KidsHaus

The Small Object

The Small Object has got a few new clothespin people that are absolutely darling -- and I don't often use that word. There's something about the Cherry Dress that struck a chord. It reminded me of summers as a child when my mom would hang a pair of cherries over my ears pretending they were earrings...which reminds me that I haven't shared this tradition to my daughters' yet!

While on the subject...I was quite honored to read that Sarah Neuberger from The Small Object took my post about Ms. Bean's toothpick & marshmallow sculpture and revised it into a more permanent sculpture. Yes, I'm sorry to report that Ms. Bean's sculpture had slowly...slowly collapsed until I secretly disposed of it. Sarah used highly toxic epoxy (not recommended for children) instead of marshmallows but readers had suggested using blue poster putty that would be a kid-friendly solution and should be more durable than marshmallows. I think we're going to give it a try. By the way, if you've never read The Small Object's Steno Pad -- it's become one of my new favorite reads. Loads of inspiration and amusement.

Tiny Haus

I think I need to have lunch with the woman behind Tiny Haus someday because, ironically, she also lives in Seattle. Hi, Tiny Haus...meet Kids Haus. Tiny Haus makes quirky and adorable plushies that have personality -- I love them. The little guy on the left is Leo the Lambs Wool Llama. Leo is a very funny guy and loves entertaining. He hopes to one day be an acrobat, if he can overcome his clumsiness! He's the perfect companion and a loyal friend. The little group of bears on the right is the Cranberry Bear family and they came from a cranberry Mohair sweater. There are only 5 from in the tribe and only 4 available for sale. Cute...

Ann Wood Handmade Sailboat

I first saw these handmade boats by Ann Wood when Hazelwood Children opened their virtual doors last year. I was stunned at the level of detail that goes into each of her boats. You can choose from 1 or 2 bird passengers (how cute is that?) made of vintage fabric and stuffed with 100% wool. Each boat is made entirely by hand by Ann from recycled cardboard (mostly cereal boxes), newspaper, vintage buttons and found and salvaged fabric. This would be such a wonderful center piece hanging from the ceiling in a child's room -- just watch the imagination go.

Felt Crowns

rI'm starting to think about Clara's 2nd birthday party in August and thought she would love to have a fancy, felt crown for her special day. Here is a group of adorable handmade crowns that I've come across...(clockwise from the top left)
1. Nifty Kidstuff
2. mette
3. frosting couture
4. my cakies
5. beek

For the Record

For the Record is a mom/architect living in Singapore who embroiders these beautiful photo album covers and also makes fun blankets and baby onesies. I love the layers and textures of the various fabrics, flowers, buttons, ribbons, etc. that make up one of her creations. They would make a fantastic baby gift...

Little Green Frog

Aren't these Little Rain Clouds by Little Green Frog adorable? There's something about gray and yellow together that I love. These would be perfect for dangling over a crib or changing table. The little rain clouds are all crafted from recycled vintage wool blankets, vintage floral printed fabrics, vintage lace and even the hanging loop is made from vintage ricrac. The only new element is the polyfill for stuffing.

Little Big Pants

First off, I love the name "Little Big Pants"...perfectly cute. Secondly, I promised Terra that I would feature her rag dolls while I was gallivanting Europe in May, but I mistakenly let it slip through the cracks. So, without further ado, I'm happy to introduce Swimming Audrey as she runs through the sprinkler and goes swimming in her adorable bikini...just in time for summer! Take a peek at her fun blog while you're at it...

The Alphabet Letter Boards

The Small Object needs no introduction. I'm absolutely crazy about her Alphabet Letter Boards...my goodness, I believe I'm speechless.

Iman Deco

Glancing at Iman Deco's chairs and tables, you would never guess that they're made in the African nation of Togo from recycled telephone wire! The bright colors and patterns have such a vibrant personality. You can find a couple options here.

Storybook Birds

These handmade Storybook Birds are exceptionally adorable and customizable. You specify the name or word(s) to be spelled out, choose a color theme and *voila* -- a completely hand sewn banner to hang in your little one's room to add that special touch.

Kiki & Polly

I couldn't pass up a quick blurb about Kiki & Polly because as I was reading through my email, I got a nice message from Lisa Golightly about her work. What's both funny and ironic is that I was watching Breakfast at Tiffany's at the same time -- and for those who aren't familiar, the main character's name is Holly Golightly. Lisa is a mother of two and and this is her way of capturing moments of childhood and family...with her own twist on the art of portraiture.

