Made Monday

With the recent start of school, crafting time has slowed a little for now. [It's only temporary!!] With Dylan and Mia both in school and Julian napping several hours each afternoon, I'm finding myself alone.. with ONE kid for several hours a day. That hasn't happened in YEARS. I'm hoping to be able to get some "extra" work done in that block while he paints, or sews along next to me a couple times a week. Just the "idea" of being able to have a few more hours a week with the option of sewing or painting has me giggling with glee.

I made this pillow and chair cushion a few days before school started. I was in my glory-all super stressed about school starting, so cranking out sewing projects left & right. [I go crazy knitting & sewing when I'm anxious or stressed] I actually still need to finish the 2nd seat cushion, but one is better than none. I've had this Amy Butler fabric in my closet for a few years waiting to make it into a handbag, I thought it was time to actually use it.

We picked up these two chairs recently on a thrifting hunt. They were originally destined to be painted immediately. Once I got them home and cleaned them up, I realized they matched our dining table wood color-perfectly. Now I'm not so sure if I'll paint them or let them be. I had imagined a nice crisp white, or bold blue. For now, we are enjoying them in their natural wooden state.

The pillow was made with the leftover scraps from my living room curtains. I'm so into yellow right now. I find it particularly peculiar because I NEVER liked yellow-ever, even as a kid. About 2 years ago, all the sudden yellow was like the long long friend I hadn't even realized I was missing.

What will you be making this week?

Made: Monday

Have you seen Pottery Barn's new Eric Carle line? My kids want all of it, and well... it's just not in the budget right now. I've had this Hungry Caterpillar fabric for a few years. My favorite dress Mia ever owned was made with it. I had told the kids I would stretch some of the fabric I had leftover on stretcher strips and hang them for awhile {till they get bored, or their mama does}. I told them with a promise that I would do it as soon as I picked up some stretcher strips at the store.

In a family of six, with pets, well... things break. often. I have a pile of frames that somehow or other, the glass broke. For about two years now, my husband " was going to buy new glass at the hardware store this weekend". I was looking at them today and decided that's never going to happen! I could make them some new  "artwork" without investing a dime.

To create these you need:

• old frame
• fabric slightly larger than frame size
• (optional) spray paint to change frame color

The first thing to do is decide on the fabric. This is the most fun step. This project would be great for expensive Japanese imports because it uses so little, fat quarters, and anything you might have lying around.
Remove the cardboard backer from the frame and cut the fabric about an inch larger than this piece.

Now carefully tape, or staple the fabric around the backer board. You want to do alternating sides, not one's next to each other. So top first, then bottom, etc with sides. I used tape because it was next to me and I didn't want to go searching for the staple gun {and find out we were outta staples. lol} You want to hold fabric firmly, but don't pull too hard or it will pucker on front.

 Make sure the corners are nice & tidy or it will not fit back in the frame. Add the frame.... and YOUR DONE! See wasn't that easy! Hang up and vacuum every so often if you feel inclined.

I am so in love with the latest Heather Ross line!!Anyone else?  My heart smiles a little every time I see it!

Getting close: Craftin Outlaws

Getting close to Craftin Outlaws! I'm so excited for the show this year! This will be Kunklebaby's 4th year attending the show as a vendor. The vibe of the show is what really makes it fun!

I'm sewing away trying to get ready. I'll have some new quilt designs, new boo-boo packs [so fun & useful], and a whole batch of cool, new bib designs. I'm really excited about all the new pieces, along with some old favorites.

Stop by and shop early for the holiday's. I'll have our newest addition with me for much of the day. While your there, say hello & meet the little guy.

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!

McGurkus

On a recent thrifting trip, we came across this horse. She was missing a mane and her tail consisted on one strand of yarn, connected with it's very last thread. I was so excited about the prospect of fixing her up and giving her a happy new home...then I saw her price, $9.00!!! How could we not take her home? One of the best deals we have found in awhile.

The horse is SOLID wood and super heavy. I had not realized until I had her home and was expecting everything, that she was probably handmade. The pictures don't show it, but the craftsmanship is superb! I can't wait to give her some lovely new hair, and a tail. The kids have been thrilled to play with her as is. Originally, I wanted to paint her, but I was able to get off almost all of the marker she had across her side. The wood is beautiful, so I think she'll stay this color, with some new rainbow colored hair.

