Introducing Gossamer Wings by Ailesdiaphanes

Today We Introduce You To Elizabeth

from Gossamer Wings by Ailesdiaphanes

Q: what motivated you to start your shop?

I have always loved children's clothing and longed to see more classic, sweet clothing in the marketplace. Having lived in France, I fell in love with their style for children's wear. The color palate is more mellow and if there are prints, they tend to be sweet florals and classic patterns like polka dots or gingham. I decided I would like to bring a little bit of that into my line. I sewed most all of the clothing that my daughters wore when they were little, and l was always asked where their clothing was purchased. Which then led to them asking me why I didn't sell them. That was in the late eighties and nineties, before Etsy! I would have been in heaven had Etsy existed, since I was a stay at home mom in those days. I decided to do it now, even though my daughters are now in their twenties, because I simply adore children's clothing!

Q: what is the story behind your shop name?

Well, I love the storybook aspect of it. I once read a children's book where one of the sentences read, "and they flew upon gossamer wings." It reminds me of some sort of tiny fairytale figure flying on an insects back with luminous wings. I wanted my shop to have a storybook feel to it.

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

I love to support fellow Etsy sellers! A few of my favorite shops are Holland Fabric House, Robert Ryan, and Elsa Mora. The list is really endless, because there are so many talented individuals on Etsy.

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

How kind some of the shoppers are that want special orders. I worked with three very nice ladies with good results.

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

I suppose it is the most popular challenge, and that would have to be getting your name out there to have more traffic going to your shop. Also knowing how to price your work.

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

I'm very meticulous with my sewing, and nothing leaves my house if it isn't perfect in my eye. That means all seams are pressed and finished nicely, and the construction has to be able to stand the test of time through washing and wearing. Most of all, I would love to think my clothing is timeless, and can be handed down without looking dated. I also believe in using the finest fabrics in natural fibers I can get a hold of.

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

An artist with a keen eye for color and style, and a good cook!

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

Most people would be surprised, given my age, that I listen to alternative/indie rock, and sometimes pop punk music. It gets me moving and keeps me alert!

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

I love to cook and explore new restaurants in my area. I love to travel when I can, with my family. I studied art history and museum/gallery display while in college, so you can find me strolling the many wonderful museums in San Francisco.

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

If people want to get to know me a bit better, they can visit my blog: www.elizabeth-mackey@blogspot.com/

'Introducing Gossamer Wings by Ailesdiaphanes' by Lilikin14

an etsykids team treasury

ailesdiaphanes $35.00	ailesdiaphanes $59.00	ailesdiaphanes $65.00	ailesdiaphanes $150.00
ailesdiaphanes $49.00	ailesdiaphanes $55.00	ailesdiaphanes $35.00	ailesdiaphanes $55.00

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Chic Style:: Dresses for Little Girls

National Sewing month continues, are you following along over at The Sewing Loft?  Have the favorite tools and creative projects inspired you to put needle and thread to fabric or use your seam ripper or bias tape maker to whip up something new and fantastic?  

In honor of National Sewing month, I've done a little sewing for two of my kids.  A fun navy blue and white striped pair of Pajama bottoms for my 9 year old, and I finally used a beautiful piece of brown corduroy with hot pink polka-dots I've had for a while now to make a dress for my daughter to wear on her first day of preschool.  I love the freedom being able to sew has given me to make things for my kids.  

Nothing quite stands-up to the quality and uber chic style of well made custom handmade clothing,   and we have amazing designers and tailors to share with you today.  A little something for everyone's taste, size and budget. 

Above left:: Trendy Peasant Dress with Ruffled Trim Size 2T from cutieflair

Above right:: Ruffle Neck Peasant Dress with Double Ruffles from BoutiqueElliEtte

Above left:: Paisley Bloom Girls Dress, sizes 6mo-8yrs from brownowldesigns

Above middle:: Heirloom Dress for Little Girls from pinkmouse

Above right:: Paprika and Teal Peasant Dress from EmmaNicoleDesigns1

Above left:: Handmade Elephant Print Dress, size 2-8 from PlayPrettyWears

Above right:: Chevron Peasant Dress with Red Poppy Applique from CorinneCitrolo

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Avoid the back to school bug

It is back to school time! Packed lunches, school uniform, homework, bus rides and sick bugs!!

When you have a group of small children in a confined space like a classroom, one little sniffle can quickly become a whole big group of sniffles!! Teaching young children about hygiene, germs and illnesses is not an easy task, and you don't want to scare them with horror stories. But there are some things you can teach your child to minimize the chances of them picking up the sniffles from the rest of the class.

