Baby Jives

Who wants love?

2011-12-05T11:06:00.000-08:00

My newest mobile, Showered with Love, is in the shop today and I couldn't be more excited about it. I have had the idea of making a mobile to shower my little ones with love for a long time now and to see it finally take shape is so rewarding. We had a lot of fun this weekend doing a photo shoot for the new mobile and I wanted to share a few of the pictures that didn't make it into the listing with you...

I hope he will look this excited once Baby Jives #2 is actually there.


Munching on cranberries and contemplating love.


Here is my quality control expert in action. It passed inspection.

He did feel very loved there under his special cloud.

Well that is my behind the scenes peek at the photo shoot for the newest mobile. It's in my shop now so you can get one for your sweetheart and shower them with love every day.

xoxo

Jahje

Inspired by Love

2011-12-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

The laughter of a child is something that can fill a heart to the brim with love. Joy bubbles up and escapes from a wonderful little being. In our daily life there are so many moments where we are showered with love. With all this in mind, I have been working on a new mobile design and it is finally ready for the shop.

Here are a few glimpses from my studio of things taking shape. Collecting jars of love, which can sometimes be a little rough around the edges. Then finally assembling them into a mobile that can rain down love everyday.

Now the newest mobile is almost ready for your life. A way to celebrate love in your home. It's getting ready for the big reveal...

How to make a $7 baby cardigan into a lasting heirloom

2011-11-15T06:16:00.000-08:00

Things have been so busy with Baby Jives Co that I have barely had time to consider getting ready for this little one dancing in my belly. But this weekend I think the nesting bug finally hit me because I just kept having visions of a sweet little cardigan embellished with wool felt flowers and bits of crochet lace. So I knew I needed to set aside a little time for a fun project. Oh yeah, did I mention that I also found out that I am having a girl? Finally I get to think about flowers and embroidery and lace!

So I set out this morning in search of a plain cardigan to embellish and found a sweet little turquoise one which was just begging to be transformed. After an hour of work here is what I ended up with:

I loved the results so much that I knew I just had to type up a tutorial for all those semi-crafty ladies out there. So what follows is a pretty easy project on how to make a $7 cardigan into a $70 heirloom (which is what I am sure you would end up paying at a fancy baby boutique for something similar made by anonymous hands elsewhere in the world). So what are you waiting for, let's do this!

What you'll need:
plain color baby cardigan (I found a great one at H&M)
2 colors or more of merino wool felt (I prefer this for a durable and washable material)
cotton or silk embroidery thread
crocheted doily which can be cut up (aka won't unravel)
embroidery needle
sewing scissors
disappearing ink pen

Now you are ready to roll...First sketch flowers with five rounded petals onto wool felt with disappearing ink. I made mine about the size of a nickel for the flower center and a quarter for the back flower piece. You will want to make about 7-8 flower pairs depending on the size of your cardigan. I used 2 different colors of merino wool felt but you can choose as many colors as you want. Once you have sketched your flowers cut them out with sewing scissors; you can also cut a few leaf shapes too.

I also chose to incorporate some crocheted lace that I had from a doily. I cut 2 pieces off and then positioned them on the cardigan with the other felt pieces in a rough arrangement of how I wanted to sew them. I then took a picture of the arrangement so I could move the pieces to the side but refer to the picture in case things got mixed up (which they did).

Now we are ready to sew. Thread an embroidery needle, knot the end, and then start with the top flower by the collar. Stack the 2 felt pieces and then stitch through them with three stitches to make a star shape in the center. Then using a stem stitch make your way to the spot for the next flower.

The next piece to secure was the crocheted medallion. To secure the crochet stitch around the edge and then place the felt piece in the center and secure it with another star shaped stitch.

Continue along the neck of the cardigan using a stem stitch between flowers to create a loose vine pattern and securing the flowers with a star shaped stitch. For the few leaves that I included I used a split stitch. Then when you reach the bottom side of the cardigan secure the thread with a french knot on the inside of the sweater. Now repeat the process from the top on the other side of the cardigan.

Once finished you will have created an heirloom cardigan which would have cost a heck of a lot more than $7 in a boutique. So now you can spend that money on some decor for the nursery instead, since that won't be outgrown in 3 months.

A final note on care, I plan on washing this by hand in cold water and laying it flat to dry. This will extend the life of the cardigan so I can pack it away once the little lady outgrows it to save it for future generations, mine or hers.

Bunting Gift Tags

2011-09-21T04:41:00.000-07:00

I hate to throw away any of my beautiful fabrics. Many of my details in my mobiles are from fabric offcuts that occur while cutting out the main pattern, but even employing that I still have scraps that are too small to reuse but too pretty to throw out. Seriously I save the tiniest scraps, I have drawers full of fabric.

So in order to save myself from a mountain of towering scraps which engulf me one day I decided I needed to do something with all these bits. So I came up with these easy to make bunting gifts tags which I now use as a quick way to dress up my gifts.

Now here's how you can make use of your tiny scraps too...

First cut your scraps into the shape of little bunting flags - about 1/2 inch high. Then cut a piece of 4 x 6 inch colored card stock in half to make 2 3x4 inch cards. Take a few of your flag pieces and arrange them across the top of the card.

Now you are ready to sew them in place. I used a contrasting thread dark enough to show up on the card stock and a #2 stitch on my machine to sew the bunting flags in place (your machine may be slightly different, you want to use a stitch with a little bit of space otherwise the card may tear).

Then trim the extra thread off the edges and use a micro or regular hole punch to create a hole for the ribbon to go through. Now you are ready to wrap up your gifts with your pretty new cards. How easy was that!

Working on something new...Baby Jives #2!

2011-09-13T05:50:00.000-07:00

I have been working on something brand new and now I can finally share it with you - I'm pregnant with Baby Jives #2 due in the beginning of March 2012!

Owl Hats by Sweet Love Creates, $34 found via 20BestTwenty

It's been a fun summer filled with vacations, exhaustion, and morning sickness ... well actually mine was more like anytime but morning sickness as I usually woke up feeling fine. But now my energy is back and the creativity is flowing so I am looking forward to an intense burst of production leading up to this birth. My last pregnancy with my son was when I got the idea for starting Baby Jives Co. and now with this one I'm already bursting at the seams with new ideas for Baby Jives Co. So I am running up to my studio to get sewing...right after I eat this entire box of muffins. I can't help it, the baby makes me do it!

