New items

It's been a pleasure to have my own working sewing machine again!
I love to sew and have been working on so many new projects.
My Go Baby Diaper Wallet is both a cute purse accessory that neatly keeps diapers and is a diaper changing pad.














My Diaper Case- in the old eyeglass case style with a single snap at the top.
















And even some just for me...my new Kindle case.









I failed to mention earlier I also bought a snap button pliers--hence all the new snap button items. Velcro, Zipper and snap buttons on my pieces.

New Sewing Machine

As I have complained over and over again about my machine and its lack of function I have been disenchanted with sewing. A good friend lent me her very wonderful machine. It was fantastic but also fantasy. It was not mine nor was it my level, and without instructions I was never going to be able to use it to its full potential.
With luck, positive instead of my usual bad, my son's school was hosting a benefit auction and on its list was a sewing machine. Probably not the usual high attention auction item, I was enchanted. I ended up getting a machine that matched my level, my needs and my price point. A nice bonus being that the money went to my son's school.
This week I have been able to play with my machine, crank out new items and come up with more. I love my that this sewing machine does what it is supposed to, that it is quietish, and that I don't need to fight with it or trick it to do its regular functions. I am hoping this third machine is a charm. And it is all mine!

Zippered Pouch

New diaper organizer made from laminated cotton. Leaving the velcro behind this time and used a zipper. The laminated surface allows for spills to be easily wiped away. Got to love it!

Sunbrella

Quite the time of year to be chatting about Sunbrella (weather coated fabric) but I am doing it. Of the past few years I have gotten hold of my fair share of scrap sunbrella fabric. This happens to be the best selling items I sew- no matter what they are people love the fabric! Although, it by itself is not an eco friendly material I am going in search of beautiful sunbrella to use it as a canvas like material for some of my designs. It will wash and reuse for many wears-making it okay to sell in my shop. Now to take the actual product!

Stop, Breath, snack bags...my mantra this month

The fall is quickly approaching and this year we are getting ready for the start of the school year too. My big kid is going off to half day prekindergarten, I don't think I could handle more yet and I am set to take another business class via one of the local junior colleges.
I am looking forward to my kiddos school year, with many many upcoming events to help transition us into the school community. What I haven't done yet is made his own snackmate or snack bags. I usually have the boys share the bags that are either imperfect or prototypes. But, that just won't do for the start of the school year.
His backpack is done and is in our current ad, but that is about all.
I have four weeks and some others have less than tow to get ready.
I encourage everybody wanting a snack bag, snackmate, snack sack or backpack to order it as soon as possible to get it in time for the new school year. I will be working everyday on snack items.
The happy bag version one is gone... if you want one I can make you one. Version two is even better with a matching interior lining.

Bye Happy Bag

I gave the happy bag away- for what and who it was intended for. I am sad that it is gone but am excited that it came out so good. This time I am going to add a lining and make the handles longer for on on the shoulder wear.

I set out to buy some more fabric for a special order at a local shop. The shop was out of the fabric, and I couldn't locate any of the other items that I needed. Err- I hate it! I went back to one of my favorite supplies shop and ordered what I needed. Trying to locate what I need locally is sometimes impossible. I am trying to reduce my carbon footprint.

Two more days of class and one more test left for my business class. Countdown to more full days of sewing...3.

Getting Carried Away

I got lost in a task today. I set out to make two items as birthday gifts for a little boy. I never got around to the second project. The first project though did get finished. And I am so proud of the way it came out. I love it! I set out to make a gift bag from some scrap fabric. Then this bag can be reused as a grocery bag or re-gift bag etc. I was so proud when it was done- that I stepped back and already didn't want to give it away. The second thought was that I could dress this bag up a little, like with a smile. A happy bag flashed threw my head, with thoughts of other things I could use to make the words and long story short...BAM! A new idea was born and I still don't want to give it away as a gift. An overwhelming desire to show my mommy what I made has come over me.

Fabric

As you know I use mostly remnant fabrics and organic fabrics for my creations. In my stock I have a few panels of ballerina fabric that were curtains for a little girls room. The background is pink and the image is purple and pink ballet slippers and purple music.
As usual, I did not know what to do with this exact fabric so I left it until inspiration struck. I have decided to take make them into snack mates, snack pouches and a little backpack. There must be a few little girls, and maybe boys, out there who would like to take their dance shoes to school in ballet think bag.
I am planning on using a pink nylon for the interior of the snack mate and pouch, if I can find it with white velcro that wraps the interior for the pouch. I am off in search of a cute cording or something for the ballet bag straps, although I could make cording with the same fabric..hmm. I think I will try it an see how it comes out.
I have big plans but for know they are still just plans. My paper is due, three more assignments and an exam are still in my future. I am looking at next week as a beginning to these projects along with three specialty orders and creating more Daisy snack pouches to raise money for the Trace Elementary Fire Fund.
I do not plan on taking a summer course ever again...I am too old, too busy and and too grumpy for summer school work.

A New Magazine on style and its green!!!!