Washing hands

The most common way of catching a bug or illness is by rubbing your eyes, finger sucking, nose picking after your hands have come into contact with germs. Research studies have shown that only about half of middle school students wash their hands after using the restroom, and even if they do wash their hands, most don't even use soap! So getting your child into the habit of washing their hand (properly!) after going to the bathroom and before eating can really help.

Get the Flu shot
Making sure your child is up to date with their scheduled vaccines is really important to keep them in good health. Speak with your child's doctor about them also getting a seasonal flu vaccine. The Center for Disease Control recommends that everyone over 6 months receive the flu vaccine. Although the flu vaccine does not protect your child from all strains of the virus, it does protect against some of the most rapid forms.

Hand sanitizer gel
Sometimes it is not always possible to wash hands before eating, so getting your child use to using hand sanitizer gel is also a good idea. It is important to show your child how to use the gel effectively by rubbing it all over their hands and fingers and letting it dry. You should check your school's policy to make sure it is allowed to send to school with your child, and let the teachers know.

Sharing stuff
We all want our kids to be kind and share their stuff with the other kids, but it is important the know what is ok to share and what is not ok to share while at school. For older children make sure they know not to share things like make-up, creams, lip gloss and other such products as these can be ideal for the spread of MRSA, and other skin infections. Also sharing items like towels, sports clothing and equipment can spread germs.

Teaching your child about germs
As I mentioned above, you do not want to tell horror stories to your child about big nasty germs and turn them into a germophobe, but you can sit and talk with your child and explain how germs travel, that they cause colds and tummy bugs. Explain how when another child at school is sick, coughing and sneezing they should give them some extra space. And when your child is sick make sure they know how important it is to cough and sneeze into a tissue and wash their hands.

While even with all these tips you can not avoid catching a bug or cold, I hope it helps minimize the number bugs your child get this school year.

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Bring the Outdoors in: Worm Terrarium

By Christine of Belly Bear Baby Gear

No collecting baskets will be needed for this outdoors to indoors adventure.  All you will need is a sturdy glass container (small fish bowl, old spaghetti or mayonnaise jar), some nice rich soil and your bare hands.  We will be making a worm terrarium for your children to observe and investigate indoors.

 

To begin with find yourself a nice rich patch of soil to dig into.  Your summer vegetable garden that you are preparing to put to bed for the fall would be the perfect location.  Let your little ones dig right in and see what they discover.

As they dig, encourage your children to fill the jar you have provided them with some of that beautiful dirt.

 About two scoops in, look what we found!  A gardens best friend, the earthworm.  Young children will often squeal with delight at the sight of a wriggling worm. 

Put that little guy right into your jar full of beautiful soil and don't forget to add a few bits of rotting vegetation for him to snack on.  Sean was happy to add this rotten tomato to the jar.  It will be best to find several worms to add to your terrarium.  This way your children will be able to observe them as they tunnel and dig through the soil.

Bring your terrarium right into your children's work/play space and talk with them about safe ways to observe the worms at work.  Providing them with tools such as magnifying glasses and paper and pencil will allow them the opportunity to examine the worms closely and document what they see.  Don't forget to lightly moisten the soil each day or you will have another type of experiment on your hands.

Sean went immediately to his activity table following nap time

Digging right in.  Who can resist dirt?

Christine can be found online in the following locations: Facebook, Blogger and her etsy shop:

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After School Snack:: Chocolate Chip Muffins

I've had some super hungry kids coming home from school this week.  Super hungry.  It surprises them and me how much they grow over the summer.  What they took in K/3rd/5th/6th grade isn't always enough to carry them through 1st/4th/6th/7th grade.  So we've been adjusting the menu options, boosting the nutritional value of what they take and making sure they are packing enough to sustain them.  But my brood still needs a little something when they come home from school to tide them over through homework and me making dinner.  

This muffin recipe is one I haven't used in years, and my kids are so glad I pulled it out this week and made it.  In the time it took everyone to unload backpacks, lunch boxes and put everything away, I had these mixed up and in the oven.  They are quick, simple and make a small enough batch that you're in and out in 30 minutes.  Perfect for an occasional after school snack.  

Chocolate Chip Muffins
2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup whole milk (skim -2% also works)
6 tablespoons butter – melted and cooled (I needed to substitute oil here & it worked!)
2 eggs – beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line muffin pan with papers

Sift flour, sugars, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, stir together milk, eggs, butter and vanilla until blended. Make a well in center of dry ingredients: add milk, mixture and stir just to combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

Spoon batter into muffin cups; bake 15-17 minutes, or until knife inserted in center of one muffin comes out clean. Remove muffin tin to wire rack: cool 5 minutes and remove from tins to finish cooling.

