I’ve long been a fan of Rikshaw Design.  When I re-visited them the other day I found that they now sell their gorgeous Indian fabric by the yard.  From these lovely cotton fabrics they make crib bedding sets and quilts, little kurtas for babies and toddlers and bibs and burp sets.  But now you can buy the fabric and make whatever you like.  If sewing isn’t your thing then you could always create a beautiful wall hanging for your nursery.   I love these Indian fabrics and I’ve indulged in a gorgeous elephant quilt for ebabee no.1.  I bought mine in India as I often go there but you can save yourself a trip.  Made in Rajasthan and called block print fabric,  they have a lightness and softness to them that make them perfect for babies and nurseries.  Visit Rikshaw Design where the fabrics cost $44 a yard.  They do ship to Europe but shipping is very steep.  Shipping within the US is free.

London themed decorative woven ribbons… so, so cool!  These are the latest offerings by Sandra Monat of Herzensart.  When I spotted them I couldn’t wait to share, so I didn’t.  Mama’s just think of the decorative possibilities.  Clothes, pencil cases, cot bumpers, bags, cushions, bed linen… these are just a few of the things these delightful ribbons can adorn.   Made using 100 year old weaving looms, these London themed ribbons are just a joy.  I’ve long been a fan of Herzensart goodies and this may be the best yet.  Being limited edition they’re only available from Sandra’s own store so hot foot it to Herzensart to get your share.  On offer are these guard ones, a red London bus one and a telephone box one.  They cost from €3 a metre and shipping to the EU is from €1.50. 

… with a little help of course.  Check out these quirky little beasts by the French la Sardine.  You get a complete soft toy making kit with a pattern, the fabric, instructions and even the stuffing.   If sewing isn’t your thing, I bet you can still give this a go.  And after you’re done, you can proudly shout that you actually made a soft toy for your bambino.  Impressive!  On offer are a range of creatures, all with quirky but cool looks.  My fave has got to be the black chicken type thing but they’re all pretty darn cool.  Wondering if I should put my non-existent sewing skills to the test?  Visit Zap-Store who have a range for around £24 a creature plus €7.50 delivery.  Otherwise try La Sardine who of course have the entire range of these soft toy kits, given that they make them and all.

I’m a big fan of Alice Melvin and her paper goods.  Many moons ago, I brought you her fantastic Cut Out and Make Bird Mobile.  Today I chanced upon the Cut Out and Make Menagerie and just had to share.  You’ve got the whole lot in this menagerie from the birds and bees to the big beasts.  There’s a total of 12 animals all made out of heavy paper, to cut out and make but the one that stole my heart was the elephant… it’s so pretty in all it’s Indian glory!  And once made, there’ll be hours of fun playing zoo.  To get Alice Melvin’s Cut Out and Make Menagerie visit the Tate Gallery Shop where it costs £7.50 plus £3.60 delivery.

Sometimes it’s the little things in life that bring big dollops of joy.  And these make your own paper boats are just one of those things.  When I saw them, I couldn’t help but smile from cheek to cheek!  By Jurianne Matter of the Netherlands, she designs the sweetest little paper creations that you then make up yourself.  These make your own paper boats can be filled with little treats for a birthday party, hung as decorations, personalised and given out as party favours to the little guests or anything else you can think of.  In a pack you get a set of 8 boats to make up from Not on the high street.  They cost £9.95 for the set plus £1.45 delivery.  There are other lovely paper creations by Jurianne too, one of which are her paper angels which also have heaps of smile inducing qualities!

What’s today’s post about, can you guess?  A hot new kiddy store?  A cool new brand of kids furniture?  Nope.  Guess again. It’s all about people like you and me getting uber-creative. I’ve discovered Ikea Hackers, a hot site packed to the rafters with people making amazing things out of Ikea furniture.    They’ve just used their imaginations, added a piece or two of Ikea furniture, hacked it, cut it, painted it, adorned it and made something completely new.  It’s seriously cool.  There’s hacked kiddy beds and cots on there, chalk board tables, wall art, wendy houses, play kitchens, craft tables and much more.

All the pictures above are  hacks, I kid you not!  All it takes is a bit of imagination and a bit of willing.  You’ll save a ton of cash and end up with something extremely unique.  I’ve shown the site to daddee no.1 who’s feeling pretty inspired.  So you never know, ebabee no.1 might have her own Ikea hack very soon.  And if you get inspired,  I’d love to see your hacks.  But even if you’re not, the site will still have you hooked!

Made by Joel is a blog I love, love, love.  Joel’s a daddy with creativity running through every pore of his being, big time.  He creates all manner of craft projects for his kids and then he shares them on his blog.  Thank you Joel.  Today I’m bringing you his make your own paper city.  It’s a cool city with lots of little people, all hand drawn by Joel.  All you have to do is print out the template for your kidlet and then let them have fun cutting out the people and colouring in the city if they like.  And they could even add a dog, a tree or anything they like to their city.  Perfect for the grey, dull, rainy days that January often brings.  Check out the make your own paper city and enjoy while you marvel at the unbelievable imagination of Joel.

P.S. Also checkout the paper city vehicles and helicopter that Joels added to the collection.

Being snowed in (well that’s my excuse anyway), I’ve spent lots of time surfing and discovering fabby new stuff to bring you.  On one of my surfs, I discovered Alice Melvin who makes the most amazing paper stuff.  Amongst the lovelies on offer is this make your own bird mobile.  Just cut out the birds and follow the included instructions.  The 5 birdies in bright colours and super stylish prints would look just lovely fluttering above a babies cot.  And if you’ve got a pre-schooler too, get them to help make the mobile.  The Alice Melvin bird mobile costs £6.95 plus £3.60 delivery.  If not for your own, then gift it to another newbie and you can be sure you’ll be giving a super unique pressie that’ll stand out from the crowd.

Don’t forget to check out our little baby auction site.