Handmade Registry

Now that my registries are finalized and my baby shower is only a few weeks away, I'd love to share the items a few Etsy sellers reserved for my guests to consider or me to buy. Starting my child on handmade VERY early.



To view each of these items individually, please visit my Baby Registry list on Etsy.

A few of these items have already sold and I am SO grateful to the buyers.

Finally, I Can Share the News

It's been a REALLY long time since I last posted. Life got a little hectic and my mind preoccupied. With what you ask? Well, my boyfriend and I were trying to conceive and now ... I am 20 weeks pregnant and excited as h*ll. I would have posted sooner but I wanted to give it some time and make sure family, friends and coworkers knew first. Now it is safe to spread the word. Not sure how much I will be posting in the coming months, and then after the baby (nickname = BMW) is here but I will try and keep you up-to-date. I also have a number of handmade items I am adding to my baby registry and would love to share them with you. Also, will be sharing some wonderful handmade favors and shower games. Until next time ... real soon.

For Baby - Some of My Favorites on Etsy

A bunch of babies have been more into my family recently and there are more on the way. You can imagine, I've been busy checking out all the wonderful handmade baby items on Etsy and marking many as favorites. I've even picked out the items I would love to have. Today, I've decided to share a few of my favorites with you.



Included in the spotlight (from top left to bottom right):

- Geometric Shapes Lovie the Minky by AbleMabel
- Heirloom Baby Stacking Rings Set by DillyBaby
- Matilda Mary Jane Crochet Baby Shoes by CurlyBirdie
- Giraffe Print Cloth Diaper by littlemuffinbottoms
- Matryoshka Burp Cloth Set by valeriya
- Blue Choc Daisy Baby Wrap/Sling Carrier by loveyduds
- Moon and Star Ohio Maple Wood Block Teether Set by littlealouette
- Adorable Monkey Hat by ApparelbyHANNIandKAI
- Alphabet Soup, ABC Plus Set by evgie

Spotlight created on ByHand.me

Share your favorite handmade baby items with us in the comments section of this post.

Weekly Giveaway April 20-26 - Little Critters

Enter this week's giveaway for a chance to win Munk Critter Bluefly


Munk Critter Bluefly valued at $20.00

How it works:
Every Monday, Nature Manipulated hosts a giveaway from a fabulous Etsy or Artfire shop. For a chance to win the prize you must leave a comment on NM's blog (to this post) with the following items:

1) A link to your favorite item in the featured seller's shop
2) Your contact information (email, Etsy or Artfire shop URL)

If you do not include BOTH items in the comments your entry will not be included.

The contest will run through 11:59 p.m. Eastern, Sunday, April 26, 2009. The following Monday, I will pick the winners at random and contact the winners via email or Etsy convo.

One entry per person.

Steph of Little Critters is a Dental Lab Technician by day and plushie maker, artist by night. Steph started making her line of dolls two years ago because of her love of color and textures, and she wanted to share that joy with others. Steph experiments with a lot of different materials and takes a lot of time designing her critters. Steph hand sews everything, partly because she loves to do it, and because she believes hand sewn critters look better than done with a sewing machine.

While you ae looking around Little Critters, please take advantage of the huge sale section with free shipping on sale items.

Post a link to your favorite item from Little Critters, along with your contact information (email, Etsy or Artfire URL or username) for a chance to win two great prizes.

LittleCritters00.etsy.com

Nature Manipulated is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items. The prize will be shipped directly from the featured seller and Nature Manipulated is not responsible if the seller does not produce the item or do so in a timely fashion. Once the winner is selected, Nature Manipulated will notify the winner and provide the winner's shipping information to the featured seller. From that point on, all questions or concerns regarding the prize should be addressed to the featured seller. By entering the requested information in the comments, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this giveaway.

Good luck and hope to see you again next Monday for another great giveaway, and throughout the week for other great features and posts.

Make Feeding Time Easy with Baby-friendly Necklaces

I'm not a mother so I don't really know how difficult it is to feed you a child. Do they really need distractions? I know when I'm hungry you don't need to take my mind off food. I'm more than willing to eat. Like I said though, I'm not a mother so I really don't know anything about feeding a child.

According to Jen from Etsy's BF Beads, breastfeeding can be a challenge and sometimes babies do need a distraction - at least something to prevent them from pinching you. Jen knows from experience. From her experience she created the perfect distraction - nursing necklaces.

Babies can hold the pendant or slide the beads on the necklace cord itself, keeping the baby's hands busy so they don't pinch, scratch, or pull mom's hair. Since both the necklace and pendant are made from one continuous length of cord, there's no chance of one part breaking off from the other. These necklaces are sturdy and do not use any findings or clasps, because they are often the weakest part of a necklace.

