Natural Parenting & Living Etsy Team

.

2010-10-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

wrong blog! eek!

2010-09-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

sweet sweet baby girl. you are so big now!

2010-04-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

SALE @ Onewithwings!

2010-03-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

I am running a SALE on a few items, including:

See more here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Onewithwings?section_id=6902335

Happy Birthday You're Inspired!

2009-12-28T07:01:00.001-08:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
YoureInspired

SALE! Everything in my store is a full 20% off from fri. nov. 27th

2009-11-26T19:51:00.000-08:00

until dec. 1st. that's four full days of savings. Plus I reconfigured the shipping to save you even more money. Come and get your aromatherapy and flower essences!
www.mayamade.etsy.com is the place to go. find other sales by searching npl

Happy Birthday ElegantScraps!

2009-11-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
ElegantScraps

Happy Birthday WholeMother!

2009-11-11T09:07:00.000-08:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
WholeMother

Happy Birthday HippieFairyLover!

2009-09-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
hippiefairylover

Crochet Preschooler's Backpack or Purse

2009-09-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Made when you order with your colors and choice of applique design or flower.

Click here for more information!

Happy Birthday MayaMade!

2009-09-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
MayaMade

Happy Birthday LilBees & BrightBlack!

2009-07-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
lilbees

Etsy
Buy Handmade
BrightBlack

HUGE SALE ON RE-USABLE BAGS!!

2009-07-06T21:24:00.000-07:00

I am having a huge sale on my super cute, super functional, super good for the earth

super stretchy bags

and recycled coffee bean bag bags

All bags are only $10 and when you buy 4 or more the shipping is free!

These bags are the perfect solution to all your hauling, toting, carting, stashing, transporting, sorting, gift giving needs.

So visit my site at

http://www.pbandj.etsy.com/

to see all the fun options available.

I'm Baaaack!

2009-06-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

O.k., well almost. Desert Dyeworks kind of disappeared from the radar a little over a year ago(maybe longer). With focusing on the day-job and not having any left over creative energy I let things fall by the wayside.

Well, with the creative soul-sucking day job outta the way I have refocused my energy on Desert Dyeworks. I have switched gears slightly and will not be doing silk dress-up and playsilks. However, I can't get away from fabric and adding color to it. I haved delved into printing/screenprinting.

My current creations are shirts. All my shirt blanks are upcycled and I am planning on expanding that to other clothing articles and accesories. Also, to satisfy my dye demon I am designing some name/celebration banners ala prayer flag style.

I am currently building up my stock of goodies but am forseeing product pics and listing going up in the coming week. Yay! I am so happy to be back :)

Kathy

Ring of Fire

2009-06-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

For women around the world, childbirth is not a necessary evil, but a rite of passage, for both mother and baby. The term "Ring of Fire" is often used to describe the intense feeling of the baby crowning. The lotus flower symbolizes the woman's body opening up like a blooming flower to release the baby.

16 x 20 Acrylic on 5/8" side-stapled canvas. Framing required. Signed by the artist.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5810206

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25808482

New Waldorf Wooden Teething Toys

2009-06-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have been working on designs for these for awhile now, and am proud to finally have listed them at my etsy store! Be sure to stop by my store www.youreinspired.etsy.com to check them out!

Happy Birthday LittleRedAppleton

2009-05-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
littleredappleton

Happy Birthday Binkin!

2009-05-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
binkin

WINNER OF PART 2 GIVEAWAY!

2009-05-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Mother's Day! We have a winner of part two of the give-away!!

The winner is Holly! She won through entries received with a purchase at Elemental Handcrafts. Congratulations Holly!!!

And thank you to everyone who entered and commented and blogged! After reading through the comments, I wished I could have sent everyone prizes. (I had that problem with the first give-away too...thank goodness for random number generators!!)

This has been a really fun project to coordinate and I hope everyone continues to stop back in and see what the team formerly known as MDC Etsy is up to! :)

Geminita showing at Pedicab Bar

2009-04-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

On Friday May 1st, Pedicab Bar and Grill is opening in Southtown San Antonio! Geminita from the NPL Team is going to be presenting two brand new paintings, Feather & Leaf and Venusian Lobster. Come on out and catch some awesome music and art and celebrate First Friday in style at Pedicab!

Check out Geminita and more of her art at Glue and on Etsy.

Some Changes

2009-04-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

The members of our team originally met (and decided to form a team) while we were members of a particular parenting forum, and we had used the name of that forum in the name of our team. However, that forum is the subsidiary of a business, and that business was concerned about use of their name for our team, so we have changed our name. (We are working on changing our Etsy link and graphics to reflect this, but it will take us a few days to get it all done.)
Just to be clear, the members of this street team were and are in no way affiliated with or endorsed by any parenting forum, business or organization. Product postings on this blog are in no way endorsed, tested or vetted by any other member or members of the blog or by any outside organization.

I Just Reopened My Etsy Shop

2009-04-29T23:08:00.001-07:00

I make crochet toys.

I am working on wool and organic cotton items, as well. I have an organic cotton butterfly in the works, as well as crocheted bean bags. I want to design a mermaid doll and a collection of bugs.

I will also be putting some of my patterns on PDF and selling them.

Come visit me at http://alisaterry.etsy.com.

You can also see my craft projects and works-in-progress on my craft blog, http://yarnovermama.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday MichaelGraceDesigns

2009-04-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
michaelgrace

Happy Birthday to PaperCakesbyRachel!

2009-04-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
rachelaakmama

Special Thank You!

2009-04-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a moment and say thank you to the generous mamas that put in an extra contribution towards mailing out part one of our Spring Fling Give-away (which was stuffed FULL of all sorts of great things!!)! Thanks to your help, I even have a little left over to help with shipping out part two! (Remember to go shopping and leave your comments!!) Please take a moment and check out their shops! You might stumble into something you didn't know you needed until today!

