Flowers for Mom

By Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

Mother’s Day is just a few days away, and if the kids aren’t sure what they want to make for Mom or Grandma, this quick craft might be just the thing. She's sure to love it!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Cardboard egg cartons, cut into individual cups
Paint, markers, and/or crayons
Green pipe cleaners
White paper
Tape

I started with this adorable May Day bouquet idea from Alphamom but made egg carton flowers instead. I thought it would be more fun to get messy with paint than markers. My son had a great time mixing colors, and eventually he abandoned the paint brushes and just used his hands.

Once your flowers are dry, poke a hole in the bottom with scissors and thread the pipe cleaner through. I wound up a bit of the end inside the flower to keep it from sliding out.

To make the basket, print out and cut the printable sheet from the Alphamom craft. Decorate the basket and handle. My son opted to create stories on the baskets with crayons and garden stickers.

Tape the cone together and add the handle. Fill with your flowers, and watch Mom and Grandma smile!

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Book Nook: The Three Questions

From Cherice of InnerPiecesGallery.

Jon J. Muth’s picture book for children is aptly titled. The three questions introduced in The Three Questions might at first seem a little odd, especially to today’s modern child. The questions themselves have a slightly unnatural rhythm to them which makes them difficult to imagine ever speaking out loud. This strange rhythm makes much more sense once we realize the questions originate from Leo Tolstoy’s short story titled (Hmm, can you guess it?) The Three Questions.

Muth’s book expresses his own passion for Tolstoy while beautifully sharing the author’s study of Zen in a way that children can understand.

Muth’s watercolors add a peaceful beauty to every page. Most importantly, the engaging images lead us at last to the ANSWERS of these meaningful three questions. No spoiler alert here. You’ll have to read this delightful story to learn the answers for yourself.

Parents, don’t miss the author’s note at the end of the book. It offers even more insight into the inspiration behind this empowering book for children.

Find InnerPiecesGallery, online via blog, twitter and Etsy Shop.

InnerPiecesGallery, EtsyKids Team nor Etsy is affiliated with the books author(s), illustrator(s) or publisher.  This review is provided simply for the joy of sharing good books and for supporting the work of inspiring authors.

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Introducing Chichiboulie

Today We Introduce You To Gretchen from Chichiboulie

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?

Chichiboulie began on a bit of a whim after creating my oldest daughter's birthday invites 7+ years ago. A friend had said to me a long time before and in a completely different context "fake it 'til you make it" and so that's what I did and set up shop that day though I'd never sold my artwork in the past! I had, however, always loved drawing and with 2 little ones at home, I didn't want to work outside of the home. Chichiboulie allowed me to get paid to do something I love while working from home. It was just perfect!


Q: What is the story behind your shop name?

Ah ha! I get asked that a lot. Chichiboulie is actually one of the pet names my husband calls me. I suspect the "chichi" bit came about from an evolution of the French words "chérie" and "chieuse". I'll let you look up that last one for anyone curious enough. The "boulie" is completely and totally random! It just seemed to fit the light-hearted, fun attitude behind the art I was creating at that time.


Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?

One favourite??? Is that possible? I have so many favourite Etsy shops I couldn't possible choose just one. At the moment, I really love these among so many others: http://www.etsy.com/shop/camelliatune?ref=seller_info http://www.etsy.com/listing/91365018/maria-severyna-black-and-cream-striped http://www.etsy.com/shop/CaractacusPots?ref=seller_info http://www.etsy.com/shop/EarthwareClay?ref=seller_info


Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?

Learning how much I hate bookkeeping considering the amount of financial work I did in my past life as a fashion buyer. But besides that, I think the most pleasant surprise was the feeling of community. Although I work from home in my little studio by myself, I don't feel cut off from the world as there are so many opportunities out there for communication, support, advice, friendship even online. A less pleasant surprise, though one that is very important, is realising what a small fish in a big pond you can be. Things move so fast and there are truly so many incredibly talented people out there, it can get very competitive at times. But competition does often lead to creation so it's all good in the end and pushes me to learn new techniques and improve my art and products.


Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?

Since I started selling on Etsy, my priorities have changed so at the moment I feel pretty laid-back about my Etsy selling. Definitely more so than in the past! In the past I think I could get overwhelmed by the amount and level of talent out there and by trying to figure out how to make my mark in all of that. I feel more settled now and feel like I've found my niche.


Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?

I don't think I've ever really thought of this in a concrete way, but since you've asked, I would have to say that for me Chichiboulie represents playfulness and the happiness that can be seen in our children. I tend to think of it like a warm, sunny, summer's day. Besides that, I do strive to have a strong sense of customer service. I don't consider a product or project finished until both I and my client are satisfied with the result. I can get pretty obsessive about it, but I think it is worth it. I love the contact with my clients and hope that when they receive their final product be it a print, a painting, invitation or.... that they open the package and find a smile.


Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?

Eeps! Uhm, on a good day or a bad day? I'm more than a little bit of a perfectionist which can be both a good and a bad thing. But besides that, I think (hope) people would say I am open-minded (though somewhat strong-minded too) and outgoing and usually wearing a smile. And apparently funny, though I was told recently that I may not realise that I'm funny. I'm still trying to figure out if that's a good thing or not...


Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?

Oh it can vary. A lot! Anything from Amy MacDonald to the Pogues to Mika to Wagner. Really just depends on the day and my mood. I even have Doris Day and Right Said Fred next to each other on my playlist.


Q: What do you do when you aren't working?

Besides running after 3 kids and taking care of the house and dog, I'm also currently studying to become a therapist. I've found a true passion for psychology, just like in art, and my hope is to eventually be able to combine the two and use art as therapy in my practice. Oh, and I'm finally taking an art class because I thought that could be useful. Actually, it's because I'm working on newer paintings and moving in a slightly different direction, but I think Chichiboulie will be around for a while yet!


