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Category Archives: Crafts and More Crafts

Rainbow Activity

Posted on March 13, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Crafts and More Crafts .

Always looking for ways to do something creative and reinforce what (A) is working on in school, I came up with this quick and fun activity.  All you need is the printout, your little one’s hands, some glue, cotton balls, and paints.

This activity works on fine motor skills, staying in the lines, following directions, working on letters (R), colors and word recognition.

First I wanted to find a template to use that would be good for what I wanted to do, the only part I wanted to be done already was the rainbow curve.  I found a graphic, changed the orientation and saved it.  I love that it has the names of the colors on it, it reinforces the “sight” words for the basic colors.

 Template: Rainbow

I had some paints left over from a wooden project that we had painted during a snow storm.. AC Moore (or any craft store) sells the whole rainbow in little plastic containers (except Purple which I made myself) for about 2.99.  The little containers are perfect size for little fingers.

We went over the colors, and then started painting.  We used our pointer finger to make dots for each of the colors along the curve.  We then painted the side of (A)’s fist black to make the pot for gold.  Under the Rainbow we made little clovers from (A)’s fingers.

Rainbow Gold

(A) ripped apart some cotton balls to make the cloud on one side and spread some elmers glue on that area.

Rainbow Cloud

Finally, we worked on drawing the letter “R” on the top corner.

Our finished piece hanging from our art display in the kitchen (large painted clothes pins from AC Moore, yeah I live there…).

Rainbow Finished

Doodlebells Specialized Gifts

Posted on March 8, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Crafts and More Crafts, Reviews, Specialty Items, Uncategorized .

Doodle Bells Logo

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

If you follow my ramblings you know a few things about me.

  1.  I have some super talented friends.
  2. I love home-made crafty items.
  3. I have great ideas but am not as talented as many of my friends.

One such talented friend is Malorie of Doodle Bells.  I taught with Malorie for several years and we bonded immediately because of our love for crafts and meticulous attention to detail.  When friends have children she would also always go out of her way to create something (often more than one thing) for them.  Quilts, taggies, picture frames… You name it, she would make it.  She made me a beautiful quilt, pillow and taggie for (A) when he was born.  He is now 3.5 and he still uses two out of three of them.  What has always been apparent is that Malorie’s attention to detail never wavered.  She takes into consideration your personality, what your nursery is going to look like, and makes this masterpiece just for you.  It’s thoughtful, beautiful, and well made. 

I was not at all surprised when she finally made the decision to turn her hobby into a business.  If anyone can do it she can.  This is how Doodlebells was born. Through her Facebook www.facebook.com/doodlebells  page and now her webpage www.doodlebells.com, Malorie is creating well-made custom items from pillowcase dresses, invitations, t-shirts, and tutu’s, to hooded towels, quilts, and taggies.  Did I mention everything that she makes? Nope, it’s impossible.  Every day I feel like I am seeing something new posted on Facebook.  It wasn’t long before I had to order something (did I mention I love personalized items?).

So I ordered a personalized hooded towel for (A) and a pillowcase dress for (E).  Well let me tell you how awesome the whole experience was.  What is nice is that you can either choose from the items that she has already made, or you can create a custom order.  For a control freak like me, the second option is perfect.  But what is even better is that I can always see what she has on hand, and grab that up for a gift or something.  Doodlebells also takes PayPal so that was very convenient for me.  First, I let Malorie know what colors I was thinking for each, she sent me options and I got to choose everything.  I wasn’t sure about the dress, so I showed her a picture of one that I loved that she had made previously. She went with the same color scheme as the previous dress, and then sent me a picture to be sure it was what I liked.  For the towel, we chose green because (A) loves it.  Then we had his name added, along with a truck, he loves trucks.

Once the items were completed I got a “teaser” posted on Facebook.  I was so excited!  They were just what I had asked for!!!  I knew that when I received them I was going to be super happy, but I am even happier now that I actually have them in my possession.  (A) was ecstatic to see his towel.  He loves that his name is on it, he immediately started spelling out his name and tapping the letters.  Followed of course by… “Mommy is that a big rig?!”  He insisted on having a bath that night and trying it out.

