We have lots of lovely entries from our team members, browse down and vote for your favourite item!
Voting is open until 27th September.
September Design Challenge. It's time to Vote!
Posted Saturday, September 21, 2013
For September our Design Challenge theme was "Football Fever", as chosen by last months winner twinzzshop.
We have lots of lovely entries from our team members, browse down and vote for your favourite item!
Voting is open until 27th September.
We have lots of lovely entries from our team members, browse down and vote for your favourite item!
Voting is open until 27th September.
Getting ready for Halloween!
Posted Friday, September 20, 2013
With just under six weeks until Halloween there are lots of spooky and creepy inspired items, craft projects and recipes popping up everywhere!
Today we are sharing some of our favourite Halloween themed items from EtsyKids Team member shop. You can also have a browse on Etsy.
Today we are sharing some of our favourite Halloween themed items from EtsyKids Team member shop. You can also have a browse on Etsy.
Talk like a pirate day!
Posted Thursday, September 19, 2013
Aaargh!! Today be talk like a pirate day, and t' EtsyKids Team has lots o' pirate inspired items t' share with ye!
Meet Etsy Seller Msliesenfelder - Retro Family Works
Posted Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Today we would like to introduce you to
Etsy shop Msliesenfelder
Msliesenfelder has been selling on Etsy since 2007, she makes childrens clothing using retro style fabrics and vintage sewing patterns. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.
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What motivated you to start your shop?
I have been sewing since I was 8 years old. This is when my mother taught my sister and I how to sew and we began making our own school clothes. Since I have had 4 children, my interest in sewing children's clothing came naturally. One day, I was shopping online and bought a couple of vintage children's patterns. Then I sewed my youngest daughter a dress from one of the patterns and the rest was history. I have amassed an embarressingly large collection of over 500 sewing patterns (Mostly over 30 years old and for kids) and I add to it throughout the year. So, armed with these historical patterns and a love of designing and sewing kids clothes, I opened my etsy shop in 2007.
What is the story behind your shop name?
My official shop name is msliesenfelder but my shop title is Retro Family Works. I took a class in college called "Arthurian Romance" and the text book was a book called "Mallory Works" which meant the collected works of Mallory, who wrote accounts of the Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. So, since I wanted to sew clothes for families that were made from retro patterns, it seemed like a suitable (and cool sounding) name for my shop.
What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The joy that I found when I could make my clients happy using my sewing and design skills was the big surprise for me. I find that I get a kick out of reading the positive messages from my clients when an outfit has tickled them or their child.
What is your favourite creations from your shop?
I would say that one of my favorite items to create is my reversible toddlers' scalloped pinafore. It is adorable on and I am challenged to find new, fresh fabric combinations to sew it in since it has contrasting fabrics on each side of the garment. Also, the scallops are a couture touch that I love to add.
What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Definitely my biggest challenge is finding enough time to sew and keep adding new items to my shop. I also have a full time job outside of my etsy endeavors and it takes up way too much of my time that I would love to be spending creatively!
What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
My philosophy is to have fun and to always be developing new retro fashions to add to my shop as well as to also offer long-time customer favorites that are tried and true. I like to work with customers to create one of a kind garments perfect for their child.
How would someone (other then you) describe you?
I think others would describe me as amusing, detail oriented, and a person who loves words, spelling and grammer. Okay, they might also call me wacky.
What do you do when you aren't working?
When I'm not sewing, I love to go on nature walks with other families, travel all over the world and shop for new patterns and fabric!
Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?I would love to open another shop someday that would be called "The Best of Etsy" and would feature garments sewn from patterns created by other Etsy Shop owners. I would love to promote some of the great patterns being produced here!
Msliesenfelder is offering 20% discount to all our blog readers. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "ETSYBLOG20" at checkout. Valid on orders over $15 and until October 31st 2013.
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No More Plastic!
Posted Tuesday, September 17, 2013
In our home, we avoid plastics. It is not an easy task at all, but with the handmade market places exploding with products...it is becoming easier.