I am loving this new online eco magazine!
Pure Green Living Magazine

Daisy Snack Pouch for a cause

I said I wanted to do something for the Trace Elementary School teachers who lost all of their things in a fire a few weeks ago. Now, with my class ending I can focus on sewing for a cause. I have decided to make these snack pouches made from a Daisy pattern and the net proceeds will go to their fire fund.
Check it out and help them out!
Daisy Snack Pouch for a cause

Ads gone wrong

Grr! A new ad is coming out in Bay Area Parent next month but I just doesn't look right to me. I am getting frustrated because I am not correctly expressing what I want in the ad. Eek!

Tired

On and on: Tired from trying to take a class everyday and still be a good mommy. I don't know how this is easy for some mommies. I now a summer class was a bad idea now, but I am more than half way through. Just the 10 page research paper looming. I have learned things to help my business look and act like a bigger, small business. But, I am too tired to get them effectively into place. Forget about actually working on projects for the business. I cannot wait for August 1st when this class will be over and I can put some of my learning into action.

On the lighter side my next ad is coming out, not exactly what I had intended for it to be but right now that is all the energy I can extend.

On the block for sewing: snack mate and snack bags in a pink ballerina pattern and a silver background space theme. Plus, 2 gorgeous bags-purses really (at least in my mind) using both laminate and conveniently cotton material. I generally make new items with left over pieces and cheap fabrics but this is a special case. I can't wait to begin!!!

On the discovery: I need more than 2 sets of snack mates and snack bags in my household. I set for each child and a back up set for when I accidently leave them in the swim bag with yesterdays lunch leftover;( I need to sell them as a set and individually.

On the community info: Two things have happenend recently that I feel I need to react to and aid in some way. 1- a horrible fire that burnt down a local schools library, and 1-2 grade classrooms. I can't imagine begin told my classroom is gone and all of my materials with it in such a bad economy. I want to have some sort of fundraiser for the lost classrooms/library. Trace elementary is located in downtonw San Jose in the San Jose Unified School District. 2- a tragic accident that ended the life of a 4 year old boy and injured his father. I have afour year old, I often drive that part of the highway, I just can't imagine. They were doing nothing wrong, when their broken truck (on the shoulder of the highway) was hit by a drunk driver in the early evening, in daylight. My heart goes out to his family and want to do something to help them - not ease thier emotional pain, I know I cannot do that, but maybe my store can help raise awareness or funds for them. I cry just thinking of their agony. This accident occured on 101 S. near Bailey in San Jose. Usually, a pretty calm part of the freeway.

Melissa and Doug Closeout on www.lizzysbusybaby.com

We are closing out of our Melissa and Doug toys and products. Even though I like their products I no longer desire to sell them. I want to try harder to get more toys in that are domestically made and enjoy working with a small business. So now through July 24th our puzzles, stamps, and grasping toys are $6.99 each and our deluxe stamps are $8.99 a set and the rest of our toys are $13. We have a limited supply and when they are gone that is it. After July 24th the rest of our M&D items will be taken off of our site and sold.

Survived!

I survived my first week of business class. Thank goodness it is online or I would never get the opportunity right now to try it.
I have learned that 1 class a semester is all I can handle and that summer classes may not be the right idea.
I was able to get some work done thanks to a friend, Shout out to Philly! She let me borrow her sewing machine while mine was in the shop. I am sad to see her wonderful machine go but, mine looks so sad sitting on the floor waiting for its turn to sew again. Luckily, I have one job and a few projects to start.
I got in some work making this month a lot better than the last few but still nothing to write home about. but, having work to do makes me feel useful, like when I was teaching. I know my little ones need me but there is something completely different about working on a project or order that makes me feel like I am contributing to my family as well as the daily care. In actuality I am not contributing to the family but throwing it back to my business but I ignore that mostly ignore that part.
I am hoping to have another good month- even better then June. I am stating it off with a clearance sale.
I have decided to stop using one of my vendors. So, I am liquidating their items from my store. I will begin advertising it tomorrow. I don't feel that they are an honest company when it comes down to selling their products to small businesses. I refuse to be forced into debt so they can make a few bucks. Said company likes to ship and charge me for extra items I do not want, do not sell do to age appropriateness of my store, or just don't have room for. I am not a dump! They even sent me stuff this last order I specifically said no to. I called in for 2 items, no more and they sent me 6- a variety of things I didn't want. They have even done this with written order forms.
Last time they did this and every time I have ordered from them they say it will take months to be able to ship it back. What?! So I am selling them, at a large discount. I want them gone- I am discontinuing them in my store. From there I will begin purchasing items to feel the void from other suppliers. Plus, in October I will be heading back to the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas and hopefully will find some vendors willing to do business with a me and not try to take advantage, plus my other eco friendly rules- above all.
I think that should start off July with a bang! That and what the neighbor just shot off- yikes! Good-bye June hello July 1st.

