Krinklz Baby

Keri Russell, Rebecca Gayheart and Some Animals

2012-01-29T14:04:00.000-06:00

What a great week in the crinkly kingdom! Two fabulous celebrity mamas received Krinklz Baby burp cloths in their baby gift baskets.

Keri Russell and baby Willa got a fabulous gift basket with a beautiful deep purple and orange tropical flowers burp cloth with a small crinkly flower center toward the bottom. You can see it here, just to the right of the monogrammed blanket. I hope they both like it! P.S. Keri, you can turn it into a wee lovie for travelling once little Willa is through spitting up :-)

Rebecca Gayheart and baby Georgia also received gorgeous gift basket, with a modern and colorful burp cloth in turquoise with mermaids, and one crinkly mermaid toward the bottom. You can see it here below the blanket, under the lotions. I hope mommy and baby get a lot of use out of it! P.S. Rebecca, it can go in the washer, dryer and be ironed...so easy!

I had some fun this week making out of the ordinary products for Krinklz baby. The first was this adorable plush fleece whale with a crinkly spout. This was the very first time I've tried this, and for the next one I would like to have the eye look more like and eye, and maybe add a sweet smile. However, this one was still snatched up, and got some great positive feedback. I think I will start adding these into my products, along with some other critters and dolls I have swimming through my head...to be introduced soon! What do you think?

A few months ago, I got this fabulous unfinished vintage quilt. It was obviously a work in progress that someone either didn't want to, or couldn't finish. It had muslin squares with fabulous hand embroidered animals, and I knew that I had to do something with it! This week I pulled it out and thought for a while. I ended up creating some soft and crinkly little throw pillows with each of the animals, putting fleece on the back and hand stuffing and hand sewing them closed. I am happy with the way they turned out, especially since they can now be loved. I can just see the little duck adorning a nursery, or the squirrel in a living room rocking chair in a cabin somewhere. You don't have to be a baby to appreciate these! These pillows can be purchased individually in my Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/KrinklzBaby from the Crinkly Bits Pillows section.

A feel good week all around! I hope your week was productive and fulfilling as well!
Happy Crinkling!

The Good and the Bad

2012-01-23T17:07:00.000-06:00

The Bad
I have had a desire, and need really, to start whittling down my fabric supply. I have a lot of fabrics that are not listed as available on my website for custom orders, because I don't have enough. Of course I have plenty to create lots of fun things, just not enough to say "Hey! Order whatever you want out of this!" So I spend time lurking in front of my fabric stash...ideas swimming through my head. Some are good, some are more complicated than I care to attempt at the moment, and some must be passed over because they are not worthy.

When I looked at my fleece with green and blue cars, I had a great idea. Why not make a fleece lovie, with a crinkly car coming out of each side! Yes! It's not difficult, won't take too long, and would be super cute. Unfortunately, the awesome image I saw in my head was not turning out as I planned. I was working with my kids awake, which means I was interrupted every 5 or less minutes by my masters. This meant that when I sewed it all together, I of course sewed it all backwards, upside down and every other mistake I could make in one sitting! Determined to not be dissuaded, I cut it all apart, and redid it. Except, this just made it all wrong. Smaller than I wanted, and the cars no longer looked like they were driving along the edge, but just oddly sticking out for no reason. Oh...and I only had enough fabric to make two crinkly cars, instead of four, which was a disappointment from the beginning.

Anyway...here it is...the "I can't believe this looks so awful and I have to lay claim to making it!" item of the week! Please, judge gently! And no, I won't be selling this, but if you don't think it's as bad as I do and want to make an offer (any...offer...) I'd be happy to consider it haha. Otherwise this will be a freebie for a good friend and customer of mine :-) (I couldn't even bring myself to iron this haha).

The Good
On the bright side, I had a couple of custom orders this week, which are always fun to make! The first was a crinkly baby gift set using the Garden Frogs fabric. It includes a burp cloth, which has a small crinkly frog at the bottom, incorporated into the fabric design; a crinkle paper, and a crinkly teething toy. I backed it all with a soft green minky dot fabric.

