Whiskers on Kittens - handmade mini quilt.

Keep snug and warm in style with this gorgeous basket-sized quilt by A.P.T. CreatioNZ!

Made from a top layer of gorgeous cotton print and underside of brushed cotton for an extra snuggly quilt. There is a cotton/bamboo inner which is then quilted in place around the edge.

This is the perfect size for baby and tot alike, measuring 75cms x 50cms it is big enough to wrap them up snug and warm, yet small enough they wont get tangled. Use it as a bassinet blanket, cot throw, pram snug or even a treasured blankie to be toted around by your precious little one.

A lot of work has gone into creating a quality, user friendly design which is easy to care for as well as looking adorable.

  

Quilt Features:

• High quality cotton outer.
• Versatile 75cm x 50cm size is perfect for baby and tot alike.
• Cotton & bamboo inner.
• Inner has been quilted in place.

$55. Available through Little Kiwis Nest HERE

Larger sizes available as custom orders through APT CreatioNZ through Little Kiwis Nest.

Merino Ear Warmers for Baby

Keep your little princess both warm and cute this winter with one of these adorable ear warmers handmade by Lylly-Fysh.
Made from a soft and stretchy merino wool fabric for the band, Wide enough to cover little ears and embellished with a hand crocheted flower.
SIZE: 2mths+(34cms Un-stretched), These even fit my 3yr old.
Colours available:
-Rose Pink(Now available by custom order only, Please note flower may differ from one shown in photo.)
- Mushroom Brown (Now available by custom order only, Please note flower may differ from one shown in photo.)
-Cream-large Flower
-Cream- Smaller Flower

Custom orders are welcomed, for more information or to place a order please visit HERE or feel free to email me: lylly-fysh@littlekiwisnest.co.nz
Free shipping on all products within NEW ZEALAND, International customers please enquire for shipping details.

Only $18 & available HERE.

SALE & NEW ITEM alert!!! Day 4

Wow there are some GREAT bargains on Little Kiwis Nest at the moment.  So hard to choose a favourite!  And as for the new products - the Christmas shopping list is getting ticked off!

Fave sale item -

Trucker tee by Made it Baby.

Was $27.50 NOW $19.25

Buy HERE

Fave new listing -

Twisted Diva Doll - you choose the dresses (comes with two), hair colour & eye colour & leggings! Almost as good as making them yourself - only you don't have to do the hard work!

Made by Snuggleb Toys.

Buy HERE

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

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.

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!*


**********************
Go shopping with Harpsters HERE!

Made it Baby Nominated for Style Awards! Votes Wanted!!!

We love success stories & this one just hits the mark.  Ok, so it's all about the other hat I co-wear as designer/maker/ etc etc for the label Made it Baby which is found on Little Kiwis Nest.

Amy & I started both businesses one year ago this month (well, I should say 'launched' as there were a few months behind the scenes prior) so the nominations by Kids Fashion Review Style Awards couldn't have come at a better time.  We are absolutely chuffed to be named alongside other fantastic NZ-made businesses & to be in the chance to win such a cool title!

We would LOVE your help by way of votes ... pleeeeease!  Pop over to http://kidsfashionreview.com & follow the links through to the Style Awards voting section.  We're in section 3 - Best NZ-Made Babies/Kids Label.

And if our undying love & appreciation isn't incentive enough to vote ... perhaps the $10,000 worth of prizes up for offer is!!!  Good luck everyone & be sure to let us know which awesome prize you win.

Thanks,

Suzan & Amy
http://madeitbaby.co.nz/

Mid winter craft fair - St Heliers

Grab a girlfriend & declare next Thursday night a 'girls night'!  What could be better than a bit of late night shopping amongst quality handcrafted stalls & a bite to eat in some trendy eateries in St Helier?

Come & say hi to the ladies of made it baby & beinzstalk - we'd love to meet you.

Can't find a sitter? Don't fret, you can still exercise those credit cards online at Little Kiwis Nest ;)

Dress by beinzstalk; moses basket by made it baby

Organising a Fundraiser?

We'd love to hear from you if you're in the midst of organising a fundraising event for your school, kindy, playcentre etc etc!

(Karric at Devonport markets)

Each brand featured on Little Kiwi Nest is run independantly by the designer themselves.  We are all home-based & located all across the country (ie NZ) so chances are at least one of 'us' is near you!

Many of our designers LOVE meeting customers face to face & look for an excuse to venture out at night or even during the day (most of us are stay at home mums too!) and markets give us the perfect reason to do just that!

So if you are looking for quality, handmade stall holders for your next fundraiser, please email admin@littlekiwisnest.co.nz & we will pass on your details to all the lovely ladies on Little Kiwis Nest.

(made it baby at Coatesville markets)

Can't get along to a market?  You can shop to your hearts content HERE!

