Monday Organizing

Part of being organized is doing your best to keep things from getting lost. Binkies, toys and blankies are the last thing you want to lose while out and about with a little one. These little clips are fantastic for helping keep your child's necessities close at hand, and somewhat self-managed while being pushed in their stroller or sitting in their car seat.

Green Baby Big Stroller Nursing Clip by Ahmelie
Punk Rock KAWAII Pacifier Clip by RockerByeBaby
Blue Green Dots Pacifier Clip by brooksboutique
Makin' Mischief Pacifier/Toy Clip by boogerandtash
Owl Soothie Fabric Pacifier Clip, universal by pacifyme
Personalized Pacifier Clip by bushelandpeckbaby

Tweet

Monday Organizing

This week we're sharing two organizing DIY projects to keep small things together and at your finger tips while shopping, so you can save time and money.

FIRST:: Shopper Card Key Ring, from TinyStitches

Lots of stores now offer customer cards, shopper cards. They are free cards the store uses so they can offer you special discounts and coupons. My poor wallet didn't have enough card slots, so I implemented this tip I saw on the Martha Stewart Living TV show during her first season.


Round up the supplies::
Your non-credit card, plastic cards (reward card, library card, grocery card, preferred customer card, video rental card, etc.). Cards that are scanned (bar code) are better than those that are swiped (magnetic strip), but you can* make the swiped ones work too.
A key ring.
A single hole punch.

Double check the back of the card for the placement of the bar code and/or magnetic strip. Select a corner that is free from the bar code or magnetic strip and punch in approximately the same location in each card. *Cards with a magnetic strip that need to be fully inserted into a card reader are better off not being stored on this ring, as the placement of the punch and ring make it very difficult to get the card full inserted into card readers.

Once every card is punched, start threading them on the key ring, working carefully so the card doesn't break. Now you can drop the ring into your bag and because their are a half dozen or so on the ring, they will be easy reach for.


SECOND:: Beautified Coupon Organizer Tutorial, from RaeGun

Earlier this month, Modern Handmade Child Magazine launched a new feature, their blog. If you love the great ideas, projects and information shared in Modern Handmade Child Magazine, you're going to love the resources shared on the blog too!

For example, last week EtsyKids Team Member, RaeGun shared how to beautiful a very plain and very plastic coupon organizer. So find your oh so boring plastic coupon holder, get a piece of fabulously chic fabric, dust off your basic sewing skills and make yourself one of these cuties so you can save yourself some money in style!

Visit the Modern Handmade Child blog for the full tutorial.

Tweet

warm and sweet in central

Etsykid team members are in general AMAZING people. I have been introduced to so many talented and dedicated individuals since joining. The central region has been hard at work this winter ….playing, doodling, stitching, crafting, throwing a few snowballs…you name it. January is nudging us on quickly as we dream of sunny days.

here are a few picks from the etsykids central team to brighten your day.

1. rockerbye baby custom punk rock crib sheet

2. melon dot ‘i heart dad’ tee or onesie

3 (and 9)little elephant co. set of three (3) handpainted light pink daisies outlined in dark pink with dark yellow centers.

4. looploft custom made to order boy or girl heart softie

5. the polka dot tot spot reusable fabric valentine’s day banner

6. spoiled sweet sherbert tutu...infant on up

7. tootsie bear  clothspin clippies

8. my little pixies medium fushia pixie posy

10. melon dot falling for you tee

11. joyfully sewn polka dot twirl baby dress

I hope your year is full to the brim. and that you take the time to..

            .1. instigate joy whenever possible.

            2. smile often.

3. send out parcels in the mail. few sights top that of a box of happy little things sitting on one's porch.

wishing you all a lovely day.

sarah

Tweet

Monday Organizing

The Bag ... the carrier of all things important, and not so much. I can't tell you how many times I've dumping the entire contents of my bag to find, change for the parking meter, the baggie of crayons or a favorite board book, a ringing cell phone, wet wipes or a band-aid.

Necessity is the mother of invention, and check out these little diddees. Perfect for helping to make everything in your bag chic and easy to find!

