Meet Etsy Seller Handmade Cuddles

Today we would like to introduce you to Stephanie

and her Etsy shop Handmade Cuddles

Handmade Cuddles has been selling on Etsy since October 2010, she specializes in making lovely and colourful decorations and cushions for kids. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.

Strawberry Cushion / Pillow Cover. Fruity red strawberry

HandmadeCuddlesShop

15.00 EUR

GIant Rainbow Star Garland - made with wool blend felt in bright rainbow colours, perfect for kids room or birthday

HandmadeCuddlesShop

12.00 EUR

Kids Pirate Cushion Cover with Skull and Crossbones on Black Fleece Cushion/Pillow Cover 35cm/14inch

HandmadeCuddlesShop

15.00 EUR

Punk Rock Star Garland - made with wool blend felt in pink, black and grey colours, perfect for teen or tween bedroom

HandmadeCuddlesShop

12.00 EUR

What motivated you to start your shop?
In 2009 I moved away from my family and friends in the UK to the Netherlands to be with my fiancé  I had always enjoyed crafts while I lived in the UK, but the move gave me more spare time to pursue it further. Since then my sewing skills have developed greatly and I just love the challenge of creating things from fabric and felt. I would properly keep everything I make, except I need to finance buying more materials (and wouldn't have the storage space to keep everything either!) So I discovered Etsy and began selling, then spread out to other online markets, craft fairs and shops in the Netherlands.

What is the story behind your shop name?
Originally I was Toastie Studio, which is the name of my website development company (I am also a web developer), but I wanted something cuter and more kid friendly. I spent more than a year trying to think of a name that was still free on Etsy and as a .com domain. Then one day "cuddle designs" came to me, but it was taken and a bit more brain storming led to "Handmade Cuddles" and I just fell in love with it. I had my new logo designed within an hour and am so happy with my new shop name :)

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The friends and connections I have built up since having an Etsy shop have really surprised me. Not speaking much Dutch I was difficult to find people who enjoyed crafts to chat to where I live, so joining the online community has been amazing and so inspiring.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I love bright pops of colour, they just brighten my day and I want to bring that to others. I love a fresh white wall with colourful bunting, or brightening a childs room with cushions and decorations that you can easily update as they grow. It is also super important to me that my products stand up to "kids play" so all my cushions are washable, and made with soft fleece and no zips.

Please tell us a little about the children's items market / handmade movement in your Country?
In the Netherlands the handmade movement is just starting to pick up. In the north where I live there are more and more craft fairs popping up, and slowly I meeting other like minded crafters. I am also finding that people here love to try making stuff themselves, so also offer kids craft birthday parties, and craft groups to teach others how to sew and make simple projects.

What do you do when you aren't working?
I don't seem to ever not be working! I have 3 businesses that I run (Handmade Cuddles, web design company and a craft supplies company), and I also work part-time as a postal delivery person. I suppose you would say I spend my free time sleeping, but also try to squeeze in some special time with my fiancé and have movie nights, or go out bike riding for fresh air (if it isn't raining).

Handmade Cuddles is offering 15% discount (excluding shipping) to our blog reader. To use the coupon, visit her etsy store and enter code 'ETSYKIDS15' at checkout.

Jungle Boy Star Garland - made with wool blend felt in bright jungle colours, perfect for baby room or parties

HandmadeCuddlesShop

12.00 EUR

Boys Boom Pillow Cover, in bright blue with comic style boom sketch. Cushion / Pillow Cover 35cm / 14inch

HandmadeCuddlesShop

15.00 EUR

Purple Heart Garland - made with wool blend felt in purple shades, perfect for kids room or birthday

HandmadeCuddlesShop

12.00 EUR

Girls owl pillow cover in light purple with white owl. Lovely cushion / pillow cover for girls bedroom, 35cm / 14inch

HandmadeCuddlesShop

15.00 EUR

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Birthday Party Planning with EtsyKids

'You say it's your Birthday!' by kathydee

Celebrating May with a "Happy Birthday" from the talented EtsyKids Team.

Mr & Mrs Spectacles Ban... DevinPrather $16	PRINTABLE Matryoshka Do... yourblissfulda... $10	Dora the Explorer POLKA... chachalouise $50	Yellow Polka Dot and Wh... ThELaUgHyGiRaF... $3.5
BALLOON BUDDIES, Ladybu... kidsloveletter... $12	BARNYARD BASH Girls Far... SweetThreadsCl... $27.95	Rainbow Heart Garland -... HandmadeCuddle... $12	Cowboy Birthday Hat for... aunttscloset $9.99
Crayon Roll - Sesame St... HappyBabeeandB... $6	Party Hats EtsyKids Tea... sugartogs $12	Goldfish Cupcake Topper... YourlittleCupc... $10	Blue Chevron & Floral P... WearYouGo $29.95
Beach Birthday Invitati... BusyChickadees $10	Taylors Treasures - 4th... taylorstreasur... $14.95	Extra Special HAPPY BIR... thenook $20	Sweet Pink Lemonade...P... TeaPartyDesign... $8

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

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Who’s Parenting the Pet?

Submitted by Nancy Keesling of TutuCuteandMoore!

Having a pet is a great way to help children learn empathy and responsibility. Although adding a pet to your family is a warm and fuzzy experience, keep in mind that you may be doing most of the cleaning, feeding, and grooming care. So, the real question is “Are you ready for a pet?