The next was an assortment of crinkly products with unusual combinations, but I love they way they look! These include a crinkle paper, and two crinkly teething toys.

Hopefully this week I can follow through on my creative visions a little better, haha. Maybe work more while the monkeys are sleeping, or preoccupied for a longer period of time. I have some great vintage hand embroidered animal squares from an old unfinished quilt that I'm hoping to put to good use! I'll let you know!

Happy crinkling!

New Goodies Round Up

2012-01-16T12:40:00.000-06:00

I have had a chance the past couple of days to create a couple of new and fun crinkly pillows. Considering Valentine's Day is just a hop, skip and jump around the corner, I thought hearts would be a good theme. Although these pillows would be a fabulous anytime gift, simply to say "I love you" to any little (or big!) sweetie in your life! Take a look.

This is called Heart on Fire, and is available in my Etsy store. It is made with super soft fleece, and has a 3D crinkly fleece heart attached to the front. The heart can be lifted all around the edges and crinkled, perfect for curious little fingers to explore. It is secured in the middle with a stitched heart. I love making these!

This pillow is heart shaped, and created with the same fabrics as above. The main heart is soft anti-pill fleece in beautiful shades of pink, orange and yellow. The colors remind me of watching a beautiful sunset or staring at a glowing fire. The middle of the heart boasts an attached crinkly strip of hearts, the same fabric seen in the above pillow. Soft, cuddly and ready to be loved by anyone! This too is available in my Etsy store.

Follow this link to purchase either of these pillows, or check out the other ready to ship crinkle toys and accessories! http://www.etsy.com/shop/KrinklzBaby Happy Crinkling!

Sewing for fun!

2012-01-12T12:29:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I had an overwhelming urge to sew something, create something. However, this urge was definitely not in the space of the things I normally make for Krinklz Baby. I needed to inspire myself on the business end by making something just for FUN! Over Christmas I received a book called "One Yard Wonders" and thought I'd give something a go.

The toddler messenger bag spoke to me...especially with my sweet Squidgy turning 4 in a month. She loves to put things in bags and carry them around. I sifted through my stacks of fabrics and picked a couple that I know she will love. Anyway, here is the result, I think it came out really well and I know she will be so happy to have it!

P.S. Sometimes sewing without any crinkle is so refreshing! Much easier to work with just fabric. But don't tell anyone :-)

In the Grooooove!

2012-01-10T18:50:00.000-06:00

I'm very excited to announce that I have finally become a part of The Family Groove! If you don't know it, then you should definitely check it out. A one-stop site for fabulous articles, awesome shopping, and just plain fun! You can start by clicking the link below, which proudly boasts the KB monkey jumping for joy :-)
http://www.thefamilygroove.com/Shopit_BabyShowers.htm

This year I have given myself three resolutions. Two are for increasing my personal happiness and to put more pep in my step: listening to music more often, and reading more books. The third is for Krinklz Baby, which is to be more PROactive, rather than REactive this year. I want to get my monkey out there and recognized by everyone with eyes! I must admit, I have been slightly apprehensive in the past about really pushing to build my brand. Why? That just seems silly, right?! Krinklz Baby is a one-woman show, seriously. A woman with three kids, two not yet in school and one pre-teen. Time is very precious around here, and I feared getting too busy to keep up with front of the house and back of the house business. But there comes a point, where one decides to push herself harder, and deal with whatever may come, rather than sit in the corner and hope she can handle everything.

I will take this year challenge by challenge, and I know that if I can get through everything thrown my way last year, personally especially, then I can definitely rise to the challenges of pushing my brand while maintaining personal and attentive customer service. I know I can, I know I can....

Happy New Year everyone, may your dreams be big and your diligence remain strong!