And last, but not at all the least: Circle Natural Goods. I wanted to do a mini gallery of her shop as well, but she appears to be temporarilly on vacation. To get an idea of her lovely products, you can peek into her sold items. Her bath bombs were in our first spring fling give-away and a multi-pack of foot soaks are in our current give-away!

My Avocado Pendant made it to the Front Page!

2009-04-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

This Avocado pendant was featured on the Front Page of Etsy! The pendant was hand painted by Me and was turned into a necklace by Autumn of Bella Lili Designs. Brandy from BLink Designs emailed me to tell me the good news. You can see the Avocado Pendant in the Alamo City Etsy Store and you can see my own artwork in my store, Geminita.

Look What We've Been Making!

2009-04-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
MDCMomsOnEtsy

WINNER!!!!

2009-04-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

I know you've been in suspense to know the winner of our awesome Spring Fling Give-away for the first half of April...

The lucky winner is mirthstudios!

She wins the big bundle of mama and kid goodies from our Spring Fling Give-away Part 1.

Congratulations! And thank you so much to everyone who stopped by and commented, blogged or went shopping! (Don't forget to enter in Part 2 if you have babies!!)

Spring Fling Give-away Part 2: April 15-30

2009-04-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the wonderful response to our first drawing! Check back for an announcement of our lucky winner!!

On to phase two...ANOTHER DRAWING! This time the focus is on mothers with babies. To that end, we've gathered useful, beautiful and relaxing things for mamas and some simple, open-ended toys for your little one made of all natural materials. The rules to enter are the same as before: Talk to us, Talk about us and Shop with us! (See below for more details.)

The goodies up for grabs in this give-away include: a small needle-felted ball from Sun Anthem, a white stone nursing and healing necklace from Stones of Healing, a set of Boogie Buddies (eco-friendly, reusable hankies) from Little Peanut Shop, a Jingle Belly Ball (soft knit ball for baby) from Sugar Kane Creations, a jumbo 44"x44" blue playsilk from Lyneya's Toys, a set of hand-crafted nursing pads from Lil Bees, a beautiful large diaper bag from Michael Grace Designs, a bike screen-print patch and organic seeds for your garden from Beans Rice Revolt, a stack of breast-feeding advocacy bumper-stickers (to share!) and other natural decals from Elemental Handcrafts, a small Guatemalan sling from MayaMade, and last, but definitely not least, set of soothing foot soaks to pamper yourself with from Circle Natural Goods.

One very lucky mama will win it all! On to the rules...

**************************************************************

There are three easy ways to earn chances to win these collection of great items made by MDC mamas all over the country: Talk to us, talk about us, and shop with us! On April 15th, we'll put all of your chances to win (tickets) in a pool and randomly select one lucky person win it all!!!

How to earn tickets to go into the drawing:

1. Talk to us. Leave a comment here between April 15 and April 30. (Remember we need a way to reach you if you win, so make sure your email or blog is linked in the comment.) One comment entry per person. Comment = one ticket.

2. Talk about us. April 15 - April 30: Blog about our give-away! Leave us a comment linking to your blog. Blogging = two tickets!

3. Shop with us. April 15 - April 30: Turn your shopping habit into more chances to win! Purchase something from one of the participating stores listed and leave a note to seller that you want to be in the giveaway. $1 = one ticket. No limit!!

Participating stores to earn more chances to win are (you can also run a search for MDCSPRINGFLING to find these participating stores on etsy!):
BeansRiceRevolt
BrightBlack
Circle Natural Goods
Creations by Hippie Fairy Lover
Elemental Handcrafts
Imagination Kids
LilBees
Little Red Appleton
Little Peanut Shop
Lyneya's Toys
Michael Grace Designs
Small Town Toys
Stones of Healing
Sugar Kane Creations
Sun Anthem
Whole Mother Creations
You're Inspired
MayaMade

Thank you! Have fun shopping, good luck and Think Spring!!!

New boy dolls!

2009-04-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

Lyneya's Toys is proud to introduce some new little friends that have just been listed!

Remember, all purchases in April can go towards are great team give-aways. Just let me know you want to enter in the "Notes to Seller". Happy shopping!

Store Closing

2009-04-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
michaelgrace.etsy.com

My life circumstances are changing, and I'm closing down my Etsy Shop as a result.

Right now, everything in my shop is discounted at least 50%.

Anything you purchase, will be entered into the giveaways that we are hosting as a Etsy Street Team. (Just indicate so in the Notes to Seller when checking out)

2009-04-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

Check out these new items at Sun Anthem; A place where magical moments are made with beautiful natural playthings.

Spring Playsilk Collection

Land and Waterway Playsilk

Nature Art Blocks

Wood Treasure Box with Mini Silk and
Baltic Amber Necklace

Come sing your Sun Anthem and see what other natural play things are sprouting this spring!
Lovin You!

Saamy/Sunanthem

Grand Opening Sale at Circle Natural Goods

2009-04-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

SHOP GRAND OPENING --- 20% OFF EVERYTHING! For my birthday I've decided to hold my shop's Grand Opening Sale. This week only (Monday April 6 - Monday April 13) everything in my shop has been marked down. Please pass on the word!

http://circlenaturalgoods.etsy.com

Geminita's Earth Print Featured in a new Treasury!

2009-04-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

Head on over to my newest treasury! You can find the link here. It is a gorgeous collection put together by EarthGrrrlCrafts.

Detail from Earth Mother by Carrie Abrahamsen

Spring Fling Give-away Drawing! April 1-14

2009-03-31T16:57:00.000-07:00

The MDC Etsy Team decided that we needed to jump into spring with both feet so expect some really exciting things in April! To start it off right, we've got everyone's favorite...A Give-Away!!

