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Pipsqueak

Decorating a child’s room is a tough job. First you have to work out what colour scheme to go with, then you have to find curtains, rugs, furniture, light fittings, bedding, maybe a few knickknacks & books, then there’s the question of what to put up on the walls. That’s when pipsqueak makes your job a little easier.

Specialising in unique canvas’s for kids rooms and nurseries, pipsqueak  uses a combination of elements including fabric, felt, buttons, ribbon, lace and detailed stitching to create cute & loveable characters to hang on your walls and entertain your little people.
The brains & talent behind the whole operation is Jayne, a stay at home mum, with 2 gorgeous girls aged 2 and 3. She started pipsqueak after struggling to find appropriate gifts for friends who had started having children. ‘As all of my friends started to reproduce, I quickly realised that I had no idea what was appropriate gift giving for newborns, and with a growing desire to give them something unique and personal I came up with my first creations.  Since the early days, we have also had little ones of our own, and I can safely say that now I have a much better understanding of what is needed for newborns, and I still believe that something from pipsqueek is the best pressie I can make for anyone’.
Working from her workshop( which also doubles as her family’s kitchen, dining room & lounge room!), Jayne painstakingly pieces all her creations together & really puts a lot of effort & love into her creations. ‘Pipsqueek has become something I really love doing. I never had a specific vision, but being able to do something that I love and that gives others joy, something that doesn’t take me away from my time with the kids, and to create something that is unique and I can say proudly that it is all my own work, is the best lifestyle. I hope it can continue to grow’, says Jayne . ‘I hope to set up my own website this year, get pipsqueek as much exposure as I can and stitch as much as I can - as well as sell as much as I can, of course.
And as for the long term, I would love it if pipsqueek could become my career instead of the hobby it is at the moment. Decorating your child’s nursery or room is very personal and I find it really rewarding playing a part in that experience’.
You can find pipsqueak online here 
 

 

Old Crafts

Lately you have probably noticed the old crafts that were once loved by our mothers and grandmothers that have come back in a big way. From embroidering to needlepoint to crocheting these crafts are all the rage in 2010 ! How exactly does it fit in to a modern lifestyle or decor and how can you incorporate this trend into your child;s room and style?
 
Many popular shops like, Bla Bla Kids, Lark and Lucky Boy Sunday  have jumped on the trend wagon. They are currently selling some adorable knitted toys like these: Tea Set, Panda Backpack or my favourite Knitted Hut.
 
 
 
These are all great items for your trendy kids to use but what about in the nursery or playroom?
 
 
Framing old granny squares as art, using old crocheted animals for a modern mobile or making a crocheted flower banner are all a great and modern alternative to using the vintage pastime in your decor.
 

 

My all time favorite "granny inspired" decor for kids rooms at the moment has to be using the famous embroidery hoop! There are so many amazing things you can make using them besides using it for it's original purpose, that is modern and fresh!

1. This mobile via Ish and Chi is an amazing example of using the embroidery hoop in a different way. Just by using an old hoop, shape cut out of your choice and a few other items you can make a easy mobile that looks extraordinary! This DIY project is a great one for expectant mothers, to make for a baby shower gift or for making a modern art piece for any space in your home.

2. Norah's nursery was transformed with many amazing pieces chosen for her room but one thing that sticks out is the beautiful embroidery hook art on the wall. Mom,Caroline picked out different coordinating fabric to hang in each hoop which makes the walls extra fun.

3. Hours were spent on this nursery's ceiling but the outcome was totally worth every minute spent on the project!

4. This adorable clock would add so much charm to a nursery or playroom! Have your children pick out the fabrics and buttons to incorporate their own style into this project!

What trends do you like at the moment? Are there any trends you see that were popular when you were little?

By: Priscila Barros

 

 

Smallish

When I look for anything for my children, whether it be clothes or bedding or decor, I want them to have the best. Even if the standards I have for myself are lower, I want my children to eat healthily, be exposed to the least chemicals as possible, and have the most natural fibres close to their beautiful fresh skin. I'm especially always on the hunt for good quality linen for cots and beds. Children especially spend a lot of time in their beds (hopefully!) and having a child with sensitive skin has had me very particular about the type of linen he uses.