The best part is she is sized for the older kids!! {L}'s feet barely pass her neck! A toy that is fun for kids from 1-5 is rare indeed. She was named McGurkus, because everything needs a name! I'll post some pics after her "upgrade".

The Dress

Little Miss {M} has been gently reminding me that she hasn't had a new dress in awhile.

She went so far to start drawing up a few dress idea's to show [inspire] me. When that didn't work I overheard her telling a story to her dolls. The story was about a beautiful little girl, who HATED pants! She told her Mommy & Dad, over and over she ONLY liked dresses and to stop buying pants, shirts, tank tops and shorts because she would not wear them. One day her parents finally understood and threw away every piece of clothing that wasn't a dress....and the little princess lived happily ever after.

I was so charmed by her little story, that I spend Friday night making her a new dress. I've had this one in the to-do pile for quite some time. I used some of my very favorite cotton prints and some linen!

When the last stitch was done, and all the thread cut I held up the dress and wished I could shrink like Alice in Wonderland. I am so in love with this dress that I'd love it to fit me!


The pattern was Modkid's Kyoko Dress. The pattern was super easy to follow! The only thing I would change would be to use french seams on the skirt panel. I didn't think of it until I already had 2 panels finished. Start to finish it only took me a few hours[although the bias tape was already made]

Textiles:
The bias tape was handmade :: Belt fabric is from Lizzy House :: The pears is a Japanese print from Robert Kauffman :: Solid teal is a lovely fresh linen ::

{M} woke up Saturday morning with a huge smile and spent lots of time twirling in her new dress. She asked me if I had even slept at all the previous night, because the dress looked like so much hard work. With a kiss, giant hug and a thank you, the dress was worth a million bucks!

A small peak into my studio

With the studio starting to come together, I'd thought I'd share a glimmer of what's happening inside the Kunklebaby space. I've been working on some colorful new blankets. [I'll debut a bunch of new stuff at the Westerville show next month]

My curtains and a print from Art and Ghosts. I am SO in love with this artist. I have two of her pieces in my studio. Her work is beautiful, very detailed with a dream like quality.

New fabric covered bulletin board.

Quilt pieces--these two are some of my most favorite work so far.

Meow-kitties getting ready for the show. I'll have a whole litter waiting to be adopted at the show. Although if these two don't find new homes, my kids have called dibs already. I found that awesome glass jar at a yard sale for $1! Score!

Buttons and thread. That doll was mine when I was a wee one. It's from either Mexico or El Salvador [I don't remember]. It's cool and I love that I still have it.

My dress form and a print from YumiYumi- another Columbus artist. Her work is awesome and she is so nice too! I got to meet her at Tiny Canary last year.

Bits and pieces on another yard sale find. A Kromex serving tray-made in Cleveland, Ohio, my home town. It was only $2 and still had the cool, vintage box

Some books for inspirations and patterns.

Hope you like getting a peak at my work space. I spend so much time in here, I cannot wait until everything is done!

Presents for Daddy

Over the weekend, my lovely husband turned 30!! He was totally not into his birthday this year. Hitting 30 was a milestone, he would have rather skipped-haha.

I tried to make it special by making all his gifts. The kids made these cool pen holders for him. They are always asking what he has on his desk at work and if he thinks about them while gone. It was a super easy, fun project! The base is empty soup cans that would have gone into the recycle bin. They use a very small amount of fabric and you could even use repurposed fabric with great results and minimal $!

I found the tutorial while browsing through flick a few months back. My children had been playing in the room with me. They happened to look over my shoulder an see the pen holders. {M} immediately said, "I wanna make that for Daddy!! Pleeeease."

So we started saving cans, much to the dismay of family and my husband. He asked several times, "Just how many cans do you think you guys need...to...make stuff?"
He was excited about the finished product when he saw them.
Want to make your own? Check out the easy tutorial "here".

Happy Birthday Mike!! May the next year hold great things for you!

sew-sew-sew

We have been working on some fun new gifts. The kids made these for their grandmother. {D} made an embroidered carrot [above] and a little hand sewn pouch to keep necklaces.

