the past few weeks i have been trying to reorganize my business. the catalyst for this change was the cpsia, but it is something that i have wanted to do for the past couple of years. i have invested in an entirely new eco-friendly lot of inks. i am really excited about using my new ink, but of course in order to do so i will need to destroy all of my screens and recreate new ones that can withstand the water used in the clean up process. in other words, it might be a while before i get some new designs printed with my new ink. i'm not even entirely sure how the inks will print on my different colored shirts, so it is sort of like starting my business all over again. in the meantime, you can still buy the remainder of my inventory on my website or on etsy. all of the children's shirts will be half off until i print new shirts, and all women's short sleeved shirts are on special too. ooh, and i have a new design....just a little something to remind you that spring is almost here!.....(click on the picture to get a better look)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
in reverse
the past few weeks i have been trying to reorganize my business. the catalyst for this change was the cpsia, but it is something that i have wanted to do for the past couple of years. i have invested in an entirely new eco-friendly lot of inks. i am really excited about using my new ink, but of course in order to do so i will need to destroy all of my screens and recreate new ones that can withstand the water used in the clean up process. in other words, it might be a while before i get some new designs printed with my new ink. i'm not even entirely sure how the inks will print on my different colored shirts, so it is sort of like starting my business all over again. in the meantime, you can still buy the remainder of my inventory on my website or on etsy. all of the children's shirts will be half off until i print new shirts, and all women's short sleeved shirts are on special too. ooh, and i have a new design....just a little something to remind you that spring is almost here!.....(click on the picture to get a better look)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
back in business
so, I took a little break after the holiday season.......but, now i'm back!come visit me today, sunday 3/8/09, at the crafty wonderland sale. i have some super deals to kick start your spring/summer wardrobe. all children's shirts are $10 off, all women's short sleeve and long sleeve crew necks are $10 off, and everything else is $5 off!!
doug fir lounge
830 e. burnside
portland, or
11am - 4pm
Thursday, January 29, 2009
blowout sale.....onesies & kids tees
so, enough doom & gloom over the cpsia......let's embrace the positive. buy B HIVE DESIGNS onesies and kids tees for 50% off until 2/9/09. hip hip hooray!i'll even throw in a little bonus. the first person to buy the super cute little newborn gown pictured here (only $10), will receive a blanket to match! it's the perfect baby gift.
p.s. all women's short sleeved shirts are also on sale, so be sure to check those out too!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
CPSIA Blog Day
oh, the cpsia. have you heard about this new law that will take effect on february 10? well, this law will definitely put producers of handmade children's items out of business, and many small firms that make toys and children's products. this act will have far reaching ramifications beyond my little one person business. think about a small business that produces children's clothing, or toys, or cloth diapers, or baby slings, baby quilts, etc., etc. this small business can have anywhere from 1 to 50 employees. for example a locally owned children's clothing business probably employs a pattern maker, more than one seamstress, a graphic designer, not to mention the owner/visionary of the business....all jobless on February 10, because they can't afford the lead/phthalate testing and certification. not to mention the price you will be paying as a result of the testing costs. it is too much to detail what is required of the testing, but let's just say that for most of us it is redundant testing. most crafters and handmade artisans can buy components that have already been tested and certified from large companies (i.e. i can purchase lead/phthalate free shirts & ink, but i would still need to test these components again). as a fellow "handmade artisan", i am joining the many bloggers today who are voicing their concerns over the cpsia's new set of laws. please read this statement at www.boulieblog.com
i also think that it is worth it to read this article by Paul H. Rubin.
and last but not least, i just want to say that i am not entirely opposed to this act. i completely believe that lead/phthalate levels need to be regulated in children's products. i just think that the cpsia needs some revisions. i mean what's next, is grandma going to be jailed for making her grandchild a quilt?......you know what i mean:)
Friday, January 23, 2009
a sign of spring......maybe
this morning on my way to pick up miles from his play group i witnessed my first sign that winter is waning. not only have our days been sunshiny, it has been getting dark later, and now there are blossoms on the trees too! yay!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
say goodbye to the little tees
i am just so sad today!!!!