Handmade Holiday in the Space Between

2011-12-29T18:34:00.000-06:00

What a month! In the elusive spaces between filling KB orders and being a full time mom of 3, myself and the family actually managed to pull of some fabulous and fun Christmas projects! All handmade with love and laughter, here is a glimpse at what we created this month.

We started off with our annual family ornament making. Every year we choose a project and each make an ornament to adorn our tree. Last year we decided that only those special family ornaments that make you say "Oh! Remember this one?!" would be allowed on our tree, and making new ones with the girls each year has been a great part of this new tradition. So this year we ventured into fabric ornaments, with Modge Podge, Styrofoam balls, and some cute Christmas fabric scraps!

Of course with all of those Styrofoam balls, we made a few more experimenting with some other techniques...these went to some close family members as gifts :-) The kids are 11, 3 and 2.

My next project was to move into the "Dressed Up Post-it Notes". Using scrapbook card stock paper, post-it note pads, glue, ribbons and Velcro buttons. These were fabulous little gifts for family and the girls' teachers!

I had also seen some amazing paper ornaments I really wanted to try, so I used the same scrapbook paper to make these twisty seashells! I love the way they came out, though it took a few ugly ones to get the technique right and keep them holding shape the way I wanted. I gave these to teachers, neighbours, and family as little handmade extras. The one in the middle is a variation, and I made a lot more than is shown here but apparently these are the only photos I took :-)

After completing all of these handmade goodies, I realized that I had still not completed my littlest one's handmade stocking. When I had my first baby, I was determined to complete handmade stockings for all of us by her first Christmas. Not just sewn stockings, but cross-stitch and needlepoint. Well...hers did not get finished, and neither did my husband's or mine. My youngest did not have hers completed for her first Christmas either. This is my stepdaughter's first Christmas living with us, and she won't have hers until next year either. So I guess it is a second Christmas tradition now :-) This was Jujubee's year, so I slaved (literally) day and night for days on end to get hers completed. Finally on Christmas Eve it was done, and hung by the chimney with care! I love it, mission accomplished!

I did take a break from working on her stocking on Friday to have a sweet treats day making cookies and other Christmas Eats goodies with my husband and the girls. I couldn't decide on just a few things, so we went all out! This was the first year we've done this since the little ones are old enough and Maddie is living with us, and we had an absolute blast! Of course we had to take a few kitchen dance breaks and swipe bits of chocolate goodies in between, but here is what we ended up with was a trough of white chocolate dipped oreos, chocolate cake crinkle cookies, snicker doodles, waffle pretzels with chocolate and mint m&ms, circle pretzels with almond bark and m&ms, cherry cookies, and Santa hot cocoa chex mix. I wish these pictures did the yumminess justice!

And just for fun, we made snowman pancakes for breakfast on Christmas Eve! Too cute...and the girls just loved them!

My husband and I keep saying that this has been our best Christmas yet, and I am still filled with the spirit of love and family that has surrounded us these last couple of weeks.

A special thank you to Creating the Hive for having such an amazing community of artists and crafters, and to Pinterest for helping me keep my ideas in order! If you want to see any tutorials or recipes, check Pinterest, Krinklz Baby. Happy end of 2011 and Best Wishes to all for a happy 2012!

Clear it out for Christmas Sale!

2011-12-12T10:56:00.000-06:00

Krinklz Baby is happy to offer a 20% discount for all Christmas items in the Holiday section of the Etsy store!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KrinklzBaby
Go forth and shop for some super cute crinkly fun to put in your little one's stockings this year! From plush crinkly gingerbread boys and girls to festive toy sets...I'm sure something will strike your fancy, especially at a discount! Here are some examples... :-)

It's Etsy Time!

2011-11-03T14:11:00.001-05:00

2009: I create/reserve my Etsy store.
2011: It's finally up and running with ready to ship products!