What I love about the towel:

  • It’s made with real towel, so it’s absorbent, not like many novelty towels out there.
  • The hooded part is large enough for him to grow into.
  • I got to choose all of the design stuff.
  • The personalization is sewn on and will remain sturdy for my little guy throughout all of his tough wear and tear.
  • The personalization makes it easy to take on school trips, to a playdate, or camp. There is really no mistaking it.

Then there is the dress.  (E) doesn’t talk yet but if she did she would be really excited.  It’s adorable.  In the colder weather I can throw on some leggings and a sleeved onesie, it’s attractive and easy to get on and off (especially during a diaper change).  In the warmer months, it will be great to wear with just a diaper cover, and equally as cute.  It’s well made just like the towel, all edges are finished off (with seams hidden), so much attention paid to detail.  I am just amazed.  I would suffice it to say that it was my first order from Doodlebells but will not be my last.  I love what I ordered.  If you are a friend or family member, I would not be surprised if a Christmas or Birthday gift came with a tag that has a cute little blue bug on it and the name Doodlebells.  If it does, be excited, be very excited.

To see more of Malorie’s work please visit her website www.doodlebells.com or check her out on Facebook www.facebook.com/doodlebells where she often posts her finished products for viewing, or purchase.

(A) shows off his Truck Towel.  He won’t let me wash it again, he insists on using it.  I guess i’ll have to wash it during nap time.

Doodle Towel 2

(E) in her amazing dress, look how well it compliments her eyes!

Fire Mountain 084

A shot of the whole dress!  So cute with underclothes, roomy enough for her to grow into and wear without undergarments this summer!!

Fire Mountain 088

She gets around in it just fine!! Cute and functional!!!

Fire Mountain 091

“Valentine I Dig You”

Posted on February 12, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts and More Crafts, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

Wanted to do something a little different for (A)’s Valentines this year.  I didn’t want to give too much candy (they always end up with tons), and I didn’t love the pre-made options as they included things like tatoos or stickers, which end up all over the place.  I figured it would be way more fun to give them a little something that they can use! 

Checked out some Pinspiration and came up with a hybrid that I like.

*As always, purple text is a link straight to the item for your convenience!

  • I ordered small pails from Amazon.
  • Filled little bags with conversation hearts

Valentine 2014 top

  • Tied on a small tag I made and cut out

Valentine 2014 Tag

  • Personalized each for his classmates.Valentine 2014 single

Viola!  An adorable little gift for (A)’s classmates!

   Valentines 2014 group

2 Comments .

No Assembly Required- Just Imagination…

Posted on February 12, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts and More Crafts, Reviews, Specialty Items, Uncategorized .

AE Wooden Toys Logo

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Some of my favorite moments with my children is watching them play.  You see so much of their souls when they think no one is looking.  They are free to be whatever they want to be.  (A) has a great sense of adventure, a very vivid imagination.  I love to watch it develop and grow.  It is because of this vivid imagination that I am careful as to what toys to pick for him. I am fearful of him losing the ability to make up situations and pretend, because most of the toys on the market today do so much for you.  In my search for good old fashioned toys that help to foster this type of creativity in children I stumbled upon AE Wooden Toys. 

AE Wooden Toys is a local shop out of Chestnut Ridge, NY that is owned and operated by Alex Entelis who is a real Toymaker.  He is not a machine that mass produces toys (although he can amazingly turn out large orders in record time).  Each piece is handcrafted in his shop.  Once built he hand paints those that are painted in painstaking detail.  He is an artisan.   His talents are applauded by many.  Alex has built toys for local craft shows, toy shops, and nationally for the GAP.  You can find AE Wooden Toys on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AEWOODENTOYS, online http://www.aewoodentoys.com , and on their ETSY shop www.etsy.com/shop/aewoodentoys.

