EtsyKids Design Challenge - It's time to VOTE!

It's time to vote for your favorite item! Voting will be open through midnight EST on Saturday, March 27th. This month, EtsyKids members were challenged to create an exciting new item based on a theme "Inspired by Nature". We received a lot of fantastic entries from some talented designers and crafters. Please check out their work below and VOTE for your favorite!

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1. by: zsazsa32
2. lisianthus... pair of pink hair flower clips...... by: sunnybrookfarmdesign
3. Blueberry...eco friendly girl dress by: OliveandFern
4. Bib and Burp Cloth Baby Bundle Set in Spring Tulips on Scarlet by: SoMommySew
5. Infant Overall in Pretty Pink and Purple Butterflies by: OverallBaby
6. CHERRY CUPCAKE HAT NEWBORN by: NinisHandmades
7. B-Fly by: InnerPiecesGallery
8. Cashmere Cloche Baby Hat- Free Shipping in US by: jaclyn43552
9. Rose Garden Crocheted Hat and Bag Set size 5/7 years by: ringsaroundrosie
10. Fellow Gnome at Home - (Waldorf Wood Nestling Play Set) by: prettydreamer
11. Enjoy the fall shades with paisley print 3 tiered dress with beaded straps by: TrendieTreasures
12. My Bath Buddy Monster Soap Saver - With Cucumber, Avocado, Almond, Orange Peel Soap - New Product by: BBsForBabies
13. Spring Daisy Baby Cotton Cap 'n Booties Set by: ohbabydotcom
14. Red and Pink Wooden Butterfly Wand by: Imaginationkids
15. Rainbow Garden Soft Book - FREE SHIPPING by: MamaMayI
16. Caterpillar and Butterfly Felt Finger Puppet Set - Carl and Ben by: feltplayground
17. Build a Tree Decal Kit - Kids Decal by: trendypeas
18. Lake Tahoe Stripe Hat (1-2 years) by: littlechickknits
19. Spring Flowers Girl's Jacket by: lilelephants
20. by stayawake
21. Organic Lap Tee-Recycle symbol sized 12months by: BirdandBean
22. DayDreamer Journal - Wise Hoots -- Includes Notebook and Pen by: DucksInARowBoutique
23. Pheasant Dreams Bubble Dress sizes 6mos.-7 years by: cuppycakedesigns
24. DAISY - CUSTOM COLOR - Set of 2 Flower Hair Bow Clips by: lilprincessbow
25. Spanish First Birthday Short Sleeved T-Shirt with Candle - Organic Blue Birds by: bubblekidshop
26. Chickie Kid Kit by: SmartBottomKids
27. NEW FOR SPRING 2010 - Hannah Halter Tunic by: 1crown3tiaras
28. Modern Peasant Dress in Aqua and Red Bliss by Olive and Ollie by: oliveandollie
29. Into the Ocean Jeweled Boutique Barrette by: littlebutterbeans
30. Make Your Own Birth Announcements Printable Template by: sweetbeets
31. Funky Little Chick- Easter Shirt - YOU CHOOSE SIZE by: LafftyCrafty
32. Forest Critters Jumble Ball - soft baby toy with rattle by: woodponddesigns
33. HEDGEHOG FAMILY............HAIR CLIPPIE by: CuckooBoo
34. 0-12 mo. Rustic Brown Chunky Noggin Wear by: BallOfYarnToo
35. Spring 2010 ... Modern Butterfly Shirt ... perfect birthday present by: modernfrills
36. Wildflowers Long Ruffle Tank Size 2T, 3T, or 4T by: elizakatedesigns
37. Flight of Fancy Girls Gaucho Pants Ages 3,4,5 by: Bellesmademoiselles
38. Underground Homes - Graphic by: LittleDumplingPrints
39. Strawberry Onesie or T-Shirt by: hounddogdesigns
40. Bunny ...... Chocolate by: SquishyBee
41. Mermaids Party Knot Dress, size 2 by: HotFudge
42. Nature themed wool longies PRICE FOR SMALL by: Payley
43. 1970s Spring Jumper with 2 Aprons Size 4 or 5 by: msliesenfelder
44. HAPPY EASTER-Spring Sensation Party Favors Set of 6 by: craftyaddictions
45. Pink Floral Boutique Wrap Dress from Vivy's Closet by: vivyscloset
46. Couples or Family Keepsake Print with Name(s) Listed - 11 X 14 Birds on Branches by: gracehesterdesigns
47. CSL Boutique One of a Kind Vintage Ferns and Eyelet Peasent Dress Size 2 by: CandyStickLane
48. Organic Spring Bunny Flower Newborn Onesie by: westmama
49. Pretty Butterfly Heart Tree and Fern Flower Hair Clip Set with Large Fabric Buttons with a little bling by: sunshineshoppe
50. Gardening skirt by: jencdesigns
51. Upcycled tshirt meets Peasant Style Dress/Top - Size 2T - 4T by: jjandjojo
52. SandDance Custom Daisy Mae Reversible Top / Appliqued Embellished Jeans- 2pc set Sz 1T-8T by: SandDance
53. Funky Owl Reversible Kercheif Headband by: creativemindboutique
54. Flutter By Butterfly...Adorable Boutique Applique Shirt or Onesie...Soft Pink Chenille...Hot Pink, Lime Green, and Silver Polka Dots and Stripes...LONG or SHORT Sleeves...Custom Made Any Size by: gigglebabydesigns
55. Boutique Layered Felt and Button Flower Snap Clip...You Choose Colors...Made To Match...FREE SHIPPING by: LittleBitShabby
56. Flower Wall art / decor by: bellasparty
57. Pink Cupcake by: PBDesign
58. Spring Hummingbird Peasant Top and Pants Outfit - Custom Order 6M-6 by: BellaShade
59. Ladybug Applique Shirt or Onesie - Embroidered Personalized Custom Monogrammed by: EmbroideryByCindy
60. Super Soft Huggable Bunny - Reserved for amunn
61. Stroller Blanket - Ivory Minky with Giraffes in Savannah Scenery Cotton Print by: SnazzySnugglies
62. Luxurious minky baby toddler blanket with satin ruffles, trailing cherries by: yourloveyboutique
63. Tulips - T-Shirt or creeper by: roseprintsonline
64. Centipede Wall Pocket - Or Pocketpede by: TawnyBee
65. by: leslieshops22
66. Use Your Wings Notepad by: kindlivingdesigns

