changes and promotions for spring!

spring spring spring spring spring...

sometime. 

soon? 

Ah well, it will come in it's own time. Like everything else.

Right now I am eagerly awaiting spring AND a new baby. Anytime. Whenever. 

So, that is just a little heads' up. If I'm a little slower responding to emails/convos/facebook messages -- you will know why! 

I've been keeping really busy, though. I am really anticipating our new little one, but keeping my mind off it by making lots and lots of dolls and experimenting with some new designs and ideas. 

And I have been getting ideas and inspiration from lots of creative folk requesting custom orders. Seriously inspiring! 

Soooooooo...

down to business. 

I did have to bring my prices up a little this week. It's not toooo much, really - just helps me make ends meet a little better! New designs will still be unleashed at experimental prices and some fun new designs and ideas are on the way -- along with a line of all natural dolls stuffed with 100% wool and using all natural yarns and materials for the hair and clothes. Custom Big Lu dolls will be available in all natural materials, too. 

But - to soften the blow a little bit, there are some positive changes, too. The little lu dolls are a weee bit bigger now - and at least for the month of april I will be including a little something extra with the dolls, sometimes listed with the dolls on etsy or sometimes a surprise! Just a little more than I would usually list. 

AND I will be holding two promotions this month!! The details are being ironed out but I will post something a bit later with details! (they will likely last a little into may, so I am not too rushed!)

Keep updated by liking my facebook page! 

for now, you can try and catch one of the new bunnies on etsy! 

I have a new batch of boys on the way too - just waiting to be dressed. 

draw WINNERS - yeeeeeeeeeeeeee haw!

I am so so so so so so excited. 

snip snip snip.

swish swish swish.

and

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the winners are

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first prize

a little lu (12") doll with your choice of hair and/or clothes (unless there is something you absolutely love already made that you really want!!)

SAMSMUM

(from the blog comment, please contact me!!)

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second prize 

20 humble dollars

towards your next purchase from humble toys!

HEATHER MACRAE

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third prize

15 humble dollars 

towards your next purchase from humble toys!!

CMG 

(from the blog comment, please contact me!)

if you are one of the lucky winners please send me an email at

humblehomestudio@gmail.com

and I can give you the details for claiming your prize!!!

Thank you sooooooooo much to everyone for participating. It was so much fun. I am planning the next event already, but in the meantime please don't forget my discount this march

use the coupon code

MARCHON10 

when you checkout and receive 10% off purchases over 50$ !! 

featured artist! HONEY POT HERBALS and Renegade Productions

I have been tossing around the idea in my head for awhile that I would like to feature other artists/crafters here on the blog, maybe once a week --- and the perfect opportunity has come along! For the month of march I am partnering with 4 other etsy shops to offer discounts and promote our shops! We are all in Ontario - so shop local and support your local artists! 

Take a moment to check them out! 

Use the coupon code MARCHON10 when you check out to receive a discount! 

*check shop announcements for details

I will feature each one individually over the next few weeks, but here is a sneak peek!

ARicher Designs 

custom illustrated keepsake boxes, shopping bags and art - really cool hand drawn items that are super reasonably priced! 

1848 Designs

Lovely handmade jewelry - with a really neat twist! I love the juxtaposition of feathers and bullet casings and jewels. So cool....

Renegade Honey Herbs

This is the lovely shop I will be featuring today!! (Officially Honey Pot Herbals and Renegade productions) Read on for details about her all-natural process and how she involves her whole family in the creation of natural herbal body care products!

Bear Creek Collection 

Another lovely jewelry shop from Ontario - two sisters that make beautiful boho chic wearables! Check them out! 

now, onto the main article of concern.... 