{M} was hard at work on a ladybug. Embroidering with the children is really rewarding. It's something that they can work on for an afternoon and finish. They can draw their own patterns to follow or just do something free hand. Whatever they are in the mood for. I help them thread the needle and with little things along the way, if they ask. They are super proud of their work and I am super proud of the! It helps with hand-eye coordination and with sitting still. Sometimes it's hard for little one's to be quite and still for long-in any situation.

I enjoy the peaceful, quite time together. We sit and chat- {m} often sits on my lap while working. The kids have this amazing desire to learn and know everything. They ask the most interesting questions when quietly working.

Finished! It will now to be sewn into a pillow.

Journals

I've been working on some new journals/notebooks. I love giving these as gifts.
They can be personalized to the individual! Kids like to use them to create their very own drawing books. Adults can use them from anything to actual journal to writing grocery and to do lists in them. I always have a few extras on my desk.

Start by selecting paper of your choice. You can use patterned cardstock, or use plain and decorate with stamps and stickers. I also like to use little bits of cool stuff I have laying around, like old card fronts or cool pictures I saved.

Select paper for the inside. This can be anything you choose-plain computer paper, lined, scrap, recycled, junk mail. ANYTHING! Cut them to size to match the cover. Fold your inside and outside papers in the center.

Next you want to stitch them together. Select a long stitch on your machine and follow the crease you made when folding.

Your Done!!

For an extra fun touch, I made a pocket envelope from an old book above. A great way to use books that have seen better days, but still have usable pages. Frame them, make boxes with them, or envelopes. Fun and green.

ENJOY!

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!

[ Spring is Here! ]

YAY! Spring has arrived. I am so excited to be able to get out of the house and get some fresh air! This was a LONG winter! This will be the baby's first Easter and first Spring that he is involved with his surrounding.
We had a lovely day at the the duck pond when the weather was gorgeous a few day ago. {L} was so interested in the ducks. I realized he has never seen one before! Every time they swam over to us, he would GROWL at them! Yes....yet another of my kids is a growler. It's hilarious. When {M} was a little baby, we were standing in line at Target. The woman in front of us, leaned backward and whispered..."Is your baby....growling?" Yes, yes she was! Haha

I feel inspired and have working on some cool new stuff for the family and shop. Look for a great new set of Spring Skirts in some great bright and festive colors. I have some great bunny shirts and the skirt to the right in the shop currently. These are great for fun Easter outfits-that don't need put away after the holiday. I am also working on more pieces that use handprinted fabrics.

Lots of goodies to come in the next few months.

{ Kunklebaby Organics }

I have been working on a new Organic Collection from Kunklebaby. It will include a line with all 100% organic cotton fabrics. They are super soft-the ultimate in luxury for baby. Eco friendly is a great bonus! Organic cotton is free of pesticides. Cotton crops has the highest use of pesticides! Yuck! The fabrics are also from mills found in the United States.

Many of the designs are handprinted using my own artwork and designs.

Check the shop throughout the week for newly added pieces to the collection. This sweet pea bib will be in the shop later this week. Pea's are handprinted using textile ink. Since they are handprinted, each piece will be one of a kind-none of the the bibs will be exact replica's. So not only are you helping the environment, but your child gets their own special, useful piece of art too!

I'll be adding more bibs, clothing for boys and girl, and some accessories!

{ Featured & Good News}

My Jack & the beanstalk bib was featured in a storque article about the CPSIA blog-in. Pretty cool, in a matter of a few days it has been viewed over 600 times! ----->

The CPSIA has issued a one year stay! This is great news, but the fight is far from over! This gives us a year to fight for component testing and material exemptions.

On a personal note, a huge sigh of relief. I gave been SO stressed over this whole thing. I spent the day shopping for fabric and mapping out my new Spring Kunklebaby Organics line. I had a great shipment of fabulous new organics fabrics arrive on my doorstep today! Off to work!

{ New Shop }

Kunklebaby has just opened up a new shop with 1000 Markets. It's a cool, new site for selling handmade. It has a lot of great features. I like the nice modern, clean look of the site. For sellers, it's very easy to navigate and offers shop stats! ( I wish Etsy would do this!) It is also juried which leads to a cohesive look of skilled artisans.


Check out our new shop & leave a comment here: Kunklebaby


I will be adding new items to the shop as the busy season passes. I can't believe how much I still have to get done for Christmas. It snuck up on me this year-yikes! I am usually have almost all the gifts by October.

{ 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.