Introducing little girl Pearl

Today We Introduce You To Melissa from little girl Pearl

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?

My daughter! I went into a quilting shop with my Mom one day, and spied some Amy Butler fabrics. Inspired to pull out my old sewing machine from college, I grabbed a cute pattern, some adorable Alexander Henry fabric, and went to work one day to make her a cute little pant set for an upcoming wedding. I had been buying second hand designer duds on ebay, but after completing my first handmade garment for my daughter, piping and all, I was hooked. The fabric stash grew into an obsession, and when people started coming up to me and asking me where my I got those fabulous clothes for my daughter, "little girl Pearl" was born.

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?

My daughter's middle name is Pearl, after my paternal grandmother. It seemed an obvious choice for my business. She is my little girl Pearl!

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

I have several favorite etsy shops. I wear jewelry from my friend Erica Walker of WalkerSilverworks.etsy.com on a daily basis, and enameled wonders from Lia at bullfinchbarbury.etsy.com. But there are others I love just as much!

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

Something that has always amazed me is the reach of etsy! I have had buyers from all over the world... Australia, Norway, Thailand, Singapore, France, Italy, and from most regions of the U.S.. To me, there is nothing that surprises me more than that.
 

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

The most challenging aspect is finding time for it all. I can tell you, ashamedly, that my house is a bit of a disaster. Alas...
 

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

My personal philosophy is that I want my craftsmanship and enthusiasm to shine through my designs. I adore what I do. I get so excited when I have a whole day in my studio to "play" with color and pattern. I am thrilled when one of my customers takes as much delight in my designs as I do. And I am very proud of the extra time and care that I put into each and every dress. Piping and all!

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

They would describe me as being full of dichotomies. Driven, yet laid back. Introverted, yet personable. Opinionated, yet amenable.
 

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

The music I listen to is very dependent on my mood. I've been known to crank up the volume on Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew" when working with the sweetest of pink fabrics...talk about a dichotomy!! I love jazz, but I've been listening to the National, an alternative rock group quite a bit. But my absolute favorite thing to listen to while working is the BOSTON RED SOX! I'm a diehard fan, and because we don't have a TV, I listen to them on the radio when I work in the evenings...nothing better! Especially when they win!
 

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

When I'm not sewing, I'm flying. I'm a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, and travel all over the world for my job. I've been doing it for 20 years, and still love it. I don't have a particular route, but lately have been flying to Amsterdam a lot. Best place for bicycling in the world (because it's flat!). On my London layover I was able to catch a show in the West End. What a life!
 

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

I'm so grateful for having my daughter who keeps me on my toes on a daily basis. I'm grateful to be surrounded by family and friends who support my endeavors. I'm grateful to be able to CREATE!

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We ♥ Dad

'I Heart Daddy' T-shirt or Onesie by thenook

'homebrewed' baby/toddler shirt or bodysuit by kith

'Daddy's Little Man' bodysuit or tee by rhoadworks

'I love daddy' handstitched onesie by aperfectreasure

'Just Like Dad' onesie/bodysuit/t-shirt by jennifernoeldesigns

'Thanks for my Dad' handpainted shirt by ThanksForMyChild

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Bring the Outdoors In: Beautiful Things - Collecting and Sorting

By Christine of Belly Bear Baby Gear

Items found in nature contain such beauty, and children seem to be particularly attuned to this beauty. With only a few simple items, you can encourage your children to participate in this fun and educational nature based activity.

All you will need is a paper bag (or other collecting vessel), an empty egg carton and the great outdoors!

Begin by giving your child a paper bag and bringing them outside. A walk in the woods would provide for some great diverse items for collection, but as you will see, your own back yard will do just fine.

If you are working with young children, you may need to show them what to do by placing a few items in their bag for them. Encourage them to collect as many small three dimensional items as they'd like.

Sean was particularly drawn to this patch of grass and rocks in our yard. He discovered big and little rocks as well as a few left over acorn caps. As your child collects more items, this is an opportunity for you to build their nature vocabulary by naming and labeling what they are collecting.

Once your bags are nice and full bring them inside and pour the contents into the top portion of your egg carton.

Sit back for a moment and enjoy the spoils of all your hard work. Allow your child to study the items and consider how they may be sorted.

Young toddlers will simply enjoy exploring the items and filling the cups in the egg carton at random. You can begin encouraging them to notice the similarities and differences by explaining "Let's put all the rocks together" or "Look at all the pink petals".