We've put together all sorts of wonderful gifts for mothers and children. Check back again soon because there may even be a couple of late additions! See below for ways to enter to win ALL of the following (no purchase necessary, but it doesn't hurt!):

For the kiddos, you'll receive:
A wooden helicopter from Imagination Kids, a silk ring twirl toy and a rainbow wood bead necklace from Sun Anthem, a set of six small cars from Small Town Toys, a felt Totoro applique from Spunky Gal, pirate sandwich wrappers from Creations by Hippie Fairy Lover, a child's healing necklace from Stones of Healing, and a set of play-dough from MayaMade.

And for the hard-working mamas out there, we've got:
Bath bombs from Circle Natural Goods, beautiful bead bracelet from Little Queen Sheba, a stack of breastfeeding awareness bumper-stickers (to share!) and additional natural decals from Elemental Handcrafts, a Little Ones Sweet Dreams aromatherapy set with Need to Sleep Mist and customizable bed-time poem, and an herbal cloth trivet, both from MayaMade.

**************************************************************

There are three easy ways to earn chances to win these collection of great items made by MDC mamas all over the country: Talk to us, talk about us, and shop with us! On April 15th, we'll put all of your chances to win (tickets) in a pool and randomly select one lucky person win it all!!!

How to earn tickets to go into the drawing:

1. Talk to us. Leave a comment here between April 1 and April 14. (Remember we need a way to reach you if you win, so make sure your email or blog is linked in the comment.) One comment entry per person. Comment = one ticket.

2. Talk about us. April 1 - April 14: Blog about our give-away! Leave us a comment linking to your blog. Blogging = two tickets!

3. Shop with us. April 1 - April 14: Turn your shopping habit into more chances to win! Purchase something from one of the participating stores listed and leave a note to seller that you want to be in the giveaway. $1 = one ticket. No limit!!

Participating stores to earn more chances to win are (you can also run a search for MDCSPRINGFLING to find these participating stores on etsy!):
BeansRiceRevolt
BrightBlack
Circle Natural Goods
Creations by Hippie Fairy Lover
Elemental Handcrafts
Imagination Kids
LilBees
Little Red Appleton
Little Peanut Shop
Lyneya's Toys
Michael Grace Designs
Small Town Toys
Stones of Healing
Sugar Kane Creations
Sun Anthem
Whole Mother Creations
You're Inspired
MayaMade

Thank you! Have fun shopping, good luck and Think Spring!!!

Happy Birthday CashmereCuddles!

2009-03-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
cashmerecuddles

A Newbie’s Guide to Etsy

2009-03-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

I’ve shopped on Etsy for years. I tried to start up a shop once a few years ago and just couldn’t keep it going after moving to another state on short notice and then going without Internet for a few months. I made a few sales before I closed up shop but I really was taking shots in the dark at what I should be doing. In starting a new Etsy store I decided to take a look around and see what kinds of resources were available to a new seller like me. Luckily, there are plenty of veteran crafters who are more than happy to share the tricks of the trade. I’ve compiled a list of things that I’ve learned myself and heard through the grape vine. Hopefully this can save you some of the trouble and start you on the way to Etsy success.

Purchase something first
If you are opening a new account to start your store you really should buy something first. This is probably the most fun part of opening your shop. Pick out a couple of items from other sellers and purchase them. You will get to see what Etsy is like from the perspective of the buyer, get some good feedback, and you’ll get the opportunity to start a friendship with another seller. Not to mention your awesome new handmade loot.

Ration your listings
I made this mistake my first time selling on Etsy and it took me close to two months to make my first sale. I just took my photos, posted all of my listings and called it a month. I missed out on the chance to have my art gracing every page of the listings and settled foolishly for the lump of my prints and paintings to be stuck at the bottom of the searches.

This time around I’ve posted something every day to every other day and boy, what a difference that has made!

Not just good, but great photos
Since you can’t pick up the things in an online store and look at them, try them on, feel the texture and weight, or smell the scent, you can only rely on what you see. Sure, a description and some measurements help, but the clarity and mood of the pictures will sell your items far better than the description ever could. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, right? With the ability to post 5 pictures per listing you should be set.

Get a Unique Name for your Business
This will either be so easy it’s ridiculous or so difficult it hurts. Make sure it fits your personality and the mood of the store. Don’t stick with the same username if it’s something like Winky67. Start a new account with a more suitable name and lay down new roots.

Know that outsourcing isn’t all bad
I think about becoming a graphic designer from time to time. I am tempted by the career, the salary, the growing demand for their services… Time after time I arrive at the conclusion that I just hate hate hate graphic design. I decided to paint my own banner, logo, and avatar. If I had not, though, you can bet your boots I would have hired one of the many talented designers from Etsy to take care of that for me. Know where your talent lies, and if your DIY banner doesn’t look 100% professional, outsource.

Promote your URL, not your Shop
This is perhaps one of the most important favors that a seller can do themselves in the future. Say you start your new shop to sell your funky mittens and you call it Purple Zebra Mittens. If you promote your shop for a few years and later decide to stop making the mittens and start making elegant upscale scarves you will either have to start from scratch or sell your new scarves in your inappropriately named mitten shop.

By simply paying a few dollars a year you can have a unique domain name (such as purplezebramittens.com) that points to your store. It really is a win-win situation. The domain name will be easier to remember for your customers, you look much more professional, and if you decide to change directions in the future your hard work and clientele will not go down the drain.

Think outside the box when it comes to promotion
When it comes to promoting your store there is no need to pay for expensive advertising and books on marketing. The only costs that you need to expend are for business cards, a stamp, and mailing something every few months to the folks on your mailing list. Creativity and networking should take care of the rest. Checking out the Promotion category will reap many wonderful ideas for getting your store some much deserved attention.

Write Thoughtfully
Your Shop Announcement, Profile and Listings all need to be written with much care. They need to state the facts, of course, but your personality must be conveyed clearly. Your unique voice must come through here. Shoppers on Etsy are there to support crafters and they are buying it because it was made by a real person. Looking at the written aspects of other stores helped me to see what information I needed to include.