HONEY POT HERBALS AND RENEGADE PRODUCTIONS

sweetgrass soaking in sunflower oil - the sun helps draw out the medicinal properties

and the general awesomeness of Joanne and her natural offerings for caring for yourself and your family. She is a registered Herbalist in Ontario and grows a lot of her own herbs for her products. Read on to find out more about her and her process (AND her goods are totally affordable - especially this month ;) )

soaking Calendula petals in sunflower oil - basis for lotions and topical baby products

Here I've asked Joanne to share some info with us about her process and philosophy.  (my questions in purple!)

 What first inspired you to start your business?

Our business was born from the desire to be able to support our family doing the things we love and in order to try to live the way we want to- gardening and harvesting food and medicine from the bush, living in manner that respects the environment, learning to depend on what nature provides around you, engaging the kids and family in culturally positive activities- powwows, drumming, singing, traditional lifestyle, ceremonies, etc.

 We want to pass on to our children as much as possible the teachings and traditions of an Anishnabe way of life.I have harbored an interest in herbal medicine and herbal healing for over 20 years and have always wanted to make a living through my love of herbs and belief in their healing abilities.

mixing together ground herbs and clay for facemasks

How long have you been crafting your goods, for yourself and for sale?

I have been making herbal remedies for over 15 years, always with the idea that working with herbs would be my life's work. When our first child was born in 2000 I made a salve to prevent and treat diaper rash, as well as to serve as an anti-sceptic and healing salve for minor scrapes and bruises. I gave samples of this salve out to friends and family. After receiving good reviews for the salve from many people, my husband and I started to put our heads together on how to market it.

During this time, our son was playing outside and scraped his back on a tree. He came inside crying and very upset. We cleaned up his scrape and put this same salve on the scrapes. Then, he smiled and said his owies were gone, "like magic", and so our salve became "Magic Ointment"!

We officially began our business in 2007. In 2012 we began selling at markets and powwows. In October of 2013, we opened our Etsy Shop.

making rose infused oil and rose glycerite from transplanted wild roses

What is your favorite part of the process? What part do you find most challenging?

I love working with herbs and learning new things! I love the garden in the spring when everything is fresh and full of promise. I love to create new remedies- which is usually a process that takes some time, often more than a year- because I like to pay attention to detail. 

The herbal products I create are a combination of research of scientific findings, experience of actually working with herbs and a certain degree of intuition. Everything starts with an idea and I like to play with it until it has been tried and tested and I feel that something has been produced that is both effective and pleasing to use.

My least favorite part is the business side of business! Keeping track of finances is necessary but not a particular interest of mine. And learning how to be a "business person"- a manager and promoter- certainly presents some challenges. Although, even that has had its rewards!

The rose oil is used in "rejuvenation face cream" and the glycerin tincture is  used for  the teething tincture for babies and mild upset tummies

 Do you involve your kids or family? If so, how?

Yes! The whole family is involved! Our garden's are a family project. Our four kids, myself and my husband all work together to prepare the gardens and plant and maintain them through the season. 

The kids help with much of the harvesting and many kids in the community stop by for fresh veggies or just to satisfy their curiosity about the medicines we grow.

We also make maple syrup, harvest firewood and medicines from the bush for family and community use. It is important to us that the kids be involved in every aspect of this so that they can learn these traditional harvesting skills and also learn about giving back to your community by sharing what has be taken.

fresh harvested raspberry leaves for tea

Why is it important for people to find and use alternatives to chemical products?

There are so many good reasons to use a natural alternative! Many of the chemicals used in personal care products are harmful to both ourselves and the environment. Some chemicals used in personal care products are synthetic estrogens which, when used continuously over a long period of time, can wreak havoc on our bodies. And when these chemical wind up in the environment-through being washed down the drain- they wreak havoc on wildlife, causing problems with reproduction. 

Also, many toiletries and beauty products contain "ethoxylated" ingredients. This means that some ingredients have been treated with "ethylene oxide", which is a known carcinogen. The process also creates and leaves in the products a compound called "1, 4 dioxane", which is a probable carcinogen. But, its not listed on any labels because it is a by-product of manufacturing, not an ingredient per se.