Nursing necklaces are also great for entertaining bottle fed babies!

Don't forget to also check out Jen's reminder bracelets! Reminder bracelets are used to keep track of which breast was nursed on last during a feeding (or which breast needs to begin the next feeding).

Visit Jen's blog - Mama's Magic Studio

Shopping Handmade for Baby Jack

A few months ago I found out my cousin's fiance was pregnant. As many of you may remember from previous posts, I was searching Etsy for great baby shower gifts. My one problem was I didn't know if the baby was going to be a boy or a girl. Also, I didn't know when the shower would be. I've got all the details now! Baby Jack is due in December. Yes, the baby is going to be boy! And the baby shower is at the end of this month.

All the searching I did awhile back really paid off. I have a bunch of things marked as favorites and made shopping today a lot easier. Don't get me wrong, I still spent at least an hour searching for new ideas. I finally boiled my choices down. This is what I got:











Giraffe bib and long sleeve onesie by Bean Pickle Sprout









Baby word album by walkerdill
Ultimate baby candy - blanket and diapers and lollipop washcloth and sloop (above) made by jkalea in collaboration with LilBeanBaby










Changing pad made by Bula Bean


Here are some of the other items I was toying around with but didn't get:













If you are looking for baby shower gifts, you should definitely stop by some of these shops.

Dressing Your Kids With Personality

Just like everyone else, kids have personality. Even as an infant they show traces of it. They take to certain people, react to different things and behave in different and sometimes unusual ways. As children get older they show even more personality. They become animated and become establishing themselves and their place in the world - well, at least in the homes.


When I look at children's clothing, it all looks the same to me. It lacks personality and does an inadequate job or representing different types of kids. The colors are often subdued, themes tame and styles limited. Children's clothing should be just as animated as the child. There is plenty of time to conform as they grow up.

Joey & Aleethea™ brings coolness and personality to a child's wardrobe. Whether your child is a monster, a rocker, a jock, a tree-hugger, a military brat, a corporate coo-er, a diva, a retro radical, a cowboy, an indian, an artiste, a punk, a prince or princess, Joey & Aleethea has clothing that fits.

Joey & Aleethea uses only high-end designer fabrics and the highest quality of materials which can be customized for your child. If you have something it mind, Joey & Aleethea can digitally design it for you.

I'll leave you alone now, you have some shopping to do!

Joey & Aleethea's shop

Joey & Aleethea's blog

Buying Babies BeanPickleSprout

BeanPickleSprout, what a great name! I think that's what originally drew me into Amy Knight's Etsy shop while once again searching for baby shower gifts. I've been searching Etsy for bibs and baby blankets for my cousin's baby shower for some time now. I'm still not sure of the date but I decided to get a head start and start marking favorites. I usually plan too late and end up having to buy things at a regular store. That's not going to happen this time! I swear!

If you look through my favorites you'll understand what's been holding me up buying. There are too many adorable baby items. Luckily, I was able to narrow down my selection when I found out my cousin is having a boy. That rules out pink! Well, in Poland, pink is for boys. That didn't go over too well at my other cousin's baby shower! A family friend from Poland bought a cute pink outfit as a gift but the baby was to be a boy. I think that outfit was returned.

Anyway, BeanPickleSprout, awesome name and even better shop. Amy makes such great baby items (and things for the kitchen too). Her designs are, in my mind, a mix between cute and chic. The colors and patterns are not exactly what you equate with a newborn baby but yet they are perfect. They are exactly what I am looking for - something out of the ordinary.

Having returned to Amy's shop several times (so far as a browser shopper) and each time spending a good deal of time there picking out what I like best, I decided I had to ask Amy a few questions - and so I did.


1. How would you describe your shop?

My shop has a variety of items for the little ones out there and also items for the home. I try to offer items that have a unique look and feel to them. I love mixing modern and vintage fabrics and like to use designs inspired by nature.

2. How long have you been making kitchen items and baby items for?

I started making the baby bibs in November of 2007 because my youngest son started teething. I absolutely despise velcro and couldn't find any modern looking bibs in the stores so designed my own with a snap! As for the pot holders, I came up with the idea (also in November of 2007) when I was pulling items out of the oven and the pot holders I purchased from the store slipped off of my hand. I thought to myself "if only they had a strap" and started making the design with the strap!

3. How did you get into this line of work/hobby?

I was working as a legal assistant prior to starting my Etsy business. I had no idea it would take off like it has and am truly lucky to be able to stay home and do what I love while spending time with my children! It really just kind of happened!