Mini Crayon Caddy by twolittlemonkies
Red Polkadot Diaper Organizer by RowleyBaby
Candy Stripes Designer Wipes Case by elephanttales
First Aid Bag by Heartfelt3
Customized Bag Tag by swankypress
Wallet or Accessory Case by woodponddesigns

So what do you do to avoid 'the dump' and keep your most essential items instantly accessible?

Tweet

Monday Organizing

Fabric basket storage:

Fabric Storage Bin with handles by woodponddesigns
Auto/Car Trash Bin by nanabrowns
Sock Monkey Small Fabric Bin by woodponddesings
Neat 'n Tidy Playmat by Design4Generations

Tweet

Monday Organizing

A new year always brings on the strong desire to clean out, de-clutter and organize.

During the month of January, every Monday I'll offer up a few ideas from EtsyKids team members on ways to organize your life, while also making it beautiful with chic handmade items.

This week, the focus is on hair accessories. Oh my goodness, what a cluttered mess they can make! Little girls love their bows, ponies, headbands and clips, but dumped in a drawer it makes it hard to find what your looking for during the morning rush. Check out these chic organizational tools you can put to use immediately!

Hanging Natural Birdie Hair Clippie Holder by EverydayClippies

Bling Bling Turtle Hair Accessory Holder by AllThingsGirly
Clippie Tote by SweetPeaKidz
Damask Princess Jewelry & Hair Accessory Holder by SoZoeyBoutique
Custom Hand painted Children's Hair Bow Holder by TTotBoutique

Find more EtsyKids Team Member offerings like these here.

Tweet

Shopping Guide ... Doll Clothes

I have three girls, and when a certain doll catalog comes in the mail, there is a huge clamoring to see who can get their hands on it first. My girls love the books and stories that go along with the dolls, telling their story and the time in which they lived. Over the years these characters like many in their favorite books, have become good friends, friends they like to visit often within the pages of their stories.

With gift giving and wish lists in the forefront of our minds, my circle of friends, has talked a lot about dolls lately ... brands, quality, cost, worth. Lots of opinions, but mostly lots of Mom's wanting to promote good values in the toys they give their daughters, wanting high quality, but also working with in modest budgets.

When a friend mentioned to co-worker that she was looking for quality clothing for her daughters 18" doll, and wanted more variety than what can be found in the stores. Her co-worker said, "Have you tried Etsy?"

What a fabulous suggestion! Etsy, specifically EtsyKids team members have an amazing selection of clothing for 18" dolls ... everything from period dresses and party dresses, to soccer and cheer leading uniforms. But don't for get the everyday clothes and accessories ... dresses, jeans, leggings, caps, and more. The prices are super reasonable and the quality looks amazing! So if you're in the market for 18" doll clothes. Please check out the selection offered by our EtsyKids team members. They have LOTS to offer the little girls on your shopping list this year.

Tweet

Go T-E-A-M!

We live in a college town. And for the last couple of years we've tried to go to one football game a year. This year, my husband decided to purchase a pack of tickets so he could take each of the children on a daddy kid outing to a football game. Our team had a TERRIBLE record, of the four games he took them too, three lost, and the fourth game they were so convinced they were going to lose that they left (halftime score 27-0) only to have them win the game in the last quarter - who does that? Thankfully for our kids, cotton candy and popcorn or a pretzel go a very, very long way and tipped the scale for each of them, so they were anything but disappointed.

Everyone has their favorite team -- high school, college, pro -- and who doesn't love showing their support by wearing their teams colors. Lots of our EtsyKids Team members recognize the need to adorn a little team spirit in and out of the stands. Here are just a few of the sellers who specialize in team pride accessories. Many accept custom requests so you can create just the right color combination for your special team.

The Ultimate Sports Fan Custom Baby Gift (you choose the team!) by CandyStickLane
Collegiate Hair Bow by bowssosweet
Custom Team Sports Scarf by littlemissfrilly
Custom Texas Longhorn Tank by snugsandshoogs
Crochet Tiger Team Sport Booties by amotherscrochet
Who's Behind, custom Team BloomerDiaper Cover by prettylittleones

Tweet

Leaves are Falling

The kids were home from school today, thanks to parent teacher conferences, and the weather was amazing for mid-November in the midwest - Sunny and low 70s! We obviously spent the day outside. This morning we raked leaves, huge beautiful brown oak leaves that continued to fall all around us each time the wind blew. After an hour, half the yard was cleared of leaves and the kids had a huge pile of leaves perfect for jumping in.

