Make Baby Stuff.com's Baby Crafts Blog

Jun 25, Now You CAN Make & Sell the Detour Diaper Bag

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 02:20:41 GMT

After a number of emails asking about selling diaper bags made from my popular Detour Diaper Bag Pattern I've begun to offer Limited Production Licenses for it.

So finally, YES! With a Limited Production License you can make and sell these in your own online shop or at craft fairs!

My patterns are intended for mamas to use for themselves which is why they've always been free. By offering licenses for those few who want to profit from them allows me to profit a bit too...which allows me to keep offering more for free!

Feb 18, Detour Diaper Bag by Emily

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:48:25 GMT

Check out Emily's Detour Diaper Camera Bag Combo that she made using my Detour Diaper Bag pattern. It makes me SO happy to see this, love her fabrics and how she added padding and pockets. Love it!

See more pics of the bag on her flickr site.

Jan 30, FREE "The Detour Diaper Bag" Pattern

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:37:44 GMT

This lovely diaper bag is a long time in the making. I designed, tweaked and perfected this one over and over. Guess how much I'm charging for it? It is yours FREE.

Yes, here is a completely new free diaper bag pattern for you to print and use. This one is the real deal. Seam allowances and all that "real pattern" goodness.

Jan 7, Beaded Bracelet Keepsake Jewelry

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:14:42 GMT

Create beautiful baby beaded keepsake jewelry with this tutorial written for us by Wanda of Making-Beaded-Jewelry.com.

Dec 31, Tie Dye Baby Clothes - the FASTEST way

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:45:40 GMT

Use spray paint especially made for fabric to create tie dye baby clothes so fast you won't feel bad about using this "cheaters tie dye" method.

Dec 29, Create Contrast Trim with Fabric Spray Paint

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:40:03 GMT

Did you know you can use non-toxic spray paint to dye details on baby clothes? Fun stuff. Here we added contrasting trim to a plain outfit.

Dec 17, FREE Baby Pants Patterns in 2 Sizes

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:06:06 GMT

Finally, (because so many people bugged me about it) the free baby pants pattern is available to print in actual size, in sizes 0-3 months and 6-12 months. Finally!

Consider it my end of year holiday gift to you all. Thanks to everyone who visits this site and happy crafting!

Dec 16, Bean Bag Toss Game

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:21:14 GMT

Quick! Still time to make this bean bag toss game this year! This is so simple to make and so satisfying. Keeps toddlers busy inside when it is too cold to go out!

Dec 10, Free Elf Hat Pattern for Toddler

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:11:12 GMT

A free, printable elf hat pattern just in time for Christmas! Keep your little elf warm with this hilariously cute hat. Super easy quick sew - only two pieces.

Dec 3, DIY Maternity Yoga Pants

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:10:25 GMT

Here are some handy DIY maternity yoga pants instructions for you! No need to buy stretchy pants when you can sew these on the cheap and in fabrics you like.

Dec 3, Reader Submission: Almond Butter Playdough

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:54:33 GMT

Jenn shared her Almond Butter Playdough Recipe with us yesterday!

What baby stuff have you been making? Clothes? Toys? Making any homemade holiday gifts for the wee ones this year? Upload a photo and show it off right here!

(PS - if you have your own blog, include the link in your submission to get some linky love)

Oct 25, Nursery Wall Decals

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:48:25 GMT

Wall vinyl decals are an easy way to add design to baby's room!

The above examples are courtesy of The Simple Stencil where you can find tons of decals that would be perfect for your nursery!!

Aug 4, Crafty Mama August: Ann of Harvest Moon by Hand

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 06:07:00 GMT

Our new featured Crafty Mama for August is Ann of Harvest Moon by Hand! Aren't her window stars stunning? I love them as seasonal window decoration in a play room or a child's room. I can't get over this happy yellow sunshine for summer.

Read the full interview here!

Jun 3, Crafting for a Cause & Crafty Mama June

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 06:41:22 GMT

Here is a great chance to "craft for a cause" and be part of our Crafty Mama June's project!

Shannon, (full interview here) has coordinated a project where she asks that you get involved by making a doll (or two or more!) to give to an orphan in Uganda.