When working with older children you can encourage more advanced sorting skills. Allow them to study what they have collected and decide how they will sort the beautiful things they have found. They may decide to sort by color placing all the brown things and pink things together, or they may decide sorting by type of object makes the most sense for them.

This activity will encourage your child to begin developing their mathematical thinking skills such as sorting objects varying by one or two attributes all the while enjoying the natural objects they collected. Take a moment to enjoy the beauty found outside with your children and help foster the next generation of nature lovers.

Christine can be found online on her blog Belly Bear Baby Gear, facebook, and her etsy shop:

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Science Experiment: Dyed Flowers

From Michelle of himamma.

Science … we love it. Many times when we have gone past the flower area at the grocery store we smell the sweet scent of fresh roses and dainty daisies ... the girls have been fascinated with the flowers that are in an array of colors that are dyed but yet they know that they are not naturally that color … and have wondered “how do they do that?”

Well, we made it our science experiment last week! So now they have a much better understanding and can visualize how the flower petals changed colors.

Steve Spangler Science shares a great tutorial on dying flowers, in addition to other experiments he has done…but most importantly the details and why they work make sense on his website that kids understand.

Our science experiment was over a course of several days. We started out using some older daisies that we had purchased later the week before. We recut the bottom of the flower stems and placed them in the colored water glasses. The older flowers did not dye as well as we had hoped, but we knew that might be the case going into the experiment. A few days later we purchased new flowers and this time they did much better and the color was obvious.
One question the girls had asked was how soon do you think we will see the color in the petals? Within two hours, it was amazing to see the colors showing in the white petals. By dinner time, the flowers were fully dyed and in a brilliant shades of yellow, blue, red and green.

We even wondered if certain colors would dye the petals quicker than others. It seemed to us that the blue and the green food coloring dyed the white petals the quickest. I know in the printing world, that when you print with blue ink, it takes longer to dry than any other color just due to the pigment. I know it doesn't relate to the experiment but it is an interesting fact that makes you wonder about inks in general.

Do you have a favorite science experiment book/curriculum that you use? Please feel free to comment below or send us an email. We are always enjoying and reading science books and would like to share with other families in the journey of learning.

In addition to the Steve's website we also enjoy the following:

• The Magic School Bus series. We will reserve DVDs and library books from our library and/or watch the various topics that we are studying via YouTube. Last year, I purchased The Magic School Bus Science Experiment books that take each of the episodes and relate it to an experiment/participate in an observation. On the MSB website they also have a Parent/Teacher section that is very helpful. Ms Frizzle and the gang are always a hit with the girls. I must admit...I love the series too.
• I recently have exchanged emails with a mom I met through a workboxes group. Via our email workboxes group, Colleen shared that she has written several books, with one particularly focused towards science. Colleen has a blog called Raising Lifelong Learners as well as her writing website called Colleen Kessler. I strongly suggest you visit her blogs to learn more.

As we prepped for our experiment we talked about how flowers/plants drink water to survive, how the flowers use their roots, and the water travels up through tubes in the stem. By coloring the water, we will then see the water move up the stem and into the flower petals over a course of a couple of hours. Steve Spangler Science shares a great tutorial on dying flowers, in addition to other experiments he has done…but most importantly the details and why they work really make sense on his website that kids understand.

You can find Michelle online here ... Facebook, Twitter, her blog Hi Mamma and of course her Etsy Shop:

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Introducing Pholkart Blessings

Today We Introduce You To Patti from Pholkart Blessings

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?

I started my shop back when my sons were still in their teens and I knew they’d soon be moving on toward college and the work world. I realized at that point that I wanted to begin transitioning myself toward “something art related” that would give me a sense of satisfaction and joy. I had filled up many sketchbooks over the years with cute, kid-friendly illustrations, and, when I learned about Etsy, I thought it would be so much fun to share my artwork there!

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?

I fell in love with children’s illustration when my sons were little! And as a result, I spent hours and hours teaching myself to draw. I thought the name “Pholkart” was appropriate for me since, like a folk artist, I’m entirely self-taught. The “Blessings” part of my shop name simply grew from my desire to share art that focused on the good things, the simple blessings of life. Thus, PholkartBlessings was born.

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

Gosh!... There are so many! I tend to love whimsical, colorful, humorous artwork. DudaDaze, Whimsy Studios, and ButtUglee are shops I enjoy visiting over and over again!