Ship Promptly
I know that when I order online I can’t wait for my new things to arrive. I know that my customers probably feel the same way.

Follow the Golden Rule
When I was little my Mom taught me that I should treat others the way I’d like to be treated. Even when you are frustrated with a customer that you feel is being difficult, remember, you are representing your business. If you start getting angry at the keyboard it may translate in your correspondence. Walk away and come back when you feel calm and collected. You never know, that difficult customer could go back and say negative things to their friends and family that could result in losing sales. That’s not to say that you should be a doormat and let folks walk all over you. Just know that it is important to maintain your good reputation, not to mention your good karma.

Send Thank You notes to anyone and everyone who is nice to you, does something for you, helps you, or buys something from you. The investment you make is worth so much more than a postage stamp. Just put out all the goodness that you can and watch it come back twofold.

Don’t be a thief
Be unique and original, don’t rip off ideas that came from other people without their permission (or knowledge). Doing this will come back to bite you in the ass later on. Looking for inspiration and outright stealing are two different things. Respect the time and thought that others have put into their work and don’t take something that doesn’t belong to you.

Give it your all
If you want your store to be a success you must believe in your product and work your fingers to the bone. If you want part time income you must work full time, and if you want full time income you must work 24/7. Eat, breathe, sleep, and have faith in your store.

Now, go out into the world and craft your handmade business.

Geminita Featured in the Alamo City Etsy Treasury

2009-03-25T00:19:00.000-07:00

The Alamo City Etsy Team has snagged a treasury, and I'm in it! So check it out! Click here.

The painting featured by me is Earth Mother.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
Geminita.etsy.com

Geminita's Mother Art

2009-03-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

This is an expression of the feelings I was having in the time right before I learned I was pregnant with my first son. The original is a 12" x 16" Acrylic Painting on canvas. It was layered over another painting that I had sealed back in High School with hairspray. That's what made it crack.

Earth Mother - Acrylic, 2003

Pick up a print of this by heading on over to my Etsy shop, Geminita.

Happy Birthday SugarKaneCreations!

2009-03-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
SugarKaneCreations

Wild Things at LilBees

2009-03-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

I mentioned recently on my blog that leopard print inspires me....
So I switched the machine to black thread yesterday and look at what I've just listed!

Velour-lined diaper with a side-snapping design (great for toddlers who have figured out how to undo velcro/snaps on the front!)

Nursing pads (because you know you wanted nursing pads to match your leopard-print bra!)

Pantiliners...because every woman deserves to to walk on the wild side

All of them are part of my "It's a Jungle Out There" promotion for March: Buy any item from the themed section (including all those shown above), and get 25% off another item in the store. See LilBees shop announcement for details.

Come see our new Team Treasury

2009-03-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

Isn't it pretty!
See it here.

new items on natural beginnings

2009-03-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

Team Treasury

2009-03-02T14:56:00.001-08:00

Our team has a treasury!

Come visit by clicking here!

Recent Team Goodies

2009-02-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
MDCMomsOnEtsy

Little Peanut Launches Big Sale

2009-02-09T12:06:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to share with you that I've placed more than half of the items in my shop, Little Peanut, on sale. Discounts range from 25% to 50% off, with many items such as reversible activity aprons, pretend play items and baby care sets featuring deep discounts!

Stop on by and take peek inside my shop. I'd love to help you make your little one smile!

I ♥ Etsy

2009-01-24T13:29:00.001-08:00

One of my other teams (the cloth diaper team) started doing a "theme of the month" series to inspire our designs, and I've taken that and carried it into all my products. This week is the beginning of the valentine's oriented "I ♥ Etsy" theme which includes a variety of hearts, flowers, reds, whites, pinks, and purples.
Here are a few of my theme of the month items (and I add more every few days!):
I'm putting all my themed-stock into one section, and best of all, when you purchase any item from this section, then you can get any other item in the store (equal/lesser value) for 25% off!

I also have a new sales & clearance section, with items up to 30% off--come check it out!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

By the way, I am one of those shops which is affected by the pending CPSIA legislation. Cloth diapers are about half of my income, so I will try to stay open with my other items, but many other members of this team are being forced to close their shops entirely. Please, contact your legislators about this bill! Some of them have begun working to make changes, but no improvements are official yet, and it's not over till it's over, so we need to keep working! If you've already contacted them, THANK YOU! Please help spread the word!

MDCMomsOnEtsy

2009-01-18T11:26:00.001-08:00

We finally have a central team profile, which connects us all on etsy (by marking all team members as favorites, as well as featuring items from team members). MDCMomsOnEtsy currently features items from all team members who have used the tag "mdc team" in any of their listings. We'll work on getting other members added soon. ☺
A small version of this etsy-mini now appears on our sidebar (and should be updated regularly), but here is the full-size version (which will also be posted periodically).

Etsy
Buy Handmade
MDCMomsOnEtsy

She's Back!!

2009-01-06T17:54:00.001-08:00

Who missed Georganne? She's one of the original members of this team, and a senior member over at MDC...well, she's back! ☺
She recently re-opened her shop The Yellow Ducky, and it's full of cloth diapering goodies, children's clothing, slings, and her yummy homemade laundry soap! So run on over and check it out!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
Georganne

if you care about handmade toys, kids, and the ability for the economy to improve you must vote for this

2008-12-30T08:37:00.001-08:00

Boxing Week Sale in my Store.

2008-12-29T12:54:00.000-08:00

Check it out! All the reduced items are in a separate category.

The reduced pricing will be in effect until January 10, 2009.

Keeping Little Peanuts Busy

2008-12-14T16:22:00.000-08:00

Keep your little goober busy in waiting rooms and restaurants with LittlePeanutShop's handy crayon wallets in fun coordinating fabrics. Each wallet comes fully stocked with eight Crayola crayons (may not be the same colors as those pictured) and doodle pad. Perfectly sized for diaper bags and purses, you'll find several in stock right now with that will appeal to boys and girls.