For more info on the project, go to her site, Amazima Dolls Project to learn more and to fill out her volunteer form to make a promise to make a doll! She offers free patterns (sewing, knitting and crochet) and dolls aren't due until October 1, 2009.

I can't wait to get started on mine...

May 22, Where to buy Print Gocco!?!

Fri, 22 May 2009 19:30:45 GMT

I've been getting a lot of email lately from people asking where to buy a Gocco, thanks to this tutorial...

The best place? eBay! Here is one for sale right now with free shipping that includes tons of fabric ink and the stamp set!

May 3, Crafty Mama May: Vanessa Christenson, V and Co.

Sun, 03 May 2009 01:16:17 GMT

Our new featured Crafty Mama for May is Vanessa of V and Co.! I love her blog, where she shares her amazing frugal decor ideas and other crafty projects, tutorials and more.

Read the full interview here!

Apr 9, Happy Easter! Stuffed Bunny Pattern

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 23:38:27 GMT

Happy Easter! There is still enough time to whip up an easy stuffed bunny, like this one here: Stuffed Bunny Pattern PDF and instructions.

Apr 4, Maternity Wrap Skirt Pattern

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 08:33:47 GMT

Since many of our readers are currently pregnant, here is a free, printable Maternity Wrap Skirt Pattern PDF and instructions.

For the non-pregnant mama folks, hey, this is just a wrap skirt! You can wear it too! In fact, check out the photos on the page, you'll see both pregnant and non-pregnant skirt wearing!

Jan 1, Free Sweater Teddy Bear Pattern

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:45:09 GMT

Yet another recycled wool sweater tutorial. Can you tell I recently scored some wool sweaters? This Sweater Bear Pattern PDF is free for you to download and print out to create your very own sweater bear from recycled sweaters!

An eco-friendly take on the classic bear. Enjoy!

Dec 31, Recycled Sweater Wool Diaper Cover "Longies"

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:39:34 GMT

Another recycled wool sweater tutorial! This time, make wool diaper covers to keep your little one cozy for the rest of winter.

Dec 19, Free Christmas Elf Doll Pattern

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:20:01 GMT

Here is a last minute stocking stuffer idea for you. This Christmas Elf Doll Pattern and tutorial will have you cranking out adorable little elves for your little elves in no time.

Dec 14, Save Handmade Children's Items! Please!

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:20:25 GMT

Have you heard about the new US regulations on toys and childrens' products that will make handmade toys, clothing, diapers and baby carriers illegal starting in February? While we strongly believe in testing of mass-produced toys and products (remember all the lead paint toys a couple years back?) this new requirement will virtually put all handmade toy makers and clothing designers for kids out of business. This entire website is built around making handmade items for children so this impacts nearly every darn person reading this either as a buyer or as a maker or as a mother. Please help! In fact most of these amazing mamas we've featured will be out of business starting in February if this law passes as is. Check out this Save Handmade resources page on Cool Mom Picks for more info and what you can do to help!

Dec 13, Quick Gift Tags from Toddler Art

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:47:02 GMT

We're busy crafting up a storm here and babies are included!

If you don't have a giant circle punch as shown - just hand cut your tags. Set your little one up with some red, red & green or blue crayons, finger paint or markers and let them scribble!

Dec 8, Felted Sweaters Baby Quilt Tutorial

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:28:53 GMT

This amazingly detailed Felted Sweater Baby Quilt Tutorial was written for us by Shira Adriance of Papou.

Not sure how to felt? Check out this How to Felt Sweaters guide that Shira also shared with us!

Dec 6, Etsy.com Handmade Portrait Video

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 01:05:48 GMT

On a personal note...here is the handmade portrait video that Etsy.com did on yours truly.

Hey - it is relevant, I'm making baby stuff after all!

Nov 12, Mothering Magazine Natural Toys Webinar!

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:42:18 GMT

Mothering Mazagine is hosting an "A to Z Guide to Natural Toys" webinar on December 2nd and we're one of the presenters!

I created a detailed video tutorial (it is 15 minutes!) on how to make wooden toys and what paints/finishes to use.

Nov 6, And the Handmade Baby Quilt Winners Are...

