Coffee Sleeves

I made this fun coffee sleeve for my Dad. He's a HUGE old school, monster, movie buff. The [hard to find] print has all the classics, the Werewolf, Dracula, Creature, Frankenstein. I searched for months to find this fabric for him. [last year I made him a pillow in this print too]. These are really fun to make and useful! Wrap one around your coffee cup or disposable cup and save some tree's without using a paper sleeve.

Other big news for us.. We will be at Craftin Outlaws 2011!  woo-hoo. This will be Kunklebaby's 5th year at the show. It's one of my favorite of the year, with an awesome fun crowd, and so many talented vendors. If your local, or wanna travel that weekend, come down & see us! Sneak peak for the blog readers: I'll have coffee sleeves with me this year at the show. These make great stocking stuffer, and gifts for friends and family.

Mark your calendars early for October 15th, and stop by and say hello.

Viewfinder

Come see us at VIEWFINDER: this weekend

November 20th and November 21st
11:00am - 7:00pm each day

Junctionview Studio's:

889 Williams Avenue in Grandview Heights, Ohio
Handmade goods. Fine art. Open studios. Yippee!

Get a headstart on all your holiday shopping!

wanna see the Vendor List

The Ohio State Fair

We spent the weekend at the Ohio State Fair. Going to the fair is one of my favorite summer activities. I look forward to it every spring, in eager anticipation. I loved the fair before I had kids, dragged along hubby[who was only boyfriend at the time] several times each year. Now that we have kids, I have a few more people, chanting with me, YAY the fair! While Daddy rolls his eyes and groans. Just like my little brother hates the zoo, Daddy hates going to the fair. He quotes the same reasons, the heat, the walking... I just don't understand! Who hates these thing? Every year we win and go 1-3 times, despite his protest for just ONCE this year. Look at all the fun we had! How could you not want to go back, say today? Hmmm, Dad?

A friendly 7 day old cow wanting to play! He was so cute!

Feeding Goats and a yak [yay] at the petting zoo. Look, they are both smiling!

The happiest baby is the world!

The kids--we fill out the whole board this year with the kids only.


Yellow submarine...nothing to do with the "fair" but so fun!

Baby Unicorn hanging out in the Moby wrap with mama-he slept most of the trip. This year marks his first year at the fair. [and yes, I may enjoy feeding the animals more than my kids-haha]

Yum

We've been on a baking kick for the past few days. Lots of tasty treats being made! Today I'm planning to make & freeze a few batches of baby food for the winter. I made most of Little {L}'s baby food, and I'm hoping to do the same for baby unicorn. It's actually super quick & easy, with the added benefit of avoiding some processed food, and the cost that accompanies them.

We picked up some yummy zucchini's, squash and eggplant at the market last Saturday. Last night, we received our CSA bag from Whole Foods. At first, I wasn't sure how we'd like having this. I'm really picky and wasn't sure how they whole "surprise" aspect would be. With a family full of vegetarians, I thought it couldn't hurt to try, and so far, we are loving it! Lots of fresh, healthy veggies from local Ohio farmers. I think this will actually force us to find new recipes and uses for some of the things in the CSA bags. [which is a good thing]

I'm excited to take advantage of all the seasonal fruit & vegetables. We will have a freezer full of goodies for the baby when he's ready to start eating food this winter!

Independence Day Festival

The festival went great over the weekend. Here's a few pics of my booth space. We had a really nice spot with pretty sunshine filtering in throughout most of the day. This was the only outdoor show, all year that it didn't rain on us. I was SO thankful!!

I got to chat with some awesome former customers, meet some really cool new one's, and talk with some old friends. My favorite moment of the day was playing with a sweet little toddler named, Theo. He has the prettiest little curls in his hair, and an awesome personality.

It was a long, long day, as I arrived about 9:45am and left at 10pm. There was so much going on with vendors checking in, traffic jams and getting the bands, artists and customer, but they pulled if off great[not an easy task]!! Lots of cool stuff to see, lots of fun people to meet.

I even picked up some pretty new blue & green wool yarn. This time, I am actually making something for myself! Yay!

::Sweater Balls and Quilts::

:: Scarves, tote bags and skirts ::

::Center of booth ::

:: More scarves and my mannequin ::

Dancing Dolls Quilt Finished

Some of you might remember when I was working on this quilt a few weeks back. I had finished sewing all the pieces together[using Momo Wonderland fabric] to make the front when I realized it needed....something. I left it in the studio for about 2 weeks unfinished, as I didn't know what to do to finish it. I really liked what I had so far, but I knew it wasn't complete. After setting it aside, I started working on t-shirts, and came across the last few blocks of this great Alexander Henry print with girls from different cultures and/or time periods. PERFECT!