NEW at Amberbabies!

2008-12-04T18:01:00.001-08:00

New multi color chip style amber teething necklace at Amberbabies!

a treasury

2008-11-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

I happened upon a treasury opening! How fun!
I've included some things from the three teams I'm happy to be a part of.
Here it is:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=23951

Steph ElementalHandcrafts.etsy.com

Holiday Helpers

2008-11-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

During the holidays, many of our team members are involved with Holiday Helpers--an all-volunteer program to help families in need. Many of us donate items we have made, or contribute towards gift cards, utility bills, or grocery money for these families.
This year we want to invite you to get involved by participating in a raffle here! There are some great prizes (most of them made by members of this team!) and tickets are only $1. ALL proceeds go to help families in need.
Check your paypal, if you've got an odd dollar or two hanging out in there, why not put it toward a good cause? You might even win something awesome!!

2008-11-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

Felty Fun Food is back at PBandJ!!

We have lots of sets to choose from . . .

So if you just want to pick a few treats from the produce section. . . .

Grab a quick meal. . . .

Or stock your entire kitchen . . .

we have your felty fun food needs covered.
makes great Christmas gift!!

Princesses, Cars and More

2008-11-18T04:05:00.000-08:00

at Small Town Toys .
Our most recent toy was inspired by our niece, who insisted we make a princess with red hair for her birthday.

Some of our other toys.

We're Celebrating too, with Free Shipping!

2008-11-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

It's International Babywearing Week!

And here at BabyPockets we're celebrating by offering FREE WORLD WIDE SHIPPING through Saturday, November 15th. Come and see our miraculously comfortable and truly beautiful silk ring slings and we'll rejoice in the closeness and convenience of babywearing together! Hurray!

International Babywearing Week

2008-11-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

International Baby Week is coming up next week. In honor of the occasion, all Cashmere Cuddles baby carriers are 20% off from now until Nov. 18, 2008 -- all mei tais, x-slings, wraps, and Cuddles for Kids doll carriers too. Both in-stock and custom orders are included in the sale. Just put "MDC-IBW" in the comments section when you order and wait for an updated invoice before paying. Happy shopping!

(Thank you to Tamplum at TBW for the photo of Aaron in an X-sling)

dyetyke holiday promotion

2008-11-06T06:58:00.001-08:00

Through November 30, 2008, dyetyke will donate 10% of gross sales to The Back Door Food Pantry in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Offer applies to regular and custom orders for which payment is received before November 30. Offer does not apply to trades (though I'm open to trading, as always).

Please visit http://dyetyke.etsy.com to see what's in stock and tell your friends!

Sweet Dreams for Dollies

2008-11-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Your little peanut will love tucking her "babies" into bed with an adorable doll-sized quilt. This miniature blanket features rail fence quilt blocks made from owls, pink swirls and green stripes flannel fabrics. The quilt backing and hand finished binding is a coordinating red swirls cotton fabric.

This is the first of several doll quilts that will eventually be added to my shop, including some designed with boys in mind. I invite you to stop on by and check it out.

Introducing Michael Grace Designs

2008-10-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to create handmade baby and mama related products. I love to create baby carriers and bags, so most of my little shop is mei tais and diaper bags; with a ring sling and a few purses thrown in. I just created some toddler and preschool spa towel wraps. I'm working on designing and sewing a soft structured carrier, and I'm pretty sure that I will eventually be offering those for sale as well.

Here is a preview of a couple of items available right now. First, the Autumn Inspired Mei Tai. Constructed with heavyweight khaki twill and a flannel brown and pink floral print. Both the shoulder straps and the waist strap are padded on this comfortable mei tai.

Secondly, the ultimate messenger bag. This bag was created using Wired Up Design's Hot Mama Messenger Bag Pattern. This messenger bag is perfect as a diaper bag, beach bag, gym bag, or just an all-around town bag. This bag boasts 6 interior elasticized pockets, a changing pad or water bottle holder and two external slip pockets.

48 Hour Sale @ Elegant Scraps

2008-10-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Enjoy 15% off of your total purchase for the next 48 hours at Elegant Scraps!!!

Here are some highlights:

custom sized tutu with reused elastic

custom zipped pouches made from remnants and thrifted zippers

Thinking of a custom order? Convo me and we can work out the details!

Sale ends at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 18.

Take care,
El

Be the Envy of Your Mommy Group

2008-10-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

Diaper changes may be messy, but there's no reason why they can't also be chic. I just finished making this beautiful Little Peanut Baby Care Set for my shop using some gorgeous Alexander Henry fabric I discovered recently.

Pull out this diaper change pad or one of the matching burp cloths and I guarantee the other mammas in your play group will be green with envy!

Stand Up to your Letdown!

2008-10-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm a breastfeeding mother with a heavy letdown. I had to nurse my baby sitting up for the first 4 months because I had so much milk it choked him if I laid him down. I tried several nursing pads and everything soaked through the moment I started nursing on the other side. So I did what I always do in these situations: I figured out what I wanted and made it myself!

Voila, PUL-backed nursing pads that can actually stand up to my letdown!

They come with a variety of print and solid flannels on the side facing you, but have discreet white PUL on the outside.

Even for those mothers with average letdown, these make great nighttime pads.

I also have fleece-backed pads for lighter protection.

All my nursing pads come in sets of 4 (two pairs) and I can mix and match types if you prefer. Come visit LilBees to see my full selection!

Finally: Headbands at Binky-Bird!

2008-10-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

I really like these headbands; they're simple, but really cute, and? They stay put even on baby-fine hair like mine. Keep your hair out of your eyes AND look good. Check them out at binky-bird!

Remembering Angels

2008-10-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month.

As the mother of three angel babies, I feel strongly about this cause.