Flying Kiss Handmade

Imee began making her Indian Parade Elephants following a lecture she attended about the benefit of toys that encourage imagination and pretend play. This also coinciding with the toy production scares in China. Imee makes her elephants and dolls with the finest materials and adornments so that the final results are these beautiful little creatures. And the best part: a portion of proceeds from the elephant sales will be donated to the Elephant Sanctuary where elderly zoo and circus elephants retire in open pastures and comfort. I love hearing this -- especially since these majestic animals are dear to my heart.

 

Clothespin People

It's the second time in one week that I've mentioned The Small Object but I couldn't resist these handmade, limited edition clothespin people. There are only 10 available and I have a feeling they won't last long...

The Toadstool Trinket Box

The Small Object truly has a knack for making unique containers and boxes and they've charmed me again with the Toadstool Trinket Box. The perfect little spot to stash a first tooth, first lock of hair or miniature treasure.

Doodlebug Finery

In our home, my girls love to pretend cook while I attempt to throw together a real dinner. So much so, that I moved the play oven right next to the kitchen. Doodlebug Finery has some of the most adorable felt food for pretend play...cafe salad, chips and breakfast are currently on the menu. Handcrafted from a mother who makes these wonderful things while her daughter sleeps.

Chalk fun...

I didn't even know that chalkboard fabric existed (did you?) but Jessica Levin has taken this unique material and crafted some of the cutest dolls and mats to scribble with chalk. A fantastic idea for travel! Jessica's 6 year old daughter, Ayva Sunshine, even illustrated the rocket and fire-breathing dragon -- a little artist in the making.

Making Easter Eggs

Well, we just made Easter eggs and I thought I'd write a mini-post about them because they turned out better than I had imagined and we had so much fun making them. We started with hard-boiled eggs (of course) and opened the package of traditional egg coloring tablets that you can buy. We added a tablespoon of olive oil (though I'm sure any oil will do) to the colored water bath. The oil makes a beautiful marbled pattern on the eggs. Ms. Bean dipped the eggs into several colors to see what would happen. That was the best part -- the element of surprise! I think they're almost too beautiful to hide in the yard now...*wink*

PogiPods

My little Mini never used a pacifier but I definitely recall the days when Ms. Bean would demand a pacifier and we'd have this brief moment of panic -- hoping that one was nearby. We'd stash them all over the house, in bags and purses like little Easter eggs. I love these PogiPods by Pogibabies because they create a  dedicated home for stowing a pacifier. They're even lined in plastic. Great design and such fashionable prints -- I kind of wish I had a pacifier as an excuse to buy one.

Sok-O 100% Handmade

My friend, Heather, scouted these fun Sock-O toys from our local toy store, Clover. They're too cute not to mention. 100% Handmade Sock-O toys were born from the imagination and inspiration of 4 designers who had a deep-seeded passion for toys. Each Sock-O is carefully handmade with a pair of socks (occasionally an individual sock) and come with a unique birth certificate -- no two are identical.

   
 

Spring Giveaway! Quiet Hours Toys

Spring is on the heels of winter and I'm already feeling a little bounce in my step. In honor of spring and the impending sunshine, Carey from Quiet Hours Toys has graciously opened her doors to a special KidsHaus spring giveaway. If you've never peeked into Quiet Hours Toys, it's definitely worth a visit. It is a mother-owned and operated business that offers a continuously changing array of hand-crafted toys and wares from artisans around the world (remember the crocheted crowns by Jess Nicole?). Quiet Hours Toys consists of a community of creative people from around the world and each of them does the work he or she loves in home studios or shops. I'm a huge fan and am always peeking in to see what Carey has added to her collection of unique goods. Quiet Hours Toys has put together two wonderful packages geared towards spring...

Spring 1 includes:
1 cotton girl bunny by Maileg (designed in Denmark)
2 felt hair clips by One Girlie Girl (USA)
1 set of bunny paper dolls
1 sparrow bag kit by Sparrowkids (London)

Spring 2 includes:
1 cotton boy bunny by Maileg (designed by Denmark)
1 set of bath fizzies by Daisycakes Soap (USA)
1 wooden red sports car by Spiel & Holz (Germany)
1 container of rainbow soft dough by Mary's Soft Dough (USA)

How this works: We'll select 1 winner for each package. Please mention if you would prefer a specific package. All you need to do is leave a comment, no anonymous comments please, from now until midnight PST on Monday, March 24th. I will announce the winners on Tuesday morning, March 25th. One entry per person please! Thanks to Quiet Hours Toys!