What’s more impressive than the detail in every toy he creates is the play that they inspire.  (A) walked into the shop where toys line the walls and immediately wanted to touch everything.  Each of the toys that lines the walls inspires imaginative play.  Every time he picked a new one up he started a new scenario with it.  It was truly amazing, as if no one else was in the room.  He especially loved to play with one of the tree houses that were available.  He grabbed some of the figurines that were nearby and was instantly in his own little world (I was so impressed I almost forgot to take pictures).

Alex likes to watch children play with his toys.  That is why he builds them.  He believes that all children should have good toys to play with.  In accordance with this rule he does things like building toys for St. Jude’s’ and shipping them in time for the holidays.  At the heart of his toy making is the pure joy of a child playing with a well-built toy.  Alex says that they are nearly indestructible, but even if they are eventually worn down or broken, they are fixable.  Not just another disposable toy.  Need more of a reason to check him out?  Alex also makes these non-toxic toys out of recycled wood whenever possible.  If the wood is not recycled it is definitely one of the sustainable woods available.  The baby toys are made without any paint or varnishes, they are finished with mineral oil and beeswax.

We left the shop with a train for (A) and a rattle for (E).  Of all of the toys that (A) received for Christmas this year, the train is the one piece that has not gone back into the “garage” (that’s what we call his play area) yet.  The little people that came with his train have even become a part of his other play.  They have become figures that play in the bat cave, in the fire house, or climb on furniture.  There are no limits to their uses from what (A) and I can see.  (E) just adores her rattle.  She likes to shake it and eat it :o), which of course I don’t mind because I know that there are no toxins in or on it to harm her.  (E) has played with it each day since getting it.  She looks for it purposely.  I am really impressed with the quality of these toys, and will be adding them to my arsenal of great gifts to give during the holidays.  I can foresee already purchasing a tree house for the kids to play with, and I am looking forward to it. Moms can imagine too…

Alex sells his toys primarily online at his ETSY shop, as well as through local toy stores, and at craft fairs.  His schedule for fairs can be found on his website.  If you would like to go by and see the shop or check-out his products when he is not at a fair you can call to make an appointment.  It’s worth the trip.

(A) plays with the tree house and some of the figures that Alex creates.

             IMG_1801      IMG_1802

(A) loves to pretend.  This plane is perfect for that purpose! Look at that craftsmanship!

IMG_1803

(E) enjoys her new rattle, which is safe to chew on (her favorite pasttime) because of the care Alex takes with his items.IMG_1809                   IMG_1816

IMG_1821

After checking out the toys, Alex gives us a tour.  (A) loves tools, so Alex shows him how he makes some of his items.

                          IMG_1832          IMG_1827

If you have a business or product that you would like for RocklandNYMom to check out, email us at RocklandNYMom@yahoo.com.  For more great information ‘like’ us on FaceBook www.facebook.com/rocknyom.

More Than Words and ABC’s

Posted on November 21, 2013 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Crafts and More Crafts, Uncategorized .

Logo_____________________________________________________________________

Disclosure: I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this post, all opinions expressed here are my own.

I recently found a super talented local mom Cindy on Facebook and had to write about her. I saw her posting these awesome subway type graphics made up of different sayings about children into different shapes. Each piece of work is delivered to you as a “soft” file that you can use on any venue you would like (I am considering pillows for the playroom in addition to the wall art I originally intended). The already created shapes that she has cost $25 a piece. I was immediately drawn to these adorable graphics.

Cindy is a stay at home mom who has always enjoyed being creative. One day she stumbled on to these. She has fun designing them and has had a great response. Cindy has just opened her ETSY shop called “More than Words and ABC’s.” She has started with a nursery theme including shapes such as hearts, flowers , trains and sailboats. She currently is broadening her shop to also include other themes such a love, family and friends so keep checking her shop for more .The flower was perfect for my daughter whose nursery is themed with flowers because gardening is something that we like to do as a family. The other designs were awesome but didn’t quite fit in with my son’s personality. I started thinking that if she could do that perhaps she could make a fire truck. Yes she does custom orders (for a small additional fee). I decided to ask her and the result is shown below.