During the month of October, 10% off all sales from both of my shops (LilBees and BrightBlack) will be donated to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, a non-profit organization that provides free remembrance photos for families of angels. (I've posted about them here.)
I hope you will join me in supporting this group and their awesome organization.

(By the way, all purchases from my shops are currently getting a coupon for 20% off any Christmas item from BrightBlack...so right now you can support a good cause and get a coupon at the same time!)

Harvest Time!

2008-10-02T04:28:00.000-07:00

ElementalHandcrafts.Etsy.com

Fall is upon us and its a wonderful time of year for pumpkins and gourds and cascading leaves.
Here is my newest creation and a few others that remind me of fall.

Felted wool pumpkin

Autumn Colored Breastfeeding Mama with Children

Wooden Doll House Table and Chairs

Halloween Sticker Made from an Original Papercut
Thanks for looking!
Stephanie at Elemental Handcrafts

We've Got You Covered

2008-10-01T18:55:00.001-07:00

or at last we've got your toes covered!!

Introducing SOCKS at PB&J.
Staying true to our mission these are simple socks made with natural fibers at an affordable price.

Place your custom order today or watch for us to stock.

Discounts available when you buy more than one pair!!!

See my store for more details!!
www.pbandj.etsy.com

Ready for the harvest?

2008-09-28T04:50:00.000-07:00

We're heading to a Harvest Party today at my friend's organic farm and I thought I'd share in the festivities with this decorative felted pumpkin.
It' will last a lot longer than the pumpkin pie I'm sure to taste today!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15585738

Happy Fall!

Steph www.ElementalHnadcrafts.etsy.com

The cutest longies ever!

2008-09-24T20:24:00.001-07:00

I have finished two adorable pairs of longies.One in size large another one in size small. Check them out, I am so proud! I especially like the Halloween one.

I have also posted some other accessories: fingerless gloves in women and toddler size and a toddler hat that would go very well with the spider longies.

Last time I posted on this blog I was also hoping to get my cloth diapers out there by the end of the summer, but it just did not happen. I have to say that I still need time to tweak my product, hopefully, I'll manage to have time to get this project going in some near future.

Autumn has Inspired Me

2008-09-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

The warm colors of autumn, red, yellow, brown and orange, have inspired some new cloth diapers at LilBees this month.

I've recently gotten in a supply of velour as well, and am beginning to offer that in my all-in-ones and fitteds, and of course also on my cloth menstrual and postpartum pads.

Coming soon: nursing pads designed with larger-busts and heavy leakers in mind.

Little Red Appleton SALE SALE SALE

2008-09-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

I am clearing stock of all summer wristlets. They were priced at $12 now they are $10 with $2 shipping. What a bargain! Don't delay. Check 'em out! Go Here.

Crochet Autumn Butterfly Doll

2008-09-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for Winter, Spring and Summer colors, as well as one made from natural organic cotton.

Soft Crochet Things

Debuting the Cashmere Cuddles Mei Tai

2008-09-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

A while ago, I made myself a baby carrier that got a good bit of attention on a certain babywearing website, and my inbox is forever filled with requests for my distinctive twist on the standard mei tai.

I'm proud to announce that I'll be stocking them on a regular basis, in addition to my usual line of X-slings. In the shop now is a gorgeous kelly green mei tai made from 100% bamboo twill, which was hand dyed to match the Amy Butler Midwest Modern "Fresh Poppies" print used for the accent piece and hood. It has lightly padded shoulder straps and waistband and is completely lined with an ice blue woven jacquard comprised of 70% cashmere/30% silk, with an inner lining of cotton canvas for added strength. Come check it out at cashmerecuddles.etsy.com.

Imagination at Play

2008-09-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

The Etsy community is filled with talented artists and crafters selling unique pretend play toys that help parents preserve the magic of childhood. Every Friday night, I'm going to feature one such Etsy seller on my blog in a writing series entitled "Imagination at Play". Tonight's posting highlights fabulous felt food sold at BeckyM.

I'd love to feature some of the talented mammas from the Mothering Street Team, so please leave a comment here or convo me through my shop if you know of a team member that sells exceptional pretend play items (puppets, dolls, dress-up clothes, etc.). And while some of the shops I'm going to highlight have been around for quite some time, I'm especially interested in promoting new shops and shops with less than 15 sales.

Baby Pockets Makes Press!

2008-09-10T08:58:00.001-07:00

We're jumping for joy here because we've just been featured in this great babywearing article by Megan Davidson, PhD (a doula, babywearing educator, fellow MDC mama, and just plain great gal). Check it out! Check us out! Check her out! Go click through crazy then join us in our happy dance!

XO,
Dawn at BabyPockets

2008-09-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

My daughter spotted a monster hanging his laundry up to dry on our clothesline yesterday. When he left, he forgot to grab his tail! Fortunately, it's the perfect size for pretend play. Drop on by LittlePeanutShop to check out this and other fun pretend play items. Feel free to convo me if you'd like something special - I love doing custom orders! :)

so i have a neat little collection of bar soap i made.

2008-08-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

mocha. mmmmmmm... and it smells like a yummy strong wake you up mocha. chocolate and coffee. so good i want to eat it. next is goats milk soap with roses, lavender and chamomile. i cant wait.
i also have some other wonderful things in the works, body bars with cocoa butter, beeswax, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and a couple of other oils with skin nourishing essential oils, calendula owie ointment, arnica sticks, and no poo-ing bombs for hair.

things here are going well. it seems somehow that school starts in the next couple of days. where did summer go?

Tiny Table Linens at LittlePeanutShop!

2008-08-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

I just added an adorable new section in my shop: Tiny Table Linens. Each set comes with two reversible pretend play placemats and napkins that are perfectly sized for little chefs or hostesses. Your little goober will love having a set of her own placemats and napkins for playtime, snacktime or for learning how to set the table.