Etsy Showcase day ,new items, good days

WooHoo! Today is our childrens showcase on etsy.
I am so excited!!!!
There are items on there that are not currently on our regular business site. For example our tshirt bags, fabric covered picture frame and cherry tote bag. I had so much fun making all of these items. I have so many more frames and bags to make - all the ideas are floating around in my mind and making it quite difficult to focus on the kids and homework.


I am optimistic about our store being promoted today.
I have already lined up a second showcase day for our bags and pouches.
Why etsy you might ask? Because, I am addicted to it! I love it!


www.etsy.com/shop/lizzysbusybaby

The kitchens in our neighborhood lack space. So when we moved in- thinking we weren't going to be here long we add an 'island,' really it is a workbench. And we have been here a long time! I am on the march to make the rear a play center for the kids. 1 chalkboard side and 1 magnetic side. This is the chalkboard side so far. I need to frame each side and put some sort of bottom barrier/chalk and magnet holder on the bottom. So far I think the little one really enjoys the new works of the 'island.'

The idea to do something to he back came from my mom who has been bugging me to make it look for attractive, especially since we enjoy entertaining. At a friends house, you might now her as Olive and Love she takes design and passion to a new level and actually does what she is inspired to do. In her daughters room she has a magnetic wall up. I think she got it from Ikea, but the point is it makes a fun little learning center. I get ideas from everywhere, and that was my source of inspiration.

My kids are always hovering while I'm in the kitchen. They either go off after a minute and play in the backyard, where I can still hear and see them or they stay under my feet and annoy me. Currently they have an activity center on the refrigerator door. Obviously, that doesn't work well while cooking/preparing.

Stage 1 is finished and her are some photos.
The boys helping me paint with the acrylic 'chalkboard' paint (Made by the same company that makes Mod Podge).


The finished chalkboard.

Tot Tote

I may make the Naturally: Diaper Disaster Kit for little ones but no counterpart for toddlers. And age I really should have something for. This is a time when mommies are more willing to leave the diaper bag behind but still want to keep necessities handy. I wasn't looking in that direction, even when I came up the go-go kit. The go-go kit is just a shrunken version for your purse- a mini diaper bag if you will.
Recently, a friend and reoccurring customers asked me to customize a Naturally kit for her car. Her child is turning 3. No problem!


The tot tote includes an organic toddler tshirt, eco pull on diapers, eco wipes, biodegradable disposable toddler toilet seat covers, biodegradable diaper disposal bags, Boogie Wipes, Clean Well alcohol free hand sanitizer spray, biodegradable coloring placemats, 2 crayons, spf 30 sunscreen, lotion, latex-free bandages and alcohol wipes (for cleaning wounds). This kit has it all.

As usual I am always working on the packaging. But, for now this is where we are. The best part of the Naturally: Tot Tote is the price. $32.95 Better price point, better age range, and I think a great gift for families with a toddler and baby, or preschooler and toddler.

Summer plans

LBBP has a few summer plans of its own. I really wish I had enrolled the boys in some activity in which they would be busy for a few hours every other day without me, in a safe and inexpensive environment. But, I don't think that exists for little ones.

The big push this week is the launch of a new advertising campaign on Bay Area Parent Online Parenting Expo. Although I am not sure if they are going to get many onlookers however, the ad runs for 6 months and I need all I can get. I cannot miss getting in on their success. It is a risk I just have to chance.

June 22nd we have our showcase on Etsy. I am trying to get as many items in my shop as possible. Which means new items have to be thought through, mocked up then made for sale. Yikes! This day is quickly approaching.

1 Day before then my Introduction to Business class begins. After reading the course syllables I think I may have taken this class as an undergrad, but I am sure a refresher wouldn't hurt.

July, I will be hosting a summer sale to try and rid myself of a company I know longer want to work with or purchase from. Let's just say big business shouldn't practice staying profitable by taking advantage of those of use who are trying to keep our eyes above water.

The following weeks will consist of lots of reading and homework, working on other ads and sewing.

I need to make myself an weekly chart of items to get done. Rarely does having 1 thing to do actually mean doing 1 thing. There is usually the planning, the drafting, the execution, the advertising, the money management and the TIME!

Maybe I can train the kids to be my assistants.

Summer is busy, and feels even busier when I think about the beach calling my name just and when I hear the family playing in the slip and slide. But, hopefully the outcome will be worth it.

Our shipping policy has changed

I changed LBBP shipping for everyone. Orders of $25 + will get free shipping. LBBP will choose whether is goes out via USPS, Priority USPS or Federal Express Local San Jose, Ca residents can have a special local drop off when choosen in the delivery option. $4.50 and we drop off your order to your door in a free tote bag(made from scrap fabrics or newspaper).
Lastly, we are reintroducing our Playdate/Products pickup. Bring you little ones and stay and play or just pick up your order and go it's up to you. A fun way to get your items without paying for shipping.
our first Playdate/Product pickup will be this Sunday, May 30, 2010 from 10-10:30am at Santana Row, at the Park near Starbucks. You get your items in a free tote plus, if you are interested there is their Farmer's Market starting at 11am. A great way to start out your Sunday.

California Baby article- yes we sell that!

Your child's sunscreen