Make Baby Stuff.com's Baby Crafts Blog

Mar 22, Parenting: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures - The BOOK!

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:14:18 GMT

Just a quick note to say my book comes out next week! Does it have anything to do with crafts? No, no it does not. But it DOES have to do with parenting and will make you laugh. Isn't that crafty of me?

Parenting: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures will be in stores March 26th and is available for pre-order right now. (Plus, if you pre-order you can get a limited edition signed bookplate sticker. Details here. You know you want a sticker.)

Aug 21, Kiwi Crate Review - Crafts for Kids!

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 21:34:29 GMT

Check out my full Kiwi Crate Review, which is a monthly subscription for craft projects for kids to be delivered to your door! (Spoiler - I love it & so did the kids.)

Also? Kiwi Crate is offering my readers a special discount! Get $5 off a monthly subscription (code = BOOK2) or sign up for a year and get two months free (code = BOOK7)! Offers valid today through 8/26/12.

Jun 21, Silhouette discount code and oh how much I love this thing

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:02:46 GMT

I am totally in love with my Silhouette machine. It is a "digital cutting" machine, something I didn't even know existed until about a month ago. This is why I love it...

It works with your computer like a printer and you don't have to buy cartridges of images, you buy them one at a time online or you can make your own with the software provided. Works with a Mac or PC, which was a biggie for me.

It cuts fabric. Like perfect fabric appliques. Check out my fabric cutting project where I used the machine for the very first time.

Also? Make at home temporary tattoos. My little pirates were thrilled by this in particular. See more about my tattoo project right here. Wouldn't this be cool for birthday parties and to tuck into Valentine's cards?

It also cuts cardstock (and you can cut out 3D shapes, cute boxes and ornaments!) not to mention vinyl. Yes, vinyl. The kind that is so popular to stick on the walls. And check out the heat transfer material for clothes. There is other stuff too, if I keep going this will be the longest post ever.

So because the folks at Silhouette are lovely, you guys get a special discount now through the 29th. I have a feeling there are some baby crafters out there who could put one of these to good use.

Use the code: BABYSTUFF and get: This bundle right here, which includes:
1 Silhouette SD machine
2 packs Temporary Tattoo paper
and blades, mats, etc that are included

FOR only $199 (US only)

PS - you'll also probably want to pick up some heat transfer material and some fabric interfacing and maybe some vinyl too. All of that stuff* is 25% off with the same code: BABYSTUFF through the 29th!

*discount excludes gift cards & download cards

If you still aren't convinced, go to the Silhouette inspiration blog and check out all the amazing things you can make.
full disclosure: they sent me one to play with but I didn't receive any $ for this review. I only review things I truly love.

Jun 20, Crappy Pictures Has a Facebook Page and something else

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:16:44 GMT

Ok folks, I started a Parenting. Illustrated with Crappy Pictures Facebook Page for you to "like" if you want to keep up and not miss any new ones. The entire series can be seen right here in case you have no idea what I'm talking about.

I won't be posting about them over here so we can get back to crafting in this space!

Speaking of crafting...I've got a really super cool promo discount deal on a craft product for you tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Jun 20, Silhouette Cuts Fabric for Applique

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:54:54 GMT

I love my silhouette and how easily it cuts fabric for applique that I use on my kids clothes. I was a bit skeptical at first but it really works well

May 24, Yo Ho Yo Ho Pirate Crafts For You

Tue, 24 May 2011 18:10:57 GMT

Did I mention that the pirate love has hit my four year old (which means my 18 month old too) and he has been asking me for pirate gear?

Here is my Pirate Eye Patch Template which is a quick project for hand sewing using felt and elastic - no sewing machine required.

I also made them these soft sewn Toy Pirate Swords which are way better than the (more dangerous) tree branches they were using. Cheap to make too.

I hope you ARRRRRRR having a good week!

May 23, Winner of the ERGObaby Giveaway...

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:55:07 GMT

And the winner of the ERGObaby Giveaway is...

Sara Brewer who said: "I want an ergo baby carrier soooo bad!!!"

Congrats Sara and thanks to everyone who entered and especially to ERGObaby Carrier!

May 17, Apron Pattern for your Half Pint Helpers!

Tue, 17 May 2011 20:32:08 GMT

I have a new one for you today! This child's apron pattern is a fast sew and is adjustable to fit sizes 18months to 5T. It will come in handy for several years of cooking with your little ones. We're making cookies today in fact, now that this apron is posted and we can get it dirty!

You'll also see that my photos in this particular tutorial aren't very spectacular. This is because I'm a real, live actual mama to little ones! Sometimes, my only time for sewing and tutorial making is in the wee hours of the night when everyone is asleep. Doesn't make for pretty sunlight filled photos, but hey, I'll take what I can get.