when i started my little business of making shirts in the summer of 2007, my main motivation was to dress my own two children in unique clothing that was made locally. i was so tired of the ridiculous clothing options for boys....i mean how many different dinosaurs and trucks does one little boy need. so, i bought some shirts from american apparel and started printing owls, pigs, birds, dogs, trees, and other designs that really are not very childlike, but look great on my kids. i was so happy to print on shirts that are made in the USA (los angeles to be exact), and that are 100% cotton. not only was i supporting our own US economy by purchasing these shirts, but i managed to create a small business of my own. a business that works with the needs of my family, and that fuels my creative needs. i am able to be at home with my children, and i only work long hours while they are asleep or on one of the few days that i have childcare. sounds like the perfect stay at home solution, right?
well, as of february 10 this year, i could face conviction with fines of tens of thousands of dollars and potentially even jail time if i continue this innocent little business.
the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which will take effect on february 10, will force me to shut down production of all of my children's products. this new law, while very good in many ways, will ultimately be the demise of many unique and talented arts and crafts people who make products for children. i cannot complain about the law overall. this law will regulate lead and phthalate levels in children's products. as a mother, i have never understood how so many children's toys could be sold in this country with high levels of lead and phthalates, so i am grateful and 100% supporive of this type of law. however, there are many layers to this law that need to be clarified. for example, as the law stood last week, all thrift stores and re-sale stores would have been banned from selling any used items. luckily, the public complained and the law was revised to exclude re-sellers. could you imagine what that would have done to so many low-income families, and families affected by our economic crisis who depend on low cost resell items. not to mention the fact that once this law takes effect on february 10, the cost of all children's items will be going up to accomodate the new testing and certification that will be required of each item.
so, b hive designs shirts for kids are a thing of the past. i will not be able to afford the labratory batch testing that is required off all children's items. the cost alone would raise the cost of a onesie to about $100 each, and i just don't think anyone would pay that much for a teeny weeny piece of fabric that will inevitably be covered in food and goo. the frustrating thing for me is that even if i were to buy shirts that are already cerfitified lead and phthalate free, and if i were to print with ink that is already certified lead and phthalate free, i would still be required to test the final product. i guess i will need to change the "about" page on my website. here is what is says until february 10......
"The goal of my business is to be creative and promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle for my children. All of my baby & kid’s tees are made in the USA sweatshop free. And all adult tees are either made in the USA sweatshop free, are oganic cotton, or are conventional cotton made by manufacturers who comply with strict fair labor principles. The totes are made from organic cotton, and the grocery bags are made from recycled cotton, manufactured fair wage, fair labor. I am also an avid recycler, and only purchase paper that is 100% post consumer content for my business purposes."
so much for trying to do the right thing. but never fear, you will still be able to buy kids shirts at the mall, because big corporations who can afford the testing will win again!
sorry about that little bitter jab, but i just can't help being a little upset. i love all of my little tees. they are the cutest little things, and my customers love them. it is a sad, sad day!
needless to say, this is it, your last chance to buy a b hive designs shirt for your little ones. i have about 3 weeks to deplete my inventory, so every last item that i have will be 50% off through 2/9/2009. i have limited stock on-line, but i will be posting more items within the next week. so be sure to check back if you can't find what you want.
also, this does not mean that i am going out of business. you will still be able to purchase all of my adult shirts after february 10. this law only applies to items made for children under the age of 12.
Where to buy my kids tees.....
www.bhivedesigns.com
www.bhivedesigns.etsy.com
Splurge artist boutique
1323 NE Fremont
Portland, OR 97212
503.288.7770
www.splurgeportland.com
when i started my little business of making shirts in the summer of 2007, my main motivation was to dress my own two children in unique clothing that was made locally. i was so tired of the ridiculous clothing options for boys....i mean how many different dinosaurs and trucks does one little boy need. so, i bought some shirts from american apparel and started printing owls, pigs, birds, dogs, trees, and other designs that really are not very childlike, but look great on my kids. i was so happy to print on shirts that are made in the USA (los angeles to be exact), and that are 100% cotton. not only was i supporting our own US economy by purchasing these shirts, but i managed to create a small business of my own. a business that works with the needs of my family, and that fuels my creative needs. i am able to be at home with my children, and i only work long hours while they are asleep or on one of the few days that i have childcare. sounds like the perfect stay at home solution, right?
well, as of february 10 this year, i could face conviction with fines of tens of thousands of dollars and potentially even jail time if i continue this innocent little business.
