A new year and a new direction.

When I first dyed and painted a couple of shirts for Rowan in spring 2007 I did not anticipate starting a business.  And when I started that business with a few items listed on Etsy, I did not anticipate selling anything.  And then I decided to sell until Christmas (we were in process to adopt, a process which came apart due to international law changes in September 2007, so I was trying to raise some funds). And then...  well, then I started to anticipate.  To plan. To grow my business.

And it grew.

And here we are at the start of 2009 and going strong.  My husband losing his job has been a hiccup we did not anticipate but one that we have been able to take in stride thanks to BTRT~ both the financial backup and even more, the lessons, lifestyle choices and values we have learned through our connections and commitment to natural toys and greener, simpler life.

So it is time for a change. I began with clothing.  And while I still love to dye and paint they were mostly feeling like *work* and since I do business after the hours dedicated to my real job and my family, I don't want it to feel like work.  This past spring I discovered needle felting and I discovered, more than I ever knew, the artist inside me.  And so we have made the conscientious choice to shift gears away from clothing and completely devote ourselves to creating natural toys.

And this for me, more than anything, is a change of the heart.  A feeling of coming into something that I was meant to do.  It feels wide open with possibility ~ I have been delving more into sculpture and art pieces as well as toys, and I am working on workshops and a pitch for a book about felting. I am starting to *feel* like I make art and I can't believe how wonderful that feels.  As a mom at 35 with a solid career of nearly 15 years still going strong in a completely different field, I have found a whole new part of myself.

So this year, I am following my muse!  I just need to tell her to let me make time for some exercise~ I will let you know if you can felt and ride the recumbent bike!

What is tugging on your heart as this new year begins? Will you follow it? 



Rainbow Roots Event: Folks have been asking for rainbow tights and skirts~ and while I am retired from dyeing for the most part, we are offering a limited time sale on rainbow twirly skirts and rainbow tights in a wide range of sizes (to finish up those dyes!).  In order to simplify things, we have both items on sale in the size of your choice from January 1 - 16.  After that I will purchase, dye and ship your pieces by the first week of February. So, get them while you can!

Big News That I Can't Tell You!  I am the worst secret keeper, but I can't tell you!  I am so excited to have joined up with some folks I really and deeply admire to share in a venture... I'll keep you posted!

Etsy:  We continue to stock regularly in our Etsy shop.  New this month will be Counting Fairies, Counting Gnomes, Pregnancy Sculptures and Playscapes (watch for the Polar Adventure!).