Many commonly used preservatives and synthetic fragrance can have a detrimental impact on our health, also. There are many good resources out there for those who wish to learn more about the dangers of conventional personal care and cosmetic products.

Using natural products, on the other hand, is gentler on the environment and safer for people. Using plants and natural materials to care for and heal ourselves also teaches a greater respect for the natural world as we learn that our well being is connected to the well being of the plants we depend on for our health. In this way we become more cognizant of the need to maintain the necessary natural habitat for healthful plant species to flourish.

All Natural insect repellant! and after bite stick --  the background is the herb used for the insect repellant (GET LOST SPRAY) soaking in homemade distilled witchhazel...the first step in making the insect repellant.

What advice do you have for parents who want to treat their families with herbs?

Herbs and other natural remedies can provide safe alternatives and adjuncts to conventional medicine. There are good books and resources out there for those who wish to learn more.Parents should proceed with some caution, however; just because something is "natural" doesn't mean that it is safe in all cases.

In Ontario, the Ontario Herbalists Association maintains a list of Registered Herbalists. (I am one!) A Registered Herbalist can help you figure out a safe and effective manner to proceed with herbal health care for the family. Registered Herbalists are knowledgable about using herbs to treat common health concerns as well as herbal interactions with other prescription and over the counter medications.

whipped butter salt scrub with calendula oil (making it yellow) just before packing into jars

 Many herbs and herbal remedies can be used by parents and families with a minimal knowledge of herbs. Sometimes it is necessary to consult with someone- a Registered Herbalist- who is trained to know how herbs behave in the body and interact with other medications, so that those who take herbs do so safely. This is especially true for children, expecting moms and people who already use prescription medications. Herbalists can also help with dietary recommendations to treat health concerns.

 How does your art and craft intersect? 

Actually, my husband- Martin Kewageshig- is the artist! He creates culturally significant artwork and attended George Brown College to learn graphic design. Martin designs the images and labels we use on our products. I would be challenged to draw a decent stick person if my life depended on it, lol!

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Thank you Joanne for answering some questions and sharing more about your goods with us! If you haven't tried natural products for yourself or your kids I think you will be pleasantly surprised by just how great they work -- and how much less stress you have to feel about putting questionable chemicals onto/into your body, especially for young, growing bodies that just soak everything up! 

***

p.s. draw winners will be announced tomorrow! yay!

tools of the trade

There is something really soothing about handsewing. Also sometimes painful. Like, when you are trying to push the needle through 5 layers of fabric on a weird angles and the blunt side of the needle pokes into your finger. Erg. and then you think of that thimble -- but really - who can actually sew deftly with one on!? Not me.

There is quite a bit of handwork involved in my dolls. Handwork. I even love the word. I use a variety of needles and thread for the hand sewing. I love using bright and contrasting colours - forget trying to hide the stitches. I tried that -- too stressful. So I started opting for bright, obvious stitches. Makes it much more fun! 

I use dowels to stuff the dolls -- and turn the pieces inside out. The pliers help when smaller pieces get stuck. Stuffing is a big part of the process -- it's an art. It can really make the difference of how a piece looks and feels. 

These are my favorite fabric scissors yet -- I have kept them safe from paper for a while now. They do need some sharpening, though.

This is my sewing machine. I need to learn how to take care of it better, but I am improving, slowly. The paintbrush is for dusting out lint on a very regular basis. I find this helps alot! I actually taught myself how to oil it earlier this year. That is a big accomplishment for me. 

I do actually use pins. And an iron. I just love these pearly ones. 

I will share more about how the dolls come together soon. And maybe even share some pictures of some of the crazy messes I make in the process. The above picture is a detail from my box of doll hair. The rainbow collection. 

Starting to stitch the face - that is definitely the most challenging part of making these dolls. Starting - possibly totally messing it. Totally messing it up - or thinking I do - and continuing anyways. Usually it ends up okay!! If not...my girls can always use another doll... 