While we raked, we collected little bits to make these wreaths tomorrow morning ... pine cones, acorns and acorn tops, seed pods. I'm on the look out for sweetgum seed pods, 'cause I'm confident a little collection would make an fantastic nature wreath, don't you?

I hope you get a chance to enjoy beautiful crisp autumn weather this weekend, and while you're at it, check out these fun autumn leaf inspired creations from Etsykids team members.

Tweet

1492

Treasury curated by FruitsOFtheBLooM

Tweet

What a Treasure!

How fitting for the first day of October.

Treasury created by PreschoolDoll Design, a member of the EtsyKids Treasury Team.

Pop over to Etsy and leave a comment on this treasury and the many other great treasuries created by and featuring EtsyKids team members.

Tweet

Trick-or-Treat

There is something about a trick-or-treat bag isn't there? My kids, certainly have their favorites that are used year after year. The sweet little quilted buckets grandma made for them as toddlers were quickly out grown, and they graduated to larger buckets.

You see, in our neighborhood highly populated by young families with kids, the perfect trick-or-treat bag is as essential as shoes. Comfortable reinforced handles, good depth but not too much so it drags on the ground, and needs to hold lots and lots of candy because you'll explore every inch of the neighborhood 'till the neighbors all run out!

EtsyKids team members are a great resource for unique handmade trick-or-treat bags. Just look at this whimsical collection ... they'd even work as gift bags and would be perfect for BOOing your neighbors.

Boutique Cats and Bats Trick-or-Treat Basket by ladesigns2
Costume Halloween Tote TOT by SkippyDoodle
Customized Trick-or-Treat Bag by sewcutecreations
Jack-o-Lantern Tote by twozanyzebras
Candy Corn Trick-or-Treat Bag by pumpkinsboutique
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Bags by monkeytreecreations
Crocheted Lady Bug Tote by onceuponahook

Tweet

Little Cheerleader Pom-Pom's - How-To

Football season will be in full swing this weekend! If your family is one who loves to cheer on the home team, this is the project for you! Perfect for home games, parades, imaginative play, and much more, young and old a like will enjoy getting in the spirit of the event with one or two of these in hand.

These pom-poms are easy to make and eco-friendly, allowing you to re-use everyday items you will likely have on hand ... and if you don't improvisation is always a good thing! The instructions were published in Family Fun magazine last summer and are available here. You might notice that we had to do a little improvisation when making the one pictured. Because of a strict event budget, dowel rods were quickly abandoned, so we turned to a local fast food restaurant who donated a box of extra tall drinking straws. Perfect! Three extra tall drinking straws taped together held the weight of our recycled grocery bags very nicely.
Hummm, maybe I need to take a dozen or so to the kids soccer games?

Tweet

Tags and Twine - Tutorial with free download!

Have you noticed that presentation, the all important finishing touches, can take the plain and turn them into something so much more than plain. These finishing touches aren't big and expensive, all too often they are simple things we have on hand that when thought of, used, can turn a simple house plant, a candy bar, a plate of cookies, into a gift that is so much more than a thoughtful gesture ... a basket, a ribbon, a little tissue paper, cellophane, or a simple piece of twine and a tag. It's just a matter of taking the extra minute or two to do it.

Grace Hester of gracehesterdesigns has a knack for presentation. One look at her Etsy shop and a quick pa-rouse of her blog and you know, nothing leaves her hands without it looking like it stepped away from a photo shoot.

Grace recently created some beautiful tags for a friend and is now sharing them with us on her blog so we can make our own set to dress up our brown paper packages! Thankfully she's also provided a quick how-to to insure our tags look as crisp and professional as her's do.

You can find the tutorial and the freebie download on her blog, here. See the lovely teal and white bakers twine - that little something extra that makes those little tags sing? Well she's even got a little giveaway going on ('til Wednesday 8/18/10) for some, so be sure to check that out as well!