But first, I came across this video, which by far has been the most convicting for us.
I know that this conviction isn't the same for everyone, but for those wanting to live a more natural life, it seems to be a step we eventually all take.
We began our transition in the kitchen, shying away from plastic food containers and plastic wraps.
The bathroom was also pretty easy...we buy our natural soaps (or make some of them) in the bigger containers to avoid too much platic waste and really think if we need this new product. I switched to the Diva Cup and mama cloth.
Dining was also easy, instead of plastic plates, we bought Corelle. We believe that if kids are lovingly taught to take care of things, they will. Sure, a plate or bowl will break, but Corelle is inexpensive enough...and after all, it is a learning process (not to mention just a plate).
Kids stuff, however, was hard. Not only are we bombarded by plastic toys in the stores, our family, doesn't seem to understand it. We teach the girls to be grateful for the gift they received but we then try to pass it along.
Big toys are plastic, little tiny toys are plastic.
Lets face it, alternatives aren't cheap!
Thankfully, Etsy can help.
I was browsing through the members list at Etsy Kids (it is about the time we start buying Christmas gifts...we spread out these purchases)...and found Re-WoodToys.
I love the simplicity these toys evoke.
I have been a favorite of Applenamos for quite sometimes and I know that several of their items will become Christmas toys (we have 3 girls, a baby on the way, 2 nephews and another niece or nephew on the way)
If you are taking the long road to plastic free, please check out these stores (and more) on Etsy. Without Etsy, I don't think we would have been able to make the change ourselves.
Sometimes it isn't cheaper than plastic, but what is more important?
Sometimes it isn't cheaper than plastic, but what is more important?
Jacki can be found blogging about natural living, parenting and homeschooling over at Crafted by Mama. She is on Facebook and Twitter. Her shop, Crafted by Mama, sells kids clothing and a little something for mama. She recently opened her reusables store Green Mama Shop to provide reusable, earth friendly items for home and family.
Tots 'N Tails: Put Your Pups in Your Birth Plan!
Posted Sunday, September 15, 2013
We're back! It's Stella & Bodhi. Your favorite baby-savvy four-legged friends here again to talk about where we belong in your birth plan. What?!? Is your pet not in your birth plan! The baby isn't even here yet and you're already forgetting about us. That calls for some comfort eating of the couch. And maybe your new pair of shoes if there's time.
Where is our two-legged brother, Lucca, you ask? Well, he finally did get out of that time out from last month. But tonight he had to get to bed before the three of us had a chance to sit down and finish this blog. Nana took us to the beach this week and we've just returned home. Have we mentioned how outstanding Nanas are? If Mom says no, you should definitely talk to Nana next. That could be a whole other blog post in the future!
Ah, but back to birth plans. So when your lady person is looking particularly big, and probably bumping into you a lot because she can't see you past her big belly, it's time to start hinting that you want in on that "birth plan" action. The birth plan is this long dissertation on how exactly the lady human has decided that the two-legged one should arrive. How long she wants to labor at home, what type of pain management she may like, even how bright the lights should be or what music should be playing in the background. You can get an idea of some sample birth plans here, here and here.
It's a big, wild ride for the people in your life and, in all the rush, you need to make sure they remember that we need food and potty breaks, too! Here are three tips from us on where we can fit in to your plans:
1. Doggie Godparents. Babies get godparents, so why shouldn't we? Before Lucca arrived, our parents asked one of their good friends to be our godmother. We love Rachel and Rachel loves us. We knew that she would make sure we were well taken care of for as long as our parents were away at the hospital. We got to spend lots of time with Rachel before the baby so that she knew us like our own mom. Things like our vet info, how we like our kibble, where they keep the leashes and poop bags, our favorite dog parks, and that we ALWAYS sleep on the couch and in bed with our people. Ok, maybe we tried to convince her of that last one. Godmothers, like Nanas, can be easily swayed.
2. Keys to the City. Our parents gave out keys to our place like party favors. The grandparents got a set, the godmother got a set, the neighbors, other nearby friends. Just in case, there would always be someone with keys to get into the house to let us out for a potty break or bring us dinner. And, of course, rub our bellies as we lounged on the couch exactly like we're supposed to.