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

I would have to say the ongoing learning curve that having a successful shop requires. Not only do I need to create quality artwork I’m happy to place in my shop… I also need to learn to present my work to the world in an appealing and continuing way. I am still learning a lot about promoting my artwork through my blog and by networking through social media sites.

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

A couple of things really stand out. While I LOVE working from home, there are times (like when my husband travels) when I can feel isolated. My lab, Winnie, is a pretty good studio buddy… but once in a while I’d love to have another Etsy artist in town to grab coffee with and compare shop notes.

The second thing that is hard for me is dealing with discouragement. There can be times when not many customers visit my shop or purchase my artwork. During those times, I have found there is a lot of value in reminding myself that my job is just to show up in the studio each day, no matter how I’m feeling, and keep making art!

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

I love that I can be an artist who creates my own original designs and then offer them directly to buyers who enjoy them! I get to set a warm, friendly, positive tone in my shop. I’m the one-and-only person creating the artwork and helping the customer, and I find that very satisfying!

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

Quiet, friendly, creative, and resourceful. I enjoy living a very simple life and I love being with my family.

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

This may be surprising, but I don’t listen to music while I’m creating. My husband and I both work from home, and we find we both concentrate best in a quiet environment. The “music” I most often hear while creating is the swish-swish of the washer and the hum of the dryer! ;)

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

I’ve always loved to draw, so I doodle in my sketchbook anytime just for fun! I have decorated our old bungalow in “Design on a Dime” style and find that to be very creative and satisfying! I’m learning to knit & crochet (nothing very fancy yet!). My husband and I love to hang out together with our lovable lab and watch movies in the evening. And, as often as we are able to, we spend time enjoying our two grown sons and their families.

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

I feel very blessed to be able to stay at home and do what I love to do every day! I have “met” so many talented people online through the Etsy community who have generously shared their knowledge and experience with me. And I hope I can continue to pass along the support and help and encouragement that I have been given.

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Father’s Day Tie Bookmarks

By Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

Got an hour between now and Father’s Day (June 17)? Then you have time for the kids to make fun bookmarks for the dads and father figures in their lives. My husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather all love to read, so this idea was a no-brainer for us!

To start, I drew simple tie shapes on cardstock. I drew a triangle with rounded edges for the knot, and a long rectangle with a point at the end for the tie. I drew two per page, but I probably could have squeezed three or four on there. (I'll be the first to admit that my tie shapes are not perfect, but I think that only adds to their charm!)

Then, I set my son to decorating with crayons and markers. The first couple were simple, but he had a great time with patterns and shapes on the last two.

Once they were decorated, he stamped “Happy Father’s Day” onto the back of each and signed it. I dated them so the dads would remember. Then, I laminated them in clear contact paper. Add a loop or ribbon, and you’ve got a gift Dad will love!

We’re also going to fill out one of these fun questionnaires for my husband for Father’s Day. My son is four, and I can’t wait to see what answers he comes up with. I imagine it’s going to be hysterical. I think we’ll do it every year.

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Book Nook:: Summer Reading Programs

As a little kid my mother took us to the library every week.  It was a staple in her daily routine (one of her many techniques for maintaining sanity) and was a place we loved to go!

My siblings and I outside the public library, circa 1983.

Last week was our first week of summer, and the kids and I made the first of our weekly trips to the the public library.  We came home with a stack of books for each member of the family:

The 6th grader is loving the series, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, by Michael Scott, the 5th grader is blazing through all the Harry Potter books, the 3rd grader is captivated by Percy Jackson and just started Rick Riordan's 2nd series, Hero's of Olympus, the Kindergartner picked up a stack of Star Wars graphic novels and beginning readers, and the preschooler and I had great fun picking out great story and picture books.

We also got everyone in the family (even mom an dad) signed up for the public library's summer reading program.

Summer reading programs are all around ... each with their own set of rules and incentives for finishing the program.  In most cases you read a certain number of books or minutes within a time frame set up by the sponsoring organization and when you turn in your log they will give you incentives/prizes/discounts for turning in your completed reading log.

Summer reading programs help encourage children to continue reading throughout the summer to help prevent regression in the progress they've made in the classroom.  They also provide added benefits for those kids who love to read, and needed incentives to those whose first instinct isn't to pick up a book.

Here are just a few of the summer reading programs you might consider taking advantage of in addition to doing your local public library's summer reading program.