;) 

Okay ... well, hot pink paper isn't really a tool - but the camera certainly is. I bought this paper on Saturday for fun. What do you think? 

I had been wanting to make a glasses girl for a while! She looks so smart.

I am trying to get a little photo studio set up for the dolls so I can take more portrait like pics like these. 

thanks for stopping by! 

sharing the love, a humble giveaway

halo all!

sooooooooo...thwarted by facebook and leery to try again in case they suspend my page activities i am going to post the rules and regulations of the draw HERE instead... 

also then you can get connected with my blog in case you feel like hearing me ramble on longer than a facebook status update ;) ... I will be posting bits about the processes and what is going on in studio - pictures of messes and other random life events. It might be fun.

Here it goes

SHARE THE LOVE 

humble giveaway 

you can get entered in my little draw to win one of 3 prizes: a handmade dolly (little lu size) with your choice of hair/outfit colours etc.  -- or 20 humble dollars or 15 humble dollars towards your next purchase. Yay! It's easy.

1. Like my fbpage or subscribe to my blog - not totally necessary but awesome

2. pin 2 of your favorite images from www.humblehome.etsy.com or www.humbletoys.etsy.com (or from this blog, too) ... if you can pin them onto suitable boards.
3. uh... DO NOT under any circumstances share this on your timeline on facebook. nudge nudge?
4. LIKE or comment -- either comment here on the blog or LIKE my post on facebook where I shared this so I know you want in and keep track of all the names.

So those are general guidelines, obviously you can see the point of this thing is to spread the word about my new adventure -- and hopefully keep some food on the table and gas in the car ;) (read previous post for details on that). I trust you to spread the love how you see fit - and really only if you feel the need. I try to create things that spark that spark in our hearts - mine and maybe yours too - if you think these kinds of good things are worth sharing, please do! I am grateful! 

The name collecting starts NOW and goes until march 3. I will then take a day or two to write all the names down and pull them out of a big ceramic bowl. (there is probably a great techie way to do that, but i do not know it...) ....
okay...
GO!

Disclaimer: This promotion is in NO way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. humble and all the participants of the said giveaway hereby release Facebook of any liability. Information collected is NOT collected by Facebook. Information collected by humble(Home/toys) is used with strict confidentiality, is not shared with third parties. The winner is chosen at RANDOM within 48 hours of the end of the Giveaway, this can be delayed slightly on some occasions due to workload. All postage costs are covered by humble no matter where the winner resides (see my shipping policies www.humbletoys.etsy.com)  There are no age/gender or residency restrictions from our end. The participants MUST comply with their local laws & regulations to the best of their knowledge. Sharing this post on one’s timeline or on one’s friends timeline does not provide additional entries and likewise isn’t a prerequisite of an entry in this giveaway. (The same goes for tagging yourself or your friends in the Giveaway post). I will announce the winners on my facebook page. 

ANEW AGAIN

How many posts can I start off by saying; oh! I am moving into something new! Again! Aren't we always, aren't we ever? Each day...a new day...a new something we have never seen before; new sounds; new smells; new sunshine, new sensations. Familiar perhaps, but always new.

And so...is this. New.

For real this time, I promise!

When I glance over previous posts (and I really do mean glance - not at all read because that is too annoying to me presently) I definitely see a pattern where I try to commit myself to my craft and *really* trying. It's funny to me, the way life unfolds sometimes. That I tried and tried and strove and strove to make the time to do what I felt I wanted to do...

and then...

over the past year I have had a huge shift. Something about moving, about being in a new place, settling in, loving our home, loving so much being a mom - and really embracing being *just* a mom. Embracing this life; husband busy busy busy at work, me at home with the kids...alone...alot. But, this is the way it is, I thought, and it is good. So lucky, we are, to be able to be here; with abundance and love and kids and home and food. Challenging at times, yes, but overall good.