Thanks to Grace for granting us permission to use her photographs and share these tags with you.

Tweet

Wee Folk, Garden Gnomes

Baby Gnome Christmas Ornament by Fairyfolk
Gnome Gnomeville Euro Knot Jumper Dress by SewSoNancy
Roly-Poly Gnomie, felt friend by woolies
Knitted Gnomes, assorted colors by HandworkArtStudio
Gnomie the Gnome by smallthreads
Gnome (set of three, 35x35 playsilks) by BeneathTheRowanTree
The Porscha Skirt w/Polka-dot Halter Top by LibbyLusBoutique

Tweet

For the Red, White and Blue

Each week EtsyKids team members search the hundreds and hundreds of EtsyKids listings on Etsy for items that catch their eye and co-inside with a fun theme of Daisycreek's choosing. These highlights are listed in our weekly promo thread on the Etsy Forums. This week she put out a call for everyone to show off their colors - their flag colors, that is. Here is just a small collection of items from our USA members that are highlighted this week. Check out this weeks thread for more great links, or to contribute your own.

Wrap N Snap Reversible Car Seat Belt Covers by AmyRoseDesigns
Mini Cupcake Clippie Pair by AllThingsGirly
Circus Fever -10 Issue Poms by prosttothehost
Un-Bear-Ably Adorable Teddy Bear Afghan by marykaren
Stars and Stripes TuTu Skirt by PoppySprouts
Flip Flip Applique Girls Top by Brkids
Dessert Felt Play Food by feltplayground
Dalmatian Red Little Girl Jumper by thetrendytot
Embroidered Flag Headband from thesouthernbaby

Tweet

Kids in Black and White

This fun and edgy treasury of EtsyKids team members was created by OriginalsbyLaurenToo, stop by Etsy and give it, some well deserved comment love!

Tweet

Snack Sacks

So have you made any of Amy's fabric snack sacks? So simple and cute huh! If you have we wanna see pictures!

I've got it bookmarked! Fabric snack sacks have been on my "to-do" wish list for the entire school year! And now that summer is just around the corner, I need them even more with sports and swimming and long rides in the car and trips to the zoo, library and park. You see where I'm going.

Not everyone is handy with a sewing machine, and let's face it, even if we are, sometimes it's just more cost effective to let someone else do the work ... hello! How many plastic baggies have my kids thrown away this year? I don't even want to think about it.

So if you're looking to purchase reusable fabric snack sacks the EtsyKids team has a great selection of fabrics and styles perfect for everyone in the family. Check it out:

Garden Party Reusable Sandwich bag by MamaMade
Birdcage Reusable Sandwich bag by MamaMade
Medium Pirates Snack bag by Boogaboobabies
2 Yellow and Black Swirl Reusable Sandwich bags by nanabrown
Dinosaurs Reusable Snack or Sandwich bag by Grannyzann
Green and White Spice Snack Sack by Ahmelie
Hollywood Style Reusable Sandwich bag by onthegobags
Go Green Plaid Reusable Snack Sak by brooksboutique
Blue Polka Dot Resuable Snack Sak by brooksboutique

Tweet

A toddlers favorite friend - ELMO!

Birthday Hat with Headband by andjane
Sasame Street Crayon Roll Up by HappyBabeeandBeeyond
Fun Children's Hat by TizzyDee
Elmo Applique A-Line Jumper by SewSoNancy
Elmo Pillowcase Birthday Dress by madly2005
Elmo Pinwheel bow & headband by jjkgirlythings

Tweet

Tutorial: Satin Ribbon Rose

Sweet hair accessories are all the rage for gals of all ages, from the wee babe with just a few wisps of hair, to school girls and teens and even us mamas, too. EtsyKids team member bbsforbabies, created this great YouTube tutorial for how to make her Satin Ribbon Roses. This simple, high impact project, is definitely on my weekend crafting list! My girls could use some new hair accessories and these little roses, are simple enough for them to make AND oh so adorable when attached to bobbie pins!



Thanks bbsforbabies for sharing! Check out her lovingly made animal security blankets and other creations for babies and tots in her Etsy shop.

Tweet