Come Sail Away!

2011-08-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

Last time I gave a little sneak peek of my newest mobile design which was getting ready to launch. Now I am happy to announce after a week of intense studio time I have created a new fleet to release this week! Presenting the newest mobile in the baby Jives line....let's sail away!

This mobile was inspired by my son and his obsession for the past year with boats. One way I love to spend time with my son is to settle in and read a good book with him, we have lots of them laying around the house (sometimes piled under his cars and trucks). This particular mobile was actually inspired by one of his favorite books called simply Toy Boat by Randall de Séve and Loren Long. It is the whimsical tale of a boy and his boat who are inseparable until one day when the boat blows off to have his own adventure. This book is gorgeously illustrated and while reading it I have started to imagine creating my own fleet of boats for my little boy to have his own adventures with. So a few months ago I jotted down this sketch...

And then this past month I finally got to have an uninterrupted day in the studio to make my dreams come into reality. Here are a few photographs of the voyage so you can see how my little boat came into being...

The finished boat is one that drums up memories of childhood and the simple act of making something magical out of a few bits of cloth and sticks. I wanted to create a toy boat for my little boy that could be something he could take adventures in - sailing away to new lands under the moon and stars like so many of my favorite children's books. Now my little adventurer finally has his toy boat, well actually he has a fleet of small toy boats which will be hanging in his new big boy room. Together I know they will create many wonderful stories and adventures as they sail off into his imagination.

Do you think your little dreamer would like to sail off on a new adventure? Then visit my shop at Baby Jives and you can get them their very own boat to voyage with and then...

Come with me
And you'll be
In a world of
Pure imagination
Take a look
And you'll see
Into your imagination

We'll begin
With a spin
Traveling in
The world of my creation
What we'll see
Will defy
Explanation

- Willy Wonka

Something New is Going to Launch

2011-08-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Baby Jives is turning 1 at the end of this month? How time flies, I feel like it was just yesterday that I was stitching up my first mobiles and taking my first awfully lit photographs (seriously they were pretty terrible, please don't look at them). Now it's a year later and to celebrate I have some surprises to announce, starting with the launch of a new mobile in the shop. Here is a little sneak peek to tide you over until next week when the new mobile sails in. Ok somebody stop my puns, I am turning into my father-in-law....

It's Raining Babies, or what to give for a shower

2011-06-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

I have been attending an unusually high amount of baby showers these past few months. It seems like all of my friends are having kids again - or for the first time. So I thought it might be fun to share a few of my favorite baby shower gifts and tips with you today.

I know when I had my little guy a few years ago that I registered for all sorts of things that after he was born ended up gathering dust like the diaper wipe warmer, really? My tip is for baby gear get the essentials - bottles as always needed, bibs are great, diaper pad covers will be used in abundance! You can also throw in a little something extra to make your gift of bottles a little more special, like Le Bibble which helps clean up the milk that doesn't quite hit it's target.

Le Bibble in Le Lime $12 found via 20BestTwenty

I also received a slew of baby clothes that were sized 0-3 and 3-6 months which meant my 8lb 6oz and 21 1/2 inch boy wore them exactely once before growing into size 6-9 month clothes by the end of his first month. So now if I buy clothing for my friends I buy 6-9 month or up to make sure their little one will actually get the chance to wear it. I absolutely adore this handmade romper by the Measure, I mean is there anything cuter than a ruffled bottom?


Chevron Stripe Romper by The Measure $49 found via 20bestTwenty

When I show up at a shower I know the best way to get some oohs and ahhs is to buy a handmade gift for my friends. Something that you cannot find at Babies R Us which will become an heirloom item that the family holds on to for the next child - or even passes along through the family. Of course since I make mobiles most of my friends want a little mobile so they usually get something like my 2 lovebirds mobile or little raincloud, both of which are perfect for over the changing table or placed in a corner of the room by a rocker where you will spend lots of time! If I don't know the sex of the baby I will usually give this, since everyone needs a little rainbow in their life:

Dreamy Rainbow Mobile by baby Jives $49

Some other items which I love are the handmade wooden teethers rattles like this one by Smiling Tree Toys, handmade by parents using organic wood so your baby is set to rock, rattle and chew to their hearts content.


Organic Guitar Rattle by Smiling Tree Toys $26 via 20BestTwenty

Another great idea is a handmade growth chart to measure how quickly that little person will grow. I love this one by Love From Nora featuring Vintage VW buses handmade from felt and personalized with your little ones' name (if you know it).

VW Bus Growth Chart by LovefromNora $52 via Etsy

Years later we still use some of our favorite handmade items on a daily basis, like the knit blanket my friend made for my son and the wooden chair that my dad made for me is now my son's favorite place to sit and of course my son says good morning to his bird mobile every day. So what about you - what is your favorite baby shower gift to give?

A year in review or how I got to be one year older

2011-06-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday. I am not going to tell you how old I am but let's just say I am easing into my mid-thirties. I have to admit that for some reason the thought of my birthday kind of depressed me this year. I don't know exactly why - maybe it's the fact that I have been struggling with a bunch of teeth issues which makes me feel like, "Gawd my body is not what it used to be" or maybe it's the fact that at my age my mother had 3 kids - one of whom was almost 10 (that's me). Whatever it was I thought that I would take this day to look back a little on the past year and see how much I have accomplished to get rid of a little bit of that "Whoa is me - I am old" feeling and replace it with some "Wow is me - I am figuring out life".

Luckily Percy Managed... by Cupcakes and Antlers $5

So I sat down and realized that one of the most amazing things I have done in this past year is to start my own successful home based business. Never did I think last year when I sat down around this same time to start dreaming up my business that I would have been crossing the threshold of almost 200 sales less than a year later! When I think of how successful my little dream of making mobiles as artworks has been I am humbled. I am so thankful to be creating a product I am inspired to make and sending it out into the world with love so that it can be enjoyed by some many other people all around the world. I feel blessed to be able to stay home with my son and run my business from the playground and during nap times (although I am getting to the point where he is going to have to start sleeping more or I am going to need to stop sleeping at all). I love being part of a lively community of independent makers and dreamers who inspire me constantly with their commitment to filling the world with handmade goodness, not mass produced nonsense.

