More green!

Now when I started this thread on 'green' it was all in the spirit of Christmas & being in awe of my christmas tree. Well, green took on another meaning today when my Miss Two came down with a violent tummy ache. Sorry for the visuals!

To rid yourselves of those visuals, be sure to view all the wonderful handmade products I picked to share with you tonight. There is some seriously crafty ladies in New Zealand - so happy that a few of the best decided to sell on Little Kiwis Nest!

While I'm on that train of thought, if you are a home-based creator of wonderful wares for kiddies (0 to 10yrs ish) please, please, please drop us a line. We LOVE seeing other peoples creations! Click on the 'Create a store on Little Kiwis Nest' icon on the bottom right of our website.

Speak soon!

What's green under your tree?

I trawled through the stores on Little Kiwi's Nest looking for a theme tonight. I thought there may just be a few green, handmade creations which could tie in nicely to the season - ie not green with envy that other people seem to have finished their Christmas shopping & I haven't! I'm staring at this whopping great chunk of green Christmas tree that takes up most of my lounge. This thing is HUGE!

Anyway, once I started looking for green I found that everyone has made such gorgeous creations in all sorts of green hues. I LOVE green, an dhope you do too. This is installment one of all things green!

Purchase your last minute Christmas presents directly from our home-based designers here - http://littlekiwisnest.com

Christmas mayhem

Has Christmas just knocked you for six? I can't believe we're 10 days into December already - eeek. Still so many presents to buy, let-alone wrap, christmas parties to be had - kindy, work, friends etc etc -, & last mintue orders to send out!



I finally got around to wrapping some little presents yesterday with the expectation I'd wake this morning to them all unwrapped by my mischevious 2 year old. Mischief she got up to, but it wasn't what I expected ... I was awoken to Miss 2 & Miss 4 full of excitment that they'd set up a christmas treasure hunt for me. Yep, that's our new tradition but it spells trouble coming from them!



Anyway, to cut a long story short - I searched high & low (well, low mostly) & only recovered half of the presents. And yep, they can't remember where they hid the other half!



Back to business ... there are some really cool handmade creations available on Little Kiwis Nest, ready to be wrapped & included in your very own treasure hunt! If you get in quick, Harpsters, Marshmellow Magic, Yours Naturally & Mostly Monsters have some terrific discounts available.



Be sure to follow us on facebook for up to date info from all the designers who showcase their creations on Little Kiwis Nest.

Handmade Christmas stocking filler ideas!

$15 & Under

Item: Boys wristbands by Made it Baby
Price: $4
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=697
or girls http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=653

Item: fabric covered earrings by Leila Loves Handmade
Price: $7
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=877

Item: natural lip balm & cocoa butter gift pack by Yours, Naturally
Price: $8.50
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=993

Item: plate of crocheted cupakes by Holland Design
Price: $15.00
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=952

Item: purple gingham & dot booties by Lylly-Fysh
Price: $15.00
URL: http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=362

Item: Blue Lasso bib by Imba Design
Price: $11.95
URL: http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=893

Item: Owl lot of love (mini canvas) by Kazartz
Price: $10
URL: http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=966

$16 - $25 Fillers!

Item: finger puppets by Marshmellow Magic
Price: $16.50
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=759

Item: baby bat by Mostly Monsters
Price: $18.50
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=740

Item: train peg-its by A.P.T. CreatioNZ
Price: $18.00
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=60

Item: knitted capelet by Little Lizzies
Price: $25
URL: http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=636

Item: flower headband by Natural Star
Price $15
URL: http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=329


Over $25 - yet small enough to fit in a stocking!

Item: wheatie monsters by Harpsters
Price: $29
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=934;

Item: Little red riding hood purse by Cuckoonest
Price: $35
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=365

Item: personalized toy bunny by Creative Aertz
Price: $25
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=912

New products from Imba

LOVING this new top by Imba Design. $18.95

http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=923

How time flies!