Stop on by LittlePeanutShop for a closer look at these adorable Tiny Table Linens. I'm also selling some matching items in other sections: a reversible activity apron and a diaper change pad. Together, they make a wonderful "big sister/baby sister" gift set.

NEW Amber Babies teething necklaces!

2008-08-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

Baltic amber is a traditional European remedy for teething. Amber is a natural analgesic and when worn on the skin, it releases healing oils that helps babies and young children to stay calm and more relaxed thoughout teething. Amber necklaces are a great natural remedy and can eliminate the need for over the counter drugs.

I use a sterling silver plated MAGNETIC CLASP. This ensures that the necklace will open up if it is being pulled. I have not had any trouble with necklaces just falling off because of this.

Please Note: Amber necklaces are made for wearing, not for chewing! Please supervise your child while wearing the necklace.

all necklaces measure between 11.5 and 12.5 inches.

Lovely New Silks at BabyPockets

2008-08-21T00:14:00.000-07:00

BabyPockets has new slings!

Lovely new silks shimmer from every corner of the shop and many more are now on the way. I love the deep chocolate color the Cacao Silk Sling, and the Antique Rose Silk Ring Sling above is my personal favorite.

All of my slings sport my own special comfort pleating for an unbelievable fit and of course the unique embroidery above the rings which has become BabyPockets signature feature. Come and check out our new slings while they last!

XO,
Dawn at
BabyPockets

"Boutique style with a homegrown price"

2008-08-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

ManicMittens ~Hand Made Funky Accessories.

I just wanted to say hello and invite everyone to visit my little shop! www.manicmittens.com

crochet caps and beanies
bobby pins
no slip hair clippies
hair bows in all sizes and designs
infant snap clips
and so much more!!

I have something to suit every style and offer custom orders at no extra charge.

Cloth Pantyliners have arrived at LilBees--win a FREE SET!

2008-08-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

I used to make these, but had to discontinue them for a while when I was without a serger... I have my serger again now, and have been working to restock these popular pantyliners.

These have soft absorbent flannel on top, and slip-resistant, leak-resistant fleece on the back. Cloth pantyliners are a great option for daily use, as both flannel and fleece hold up to frequent washing. Popular uses include: mild incontinence (such as during pregnancy), protection when using vaginal suppositories, mid-cycle moisture, and, of course, the end of ones period.

These are now available at LilBees!

Now for the exciting part!

Follow this link and leave a comment on the post on my blog to be entered into a random drawing for a FREE 3 pack of pantyliners! (not necesssarily the ones shown--I will have several options for the winner to chose from). The contest is open until August 31.

2008-08-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

Here's one of my favorite items to date! It's a sterling silver bracelet, adorned with dichroic glass bali beads and lovely green and black stones.

exeye.etsy.com

New item at LittlePeanutShop!

2008-08-15T23:57:00.001-07:00

I recently added a wonderful new item that is sure to please the budding little chef in your life... pretend play pot holders. Each set comes with two matching quilted pot holders that are approx. 4x4 inches in size. There are currently two sets for sale, with three more sets on the way in the next week or so.

Summer Sale at Birch Bark Soap

2008-08-13T11:14:00.001-07:00

I'm having a summer sale over at my Etsy shop. There are some great deals on beautiful, natural, handmade soap, for as little as $1.50!

Natural Beginnings

2008-08-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow mamas,
I found mothering.com when I was pregnant with my daughter who is now almost 3 years old. Wow, is she really almost 3? Sometimes I think i am still a newly pregnant woman...then i look around and see that i have two babes now! My second daughter was born almost 6 months ago. They were both born at home and are nursing fiends. I have mothering's discussion boards to thank for many friendships and much wisdom. I am often inspired by the other families i meet on there.

this pendant is from bali where i worked with robin lim, cpm at the birth center she opened. this is the birth center's mascot as well as an ancient birthing mama, sheila na goreng. the red coral was to fight off post partum hemmorage.
a local mama hand makes these gorgeous pendants. i just string 'em.
so much green and a little fertility wish in the middle of it all.
nice and thick with subtle reds between.
the pendant is made by a local nc mama. i really liked the purple and gold against it.

I found etsy some time ago but just decided to take the plunge into showing my work over the last 8 months or so. I have done my first two shows and have one coming up this weekend! I work as a doula and as a midwife's assistant. I really like creating birthy-themed works. Mainly, I am into making necklaces right now. I also made some note cards from pictures that I took while doing international birth work last year. I haven't gotten these posted on etsy, yet though!

Thanks for looking!

Summer Holiday Giveaway!

2008-08-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Blog Giveaway!
Running now, until the 17th of August.
Come and play~ it's cooler int he shade!

2008-08-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

LittlePeanutShop

I just wanted to introduce myself and let you all know that I've added some fun new items to my shop recently.

At Little Peanut, you'll find yummy treats for your little goober such as diaper change pads, reversible activity aprons and faux tea bags for pretend play.

I'm a SAHM to my own little peanut, Charlotte. You can find me on MDC as spmamma. I hope you enjoy the goodies in my shop!

I do have a question about this blog... how do I get my shop name, LittlePeanutShop, added to the big list on the right? Thanks!

Birch Bark Soap Giveaway

2008-07-31T15:56:00.001-07:00

I wanted to let you all know that I'm having a little handmade soap giveaway over at my other blog, including a bar of the Chocolate Peppermint soap pictured above! Check it out here.

Diaper Wipes

2008-07-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

I am looking for a diaper wipe cover of some sort. I use both cloth wipes and the 7th gen brand wipes. anyone make these?

Thanks! Hope it's okay to post this request here. (i am natural beginnings, btw)

It's time for...Christmas in July!