Please follow HERE to vote!

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How I Love Thee...

Oh Mr. Airplane, you're my best friend! So many other toys have come and gone, but we played for three days solid! Playtime has never been the same.

I found you on the counter the other day and for some reason, Mommy called you a chip clip, but you and I know better, Mr. Airplane, don't we? Silly Mommy. All airplanes have teeth and can talk. We have the best conversations.

"Hewo Mr. Airpwane."
"Hewo Ryah Puddin' Piya."
"Wanna eat my finger?"
{munching sounds} "Mmmm, that's tasty."
{Laughs} "Aw, you so cute Mr. Airpwane."
"Yes, I am so cute."

Indeed, we have so much fun and like to do everything together. If I had my way, we'd even get to sleep in the same bed, but Mommy is no fun and won't let us. At least we get to watch our favorite movies together...

I always make sure you can see too...

We even like to spend time in the princess castle together...

I'm the princess and you're my airplane in shining plastic who likes to eat my fingers. So fun!

Yes, some may not understand the bond we share, but you and I know we have something special, Mr. Airplane. You're my favorite toy so you need to remember to be good, and not eat the walls and get sent to timeout. Mommy doesn't like it when you eat the walls, but I may have had something to do with that, so I'm sorry I got you put into timeout. But don't worry, once you get out, I have all kinds of fun things planned! And we'll make sure to keep you on a strict fingers only diet. Kisses! See you soon!


Re-posted from The Mama Dramalogues

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Time!

...so excited for the extra daylight hours, yet so in need of just another hour! Alas the time is here, spring forward! Hoping each of you had a wonderful restful weekend, ready for a wonderful spring to come here with EtsyKids!

fantastic "time out" stool from Bobs and Bits, I'd like a time out with a stool this cute!

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Nurturing Your Creativity

...as you know, I'm reading crafting a business. Tonight I read the section titled 'Nurturing Your Creativity' and I wanted to share the highlights :)

Serendipity aside, the refined concept that is key to a thriving business is unlikely to leap full-blown from your brain. It takes time, thought, and experimentation for the germ of an idea to mix with your specific skill or passion and grow into a vision you can articulate clearly and realize as a viable venture. The process is different for everyone.. Here are thoughts to get you started.

~Give yourself room....just listen to your heart and don't pay attention to what other people say.

~Life gives you clues...Meet people. It's amazing how a conversation or even one word can make something 'click'.

~Honor your passion...Sit down with a piece of paper and a pencil and write down everything you like and can do.

~Trust yourself...I have a page in my sketchbook, and when I'm feeling all scared and think 'this is not going to work' I write down all the good things that have happened.

~Stay focused...It's easy to get distracted, and it's easy to look over your shoulder. Be passionate about what you do and be quality oriented.