4. What is your favorite item in your shop? Why?

I love several items but I have to say that the Tree in the Coriander Pot Holder is my favorite. I love the combination of the fabrics and the deep colors remind me of my favorite season, Fall. The tree design is relatively new and popped into my head one night as I was falling asleep!


5. What are some of your favorite Etsy shops or items?

The talent that I find on a daily basis on Etsy just blows me away. I have quite a few favorite shops and you can see each and every one of them by clicking "Favorites" in my shop. Here are a few links to some of the shops that I check out every day:

khphillips.etsy.com - for the most unique, amazing pottery I have come across
sagittariusgallery.etsy.com - awesome fine art paintings
greybrocketshome.etsy.com - fantastic vintage finds
cafecarrie.etsy.com - scrabble tile necklaces that I already own quite the collection of - can't get enough!!

6. Since joining Etsy in June 2007, you have had 954 sales. How do you attract customers to your shop?

I have been lucky enough to be featured on a number of blogs which, in turn, brings people into my shop. I also try to list new designs almost daily and pop into the Etsy forums from time to time to meet new people.

7. You are obviously a great seller. What advice can you offer other Etsy sellers?

I am not really good at giving advice but can tell you this....once I updated my pictures and started making what I love, instead of making what I *thought* people would love, my sales took off and haven't really slowed since!

8. Are your items available anywhere other than etsy?

You can also find my items in the following shops:

Love Your Earth Boutique (4110 Tennyson St., Denver, CO)
The Paper Sparrow (288 River Street, Troy, NY)
Sophies Shoppe (Chattanooga, TN)
Bella Vita (Oakland, CA)
Cherry Blossom Boutique (Port Huron, MI)


Business Information:

Name: Amy Knight

Business/Shop Name: BeanPickleSprout

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Etsy URL: BeanPickleSprout.etsy.com

Thanks Amy!


Help me out, what should I get?

I think I need something for my kitchen too!

Ladybumblebee is a Magical and Colorful World of Children's Toys

Who doesn't like toys? Ladybumblebee's owner and crafter, Diana says she makes children's toys but I'm not a child and I surely would buy one. They are so cute, how could you not want one? No matter how old you are. I came across Ladybumblebee one day while searching for toys to buy for my nephew. The pictures of toys were so enticing, I had to enter the shop. I think I spent half an hour there debating with myself which would be most appropriate for a little boy, all while trying to keep my personal preference out of the equation. I still have not purchased one but now that I found out I have another nephew on the way, I will surely have to. After all, I do need baby shower gifts. What a perfect idea!

In the meantime, as I still try and decide which toy to get, I decided to interview Diana. Below are the questions I asked her and her responses.


1. How would you describe your toys?
My toys are amigurumi toys which are crocheted in rounds, increasing and decreasing when necessary to form shapes. They all wear knitted dresses or sweaters. I wanted to get some knitting on each as I love the combination of crochet and knit together.

2. How long have you been making children's toys for?
I've been knitting and crocheting for many years but only started making children's toys since November of 2007. I have two little grandkids that love plushies so I took it upon myself to learn the amigurumi method from the internet and it took off from there.

3. How did you get into this line of work/hobby?
I have always loved crafting quilts and paintings for children's rooms so this was a natural progression. Making these animals is joyful and fun and it keeps a smile on my face!!! My husband gets a kick out them also.

4. What is your favorite item in your shop? Why?
I have a hard time picking a favorite because each is my own creation. They 're all my children!!! I'm partial to the pigs, cows and frogs. They are extra cute!!

5. What are some of your favorite Etsy shops or items?
My favorite shops are Spotted Dog Studio which has great artwork!

The Daily Pincushion has beautiful pin cushions, very imaginative!

Babycakesdnd - wonderful whimsical artwork

DZfantasy - great sculpted dolls

6. How do you attract people to your shop?
I usually go onto the promotions section of the forums and promote my shop when I add a new listing. I try to spend at least a half hour or more adding my link onto different threads. I'm not sure it works but I do it anyway. I give and get lots of hearts from participating in the forums. I've also given some of my animals to charity auctions and sent along lots of my cards hoping to make new customers.
I also try to keep my shop visually pleasing to the eye so that people will come back.

7. What advice can you offer other Etsy sellers?
The advice I would give is to be patient at first. Keep at least 30-40 things listed. Keep working on your shop until your photos are just right, and last but most importantly, try to keep the focus on selling one type of thing as opposed to many different things in your shop. I mean if you're selling hand made dolls, don't sell hair clips and slippers in the same shop. I think the shops that keep their focus look much better and have a much stronger impact on the prospective buyer.