My goodness that seems like a long time, but Krinklz Baby has spent the last two years developing, growing, exploring, and experimenting to get to this place. When I started, I wanted to make sure that I had my own website. I felt this was an important step in solidifying the brand, having more say in what I could do with my products and how to present them, and quite simply, something I wanted to feel more independent and "successful". Having my own website made me feel that what I was doing was mine, something I built from scratch, something I could really point to. And it is all of these things.

I recently completed a website overhaul, and have plans to streamline even more within the current design. The best compliment I've gotten was when someone asked me if "sewing for Krinklz Baby" was a good job...they said they thought it was my business, but when they went to my website they figured it must be a big company! (Insert proud smile). Check it out for yourself! www.krinklzbaby.com

Enter Etsy, stage left!
Etsy is now ready to play an important part in my business. Though the website is vital, I cannot (with 3 kids and only one in school) keep it fully stocked, which is why it is now for design your own/custom orders. Etsy provides the perfect solution for selling the products I do have time to make, the fun things I am inspired to create, as well as offer special deals! I am very excited to finally have it up and running, as well as to spend some time taking part in the talented community that lives there!

So, here you are! www.etsy.com/shop/krinklzbaby
Go forth, shop, and discover what this Crinkly Queen has been creating in that oh so precious "spare time"!

And let me know, what are your thoughts on having your own website vs. Etsy, or both, or any other awesome virtual handmade marketplace that you are a part of? What do you find works best for you and your business? What is your favorite way to sell your items online? Have a great day and keep smiling!

Breast Cancer Awareness

2011-10-09T10:25:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I participated in a Relay for Life Fun Fair in Mendota, IL. Krinklz Baby was the only vendor, and people were not coming to buy products, they were coming to have fun with their kids and support this incredibly important cause. I, of course, was fine with this, and used it as an opportunity for people to actually experience my products. I also couldn't resist giving some products away to many of the adorable babies and kids that were wandering about!

I gave a crinkle paper to a woman who had a two month old baby boy. She picked one out, handed it to him, and thanked me over and over. An hour or so later, she came back over to my table and when I looked into the stroller, this little two month old boy was holding onto that crinkle paper so tightly his little fingers were white! Precious.

The snuggly surprise blanket in the photo above has been the source of much emotion since I made it. In March of this year, my husband's ex-wife (who, believe it or not, I was actually friends with!) passed away from breast cancer that had spread throughout her body. This profoundly changed our family, and my 11 year old stepdaughter (who I have known since she was three), moved in with us. There is a great connection for us with Jen's passing and the song "If I Die Young", and as I was making this blanket, and thinking of Jen, that song randomly came on my Pandora radio. Personally, I believe this was a little sign from her.

I gave this blanket to one of the ladies who organized the Relay for Life even yesterday, as a breast cancer raffle prize through her work. As I handed it to her she said she got chills, she loved it so much. I am so pleased that I was able to create something that has stirred up so much emotion, and will help a cause that is more important in my life now than I ever wanted it to be.

This month, especially, I am remembering and thinking about Jen every day. I hope that this blanket brings joy and peace to whoever the lucky new owner will be.

Create-cation

2011-09-24T13:33:00.000-05:00

It has been 3 1/2 years since I have had a vacation. I don't mean travelling somewhere with my family...kids and all...to visit other family members. I mean that I have not been away from my children for over 3 years, in fact, I haven't been away from them for more than 6 hours, and that was once, to be a vendor in a craft show. I love my little girls more than anything in the world, cherish all of the time I get to spend with them, and am eternally appreciative of how lucky I am to have the opportunity to stay at home with them during these first years. However (there's always a "but" right?!) my need for some personal time to rediscover who I am sneaks into each day more and more. There is a definite loss of self when you get the privilege of having the best job in the world...being a mother.

What I crave now is not a vacation, not time to sit about watching something other than Nick Jr and Disney, but a "Create-cation". I want to book a week for myself, to lock myself in my studio, blast tunes through my iPod, and let the creativity flow, uninterrupted. That is the key, uninterrupted. So I need...either a real studio with a door to lock :-) or everyone else in the family to go on a vacation without me. Neither of these things is going to happen anytime soon, but a girl can dream!

