Mount Royal Mint

These little plushies just make me say awwww. Hand crafted in Montreal by Mount Royal Mint, these one of a kind teeny tiny guys with tons of personality are perfect for a special someone. After making tiny birds I totally get why the little toys cost just as much as bigger ones, they are super hard to stitch together! Stop by and give Mount Royal Mint a little love, there are so many adorable creatures looking for a lovely home.

images via mount royal mint

For baby

We have been slowly gathering things for baby around here and with a growing collection of toys its quite clear we have a very distinctive style for our little one. Handmade and slightly quirky. And these adorable plushies from Kra Kra craft sure do fit the bill don't you think? There is just something about a more handmade looking toy then a store bought stuffed animal. Not only is there more character and personality they are usually made with better materials and love. My Mom and I have been making our little girl little things here and there, she even has her own custom mobile that looks somewhat similar to those little birds down there. I found some fun fabric in colors that are both kid and adult friendly and will be hung with wooden branches found in Golden Gate park. So much better then something plastic from the store!

images by kra kra craft

And we recently got this little critter from my younger cousin. She started off her gift giving with "it looks like it needs a little love but it reminded me of you". And she couldn't have been more right. The tag even states that this little bear "smiles a lot and is an expert on air pollution". Got to love back stories. 

image by our designed life

Colorful creatures

Now that everyone knows about our growing little lady {sqwee!} I keep getting asked what kind of nursery we are planning. We may not have an entire room to dedicate to our little one but the husband and I sure are planning an area for her filled with lots of colors, shapes and animals. And these wood blocked pillows would be the perfect addition to her space. I have always liked the idea of incorporating a more "grown up" color palette...who says we have to have bright pink princess everything anyways? I just love how these pillows not only have fun shapes but incorporate a more fantasy meets realistic look. They would go perfect with the knobs I got for her dresser too! Stop by Laura Frisk's shop for her full line of fun pillows, wall hangings, purses and accessories.

images by laura frisk

Artsy kids costumes

The art nerd in me just had a "oh.my.gosh." moment with this adorable little girls Halloween costume. Jordan of Oh happy day has come up with 3 incredibly creative and super simple costumes for the little ones. If we have a little girl I might just have to pull this together, no one is more identifiable then Ms. Kahlo herself and it would give me a chance to pull out a few of her colorful pieces and get to explaining her art. Oh how I wish I had picked up the Frida Kahlo coloring book I saw years ago in Santa Monica. Be sure to stop by and check out Jordan's version of Andy Warhol and Vincent Van Gough, at less then $15 a piece its way more creative then dressing up the kiddos in those cheap and often times plastic store bought outfits.

image via oh happy day

Modern toys

The buying for le baby has officially started. With almost constant kicks going on its a nice reminder to start getting things ready for our little love, only 4 more months to go! The husband and I have been keeping our eyes open for fun and interesting toys that are a bit out of the norm and these interchangeable dovetail animals from Poketo totally fit the bill. Made from beech wood, these little critters are prefect for learning as well as display, I just love the simplicity of them and the fact that they are not plastic and super bright colors sure is nice. I'm off to go hear our little one's heartbeat this morning, its already been kicking around saying good morning which always puts a smile on my face.

images via poketo

Quick DIY for the kiddies

Oh how its been a crafty week for me. Aside from a quick freelance drafting project I've been knee deep in fabric, beads and paper happily cutting, pasting and sewing away. I found this little matching game a while back and thought it would be the perfect little gift for a dear friends little girl. Her birthday is coming up and who wouldn't like a handmade matching game!? I put my own little spin on it of course, hoping to finish it up today and share with you soon {the husband had a genius idea that I need to put into action today} but in the mean time if you have little ones this DIY craft from Artsy ants is the perfect afternoon project to keep little hands busy.

image via artsy ants

A is for adorable

With a bun in the oven its pretty much been all things baby around here, from coming up with ideas for our big gender reveal party to figuring out what I want to do decor wise for our 'baby space' I'm simply amazed by how many adorable things there are out there. Like this ABC poster from Paola Zakimi of Holli. I love how these animals have a bit of personality, I think my favorite is the beanie wearing llama, and the use of the more uncommon animals is pretty smart. Though I did have to look up what i and v were...and I still don't think I know what an indri or vole are. Might just have to pick up this fun print for our little one to practice their abc's. You can find more fun prints from Paola in her store along with a few hug-able animals as well.