Wow - nearly three weeks since we last shared news & reviews from our wonderful home-based designers - sorry!

November is proving very busy with the lead-up to Christmas. It seems as though every school is having a school fete & all the regular markets are throwing in a special christmas event - & we (ie made it baby) happen to be involved in so many of them! One each weekend in fact!

We have a couple of new stores stocking their shelves at the moment. So many talented ladies (& men, I'm sure ;) ) out there!

One of the new stores is Kazartz -which grew from Kerri's love of the small, bright, funky art for bedroom walls. After painting for her own children, Kerri expanding into painting for friends, & now anyone who desires a mini piece of art! Specialised art can be created at buyer’s request so be sure to view examples of her paintings in ‘Kazartz’ on Little Kiwis Nest!

There are so many new & wonderful creations being loaded onto the website. Gorgeous Christmas goodies are appearing - perfect gifts for anyone who is looking for something unique & not mass produced!

Come check them out ... http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz

Red & white beanie by Natural Star

http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=882

Advent stockings by Made it Baby

http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=880#pict

It's Sale Time!!!

It seems the (NZ) long-weekend brings out the best in people. Two of our Little Kiwis Nest stores have terrific sales to share ...

MarshmellowMagic Design - 15% off everything over $10 EVEN custom orders. So if you see something you want or have an idea of what you'd like send Janis and email & she'll list it for you. Labour weekend code is 2SHARETHELOVE so make sure you use it at the checkout. Did I mention FREE SHIPPING IN NZ?!?

http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/Marshmellow+Magic

Yours, naturally- Spend $45.00 on Yours, naturally products and receive a FREE 65ml Baby Balm and 10ml nappy Bag Baby balm. Offer valid for the remainder of October. Frand makes the most gorgeous gift hampers which are PERFECT as a baby shower or newborn gift.

http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/Yours+Naturally

Leila Loves Handmade joins the nest!

Leila Loves Handmade is the latest addition to the little kiwis nest family!

Featuring an array of stunning fabric covered buttons which are made into hair accessories with love and flare!



Polka dots, lively colours cute designs and charming fabrics are what the range is all about - turning everyday accessories into something fun and pretty to match with an outfit.


http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/18/

Just for fun

The weather in Auckland is quite abysmal, to say the least. Not only is it raining constantly it has turned extremely chilly again. Out comes the gas heater again, on go the electric blankets by night & overcoats by day. Crazy seeing as though we're well into the spring months now!

So all around the country I can imagine mums beginning to tear their hair out, trying to come up with things for the youngsters during the school/kindy break. By now, your second week, you're probably looking for a few more toys to keep them amused? So our Little Kiwis Nest photo picks could be the type of things you need to sprighten up your rainy days.

Remember, all the goodies on Little Kiwis Nest are handcrafted by stay-at-home mums/grannies/or simply kids-at-heart!

1. Natural Star's merino, tassel beanie - to help you escape the house for starters! http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=749

2. Cuckoonest's handmade felt Little Red Ridinghood House - kick-start hours of imaginative play http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=765

3. Leila Loves Handmade's collection of sweet hair accessories - bring out the hairbrush, hair spray, blower dryer etc & play hairdressers - http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=798

4. Marshmellow Magic's "Meet the Moon's" family of 6 finger puppets http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=759

5. Harpster's Higgle Harpster - a heat pack, cold pack & toy rolled into one! http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=756

6. Li'l Loved Ones butterfly puppet - perfect size to slip over little hands for fluttery fun - http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=19

Here's to many wonderful hours enjoying your kids these school holidays!

Little Kiwis Nest

http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/

Welcome Harpsters!

Harpsters are wonderful wheat pack monsters with a tough of lavender to help your little one sleep.

Weather it is to ease those bumps and bruises or to snuggle and play, these versatile little friends will soon become a favourite toy!

Each designer Wheatie toy has its very own personality...you really have to meet them all!