Meet the Maker - Creative Aertz

Please tell us who you are & what you do?
My name is Sonia Foster (nee Aerts), I am a stay at home mum with two children under 5. I love creating quirky and gorgeous items using my knitting and sewing skills.

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?
When I had my son I developed Post Natal Depression. As an outlet, and for something especially for me, I picked up my knitting needles, which I hadn't done for years, and started knitting and haven't stopped and so Creative Aertz was born!

Is there a story behind the name of your shop?

My maiden name was Aerts and wanted to incorporate that into a business name so how. As I also have a typing business using the same name I decided to change the "s" at the end of Aerts to a "z" so it didn't look like I had made a typo with the "e" in our name. A typo wouldn't have been a good look to my typing business:-)


How long have you been creating for?
Since I was really little (learnt my skills from my precious Mum). I always designed and knitted my own funky jerseys and made all my dolls clothes.


Is your business a hobby, a profession or a happy marriage of both?

It is a happy marriage of both.

Describe your work setting.

The whole house is my work setting. I have an allocated area in the garage but it is too cold in winter and very lonely so everything tends to gravitate to the dining room table.

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. My brain is constantly being filled with images of wonderful new things but my needles won't go fast enough to make everything I want to. To ensure I get my work done I knit a few rows at a time through the day and then do most of the work at night while watching my favourite tele programmes.

Why do you do what you do? What inspires you? When do you get most excited?
I have so many ideas in my head and love to create new things and it can be very relaxing. Everything inspires me from an acorn on the ground to licorice allsorts (check out my hats). I get most excited when I make a sale and I check my e-mail all day long to see if I have any orders - sad but true!


Can you remember your first sale? What was it?
My first sale was to our local pharmacy who purchased some of my pillowcase wheatie bags and I was so thrilled I skipped out of the shop.


Have you ever been in business before?
Nope.


At what point do you consider yourself successful?

I consider myself successful when everyone in my family is happy, including me. It is neat to have some pocket money to use for some fun with the kids to create lasting memories for us all.

Where do you do your best thinking?
I do my best thinking in the evenings when I am knitting.


What stops you from giving up when you are frustrated?
The satisfaction I know I will get when I have finished something and when the customer loves their handmade product.

If you had time to learn a new skill what would it be?

I would love to learn how to do patchwork.


When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing
I am usually doing my housework or playing with the kids.


Do you have a favourite handmade purchase?
I love the green pinafore that I purchased for my daughter from Somerton (on LKN too). She wears it heaps!


Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need?
It depends on what mood I am in.




FAST FIVE ...

1. What is the last thing that made you belly laugh? When I found a trail of knitting wool all around the lounge and then finding my 1 1/2 year old daughter trying to fight her way out of the web of wool she had found herself in. It wasn't very funny when I realised I had to roll each ball up and unknot everything:-)
2. What was the last cd/ipod track etc that you listened to? Taylor Swift CD.
3. Where do you hide your secret stash of chocolate? Now that would be telling and its all MINE!
4. Who controls the remote in your house? Definitely ME.
5. What was your cheapest holiday? Staying in a luxury 3 storey house at Mount Maunganui for free.

***************

PROMOTION TIME!!!

If Creative Aertz's cute beanies aren't enticement enough to go shopping, how about this ...

For the month of July take 10% off everything instore!

Shop HERE

Promotions

Don't forget there are two 'Gift with Purchase' promos running on Little Kiwis Nest at the moment:

hjrd Design is offering a free set of 1-2-3 magnets with every purchase over $20.  Offer ends in two days time so hurry!!! Shop HERE!

Yours, naturally are offering a free 10ml nappy bag size of their top selling Baby Balm when you buy a 65ml Baby Butter.  Great opportunity to sample two of their fantastic products at a great price.

Meet the Maker - hjrd Design

Please tell us who you are & what you do?

Helen Riley-Duddin, based in Dunedin and am best known for my range of magnetic wallscapes which I design and produce. This is just a fraction of my working life though, I'm also a design lecturer, graphic & communication designer, and of course, Mum (of one) and wife - and have become quite a proficient juggler of all these things!

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?

I started producing the magnetic wallscapes just 7 months ago when our daughter was 8 months old. I've always worked, studied and lived 'creativity' - but since Jemima's arrival and my shift from teaching design full-time a new source of inspiration emerged. It was from our transition from young working professionals to new parents whose living space was now shared with the delightful chaos of a growing child that sparked the concept of the wallscapes as something halfway between art and play.

I studied in Design and Marketing and have Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce degrees - while I was studying I pursued all sorts of freelance and part time design projects. I currently teach part time on the Communication Design and Interior Design degree programmes at Otago Polytechnic. Jumping back years before that I would sell jewellery I made in my lunchtimes at High School and would hold stalls to sell painted lightbulbs and du-kit brooches at local markets whenever I could!

Is there a story behind the name of your shop?

hjrdDesign = the design work of Helen Jeanne Riley-Duddin.