I added 3 blocks to the quilt with different stitches. So happy with the final result! I can't wait until this little creation finds a special girl. It also looks really great hung on the wall as a 3 dimensional art piece.

My dancing dolls quilt is currently available in the Kunklebaby shop.

What I've been working on

It's been a busy week, here at the Kunklebaby studio! I have lots of yummy new quilts, pins and a huge selection of bibs ready to go for the Westerville Art & Music Festival next weekend. If your local, stop on by and say hello. I'll be at booth #W6.

The show runs from 11-7 Saturday and 11-5 Sunday.

New Pins

Quilt tops

Finished little girls quilt-dainty and sweet.

Happy Weekend!

Yay-the weekend has arrived! I don't think I have ever been so happy. It was a long week and I am looking forward to spending some time with my husband. We have the farmers market in the morning and then we are going to go scouting for textiles to upcycle at some yard sales and thrift stores. Which reminds me, I've found some awesome stuff the past few weeks. I need to take a few pictures and show it off here.

I have so much sewing to get done too! {L} is in need of some shorts/pants. Nothing from the store that fits in length, ever fits in his waist. I've given up looking and just make all his pants for now.

I have to get going on my inventory for the Westerville Music & Arts fest. The show is July 11-12, and it's coming up quick and I can't wait to mingle with some new customers and show off my new work. This will be the first time Kunklebaby will be at the event and I am excited!

Here's a glimpse at a piece I am currently working on. The fabric is from the Momo Wonderland line and it's so pretty. Floral with bold colors and shapes, but oh so girlie. -love-

What do you have planned for the weekend?

Eco Chic Is Coming!

Members of Etsy Team Columbus are very excited and proud of the upcoming Eco Chic Craftacular at the Whetstone Community Center on May 16 & 17. Many hours of planning and marketing have gone into this event. With over 50 vendors, live music and delicous food...we feel this will be an unforgetable gathering.

Did you know there will also be FREE workshops going on the entire weekend? Be sure to stop by our information table in the Community Center lobby (beginning the 16th) to pick up a schedule/map for more info. Topics being offered include: rain water harvesting, composting basics, bike maintenance 101, keeping our rivers clean, etc.
Each of the artists and crafters appearing at the Craftacular has been asked to include or incorporate eco-friendly elements in a portion of their wares. You might see canvases colored with soy based paints, creations from recycled or sustainable materials, vintage goods and found/repurposed objects.

In additon to all the above, there will be a daily swag bag giveaway. Be among the first 50 guests to arrive each morning to get your hands on some fab freebies. Here is a list of the possible swag contents in YOUR bag: bubble rings, fabric wallets, postcards, magnets, buttons/ pins, coffee cozies, coupons, gift tags, coasters, patches, erasers, notepads, stickers, ACEOs, recycleable bags, honey (yes honey) and more!

Raffle tickets will also be sold during the Craftacular for $1 each or 6 for $5. If you are a winner, you might end up taking home any of these prizes: original paintings, handbound journal, dyed fabric/ textile art, denim purse, leather "snail" business card holder, embroidered tshirts, fabric totes, goats milk soap & candle, plushies or jewelry.

We hope you will join us as we celebrate creativity and caring for our planet. The support you show these artists is always appreciated and goes a long way towards stimulating the local economy and small businesses.

Many thanks readers and please help us spread the word----let the countdown to all this FABULOUSNESS continue...

I could use your vote

Kunklebaby has has been selected for the Handmade Kid and Baby item poll on the Storque. The winner will be featured on the Etsy blog. Yay! Lots of cute things in the runing!

Please stop by :here: and vote for my Organic Seahorse Bib in Orange.

Thanks!!

Places I've lived...

Great painting from Fauve Bohemian

I have moved around quite a bit in my life. I've been thinking about the different places lately and thought I'd share.

I grew up in a large, old, green house on the West side of Cleveland. We moved to the house when I was in first grade. It was the first house that my parents owned, and we were so excited! It was large and drafty in the morning and downright cold in the winter. My sister and I used to fight about who got to stand in front of the metal heather gratein our dining room, each morning. You had to be careful though, it got so hot that it would burn your legs if you touched it.

I consider this to be my childhood house. We moved out when I was in 8th grade and I was devastated. I missed my friends, my room and the comfort of the large, strange old house that had become my home.

from A Punkin Card Company

Happy Friday!

After a L-O-N-G week, I was struck this afternoon with the need to create something for me. I've been putting off so many projects that I want, and started feeling uninspired to do the others. I've had plans to make a few new throw pillows for awhile. The pillows our couch came with were SO hideous! They have been stored in the attic for 2 years now. I started thinking that they would make a perfect pillow form, for some washable, removable covers.