• Half Price Books, Feed Your Brain. 
• Barnes & Noble, Imagination Destination. 
• Scholastic Summer Challenge. 
• Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Challenge. 
• Chuck E. Cheese, Reading Log. 
• PBS Kids and iVillage team up for Summer Reading Sweepstakes.

We want to know what books your children are reading, and let us know of other great national summer reading programs we should . 

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How to Travel with Kids ... and avoid yelling

From Emily of BusyChickadee. 


My family lives a little over 4 hours away and I like to go visit about every other month.  I recently decided to go and visit for almost a week. My husband couldn't take that much time off … so we left him at home.

That meant I needed to plan well to avoid…yelling! Grouchy mommies don’t make the best drivers, right? If I have happy kids I have a happy mommy.

Here are 8 tips and tricks I used to have a happy family drive:


1. PACK a LUNCH

I decided to pack a lunch to avoid having to get fast food, and to avoid having to PAY for fast food! That adds up quickly. I packed peanut butter sandwiches (no cooler needed), apples, and water bottles.  Packed in individual lunch sacks, means everyone has their own trash sack and trash stays where it should and not strewn across the floor of my car. 

2. HAVE a CONTAINER FULL of TOYS and BOOKS

I always pack a crate of some kind with small toys and lots of books. Yes, they will end up all over your vehicle because they will drop them after they grow tired of them! I figure this is a mess well worth keeping them occupied. Also, I make sure the container is close to the older ones so they can hand them out to the younger ones. When I was the only older one, I kept it close to me so that I could keep handing them back.

3. The POTTY - NEVER LEAVE HOME without IT!  

When my kids are potty training, I never travel without it. It makes it much easier to attend to “MOMMY, I have to go…NOW!” It is also easier when your kids don’t like public bathrooms. I stop the van and put the potty chair in the middle of the van. I let the child go and then I dump it outside when it is just pee. (Animals do it, right??) I bring along grocery sacks and dump it in there if it is…more substantial! (heehee) Then I throw it in the nearest trash. I wipe it out with wipes when they are done.

4. GO RUN!!

Kids are kind of like puppies…they like to run! When we do stop to go to the bathroom and there is open space, I yell, “Go RUN!!” I like to let them get out some of that energy. Sometimes I even chase them around or walk the stairs in the area around them to get out energy of my own. This helps us get back into the van with less tears.

5. PACK SNACKS

I make sure to fill up a bag with snacks. You never know what is going to be that one thing that keeps everyone together. I like to pack things that can’t get too squashed into the carpet. I bring things like: pretzels, popcorn, Goldfish, dry cereal and maybe fruit snacks. I bring bowls or cups to put the snacks in to make it easier to hand them back. A friend of mine packs them in little baggies and I think that is a great idea too.

6. MUSIC

Bring along the children’s music. This can sometimes bring someone back from the brink of a meltdown. If you don’t have some, just start singing together. Songs like “Wheels on the Bus” and “5 Little Monkeys” are great ways to pass the time.

7. DVD PLAYER

We finally broke down and bought the DVD player for the van. I was one of those people who said, “But I didn’t have one when I was little.” That lady left one day when I realized it would just make long trips easier.  If you haven't broken down and done it yet because you don't travel as much as we do, see if you can borrow one from a friend if you have a long ride coming up this summer. They really do make it easier.

8. GAMES

As I was driving today and thinking about what I would write for this post, I thought about some things I would have done differently. I think next time I will make sure to pack some travel games like tic, tac, toe and car bingo.  The board game isle has travel games you can purchase and small electronic handheld games like battleship, 20Q or yahtzee that are inexpensive and great fun.  You can also look around pinterest and blogs for games you can make or print yourself.

Find Emily online at Facebook and Twitter, by visiting her blog - Raising Busy Chickadees and her Etsy Shop - Busy Chickadees:

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Introducing Pish Posh Creations

Today We Introduce You To Dana from Pish Posh Creations

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
My mother in law bought me my first sewing machine right before my first son was born. At the time I thought I would just mess around with it to fix hems and make a few throw pillows. But it was such a rush seeing what I made that it became more and more of what can I do next. Next thing I knew family and friends were asking me to make something for them or for a gift they needed. It kind of just blossomed from there. I've never looked back since.

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
I was looking for something that was fun, whimsical, and sounded kid friendly. Then one day something my grandmother, who I adored, used to say popped in my head. "Oh, Pish Posh!" She used the term as meaning either, "Don't bother" or "That's absurd!". But despite the meaning I fell in love with it. I felt that it would've made her proud knowing that she inspired me to use her favorite term as something positive. Originally, I wanted to just use Pish Posh, but pishposh.com was already taken and I wanted something that I could use as my website address so the Creations was added.