Makes a dozen beautifully full muffins.

If a dozen muffins is more than your family needs as an after school snack, consider making half the batch into mini muffins to include in lunches.  Or bag up the left overs to use for breakfast.  They also freeze well so you can freeze extras to use later in the month.   

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National Sewing Month:: Handmade Quilts

September is National Sewing Month, and with sewing being a favorite medium of EtsyKids Team Members, we want to share a special month long series sponsored by EtsyKids Team Member, Heather of theSewingLoft.  Throughout the month, talented sewers -  quilters, garment makers, fiber artists and crafter's will be stopping by theSewingLoft blog and sharing their favorite sewing tool.  So far,  Amy of The Quilt Alliance, Becky of PatchworkPosses and Janelle of TrashN2Tees have shared their favorite tools along with amazing projects to help us practice using their favorite tool and get a good feel for why they use it all the time.

The EtsyKids Team is filled with hundreds of talented artists and crafters, many of whom are sewers.  We hope to inspire you with their creative talent this month as we periodically showcase the beauty, versatility and quality of the sewn products our members have to offer.  We also hope Heather's special series for National Sewing Month, will inspire you to sew ... for the first time, on a new or forgotten project, or branch out and try something completely new in the world of sewing.

Modern Quilt in Gray and White Flying Geese Pattern by theEarlyGirl

Chocolate, Blue, Beige Log Cabin Quilt, Full Size, Machine Quilted by Ahmelie

Doll Patchwork Quilt and Pillow by snowflakeboutique

Bunting Quilt by Sweetiebugs

Super Size Modern Baby Playmat by PeppermintPinwheels

Modern Baby Quilt by AudraRoseDesigns

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Introducing Knits By Gramma

Today We Introduce You to Susan from Knits By Gramma

Q: what motivated you to start your shop?
I started my shop at the insistence of my daughter. I was always knitting for my grandchildren and they thought that my items would sell.

Q: what is the story behind your shop name?
The story behind my name - Knits By Gramma is quite simple. I am a grandma that likes to knit.

Q: do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
I cant really name just one shop as a favorite as there are so many.

Q: what surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I guess my biggest surprise with having my own craft shop was that orders came from all over the world. I have had so many orders from Australia.

Q: what do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
I find getting traffic and sales the most challenging. I use social medias and any other outlet I can find to get my name out there.

Q: what's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
My philosophy behind my shop is to make beautiful products that my clients will enjoy. Also that their children will look great.

Q: how would someone (other then you) describe you?
I think someone who knows me would describe me as a great grandmother and talented knitter.

Q: what music do you have on while you are creating?
don't usually listen to any music when I am creating. Silence works best for me.

Q: what do you do when you aren't working?
I don't work outside the home so I consider my job taking care of my etsy shop.

Q: anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I would just like to share that I am a proud member of Etsy and really enjoying having my own shop.

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/knitsbygramma
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knitsbygramma/221695627867457

'Introducing Knits by Gramma' by Lilikin14

an etsykids team treasury

knitsbygramma $37.00	knitsbygramma $34.00	knitsbygramma $37.00	knitsbygramma $40.00
knitsbygramma $55.00	knitsbygramma $38.00	knitsbygramma $38.00	knitsbygramma $40.00

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Endless Summer

I don't know if there really were a 104 days of summer vacation, but it sounds good in the Phineas & Ferb title sequence, so I'm just going to go with it.  My sister and I spent summers free ranging around the 8 acres we grew up on.  There were woods and a crick (That's North Eastern PA for 'small creek').  My dad hitched the camper up to the station wagon, wood paneled, of course and all of us headed out for trips to the beach or historic tourist destinations.

I wanted my daughter to have those loud summer nights plucking lightning bugs from evening breezes.  If her feet didn't get callused and green, then I had failed my responsibilities as a  parent.  

We didn't do a big trip.  We made our home our vacation spot.  Roasting marshmallows, walkie talkie hide and seek and running bare foot across the yard with a pack of kids from the neighborhood were all we needed to declare we were on vacation.

Now it is September and we are in denial.  Just because those yellow school buses are running doesn't mean we can't squeeze in a few more moments of summer.  Summer isn't defined by a calendar.  It is is a state of mind...and flip flops. There is still time for miniature golf after suppers and the ice cream stand doesn't close until October.  

This afternoon when Maizie gets off the bus,  I will be waiting, with my water guns loaded.

'Endless Summer' by FairyGodmother4Hire

Just close your eyes, click your flip flops together and repeat over and over...This is still summer, this is still summer.

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