The last time I made pillows, I cut, sewed, stuffed and sealed them....cut to a week later and the kids had food, marker and god only knows all over them. I decided then, it was the last time I make pillows that cannot be washed-for a house with 3 kids under 5!!

These are paired with upcycled sheets for backing, making the total cost only a few dollars for each!!! They only take about 15 minutes to make also [a good thing because that's about the only time I can find lately]. Below is the back of the larger pillow. When I get a chance, I'll add a few button closures.

Here is one of my brooch's shown by the new pillow and my purse.

New skirts

Colorful, new skirts for Spring/Summer 2009. I am working on a bunch of fun prints for the Eco-Chic show, coming up in May. I've expanded my sizing to include smaller sizes. So if you have a wee one, and have been waiting for them to grow into my sizes, the wait is over...or less, depending on how wee your baby actually is. I have 18m-7 years currently.

If you have a little boy, don't fret. I'm working on some shorts and pants. Look for some handprinted styles, on organic cottons.

I love these blue prints from: SOIRE'E by Lila Tueller

Getting ready for Eco-Chic

Kunklebaby will be at the Eco-Chic Craftacular May 16-17th at the Rec Center located next to the library and Park of Roses in Clintonville.

I have been going crazy trying to prepare for a show, plan a birthday party for the baby, make his presents, make a bridesmaid dress for my daughter and get ready for the Eco-Chic Show. While stressful, I am looking forward to all of them!

I am really excited about the event! The Columbus Etsy Team is hosting it and I've made lots of great friends since joining the group! Plus anything eco-friendly makes me happy!

I've been working on expanding my line to include some more items for the "adults". I have a whole bunch of fabric brooches-pins ready to make their debut at the show. They are really fun to make and allow me not to throw away ANY small fabric pieces! I'm a huge fan of texture and these have tons!

A few will be up for grags in the swag bags that they are giving away to the first customers to the show each day-so get their early and you might just get one for FREE!

I'll also have an assortment of zipper pouches in fun prints using both new and upcycled fabrics. These are in addition to my regular selection of goodies! Enjoy!

{ Cool Stuff! }

Last year at Comfest, I came across a cool tent with all natural wood toys and teethers for babies & toddlers. {L} was just a wee one at the time, but I picked up a teether for the upcoming chew fest.
I LOVE the teether! I feel happy knowing my babe is not chewing on chemical laden plastic toys. We have been replacing a lot of the plastic, electronic, flashing light toys we were given in the past with all natural, handmade goodies.

We now have three things from Amy of Little Alouette. We added a fun wood sword and egg shaker for Christmas this year. The items are all very well made, all natural and very open ended for play. I find myself shaking the egg, cause it's fun...even after the baby has crawled away-lol.


Here is some more info on this cool family run business, based out of Columbus:

"We use certified organic seed oil to finish our product. We also use Ohio Maple when whenever we can-we believe in natural materials that are locally sourced and all our products are made here in Ohio. We love the earth and will not package your items in extra packaging unless you require it." -little alouette


So if your in the market for some cool, safe toys, have a peek at Little Alouette. You'll find excellent craftsmanship and friendly customer service. Amy went out of her way to get me the sword before Christmas. {M} already requested her very own for her next birthday-lol. I think we need one of her wooden animal pull toys next!

{ Coming Soon! }

Pssssttttt......The Kunklebaby Organic Collection is currently in the works. I am very excited to start offering organic choices. The fabric is so soft and luxurious. For my loyal blog followers, a little extra tidbit of information: the organic collection will feature my own handprinted designs. So each piece is a one of a kind creation. I am working hard to unveil several pieces at the same time.

I have been dreaming of incorporating my artwork into Kunklebaby and the Organic Collection is the first step. In 2009, I am hoping to offer some printed work also. My first love was painting. I miss the days of creating late into the evening...and sometimes morning. With my growing family, time to paint has become smaller and smaller. I have so many pieces in my head, just needing to be created and shared with the world.

With a few home renovations we have in the works, I will be getting an actual studio space-just for me!! I'm hoping this allows me to work a bit more in my favorite medium. I hope to be decorating nurseries from textile to the walls.

{ Tiny Canary was a Success }

Thanks to everyone who came out to see us at the Tiny Canary show last weekend. We had a great time! Met some cool crafters and artists, chatted with tons of awesome customers and sold some stuff in between.

We had a new display for the nursing pads and it was a hit. So many people asked about them. Our fun, turkey boob pads even have a new home...they were the hit of the weekend! I had many requests for the labels that read "boob pads" vs the boring "nursing pad set. I think I see a change in the future. Everything we had labelled with "boob pads" sold out at our last two shows.

It was a great show that I hope we can do next year! A special thanks to my mother in law who came into town just to help me out on Saturday.