the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which will take effect on february 10, will force me to shut down production of all of my children's products. this new law, while very good in many ways, will ultimately be the demise of many unique and talented arts and crafts people who make products for children. i cannot complain about the law overall. this law will regulate lead and phthalate levels in children's products. as a mother, i have never understood how so many children's toys could be sold in this country with high levels of lead and phthalates, so i am grateful and 100% supporive of this type of law. however, there are many layers to this law that need to be clarified. for example, as the law stood last week, all thrift stores and re-sale stores would have been banned from selling any used items. luckily, the public complained and the law was revised to exclude re-sellers. could you imagine what that would have done to so many low-income families, and families affected by our economic crisis who depend on low cost resell items. not to mention the fact that once this law takes effect on february 10, the cost of all children's items will be going up to accomodate the new testing and certification that will be required of each item.
so, b hive designs shirts for kids are a thing of the past. i will not be able to afford the labratory batch testing that is required off all children's items. the cost alone would raise the cost of a onesie to about $100 each, and i just don't think anyone would pay that much for a teeny weeny piece of fabric that will inevitably be covered in food and goo. the frustrating thing for me is that even if i were to buy shirts that are already cerfitified lead and phthalate free, and if i were to print with ink that is already certified lead and phthalate free, i would still be required to test the final product. i guess i will need to change the "about" page on my website. here is what is says until february 10......
"The goal of my business is to be creative and promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle for my children. All of my baby & kid’s tees are made in the USA sweatshop free. And all adult tees are either made in the USA sweatshop free, are oganic cotton, or are conventional cotton made by manufacturers who comply with strict fair labor principles. The totes are made from organic cotton, and the grocery bags are made from recycled cotton, manufactured fair wage, fair labor. I am also an avid recycler, and only purchase paper that is 100% post consumer content for my business purposes."
so much for trying to do the right thing. but never fear, you will still be able to buy kids shirts at the mall, because big corporations who can afford the testing will win again!
sorry about that little bitter jab, but i just can't help being a little upset. i love all of my little tees. they are the cutest little things, and my customers love them. it is a sad, sad day!
needless to say, this is it, your last chance to buy a b hive designs shirt for your little ones. i have about 3 weeks to deplete my inventory, so every last item that i have will be 50% off through 2/9/2009. i have limited stock on-line, but i will be posting more items within the next week. so be sure to check back if you can't find what you want.also, this does not mean that i am going out of business. you will still be able to purchase all of my adult shirts after february 10. this law only applies to items made for children under the age of 12.
Where to buy my kids tees.....
www.bhivedesigns.com
www.bhivedesigns.etsy.com
Splurge artist boutique
1323 NE Fremont
Portland, OR 97212
503.288.7770
www.splurgeportland.com
Saturday, December 27, 2008
50% OFF SALE 12/27 - 12/30
check out the store for some really great end of year specials. all children's shirts and select women's shirts are 50% off through 12/30/08!! all orders placed by 12/30/08 will be shipped on new year's eve.
visit b hive designs or my etsy shop today!
visit b hive designs or my etsy shop today!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
what to do on a snow day
the past week has been the snowiest week in portland since i've lived here. luckily i'm not a complete stranger to snow. even though i grew up in southern california, husband and i lived in the mountains in new mexico and in colorado for a bit, so i've lived in snow and more importantly driven in snow. but when you live in a city that doesn't normally see snow, you get a little trapped. portland is just not equipped to deal with the snow. we have a lot of hills, very few snow plows, no salt trucks, freezing rain, and a lot of inexperienced drivers on the road. so to say the least we're getting a bit of the cabin fever.
so what do you do when you're not sledding in a canoe in the snow........you eat, cook, bake, and create indoors. here is what i decided to create today.
chocolate-pecan toffee. i have made this little treat to give as gifts to friends and family for christmas the past few years. this candy is a personal favorite of mine and my family. every year husband gives me a hard time about giving away all of the candy. i have actually made him his own special batch in years past, but it usually disappears in one evening......obviously a case of selective memory. so try a batch for yourself, and see if you can manage to keep them in the house.chocolate-pecan toffee
2 sticks of room temperature butter (unsalted)
+ a little more to butter the pan
1/3 c. water
1 c. sugar
2 c. chopped pecans
a handful of halved pecans
8 oz semisweet chocolate
2 tbsp corn syrup
butter a 9-inch pan. line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper (butter paper too). heat the butter and water until the butter is melted, then add the sugar. stir constantly on med-high heat until it turns a med-dark amber color. (you can use a pastry brush dipped in water to brush away sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan). remove from heat and add the chopped pecans. pour into the 9-inch pan & spread across the bottom of the pan. let cool.
warm the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan with simmering water. you can add the corn syrup to the chocolate at this point (optional). once the chocolate has melted, spread it over the pecan toffee. arrange the halved pecans on top of the chocolate.
once the chocolate is cool, you can cut into small squares.....then eat.....enjoy!
