Baby Elf to appear at Annual Christmas Parade & The Little Hat Company

Look for Baby Elf in South Berwick's Holiday Parade

As seen in www.seacoastonline.com

Children's book author/illustrator Jane Cowen-Fletcher is still working the fairy doors idea in South Berwick, Maine, (mentioned in an earlier column), with growing success. Cowen-Fletcher invited artists to create doorways for little people, to be placed in downtown businesses. The idea is to create enough fantastical entranceways that it would draw people to the community.

The town has had a few attempts at industrial parks shot down, but few are arguing the need for some sort of industry, she says. Cowen-Fletcher believes it's possible to come up with creative ways to make the town a destination spot, given its high percent of artist residents. Fairy doors have done it elsewhere. Why not Maine? "I know we're off the beaten path. But we have three museums. ... and we're right across from the Rollinsford (artists) mills," says Cowen-Fletcher. "It just seems we can make it an art destination. I can't see anything that would come here that would solve our development problem. ... But it has to happen or people won't be able to afford to live here." To date she has eight South Berwick and Rollinsford mill artists sign on. The plan is to install the doors in November '09. Cowen-Fletcher is hoping to land a grant to help with brochures/maps and perhaps other public relations, or material costs.

As for her personal work: Cowen-Fletcher's latest "Baby Elf's Christmas" (Candlewick Press) was released in September. Given its theme, it's only now hitting shelves. She's planned a signing Saturday, Nov. 29, at South Berwick's The Little Hat Company, which has a product tie-in with the book. Yup, it's not just big biz that makes these deals.

Cowen-Fletcher was taken by Jen Houghton's "Toppy Lid" chapeau (a hat with a top loop). While working on her book two years ago she mentioned adding a loop to her elf's hat, "so if it seems worthwhile (later) Jen could make elf hats with loop lids." Cowen-Fletcher did and now Houghton has. "So after the Christmas Parade I'll be doing a signing at the store."

The artist is already on to the next book. "It's about a puppy because we got a puppy," she says laughing. "It's very cute, sweet. ... I do love drawing those things. But I'm feeling like I'd like to write for older kids too." "What's That Puppy Doing?" is due out in 2010.

Calling All Mavericks Fans!

The Little Hat Company is proud to announce that they just finished creating a lid for the Maverick teams at USA Training Center in Newington NH. They offer an amazing opportunity for local ball players to live out their dream of playing baseball and improving their skills.

If you are interested in buying a Mavericks lid to show your support or maybe you have a family member that plays for one of their teams - call down to our store 20-384-0080 or contact team mother - Cathie McCoomb 384-1904 or email her
cmccoomb@comcast.net

Amazing saving from Local Businesses

Check out these great savings and opportunities from local businesses.

If you would like to ad your business email friendlyperson@thelittlehatcompany.com

Tofu is coming to Town- Seacoast Science Center

In June 2009 the Center will open an extraordinary new exhibition that tells the life story of a young whale. Check back often to follow our exhibit and fundraising progress. Tofu, a Humpback Whale born in the winter of 2004-2005, was named by cetacean biologists for her almost all-white fluke. On June 24, 2007, Tofu's body was spotted floating upside down in Stellwagen Bank. Her body was transported to Bourne, MA, where a necropsy took place. Tofu's injuries were consistent with that of a blunt force trauma caused by a vessel strike. To find out more about Tofu visit the Science Center

The Little Hat Company is so VERY Proud to help celebrate the new exhibit commemorating Tofu the whale and has been asked to create three original Lid designs for children of all ages. They will be available for sale at the gift shop in the science center in just a short while. Thank you for finding out more about Tofu and supporting the Seacoast Science Center.

Our very first Ski Mountain (hill) for Kozy Kaps!

We are so very proud to be making Kozy Kaps for Powderhouse Hill. Cathie is stitching them as I type and they will be available for sale in the ski shoppe at Powderhouse Hill as soon as the snow flys and the skiers take to the tow.

Whether you live in town or are driving in from another state, Powderhouse Hill offers one of the best winter family destinations with a sledding hill conveniently located just a slope over. They have the most interesting motor to pull up the eager of all ages. You can't afford to miss this nostalgic experience. Visit their website Powderhouse Hill!

As Seen on NBC TODAY - crazy little hatters

So - yes we are on such a tight budget right now we can't afford the $20 to buy the photo- but maybe next week.

WE had such an amazing time in NYC and getting to meet everyone at the show. We are looking forward to the day when we can get two rooms for five people instead of one. All in all a great trip and lots of seeds planted in the big apple!

Keep an eye out for little hats everywhere!

Kim wearing something without a visor

"I put this hat on my facebook account and in less than an hour one of my friends wanted one"- Kim Frank

Her daughter Bri thought the hat was for her.

Kozying up with shades & bling

When my Mom was watching the kids while we were off to New York City Libby took the opportunity to chill with Grandma, or Gramum as they affectionately call her. She slipped into the new Kozy Kaps and sat back with her shades and bling. I'm so glad that she approves of our new line of fleecy lids created by Deb Knowlton.

Scarecrows on the Plaza

Here we are on the Plaza getting warm with hot chocolate from Dean & Deluca. We had such a great time in NYC and are very thankful to Val and Mike of Off The Wall Promotions in Bedford NH. We loved being able to be a part of the Today show and were excited to meet Matt, Meredith, Al & Kathie Lee.

One of our favorite memories was meeting Dara Brown from MSNBC.com She loved our hats and we were happy to give her one.