Q: Please tell us a little about the children's items market / handmade movement in your Country?

I feel like France is catching up when it comes to the handmade movement. When I first arrived here, I found it quite frustrating as there didn't seem to be much going on. Since that time, the market and interest had grown a lot and online shops as well as markets are popping up more and more, especially in the past 2 years. I find there to be quite a big difference in styles between the US, UK, and other English speaking countries and France. It can be a challenge coming up with products to suit both. More often than not, I end up making products specific for each market.


Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?

I think I've chatted myself out actually! Maybe just a big thank you to EtsyKids for all the hard work the team does in promoting handmade children's products. It's a fabulous team with so many creative and ambitious members!

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EtsyKids Design Challenge: We have a Winner!

Congratulations to the winner of our April's challenge, Puppy Birthday Invitation - 5x7 printable digital invite - Stripes boy printable digital invitations by SwishDesigns!

"Puppies puppies everywhere! My little boy was in LOVE with puppies at this age - any and all kinds! So a puppy party is the PERFECT theme for his birthday bash!"

Swish Designs is a perfect stop if you need an amazing invitation for your party or an announcement.  This Etsy shop is full of them!  You can visit it right here.

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May 2012 EtsyKids Desktop Background

Here is the desktop calendar for May 2012! This month the theme was red, yellow, green and purple, just like a rainbow!! You can see a treasury of all these items here.

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Featured shops: weandthebean, tinystitches, ToastieStudio, boygirlboygirldesign, Sweetchildofmine, KangarooCare, OliveAndVince, LoopySheep, allthingsforbaby, ThELaUgHyGiRaFfY, oKIDDo, myminimocs, LizzSather, CottontailKids, BabyDobbins, Grannyzann, CuckooBoo, LilikinsBaby, ClareBears, TheTrendyTotShop.

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Toddler Sensory Activity: Planting Flowers

It's finally warming up here in NY and we are enjoying watching the flowers bloom! Here's a fun sensory play idea to welcome Spring.

What you need:

• dried black beans {I used 2 bags}
• fake flowers
• small flower pots
• any other gardening tools you have around the house {we used shovels and a small watering can}
• sensory table {If you don't have a sensory table {I don't} then you can use a bowl, Tupperware, one of those disposable lasagna pans {which we used}...pretty much anything your little heart desires. There are also tons of sensory table DIYs around the internet if you are handy enough to make one yourself. We also have a water table that we like to use.}

What to do:

• empty out your beans into the sensory table
• trim flowers so they aren't too large for the kiddos {make sure no metal is sticking out - you may want to tape the bottom just in case}
• have the children "plant" their flowers by filling a planter with beans and sticking in the flower{s}
• we also have a small watering can to pretend to water the flowers

If you like this post and want to see more toddler activities please visit my blog, Tutus and Tea Parties. You can also follow me on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest.

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Introducing Stewey75 / Sweet Princess Bowtiqu

Today We Introduce You To Tammy

from Stewey75 / Sweet Princess Bowtique

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
In 2007, my daughter Lilli was born and I had the wonderful opportunity to be a stay at home mom. The challenge for me being a stay at home mom was to find an outlet to release my inner creative gene. I became very interested in photography and the photography props similar to the amazing Anne Geddes. I decided to make a silk flower hat and Lilli was my model and from that moment in creating, I haven't looked back and Lil' Flower Hats by Lilli was born! I then started making silk flower mats, silk flower clippies and silk flower bloomers but as Lilli got older, I expanded and Lil' Flower hats by Lilli became Sweet Princess Bowtique.

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
Lil' Flower hats by Lilli was named after my daughter who was my test model for my first silk flower hat and mat! {Attached is a pictue of Lilli modeling the silk flower mat}

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
I would have to say "LoveJoyCreations". I contacted Brenda, the shop owner of http://www.etsy.com/shop/LovejoyCreations, to hand draw a photograph of Lilli for my Mom as a special gift and she created this beautiful hand drawn picture. I can't thank her enough for the gorgeous picture and my mom has it hanging over the fireplace. It was a great pleasure to work with such a talented woman! http://www.etsy.com/listing/40503027/custom-childrens-or-babys-portrait-in

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I think the biggest surprise was how fast the silk flower hat demand became about a month after I started selling them on etsy. I never thought it would be such a big part of my online shop and from that has helped me expand to hair clips and headbands.

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Definitely, the competition. There are so many talented and unique children's accessory shops that as an owner, you have to always be unique and creative with your listings so the customer will notice your product. You also have to constantly come up with new and creative ideas and sometimes that can be tough.

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I would have to say my personal philosphy behind my products would be that all my products are for those little ones that love feeling like a princess, who love to have fun, and love to have unique and quality hand made products!

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
They probably would say quite, kind, generous, hard worker, and perfectionist.

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
I LOVE music so usually is pop and R&B. My favorites are Lady Gaga, Jessie J, Katy Perry, Usher, FloRida

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
I'm spending lots of time with Lilli. Luckily, she loves to do crafty things like me! :) I also love to do family genealogy, I find it very rewarding to find out history of your family.

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
As a child I was diagnosed and conquered a cruel illness called Leukemia. I grew strong and realized that if I was determined, nothing could stop me. Fast forward through college, work, and marriage, I'm a strong woman living a normal life and with Lillianna being born my world was changed forever. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to start out as stewey75/ Lil' Flower Hats by Lilli and now we have grown to become Sweet Princess Bowtique. Selling products to over 10 different countries, featured on zulilly and now being able to offer our customers a MyRewards program. Seeing my visions become finsihed products makes it all worthwhile. If you put your mind to something, you CAN accomplish it!

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