fede stocking stuffers (candy cane rattles)

These little candy cane rattles are now available online. Perfect for baby's first Christmas, they can chew, slobber and jingle to their hearts content. I've only made a handful so get in quick - they are a bargain at US$14.

buying handmade for christmas

Last year I had planned to make Christmas gifts but my pregnancy fatigue had other plans! Just incase that happens again (oh no not the pregnancy bit... but the lack of production) I have a backup plan. Shop handmade.

Here's a couple of links showcasing great handmade gift ideas and beautiful online shops where you will be able to find something for everyone on your list.

Irene of the amazing Bloesem Blogs (seriously good reading) has put together her Bloesem Kids 2011 Gift Guide.

Magdalena Orlik has been curating this gallery of Etsy Designers and their shops on her Design Dot Team blog.


Happy Shopping!

mini design dots

You can't go past Etsy for a spurt of design inspiration and examples of handmade with love. Sometimes the process of sifting through the... well.....bland stuff... can test your patience, but when you find a piece of "gold" it can lift the spirits. Then you pop that beauty in your favourites file to realise it is for looking only.... sadly and most likely not for keeps! sigh....

Never the less, go on, head over here and enjoy some faux shopping.

shop: my rocking wardrobe

All images from My Rocking Wardrobe

Loving this awesome online store for Mums & Babes. Fashion & accessories for women & children with an affinity to Japanese & Korean design. Super stylish & great prices. Go and have a browse around at My Rocking Wardrobe - you may just fall in love with it all! I did.

a good thrift

Inspired by Linaloo I had a wonderful outing this morning leisurely meandering through thrift stores (obviously without little people) and bought home some treasures. Above are 2 little egg warmer houses purchased for 20cents each - who wouldn't fall in love with them?



vintage linen & buttons


wool blanket for ruby's bed

winter sheet set which looks great with the blanket

.... and my favourite... this beautiful vintage opera coat. I'm not the best photographer so the photo really doesn't do it justice but the fabric is a turquoise blue shot silk. It also came with a dress but that didn't fit me so has gone into the fabric stash for a future project. I still can't believe the set (dress & coat) cost me a total of Aus$7.50 (which is about US$8).