Friday, December 19, 2008
only a few more days to shop handmade in 2008!!!!
the past couple of months have been pretty hectic for me and my family. i have been working at an event for almost every weekend since the beginning of october (except for a short reprieve in paris....oh, paris). when you have children weekends do not tend to be restful. as a matter of fact they tend to be incredibly busy, with soccer games, swim class, play dates, art classes, music classes, etc., etc. while most families are tidying up their homes from a week's worth of mess, eating lunches together, and playing in the park, i have been printing until 1am or 2am, and then setting up for a show at 8am and selling my goodies on saturday or sunday for the past few months. don't get me wrong, i absolutely love the making and selling part, but what i have not loved this year is being away from my family. so, i can honestly say that i am thrilled to announce that my last event of the year has been cancelled!!!! there will be no solstice arts & crafts market at psu on saturday.
there may be a few people in portland who were looking forward to the solstice arts & crafts market, especially after the weather made it hard for people to attend the absolutely amazing crafty wonderland show this last sunday. since i was lucky enough to be a vendor at the super colossal sale, i was also lucky enough to be a customer (see my lovely new fernworks necklace and una top!). but the great thing about all of the handmade nw events is that even though they have canceled you can still shop handmade by checking out the vendor list for the event. when i looked at the vendor list last night i was a little disappointed that i would not have an opportunity to meet e.soule, who sells her truly precious still life photos. i absolutely love her little zoo collection, and to be honest i don't think i have ever met someone other than a family member who shares my last name. i have been asked numerous times if she is my sister, so it would have been nice to put a face with a name. but alas, the show is canceled, so i will have to settle with an on-line purchase. my little miles will adore this little elephant....oh, there are just too many to choose from, so be sure to check out her etsy site.
so stay in doors this weekend and shop handmade and local on-line. here are a few of my favorite artisans to choose from....just a few, because linking is tedious.....
octavine illustration - art deco inspired artwork
plywerk - amazing photography or custom photo mounts
una - see the pretty shirt pictured above.....love, love, love it.
amy olson jewelry - very feminine jewelry
fused glass house - the perfect pendant for you or as a gift!
moss - sweet jewelry, very anthropologie!
stubborn - very modern, cool jewelry, and bags too...
hadley hutton - super sweet prints
thinking mama - most adorable baby hats
pearly grey - retro baby designs
peri ponchos - unique ponchos for your little girl
mugwump - totally hip bags & accessories
yedomi - the most beautiful glamorous jewelry
mimi muse - beautiful vintage inspired notecards
scrumptious suds - best soap ever, husband loves it too!
ok, there are just way too many to list, and some of my favorites like big woo wear (super cute hats), don't even have any product in their shops.
Happy Shopping!
there may be a few people in portland who were looking forward to the solstice arts & crafts market, especially after the weather made it hard for people to attend the absolutely amazing crafty wonderland show this last sunday. since i was lucky enough to be a vendor at the super colossal sale, i was also lucky enough to be a customer (see my lovely new fernworks necklace and una top!). but the great thing about all of the handmade nw events is that even though they have canceled you can still shop handmade by checking out the vendor list for the event. when i looked at the vendor list last night i was a little disappointed that i would not have an opportunity to meet e.soule, who sells her truly precious still life photos. i absolutely love her little zoo collection, and to be honest i don't think i have ever met someone other than a family member who shares my last name. i have been asked numerous times if she is my sister, so it would have been nice to put a face with a name. but alas, the show is canceled, so i will have to settle with an on-line purchase. my little miles will adore this little elephant....oh, there are just too many to choose from, so be sure to check out her etsy site.so stay in doors this weekend and shop handmade and local on-line. here are a few of my favorite artisans to choose from....just a few, because linking is tedious.....
octavine illustration - art deco inspired artwork
plywerk - amazing photography or custom photo mounts
una - see the pretty shirt pictured above.....love, love, love it.
amy olson jewelry - very feminine jewelry
fused glass house - the perfect pendant for you or as a gift!
moss - sweet jewelry, very anthropologie!
stubborn - very modern, cool jewelry, and bags too...
hadley hutton - super sweet prints
thinking mama - most adorable baby hats
pearly grey - retro baby designs
peri ponchos - unique ponchos for your little girl
mugwump - totally hip bags & accessories
yedomi - the most beautiful glamorous jewelry
mimi muse - beautiful vintage inspired notecards
scrumptious suds - best soap ever, husband loves it too!
ok, there are just way too many to list, and some of my favorites like big woo wear (super cute hats), don't even have any product in their shops.
