EtsyKids

EtsyKids Design Challenge for May: Flowers

Posted Friday, May 14, 2010

Each month EtsyKids Team members are challenged to create a unique item within a chosen theme. This month's challenge, "Flowers", was picked by last month's winner FRANCISBEL. EtsyKids members will have until May 19th to submit their entries, and voting will be open to everybody from Friday, May 21st to Thursday, May 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!

Posted Sunday, May 09, 2010

To all of you from all of us at EtsyKids! Have a wonderful day! Happy Mother's Day!!!

Snack Sacks

Posted Thursday, May 06, 2010

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

Tutorial Tuesday...

Posted Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Well they both started with a T, so I figured why not?? So today, I thought it would be fun to show you how to make something! I love tutorials. So, how about a reusable snack bag? My kids love them and we use them all the time. Not only are they earth friendly (no trash) better for your food (no plastic here) but they are also cute, and you can make them in any fabric your little one desires. Elmo? No problem! Princesses? Absolutely! And these are so ridiculously easy!! You need cotton fabric, velcro and thread. Simple! (PLEASE ignore the wrinkles...my iron died last night so I could not press anything)

Ok, here goes. First you need to figure out what size you want your bag. I just measured a sandwich bag and added 1 inch to the measurements for seam allowances. Or just pick a number! How about 6" high by 6" wide? Super easy! SO, I take my outer fabric and cut it 13" long (because you want it twice the finished length of your bag plus an inch) by 7" wide. If you are doing a lining, then you want to cut a lining piece the same size. (now if having the fabric on the back of your bag be upside down will bother you, then you can cut the fabric in half down the middle and sew them back together (right sides together) so that the fabrics will both be right side up)

I cut a strip of velcro approx. 5" long, but you can adjust it as you like, and also as needed for the size of your bag. I also like to cut this in half long ways because a thinner strip will hole the bag together just fine. And it pulls open a little easier for my 2 year old :)

Now, I sew one strip of velcro across one end of my lining fabric (on the right side) about an inch, inch and a half from the edge. Sew the other piece of velcro to the opposite end. I like to sew a big zig zag down the length of the velcro to make sure it won't come off. It will be opened a lot :)

Now I put the 2 pieces of velcro together, "closing" the lining and sew up each side (on the wrong side of the fabric) now you have a pouch.

Next take your outer fabric and fold it in half, wrong sides facing you just like the lining and sew up the sides. Now you have 2 pouches :)

Turn the outer fabric right side out, and place it inside the lining fabric (you have to pull open the velcro) so now the right sides of both the lining and outer fabric are facing each other. Now stitch around the top of the bag, leaving a 1-2 inch opening so you can turn the snack bag right side out. Turn your bag right side out, stuff the lining inside the outer fabric, and press the top edge. Now make sure you turn the opening under and press really well too. Tostitch along the top edge, closing the opening and making your bag look neat, and *TA DA*!! You have a snack bag! Now go make a bunch and have a picnic with your kiddos :)

You can aslo use PUL instead of a lining and make a wetbag for swimsuits, swim diapers, cosmetics, etc. :)
Thanks for stopping by! Happy sewing!!

Project Runway

Posted Monday, May 03, 2010

My oldest daughter is 5 and having her own opinions is an understatement. That girl knows what she wants when she wants it and if she doesn't, she'll let you know that too and stick with it. Oh yeah, she'll stick to her guns even when she doesn't know what she wants. And when it comes to clothes, I no longer have a say.

Oh sure, I buy the clothes, all cute and coordinated, but does she necessarily wear them that way, um, no. Once it's in the closet, anything goes. I've found that if I don't interfere with her getting dressed, she'll just do it. Granted, sometimes modifications need to be

made according to weather, but generally, she's wearing clothes and that works for me. We all know what the alternative is when she doesn't pick out her clothing. :oP

When I take Peri to preschool, we're usually met with giggles from parents and odd looks from her peers, but everyone pretty much expects that Peri dresses to the beat of her own drum. They're usually tickled pink by her choices. And speaking of pink, no outfit is complete without it. Also, her idea of color coordination is usually, "Look, my shirt is pink and my skirt has pink." Never mind that they're completely different colors and shades of pink; if it's classified as pink, they match.

Lately, I've been documenting my future Project Runway contestant. Now you can all say you knew her when. I'm just waiting for the day when she becomes a trendsetter and what she wears today ends up on every girl next week. Until then, I shall continue to document and smile.

Yes, she's wearing two headbands.

Did you notice this is her favorite dress? Keep in mind, she wore this outfit when it was sunny and warm outside.