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
I have too many to name and would hate leaving any of them out so I'm just going to plead the 5th on this question and say them all! :)

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The thing that surprised me most about having my own etsy shop and website was that it has become so successful. What I see as a creative outlet, a passion, or you could even say my designing getaway, others see as the piece that they've been searching for. To truly see them enjoy what I have to offer is my own little sewing HIGH!

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Finding time to manage my business. Since I'm the sole proprietor of Pish Posh Creations I'm the designer, creator, photographer, writer, customer service, inventory stockman, shipper, etc. And that is all on top of running a household of 3 kids and a husband. (OK, we'll say 4 kids- HA)

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I do not sell anything that I wouldn't buy for myself. It has to be high quality and really make a statement. I'm not one to work in an assembly line making 10 of the same items. I enjoy making things different then the one before. Yes, it takes a lot longer, but it is so worth the wait.

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
OH, this is a good question! Um... I would say people think I'm friendly, bubbly, helpful, there when you need me and there when it really counts. That I'm an honest person, therefore I don't steal ideas from other companies or sellers. What I make comes straight from my imagination.

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
I love my itunes! I set it on shuffle and crank it up! On even given day you will hear me rocking to anything from Third Day to NickelBack to Katy Perry to Michael Jackson to LMFAO to Rascal Flats to Black Eyed Peas and then to Jeremy Camp.

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
Is there such a thing as not working (creating)? I do like to read and go to the gym. However, while I'm at the gym I'm daydreaming of the next big thing to create so I guess that doesn't count. Ha

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I truly LOVE the life I live! I have an amazing husband that has a great job so that I can have the freedom and flexibility to stay at home. My 3 boys are now all in school so it makes it easier to work sewing during the day. My nights are a different story because every night is either a practice, game, or club meeting for one of them so I'm a taxi service from 5:00 on. Another thing about me that separates me from most people is that I'm an aunt to QUADRUPLETS! They are so much fun to be around, but also so exhausting, 3 boys and 1 girl now age 8. I really don't see how my sister can do it! You go sis! One other thing that I'm pretty proud of is having one of my crib beddings featured on the Discovery Channel. It was featured on the TV show 17 Kids and Counting (now known as 19 Kids and Counting). We used to live near where the Duggar Family lives and they purchased one of my bedding sets for baby #18. It was so neat seeing one of my creations on TV!

*** Come and play for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to use at PishPoshCreations.com! Simply become a fan of Pish Posh Creations Facebook Fanclub (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pish-Posh-Creations/91399859372) and follow the link to sign up for your chance to win!

A winner will be chosen at random June 6th and notified via email as well as on Pish Posh Creations Facebook Fan Page.

* $50 must be used on a pre-existing item. Cannot be used toward any custom request.

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EtsyKids Design Challenge: We have a Winner!

Congratulations to the winner of our May's challenge, Twins Backyard Baby Romper & Dress w-Hats by ttykes!

Trendy Tykes is a gorgeous store of exceptional gifts and items handmade for babies and toddlers.  All products are heirloom quality, and feature a special touch of a unique embroidery embellishment.  Please be sure to visit this wonderful Etsy store, right here!

This month we had some fantastic entries.  Many thanks to all that participated and we look forward to seeing more of your wonderful creations next month.

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June 2012 EtsyKids Team Desktop Background

Here is the desktop calendar for June 2012! This month the theme was red, white and blue!! Getting ready for July 4th celebrations!! You can see a treasury of all these items here and here.

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Featured shops: MyLittlePixies, sweetsmilesbaby, KPCreations, jennifernoeldesigns, ABabyNotion, roseprintsonline, thebitsybeau, LiliBugBoutique, LadyBeez, yourblissfulday, allthingsforbaby, melondot, TheRoyalDetails, BabyAccessories, tootoocute4you, tinystitches, VibrantTrains, ChewChewsCloset, Avabowtiquee, ApplesauceCrafts

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Sensory Activity:: Body Painting

What do you say when your child wants to use their body to paint? YES!

I taped 4 pieces of paper together, set out some finger paint and brushes, took her clothes off and let her go to town. She had a blast!

{Just be ready for bath time right after...it gets pretty messy.}

 

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+ and Pinterest.

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Introducing Ali Bean Baby

Today We Introduce You To Kari from Ali Bean Baby

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?