Smallish is a boutique baby quilt, blanket and accessories company that focuses on being eco friendly as much as possible. It is Australian owned and all products are carefully handmade by Cassandra de Vaus in her home in Melbourne. Cassandra chooses to use a lot of bamboo fabrics in her products. Bamboo is very absorbent, more so than cotton fabrics, and is also hypoallergenic, which means that it is less likely to cause allergic reactions than non-hypoallergenic fabrics. Perfect for little people with sensitive skin!



Smallish stock a range of quilts, blankets, burp cloth, bedding, and change mats, all in a variety of beautiful, modern fabrics to help create a beautiful environment in baby's room. They also specialise in custom design so you can even design your own set of bed sheets and accessories!

More information about the benefits of bamboo as well as the full range of products is available at the Smallish website.

By: Virginia Edwards

Valentines Day

My job at Handmade Kids is a tough one. I get to look at gorgeous Aus/NZ handmade items and then blog about it. With Valentine’s Day approaching, I’ve started to see a few romantic items floating about, and it has got me thinking (always a bad sign) ...

Remember being a teenager (and knowing everything!) and simply gooing and gahing over Valentine’s Day? It was the biggest day of the year and you went out of your way to buy an ugly puppy dog stuffed toy for your boyfriend (because a puppy dog is manly and still cute at the same time!) or if you didn’t have a boyfriend being simply mortified when the boy of your dreams didn’t acknowledge you on Valentine’s Day; or even worse if he spent his/her hard earned trolley boy cash on a wilting red rose on that girl from Human Biology that you couldn’t stand?!
 

1. Flirty Bird  

2. RueDeBijoux's She fell in love on the French Riviera Sterling Silver Necklace

3. Chloe S Designs  

4. Purple Love Heart

It’s funny as we get older; Valentine’s Day loses some of its appeal. I remember being a single 20 something and TOTALLY despising Valentine’s Day! I can vividly remember crowing about Valentine’s Day being a total rip off, being all about commercialism and a way for Mr Hallmark of Hallmark Card fortune to simply roll about in a few more dollars ala Scrooge McDuck! And I’m sure I seethed at my ‘couple friends’ that all “had plans” on Valentine’s Day and obnoxiously called them consumerists and made ridiculous arguments like “do you think that they are celebrating Valentine’s Day in Uzbekistan?!”

But eventually (and I think you know what is coming next) I became what I had despised – I became a bit high and mighty about Valentine’s Day ... when I met Mr Caz. I started to sprout things like “Well, it is a good excuse for a delicious dinner and a bottle of vino out” and “You know, it really is important that he shows he cares by buying me delicious European chocolate and a card with a verse declaring his undying devotion and perhaps some jewellery, and maybe a puppy dog soft toy”. Hippogriff? Indeed!

1. Danielle Stewart  

2. Designs by Shiloh

3. Lexy Design  

4. In My Pencil Case

And now with children under foot, is it only me that thinks that romance is not having to put away the dishes, or to get to sit down and have a glass of wine instead of attending to bath time? What a roller coaster of emotions, hormones, and love we women ride upon hmm?
I hope you’ve enjoyed the selection of gorgeous Aus/NZ handmade items that have beautified this article and I hope your enjoy your Valentine’s Day– whatever you may think of it J
By: Caz

Loopy Dolls

Dolls, Dolls, Dolls! I feel like I am obsessed with them. My daughter Kenzie has so many different kinds, from plush dolls, to eco-friendly dolls, to collectible dolls and more. I was browsing through Etsy and found these lovely, well you probably already guessed it DOLLS, called Loopy Dolls. I knew I needed one for Kenzie. 



You will like, well maybe more like love this shop on Etsy called, Loopy Dolls. These Dolls are all eco-friendly,  so of course easy on the earth and healthy for the little ones! The Designers love the challenge of giving wonderful pre-loved textiles a new life. These would definitely add just the right touch to your little ones space!

Have you bought any dolls lately? Where did you find them. I always love to hear of new shops. 