Store: http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/Harpsters
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1286078465&v=wall&ref=pymk#/pages/Harpsters/118771787919?ref=nf

Welcome Anne's Knitwear!

We are delighted to have Sue and Anne of Anne's Knitwear join the list of talented designers on little kiwi's nest!

About them....

Anne’s Knitwear creates a range of pure merino wool garments for babies and toddlers in classic styles that never date.

We are two grandmothers (with six grandchildren between us), who have been knitting these little garments for more years than we care to count and we know they work! We made them for our children and now we’re making them for yours!

All our garments are handcrafted using domestic knitting machines and pieced together by hand so that they retain all the softness you need to put on baby.

We’re passionate about natural fibres for babies and promote the use of wool at every opportunity.

http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/Annes+Knitwear

Facebook competition...

Invite your friends to become fans of little kiwi's nest on facebook and be in to win this fantastic prize from A.P.T.CreatioNZ - valued at over $45!

Prize includes:
1 x set of peg-its - a funky way to display everything from hats to photos.
1 x Lace-it - this is an educational aid to teach your little one to tie their laces, as well as being a vibrant piece of art to hang on their wall.

To be in to win your friends must simply post your name on the wall when they join so we can keep a record and find a winner!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Little-Kiwis-Nest/132788174552

Good luck!

4 of the Best - African Theme

I have been ignoring the jungle that is my backyard for far too long now. The grass is long, the nasty weeds are starting to strangle my flower/vegie garden that I loving started last year & the kids play equipment haven't been moved around for far too long now.

BUT with the warmer weather & the longer days I have found motivation at last! Even made a trip to Bunnings to buy some new vegies (wonder if they'll actually get in the ground before next year?!?)

Anyway, my jungle has inspired todays '4 of the Best' product review. Yes, this is a new feature to our blog where we plan to bring you regular themed reviews.

Check out these African-inspired products available at http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/

1. made it baby - handcrafted giraffe tee http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=462

2. cuckoonest - felt hippo purse http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=388

3. APT CreatioNZ - cuddly elephant http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=492

4. Little Tree - handmade suede shoes http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=520

Another fabulous store joins the nest...

Welcome Creative Aertz!!!

Adorable knit wear, dolls clothes and more...

There are already some gorgeous items in store - with more coming soon. Be sure to keep a look out for new items as they are listed!

Join Sonia's facebook fan base: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Creative-Aertz-Handcrafted-Gifts-Made-Especially-For-You/128098198192?ref=ts

Shop online at the nest: http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/Creative+Aertz

BIG Welcome to Little Lizzies!

We are lucky enough to be the new home of Little Lizzies

Amanda creates the most unique and funky knitted garments under the Little Lizzies brand - she is one tallented lady!

Her items provide a fresh twist to classic knit wear. You have to check it out!

Little lizzies links:

Shop: http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/Little+Lizzies

Blog: http://networkedblogs.com/p9278866?ref=mf

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/LittleLizzies?ref=ts

Serenity Slings & Little Tree Handmade

There are some baby products I wish I'd had when my littlies were babies. I've only just discovered the wonderful world of baby slings & pouches. Yes I had one of those stock standard, navy blue front pouches but there are so many gorgeous carriers that look soooo much prettier - & comfier!

Serenity Slings store owner - Michelle, & Little Tree Handmade store owner - Sita, are two ladies who have chosen to brighten up the baby-carrier market.

Michelle is based in Porirua, North of Wellington (NZ) and first fell in love with slings when she saw her little baby boy enjoying the comforts of his ring sling. After making a few Ring Slings & pouches for herself and family members, Michelle's passion for sewing and design kicked back in and thus the resulting business was born - Serenity Slings. View Michelles handmade wares here - http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store_about/10

Sita developed her passion of sewing upon motherhood, and discovered a new passion for natural parenting. She put the two together and came up with LittleTree Handmade! Sita aims to enhance mama and babes life, in the instinctive parenting style by encouraging mums to wear their babies in one of her gorgeous slings or pouches. Visit Little Tree here - http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store_about/4

New to the Nest...