Breath & Smile by the Wheatfield $15

When I realized how lucky I am to be making a living doing what I love and raising both my family and continuing my creative endeavors, that depression started to slip away. I also got a book about holistically transforming your teeth to start giving my body the same attention that my dreams have gotten this year. So I look forward to seeing what other amazing things this year will bring and move into my mid-thirties with a hopeful outlook again.

And to celebrate I am offering free shipping on all purchases at Baby Jives in the US until 6/22- just enter the coupon code "LetEmEatCake" at the checkout and celebrate with me!

Love is in the air

2011-06-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

This summer it seems like we are planning most of our vacations around weddings. It's the season for the roses to bloom and love to be declared among the birds and the bees. So as we are planning out our travel I am also planning out my shopping list of some wonderful gifts I could get these lucky couples. My husband and I were married pretty young so our wedding registry was somewhat standard, we went to Crate and Barrel and Macys and registered for way too many kitchen implements. I mean when was the last time I actually used my mini cupcake pans and domed cake server. Umm, never!

The gifts that I ended up loving the most from our wedding were the handmade items that people selected for us from artists they knew of. We have a handmade cutting board that I use almost every day with delight, a set of thrown ceramic nesting bowls that I use for serving up some beautiful meals, and a hand bound leather album that I have our wedding photographs in. These are the things that years later I truly treasure. So now whenever I get invited to a wedding I take a look at the registry to get an idea of the couples taste and color sense and then I go and get them a wonderful handmade gift instead. I've never had any complaints and many folks tell me years after their wedding that our gift was one of their faves. So here are a few ideas that I have for my friends getting married this summer...

AHeirloom's Vermont Plyboo Cutting Board, $40 found via 20best20

Two of my friends are getting married in Vermont this summer so I thought this would be a perfect gift to celebrate their union there. A Heirloom also makes boards for all 50 states so they have you covered for a celebration anywhere.

Brookish's LOVE dishtowel, $11 found via 20best20

And this dishtowel could even make doing your dirty work an act of love - or at least remind you that you LOVE is always there to help you out!

Steel Ribbon's Metal Handbag Magazine Rack, $45 found via 20best20

Another couple is a fan of modern design and reads far too many magazines so I think a perfect gift for them might be this playfully elegant magazine rack by Steel Ribbon.

baby Jives' Lovebirds Mobile, $70

And last but not least one of my friends is getting a pair of kissing lovebirds from me to hang in their home. They were actually the couple who were partly responsible for inspiring this design after a visit with them when they just couldn't stop cuddling and I jokingly called them smitten lovebirds. So they are getting a little sculpture to hang in their home to celebrate their love.

There are lots more fabulous handmade gift ideas out there to discover at places like Etsy and 20best20 or your local crafty gallery. So don't just buy some bowls from a big box store for your friends, buy them handmade one of a kind bowls made by an independent artisan that they will treasure for years to come.

Dad deserves the best

2011-05-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Father's Day is fast approaching and in order to not get stuck holding out a bag of coffee bought around the corner (which is what I did last year, bad Mommy!) I am starting my shopping now. As a maker of handmade objects I appreciate how much cooler the gift that doesn't exist in mass quantities on the shelf of your local superstore can be. I always try to give a gift that is made by a small business when I can; I just have to plan for shipping time - although sites like Etsy do have the shop local search function which means I can search people near me and get things faster while also supporting my immediate local community.

I don't know about you but shopping for my guy can be hard. He is not corporate so a tie doesn't appeal to him, he actually wears a t-shirt to work most days so a "dressy" t is one of my top options.


DNA Tshirt by NonFiction Tees $18. via 20 Best Twenty

He does love his coffee too, so maybe instead of just a bag of beans from our local roaster, I will try this year to get him an awesome handmade mug this year as well. I love this little owl cup from Mie Kongo, it's like a little sculpture you get to drink out of.

Owl Cup by Mie Kongo $23.

Like many guys out there, he also likes his technology and we just got a brand new 13" MacBook so a handmade but manly sleeve might help protect it when it gets tossed into his messenger bag. This option by Fern Fiddlehead has an understated elegance that I know would appeal to him.

13" Laptop Case by Fern Fiddlehead $24. via 20 Best Twenty

Anyway you cut it I know that this list of goods made by individual makers will have a much larger impact than anything I could order off of Amazon. So I am making a choice and ordering soon to make sure that this year in addition to his handmade card he get a little something especially for him because Dad does work hard. So what are you going to get your man this year?

Art Star Craft Bazaar

2011-05-14T03:56:00.000-07:00

So I am up early and we are packing up the car to head down to Penn's Landing Great Plaza for Art Star Craft Bazaar. I will be pedaling my magical mobiles and a few new items like my necklaces under tent #41 for Baby Jives. If you are in the area come by and see me - here's the info for the event. Now off to fill this tent with magical mobiles!

Shared Studio

2011-05-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

Like many Etsy sellers I started my business so I could work from home while raising my son. That means many days my work time is limited to naptime and after bedtime but as my business gets busier I am finding I need to squeeze studio time and little man time into the same space. Literally, my studio is becoming his play area and it's actually pretty fun to have Gavril in there with me. So I thought it I would show you around the scenes in my studio and give you an inside glimpse to my business.

Where the magic happens - my Bernina Record

Gavril's driveway / my fabric shelves


piles of dragonflies and butterflies

Ok, I guess these are more of studio vignettes because if I showed you what my real studio looked like your jaw would drop in horror - it's a mess! Sharing a space with all my fabrics and my son is not ideal. He really needs to get a little bit of his own space in there so I have been daydreaming about the perfect studio for both of us. For him it would include this:


The deskhouse by Nine to Nine, found via TwentyBest20

and for me it would include this:

Alphabet Drawers by Kent and London found via TwentyBest20

Mother, there is no other

2011-05-03T05:38:00.000-07:00

Grandma helping our little guy on his path

I sometimes think about what my life would be like without my mother being a convenient 45 minute drive away and I have come to the conclusion that it would most definitely SUCK! She does so much to help me in my week and having her nearby as we raise our son means that he gets to have this amazing relationship with her. Little man loves going to Grandma and Grandpa's house, it is his vacation spot of choice. She takes my son once a week for an overnight so I can get 36 hours of uninterrupted work time in the studio and squeeze in a weekly date night with my hubby - I know, boy am I LUCKY! She also sits down with me and talks about motherhood, researched articles on food allergies when I was having issues with my breastmilk, sends me links to sites about child development (not pushily, helpfully), and is always there for a good laugh.