image via holli

Ferm Living

Its been a while since I did a little browsing over at Ferm Living and boy their new autumn/winter catalog doesn't disappoint. Filled with beautiful goodies for the home its easy to see why I am so drawn to their brand...hello geometric patterns! And how fun are those simple doll houses? Talk about hours of fun playtime all wrapped up in a nice modern look. Be sure to check out the entire catalog as well as stop by the shop for a little shopping.

images via ferm living autumn/winter 2012

Create: girly clips

Last Easter I surprised one of my super girly girl cousins with a pair of these rick rack hair clips and she loved them so much she popped them into her hair the second she opened them, so I figured why not surprise someone else. My friend has an adorable little girl and while she may not have enough hair now, I'm sure she will grow into these charming and super simple clips. 

To begin, you will need a small piece of felt, binding clips and a bit of rick rack in a few fun colors and adhesive {I used Fabri-tac}. Starting from the outside and working your way inward, simply glue the trim making sure to over lap so the felt does not show through. And in 5 minutes or less you have yourself a fun little accessory, perfect for adding a splash of color.

images by our designed life

Creative challenge: No 1- making art, No 2 - hand painted flowers, No. 3- making space, No. 4- beaded necklace, No. 5- jazzing up ceramics, No. 6- creating fun, No. 7- lots of lines, No. 8- tiny packages

Totally temporary

I've never really been one to enjoy a temporary tattoo since they are mostly of the butterfly or flower variety but these designed tats available from Tattly are pretty awesome. With a gang of talented designers creating a more grown up look, who says you have to make a permanent decision for you skin? I'm absolutely loving this What to focus on one from artist Mark Johns because sometimes you just need a little reminder.

images via tattly

DIY sewing patterns

There is just something about creating things with your hands that is so fulfilling {plus it gives you an excuse to catch up on the dvr} and these adorable stuffed animals from Gingermelon are a perfect gift for any child. Each pattern claims to be simple and clear to make, I can think of several little dearies in my family that would love their own little doll. I've always wanted to make little guys like these but have been afraid to even attempt due to my lack of sewing knowledge but perhaps I can pull one of these together.

photo via gingermelon

Modern babies

I recently took a stroll through the baby/kid section in search of a gift and suddenly realized I was in a sea of adorable and good looking color palettes and patterns. When did kids clothing, furniture and toys get so incredibly cute {and costly!}? I just love the idea of creating a space for a little one with adult friendly decor, who says a baby can't appreciate a good chevron? I just love this first image, and you can bet when the time comes for little ones around here, there will be bunting and bright colors. Oh yes.

photo via on to baby

photos via on to baby and new house of art

photo via oh dee doh

And who doesn't love an adorable kid pic? I just love suspenders, add in a few accessories and a cute model and you have yourself some stylish kids.

photos via ruffles and stuff, rachel scroggins and tiny toes and peonies

The little illustrator

These adorable illustrations from The Little Illustrator are the perfect solution to revamping any youngsters room.  Kids rooms are great for changing up the decor, there are so many great options that will keep your little one inspired to dream.  With a slightly more mature color palette, these illustrations are perfect for when your wee one makes the big leap to the big kid bed, its big kid art.  And there are tons to choose from, so be sure to check out the shop!

photos via the little illustrator 

Kid created

There might not be anything more inspiring then 8 year old Otto who, with the help of his encouraging Mom, created sketches of boats and mountains and turned them into wallpaper.  Using Photowall, Otto's doodles became floor to ceiling fun.  These would be perfect as a focal wall or in a kids play room or bathroom.  And Otto is as adorable as they come.  You can also find a few more home decor items with Otto's prints on them, as well as creations from his talented Mother Elisabeth of Fine Little Day.

via, photos via fine little day

Creative Thursday.... on a Tuesday

Late last night, an old friend from high school had a darling baby girl and its got me oh-ing and ah-ing over all things baby.  I came across Creative Thursday through twitter and fell in love with artist Marisa Haedike's adorable animal prints.  Wouldn't they just be perfect in a nursery or toddlers room?  With the use of negative space, each piece has a kid like inspiration but are still likable by adults, and can we talk about the color combinations!  I am loving that blue "Imaginary friend" print.  And do stop by Marisa's blog for even more adorable-ness and lovely inspiration.

photos via creative thursday