The Law in Plain English for Crafts book

If you are a crafter, artist, pattern designer, photographer, or in any cottage industry type of employment whom sells one's own work for profit, you need this book The Law for Crafts.  That is if you don't have it already.  Although, if you are a lawyer or have access to one, you probably can do without the book.  However, lets just assume you are like me and the only law knowledge you possess is from the many John Grisham books you've read, which unfortunately isn't going to cut it.

The author, Leonard D. DuBoff, is a practicing attorney and wrote this book to help aid the independent craftsperson in regards to sound business practices.  The book includes information about contracts, licensing, consignment, copyrights, how to keep your taxes low, and perhaps best of all, the book also includes legal forms that the reader can copy and use.

The author engages the reader with what would otherwise be extremely dry reading.  DuBoff explains the historical background of certain laws and provides examples of how the law is applied to situations that the reader can relate to.   For example, in Chapter 3 Contracts, he discusses what are implied contracts and what's not implied by using an example of a fictional weaver and the situations she may find herself in when discussing her works for sale.

The chapters aren't too long, because Duboff gets right to the point of the subject matter.  And if you don't have time to read, you can just flip to the chapter that relates to your particular area of interest, such as Trademarks, and go from there.  Definitely a valuable book to have on hand...along with John Grisham's The King of Torts.  I consider myself an expert in Tort law since reading that book ;)

I should mention that DeBoff authored 2 other similar books: The Law for Photographers and The Law for Galleries.

Jamie

Website updated?.... Check!

My website, Jamiechristina.com, is updated. I changed practically everything on the site; from the design to the about page.  I also added some new features, like a products page for purchasing.  Other new or improved features on the site include...

~ An updated list of shops that sell my patterns.

~ A wholesale info page.

~ A corrections page for any revisions or tips on my sewing patterns.  There is already a revision regarding how to make the waist ties longer on the Pretty Ditty Apron pattern.

~ A FAQ page.

Wrapping up the list of new features is the website mailing list, which is basically a way for me to keep you up to date on stuff like new products, corrections, and press.  If you'd like to sign up here's the link.

Cheers,

Jamie

A new etsy shop and a contest

Guess who has an etsy shop?  My pop!  His shop is called By The Sea Benches (link).  I am so excited for him!  He makes stand alone benches, hanging benches, tables, and beach themed wall decor.   It's fun to talk to him on the phone, because his head is swirling with new creations.  In the past, he always viewed his profession as a job, but now it's his art.  It's always a thrill for me when I get to see someone else thrive with the creative energy that comes when they discover that everyone has the ability to create. Creating isn't regulated to the few who create in the classic profession of artwork.  The enjoyment is available for us all.  We just may not get paid as much as they do =)

Assuming that most of you create through sewing, you may be interested in a sewing contest.  The contest is called Spring Top Week and it's hosted by Made By Rae.  Here is a link to the details.  I don't believe Rae has announced the prize package yet, but I know it's going to be good.  Phat Fabric is donating a pattern and a Phat Fabric gift certificate to the winner along with other sponsored gifts.  The contest is May 1st through the 7th, so get to sewing =)

This contest has a personal affinity for me, since I'm a judge for the contest. I believe my task at hand is to help narrow down the entrants with a yes or no vote and then the final vote will be a public vote.  Sounds easy enough; however, I was kind of hoping to be able to have a cheesy saying like, "This top made the cut," or if I had to get all Simon Cowell then I would say, "You are hanging on by a thread."  I guess I'll have to settle with a yes or no vote.  Seriously, I'm really looking forward to viewing all of the works of art.

Have a great day!

Jamie     

Photo shoot

Happy Friday everyone!

So right after I posted about my daughters brightness, she came out of her room with florescent rainbow striped knee highs on. The knee highs were accompanied with a black dress over cut off shorts. And I was totally cool with it. Growth!

This Sunday is the cover photo shoot for the hooded scarf. Yippee! Yippee not only because the pattern is almost finished, but because I'm not in the shoot AND I have a photographer for the shoot. So I get to be the director of the shoot. I think I'll wear a beret and drink coffee through out the shoot. I am so excited about it.

It's supposed to rain everyday except Sunday, so please pray the weather guy is right. I will take pics of the event and share them with you all next week.

Happy weekend!

Jamie

Japanese Fabric sale

Just a quick a note to say that I'm having a 20% off ALL Japanese Import fabric sale. Here's the link to the sale at Phat Fabric. And, one more note to let you know about Phat Fabric's new mailing list. The mailing list is for Phat Fabric sales and fabric news such as new fabric in stock. This will be the quickest way to get the 411 on all the new stuff happening at Phat Fabric. Here is the link to sign up for the mailing list (no spamming involved).
Lastly, have a great weekend!

Cheers,
Jamie

Random mumbo jumbo

Any big plans this weekend? As for me it's all about soccer games, football games and hopefully a pumpkin patch visit. I'm feeling quite fallish these days. Last night, my daughter and I made those delicious pumpkin cookies I posted about last year. I also have a growing list of fall crafts I'd like to make, specifically these Martha Stewart Homespun Pumpkins. They are cute enough to leave up in the house after Halloween, because really that's what holiday decorating is all about for me. What can I leave up in the house for the next holiday =)

Lastly...

