It's a New Year, New Changes

A little on the personal side today.  I thought I would share since it has been on my mind the last couple of days.

I am sitting here just thinking how grateful I am to all of my customers, to my children and my children's therapists along with my husband.

I am thankful for my husband who without his support I could not be where I am today!  Thank you, honey!

I am thankful to my children's therapists who with constant urging got me to start making blankets for other people.  They were constantly nagging me and telling me how talented I was.  More importantly, they told me there was a need for what I could do and how I could bless the lives of others.  Well, that got me.  ;)

I am super thankful to my children because they are each unique and beautiful!  I love them to pieces.  Let's be honest though.  If it wasn't for their needs I wouldn't be doing what I am doing.

I am incredibly thankful to all of my past customers that have entrusted me of all people to make such an important blanket, lap pad or whatever for them.  If it wasn't for you then I would have quit long ago.  I keep plugging along because of you!  Hearing all of your stories just proves to me that what I am doing is important and I will keep doing it as long as there is need and I am able.

Last fall, I gave up a home business with Stampin Up.  I had been a demonstrator for 12 years!  It pained my heart to do so, but I knew it was time.  I just don't have the ability to push people into buying stuff (no matter how fabulous it is).  ;)  I was really getting busy with my sewing business and I came to a crossroads.  My husband pointed out the good that I was doing.  He was very tactful because we had this discussion before.  In my heart of hearts, I knew that giving it up was the right choice even if it crushed me a bit.  I have to say....  I miss it, but I am so glad I did.  It has given me more time to do what I really want to do.  Help people like my sons.

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow has grown.  Not only do I make blankets for kiddos with special needs, but now regular blankets thanks to my daughter.  I make baby blankets and baby bibs and all kind of baby stuff thanks to my newborn niece.  I have made curtains thanks to my son's teacher.

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow is becoming more than I ever thought possible and it's all because of YOU!

Many, many thanks and I love you all to pieces!
Ciao Ciao Brown Cow

FABRIC, FABRIC, FABRIC

Thought I would share some of the new fabrics that I just got in and a few of the great ones that I have picked up here and there.  These can be made into weighted lap pads, bibs, burp cloths, wet pads, blankets, etc.  Take a look.  First come, first serve!

Come On Over!

Hey Guys!  Just wanted to let you know that there is a special on my Etsy page!  Come on over and check it out.  If you have never been to my Etsy page before then I encourage you to do so now.  Also if you visit my Facebook site you can like the page so that you don't miss out on any deals or new product launches.

https://www.facebook.com/ciaociaobrowncow

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CiaoCiaoBrownCow

How Are Ciao Ciao Brown Cow's Weighted Lap Pads and Weighted Blankets Different?

The other day when "N's" occupational therapist was over I had mentioned of switching things up a bit.  He told me to keep doing things as I was doing them.  Don't change a thing was how he put it.  He said that my service was different and that I was needed.  That made me feel terrific since... it was my birthday!

So how exactly are my lap pads and blankets "different" from the majority or retailers?  Well, this is how.

1.  I UNDERSTAND:   I have 2 children with Autism and each have sensory processing disorders.  They vary on the Spectrum.  I have one that before would have been diagnosed as Aspergers and now he is just considered high functioning.  I have one that has been diagnosed as Classic Autism.  He is the middle of the road PDD-NOS.  He has excelled since his diagnosis and receiving therapies from different companies.  Lots of work, lap pads and blankets.

2.  I CARE ABOUT THAT SPECIAL KID:  When you contact me, I go over everything with you.  I want to know his physical characteristics.  I want to know which colors he is attracted to and what things draw him or her.  I want that child to fall in love with what I make for them.  I go above and beyond looking for whatever piques their interest... or "obsession".

3.  I LOVE QUALITY:  And so should you!  That is why I make products that can be washed and hopefully last for quite awhile.  I understand that your child may use this product to wipe her face on.  I understand that your child may love to play with his spit.  I understand that your child might be in the long term progress of potty training.  I understand that their weighted items probably may need to be washed on an everyday basis.

4.  I AM BUDGET-MINDED:  Money is tight!  I know I am not the only one.  I think it's a crying shame that these products are so expensive.  It has made me mad even because I see how they have benefitted my child and I want other children to feel that sense of comfort and relief from the weight. I try to make my lap pads and blankets as affordable as possible.  The basic blanket and lap pad are priced to compete.  I offer extras, but I want everyone to be able to afford the basic.  I search to find bargains and pass them onto my customers.  I'm not in this business to get rich.  This is a heart and soul project.

THIS is how Ciao Ciao Brown Cow is different.

THIS is why Ciao Ciao Brown Cow is so thankful when parents, grandparents, care providers, SPED teachers put their trust in me to make that special something for their someone special.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow

Come See What's New!!!!

Long time no write!  We have had a whirlwind of stuff going on here.  Illness, Daughter leaving the nest, Grandparents visiting, More Illness, School, Lots of Sewing and Life!  I hope this finds everyone well.  I have a ton of things to post, but I think this is one of the most important posts.  I will have to catch you up later on all of the neat things I have been creating this last month.

I am SOOOO excited to introduce a new pocket option for the lap pad!!!!  What a great way for your loved one to keep their special something close by while they eat or do work.  I am over the top excited about this one.

This came as a special request.  I have never made a pocket on my lap pads before, so it took a bit of planning.  I think it came out so nicely though!!!!  I took it to school and gave it to the little boy myself.  He absolutely loved it.

Please check out my Etsy listing here:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/202105801/customized-2-lb-weighted-lap-pad-with?

Sorry that the quality of the photo isn't very nice.  If you look at the actual listing you will find a close up of the pocket.  For whatever reason when I uploaded the picture it didn't take.  Computer issues.  :P  Anyway, the pocket is marked by the orange ribbon topper which gives the pocket a very nice finished.  It is also very soft so it makes it pleasant to feel and noticeable where the pocket is located.  

This is the little boy, "S".  He is SOOOO cute.  He must have taken his little white car in and out of the pocket 10X before deciding that it was nice and safe in the pocket.  He sat there and explored the lap pad for several minutes checking out the ribbons, the texture of the lap pad, the space ship and rocket dog.  It delighted me to no end to be able to stand there and watch him go.  My day was definitely made and reconfirmed the reason why I am doing this.  :)

Ciao Ciao Brown Cows!