And so, I thought I would retire my humble ambitions. Let go of the lofty thoughts of selling my goods - maybe making a living at it someday, somehow. What was the point, really? Mostly it caused me to miss out on sleep that if I got would make me a less grumpy mummy - and would also make less mess. I focused more on home life; cooking, cleaning, being creative with the kids, playing music. Frivolous creative endeavors, instead of ones that might offshoot into monetary gain. Downsizing my craft room to a cupboard. Although I do flip flop back and forth I was really realizing that this choice made the most sense for now -- maybe in five or six years I could revisit it - but for now...

It really made more sense to let it all go. Play and be creative if I needed to for myself, but forget trying to make money at it or gain some sense of identity from it. I didn't need to and everyone would be happier, really, if I spent more time keeping the household running smoothly. Not in some old-timey context, but really; I couldn't do it all. I feel like that realization sort of came to me, gently. Also, becoming pregnant again and realizing that another busy four or five years lay ahead - and this was likely the last wee one for us (number four) and I would really like to just enjoy this baby and not stress myself out trying to make a little bit of extra cash.

Not that it is all about the money -- but definitely putting energy into etsy and craft shows etc. is, and I realized that unless I had a certain threshold of input the results would be meager and I was really realizing that in my life, with my abilities, I just couldn't put more into that world without sacrificing things that I really couldn't bear to sacrifice. It wasn't worth it, and we really had no need.

So, in the early winter, after thrashing about in the pre-Christmas madness, making and making, and enjoying it - I conceded to myself that this was likely it. I might keep posting little things on facebook, sharing a bit, selling a few dolls here and there, working on things when I felt like it - but without expectations or pressure - just for the joy of it - but that would be the extent for now - and for the next few years at least. After Christmas I would work on packing up my craft room into bins, stash most away in the attic, nicely labeled so I could bring down what I needed when I needed it - but just keep out the few things I would need to work on small projects over the next few months. For fun.

Alas. The world has plans.

The wonderful, steady and dependable company my husband had been working insane hours for over the past number of years unexpectedly went bankrupt. Two weeks before Christmas we got the news that his amazing job was no more.

When he left for the meeting in the morning - the one where they would tell him the crazy news - we suspected this might be the outcome. But what I certainly DID NOT expect was my husbands' reaction to the news. I thought he would be stressed out - upset - worried - distraught, even. Some incarnation of freak-out, anyways, probably coupled with slight depression and mountains of stress.

But he came home and said: Well, are you ready to start a new chapter in our life?

With ease, and lightness -- and -- elation?

It was a strange kind of freedom, we realized. An uncertain and potentially hazardous kind. But there was suddenly, it seemed, a boundless horizon before us, unmarked and full of potentially awesome potential.

And so...the newness.

An entirely new sort of life.

In which I am put to the test. We decided to try. To try and see what happens. To see, can we make our own living? Can we create and thrive?

This is our newness, now. We are only a couple months in, earnestly seeking and learning and stretching. But we are loving this newness. And a relaxed feeling is settling back into his bones.

Wonder and joy and love are becoming everyday adventures again. Life and meaning and appreciation are a shared experience within the whole family - there is a reconnecting that was sorely needed, but had no time to be had! I am so grateful!

So - this time - for real. I have a need to do the sweet making. And I have the support and the time to do it too - and I feel totally spoiled and grateful and wonderstruck that any and all of this is unfolding. It is early yet - who knows what the years hold - what this year holds. But I am going to try and make the most of it.

We are expecting a new baby in the spring. Another new adventure. It is going to be a busy year. A year of many beginnings.

This is a long rant - after a long absence and with many unshared thoughts in between - but I do hope to use this blog on a regular basis - to share the unfoldings of our humble home - but also the inner workings of the studio, yummy distractions, DIY inspirations, adventures, sales, creations -- all things humble. ;)