These new Tribal LEFTZ (pronounced le-ft-e’s) toys stopped me in my online tracks.  Whoa! They’re perfect for building a Utopian civilization, catching a tasty fish or discovering the mysteries of fire. Look how cute they are. You will absolutely love them. Plus they’re made right outside of Reading. The etsy shop explains:

LEFTZ are plush softies made with upcycled material from yard sales, thrift shops, or family. These eco friendly plushies are stuffed with recycled plastic shopping bags and are unique in their own way.

Aren’t they great? I want the whole tribe. Where to find LEFTZ by ArtTales (Mary Casher)?

• LEFTZ on Flickr
• LEFTZ on Etsy
• ArtTales blog

Work by Angela Davidson (Philly).

Okay, okay. Enough is enough. Here’s a collection of handmade goodness that represents all things that are not snow, white or cold.  So draw your blinds and block out the memories of shoveling endless mounds of white and enjoy a taste of spring.

1. Leather Inspirational cuff, Fear Nothing by MichelleVerbeeck - $17

2. The Three Little Pigs by MamaMadeThem - $20

3. Lime Green Monkey Baby One-Piece Bodysuit by tadpolecreations - $15

4. Earflap hat by IrishHooksAndYarn - $12

5. Simply Green – light green baby blanket by spinningsheep - $35

Jenya is a Philadelphia based artist who focuses on the concept of unique and original designs that are done using free form technique. Her forEvaMore handmade clothing line features one-of-a-kind pieces made with natural materials and her EvaForeva shop is full of hand knitted winter accessories.

1. Pack of Polka Dots-Set of 6 Ribbon Lined Alligator Clips by BabySewChic – $4

2. Custom Handknitted Doll by JennyPieProductions - $25

3. Mist and Moss Mauve Floral Headband by OrdinaryMommy - $18

4. Waddles the Penguin Mini Plush by ZAPOLdesigns - $5

5. Sweety – The Monster Cupcake by dkoss2 - $50

6. SALE Reese peasant dress..Custom size by momiboutique - $32

7. Giraffe Wooden Pull Toy in FRUIT LOOPS Print by cookiedough - $23

Jenya is a Philadelphia based artist who focuses on the concept of unique and original designs that are done using free form technique. Her forEvaMore handmade clothing line features one-of-a-kind pieces made with natural materials and her EvaForeva shop is full of hand knitted winter accessories.

Hi all!  My name is Jenya and I will be contributing to HiP weekly coming to your rescue with various gift ideas when you feel lost. 

I decided to start with some present options for new mothers.  We all have at least one family among our relatives or friends that either recently found out they are expecting or just had a baby.  Treat them with a handmade creation by a local artist!

1 - Dotti Pillow cw2 by JaneForrester – $85

2 - Bundle O Joy by LeastLikely2Breed – $17.50

3 - Sea Critters Baby Gift Pack 3 Onesies or Lap Tees Boy, Girl, Unisex Crab, Fish, and Seahorse by tadpolecreations – $58

4 - Block Printed Moleskin Cahier Journal by 1girl1boy - $10

5 - Vespa Shoulderbag by BlackBags – $71

Have you considered cloth diapers? Maybe you have and the only person who’s given you any information is your grandma. Cloth diapers were all she knew – and she only knew one kind of cloth diapers.

Cloth diapers today are made in a variety of styles: prefold, fitted, pocket, all-in-one – each style brings its own blend of convenience and cost-savings to the table. The biggest difference being those that require a waterproof cover and those that include the cover with the diaper design. Tsh over at Simple Mom just posted a great guide to choosing which type of diaper is for you.

For Lola, I use handmade fitted diapers (made by mom!) with PUL covers – either manufactured or handmade. The diapers are made to grow with her, but after 9 months with the same covers, it was time to go up a size!

Luckily, Leann at Happy Baby Diapers – a cloth diaper creator in Pennsylvania – started following me on Twitter the same week I decided to order new covers! at only $8 apiece, I figured I could treat myself, I mean Lola…Her covers were exactly what I was looking for, simple wrap covers to fasten with snaps. And at only $8 a piece, I figured I could treat myself, I mean Lola, to 3 new fluffy butt covers!

Leann got the new covers to me so quick! One of the best parts of buying from PA, of course! and they were just as adorable as on the site.

Above, Lola is wearing a Happy Baby cover in Black & White.

Another cloth diaper maker in PA is Mary Beth from E A Poo’s. E A Poo’s sells fitted cloth diapers, cloth wipes, cloth feminine supplies, and other natural family products.

Brooke, from Brookiellen Designs, has also entered the handmade cloth diaper market with her line of BrookieBaby diaper covers. Brooke chooses fun cotton prints and lines them with PUL so the diapers are not only functional but fun!

For more on the benefits of cloth diapering and info on making your own diapers, check out my article on the HandmadeNews.org. If you like the article, please leave a comment there and click the green “thumbs up!” button at the bottom of the article.

If you have any questions on cloth diapering and making your own diapers, please leave a comment here and either I will answer your question or forward it to someone who can! And, if you read this site and make cloth diapers and I haven’t mentioned you, please leave a link!! I would love to get to know you.

gemini art works | cupcake charm (western pa)

Well, my tiny baby turned 10 months old on Friday and it dawned on me that I really need to start planning her party.

so i’ve got cupcakes on the brain!

cupcakes in jars | smmmmores cupcake (allentown)

ivylane designs | sweetie kakes journal (philly)

itybity bags | cupcake pouch

This is my new definition of PERFECT:

There is no question that my beautiful daughter is my new definition of perfection. She also happens to be my muse – allowing me to pursue goals I had only dreamed of. Without her, this site would not be!

So in honor of my perfect one, here’s a sampling of some handmade in PA baby & children’s goodies!

• Rosie’s Whimsy {2}- not going to lie, Rosie is my girl’s grandmother (and my mom!) and my girl was the inspiration behind Rosie’s precious dresses (like the one above).
• Cookie Dough – creates just the kind of toys that my girl (read: Tara) likes: simple, wooden, beautifully designed.
• Sweet3LeafPrints {1} – baby & toddler basics made unique with stamped prints made from real leaves! My girl has one of these and it is so beautifully made & even has her name painted on the back.
• WatersGirls Crafts – Kristen has been a supporter of HiP from the beginning. She creates a variety of baby & children’s items.
• Clothesline Designs {3} – Jen is a Z-towner and I had the privilege of seeing her work in person last year. Well made, traditional quilting meets hip patterns & prints. Oh, and did I mention stuffed giraffes??
• WoolyBaby {4} – Tiny baby booties created from recycled sweaters. Almost makes you wish winter wasn’t over…almost.
• theAnecdotes {5} – Cozy crocheted items, including assymetrical sweaters, hats, and more!