  The custom Fire Truck made for AJ.image

Cindy was fast and super precise, checking several different color schemes with me to make sure that I was happy.  I had both designs created and in my ETSY inbox in record time (2-3 days).  All you need to provide her with is your child’s name, date and time of birth, weight, and height.  She does the rest.  Cindy communicated with me the whole way and I have to say I am very pleased with the results, now I am just brainstorming all of the things that I plan to do with the graphics… I am loving the idea of a mug with both for grandparents and of course wall art.

 (E)’s flower

image

Holiday Shopping Alert! Loop-a-tee!

Posted on November 15, 2013 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts and More Crafts, Out and about..., Uncategorized .

Traditional loop a tee

Loop-a-tee

Disclosure: I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this post, all opinions here are my own. 

With the scarf craze that has swept the fashion lines all over I thought I would share this one. Loop-a-tee was created by a Marketing-manager-turned neckwear designer Laurie Miller-Donnis who is based in Bergen County, NJ. Each is hand crafted out of “up-cycled” t-shirts and/or new t-shirt fabrics and each one is one-of-a-kind, just like you! An inspired take on the infinity scarves we all know and love, Loop-a-tee comes in several different cool including (see below for pictures of each):

o Original (my personal fave)
o Backstage
o Ombre
o Fringe
o Shredded
o Tube

The prices for a loop-a-tee range from an affordable $16-$26

There are many different ways to order a Loop-a-tee:

  • Check her out on FB and PM her to order.
  • Email : loopatee@gmail.com
  • Her ETSY page will be up and running by Thanksgiving
  • Loop-a-tee is available for private trunk shows in the Tri-State area. (Hostesses earn sweet swag!)
  • The Loop–a-tee Kids Line will be available on November 15th! Loop-a-tee Kids Line features the Fringe Loop-a-tee style in the following colors: (1) Bubblegum Pink, (2) Sunshine Yellow, (3) Glamorous Grape, and (4) Waterfall (Aqua). Each scarf is knotted and accented with beads on the fringe and costs $16. (Photos coming soon!)

Loop-a-tee will be at the following holiday craft shows:

* Sat, Nov 23rd – PWRC Holiday Show at Pearl River High School from 10am-4pm

* Sun, Dec 1st – Paramus High School Holiday Craft Show from 10am – 5pm Loop-a-tee accepts credit cards, cash and personal checks. (All sales are final.)

The Shredded Loop-a-tee

shredded loop a tee

The Original

Original loop a tee

The Ombre

Ombre Loop a tee

The Tube

loop a tee 1

The Fringe

Fringe loop a tee

The Backstage

Backstage loop a tee

 

1 Comment .

Holiday & Craft Fairs

Posted on November 8, 2013 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Crafts and More Crafts, Out and about... .

Craft Fairs

_________________________________________________________________________

Disclosure: I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this post

Here are some of the local craft fairs you can attend and or participate in.  If you know of one not listed, either comment or send us an email rocklandnymom@yahoo.com!

  • 11/16/ 10 am
    St. Pauls Church
    323 South Main Street
    New City, NY 10956

 

  • 11/23- 10-4pm
    Pearl River Women’s Club
    Pearl River HS
    Pearl River, NY 10965

 

  • 11/24- 10-5pm
    Nanuet Hebrew Center
    411 South Little Tor Road
    New City, NY 10956

 

  • 12/7 10-5pm
    Albertus Magnus HS
    798 New York 304
    Bardonia, NY 10954

You’re Invited! Luxury Holiday Pop-Up Shop-Hosted by Playground Talk

Posted on October 30, 2013 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Crafts and More Crafts, Out and about..., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this post

Don’t miss the most exquisite curated selection of local entertainment, furnishings toys, clothing, decor, wellness, body and bites!

PlaygroundTalkLuxuryHolidayPopUpShop250

Children will enjoy music, crafts, nail painting and more while you explore this very special holiday preview.

Shop for friends and family, win our vendor’s products or even walk away with a gift for yourself!

Friday, November 15th, 10am to 2pm. at Bookends Bookstore in Ridgewood (211 E. Ridgewood Ave.).

