What makes the perfect 'favourite snuggly toy'

Most of us had that special, cuddly friend that kept us company through our childhood. Some of us had several - & some of us may still have that special someone tucked away for emergencies.

Now that I'm a mum I'm enjoying watching the relationship grow between my kids & their çhosen ones'. My eldest has had a variety of friends the weirdest was Bones - ie the glow in the dark plastic skeleton. Now its a saggy dolphin bought at Seaworld 3 years ago.

My youngest is addicted to her blanket more than anything.  That thing goes everywhere!  She does love 'Or' the elephant & 'Noisy' the teddy with the bell in the tummy.  Oh & then there's ducky, the mini plastic duck.  She also has a family of 'My Pony's' that have to be carted about - yep, called pony ... every single one of them called pony. My girls have great imaginations ;)

I've been eyeing off the gorgeous crocheted toys on Little Kiwis Nest and think they have all the makings of a life long friend.  Firstly they're nice & soft & made fantastically well (will last the years of kidhandling). It helps that they are totally adorable too! 

 But what I LOVE LOVE LOVE about these is that they are seriously big!  A good tag-along toy needs to have various places to be held easily by little friends - & these fit the bill.  Most of the little critters sit about 30cm tall (think the height of your old school ruler) - that's a nice, non-scungy size!

Oh, & did I mention that you can choose whatever colour you want?!?  You can order exactly what you when you want.

Now without further adieu, meet the Crochet by Beth family ...

Custom Crochet Puppy- the puppy is the newest addition to the Crochet by Beth family. He;s currently only made in black and white but would also look great in creams and browns (even pink!). What colour would you choose?

Custom Crochet Monkey - the monkey is a very cute and cheeky option for the boys- looks fab in the traditional brown but also cute in blues. Don't rule out this cheeky little pal for the girls though- it is just adorable in pink.

Custom Crochet Bunny- the bunny was the first member of the Crochet by Beth family and is still very popular with kids and adults. The bunnies are available in 3 sizes: Baby Bunny is great for new babies- the perfect baby shower gift. Medium Bunny is great for the kids- a real cuddly friend to keep you company. Then there is the Large Bunny which is fab for the big kids or even for adults- go on you know you want one for yourself.

Each listing also have photos of products already made in case you need a little inspiration.

So which one will you choose?

Custom order are given a 2 week turnaround but this is a worst case scenario.  If you simply can't wait that long for your new friend be sure to email Beth to check time.

SHOP HERE

Coffee Group Baby Photo Sessions - Auckland

This is such a great idea that I had to share!  Mistral Photography is offering a coffee group special to photograph all the beautiful bubbas in the room.  Just another reason why you HAVE to meet for coffee sometime during the week!

See the image above for all the details & contact Nykie at noo@noo.co.nz for bookings & questions.

New Store Alert - Piccallili

One of a kind handcrafted trousers for girls & boys.


With little time yet the abundant creativity and inspiration that motherhood brings; Piccalilli was born! The name?: my daughter Scarlet (2): she’s a real pickle. Her little brother Oscar (8 months) agrees.


Delicious, one-of-a-kind trousers inspired by whimsy, fun and a passion for beautiful fabric.

Distinctive design, vibrant patterns, uncompromisingly stylish yet easy to wear.

Combining up-cycled denim, vintage cottons and stunning contemporary prints: Piccalilli is clothing with character; as exceptional and beautiful as your child.

Every pair is unique - so if you love it - make it yours !

Be sure to check back regularly as Piccalilli fills her store with her creations!  Shop here to see her current listings.

Sneak a peek into someone elses shopping cart ;)

Every now & then I sneak a peek into the shopping trolley infront of me in the grocery store.  More often than not it jogs my memory that I had actually planned to buy something similiar - like yesterday I was meaning to buy a baguette & only remembered when I was behind someone with one! I couldn't face having to go to the back of the line again so I came home baguette-less but it did inspire this blogpost!

I thought perhaps someone elses purchases may spark that little thought of "Oh that's a great idea for such & such".  So here's a little peek into some of the handcrafted products people purchased from Little Kiwis Nest this week...

Interactive wallscape magnets by hjrd Design.  Shop HERE.

Rhino baby clothes by A.P.T CreatioNZ. Shop HERE

Bear floor rug & castle cushion by Cuckoonest. Shop HERE

Newborn dress, Toddler dress & cot duvet cover by Made it Baby. Shop HERE

Competition Time - Baby Shower!!!