My mother also gave me an amazing gift when I was growing up - the freedom to pursue my own path. My mother (and father, he's great too) never pushed me to pursue her goals. She always encouraged my own interests: enrolling me in the art classes I wanted, taking me to soccer practice which I loved, even letting me choose to go to an all Arts college when the time came. My mother never hounded me about homework or what extra curricular activities I was going to choose, instead she would ask about my life and let me share what I was interested in. Even when I got a D in Latin because I figured it was a dead language and why bother learning it, she didn't get mad she simply asked what language I would rather study and told me to pursue that instead (which solved the D - always got A's in Spanish and still use it to this day). I also believe that without my mother I would not have had the confidence to start my own business and pursue a dream. She is my biggest cheerleader in this whole venture and when told me the other night how proud she was of how I have realized my vision it was one of the my best moments yet.

So this week I wanted to say thank you to my mother for helping me keep sanity in my life and allowing me the freedom to pursue my own path - there is no other! Without her my growing empire would not be possible.

How about you - what makes your mother equal to no other?
I would love to hear your stories!

A little home for here

2011-04-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

I think it may be the fact that spring is finally here but somehow I am stuck on the idea of a nice neat house, which mine is NOT! So I am embarking on a virtual spring cleaning - meaning I found nice things that I would love to bring into my home to impart a little more order into my chaos. I don't have the time to clean up yet since I am getting ready for my booth at Art Star Craft Bazaar in 2 weeks but after the show maybe I will reward myself with a clean house and a new goodie to help keep me organized and comfy. Here's a few of my ideas...


Wolf Den Coat Rack by Cantilever and Press $245


Animal Index by Charles and Marie, $27


Log Pile Cushion by Roddy and Ginger, $40

So now I need to go clean my house so I can get myself a nice little reward to spruce it back up again.
Items found via 20 Best Twenty

Butterflies to wear

2011-04-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

A butterfly I can wear...

Did I ever tell you I used to be a jeweler? Well, in a previous life I made things to wear and lately as I sit surrounded by piles of lovely butterflies I find myself picking them up and wanting to wear them. So this week I gave myself a sliver of free time to play and presto - a new necklace for myself. I am loving it, especially since it weighs absolutely nothing, is made from the softest jersey, and I can throw it on with one of my plain shirts and make any outfit into something special. I am working on a little collection of them for the Art Star Bazaar next month - something fun for the ladies to buy for themselves. So what do you think?

Mama wants...

2011-04-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is fast approaching and I thought it would be nice if I assembled a collection of things that would make me happy. This way my husband can avoid the stress of having to look for a present for me - aren't I thoughtful? I mean he has enough to do in his day without worry about what I want as a little gift - so honey here are a few hints....

Shut the Front Door Coffee Cozy by Knot Workshop, $15

Love Boat Nautical Striped Purse by Ruche, $49

Ms. Peacock Earrings by This Ilk, $35


Custom Silhouette Necklace by Le Papier Studio via the Silly Wagon, $31

all found via 20 Best Twenty

Nice 'a meet you!

2011-04-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to make a video for a while now to show people how my mobiles move and tell you a little more about my work but I was avoiding doing so because I knew that I would need to get up in front of a camera and talk to do so. So please watch the mobiles and pay no attention to the woman awkwardly fussing with her hair.

BONUS: If you watch it all the way through you get a sneak peek of something new that will be in the shop next month.... So grab your kid and watch some YouTube. It won't be as flashy as that video about "lots and lots of firetrucks" (parents you know what I am talking about) but i think you may enjoy it!

Wowza, I am a Babble Top 50 Etsy Baby Shop!

2011-03-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

So today I get to share some pretty awesome news with you: I have been selected as a Babble top 50 Etsy Baby Shop! I am completely honored to be selected along with the other 50 talented Etsy sellers who create amazing handmade items for kids. If you haven't seen it visit Babble and take a look at the Babble Top 50 Etsy Baby Shops. I have already found some wonderful folks that I didn't know about including the store Apericots where I bought a fantastically cute shirt for my little guy.

Ps. this is why I did that photo shoot although I wish I had sent them a different shot - this one just seems a little smug...oh well, you know I'm just a big goof!

Spring in my Studio

2011-03-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

It's almost Spring!!! I am so excited and can't wait to be back in my garden running around with my son and planting new flowers. In anticipation I have designed another new mobile this spring featuring my favorite fluttering friends - butterflies! I've had them posted in the shop for a few weeks now but am just now getting to posting pictures of them here. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do - I even did a little photo shoot with them and it felt like Spring had finally arrived!

Valentine's Day Felt Cookies Tutorial

2011-01-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

A finished plate of cookies for someone sweet in my life

My son is a winter baby and his birthday is fast approaching so this year after the rush of Christmas I actually have a little free time to make something besides mobiles. The result: new playfood for my little sweetheart.

Since I am still running high on the holiday spirit I figured I would also share a tutorial with everyone so you can stitch up a batch of lovely valentine cookies for someone sweet in your life too. This is a super easy tutorial that only uses a running stitch. If you don't know what it is here is a link to a tutorial by Wendi Gratz showing her doing a running stitch (that is the stitch that you teach kids with lacing boards, really!).

So here is what you will need:

1 piece of red or dark pink colored felt
2 pieces of oatmeal or tan colored felt (I got mine from Etsy)
light pink embroidery floss
polyfill
pattern making paper or tracing paper
pinking shears
regular shears
embroidery needle (not shown above - oops!)
sewing pins (not shown above - oops!)

Let's get started:

1. Fold your pattern paper or tracing paper in half and cut out half a heart. Think back to making valentines in 2nd Grade - you know how to do this!

2. Pin your heart pattern onto your red felt and cut around the edges of the heart with your regular shears.

3. Pin your heart pattern on top of your 2 pieces of tan felt which you have stacked and cut around the edges of the heart with your pinking shears. Follow the edge, don't cut into the paper.

4. Separate your tan felt pieces and fold 1 piece in half along the center line. Cut a smaller heart into this piece to create a hollow center (see photo below of finished pieces).

