Fancy Friday: NapTimeQuilts4Baby

I'm so pleased to review for my wonderful readers, this fabulous Etsy store. I'm sure most of you have heard of Etsy but just in case you haven't, let me start by telling you about this wonderful website. Etsy's primary focus is as an opportunity for the general public to buy and sell handmade items. I have always loved going to craft fairs and this great site is like being able to go to a craft fair every day, even every hour if you like! I am personally a huge supporter of buying handmade items and for so many reasons. A handmade item to me seems more full of love, care, and adds a special quality to any item. I love having items that are produced from skill instead of at a huge manufacturing plant.

Today, I have a wonderful Etsy shop to introduce you to. This shop is owned by a very sweet woman named Marci and her shop is named NapTimeQuilts4Baby. The direct link to her shop is at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5433472. Marci resides on a farm in Oregon with her 17 month old daughter and teaches middle school math 1/2 time. She's taken the last year off of teaching to stay home with her little one. She's been sewing for about 10 years, mostly gifts for her family. In November 2007, she was introduced to Etsy and started her shop. In January 2007, she began selling her baby quilts and learning toys at a gift shop as well. In June 2008, she opened up her fabric shop. She is hoping to spend the next few weekends sewing and adding new creations to her site that we will definitely have to check out.
The lovely product I'll be reviewing here today is her Snake Learning Toy. The original idea for this toy came from a free pattern she found online and she modified it. A few months ago she began offering toys made with organic wool and has found she really likes working with it. The snake learning toy is great for toddler-preschool age and is a toy that can grow with the child. The younger children enjoy feeling the different fabrics, buttons, and Velcro. The older children can practice their practical skills with this toy.

Our little ones can learn to tie...

Velcro....

Snap...

Button...

Play Creatively...

Then of course...there is chasing Grandma's with the snake

Then putting it in Grandma's bed at night so grandma will pretend to be scared and little one can laugh

My little girl is at that stage where she wants to prove she can do everything herself (and much she can thanks to Montessori practice). She spends a lot of time dressing, undressing, and redressing currently. This little toy gives her an opportunity to practice these skills while playing instead.

This toy is so well made and the sewing is spectacular. The fabric prints are so pretty too! The toys allows the child great fastening practice with the snake pieces having Velcro, buttons, snaps, and tying. This great toy combines imagination with motor development. I have to admit that some of the motor learning toys I've seen are...well...boring. This great toy gives her chance to better develop her motor skills while at the same time allowing for play, imagination, and creative use of the toy. Another reason (A REALLY BIG REASON) I love this toy is that it allows for quiet play. This toy is the perfect toy to take with you to church.

This product is offered at a great price. When I searched online, I found similar products selling for double the price she offers them at (and these were mass produced, not handcrafted with love)!

Below are a few pictures of her amazing baby/toddler quilts. They would make such a lovely and special gift for a little one that she could treasure forever and someday hand down to her own child:

She also offers child sized aprons, another huge plus for any Montessori mamas. I love that the aprons are reversible! She offers a fantastic price on these HAND SEWN aprons at only $10.50!
She's recently added handmade Christmas stockings to her store as well. I adore these so much! Again, the link to her shop is http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14479834.