8. Are your items available anywhere other than etsy?
My items are only available on etsy for now.


Business Information

Name: Diana Benitez

Business/Shop Name: Ladybumblebee

Location: New Jersey

Etsy URL: ladybumblebee.etsy.com

Once upon a time, nurses took the time to ...

Once upon a time, nurses took the time to bead bracelets for newborn babies. Now they snap a piece of plastic around a baby's wrist and kick you out of the hospital as soon as possible (not the nurses' fault).

About a year and a half ago, my (ex)boss' wife came to me with a box full of jewelry she wanted to upcycle and create something new with. Two of the items immediately grabbed my attention. They were the tiniest bracelets I ever saw. She had the hospital identification bracelet given to her when she was born, and she had her husband's too. I was stunned when I saw them. At first, I didn't believe her when she told me they were hospital bracelets. The nurses actually sat there and strung bracelets for every baby born ??? SHOCKING! I thought maybe her hospital was special, but she killed that thought when she told me her and her husband were born in different hopsitals.

I went home and did a web search for "beaded hospital name bracelets". Of course, Google returned 238,000 results. When I sifted through the results, I found out that the bracelets were not very uncommon. From approximately the 1940s through the 1960s, they WERE used to identify newborns. Although I read that information on a few sites, I still didn't really believe it.

Shortly after, I decided to add a little blurb about the bracelets in one of my monthly newsletters, and asked my readers if they have ever heard of them or if they themselves had one. To my surprise, I received many responses, many of them saying they had one or their parents did.

One of the projects my (ex)boss' wife commissioned me to do was to take both her baby bracelet and her husband's and turn them into bracelets that she can wear now and eventually pass down to her children. She wanted the finished product to maintain the baby feel but also look classy enough for her to wear everyday. It's a little hard taking 50 year old letter beads and pink and blue plastic beads and incorporate them into something classy. Nonetheless, I designed two bracelets that she now proudly wears.

After successfully creating what she envisioned, I decided I would try to market the idea and turn more baby bracelets into wearable memorabilia. I named them "Baby Boomer Bracelets" and highlighted them on my website. Since then, I received several custom orders for them and created various different styles.

It's pretty cool! I still can't get over the fact that nurses really beaded them; one of the ways our healthcare system has changed over the years! I think Baby Boomer Bracelets have become one of my favorite things to make. It is pretty amazing to hold something so small and something that was probably the first thing someone ever wore in your hands.

Have you ever seen one of these hospital identification bracelets? Were you or someone you know given one at birth? If so, please share what you know about them? I'd love to learn more. And of course, remember, Mother's Day is around the corner; what a great gift!


If you are interested in custom ordering a Baby Boomer Bracelet, please click here.


Hope you enjoyed the read.


-Michelle

Nature Manipulated
www.naturemanipulated.com
naturemanipulated.etsy.com
naturemanipulated.blogspot.com

On My Way to Sock Monkey Jungle

If there is anyplace in the world I want to go when I am down and out, it's Sock Monkey Jungle. Bluesaphire's Etsy shop, Sock Monkey Jungle is one of the greatest I have seen. I visit her shop several times a week just to put a smile on my face. Seriously, I do! Her sock monkeys are incredible. They are colorful, cheerful and absolutely adorable.

I've shown Bluesaphire's shop to several of my co-workers and what was their reaction? They smiled too. Unfortunately, they were not willing to purchase one. It strange how people are willing to spend money on things that bring aggravation but not on things that bring ONLY happiness.

To get back on track, sock monkeys fascinate me. There seems to be a sock monkey craze going on. I see more and more of them popping up. Great for a person obsessed with monkeys (like me)! But what is it about sock monkeys? Why monkeys? Why socks?

Since I couldn't figure out the answers for myself, I decided to ask Bluesaphire a little bit about her shop and the monkeys she creates.


1. How would you describe your shop/business?

I would describe my shop as fun and definitely cute! I specialize in making good quality Unique Sock Monkeys that are great unpredictable and personal gifts to give, and also to love and own for yourself!

2. How long have you been making sock monkeys for?

About 5 years ago I dabbled and tried but never got the *look* I wanted. After many failures, I kept trying. Eighteen months ago, I mastered my goals and have been making little lovely monkeys ever since, including custom orders and requests. :)

3. Does a sock monkey represent anything? Why monkeys?

Sock Monkeys are a traditional sock animal that has been made for many years. When times were hard and people were poor monkeys and elephants and all kinds of animals were created from socks to give to children. They are now a very collectible item. Antique sock monkeys are well sort after. My monkeys are very collectible too! Why monkeys??? Why not?!! They are soooo cute!