May 13, Giveaway: ERGObaby Carrier!

Fri, 13 May 2011 05:20:06 GMT

Yay!!! I get to giveaway an ERGO of your choice to one lucky winner! You can Comment HERE to enter and read the scoop! Ends May 22nd.

PS - no Facebook or any other account needed to comment this time, thanks for the feedback on that!

May 3, Sponsor Intro! VisionaryMom.com

Tue, 03 May 2011 17:17:10 GMT

Introducing our newest sponsor, VisionaryMom.com, where Lisa offers coaching, workshops and ecourses to help mamas make their dreams happen. Hard to find the time to make your dreams happen while you have little ones relying on you, right? Believe me, she knows.

Apr 26, How to Easily Sew Cuffs on Baby Pants

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:24:19 GMT

A number of people have emailed me over the years asking me how to sew cuffs on baby pants easily. I made some pants last week for a friend's son and remembered to take a couple photos!

Apr 19, Enter to Win a Dress from Shabby Apple, Just Comment!

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:27:10 GMT

We are hosting a giveaway for this beautiful dress from Shabby Apple! You can Comment HERE to enter and read all about it! Contest ends Friday, April 29th!

Apr 18, Free Baby Tank Top Pattern for Summer

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:21:19 GMT

I've been working on my 18 month old's summer wardrobe and have been busy sewing simple comfy stretchy tank tops. I love tank tops for little ones since it is SO hot where we live. My new free baby tank top pattern is super easy, just two pattern pieces.

Happy summer sewing!

Apr 12, Renaissance Tunic Pattern

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:16:01 GMT

We go to a local Renaissance Faire every spring (food, horses, costumes!) and we're going again in a few weeks. My son grew out of the tunic I sewed for him a couple years ago so I made a new one today. Here is the Renaissance style tunic pattern that I came up with.

Only one size this time, but it fits loosely so it is a big range. Enjoy!

Apr 5, Easy Homemade Bubble Solution for BIG Bubbles!

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 03:07:26 GMT

The weather is getting warmer and we've been having so much fun with this homemade bubble solution recipe in the yard. I will never buy bubble solution again!

Feb 22, Knit Baby Blanket Contest Winners...

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 03:12:28 GMT

The winners are...
First Place: The Secret in the Garden by Summer Mungle

Second Place: Jadyn Blanket by Megan Grewal

Third Place: Larkin's Big Girl Blanket by Leigh Anne Staton

Congrats to our winners and thanks again to our judges for doing the very tough job of deciding.

Huge thanks again to our sponsor, Knit Picks, for the $100, $50 & $25 gift certificates and making this contest possible!

Feb 19, Baby Blanket Contest Over...Winners announced soon

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 21:20:51 GMT

Our Hand Knit Baby Blanket Contestis over! Winners will be announced next week, just as soon as we hear back from all the judges. Hey, cut them some slack, it is a hard job.

Who will win the $100, $50 or $25 gift certificates from Knit Picks? Find out next week!

Thanks to EVERYONE who entered & good luck!

Feb 2, Interactive Wooden Kids Calendar

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:38:21 GMT

I'm only a month late with my wooden perpetual calendar but since it is perpetual, you can make this any time of year. We are LOVING this calendar.

Jan 5, Crafty Mama January: Michelle, Babus Toys

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 06:53:35 GMT

Our new January Crafty mama interview is with Michelle of Babus Toys! I admit we have a couple of her toys and they are huge favorites in our house.

Read the full interview here!

Jan 1, Announcing a Hand Knit Baby Blanket Contest!

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 23:32:20 GMT

Announcing our newest contest! Hand Knit Baby Blanket Contest! Submit your own hand knit baby blanket photo and you could win a $100, $50 or $25 gift certificate from Knit Picks! Yarn, needles, books, oh my!

Time to get those needles out for the rest of winter, right? Or maybe you already knit something up for the holidays? Keep those babies cozy in their blankets.

Come join the knitting fun and submit your photo here!

This will be our last knitting contest this winter as spring is just around the corner, although I know it doesn't feel like it for those of you buried in snow.

We have four amazing judges ready to do the hard job of picking winners and you can see who they are right here on the contest page.

As usual, I may be highlight a few entries here and there on the blog for your winter knitting inspiration.

Huge thanks to Knit Picks for making this contest possible!

The contest ends February 15th!

Dec 11, Hand Knit Baby Hat Contest Winner

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 07:45:05 GMT

The winner is Newborn Long Tail Baby Hat!