A create-cation. Sounds like the perfect vacation for me.

Brand New Website!

2011-08-29T09:26:00.000-05:00

If you haven't already checked it out, Krinklz Baby is rockin' a brand new website! www.krinklzbaby.com The website is now designed to accept custom orders only, and will no longer be stocked with ready to ship inventory. You can now see available fabrics to design your own products! If you have an idea in your head and do not see a fabric that works for you, just ask! I am always happy to do a little fabric shopping, or may have something squirreled away that is not on the site. So channel your creativity and get crinkled!

I would love to know your thoughts on the site as well...and suggestions! Share away, as no one has ever improved by being told they are awesome at everything ;-)

Happy Crinkling!

The Beauty of Handmade

2011-08-20T16:16:00.002-05:00

There is a beauty to handmade. The knowledge that someone took precious time out of their life to create something that they are not only passionate about, but drawn from a vision in their mind. Handmade is created with the most special of ingredients, Love. This touch will never be achieved by a mass-producing machine.

I can almost guarantee that in the process of creating any handmade item, things go wrong. On the inside are unique flaws, as individual as the creation itself. But somehow, miraculously, everything (usually) turns out just fine, and the new proud owner of a purchased handmade item will never be the wiser to these flaws.

Buying handmade means supporting someone's dream. Validating someone's time not spent with their family. This, in itself, makes a hero out of anyone who chooses to purchase handmade. Next time you need a gift, think of the "little people" out there, pursuing their passions, innovating the market. Know that what you find will be imperfectly perfect, and mean more to you than anything you could find in a super-store.

Someday

2011-08-20T16:13:00.000-05:00

Someday

Someday I will be able to go to the bathroom by myself.

Someday I will be able to load and unload the dishwasher without little hands grabbing at the knives.

Someday I will be able to sit at the computer and write without someone sitting on my lap hitting random keys, erasing my work.

Someday I will be able to watch something other than Backyardigans.

Someday I will be able to start and finish a task all in one go.

Someday I will be able to complete a thought in my head without being interrupted by the needs of little others.

Someday I will be able to sleep as long as I like.

Someday I will be able to spend hours alone, doing exactly what I want.

Someday I will only have to do adult laundry.

Someday I will be able to hop in the car and go to the store without lugging kids around.

Someday I will be able to leave the house with only a wallet, mobile phone, and keys.

Someday the house will not be filled with crying and whining.

Someday I will be able to eat chocolate any time, without explanation or sharing.

Someday I will be able to eat a meal without little hands grabbing everything off of my plate.

Someday I will be able to prepare meals that are exotic and take hours to complete.

Someday I will be able to have any kind of furniture and décor anywhere I want, without worrying about who will ruin it or eat it.

Someday I will be able to sit on the floor without being knocked over full force by little bodies.

Someday I will be able to listen to any kind of music anytime, without someone whining that they don’t like it or it is too loud.

Someday going to bed will be a simple process on my terms.

Someday everything I own will be safe and everything I do will be easy.

And someday, I will miss all of these little annoyances and inconveniences. I will wish my kids were still little, were still at home. Still thought I was a Queen and knew everything.

Someday, I will miss this time in my life more than I could miss any other experience I’ve ever had. Someday.

Craft Site Directory Inclusion

2011-08-20T16:09:00.002-05:00

Krinklz Baby was selected to be a part of the Craft Site Directory! Just another way to get to your favorite online store for all things baby!
www.craftsitedirectory.com/baby

South Africa Orphanage Gets Krinklz Baby Toys!

2011-08-20T16:07:00.000-05:00

I would like to thank our customer who generously purchased original crinkly square toys to give to the children at The Pines Christian Care Center located in Welkom, South Africa. She is a shining example in these times of reaching outside of ourselves to bring others joy. I hope the children enjoy the toys as much as I enjoyed making them and she enjoyed giving them.
To learn more about The Pines and, if you choose, to also provide support, please visit www.myaimi.org/thepines

I Love Krinklz Baby!