Regardless of the time and energy it takes to be a pet “parent”, having a pet can be a wonderful, rewarding experience. Here are just a few fab things about including a critter in your family:

• Pets make loyal, lovable friends
• Pets teach you how to take care of others
• Pets teach you about responsibility
• A pet can help you learn about animals
• Playing with pets can make you feel happy
• Having a pet can keep you from feeling lonely or depressed
• Pets are good for your health
• Your whole family can share the benefits of having a pet in your lives

Pictured right, Patriotic Bowtie from IrishHooksAndYarn / below, My Pets reusable coloring book from babyzebracreations / below right, Dog Days Party Printable Invitation from smallfrynotables.

Fun Facts on Dogs vs. Cats

Think you’re an expert when it comes to pets? Well, take a look at these fun facts...

• Pet lovers are guardians to nearly 100 million dogs and cats in the United States, and spend about $35 billion on their furry friends each year. That’s a lot of lucky pets.
• Studies show that people with pets live longer, have less stress, and fewer health problems. Sign me up.
• 94% of pet owners say their animal pal makes them smile more than once a day. More like once an hour for me.
• Max wins as the most popular name for pooches. Other popular dog names are Jake, Buddy, Maggie, Molly, and Bear. Wrigley is our favorite; we had three by that name!
• 95% of cat owners admit they talk to their cats. And what’s wrong with that?
• In Belgium in 1879, 37 cats were “hired” to carry bundles of letters to villages. But the service didn’t last long because the mail cats just wouldn’t cooperate! Really? Can’t imagine cats not cooperating.
• A cat will almost never meow at another cat...that’s because cats only meow to get our attention. Yep, and they won’t stop until you take notice of their needs.
• A dog named Laikia became the world's first astronaut in 1957, when she was sent into space by the Russian government.
• Abraham Lincoln loved cats. In fact, he had four of them while he lived in the White House. His favorite was named Tabby.
• Tests done by the University of Michigan proved that cats have better memories than dogs. The study shows that while a dog’s memory lasts no more than 5 minutes, a cat's can last as long as 16 hour. Cats rule, dogs drool.
• Dogs can hear sounds that are too faint for us to hear. In fact, their hearing is so good they probably rely more on sound than sight. But the common belief that dogs are color blind is false. Dogs can see color, just not as well as we do. They can tell the difference between blue, yellow, and gray, but probably don’t see red and green.

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Happy National Siblings Day!

'Happy National Siblings Day April 10' by HarmonyGirlsClothing

Honoring little kids, their brothers and sisters!

Big Sister Little Broth... PatchesandPupp... $45.95	Bunny Rabbit w/ Fairy S... TwoLittleWitch... $15	SuperHero Sibling Set B... JustJoshinKids $47	Boy Toddler Belt - Reve... LittleTadpoleD... $8
Big Sister Necklace pickledbeads $27.5	Black Lab Brother/Siste... rhoadworks $11	Personalized appliqued ... TriedAndTrueDe... $27	Personalized Name and A... ChewChewsClose... $30
Personalized Toy Initia... cotuitbayknitt... $49	Baseball Brothers Perso... LaurieShanholt... $20	Superhero T-Shirt CopusHagenDesi... $15	All in the Family Felt ... byMaree $18
Twin Bear Hat Set, Gend... littlenogginkn... $34	LALALOOPSY Big Littles ... CoffeeKidsNDol... $21.99	Infant Toddler boy bow ... kbpdesigns $29	Big Lil Bro Sis T's... ThePolkaDotTot... $26

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

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EtsyKids Design Challenge: We have a Winner!

We are happy to announce the winner of our last month's challenge - Crochet Rug Rainbow and Clouds Light Blue Cotton Crochet Appliques Four Foot Children's Nursery Rug by KingSoleil!

"This size makes a great accent rug, or area rug for a smaller room, perfect for bringing some serenity to a living room, bedroom, dining room or a special nook all it's own. It would be lovely in a nursery or child's room. The whimsical, modern design of this rug is great for a boy or girl. " ~ King Soleil

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It's hard to choose a favorite, in this store of wonderful and unique goods!  Crochet, embroidered and upcycled items handmade from high quality recycled fabrics like cashmere, silk, and merino wools are sure to add an eco-friendly touch to anyone's home or nursery.  You can visit King Soleil right here.

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Tutorial:: Teeny Tiny Preemie Clothes

By AnneMarie of Charleedee

My Brother and his wife recently had a little girl. Miss E was born early and very small! A Teeny Tiny 3.6lbs Not wanting her to be a Nakie Baby (because nothing fits) while in the NICU I set out to find an adorable pattern to make her some clothes.

There is not much out there for Tiny Preemie Clothing so after searching I found a site that had some Patterns (see link at the bottom of the post)

I altered the patterns to a side closure, because a bow is so much cuter then a front Velcro closure, and I lengthened the sleeves because Miss E has nice long arms.

There is Velcro that runs along the top of the sleeves so her Nurses can access all her cords, and the front Kimono style closure allows cords to easily feed out.

The other modification I made is I lined them. Preemies have SUCH delicate skin the idea of seams rubbing up against her little skin made me cringe. So my recommendation if you choose to make them is to cut double of everything. Assemble them and then sew right sides together along the entire outside edge, leaving a small spot along the bottom of the gown to turn it right side out, then top stitch. This makes it look so much more finished and so much softer! This also allows you to use a cotton on the exterior (if you want more variety of print) and line it with a flannel so it’s still softer inside for baby.



Hope you are inspired! Remember Altering patterns is easy! Don’t be afraid to try something different.

Pattern available Here!

Not a sewer?  AnneMarie's shop CharleeDee, offers custom made items for the littles in your life and features preemie gowns for boys and girls.  Follow AnneMarie on Facebook, Twitter and at her Blog.  

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