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:40:01 GMT

1st Place - Counting Sheep by Gina

2nd Place - Big Tree, Little Bird by Kiki

3rd Place - Flock Together by Melissa

A HUGE thanks everyone who entered, the judges and our awesome sponsors Superbuzzy and Sublime Stitching for making this contest so much fun.

Another exciting contest to be announced soon. Stay connected by subscribing to our newsletter!

Nov 2, Handmade Baby Quilt Contest...Winners are Being Picked!

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 06:59:55 GMT

Our contest is officially over and I'm thrilled to report that we had 180 amazing entries. Our five judges (Irene, Alicia, Ellen, Courtney and Helen) will be pouring over the entries in the next couple days and the winners will be announced very soon! Prizes of $100, $50 and $25 gift certificates to Superbuzzy as well as a Forest Friends embroidery pattern from Sublime Stitching will go to the lucky winners.

Oct 29, Chocolate Chip Cookie Costume

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 06:57:07 GMT

My son loves cookies. He doesn't get them too often (we try to be health conscious and all that) but he beams when he talks of them.

Needless to say, his answer to "What do you want to be for Halloween?" was always, "Cookies!" Here is my cookie costume tutorial just finished tonight!

The part I love about this costume? The part that proves I'm a genius? This costume can be magically transformed into cookie chair pads in his room just by taking it off. No alterations needed. Fancy, eh?

Sep 30, Gocco Robot Baby Shirt

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:06:54 GMT

Here is a fun tutorial for gocco printing on baby shirts!

Why didn't I discover Gocco years ago? I bought one last year and it is worth it! I've used it countless times for card-making and printing on fabric. Love it!

Sep 26, Baby Ladybug Costume Pattern

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:44:15 GMT

Make a detachable ladybug shell out of felt for your crawling baby and turn her into a little bug this Halloween! The shell attaches to a onesie using velcro so it can be removed as needed, without having to take off the whole costume. Here is the full photo tutorial.

Includes free pattern template to print and use!

PS - change the color to green and you'll have a great turtle costume!

Sep 18, Quilting Tutorial (For People Scared of Quilting)

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:18:10 GMT

This is a very basic tutorial for making a random patchwork strip quilt.

If you are intimidated by quilting, please check this out! (All of you pros who have already entered our Handmade Baby Quilt Contest feel free to ignore this one, you'll be bored to tears)

This quilt took only 2 hours to complete from start to finish and is the perfect technique for anyone willing to dip their toes into quilting who doesn't have a lot of time.

Sep 16, Pumpkin Applique Template

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:33:35 GMT

Here is a free pumpkin applique template for you to print out and make a some fall themed clothes for your little one!

We've opted to not add a jack-o-lantern face, to get more wear out of the shirt (can wear it after Halloween this way) but feel free to customize your pumpkin!

Sep 13, Homemade Castle Birthday Cake Instructions

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:23:02 GMT

Here are some easy instructions for building your own castle cake that would be perfect for your little princess. (Or change the frosting colors for your prince)

Sep 11, Fitted Crib Sheet Tutorial

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:18:08 GMT

Here is a crib sheet pattern that was shared with us by one of our readers!

We tested & modified it a bit then wrote up this handy photo tutorial so you can see just how easy it is!

Sep 11, Deviled Egg Costume

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:33:45 GMT

This DIY deviled egg costume is ridiculous and cute.

Instructions for making the horns using my tin foil & masking tape technique that I developed during my "starving artist" days.

My cousin went as a "deviled egg" back in the late '70s and this silly costume is circulating around again!

Halloween is just around the corner...

Sep 10, New "Celebrate Growth" Section Added Today

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:50:14 GMT

A new little section to explore, all focused on Celebrating Growth!

Includes tidbits like taking a series of photos with the same object to show growth:

(thanks to the crafty mum from nutnut on Etsy who shared those pics with us)

And also ideas for sewing your own height chart and more!

Sep 9, More Prizes for the Handmade Baby Quilt Contest!

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:54:40 GMT

Just a quickie announcement that we have more prizes lined up thanks to SublimeStitching.com!

Each winner will also receive an adorable Forest Friends embroidery pattern:

This company has reinvented embroidery for a new generation. How cute would these designs be on a quilt?

Sep 4, Handmade Baby Quilt Contest!