I have to admit I didn't put a lot of thought into the name as at the time I was just intrigued to see what the world thought of my wallscapes -- now though I'm preparing a new name and branding!

How long have you been creating for?

I've been creating the wallscapes for 7 months. But creating started for me at a very early age! I still remember the buzz from winning a colouring competition, and the $1.50 prize for a photo entry at the local AMP show. I used to spend a lot of time painting, when I was younger I would design and create a new annual calender for my grandparents every year, I made clocks, jewellery, painted lightbulbs, loved photography and everyone's birthday or special occasion was celebrated with a handmade card.

Is your business a hobby, a profession or a happy marriage of both?

Until recently I justified it as a hobby, but my work has been so well received and it takes so much time that things are getting official...

Describe your work setting.

I'm lucky enough to have a separate studio amongst the garden in our backyard. When we bought our house it was a very ramshackle sleeput, its still pretty ramshackle but it's my space for creative chaos. It's great to have a separate place away from the house that I can 'go to work' to and 'come home' when I'm done each day despite 'working from home'.

Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? hjrdDesign is primarily run by me, but my husband is a significant contributor in the finances, photography and general strategising.

Through work I'm part of a huge team of talented designers who help to keep me current and challenged, and some of my close friends are great advisors.

What is your process? My process begins with conceptualising new wallscape designs, and a lot of time is spent sourcing the perfect materials to upcycle (chosen for their tactile and aesthetic qualities), once I produce them I photograph every set and package it with a custom label showing arrangement suggestions.

How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?A life - what's that!? For the last 6 months or so I've been working day and night (to the early hours) whether it be designing wallscapes, producing them, marketing them, photography, photo-editing, networking, adding listings, teaching, marking, meeting, or designing other projects I'm currently employed for... So the search for finding time for 'having a life' is very much a current theme!




Why do you do what you do? What inspires you? When do you get most excited?

I've found real inspiration in a nostalgia for youthful experiences and imagination through watching Jemima grow and learn. I have to credit the concepts of the wallscapes to her undoubtedly. I do it because I love it, I've always loved designing and making, and it's wonderful to create things that she and us can enjoy together. The buzz of someone purchasing your work is the ultimate excitement that sparked me first when I was younger selling at markets.

Can you remember your first sale? What was it?

I think the first thing I ever sold was probably a toffee apple I made to sell alongside my painted lightbulbs and du-kit jewellery when I was about 13. The first magnetic wallscape I sold was on Trademe alongside bibs I was making at the time - I think it was a set of lovebirds made with fabric offcuts from my wedding dress! The designs have been refined since then, and I learnt a lot from my early Trademe customers who really encouraged me, several are now close supporters on Facebook.

Have you ever been in business before?

No, not officially! This is very exciting!

At what point do you consider yourself successful?

When every magnetic surface in New Zealand and beyond is graced with something from my magnetic wallscape range!

In the shorter term I look forward to hiring a team of fresh talented designers to help produce my ideas!

Where do you do your best thinking?

In that almost-surreal time just before I drift off to sleep - generally around 2am.

What stops you from giving up when you are frustrated?

A new order or enquiry on my range, lovely feedback from customers and positive publicity all keep me going through the challenges, and of course each time I see little Jemima and her friends enjoying interacting with their wallscapes.

If you had time to learn a new skill what would it be?

The font-geek in me wants to answer with typography design, but the craftsperson in me would love to find the time to learn crochet from my mum as she learned from her mum.

When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing

Hmm this is a very rare occurance! I look after Jemima fulltime, so if I'm not teaching, or designing on other jobs I like to spend those precious free moments entertaining her with family and friends, at the gardens feeding the ducks, local cafes or happy day trips to coastal Kakanui to my parents' organic market garden.

Do you have a favourite handmade purchase?

I adore my Nikau necklace from Blackswan designs, and have worn it most days since Christmas when my husband gave it to me!

Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need?

I'm guilty of both, especially the former!

FAST FIVE ...

1. What is the last thing that made you belly laugh? Seven Days last night! It's a never-fail weekly belly laugh

2. What book is on your bedside table? Perfume by Patrick Suskind

3. What was the last cd/ipod track etc that you listened to? The Woolshed Sessions, have to admit I played the album 3 times over in the studio today!

4. Where do you hide your secret stash of chocolate? It never lasts long enough to stash so there is no such place!

5.What statement do you hear yourself say to your kids that remind you of your upbringing? "Home again home again jiggety jig" (sung tunefully) when arriving home after being out.

LITTLE KIWIS NEST EXCLUSIVE OFFER!

 

hjrd Design is offering

a complementary set of '123' magnets (measuring approx 75mm tall) with every order of $20 or over

until the end of June!

Available in 'girly' (florals, pinks etc), 'boyish' (blues, greens, checks etc ) or 'neutral' sets (reds, greens, oranges, purples stripes, spots, checks etc).

Be sure to enter the code 'Free123' on your order!