3. Laboring at Home? Our mom opted to labor at home for as long as possible. And that turned out to be a loooooooong time. Like 20 hours. She made a lot of noise. For someone who gets so annoyed when we bark in the house, she made quite a racket. We didn't really understand why she was in so much pain and making so much noise and we did get pretty concerned. Dad would sneak out from time to time to give us a quick walk and a break from the action at home. In hindsight, we might have preferred to have gone over to Rachel's or Nana's where we wouldn't be so worried about our mom. Dad did put us in our safe zone the house with lots of yummy treats, though. That was a delicious distraction.
Good luck as you approach your new two-legged friend's arrival! Enjoy these last days where you get your parents all to yourself. Wake them up at 2am (and 3:30, and 4:45) for a walk as much as you can. It will be good practice for when the baby arrives ;) They'll surely thank you later!
Thanks for reading our post this month! We've also put together a treasury of fantastic birth announcements. They've got just the right touch to let everyone know that there's a new addition to the family.
Lucca promises to be around for the next post. He has to now that we can talk about our shared experiences in getting acquainted. So next month, look out to hear about introductions. When Mom and Dad come home with the puppy they made all by themselves, it's a game changer!
Where is our two-legged brother, Lucca, you ask? Well, he finally did get out of that time out from last month. But tonight he had to get to bed before the three of us had a chance to sit down and finish this blog. Nana took us to the beach this week and we've just returned home. Have we mentioned how outstanding Nanas are? If Mom says no, you should definitely talk to Nana next. That could be a whole other blog post in the future!
 |
| Beach Bliss with Mom - better than blogging :) |
It's a big, wild ride for the people in your life and, in all the rush, you need to make sure they remember that we need food and potty breaks, too! Here are three tips from us on where we can fit in to your plans:
1. Doggie Godparents. Babies get godparents, so why shouldn't we? Before Lucca arrived, our parents asked one of their good friends to be our godmother. We love Rachel and Rachel loves us. We knew that she would make sure we were well taken care of for as long as our parents were away at the hospital. We got to spend lots of time with Rachel before the baby so that she knew us like our own mom. Things like our vet info, how we like our kibble, where they keep the leashes and poop bags, our favorite dog parks, and that we ALWAYS sleep on the couch and in bed with our people. Ok, maybe we tried to convince her of that last one. Godmothers, like Nanas, can be easily swayed.
2. Keys to the City. Our parents gave out keys to our place like party favors. The grandparents got a set, the godmother got a set, the neighbors, other nearby friends. Just in case, there would always be someone with keys to get into the house to let us out for a potty break or bring us dinner. And, of course, rub our bellies as we lounged on the couch exactly like we're supposed to.
3. Laboring at Home? Our mom opted to labor at home for as long as possible. And that turned out to be a loooooooong time. Like 20 hours. She made a lot of noise. For someone who gets so annoyed when we bark in the house, she made quite a racket. We didn't really understand why she was in so much pain and making so much noise and we did get pretty concerned. Dad would sneak out from time to time to give us a quick walk and a break from the action at home. In hindsight, we might have preferred to have gone over to Rachel's or Nana's where we wouldn't be so worried about our mom. Dad did put us in our safe zone the house with lots of yummy treats, though. That was a delicious distraction.
Good luck as you approach your new two-legged friend's arrival! Enjoy these last days where you get your parents all to yourself. Wake them up at 2am (and 3:30, and 4:45) for a walk as much as you can. It will be good practice for when the baby arrives ;) They'll surely thank you later!
Thanks for reading our post this month! We've also put together a treasury of fantastic birth announcements. They've got just the right touch to let everyone know that there's a new addition to the family.Lucca promises to be around for the next post. He has to now that we can talk about our shared experiences in getting acquainted. So next month, look out to hear about introductions. When Mom and Dad come home with the puppy they made all by themselves, it's a game changer!
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