**RSVP to receive a goodie bag full of samples, discounts and more!
info@playgroundtalk.com
Click here for invite URL: http://bit.ly/1dpML4e

Costume Craze….2013

Posted on October 7, 2013 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts and More Crafts .

Disclosure: I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this post

I love Halloween!  You can be who you want (yes I was always a princess) and your creative juices can take over…..(A) and (E) have coordinating costumes this year for Halloween, (A)’s was easy, I got him exactly what he wanted and its awesome.  The realest one I’ve ever seen (I will of course reveal at the appropriate time, after pictures, HA!).  I knew I had seen (E)’s costume in years past, but it is apparently not popular this year because its no where to be seen, oh good a challenge!  Should be easy enough, right???

Not off to a great start I couldn’t find the blank canvas that I need.  I even came across countless BLOGS of mothers asking for exactly what I was looking for… This did not bode well… I searched and then asked my FB friends if they had any ideas….. They had some good ones, which were two piece ideas, I don’t love two pieces for 3-6 months because often the belly ends up exposed, a bad idea at the end of October.  Several searches later including stops at all staple places (carters, osh kosh, target, children’s place, sears, walmart, Gymboree, old navy, amazon, and gap) I started the rotation again days later and found them at baby GAP.  A great starter for almost any costume, it is the right size and not too expensive.  I ordered two options because they might both work, and I want to see which is best.  This works out well anyway because then I get free shipping.  If I don’t use one I can return it in any store, or if a friend needs one I can give it to them.

Come on back to watch the costume develop, you will see what (E) is going to be (and no its not a princess) and then see my crazy picture ideas of the kids!

Blank Canvas 1

Blank Canvas 2

*They also have blank white hats if you need them, I think I like Canvas #1 because I think I know what I want to do for the hat part…..

Birth Announcement Blitz

Posted on September 13, 2013 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts and More Crafts .

Disclosure: I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this post

If you are unhappy with the choices out there for announcements, invitations, or any other type of stationary, you have other options…

I recently ran into a huge problem with my daughter’s birth announcements. She turned two months yesterday and I finally just enveloped and stamped them to send out. When looking through my usual favorite sites to order them, I couldn’t find one that I thought was perfect. I wanted to format both the front and back, and I had ideas as to what shape and sizes I wanted for the photos due to the orientation of the professional shots that I had done.

While looking for one, and being utterly disappointed,  I decided that I could just make my own. The same thing had happened when I did (A)’s birthday invites and thank you cards and thought while looking at the sites that I could make some that I would like way better than what was out there. Since I had just been through this I thought it would be no big deal. I would use publisher and get everything that I liked about the announcements that I saw online and still get the formatting that I wanted.

It started really well, the design process took about a week, and I even used her bedding pattern as the background for the design. Then I went to print it. I went to Staples and bought the heaviest card stock I could find (110lb). I brought it home and printed it. Too flimsy, I wanted the feel of the announcements that came from the other companies. Nowhere local sold paper that was heavier stock. Online it was difficult to find. Office Depot only had 110lb, and when I went to a local printing company their printer was so good that my work became pixelated. I ended up going back online to my favorite invitation printers and looking for a premade announcement all over again. I still didn’t like them, I wasn’t happy with my options.

I went to a specialized paper website and purchased 125lb paper and brought my design to Staples. Although, when I was there it printed fine, when I left them with the paper and went home their printer became clogged each time they tried it. Finally one of the employees called me and suggested that we use the matte paper that they use for their business card printing etc.

I received my announcements the next day and they are great. Staples not only printed them for me but they also cut them down to the size that I needed. I purchased the envelopes at AC Moore and they are out!

In the end I am so happy with them and really glad that no one will ever have the same announcements that I used. (E) has one of a kind announcements that I made for her.

IMPORTANT!

  • If you choose to do this, save your file as a PDF otherwise their system may change your long worked for formatting (this I found out after my third trip to Staples).
  • Ask for a proof while you are there to approve.
  • If you are not comfortable with your abilities to design them, you can find electronic files that you can download and personalize on sites like etsy.
  • Cost wise it was comparable to having them created on your favorite stationary sites.

 

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