A huge Little Kiwi's Nest welcome to our newest store
CUDDLE MONSTERS!

There is no need to run and hide from these little critters, they are friendly little monsters that LOVE to cuddle!

With big cheesy grins and arms outstretched - you can't help but smile when you see them.

Made from soft and snuggly fleece they are the perfect little friend for any boy or girl.

Collect them all!

http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/Cuddle+Monsters

We are very excited to report Little Kiwi's Nest is listed under Whats HOT HOT HOT! on the home page of Kids Fashion Review! You have to check it out - this is an amazing online resource, and we are honoured to be featured like this after only being live for 5weeks!
Thanks Rose Review!!!!

http://www.kidsfashionreview.co.nz

Monster Invasion!

Little Kiwi's Nest warns that monsters are about to invade our site. Don't fear, these ones are actually quite cute & good for a snuggle. Keep your eyes out for the cuddly little criters soon!

Ducky Delicious Day

As a parent, it is always nice when you get to the end of the day & think "boy, that was a great day". Today was one of those days.

It all started with a trip to some fantastic fabric stores with a friend, followed by lunch & more fabric stores. Even with my 4 year old in toe it was great fun. She is showing a real gift at picking the most outlandish fabrics in the store, even if they're tucked right out of sight!

In one of the shops I bought packets of plastic duckies for my 2 year olds upcoming party (which should actually have happened two months ago!). Knowing it would be impossible to hide them until the party (date still yet to be finalised - heaven help me), we headed to the local park to give them a whirl. The squeals of delight from the girls at watching these little plastic ducks flap their wings and swim in the fountain was priceless. As was watching them double over in laughter at the ducks zooming down the slides & sitting on the see-saw.

The small things in life are often the best!

If you have a little one obsessed with ducks, check out the following home made products at Little Kiwi's Nest.


http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=72 - Made it Baby shirt
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=456 - Made it Baby onesie
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=40 - Made it Baby clip
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=170 - Made it Baby headband
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=386 (not quite a duck but it IS yellow!) - Cuckoonest coin purse
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=360 - Blossom Bums girls bib


And if you too have had a fun day with something as simple as a cheap plastic duck - please share!

Confused about cloth nappy options....Blossom Bums answers all!

POCKET NAPPIES
Pocket nappies are the preferred choice of many parents as they can easily adjust the level of absorbancy, with a pocket opening at the back they are easy peasy to customise.
Pocket nappies are also the fastest drying nappy available, as each piece separates completely.
The inners are made with super soft microfleece that magically wick (wicking is where the wetness goes straight through the microfleece, leaving the microfleece with a stay-dry feel, so that delicate skin does not have wet fabric next to it) moisture away from baby's delicate bottom to help keep them dry and rash free and straight through onto the absorbant layers - these layers can be conventional inserts, pre-folds, old cloth nappies, basically if it is absorbant you can stuff it in and use it!

ALL-IN-ONES
These are great for parents and caregivers who love 'no fuss' when it comes to nappies, with the entire nappy all joined together.
I make these with the soaker attached at the tummy panel only and in one long piece that you fold in half to use and this piece sits on top of the nappy inner, which you then fasten as normal.
The microfibre that sits against babies’ skin is covered with microfleece.
Sewing them this way basically eliminates the disadvantage of drying time that comes with traditional all-in-ones.

FITTED NAPPIES
Fitted nappies can be made with virtually any fabric because they are not waterproof, so the cute choices are virtually endless!
One disadvantage of fitteds is that they dry more slowly than other nappies because the absorbancy is sewn into the inner microfleece.
They also require a separate cover and depending on the choice used, they are more bulky, but as the cover doesn't need to be changed unless soiled or wet at nappy change time they can be a very economical option, some days you may only need one or two covers.
An advantage of this system is that with a nappy and a cover there is extra protection against ‘explosion’ leaks out the legs and back, so are especially suitable for newborns!