Parasol Craft Issue did a Kawaii theme issue which features an interview with me and several other Kawaii crafters. The magazine is an online mag and comes with several other Kawaii themed goodies, such as, a digi mini kit, embroidery templates, doll templates, and more. Here's the link if you're interested.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jamie

Textile show and plaids

And just like that it's Friday! This planet of ours must be rotating at a much faster rate than normal, or at least just for this week it did.

Yesterday, my mom and I went to the LA textile show. As always, it didn't disappoint. This time I made a few stops at some booths that I don't normally visit. I took a few risks with my buying and I'm excited to share my finds with you all in the upcoming months when the goods arrive. I also got a chance to visit The Fashion Bookstore located in the California Market Center. I'm glad I saved this for last, because I'm sure I never would have left the bookstore had this been my first stop of the day. Every design, craft, pattern drafting, draping, sketch, trend forecast book was in there. I can totally justify buying every single book I picked up. However, I exhibited extreme self discipline and waited until I got home to call the bookstore and order the books ;)

A not so surprising trend at LA Mart was all of the plaid. Is it just me or is plaid not looking particularly scrumptious this season? I've even seen plaid tights, which are not so scrumptious on me.
Above is a peek at one of my new designs for the shop. I've made four of them, three of which are made with plaid material. I can't convey how excited I am about this new "item". It's not an apron nor is it a dress. As soon as I get some pics, I'll post about it. I'm also working on another version of the design and when I'm all finished I'll do a shop update with the goods. I'm looking forward to sharing.

Have a great weekend!

Jamie

Sunflowers, The Drowning Men, and a Phat Fabric sale

It's OK girl. You can come out. I won't let that big, mean, burly man come near you with that evil weed whacker ever again.

I'm filled with anticipation as I see the beginnings of the blossoms starting to form on my sunflowers. This one is the runt of the liter. The other 2 are too tall for me to photograph the buds. I would estimate them to be about 8 feet tall!!! Is that normal? Hopefully, when they bloom the weight of the blossoms will force them to drop so that I can admire the happy flowers.




Randoms
***
1) My brothers band The Drowning Men just released their first full length album Beheading of the Song Bird, which is available on iTunes. When my brother told me the title I gasped. He then went on to say it was a metaphor for what he perceives is going on with the commercially produced music today and basically the death of it. Pfff. I totally knew that!
They are also going on tour to places like Portland, San Fransisco, and Seattle, so if you're interested check out their my space page for where they'll be playing.

2) Here's a link to an interview of my brother written by The San Diego City Beat.

3) I've added a search box (upper right side bar) to my blog. My labels are not exactly... exact, so now you can type in a specific word in the search box and Google will pull up all related posts from my blog.

3) Lastly, Phat Fabric is having a sale on all Echino sewing patterns, Threaded Pear Studio quilt patterns, and select Alexander Henry fabric. Here is the link.

Cheers,

Jamie

Something to sing about.

Hello there! I wanted to peek in here real fast to let y'all know that I've got something to sing about next week. I will officially announce my new website, and there will be an apron giveaway to kick things off. I hope you will join me in the festivities =)

Jamie

A la natural

Recently my mom, knowing that I get motion sick (see flight attendant story), bought me Motion Eaze a natural blend of herbal oils that stops motion sickness. A couple of weeks ago, my mom used it on a boat trip (she's the one I inherited this ailment from) and the "magic potion" worked! She didn't experience any motion sickness nor any side effects from the Motion Eaze, because it is a la natural. According to the directions you are supposed to put a dab of the oil behind your ears, yup, you don't even ingest it, and kids can use it as well. The next time I do something motion-y, I will try it out and let you know if it works for me. If it works for me, then I'm sure it will work for anybody. My quizziness is so bad that one time I went snorkeling with my husband at Hanauma Bay, and after 5 minutes of floating around on top of the water, I had to go in to the shore, because I became severely sea sick. Needles to say, up to this point in my life, any water activities that require floating, or long drives in the mountains, are off my fun list. Let's hope the magic potion works.

My mom forwarded me an email she had recieved regarding a couple of useful, natural, ideas that I thought you may be interested in.

Crayon marks on walls? Use a damp rag dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort. (my mom must be reading my blog)

A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. Now that's just down right dirty and sneaky! How many hours exactly? =)

For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid on it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze. Phew! Now, I'm prepared for when my door steps freeze in the winter here in So Cal :)

Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Then what do you do with the body?

Spray a bit of perfume on a light bulb to create a lovely scent whenever the light is turned on.

If you use Tupperware, spray it with non-stick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauce's. This will keep it it from staining.

Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead, the throbbing will go away. I wonder if it works for migraines?

Don't throw out all that left over wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. Left over wine? What's that?

To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap to the area and you will experience instant relief. I have used clear nail polish and it works!

When you or a little one gets a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most. Super glue works too, just a drop.

Here are couple of things you can do with Alka Seltzer:

Clean a toilet by dropping in 2 Alka Seltzer tablets, wait 20 minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous china.

Clean a drain by dropping 3 Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and then run hot water.

I've never taken Alka Seltzer before and I don't think I will in the future, being as it is strong enough to clean drains, but I will try it out on my toilets.

Have a great weekend!

Jamie