By: Rachelle Renee  

Etsy Store Feature {Freya Art}

Aren't these personalised baby art prints just gorgeous?



These art prints are designed and made by Freya who also designs other pieces that are both quirky and thought-provoking.  Freya began her career as an Art Director for Republic Advertising, but left to travel and rethink her career path which lead her to illustration. Her art now is greatly loved around the world which is no surprise - just have a look at her collection! I feel very fortunate to have come across her work just recently.

The prints would add such a special and personal touch to your little ones nursery - and they are oh so stylish as well! - Or they would make a unique and perfect gift. All FreyaArt is delivered internationally and gift wrapped with a gift card with the option of being sent directly to your loved one with a personal hand written message from Freya herself - you just have to ask!

I especially love the 'new to this world' quote......what a sweet and beautiful message for a sweet little newborn.

Visit - Freya Art Etsy store & Freya Art website

By: Virginia Edwards  

Handmade

Handmade. To the uninitiated, that little word conjures up bad memories of scratchy, ill-fitting woollen jumpers knitted by well-meaning relatives, daggy padded tissue box covers from the 80s & little knick-knacks created by their little ones at school. But to those that have already been converted to the handmade way of life, that one little word conjures up images of clothing made from gorgeous fabrics, exquisite quilts & beautiful hair accessories, just to name a few.
 
When it comes to handmade children’s products, they are in a league of their own. You name it & I guarantee you’ll be able to find it. From clothes to jewellery, shoes to home wares, modern cloth nappies to toys, as well as everything either side & in between.
The popularity of handmade children’s items has spawned whole markets dedicated to handmade goodies for little people. Markets such as Mathilda’s Markets in Australia, are very popular with those wanting to buy handmade. And if you do a search on any of the online handmade market websites - such as Etsy, Made It & Felt - for babies & children’s items you’ll be overwhelmed by the number of listings that you’ll find.
 
Lovers of handmade children’s items give many different reasons for choosing to buy handmade over mass-produced store bought items for their children. Some believe that the quality in handmade goods beats those of the mass-produced variety hands down, some love the idea of their little ones standing out from the crowd when wearing their handmade designs, while others simply prefer to support small(& in some cases, tiny) local businesses.
Many handmade businesses(or should I say empires?) are owned & run by Mother’s who want to put their talents to good use & make some money to support their families in an effort to spend as much time as they can with their children. And don’t make the mistake of thinking that these handmade businesses are just hobbies. While many may start off that way, they soon grow into fully fledged businesses with many Mum’s selling their wares at regular markets & online through their own websites. 
If you haven’t yet taken the plunge into the handmade world. Why not give it a go, you’ll be surprised at just what you’ll find . Chances are you’ll get addicted to it! 
By: Natasha Kelly 

Handmade Christmas Decorations

Pre-children my Christmas tree looked fabulous. Colour co-ordinated decorations in the happening colours of now and perfectly gift wrapped presents. 

Once you have children, the magazine quality decorating effect is gone forever. Your Christmas tree becomes a mish mash of handmade paper decorations your children have created over the years and your angel is now made from toilet paper rolls and doilies.

The cat I brought the kids a few years ago climbs up the middle without fail and tips the entire thing over. We no longer have pretty glass decorations,  and each year it is decorated with more and more craft attempts. The entire paper and tinsel mess is encased in an old brown wooden playpen to stop the kids sabotaging the presents early and hopefully prevent the cat tipping it over yet again.  All in all not the pretty site of pre-children years.

This year however, I want to retain the fabulous “handcrafted” look and feel of my tree, but with some funky decorations. Obviously not made by me, as my repertoire ends at paper doilies.

Paper garlands can be extra classy this year if you get one from 3 girls and a goat on MadeIt.

And include some sweet felt decorations, such as these cute ones from My Paper Crane on Etsy. 

This box of handmade ornaments from Fabric Holland would surely brighten even the most drab cat destroyed paper infested tree? 

With such a great choice of handmade decorations out there, there is no excuse not to have a fabulous handmade tree (tiny terrorists and furry friends notwithstanding!)

By: Jemma & Caz

 



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