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EtsyKids Design Challenge for March: Inspired by Nature

(A Flickr gallery)

Each month EtsyKids Team members are challenged to create a unique item within a chosen theme. This month's challenge, "Inspired by Nature", was picked by last month's winner MamaMayI. EtsyKids members will have until March 19th to submit their entries, and voting will be open to everybody from Sunday, March 21st to Saturday, March 27th. So, be sure to come back to the EtsyKids blog for a new post on the 21st to see all of the entries and VOTE! In the meantime, please click here to get a sneak peek at some exciting entries so far!

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Timeout!!

Jim and I are hockey fans, and when we go to a game, we boo and hiss along with the rest of the crowd when the "three blind mice" take the ice. I suppose their official titles would be referees, but potato, pota-tow. We don't blame the players for doing something stupid, we naturally blame the refs... only because they caught it. "Psssht, he didn't touch him! He tripped over his own skate not our players outstretched stick. Seriously, are you watching the same game I am?!" I suppose referees get a bad rap, so thank goodness I'm not one of them... oh wait.

A stay-at-home-mom has so many titles: caregiver, chauffeur, dishwasher, laundress and of course, the all important referee. You can't have a game without a referee right? And what's the point in fighting if there's no one to appoint a winner? The referee is essential in determining the outcome and doling out the appropriate punishment. This is my least favorite title, not to mention the least rewarding. "Thanks for taking me to school, Mom." "Oh, you washed my favorite dress, thank you!" "Gee, I really was wrong for hitting my sister and I'm so thankful you've set me straight. Now I can avoid any future trips to juvie and years spent on therapy that will inevitably question my upbringing and aversion to ink blots. That one looks like a timeout."

The timeout is a refereeing staple and it's essential when sending players to their corners. Unfortunately, they are equivilent to the players age, so they don't last long; but on the bright side, over time, the players do get older.

A day spent with fewer than a half dozen timeouts, is a good day. Good days are few and far between. The regular battles consist of Peri hitting Ryah, Ryah stealing Peri's toy, Ryah mocking Peri while Peri's in timeout (really, at two she's already mastered this), Ryah screaming and both girls CONSTANTLY whining. This ref just doesn't tolerate whining and that's an instant "five for fighting" (gotta love those hockey references). With all of these regular infractions and timeouts, the lessons will surely be learned so these players can reform. I'm sure of it. Absolutely! Most definitely. Here's hoping.

I was told that children learn really well through repetition, however, they didn't mention that by reptition, they meant every day, three times a day for the next five years. Details details. The things they leave out of those "What to Expect" books. tsk.

While my girls may not understand the significance of their time spent in the penalty box, it at least gives me a few minutes of peace. Now if only I could reverse the roles and somehow get myself put into timeout. I promise to stay there, without a fight, for the next 30 minutes; not a minute less. And remember, there's no talking in timeout, "so shhhh, don't bother me, I'm learning my lesson."


Re-posted from The Mama Dramalogues

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Calling Cards and 20 Dollar Bills

I'm a pretty organized person, unfortunately, the rest of my family, not so much. Nothing irks me more than to see the newly folded laundry dumped out all over the floor or the playroom yet again in disarray after cleaning it less than an hour ago. With two kids, usually you don't know who the culprit is, except that my youngest leaves a calling card. Next to that big mess, like a beacon, is usually a used diaper. Fortunately, it's normally just wet, but still not that fun to find. Why can't she use 20 dollar bills as calling cards? Perhaps swiped from my husbands wallet or something. That would be super fun! I might even forget about the mess.

We're in the midst of potty training right now (oh joy) and we've found that the best way to train Ryah is to keep her bottomless. So the fact that she removes her diapers is a good sign she doesn't want to be in them. She's also one of those nekkid children who sheds clothes faster than you can put them on her. So at any given time, she's likely to be bare-assed and livin' free running through my living room. Those unexpected drop in visitors usually get more than they bargained for. See, you should have called first.

On the off chance I manage to get a dress on her, to at least cover her bottom, she's more likely than not going to do a somersault or lay on her back, feet flailing, in front of company. I think that's usually more shocking than had she been naked to begin with. At least there wouldn't be any Basic Instinct surprises. "Whoa, where's her diaper?" "Probably next to the toys she just dumped out all over the floor."

I have the whole scenario in my head. Ryah looks to the left, then the right, to make sure the coast is clear. Then she smiles "the big cheese," turns into Tornado Ryah, and checks again to make sure no one is looking while she removes her diaper to mark her territory. I guess it beats her actually peeing on it.

While this time around, potty training is a bit easier, it's certainly has it's calling card downfalls. Not to mention the inevitable naptime whine, "Mommmeeeee, Ryah's poopy!!!" And when I hear that, I already know it's too late, she's no longer wearing the diaper. Ugh.

Let's just hope for her sake, and mine, that we get this potty training thing nailed sooner rather than later. Unless she starts leaving 20 dollar bills lying around. I think I might be okay with that.

Re-posted from The Mama Dramalogues

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