Friday, June 4, 2010

Any Wild Mamas Out There??


Okay, so you're a MOM... all caps, all love, all heart, right? But, does that mean you HAVE to carry a diaper bag with Pooh on it? Or covered with little pink flowers??

No! Here's my "wild mama" diaper clutch, made JUST for you! :) It's a snazzy little number, all bright organges and blues and reds, complete with a super funky stitch to finish off the edging!

No wilting flower mamas need apply! ;p

Monday, March 22, 2010

What fun!

I found this great pattern for a fun, "3D" ball for babies; even my toddler likes playing with them! I've made several in bright colours but I've only got one posted on Etsy so far!

The balls are great for tummy time because they'll roll, but not TOO far since they're not really "round". They're also great because they're soft enough to be thrown around IN the house (if Mama will allow such things!).

Let me know what you think!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Save your shoulder & sling your baby!

When I was first pregnant with my daughter, the thought of "babywearing" was so foreign to me that I simply couldn't imagine why anyone would want to do it. I mean, WHY would you want to schlep your little one around ON you? Wouldn't that be uncomfortable? Heavy? Cumbersome?

And, in face, with the store-bought carriers out there (Baby Bjorn, etc.), it was. Trying to get all the straps in the right place, buckled, not twisted, tight enough, etc., was simply no fun. As such, I never used ours and just carried my daughter. And, as a result of THAT, I ended up with an unusual condition called Clavicular Osteolysis - my clavicle (collarbone) was dissolving, yes DISSOLVING, because of repetitive use. Hurt like a mother & there's no treatment for it. Thankfully, once you stop using your shoulder (yeah....) it will heal itself, and it has, but it was a MISERABLE two years of not being able to lift my arms above shoulder level.

Then, a friend asked me if I'd ever tried a ring sling. Lightweight, easy to use, endlessly adjustable even WITH the baby in it, and much prettier! And, it would SAVE my shoulder! AND they're big enough that my husband can use it, too! Hmmmm... what is this magical sling you're speaking of? :)

So, I asked my mother to make one for me (this was back before I was sewing). ;p

LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT.

When baby #2 came along, I was fully prepared with a 100% silk sling that I'd made myself (like the one in the pic). The silk is such a great medium for slings; SUPER lightweight, breathable (natural fibers), folds up to about a 5" cube for easy transport, and SO stylish & pretty. Silk is also very strong; I can use it to carry my 35 lb., 3.5 year old in it, too! I had Alexander slung almost every time I picked him up; as such, my Clavicular Osteolysis didn't return. Yay!

It's also so great to be able to hold your little ones when they just need some "mama 'nuggle time" and still be able to get stuff done (like cooking, vacuuming, etc.)! :)

Now, I make and sell the slings on my Etsy shoppe. I wish I could give one to every new mama out there so they, too, can understand what a great thing baby wearing is!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Meet & Greet: Twisted Tree Studio

It’s been a while since my last feature of a fellow Etsian, but here goes! I’d like to introduce you all to Twisted Tree Studio; Eclectic Art & Exquisite Leather Work. The dynamic duo of Jen & Pat live in the Colorado Mountains near Pike’s Peak, which towers 14,000 feet over their little town. Pat is a mason my trade while Jen, a painter & muralist, has worked in offices and retail over the years. They make beautiful leather bags together and Jen also paints & sells murals and handles the web store.

Pat & Jen have been selling their bags for about 3 years, though Pat’s been into leatherworking since his 20’s and Jen has studied art her entire life. She studied in Holland and has an Art. Ed. Degree from here in the US. Believe it or not, though, she’s never taking a class on painting!

According to Jen, they pull their inspiration from “forest and the natural qualities of the hides and stunning stones”. In browsing their Etsy shop, Twisted Tree Studio, you’ll find a great contrast of smooth stone with rough leather and products that FEEL natural, not contrived. Check out the incredible quiver they have in their store now; it certainly makes me want to go in search of Legolas!

Twisted Tree Studio came to Etsy after much research into online communities. They have high hopes for their shop, planning to turn it into “a strong business, with customers all over the world, while maintaining our special level of unique one of a kind art and incomparable craftsmanship that will give us a way to create art for many years to come”. Given that they feel that great customer service and unique products are paramount, I’m sure their shop will be immensely successful!

Fun Facts
Favourite Colour: Purple/Blue
Favourite Food: Jen – Italian, Pat – Spicy, Hot Mexian
Favourite Drink: Coffee, or whiskey & Coke!
Favourite Travels: Jen’s in love with the UK but loves travelling anywhere (a gypsy at heart). They also want to explore jungles and Africa someday!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Here's What I'm Not

So, it occurred to me the other day that everyone can spout off thousands of words to describe what they are, who they are, why they are, where they are, etc., but ask them what they're NOT and you'll give them a few seconds pause. :)

As such, I've decided to start a new blog, Here's What I'm Not, that will take me on a 365 day journey of self-realization to help me discover who I AM by understanding what I'm NOT.

I'd love you to join me on this trip; you may even learn a few new words along the way!

http://hereswhatimnot.blogspot.com/

Clock Chimes

Okay, so my father got us this beautiful (I think) wall clock that ticks & tocks & chimes... it's great and the chime is so pretty. However, the chime is also LOUD and with our small house we don't want it to chime the hours (and keep us & the kids up at night).

Dad promised me that the chime would wind down, too, and need to be re-wound to work. There are two separate winding pegs, one for the clock & one for the chime. We've had this thing running for about 6 months and it's STILL chiming... Does anyone have a pendulum clock like this?? Is it EVER going to wind down?? :)

Friday, February 19, 2010