4. How did get into this line of work/hobby?

Well, I liked the sock monkey tradition and loved looking at the traditional type, red-heeled sock monkeys, although they were not pulling my heart's strings to own one and love one. So, the idea came to me to make the same type but funky, non-scary and cute.

5. Where does your inspiration come from? What sorts of things inspire your work?

Colors and textures are an inspiration. Feedback from friends and customers are also my inspiration, and watching people giggle when they see or hold them is another. Children who love them unconditionally! :) Lots of things always inspire me.

6. Which is your favorite monkey? Why?

I cannot possibly choose a favorite, as each one I have made, I love. They are all equally adorable to me. Each face is different and I see little characters in each of their eyes. I love them all!

7. What do you like to do when you are not crafting?

Shopping for craft items, lol! Spending time with my family is most important of course, but my monkeys are my second biggest love.

8. Are your items available anywhere other than Etsy?

I am considering a new website but for now I am happy to sell just on Etsy, as it's where I am settled with good friends.

Custom orders are welcome! If I can help you create your own character to love, then I am more than happy to be of service.


Business Details:

Business/Shop Name: Sock Monkey Jungle

Location: United Kingdom

Etsy URL: bluesaphire.etsy.com
Blog URL: sockmonkeyaddict.blogspot.com



Thanks Bluesaphire!

Decorating Your Baby's Room With My Sweet Dreams Art

Ever since my nephew was born, I've been drawn to baby stuff, noticing more and more how cute children's things are. One day, while browsing through the forums on Etsy, I found myself in a thread about monkeys. I love monkeys! One of the posts had a link to the most adorable drawer knobs. One of the knobs had a zanzabar monkey on it. I instantaniously thought about my nephew's room and how cute the knobs would look on his dresser. Then I thought, how cute would the knobs look on my dresser?

Instead of immediatly replying to the post on the thread and telling the artist how great her knobs were, I decided I had to venture further into her shop. Upon entering, I learned that the shop was full of great items for a childs room.
My Sweet Dreams Art's monkey doorknobs are what grabbed my attention and drew me into the shop, but the personalized canvas pieces, wall letters and initials are what convinced me to ask artist, Julie Malhotra a few questions.

Spring is the time when you notice all the pregnant women. I've been seeing them left and right in the streets of New York. Everyone's pregnant, and if its not you, then you probably know someone who is. That means lots of rooms are being decorated, gifts are being bought, baby shower invitations are filling the mailbox, so what better time than now to explore Julie's shop and read her answers to my questions.

1. How would you describe your shop/business?

My Sweet Dreams Art carries a unique and original line of children's room decor and baby decor items. My Sweet Dreams nursery decor includes hand painted canvas wall hangings, personalized nursery artwork and wall letters/initials, hand painted drawer knobs and hair clip/bow holders. My fun and whimsical pieces are all hand painted and ready to hang in your baby's nursery, or child's room. My Sweet Dreams Art can be passed down from generation to generation so that children and their families can enjoy my nursery decor for many years to come. We are located in Toronto, Canada.


2. How long have you been making wall art/crafting for?

I have always been very creative as a little one, but became more serious about my art 7 years ago. My original focus was abstract, contemporary and landscape pieces. Since my pregnancy I have turned a new leaf and started to solely focus on children's art.


3. How did get into this line of work/hobby?

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I started creating pieces for her room, murals for her walls, and making personalized wall art for friends and family.


4. Where does your inspiration come from? What sorts of things inspire your work?

My first inspiration was my daughter. While she was growing inside of me I wanted to add a special and personal touch to her room and that's where My Sweet Dreams Art was originated. Today I get inspired by many different things, a toy, a song, a giggle, a smile...


5. What is your favorite piece? Why?

Hmmm... Well I have many favorites. Because all my pieces are custom designed, I have deveoloped a relationship with all my clients. Each painting I created has a story behind it. But I do love all my daughters stuff.


6. What do you like to do when you are not crafting?

I love spending time with my family.


7. Are your items available anywhere other than etsy?

Yes, I have my own personal website and my items will soon be seen and sold at two online stores: http://www.miamoon.ca and http://www.lollipopsandlizards.com


Business Name:My Sweet Dreams Art

Artist: Julie Malhotra

Location: Toronto, Canada

Website: www.mysweetdreamsart.com

Etsy Shop: artbymalhotra.etsy.com