Now you have all your pieces cut out and you are ready to start stitching. I did this all by hand but if you are in a hurry you could do this on your sewing machine instead, you just won't get the nice embroidery detailing.

5. Pin your top cookie piece to your middle red heart layer and pull your embroidery floss through from the red piece up through the tan piece so that the knot will be under the red (and won't show). Now sew around the edge of the heart window with a running stitch (see this tutorial for refresher).

6. Once you are done it should look like this. Now get your other cookie piece (the one without a heart cut into it) and place it beneath and pin all three layers together.

7. With all 3 layer pinned together - start a new length of embroidery thread from under the red layer and pull through to the front tan piece so your knot will be hidden inside the cookie. Sew all three layers together with a running stitch around the edge approximately 1/4 inch from the edge.

8. When you are a few inches from where you started your stitch at the center take a little bit of polyfill (one small handful worth) and place it in the heart. Then continue your running stitch around the remainder of the edge.

9. Wrap the thread around your needle and pull the needle through to make a knot. Then pull the knot into the heart and clip the thread so it will not be seen.

You are done! You now have a beautiful heart cookie to share with someone special in your life.

Dragonflies dream of spring

2011-01-13T11:27:00.000-08:00

And here is the answer to the question - dragonflies! This mobile was made while dreaming of lazy days spent laying under a willow tree with dragonflies flitting above. It is sure to enchant anyone in your life as it will bring a breeze of springtime magic into your room. My newest mobile design is now up and listed in my shop.

Something new is getting ready to fly into the shop

2011-01-11T08:26:00.001-08:00

A sneak peek of something new that is about to take flight later this week. Can you guess what they are?

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New Years Resolutions, Hello 2011

2010-12-31T06:53:00.000-08:00

Every year I stop and reflect on all that has happened and all that I want to make happen in the New Year. My ritual has evolved over the years, I used to write a single sentence to myself with a resolution that I wanted to keep, such as "fit into jeans from 5 years ago" which never seemed to happen.

Now that we have a little guy we choose to stay in on New Year's Eve. Honestly I never really cared for going out and celebrating with everyone, although I do love the fireworks that Philadelphia puts on at midnight, but I don't love the drunken guys shouting in my ears or the frigid night air. So I take New Years eve as a moment to settle in with a nice pot of tea and 2 sheets of paper. One is to write a letter to my little guy about all the things that have happened in the past year. We are only on year 2 of this tradition but I hope to carry this through as something that I can give to my son when he is older.

The other sheet is to write a letter to myself about all the things I want to accomplish in my New Year. Last year that included starting my own business so I could continue to stay home with my son. This year this happened and so my new letter will have to include new goals and hopes for this coming year. I never place any time constraints but I find that at the end of each year the things which I have written down have almost always come to pass. The simple intention of setting my place for the new year makes these things stay with me and happen.

This year I think my letter will start off with some more business plans and some personal plans as well like a nice vacation to europe and maybe another little person in our life....so tonight I will be dreaming and kissing my sweetheart a midnight.

What are your New Year's dreams?

Lovebird steals a kiss by Baby Jives

Holly Day Silhouette Ornament

2010-12-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

When I was a penniless art student I started a holiday tradition with my family and friends. Each year I would create a handmade ornament for all the special people in my life as a way to celebrate and remember that year. Now every year I love more than anything taking out those ornaments that I have created myself and collected from other artists over the years and decking out my tree with memories.

This year I am adding one more memory to my tree, a silhouette of our little guy - and I may not want to put this one away come January...or February...or March. I've made one for our tree and then one for each of the grandparents because I know they'd love to hang one on their trees too.

Now go take a profile shot of someone special in your life and follow along with me to create a wonderful holiday memory....

Step 1. Take a photograph of your someone special in profile and if you can include a little bit of their eyelashes it will be perfect. Print it out - mine was approximately 3 inches tall - then glue your image down to a piece of black cardstock and use your exacto knife to cut around the image as shown above and then curve the bottom to finish. You can remove the photo if you didn't use too much glue or simply flip the image over and use the other side to display.

Step 2. Cut an oval out of medium weight cardstock. I actually used an empty breakfast bar box (which my son is addicted to, a memory for this year) but you could use decorative cardstock for something fancier.

Step 3. Create your scalloped base for the ornament. Lay your image and the oval you have cut out on a piece of cardstock and draw a scalloped edge around the oval. I love the imperfection of a handmade edge - just go for it. Then cut out the edge with an exacto blade.

Step 4. You are almost done! Glue down your profile to the oval and the oval edging (if you made one) then down to your scalloped base. Now take a micro-hole punch and punch a hole in the center of each scallop. Then choose a nice piece of ribbon, embroidery floss, or yarn (my choice) and weave it through. Finally tie a knot in the top and you are ready to hang your new memory on your tree.

Enjoy, this is part of the Holly Day Blog Hop from Etsy Moms - leave a comment on this post and read below to find out how you can win a basket full of goodies from Etsy Moms!

And now continue on the Holly Day blog hop with a post from Baby Swank...

Etsy Mom Holly Day Blog Hop

2010-12-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

Check out all of the fabulous holiday-themed projects, gift ideas, and more from our wonderful EtsyMom Blog Hop Contributors from around the world!!

www.crazyadorable.blogspot.com/
http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net

www.signature-sterling.blogspot.com/
www.allyouneeddesigns.blogspot.com/
www.tctliebel.typepad.com
http://rikrakstudio.blogspot.com
www.singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/
http://camelotstreasures.blogspot.com
www.homemadebyamanda.blogspot.com/
www.annavirginiafashion.blogspot.com/
www.mylavenderave.blogspot.com/
www.babyjives.blogspot.com
www.babyswank.blogspot.com/
www.babysindulgencebyjocelyn.blogspot.com/
www.handmadewhimzy.blogspot.com/
www.katekatenyc.blogspot.com

www.caramagic.blogspot.com/
www.onlyterrastreasures.blogspot.com/
www.silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com
www.quirefly.blogspot.com
www.cinnamonspicecrafts.blogspot.com/
www.handprintlady.blogspot.com

Here's how it works:
1. Hop through each of the blogs listed above to get fabulous holiday inspiration and leave a comment. If you are starting at a blog in the middle of the Hop, start back at the EtsyMom Blog. You may have to scroll down a bit on the blogs to find the Blog Hop posts as the week progresses.
2. Leave a comment on the EtsyMom Blog post between now and December 11, 2010.
3. Enter to win our giveaway by doing any of the following. For each thing you do, you will be entered into the drawing one more time:

~Leave a comment on the EtsyMom Blog post between now and December 11, 2010.
~Leave a comment on the Holly Day Blog Hop posts for any of the blogs listed above between Dec 5 and Dec 11, 2010.
~Join the EtsyMom Blog email list (fill out the form in the right hand column).
~Become a follower of the EtsyMom Blog! Just click the "Follow" button in the lower right column.
~"Like" the EtsyMom Facebook Page.