COVERS
Polar/microfleece covers can be used as a cover over any nappy
OR
They can be used as a nappy with an insert (or anything absorbant) laid on the inside, pull the insert up between the legs and fasten the cover just like a disposable - extremely easy to use, making them ideal for grandparents, babysitters and wriggly babies!
It is not necessary to use a new cover each change, simply replace the insert with a clean one unless the cover has become very wet or soiled - making these VERY economical.
My fleece covers also have a hidden waterproof layer sewn in between the two layers for extra protection against wetness.
Also available are basic pul covers - pul is short for polyurethane laminate, which is the waterproof part. A layer of fabric is bonded with this layer of laminate; the laminate can be bonded with a variety of fabrics, from brushed cottons, to knits to cottons & poly cottons.
Pul covers are a single layer of pul with soft elastic binding sewn all the way around the edge. Because they have a wipe clean inner they are ideal for those quick clean-up jobs.
They can be used as a cover over prefolds, fitted nappies or flat cloth nappies. They are also an ideal back-up for night-time nappies or disposables.
I sometimes make these covers with sandwich pul, which is two layers of pul sandwiched together so that the outside and the inside have a fabric layer; meaning that these covers can go directly against the skin, which single pul covers cannot.

ABSORBANCY OPTIONS
Microfibre is a man-made fabric that absorbs fast and dries quickly but with the disadvantage that if it becomes too wet it will squeeze the wetness back out - much like a wet sponge under pressure.
Microfibre cannot be directly against babies' skin as it can strip the natural oils, so is ideal for inside pocket nappies.
Hemp is a natural fabric with it's own antibacterial qualities.Although it absorbs more slowly it absorbs a lot, but can be a slow dryer.
A combo of these two fabrics is ideal, with the microfibre being closest to baby and the hemp underneath at the bottom of the pile.
Bamboo is fast becoming a favorite among many parents as it is another natural fabric but is trimmer and dries faster than hemp, but a downside is the price, being more expensive then hemp.

I sew all my inserts in one or two layers only, that are then folded for use, so that they wash and dry easily.

They are not available yet, but will be very soon!

Blossom Bums

http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/Blossom+Bums

Tots to Teens ad...

Little Kiwi's Nest has an ad in the current issue of Tots to Teens, a fantastic parenting publication. You can pick up a free copy at your local Plunket, (also at child care centers, supermarkets, schools...).

It is worth a look - as we are offering a 10% discount with special code (printed on the ad) for the months of August and September.

The ad features three of our stores, Cuckoosnest, Made it Baby and Beautiful - with an adorable product shot from each.

Our Stores

Little Kiwi's Nest is made up of a wonderful group of stores all run by fabulous stay at home mums nation wide.

Made it Baby: Gorgeous handmade clothing, accessories, room decor and so much more...
A.P.T. CreatioNZ: Art and crafts ranging from paintings to toys and everything in between.
Lylly-Fysh: Beautiful handmade shoes and garments.
Little Tree Handmade: Wonderful baby slings, shoes, bibs and pocket nappies.
Cuckoonest: The most amazing felt creations! Toys, room decor, bedding...
Natural Star: Fabulously natural! Bamboo and merino hats, booties, mittens and more...
Blossom Bums: Snuggly cloth and pocket nappies, bibs and more...
imba: Designer bibs that really work as well as looking great!
Beautiful: Stunning customised wall art with your child's name.
Serenity Slings: Funky baby ring slings and pouch slings.
Holland Design: Adorable booties and hats that must be seen to be believed!
Marshmellow Magic: Crochet magic - wonderful hats, ponchos and more...
Yours Naturally: Glorious natural skin care products, towels, gift sets and more...
CUDDLE MONSTERS: Adorable, snuggly little monsters ideal for any boy or girl!

To check out whats on offer either select the site link button or click on any of the store images on this blog.