GIVEAWAY! - MamaRoots!

If you have been following along here for a while then you know it's not a secret that I adore MamaRoots! Not only is the shop fabulous, but Chris is such a wonderful person, mama, and inspiration. She is one of the first blogs I ever read and followed and so many fabulous books and creative ideas of things to do with Zach have come from her world.

Chris's shop always has something original and creative and she's willing to work with customers on their ideas as well. She has a love of monsters and fairies that we share in our home and many of her sweet little monsters are part of Zach's everyday play.

Chris also shares a love of stories -- both written and spoken -- that shines through in her work.

I asked Chris a few questions so you all can get to know her too...

When did you start making toys?
I actually started making toys when my oldest son was a baby. I have been a "maker" my whole life but I felt it finally had a focus and was rooted in when I first became a mama. I created mamaroots and made gifts and toys from fiber- cotton and wool which later evolved into wood. So I have been making toys for about 9 years now and making wood toys for about 3 years. I like to call it the Slow Toy movement!

What inspires you?
My boys inspire me everyday- their energy and love of story. My educational background is in English and Art History and during the day I work at a local bookstore as a book buyer, so books are probably my second most influence in my life. I was an early reader, loved books as a child, and now love discovering them and helping others discover them. Storytelling and books have always been a huge influence in my toy making.

And Chris has an important message about handmade toys:
Sadly many of us small toy makers are still closely watching all the CPSIA stuff- the second government stay will end in Feb 2011 and we will see if they make any amendments. It is so incredibly complicated but basically for wood toy makers, wood is exempt from lead testing unless you add anything to the wood- paints or seals, not matter if you use non-toxic, plant based or not. Otherwise you have to pay very high testing fees- It may force many of us to close or limit our selections- ughhhh. This is a good link:  www.handmadetoyalliance.org/

Chris generously made up this sweet little holiday humbug set pictured above during her busy season for one lucky reader to win. Just visit Chris's shop MamaRoots on etsy and tell me your favorite item past or present (the past ones are addicting to browse!) and leave the comment here between now and Friday morning 8am EST. Please become a fan on Facebook as well and tell me about it here for an extra chance to win. I will pick one comment at random and announce the winner Friday night.

COMMENTS CLOSED -- I will post the winnter tonight!


Thank you MamaRoots!