Share about this Blog Hop on your own blog, posting a link to this page.

Share about this Blog Hop on Facebook, posting a link to this page.

Share about this Blog Hop on a message board or forum, posting a link to this page.

To let us know you've done these things, please come back to the EtsyMom Blog post and leave a comment for each thing you did.
Sorry - you cannot enter the giveaway here on my blog.

On December 11, 2010 we'll choose a winner using the Random Integer Generator from random.org. The winner will receive this super sweet gift basket full of handmade holiday goodies, including:

a pair of Turquoise Earrings from
http://www.stoneymistdesign.etsy.com/

a greeting card from
http://www.homemadebyamanda.etsy.com/

a lampwork bead bracelet by
http://handmadewhimzy.etsy.com/

sterling silver and Swarovski pearl/crystal holiday earrings by

http://www.etsy.com/shop/signaturesterling

a cream colored cotton scarf given by
http://www.zoegirldesigns.etsy.com/

a raincloud ornament from
http://www.etsy.com/shop/babyjives

a matching splat mat and baby bib from
http://www.babysindulgence.etsy.com/

two pair of earrings from
http://quirefly.etsy.com/

a gift pack of over 30 pages of vintage paper ephemera by
http://www.etsy.com/shop/countrychiccottage

a lovely sustainable stocking from
http://www.rikrak.etsy.com/

a set of holly jolly gift tags from
http://cinnamonspice.etsy.com/

a set of toddler pajamas in a style of the winner's choice from
http://heatheregley.etsy.com/

a $15 gift certificate from
http://camelotstreasures.etsy.com/

A gift certificate from
http://babyswank.etsy.com/

A Custom copper heart necklace from
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ct2designs

A Crafty Handmade Holiday

2010-11-30T20:10:00.000-08:00

This post is part of the series A Crafty Holiday put together by Angela of the Artists House where bloggers have been posting about what and why they are doing for a handmade holiday. You can see a great post from yesterday by Gina Hief and tomorrow visit Three Ravens for more.

Now here's my story....
I can no longer sit on my sofa. It’s not that I don’t want to, I am no longer allowed to - my son has turned it into a freeway inhabited by his fleet of cars and trucks. I don’t think I have actually purchased a single matchbox car or tonka truck, even though we have over 30. I am grateful for the gifts but coming downstairs every morning to a house full of STUFF makes me feel claustraphobic. So this year the only things I am bringing into my life are the things that bring me joy. What can make me smile when I step on it the morning? A handmade toy - something made with love and attention to detail that is lacking in mass produced items.

Here are a few things I would love to get for the little guy in my life:
1. Baby Deck Chair by Board Games
2. Toy Boats by Friendly Faries
3. Shinkansen Bullet Train Shirt by Namu
4. Robot Blocks Toy Set by Woodmouse

When I buy handmade I know that I am supporting someone who loves what they do. Somehow when my house is littered with handmade toys I do not feel claustrophobic, instead I feel like my life is filled with cheerful clutter. I smile when I pick up my sons handmade wooden boats and place them back by the bathtub. I enjoy dusting off the artwork I have accumulated through the years. I relish washing the ceramic mugs my hubby and I drink out of every morning - we each have our favorite handmade one (well maybe relish is a bit strong, but you catch my drift).

And for my bigger guy some fun things:
1. Computer Terminal Retro 80s Fridge Magnet by Moddy Boy 80
2. Bear Cup by Mie Kongo
3. Repurposed wooden clock portable amp/ipod speaker by Rdallum
4. Dewey the Itty Bitty Robot Embroidery by Naomi Cayne

I will also admit that buying handmade is a little bit of a selfish act – because I know that no one else is going to be giving my gift. I am going to stand out as the thoughtful gifter who sought out that amazingly unique item for someone I loved. So I hope you all have a wonderful handmade holiday - what would you like to find in your stocking?

ps. Santa, if you are reading this - here are a few hints for me - I've been a very good girl this year!

1. Joy Print by The Wheatfield

2. Bright Turquoise Handwoven Kitchen Towel by Nutfield Weaver

3. Gigantor Mothra 4 Necklace by My Selvaged Life

4. Silver Orchid Dangle Hoop by Blonde Chick

A Woodland Wonderland Mural for Samantha

2010-11-30T07:16:00.000-08:00

After the tofurkey was done and the presents were bought on Etsy, Joe and I geared up to paint a mural for a very special little girl here in Philadelphia. So after 2 days of hard work I am excited to present to you the final pictures from Samantha's Woodland Wonderland. Filled with little animal families, this mural got the seal of approval from Samantha when she toddled into the room and started going around with a huge smile saying "Mommy - Babeee" and petting all her new friends.

A woodland wonderland mural

2010-11-24T16:52:00.000-08:00

I have been neglecting the blog because I have been blessed with lots of work lately. I am currently getting ready to start two murals here in Philadelphia for private clients and I wanted to share an image of one with you today. So without further ado I give you the design for Samantha's Woodland Wonderland. The client really wanted to feature animal families so there are lots of little pairings. The best part was when I showed the mural design to Samantha (who is not yet 2) she pointed to the animals and said "baby...mama" over and over with a huge grin. Now that's why I do this! The painting will start this week and then I will post some pictures of the completed project.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Psst, I am having my first sale at the Baby Jives store - starting tomorrow, 11/25 at 4pm all ready-made mobiles will be 10% off and there will be free shipping on select items. The sale runs until 11/29 at 11pm.

A little bird told me - a Giveaway starts today!