Over the weekend, Jim and I were working in the yard and asked Peri to go put some pants on to play in. She put on the outfit above and started to head out. "Peri, you need to wear pants." To which she responded by pulling up her skirt and revealing a pair of shorts. "I did!"

Hip Hip Hooray!

Posted Sunday, May 02, 2010

Full of goodies for the coming summer months, the newest edition of Modern Handmade Child is here! Hip Hip Hooray!

A toddlers favorite friend - ELMO!

Posted Friday, April 30, 2010

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

EtsyKids Design Challenge - We Have a Winner!

Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Congratulations to the winner of this month's challenge 21. PAGEANT CUSTOM BOUTIQUE 5 PIECES OUTFIT DRESS 2T TO 7 by: FRANCISBEL This lovely dress up comes with a little purse made with pink and gingham fabric accented on the side with grosgrain bows,and a cute headband accented with a grosgrain ribbon bow. Excellent outfit for those sunny outdoor adventures. Please be sure to visit Francisbel Boutique for more beautiful outfits.

Becoming Aware of ASD

Posted Monday, April 26, 2010

Today I had my first ever parent/teacher conference with Peri's preschool teacher. Is it just me, or does the thought of going to these feel like you're being pulled into the principals office?

As I sat outside and waited for my name to be called, it seemed oddly reminiscent of school office visits past. Not that I was a bad kid (I was too terrified to ever act out) but it was that same feeling when you are called to the office for any number of reasons. The first thing that goes through your head is, "What did I do?" Except this time, not only was I thinking "What did I do" but also "What did Peri do?"

I realize these meetings are purely informative but no one wants to hear bad news and so you sit there and wait for it. I was pretty sure she couldn't tell me anything I didn't already know. We made small talk and honestly, I wish we could have just done that the entire time. Because I knew it was coming. The inevitable was confirmed when she said she kept holding off filling out Peri's evaluation because she wanted to be able to put excellent on everything, but she and I both agreed that I would have questioned whether she knew which child was mine and did she even evaluate her. :oP

Peri is currently in an early intervention program to help with her delayed speech/comprehension. Over the last couple of years, she's made a lot of progress, but she still isn't grasping communication and relationships with peers as well as she should be. And a couple of weeks ago, her teacher there called me and mentioned that we may want to start evaluations for ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). I signed all the paperwork and hopefully those evaluations will start soon. I know she'll test positive and I'll be relieved when she does, because as a parent, I can learn how to better meet her needs.

So hearing notes from both teachers only confirms that they're both seeing the same struggles with Peri. And that as a parent, I'll need to do things a little differently when it comes to how to best help Peri.

When the early intervention teacher told me about testing, she was walking on eggshells. Apparently, a lot of parents don't want to hear that there's something wrong with their child, especially if the word Autism is used. But what parents need to understand is that it has nothing to do with them and their ability to parent, and that understanding your child and their special needs can only make yours and your child's life that much easier. When you're all on the same page, the book makes so much more sense.

Is this a downer? Not at all. It's just a hurdle that my family and I will train together to jump. We're going to be Olympians by the end of this. I'll keep you posted on the progress. :o)

a couple of things I didn't know...

Posted Saturday, April 24, 2010

In my magazine reading this weekend I've stumbled across a couple of interesting things that I didn't know about and I wanted to share...

1. Are you wondering whether that piece of fruit you're about to serve your kid is organic? Look at the PLU code on the sticker or packaging. If it starts with a 9, it's organic. If not, it may have been treated with pesticides.

2. Having a Raccoon in your backyard may make your child sick..These animals choose a spot to repeatedly us as a latrine, and their feces can carry a dangerous parasite known as Baylisascaris procyonis. According to a recent study in Emerging Infectious Diseases, raccoon latrines were present in more than half of the back yards that researchers investigated in suburban Chicago. Raccoons are common across the country, so check your yard every other week for small pieces of poop, the diameter of your thumb, suggests study author Kristen Page, PHD. Use disposable gloves to put them in a plastic bag and douse the area with boiling water.

Tutorial: Satin Ribbon Rose

Posted Friday, April 23, 2010

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.

Wall Art Wednesday - week 4

Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2010

To the Moon by InnerPiecesGallery
FLY by PaintMeAPicture
Flying High by chichiboulie
Alien Rocketship by thechubbydove

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 Tuesday, April 27th. This month, EtsyKids members were challenged to create an exciting new item based on a theme "Outdoor Adventure". We received a lot of fantastic entries from some talented designers and crafters. Please check out their work below and VOTE for your favorite!

1.