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:33:38 GMT

Enter your handmade baby quilt for your chance to win $100, $50, or $25 gift certificates to superbuzzy.com!

This contest was sponsored by superbuzzy and a huge thanks also goes out in advance to our amazing judges! Read about them on the Baby Quilt Contest page & enter to win!
This contest ends November 1st, 2008!

Aug 30, Playdough Recipe

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 03:25:12 GMT

Here is a homemade playdough recipe that has been in my family since I was a child! I can still remember the scent of it...my family used vanilla extract.

This is SO easy. Even if you can't cook, don't worry, the recipe is very forgiving. Perfection not required.

Aug 28, Photo Pennant Banners

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:50:29 GMT

Create a photo pennant banner as the beginning of a birthday tradition. Each year, add another flag with your child's photo! Here are complete instructions and a free pattern to download.

Aug 21, Prizes Have Been Mailed...

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:27:04 GMT

MakeBabyStuff.com turned into shipping central yesterday and everything is out the door. Congrats again to our most recent contest winners, your goodies will arrive shortly!
Our next contest is going to be a great one! We had a whopping 43 people write in (out of over 100 emails total) asking for the same contest theme. Drumroll please...Homemade Baby Quilts! The contest will be announced officially in a couple weeks, so stay tuned. Thank you to EVERYONE who wrote in with your ideas, they were all fantastic. We might use your idea next time!

Aug 19, Baby Fairy Wings Tutorial

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:44:18 GMT

Halloween is just around the corner (okay, it is 10 weeks away, but in "mama-baby time" that is around the corner) so here is a baby fairy wings tutorial to use. Yep, just $3 (everything from the 99cents store, of course) was the materials cost on this one. Cheap, eh?

Aug 18, Even MORE Handprint Craft Ideas

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:50:56 GMT

Here are several more handprint crafting ideas that don't really need their own pages...so we've complied them all on one page of photos: By the way, you can check out ALL the baby handprint projects from our Baby Handprint Crafts Section page!

Aug 18, Baby Handprint Ornament

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:34:02 GMT

Create this beautiful baby handprint wall ornament out of polymer clay and be ahead of the game for holiday gift giving. Great for grandparents! Includes complete photo tutorial as usual!

Aug 18, Stepping Stone Tutorial

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:59:14 GMT

Every year on my son's birthday, we create a stepping stone with his foot impression. Here is a cement stepping stone tutorial for you to see just how easy this is! This is a great way to celebrate growth and if you move you can take these with you!

Aug 16, Natural Nursery & Playroom Contest WINNERS!

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:50:10 GMT

And the winners are...
Light & Warmth

Playspace for Both Girls & Boys

Room That Inspires Stories

Morning Light

Enchanted Fairy Garden

A Note About Judging & to THANK our two judges! As was stated in the contest rules, winners were picked based on photo and/or entry content. This is entirely subjective and they had a very tough time picking their favorites! This contest was judged by Mary Halderson, a retired Waldorf primary teacher and Alyssa Black, an interior designer who focuses on eco-friendly design.
Thank you to everyone who submitted, check out all the submissions for even more inspiration!

Aug 13, Baby Food Jar Crafts: Snow Globes

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:28:34 GMT

If you are seeking fun and easy baby food jar crafts this might just do the trick! Follow this baby food jar snow globe tutorial and create some wintery scenes to keep you cool in this August heat.

Aug 12, Wet Bag Sewing Pattern

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:53:06 GMT

We are in the heat of August here and this means many more trips to the beach or pool. Here is a wet bag sewing pattern so you can make a few of your own. So handy! A wet bag is one of my "must haves" for parenting supplies and ours have been in use more than ever holding wet swimsuits! Of course they are also great for a lot of "not as fun" uses like spills on clothes, spit up on clothes, soiled burp cloths, cloth diapers, disposable diapers when no trash is near, etc.

Jul 23, Wooden Doll Cradle Plans

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:39:24 GMT

Here are some easy Wooden Doll Cradle Plans that are so easy you only need five pieces of wood that you can have cut before you leave the lumberyard! Simple and perfect for non-woodworkers (in fact, real woodworkers would laugh at this cheating method) and you'll end up with a sturdy and beautiful rocking doll cradle.