2010-11-18T11:14:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let you know that I am doing a Giveaway this week on the blog City of Dionne. Visit the post and leave a comment letting me know which colors you would love to see in my shop and you may win a custom "a little bird told me" single bird on a branch. The winners will be posted next week on her blog - so check back in.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

2010-11-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, there are some days when getting your child to eat vegetables can be a bit challenging. I'll admit somedays I count Gavril consuming veggie Pirate Booty as eating his greens. My kid, like most, is a carb-o-holic and would pretty much consume crackers all day if I would let him. That's why I love making muffins. They are the perfect place to hide his vegetables - or supplement if he's having one of those days where he will gladly eat his broccoli, avocado, and carrots (he does actually eat them).

Here are the muffins I tend to make once fall hits and little man loves to help me cook them - he gets to do the flour and spices. This is a recipe that I adapted from Quick Vegetarian Pleasures by Jeanne Lemlin. I would guess that each muffin has about the equivalent of 3 tbsps of pumpkin, not bad. I have even tried them with a cup of shredded carrots or zucchini mixed in - up the veggies and the yum quotient.

Have fun cooking - we did!

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

1 cup unbleached flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsps cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 large egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans
1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
1 cup shredded zucchini or carrots (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 18 muffin tins with paper liners or grease. Then combine flours, spices, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside. Beat egg in a medium bowl then mix in brown sugar, then pumpkin puree, oil and milk until well combined. Add shredded zucchini or carrots if using.

Mix the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not over mix - this will cause your muffins to lose their tenderness. Stir in the pecans and raisins or chocolate.

Divide mixture into muffin cups and then bake for 15-17 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. These also freeze well so you can keep on hand for a daily snack. Happy Baking!

It's Raining on Ohdeedoh

2010-11-07T17:29:00.000-08:00

I was cruising around the web tonight and found out that Ohdeedoh did a nice little post featuring Rainclouds on Etsy and mentioned my raincloud mobiles. You can see mine and the rest of the wonderful bunch here on Ohdeedoh

Happy Halloween - DIY little Engineer and his Train Costume

2010-10-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

Since little man is obsessed with trains and really does engineer everything in our lives, we figured this costume was perfect for this year. We even went to a Halloween parade last night and got our picture taken by a local newspaper - I guess DIY does stand out even with all the fancy costumes sold at Target nowadays.

It was a ridiculously easy DIY - all I had to make was a little red bandana (you could even buy one) and then we had the overalls, train hat and blue thermal. Then I drew out the engine and caboose onto a sheet of cardboard for Daddy to cut out and paint (since I was too busy with lots of orders this week), we punched some holes and strung it around our necks. And voila - the train is ready to hit the tracks for collecting treats tonight. Little man got an early start with a lollipop this morning.

And as an added bonus little man was already "driving" his trains around the house today, he got the engine and put it around his neck and then choo-chooed through our downstairs. So he even has a new toy.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Giving Thanks

2010-10-19T05:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been a little out of touch lately - between running the business which is really starting to take off and running after the munchkin I am finding my days FULL!!!! It is full of wonderful stuff and I feel blessed to be doing both, but it is full nonetheless.

It's also had me thinking a lot about how often we give thanks. In my daily life I find I am often too busy worrying about the little details to stop and focus on what is truly important - being thankful for all those little details. So today I am giving thanks.

I am thankful for the people in my life who support me: my husband who wakes up 1/2 hour before me to get my son so I can sleep a little longer in the morning and who does so much to make my life happier, my parents who taught me that I need to make my own decisions and have supported me in every choice I've ever made - good and bad, my sister who always tell me the truth and makes me laugh with hilarious pictures of her dog dressed up as santa claus or a police officer (his halloween costume last year). I am thankful for all the other families in our lives who have become a second family to ours. I am thankful for the wonderful neighbors in my life who we stop and talk with on a daily basis and who make living in our home a genuine pleasure. I am thankful for the people who have chosen to buy my artwork and mobiles thereby allowing me the freedom and time to stay home with my son full-time. I am thankful for the blessings in my life and for the opportunities that are given to me. I am also thankful for all the hardships in my life that allow me to understand that life is not always easy and which have helped me to develop empathy and understanding.

"More than Enough" by Jahjehan Bath Ives (aka me)

This just a little bit of what I am thankful for today in my life.

What are you thankful for in your life?

Just Breathe

2010-10-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

So I am resting up a bit after my first craft show this weekend at the Highlands Mansion in Fort Washington, PA. I am working on a bunch of custom orders and so this week I will simply post a link to the lovely treasury I created called Just Breathe...take a look and enjoy.

2010-09-27T14:14:00.001-07:00

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Mondays without little man

2010-09-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

So the past few Mondays little man has been sent up the river to stay with Grandma and Grandpa - overnight! I've been really busy getting ready for my first craft show and my parents offered to do this to help me out. It's been so wonderful of my parents to take him and I am completely grateful that he has such comfort and trust with them that he will willingly stay there without us and have a wonderful time.

So this is simply a post to say thank you. Thank you to all the grandparents out there who give their time, hearts, and energy to making our jobs as parents a little easier. We love you!

Fall is almost here

2010-09-22T11:35:00.000-07:00


Little man and Daddy trick or treating at Urban Outfitters

Fall is almost here and I am getting excited to make little man's Halloween costume for this year. Last year I think I was still adjusting to the sleep deprived nature of being a mom so the only thing I managed to crank out was a jack-o-lantern trick or treat bag made from an orange cotton Urban Outfitters bag (thanks to Joe!). Oh and I sewed a little red heart onto Gavril's skeleton sweats with his little black Converse sneaks. Doesn't he look like one of the bullies from the Karate Kid movie?

This year little man is all about trains so I think an engineer costume is in order. He has the perfect little striped overalls with a little bandana and then I think I am going to make him an "oil-can" trick or treat bag out of felt and a little engineer's hat. Then I am thinking of making some sort of shirts for Joe and I with trains on them so we'll his vehicles... We'll see how much I can get done, I do get a little break after the Highlands Craft Show.