Show us your 6 favourite 'baby shower' items on Little Kiwis Nest to go into the draw to win gift vouchers from
1. Crochet by Beth - 15% off (http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/Crochet+by+Beth )
2. PattiKat Designs - 10% off (http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/Patti+Kat+Designs)
3. Made It Baby - 15% off! http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/Made+it+Baby)

Post your 'shopping list' below or on our facebook wall (http://facebook.com/littlekiwisnest) with the product title & links to each chosen product. Play as though money isn't a consideration! You can choose to 'buy' for a boy, girl or unisex.

EVERY post will be entered into the random draw. We're not judging your selections!

• You can post as many selections as you want but each individual will only be counted in the draw once.
• Ends next Sunday night - 22nd August.
• Discounts to be used by the end of September.Not to be used in conjuction with any other discount offer.

Can't wait to see your picks!  Here are some received already on facebook ...

www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz

Strawberry beanie by Creative Aertz - http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=965  

Booties by APT CreatioNZ - http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=67
Moses basket by Made it Baby - http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?...VP=1757
Kitsch deer by Cuckoonest - http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=287
Bunny by Crochet by Beth- http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1823 
Babies first pettiskirt by PattiKat Design - http://littlekiwisnest.c...o.nz/product.php?VP=1821

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Taggy Blanket by Minky Bots - http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1794

Monkey bib by Imba - http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=726

Monsta tag toy by Snuggleb Toys http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1400

Cowboy pants by imba - http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1716

Rhino booties by APT CreatioNZ http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=67

Bath kimono by Yours Naturally - http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=684

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4 feet & 2 hands ...

I'm in love with this image taken by Emma of Puddleduckling Photography.  A jumble of tiny toes atop hands emanating love & security.

If you love this photograph you should view the rest of the divine photos from Emma's recent shoot with newborn twins. http://www.puddleducklingphotography.blogspot.com/

Puddleduckling Photography is based in Christchurch & specialises in children's photography & her prices are affordable!  If you don't have kids yourself, a photo shoot would be an awesome gift that would be appreciated for decades to come.

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Puddleduckling Photography is listed under our Little Kiwis Nest 'services' section .  If you would like your business to be seen by our family-oriented customer base, please contact us at admin@littlekiwisnest.co.nz

Made it Baby made a baby!!! + SALES!!!

Congratulations to Amy & family on the safe arrival of Charlotte Rose! 

Amy is my co-conspirator in Little Kiwis Nest & 'Made it Baby'.  Charlotte is her third daughter & is just as cute as the other two :)

In celebration we are offering a massive 20% off our dressed moses baskets for the next 2 weeks.  That's a HUGE discount on what is already a great package.  If you're waiting to find out the sex of your child, please feel free to pre-order now (to take advantage of this offer) & we can sort out whether to send pink or blue later!  We also offer lay-by options.

Use code charlotte20 at check-out to receive your discount. Click HERE to see some of our moses basket range (ps all our cot bumpers can also be used in the moses basket package).

Baby Charlotte will no doubt be used as our baby model alongside our other 4 girls (ie my two as well) so you will be 'seeing her soon!' We've already named our latest clothing range after her!

Once again, congrats to a wonderful family. xxx

Suzan

http://www.madeitbaby.co.nz/

http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/

Congrats to Mistral Photography!

A HUGE congratulations to Nykie of Mistral Photography for qualifying for the NZIPP.  I actually had no idea what that stood for so did a bit of research ... New Zealand (yep, got that bit) Institute of Professional Photographers.  It's basically the official body for photographers & is there to not only be a support group for them but to provide potential customers peace of mind when booking a photographer.


To become NZIPP qualified, photographers have to meet the stringent membership criteria, adhere to their Code of Ethics and ensures businesses are professional in both their business & creative practices.


So Auckland peeps, if you're looking for a great photographer you can't go past Mistral Photography! - contact details HERE.  You can also follow her blog here.

Once again, congrats Nykie.  Well deserved recognition for your gorgeous work.

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If you have a home-based services business we invite you to advertise in the Little Kiwis Nest Services Section. Contact us at admin@littlekiwisnest.co.nz to learn just how affordable our prices are! http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/

Meet the Maker - Harpsters

Please tell us who you are & what you do?

I am Vanessa Harper and I make Harpsters, which are fun character wheatbags for kids.

 

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?
I've always been a creative type. I've been making all kinds of different things for years - from learning to knit as a girl, to helping Mum make crochet squares for those cool old blankets (Mum and I have been looking for the squares we made recently but I think there have been too many house moves over the years and they've gone missing). I also used to make fimo earrings as a teenager (and I managed to sell a few of those to family and friends). More recently the jewellery has been a little different - I made the necklaces and earrings for myself and my three bridesmaids for my wedding.


I am also a Graphic Designer by trade, which was a great way to be creative and pay the bills too! I still do a little of that, but not in a formal situation since my kids were born.

