Modern Blocks for Tots

In light of the holiday maddness that’s approaching, I’ve decided to feature several eco-conscious, handmade artisans of baby crafts. I hope you’ll consider making this holiday season a handmade and eco-conscious one! Note that if you choose to buy locally, there is an Etsy Shop Local tool to find nearby shops.

Today we’ll look at Tiny Giraffe Shop, maker of the Mod Blocks. Amy, the owner of Tiny Giraffe, is a Crafty Mom of two little girls. Her blocks are unique and adorable! What a perfect gift for a new baby.

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Mod Mom Furniture

I usually don’t just feature one seller, but this lady’s stuff is so exemplary, I just had to. Mod Mom Furniture, which is an Etsy shop like mine, makes children’s toy boxes by hand… WOW!

Kiersten, the owner of Mod Mom Furniture says she is inspired by mid-century furniture and her children.

Am so impressed. She is clearly amazing and talented and resourceful. I am wishing one of the boxes came with a hinge, but I bet there’s a reason they don’t have them, as even I can attach a hinge. Now you’re impressed, right?

 

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Tamar Mobiles

Tamar Mogendorff is an amazing artist, but her children’s mobiles are simply to die for. Even if you’re not interested in buying one, the inspiration is amazing. You can browse or buy her work at this Brooklyn outlet.

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The Nursery is Done

It’s finished! I literally took these photos hours before going into labor… whew!

Poster by SFGirlbyBay on Etsy, Paper for bins and boxes from PaperSource, art is original by me, shelving from Target, flokati rug from Target. White bins from Container Store, recycled materials bin from Pier One.

The crib is from Giggle, ottoman made from an Amy Butler pattern, and chair was my grandmother’s–recovered with a new slipcover by me. The mobile is by my friend Yvonne, made in felt and ribbons.

All items in this frame are recycled and repainted or recovered!

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Lullaby Book

What a terrific gift my friends came up with: a lullaby book.  My friends chose their favorite lullabies, then collected the lyrics. The book is filled with pages of lyrics, with cute little details of animals and other decorations.

At the back of the lullaby book is a CD of the songs.

And, at the top of each song lyric page, there is a note from the friend who suggested the song. They write why they thought this particular song was a choice lullaby.

What a great gift for friends to make for a soon-to-be mom.

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Nursery Decor-Odds and Ends

There are tons of little items you can get for your nursery, and a few are even functional. These below are cute and do a job well. I hope we can say the same of our husbands.

Knob Notes from Etsy Seller Lil B Design can be used to leave messages for the babysitter or your husband. They go over the doorknob or on a hook on the back of a door (self-reminders are good, too!)

Chalkboards can also accomplish a lot in a baby’s room, and someday he or she can use them for constructive (read: not on your walls) creativity. You can find these in lots of places, but some of the most interesting ones are on Etsy, like the ones bellow from seller Flat Bird and Reclaim Frame.

Bookends are another fun item that are also functional… bookends can be paper weights as well. You know, in case you had forgotten that. These are from Pillow Happy, Dede Etsy Shop and The Wood Worx.

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Nursery Decor-Lighting

In a nursery, both overhead (soft) lighting and task lighting is needed. Evidently, babies need their diapers changed at night sometimes, and that requires a light on or near the changing table. A little nightlight might also be good so the tripping over toys and the toe-stubbing is kept to a minimum. Below are some stylish and child-friendly lighting ideas.

Lamps…

Too much? Or just enough?

Nightlights…

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Nursery Decor-Mobiles

Word is, babies really like these. They should be hung about the level of your head (just above; about six feet high). The recommendation is to hang from a hook tightly worked into the ceiling. The mobile should be well out of reach of baby’s grabby fingers. Sellers featured here will state things like “mobile is not a toy! Keep away from baby!”  I guess it’s like art at the Louvre. Babies look, but they can’t touch.

Interested in what babies can see? Here’s a great article about baby vision from the Discovery Museum.  And note that I will be posting a how-to in a few weeks if you’d like to make your own mobile.

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Nursery Decor-Mirrors

Evidently, babies love mirrors! They also bring in a lot of light and can add some sparkle to any decor. Below are a few that might work well in a baby’s room.

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Nursery Decor-Clocks

Supposedly you need these… I love living watch free, but it seems that babies need things timed… naps, feedings, et cetera. So, a good nursery clock is one of the items recommended by moms. Fortunately, there are some really cute ones out there that can add to any nursery’s decor. Click on the photos to see this item and others from these sellers.

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