See more musings by other bloggers on fall at Scoutie Girl

Goldfish swim along merrily and hum a happy tune

2010-09-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

So little man has been up at Grandma and Grandpa's house since yesterday enabling me to get a lot of stuff done in the studio. I have been thinking of a new mobile for a while featuring everyone's first pet - the goldfish. So two days later I have a new mobile design and some photographs to share. Now I must get back to work because I am getting ready for my first craft show in less than two weeks at the Highlands Mansion in Ft Washington. If you are in the area come and see me - here's a link for more info and a $1 off coupon for admission http://www.highlandshistorical.org/craft.html

Rainbarrels can be beautiful

2010-09-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

So I wanted to share little side project that I just finished last weekend - a painted rain barrel for the Manayunk Eco Arts Festival which will take place the weekend of September 25th. You can get more info about the festival here http://www.manayunk.com/play/special-events/manayunk-arts-festival-maf

I was inspired by the canal which runs through Manayunk to make frogs leap and lily pads float across my barrel and the beautiful weather we had provided the perfect excuse to paint outside. Here are two pics which I took quickly before I delivered the barrel. The best part is that after the festival I get to keep the barrel and install it to collect rainwater for my garden! Unless someone wants to buy it - then I'll totally sell it...and make another for me.

Fish are swimming around

2010-08-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

So I am on a mobile designing binge. Since it's summer and most people are traveling and not thinking about making large paintings in their kids rooms, I thought I'd put some free time to use making some new mobile designs. I also think I was inspired by the many trips to places with water we have been taking this summer in my new design. Gavril also is fascinated by fish whenever we see them so it was a natural next design. So I present to you - the fish mobile! Locally I've got some at the Nesting House and virtually I am getting them photographed and posted to the new esty shop, asap. I am still trying to decide whether they should have eyes or not. Thoughts...

My shop on Etsy is finally "open"

2010-07-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

So it's a small start with only a few items but I am making new stuff and adding it as soon as I can. Until then please check out my new shop on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/babyjives

The Nesting House is done!!!

2010-05-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

So after three days of hard work Joe and I finished the mural at the Nesting House. We documented the process as we went along ... when we had a moment to pick up something besides a paint brush. So here goes

Day One

Day Two

Day Three - Finished

The Nesting House begins

2010-05-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

We are starting a new mural at the Nesting House in Mount Airy, PA. We start painting this weekend ...more pictures to be posted then. Until then enjoy our rendering - we'll see how things change as it goes on the wall.

The Nesting House is a wonderful new space started by Jen Kinka and Meredith Jacoby, two local moms. The store will carry cloth diapers, kids clothes, baby gear, and toys(both new and gently used), and handmade items (I'll be making a few bird mobiles for them).

Here's who they are in their own words, "The Nesting House is a unique retail store offering a variety of high-quality new and gently used items geared towards the needs of newborn and toddlers. The Nesting House aims to uphold a mission of social and environmental stewardship by supporting small business artisans, selling only non-toxic, fair trade new items and by helping to encourage the general public to purchase recycled goods whenever possible. In addition to our retail, we are proud to offer a small community space designed for family-centered groups, classes and gatherings." You can see more about them at http://www.thenestinghouse.net/

The website is up!

2010-04-10T11:25:00.001-07:00

I have finally finished the website for Baby Jives Murals. You can visit us at www.babyjives.com to see more mural work and find out how you can get a custom mural painted in your little ones' room.

Accidentally Vegan Banana Muffins

2010-01-04T16:57:00.000-08:00

So this morning I went to make a batch of banana oat bran muffins and I usually tweak any recipe a little bit but this morning distracted by Gavril crawling over to try and open up the dishwasher, I left out the eggs. I didn't notice this until later when I was eating the first of some very yummy banana muffins filled with nice little chunks of banana and missing a lot of sugar and thought they were denser than usual-- more like a dense gooey cake than a muffin. And then I thought, hmmm did I add the eggs? A quick check of my trash can confirmed what my infant addled brain could not - there were no egg shells. I had made accidentally successful and quite delicious vegan banana chunky monkey muffins - as I later dubbed them. They were dense, moist and delicious and with all that banana my husband commented that they almost tasted a bit like eating the batter but without the raw factor. Yummy!

So if you'd like to try them here's my recipe...enjoy and be warned they are pretty addictive. Also check back because they were so sweet that I am thinking I may make a batch without the sugar (even though it was minimal) and just use bananas and applesauce to sweeten them so Gavril can devour them as a healthy no-sugar treat.

Chunky Monkey Bran Muffins

1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oat bran
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) earth's best buttery stick
3/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
2 medium bananas - 1 really brown to mash and 1 spotty brown to slice
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
optional -- add 1/4 cup of chocolate chips, raisins, or coconut if you want

**consider using organic ingredients where you can - it's good for you and the earth**

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line or grease 12 muffin cups.

Combine the whole wheat flour, oat bran, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl. Melt the buttery stick in a small saucepan or in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. In a large bowl mash the really ripe banana and then combine with the melted buttery stick, applesauce, and brown sugar. Then slice the other banana into the bowl - slice into quarters lengthwise then 1/2 inch chunks. Mix this in with a rubber spatula. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and stir until just blended.

Spoon the batter into the muffin cups filling about 3/4 full. Bake for 18 minutes or until lightly golden brown and set - don't over bake and don't worry if it's still a bit moist in the center there are no eggs so you don't have to worry. Cool the muffins in pan for about 10 minutes and then transfer to wire rack.

Gavril's Nursery

2009-12-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

Gavril's Room is featured on my favorite blog - OhdeeDoh. You can see the post about his nursery here .

Drawings of Little Ones

2009-11-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

This past year I have been making drawings for friends and family of their little ones as they turn one. It's been lots of fun and a great way to commemorate that oh so photographed first year. Using a photograph as a source I create the drawing to focus on the face of the baby and then let the rest of the details fade away. Here are a few of my favorites...

Since I am now staying at home with my son Gavril who was born last January I have been doing the artist thing full time (when I'm not being a mom). So this year I am branching out and offering portraits for everyone. So if you have a photograph of your little one (or ones) that you would love to have made into a one of a kind drawing send me an email.

Your photograph will be done in the same style you see here and you can choose either 11 x 14 inches ($100) or 16 x 20 inches ($200) paper size (please note the image will be smaller since the white space is part of the work). If you would like a larger custom size let me know and we can work out the pricing. I can also make high quality prints of the final piece so you have copies for Grandma and Grandpa: 8 x 10 inches ($25) or 11 x 14 inches ($40).

I would love to immortalize your little one for you so email me and let's get started.