2011-08-20T16:04:00.001-05:00

I love these items! Any new ones that come to my family and friends will get a Krinklz item. I love this gift as it is one of a kind. And loved by babies. Erin thanks for coming up with an adorable item. Can’t wait to see what else Krinklz adds!
Kristy L., Galena IL

Psychologist Loves Krinklz Baby Toys!

2011-08-20T16:02:00.002-05:00

I received the Crinkly Square and Small Puffy Teething Square as a gift. I figured they would be like every other toy my son received, that is, he looks at it and tosses it away. To my surprise, he LOVED them!!! I always have to carry one in the diaper bag to keep him entertained on car trips. As a psychologist, I also loved that these toys helped to teach him the cognitive concept of cause and effect.
M.T., North Dakota

"H" is for Hannah!

2011-08-20T15:59:00.000-05:00

Hannah's mommy says...

Hey Erin!! The "H" is better than I dreamed!! Thank you ~ Excellent work!

The Gift I Plan to Keep Giving!

2011-08-20T15:54:00.000-05:00

Bought one Krinklz on ebay and my 6 month old granddaughter loved it. She likes to play with paper so this satisfied that need in a safe way. Immediately ordered more and the teething squares to have in different places. Plan to get more to put away and give as gifts.
Mary, Atlanta, Ga.

He Loves his Krinklz the Best!

2011-08-20T15:52:00.002-05:00

I purchased a Krinklz for my nephew and he loves it! He has lots of relatives, so he has received lots and lots of baby toys, but he loves his Krinklz the best! He can stay fascinated with the colors and crinkly noise for hours on end. My sister loves it too!
Amanda, New Orleans, LA

Lightweight!

2011-08-20T15:51:00.000-05:00

My granddaughter has several Krinklz items and really got a lot of mileage out of the original square. It’s lightweight and easy for little hands to hold and wave around. I have given them to friends as baby shower gifts and always hear back how much the babies are enjoying them.
J. Murray, Galena, IL

So Easy to Clean!

2011-08-20T15:50:00.001-05:00

Erin, I can tell you that when my granddaughter was very young she loved shaking the Krinklz because of the noise it makes. It is so easy for those little hands to grasp on to, they love the soft feel of the fabric, they can stick it in their mouths, and it is so easy to launder. That is one toy that when it gets soiled you know it will be easy to clean. As she got older(like about 3months or so) it was a great way to keep her occupied while changing her diaper.
From P.O. first time grandma and loving it!!

I Love my Krinklz!

2011-08-20T15:49:00.002-05:00

Erin,
I love my Krinklz! My 3 month old baby will just lay on the floor and
play with it and bite on it and laugh the whole time. He is teething
right now and he loves to bite on them. They are also so easy to keep
clean! Thank you again for such a great product!
Sherri B. Louisville, KY

Wonderful Gift!

2011-08-20T15:48:00.002-05:00

Krinklz make a wonderful gift! As someone who is not a parent and has little knowledge of what to get all of her friends that are starting families, Krinklz has been a life saver! These unique, high quality products are wonderful tactile and auditory toys and the great patterns make them very visually appealing. Every mother I have given them to has raved about how their child will not let them go!
Lisa from Dubuque, Iowa

Welcome!

2011-08-20T15:44:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the Krinklz Baby Store Blog! Here we will be posting information about our characteristic "crinkly" products as well as informative articles regarding baby play and development. You will also be notified of new places to find our products and fairs and festivals we will be participating in!

Krinklz Baby strives to provide handmade products that not only stimulate the development of babies but also become their favorites. Our items are functional conversation pieces that can be taken with you everywhere. Have a look through our store and find the product that is perfect for your little one!
Thanks for visiting and come back soon!