Crafty Baby~Like Curling Up in a Cloud; Giveaway too

Crafty Baby creates “fun and functional creations for children.” This sensational company has their specialty as handcrafted items for infants, toddlers, and children. All of their items are original designs that focus on being durable, practical, but very cute too. The items are all made in the United States by longtime seamstress, Jill.

The company was founded in 1998 when the owner/creator found, during her own pregnancy, that there were not a lot of unique, classic, fabric crafted items for little ones. Her own love of sewing came from the inspiration of her Nana K, who helped her begin sewing at the young age of four. Jill is a mom first, so she understands that beautiful items are pointless if they aren’t durable enough the be washed and she considers this with all of her creations. The company is a part of her own family with her children helping to pick out fabrics and test the products.

I have one of their fabulous Nap Packs and am delighted to share about it with you, all my wonderful readers. It is the most popular item in the Crafty Baby store (buy one and you will certainly appreciate why). Recently, this product won the Toy Man Award of Excellence. The product was created in 2002, when her child went to preschool and a blanket, lovey, and pillow were required.

This neat little item is perfect for ages 2-7 and can be used in a variety of situations. It is a snugly/soft fleece blanket with an attached fleece covered pillow. Your little one will sleep as snug as a bug. The design is great because it isn’t bulky at all and is designed to fit standard preschool/kindergarten cots, mats, or carpets. You see, it rolls right up, Velcro attaches the straps, and is easily hung up on a hook or placed into a cubby. My only wish is that the owner made them adult size because I covet my daughters. Seriously, it feels so soft, is easy to travel with, and you can have the perfect cat nap anywhere! The nap packs retail for $39.99. I have the lovely Hearts in Boxes design which has a variety of colors and is just beautiful. (My digital camera is still lost so I'm having to use my camcorder without a flash for pics. The fabric is really pretty and bright in person. ) Recently, we used this item when staying with overnight with family. While everyone else staying the night was busy lugging in blankets and pillows, my little one carried in her own little nap pack her self. This is perfect for preschool, kindergarten, vacation, camping, and ect.

Some of the other choices include the following styles: Dinosaur, LadyBug, Under the Sea, Blue Sports, On the Road, and Big Cats.

Other products in her store include…

Cloth Ball-This ball is divided into four sections for easy gripping and has fun jingle bells, It is safe for chewing, grabbing, and throwing. It is appropriate for ages 4 months and up. They are 7” in diameter. This is the perfect gift for a baby. There are MANY fabric selections available so you’ll find the one just right for the little one you are purchasing for. They sell for $16.50 each.

Diaper Changing Pad-I think these are a must for all diaper bags. I wish I’d known about this product when my little girl was younger because she really disliked her little tush being placed down on the cold vinyl portable changing pad I had and I’m sure would have much preferred this soft flannel material. Also, this pad is five inches longer than traditional changing pads, which means head and feet can stay on the pad at the same time. We’ve all seen some gross changing tables and try as we my, often some part of our precious little ones have had their skin in contact with the plastic because the changing pads weren’t long enough. Finally, a MOM hears our cries and realizes the germs that could likely be kept at bay if contact were minimized. Then you can go home and pop the changing pad into the washer. It easily folds up to fit any diaperbag or handbag. (BTW there is some concern out there about the dangers of vinyl and I’m not too knowledgeable about the subject but why not stay on the safe side while having something so much cuter and practical?). I checked out several different sites including etsy and found her price to be the cheapest for fabric changing pads at $17.50. Again, there is a huge selection of fabrics.

Bibs-Her bibs are large enough to cover your child’s torso, so you don’t have to worry about the exposure left by other bibs out there. There are many fabric selections to choose from, which is lined with extra absorbent tight weave batting and backed with a soft solid flannel or cotton fabric. The bibs have classic tie closure, are reversible, and machine wash/dryable. They sell for $9.75.

Chenille Blanket-This gorgeous blanket measures 30”x40”. The front has a patchwork design and the back waffle chenille. Doesn’t it look soft? Notice, the fabric matches several of the fabric in the other products. How cute would it be to give a clutch ball, bib, changing pad, and blanket all made from the same fabric?

Nappie-The nappies are 17-inch square fleece blankets edged with satin binding. Little ones love to snuggle with this type of item. It sells for $12.50. There are four styles to choose from but the one below is my fave.

Blanket Pillow-This is a really neat idea! The square blanket folds neatly into a pocket, making it into a pillow. It has a detachable shoulder strap and pocket to store other items. This item sells for $42.00.

Toddler Pillow/Pillowcase- The little pillow measures 14”x18” and comes with two pretty pillowcases. It sells for $32.00. There are 9 styles to choose from.

Okay, so my "thing" is translating the feel I get from products online into the type of place these items would be sold if in a brick and mortar store. This would be the type of store where there are always homemade cookies waiting for the customers and hot cocoa. It's always warm and makes you want to sit down and stay for a while. The babies are always happy as is the owner with the twinkle in her eye. The twinkle exists because nothing makes her happier than to see a happy child, hence the fact that she's made happy, cozy children her life. Everything in the store is soft and fluffy, kind of like being in the clouds.

I think the fabrics of this store are beautiful, the items are unique, and they are made from the hands of a mother. The hands of a mother...a beautiful thing. The same hands that make these products stroke the hair of her children...have rocked a cradle...soothed ouchies...held a baby close to her heart. I believe there is something special in the sisterhood of motherhood that a large corporation can never touch. There is something comforting in purchasing a product that you know where comes from and can even apply a name to...Jill in this case. Whenever possible, I try to purchase from mother owned companies.

This is the last of my Christmas store reviews and I'm so glad to end on a cozy store such as this one. So befitting is ending on this store as I'm ready to settle down under a soft blanket myself. Its time to curl up, spend the next few days reading Christmas books, making cookies, creating memories with family, and concentrating on the meaning of Christmas.

The most generous owner has graciously offered to sponsor a giveaway for my lovely readers. This is a very nice gift and I know that anyone would absolutely love it. The giveaway winner will receive an Under the Sea Nap Pack. It is so very cute. It is pictured below. There is the potential to earn several entries for this giveaway. Please note that the first step is the only one required, for one entry. If you want additional entries, if the first step is not completed, the other entries will not be counted. Only the first step is required.

Since this contest enters so close to Christmas it WILL not be received in time to be a gift December 25th . Why take a chance? If you like the item, hurry and buy one while there is still time to get it for Christmas!

There is free shipping for purchases over $50 through this Wednesday, the 17th.

1. Visit http://www.craftybaby.com/; Browse the store. Come back here and tell me what your favorite product is.
2. Blog about this contest on your own blog for a second entry and let me know about the post

3. The first step must have been completed. Visit my post prior to this one (Sassafras Enterprises) and tell me what your favorite product is under that post.

4. Follow my blog and let me know about it.

Official Rules: IF YOU DO NOT LIST YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS ,IT ISN'T ON YOUR BLOG, AND THERE IS NO WAY TO LEAVE COMMENTS ON YOUR BLOG I HAVE NO WAY OF CONTACTING YOU. If I don't hear from you within a week, another name will be drawn and you forfeit your prize.This contest is open only to those with a United States Shipping Address .This giveaway begins 12/15/2008 and ends 12/23/2008 11:59 PM Central Standard Time.The name will be chosen by Randomizer.org.

I always love hearing about how my reviews lead these wonderful stores to more sales. I'd love to hear posts letting me know you decided to purchase some items!

**I'm not responsible for item not arriving; Make sure all shipping info is correct, please.