2 ½ years ago, after living out of the country for 6 years, my husband and I were at a change-point and were both looking for work in a very changed economy. One of my daughter’s-in-law encouraged me to start making little girl dresses to sell on Etsy. It was something I could “do”, but I had “been there, done that” with a couple of sewing-based businesses, and I really wasn’t interested in sewing and selling. But then we went to visit our little grand-daughter for the 1st time and I made her two pillowcase dresses. Rachel, my DIL, and I looked for fabric together and I loved what we found and how they turned out! So I returned home and for the fun of it, and to satisfy Rachel, I opened an Etsy shop and listed them, and to my surprise and excitement they slowly started selling. The two original dresses continue to be good sellers, with the original photos of my grand-daughter when she was 7 months old!

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?

My grand-daughter’s name is Ali, and her mom and dad and brother call her “Beaner”. So AliBeanBaby was a perfect fit!

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

I don’t have a favorite one – but I love looking for shops that have unique items, or things my hubby and I can’t make. Examples would be the barefoot lace sandals from dachuksb7196’s shop in Latvia; and Me & the Boy, both their name and their bath items.

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

I have had a few good surprises. One was that I was able to let AliBeanBaby develop bit by bit without feeling pressured to have it all in place before I started. Another was that one of my initial objections to starting this kind of business was that I didn’t want to make items just for the sake of selling them, but I wanted to make items FOR someone. And with an on-line shop I have been able to that, one order at a time. And, I don’t need a large inventory -- I can have as many or few fabrics and supplies on hand as I want, and can try something out and it if doesn’t sell I can try something different.

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

It is challenging not having consistency with sales. Sometimes it is crazy-busy and sometimes there are no sales at all. Initially this was more challenging, but now I have fun with the busy times, and use the slower times to work on new items. Or just take a break. Another challenge, which is also a good thing, is the size of Etsy, and finding how to connect a little more personally. That has happened somewhat with EtsyKids.

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

I wanted to have clothes that were quality made, able to be custom fit, and affordable, and yet eye-catching and fun. That meant that the designs needed to be simple to make. I started sewing at a young age and didn’t like the way patterns were put together, and instructions always confused me so I started making my own patterns. Being able to do my own patterning has helped me to be able to keep the construction time down so that I can keep the items within the price range I want.

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

I had no idea how to answer this, so asked a friend. Creative, multi-tasking, interested in many, many things, precise and thoughtful, not static.

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

Mostly I listen to contemporary Christian music and contemporary instrumental.

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

I started working a 30-hour-a-week “job” in August so with that and AliBeanBaby I don’t have a much non-work time. I do enjoy cooking, it’s a great way for me to “center” when things are busy or chaotic, and both my hubby and I like a wide variety of foods, so we are always trying new things and have fun working together in the kitchen. We also spend the warmer months of the year finding new places to walk, being out in as much nature as we can find in the city. And, we love being with our grandkids when we can!

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

I have 5 sons, and Ali was my 1st granddaughter, so I really didn’t have any experience in little girl’s fashion. My DIL Rachel’s input on styles and fabrics is really what has created AliBeanBaby’s “brand”. I don’t feel so un-experienced now, and do have input, but still rely heavily on her thoughts and ideas. We live in different parts of the country, so we have done it all long-distance – with a lot of skyping! It’s been great fun to work with her!

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Under the Sea Craft Projects

By Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

Finding Nemo is all the rage at my house these days, temporarily bumping Lightning McQueen from most-favored-toy status. We’ve borrowed ocean books from the library, visited aquariums, and pretended we were Nemo and his friends.

So, when I started planning the monthly arts and crafts activity for my MOMS Club, I scoured my Kid Stuff Pinterest board for simple projects related to ocean creatures. I settled on two painting projects: paper bowl jellyfish and paper plate fish.

The jellyfish were inspired by this project from First Palette and this one from Creekside Learning. I told the kids we were making octopuses; as we moved along with the craft, they informed me the octopuses looked more like jellyfish. I went back and looked at the original ideas, and of course, they were right!

We started our jellyfish by painting the bottom of paper bowls. Some kids painted the whole thing; others, like my son, just painted the base of the bowl. I glued googly eyes onto each one. We used tape to attach streamers around the bowl for tentacles.

The fish were inspired by these beautiful paper plate tropical fish from Crafts by Amanda. For the fish, give each kid two paper plates. Have them paint one to be the fish body and help them draw fins on the other plate (or draw them for little guys), and paint those shapes.