Thanks again to Sundara Yarn!

for being our lovely sponsor! We had 70 entries full of amazing inspiration!

Dec 8, Last Chance to Enter Your Hand Knit Baby Hat!

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:28:18 GMT

Just two more days left of our contest!! Hand Knit Baby Hat Contest! Submit your own hand knit baby hat and you could win a $100 gift certificate to Sundara Yarn!

As I write this, we have 49 entries and they are ALL amazing, we've really enjoyed peeking at these over the last few weeks. Only two more days left to join in and submit your photo here!

The contest ends this Friday, December 10th!

Dec 3, Crafty Mama December: Cheryl, Sew Can Do & The Green Hedgehog

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 06:25:06 GMT

Our new featured Crafty Mama for December is Cheryl of Sew Can Do & the Green Hedgehog! You will love her blog, where she shares all kinds of tutorials for things like sewing high chair pad covers and felt doctor kits. Plus, she sells patterns and her hilarious hats in her new shop, The Green Hedgehog. I want that Yoda hat.

Read the full interview here!

Nov 25, Toy Box Plans & Happy Thanksgiving!

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:07:27 GMT

I finally posted a page about some of the handmade toyboxes I made recently, in a feeble attempt to gain control over the toy invasion that is about to happen over the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers in the US! I'm so thankful for all of my visitors, you make this website possible!

Nov 18, Free Maternity Shirt Pattern (and for mamas too!)

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:44:44 GMT

Blood (okay, not blood) sweat & tears were shed over this Maternity Shirt Pattern and the workings of it started many moons ago. I finished it!

The best part about this top? It is for pregnant mamas and non-pregnant mamas alike! Just change where you tie the belt!

Nov 17, Knit Baby Hat Contest...submissions rolling in!

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:12:53 GMT

Our Hand Knit Baby Hat Contest is going on right now and the submissions have started rolling in!

Here are just a few recent ones:

Rorys Rainbow Hat by Sara

SHEEP! Baby Hat by Jennifer

Neapolitan Sundae by Amanda

And there are oodles more where those came from. You can go to the contest page to view all the submissions and even comment on the entries!

Nov 9, Not one but TWO Free Baby Bib Patterns

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 23:24:56 GMT

My youngest is just starting to show an interest in solid food and good grief I forgot how messy this is! So I needed to design some bibs.

My Birdie Bib Pattern is reversible with a cute little bird applique.

My Pocket Bib Pattern is a full-coverage bib that uses just one piece of fabric.

Both of these include free, printable PDFs of the pattern to download as usual. Enjoy!

Nov 8, Last time I'll bug you about business. Facebook Page.

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:16:41 GMT

Yes! I made a Make Baby Stuff Facebook page today too. I'd love to connect with you guys. There are a truckload of people who subscribe to this feed...please come say hi!

Nov 2, Announcing a Hand Knit Baby Hat CONTEST!

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:16:13 GMT

Announcing our newest contest! Hand Knit Baby Hat Contest! Submit your own hand knit baby hat and you could win a $100 gift certificate to Sundara Yarn!

New knitters welcome! Time to get those needles out for winter anyway, right? Keep those babies heads warm & share your baby knit hats!

Often a baby hat is the very first thing a new knitter will try. They are small, cute and relatively quick and easy. So even if you are a total newbie, you have something to share!

It certainly has been a while since we did a contest and I've really missed seeing what you guys are up to. Come join the knitting fun and submit your photo here!

I've had a lot of requests for more contests and quite a few from you knitters out there. I hope this one is lots of fun for everyone!

PS - I'll be highlighting a few entries here and there on the blog for your winter knitting inspiration.

The contest ends December 10th!

Oct 18, Toddler Robot Halloween Costume

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:17:45 GMT

My eldest son will be wearing this handmade robot costume this year. It is hard to get him to take it off. Not that I try too hard, it is just too funny to watch him walk around the house wearing this.

And you? Are you making your little one's costume this year? Or have photos from last year? Share photos right here and tell us what you did!

Oct 14, Reader Submission: Ladybug Tutu

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:32:57 GMT

Look at this adorable Ladybug Tutu Stephanie made for her daughter's first birthday! With the new sew tutu instructions and the ladybug headband instructions you'll have a really fast Halloween costume!.

Are you making your little one's costume this year? Or have photos from last year? Share photos right here and tell us what you did!

Oct 14, Pumpkin Pinata Making Instructions

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:13:33 GMT

Happy autumn! Here are Pumpkin Pinata Instructions which would be great for an autumn birthday, Halloween party or an autumn themed celebration.

Get some ideas for eco-friendly, non-candy filling too!

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!