Is there a story behind the name of your shop?
"Harpsters" comes from joining my surname (Harper) with "monsters", which were the original characters. I've added bunnies to the collection since, and I'm sure there will be other different little guys along the way.


How long have you been creating for?
Since I was a wee girl, but the Harpsters have been in existence since sometime in late 2008.


Is your business a hobby, a profession or a happy marriage of both?
It's a hobby really. My main job is looking after my kids and my home, but I love making things and the Harpsters are a great way to keep the creative side of me alive and earn a little pocket money along the way.

Describe your work setting.

I have two work areas ... on my lap in front of the tv for the cutting and hand-sewing bits, then upstairs in the "office" where my sewing machine and ironing board are set up. And of course, the dining room gets set up with sewing machine and iron sometimes too.


Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? What is your process? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?
I work alone, but ask advice and opinions of my husband and other family members and friends. I'm not one of these people that's happy working on my own too much, so the feedback I get from other people is vital to my work.

Most of the work is done in the evening, once the kids are in bed. I'm something of a night-owl, so I will often carry on working long after my husband has gone to bed, then when I eventually crawl into bed my mind is often still racing with ideas (especially when I'm working on something new), so I usually pick up a novel (or solitaire on my iphone!) to clear my head.


Why do you do what you do? What inspires you? When do you get most excited?
Harpsters started out as a way to work through my Post Natal Depression. My sister-in-law once said that Mums really need something to do with their time that "stays done" - you know - when you tidy the kids room then walk back in there ten minutes later and a tornado's been through it again. Harpsters has become MY own thing that stays DONE. It gives me a bit of balance.


Can you remember your first sale? What was it?
My first ever sale would have been a pair of fimo "Buzzy Bee" or "Mary-Lou Doll" earrings as a teenager. But my first Harpster sale was back when I was making them as softies, and I think it was a Hankle. It seems like so long ago that I don't remember the details, but I do remember the excitement at making my first sale! Oh the excitement!


Have you ever been in business before?
Not unless you count Freelance Graphic Design (through Recruitment Agencies) for years. My husband owns a successful business, so he's always got excellent tips and tricks for me.


At what point do you consider yourself successful?
I feel I am successful when I'm happy in what I'm doing, whatever that may be.


Where do you do your best thinking?
In front of the computer often. My wee mind is always ticking over with ideas, but it's usually at the computer or with a pen and paper in hand that they come together.

What stops you from giving up when you are frustrated?
If I'm frustrated I usually walk away from what I'm doing for a while (if possible), and it becomes much less frustrating when I come back to it. Well, that's the theory anyway. :)


If you had time to learn a new skill what would it be?
I'd LOVE to learn to make jewellery - you know - the "real" stuff, with precious stones and shiny silver and gold. I've also got plans to start a silk-screening course soon. I'm really looking forward to that! The Harpster t-shirts might get a re-vamp after that course.


When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing
Oh boy! Where do I start?! I enjoy spending time with my family - two boisterous ginger-haired boys and an equally boisterous ginger-haired husband. My folks have a bach at Whangamata, which is my favourite spot in the whole wide world - it was the place that felt like "home" when I was feeling homesick in London. I'm a bit sentimental like that. We try to get down there as often as we can. I'm a huge fan of exploring our beautiful country (especially the South Island) and that exploring often incorporates another love - photography. I can also confess to being something of a petrol-head (I'm driving us all down to Whangamata next week in the old 10-seater '76 Chev), but at the same time, I really enjoy creating beautiful food for my family. A foodie? Not quite, but close. Given the time, I do prefer to have home-baking in my house rather than the bought stuff.


Do you have a favourite handmade purchase?
I bought my sister a pair of gorgeous earrings last Christmas that I wish I'd never given away! I've been looking for something similar for myself since then.


Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need?
I'm often an impulse buyer - buying something that looks pretty or seems like it'd be the best thing since sliced bread. If there's something I really need (especially if it's a big ticket item) I will often spend a long time researching the best price and the best quality on the internet first.


FAST FIVE ...

1. What is the last thing that made you belly laugh?  My eldest son this morning, acting the goat as usual.
2. What book is on your bedside table?  Diana Gabaldon's latest - An Echo in the Bone. Bought the week it was released and still unread!
3. What was the last cd/ipod track etc that you listened to? Spandau Ballet - Gold
4. Where do you hide your secret stash of chocolate? I can do without chocolate, but Russian Fudge ... now there's another story! It's never around long enough to have a stash though. :)
5. What statement do you hear yourself say to your kids that remind you of your upbringing? "Life's not fair ... you're better to learn that now." *cringe!*


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Go shopping with Harpsters HERE!