Happy Shopping!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
did i say "snow day is over...."
i should know better....not 15 minutes after i posted about the snow melting and school being open again it starts to snow again. and, of course school is closed for the fourth day this week. thanks to very good and generous friends i do have a few hours of childcare. no matter how much we love those little guys, my husband and i definitely need a few hours without them. especially to do a little shopping. we tried shopping with them a couple of days ago....big mistake. there is nothing like chasing after a two year old in a store, who is screaming, laughing, slamming dressing room doors, and crawling under clothing racks. so we are off to shop for a couple of hours, and to have an adult conversation at lunch (in other words we won't be saying, "....please take another bite" and "....sit down in your seat"). happy snow day.....again!
snowy, snowy, snow day is over special!!!!
oh, snow....beautiful snow!!
doesn't everyone love the snow?
i can tell you that my son has been on the edge of his seat everyday with the prospect of yet another school cancellation, and we have definitely taken advantage of every last snowflake on the ground. i love nothing better than looking out my window to see happy, laughing children flinging themselves down the driveway, and then standing up with a handful of snow to be eaten...ew!
however, there is a downside to all of the fluffy white beauty....we are all starting to feel a little trapped. it's not that we are not able to leave the house, it's just that there is really no place to go. we've exhausted the sledding in the neighborhood, and our little two year old can only tolerate so much cold before he says that he is "freezy". so needless to say we have spent a lot of time in doors....drinking hot chocolate.
the problem with so much time in doors, no school and no nanny, is that it is difficult to get much work done....not to mention the freezing temperature in my studio. i have had no luck re-creating my cherry blossom screen, because i need the hose that is outside....frozen. but, all of this changed this morning when we awoke to no more snow, and the report that school is open....much to the dismay of many children.
so, in honor of our glorious snow & the melting there of, i am offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed through the end of friday (12/19). check out my etsy shop and my website for lots of new goodies including gifts for under $20.
can't everyone use a sweet little kitchen towel set for only $15, and some even sweeter little note cards with handmade envelopes made from re-purposed children's books (books that were falling apart of course!) for only $8?
doesn't everyone love the snow?
i can tell you that my son has been on the edge of his seat everyday with the prospect of yet another school cancellation, and we have definitely taken advantage of every last snowflake on the ground. i love nothing better than looking out my window to see happy, laughing children flinging themselves down the driveway, and then standing up with a handful of snow to be eaten...ew!
however, there is a downside to all of the fluffy white beauty....we are all starting to feel a little trapped. it's not that we are not able to leave the house, it's just that there is really no place to go. we've exhausted the sledding in the neighborhood, and our little two year old can only tolerate so much cold before he says that he is "freezy". so needless to say we have spent a lot of time in doors....drinking hot chocolate.
the problem with so much time in doors, no school and no nanny, is that it is difficult to get much work done....not to mention the freezing temperature in my studio. i have had no luck re-creating my cherry blossom screen, because i need the hose that is outside....frozen. but, all of this changed this morning when we awoke to no more snow, and the report that school is open....much to the dismay of many children.
so, in honor of our glorious snow & the melting there of, i am offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed through the end of friday (12/19). check out my etsy shop and my website for lots of new goodies including gifts for under $20.
can't everyone use a sweet little kitchen towel set for only $15, and some even sweeter little note cards with handmade envelopes made from re-purposed children's books (books that were falling apart of course!) for only $8?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
so many sweet things to splurge on......
the best thing about the work that i choose to do is that i continually meet other artists and crafters who make amazing things. one of my favorite places in portland is splurge artist boutique. the owners of splurge, mugwump, oneroot, plywerk, and yedomi have created a treasure trove of local artisans. you can find jewelry, clothing, photography, books, bags, housware items, candles, artwork, and of course B Hive Designs shirts, all handmade and all local.walking into their store is always inspiring, and all of the owners have been incredibly supportive of my own little business. so, be sure to stop by splurge before christmas to stock up on some incredibly unique gifts & to see some of my new designs!
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