2008-07-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

My new shop, "Bright Black" is opening with a big CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE!!!
(My maiden name was Black, my married name is Brighton, and also my parents are involved with the designing and construction of some of the items in this shop, thus using both names: Bright Black!)
From July 25-31, save 10% on all Christmas items at BrightBlack, including all stockings, tree skirts, and gift bags!
FREE SHIPPING for items ordered ON JULY 25!!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
BrightBlack.etsy.com

marvelous merchandise at MayaMade

2008-07-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

Mayamade is now stocked with several new items including flower essences and a new line of dragon mists. Tired Dragon needs to sleep, Dragon Uplifting and Calming and Cranky Dragon needs to calm down. All these have the finest essential oils and flower essences in them. As with all my products they are harvested from my own back yard or wholesaled from reputable sources. This week I will be adding a special sleep set for kids who have trouble settling down at night included in it are sleep assisting herbs, a moonstone for good dreams and a good night poem with the name of your babe written into it.
thanks for stopping by.

2008-07-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

New stock at Cashmere Cuddles. These stylish, x-shape baby carriers come in a variety of fabrics from cashmere to organic cotton. Now also available with optional leg gussets, providing more comfort and a more ergonomic position for the legs of larger babies.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
cashmerecuddles.etsy.com

Have You Heard About Hope?

2008-07-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

I want to tell you about Hope.
She is the creation of Annette of Wool Creations~ a super talented and sweet felter. Annette has a dream she is bring to life in order to support children and families in need and crisis.

That dream is Hope. Hope is a Travelling Doll~ she will start out in North Carolina and spend a year travelling the world. As she goes she will blog (with the help of her host families), get her passport stamped, keep a journal and collect small gifts in her suitcase.

At the end of the year she will return home to be raffled off (journal, suitcase and all!) to raise money.

Hope is a lovely handmade doll in the Waldorf tradition.

Please be sure to follow Hope's journey! She will be visiting us at BTRT in Northern Ontario sometime in the fall, we can't wait!

New stock at dyetyke!

2008-07-10T05:59:00.003-07:00

I have several custom orders I'm working on, which means new stock several times a week at the etsy store. Check it out!

Petit Mouton on Etsy. My first post here!

2008-07-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I am fairly new member of this group since I am also fairly new on Etsy.

I stocked one more wool soaker (diaper cover) in my shop last night; it is inspired by my daughter’s shoes and absolutely adorable! Will have another shoe inspired soaker in size small in a few days (it’s on the hook right now) and then I am moving to other projects: a skirtie made of a lighter yarn for ‘sposie babies for the end of the summer, a couple cloth diapering longies and some machine washable pants cut for ‘sposies or trainers, my unique line of cloth diapers should also be up sometimes in August and I am working on some more crochet lines, that I will announce when ready :-) That should keep me busy.

Here's what's currently in store:

Happy browsing!

Clearing Out Inventory

2008-06-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to clear out my in stock items, which means there's a big sale in my shop right now. I have quite a few 5x7 and 8x10 prints, photo cards, and other items up for 50% off. Check out my sale section!

2008-06-23T05:47:00.000-07:00

More updates coming soon!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
LittleRedAppleton

Natural Parenting & Living Etsy Team

.

SALE @ Onewithwings!

Happy Birthday You're Inspired!

SALE! Everything in my store is a full 20% off from fri. nov. 27th

Happy Birthday ElegantScraps!

Happy Birthday WholeMother!

Happy Birthday HippieFairyLover!

Crochet Preschooler's Backpack or Purse

Happy Birthday MayaMade!

Happy Birthday LilBees & BrightBlack!

HUGE SALE ON RE-USABLE BAGS!!

I'm Baaaack!

Ring of Fire

New Waldorf Wooden Teething Toys

Happy Birthday LittleRedAppleton

Happy Birthday Binkin!

WINNER OF PART 2 GIVEAWAY!

Geminita showing at Pedicab Bar

Some Changes

I Just Reopened My Etsy Shop

Happy Birthday MichaelGraceDesigns

Happy Birthday to PaperCakesbyRachel!

Special Thank You!

My Avocado Pendant made it to the Front Page!

Look What We've Been Making!

WINNER!!!!

Spring Fling Give-away Part 2: April 15-30

New boy dolls!

Store Closing

Grand Opening Sale at Circle Natural Goods

Geminita's Earth Print Featured in a new Treasury!

Spring Fling Give-away Drawing! April 1-14

Happy Birthday CashmereCuddles!

A Newbie’s Guide to Etsy

Geminita Featured in the Alamo City Etsy Treasury

Geminita's Mother Art

Happy Birthday SugarKaneCreations!

Wild Things at LilBees

Come see our new Team Treasury

new items on natural beginnings

Team Treasury

Recent Team Goodies

Little Peanut Launches Big Sale

I ♥ Etsy

MDCMomsOnEtsy

She's Back!!

if you care about handmade toys, kids, and the ability for the economy to improve you must vote for this

Boxing Week Sale in my Store.

Keeping Little Peanuts Busy

NEW at Amberbabies!

a treasury

Holiday Helpers

Princesses, Cars and More

We're Celebrating too, with Free Shipping!

International Babywearing Week

dyetyke holiday promotion

Sweet Dreams for Dollies

Introducing Michael Grace Designs

48 Hour Sale @ Elegant Scraps

Be the Envy of Your Mommy Group

Stand Up to your Letdown!

Finally: Headbands at Binky-Bird!

Remembering Angels

Harvest Time!

We've Got You Covered

Ready for the harvest?

The cutest longies ever!

Autumn has Inspired Me

Little Red Appleton SALE SALE SALE

Crochet Autumn Butterfly Doll

Debuting the Cashmere Cuddles Mei Tai

Imagination at Play

Baby Pockets Makes Press!

so i have a neat little collection of bar soap i made.

Tiny Table Linens at LittlePeanutShop!

*NEW* Amber Babies teething necklaces!

Lovely New Silks at BabyPockets

"Boutique style with a homegrown price"

Cloth Pantyliners have arrived at LilBees--win a FREE SET!

NEW Amber Babies teething necklaces!