When everything is dry, cut out the fins and tape or glue them into place. Draw an eye or attach a googly eye. Too cute!

Here are some other fishy crafts we’ve tried or want to try:

Paper plate octopus, via Artsy Craftsy Mom

Egg carton fish, via Crafty-Crafted. Ours are still a work in progress; we need to add stripes, fins, and eyes.

Squishy fish aquariums, from Teach Preschool (one of my favorite blogs!). We used light blue hair gel and added food coloring to make the gel bluer.

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EtsyKids Design Challenge: It's time to Vote!

It's time to vote for your favorite item! Voting will be open until May 27th. This month, EtsyKids members were challenged to create an exciting new item based on a theme "April Showers bring May Flowers". We received a bunch of fantastic entries from some talented people. Please vote for your favorite item from the list below.

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EtsyKids Design Challenge for May: April Showers bring May Flowers

(via)

"April Showers bring May Flowers" is our challenge for May, picked by our last month's winner SwishDesigns.  This month we'll be featuring hand made items inspired by spring flowers, plants, rain, clouds....

EtsyKids members will have until May 20th to submit their entries, and voting will be open to everybody from May 21st to 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!

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Introducing C Cooper Designs

Today We Introduce You To Cheryl From C Cooper Designs

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
I started my Etsy shop when I first heard about the site. I wanted a place where I could share my love of sewing and design.

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?

The business name came from a business name my Mother and I had when we sewed and designed bridal wear, Collins-Cooper. When I changed direction in my sewing business I decided on “c.cooper designs” which still represents my maiden name and my married name.

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

I have several shops that I really like on Etsy. One of them is SoManyColors for some beautifully hand dyed scarfs.

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

The positive compliments that I get.

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

One of the most difficult things for me has been getting traffic to my shop. I have much work to do in this area.

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

I love to sew and I love to be creative. It's important to me to give my customers a quality product. Every item in my shop is one of a kind with quality fabrics carefully chosen and with professional construction.

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

artistic, fun-loving, caring

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

I actually love a variety of music, so it varies...soft rock, reggae, pop, etc.

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

Spend time with my family and my girls (dogs), gardening and a variety of art projects.

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

Recently my daughter, Abigail Cooper has joined me in sewing for c.cooper designs. She is very creative and talented and is a very valuable addition to our shop. And we have a great time together.

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Bring the Outdoors In: Grass Clipping

By Christine of Belly Bear Baby Gear

Now that we are well into the season of spring many of you out there are seeding your lawns and watching them grow.  With plenty of grass seed on hand, you have the opportunity to create a fun sensory/fine motor growth opportunity for your children.  All you'll need is some top soil, grass seed, a dish pan and some children's scissors.

Let's begin: Have your children help you fill your dish pan with a few inches of dirt and sprinkle a liberal amount of seed on top of the dirt.  Let your little ones help water the seed and dirt.

Then place your pan in a nice sunny space.

Now will be the time for patience and learning.  Encourage your child to help you water the seeds over the next couple weeks as they sprout and grow.  As the grass begins sprouting, bring the pan down and let your children have a feel.  Ask prompting questions such as: "How does it feel?" and "Is the grass long or short?"

In approximately 2-3 weeks, you will have lovely lush grass in a pan which will possibly prompt your husband to ask, "When you're done with this, can I transplant it to the dead spot in our lawn?"  Until then, it's time to get out the scissors and invite your child to snip away.

Young toddlers will need help learning how to hold the scissors and snip the grass.  You can show them how to use both hands and open and close the scissors.  As always, this activity should be done under close adult supervision, even children's scissors can hurt.  While your child trims the grass, you can ask prompting questions such as, "What do the scissors do?" and "What is happening to the grass?"  Also allow children the opportunity to simply feel the grass with their hands.  My little ones even tried sticking their toes in the tub!

Older children may enjoy a variation on this activity.  Using an old nylon, sprinkle some grass seed into the toe, pour some dirt on top of the seed and tie off the nylon.  You can then draw a face onto the nylon with a permanent marker and water it regularly.  You will soon have a little nylon person with grass for hair.  Your child will enjoy giving him a haircut!

This fun activity meets several early learning standards as noted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children

Science:
-Use their senses to learn about objects in the environment. discover that they can make things happen and solve simple problems.
Physical Development:
-Infants and toddlers/twos have multiple opportunities to develop fine-motor skills by acting on their environments using their hands and fingers in a variety of age-appropriate ways.
-Children are provided varied opportunities and materials that support fine-motor development.

