful local vendors at this event including Lisa Stanger of Savvy N Kaj who makes fun shirts, bedding, bibs and pants – like these Rodeo pants – for babies and toddlers.
Lisa’s inspiration for starting Savvy N Kaj was her son:
“During my pregnancy with my second child, a son. I came to the realization that the clothing choice’s for boys was grim. Construction trucks and teddy bears not my thing. Everything was the same, and nothing was edgy and fun. I decided that I would have to make it myself. Thus the birth of Savvy n Kaj. Savvy after my daughter Savanna, and Kaj, my son Ocean Kaj.”
We also feature Lisa’s lovely items in-store at Milagros on a regular basis.
Posted March 11th, 2009 in Art and Crafts, Events, Milagros News |
Our special craft fairs at Milagros are coming back with the change in the weather. So mark your calendar for our first big craft fair of the season on April 18th!
As always, there will be a wonderful collection of locally made goods, complimentary sundries, stuff for the kids, and special deals at Milagros.
Would you like to show your stuff?
If you would like to considered as a vendor, there are a couple of things to keep in mind: 1) You have to make or design the product you are selling (sorry, no resellers), 2) if you are using any manufactured goods as part of your craft/product (for instance if you are screen-printing on a t-shirt) you MUST be using certified sweatshop-free materials, and 3) if you have your items manufactured, no products made in China please.
Our table fee is only $20 – table and chair is provided plus a link in a Milagros blog post. If you are interested in participating, please send us an email at milagros@milagrosboutique.com
Posted January 26th, 2009 in Art and Crafts, Events |
Join us on Last Thursday this month – January 29th, 5 pm – 8 pm – for a special opening of Katie’s artwork in our Family Room! Complimentary refreshments will be served!
Katie’s art is fun and whimsical and often provides a personal and intimate look at mother and family hood. We have a variety of Katie’s art cards and they are perfect to celebrate the many occasions of life.
Katie studied graphic design and art at Central Washington University and currently works & resides in peaceful Kalama, Washington with her husband and two beautiful children. Her art reflects themes of motherhood and family life.
The art work on display at Milagros is available for purchase. We also feature the full line of Katie’s greeting cards that feature reproductions of her original work.
You know, we are always adding lovely, lovely locally made goods to the shelves at Milagros. One recent addition is Pulli Pants!