Enjoy this fun learning activity with your children and maybe even grow a small patch of grass for a lawn in need.

Christine can be found online on her blog Belly Bear Baby Gear, facebook, and her etsy shop:

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Introducing Wild Things Funky Little Dresses

Today We Introduce You To Kristy from
Wild Things Funky Little Dresses

Q: What motivated you to start your shop? / What is the story behind your shop name?
I’m a mum of three living in the heart of the rural Lancashire hills in the UK with a career in fashion designing childrenswear, products, and fabrics for UK retailers for many years, as well as fashion lecturing. After the arrival of my youngest, and third little ‘wild thing’, Lila, I decided to go it alone to spend more time with them. Wild Things Funky Little Dresses just evolved, and grew organically really, after buying some small lengths of gorgeous fabric with a desire to make something to inspire my daughters. I guess it’s in my blood now to do this as I started making anything and everything at a very young age, back in the crafty 70’s, and then into the avant garde 80’s when as a teenager it was the only way to be ‘different". It was my late grandma, Florence who inspired me, with her huge walk in wardrobe of gowns and hats, and a sewing box full of goodies, and of course my mum who showed me how to work through paper patterns at an early age. I guess if I wasn’t outside playing, I was inside making things. Now it’s my children who inspire me. Their love to dress up, and their playful imagination, coupled with my love for simple bold colour and imagery, and Scandinavian simplicity, gave me a starting point. I love simple shape and pattern, which translate beautifully on to simple A-line shapes for dresses and macs (=raincoat). The range includes animal creature dresses (fox), ’picture’ dresses (rainbow), and contemporary print dresses. The character dresses have been hugely successful as they offer a high quality contemporary alternative to the dress up clothes little ones love to wear.

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

I believe your little ones should have fun, feed their imagination, and love the clothes they wear." I think the simple print, colour ,pattern and whimsical imagery, as well as their practical versatility, make Wild Things Funky Little Dresses irresistible to children and style conscious parents alike. I’m trying to create clothes which are loved by children and adults alike ,help promote play, and evoke a sense of fun. I also believe in reviving skills passed down for generations which have been almost lost through over mass production. I’m very proud to be producing here in the UK too.

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

Selling online has been the biggest learning curve for me. It was something which made me step outside my comfort zone, but I’ve found an amazing network of supportive like minded businesses makers and designers out there. Thanks to all of you!!

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

Of course dealing with individual customers can be a challenge, but it’s a pleasure to do when you receive such lovely responses and stories of the dresses being worn. I also love the idea of selling globally to a niche market,which makes personal contact all the more worthwhile and rewarding.

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ninainvorm

http://www.etsy.com/people/DollsAndDaydreams

Thanks to both Nina (ninainvorm), and Sarah ( dollsanddaydreams) for endless mutual support,and for being such prolific creators themselves.

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

Tenacious, passionate, determined!

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

I tend to listen to the radio whilst I’m working, especially late at night. (BBC Radio 2). I like being entertained and listening to the variety good radio throws at you.

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

I live in a beautiful part of the world in the heart of the Lancashire Hills in the North West of England, so we have beautiful unspoilt countryside on our doorstep. I like nothing more than to spend a day exploring the ‘fairy woods’ behind our home with the children and the dog.

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

The UK childrenswear market tends to be saturated with over complicated, over designed co ordinated childrenswear, but which lacks a fresh approach. I’m trying to offer a fun but contemporary alternative. ‘Handmade’ has become a big thing here in the UK over recent years, which has provided fantastic opportunities for small makers to showcase their work to a hungry audience who are looking for something with a story and a bit of soul. There seems not to be a platform as consistent and up to the minute as etsy to allow makers to sell their work in the UK.

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Where the Wild Things Are

In honor of beloved children's book author, Maurice Sendak, who passed away yesterday at the age of 83, we pay tribute with a selection of items that remind us of one of his most beloved stories ... 'Where the Wild Things Are.'

Lion Cupcake Toppers, set of 12 from YourlittleCupcake

Galloping Horses Kids Youth T-shirt from BigBridgeStudio

Hand Knit Sunset Monster Stuffed Animal from EmilysIsland

Handmade Bear Ears - Blonde Fur Band from ClareBear

Child Robes Zoo Animals from tanjadlyn

Reversible Car Seat Canopy from notybaby

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