Oh, Baby!
Need something to dazzle at your next baby shower?
Little critters – think freshly hatched chicks, tiny bunnies, little lambs – are perennial symbols of spring’s sunny, fresh-start potential. We’ve got brand new baby humans on our minds too. Maybe it’s because we’ve noticed a growing number of local brands popping up to cater to those shopping for the diaper set. Need something to dazzle at your next baby shower? They’ve got you covered.
Woodland friends
For her nursery decor line Made Known Loved, Beth Doner relies on timeless, folksy motifs that are easy on the eyes for parents. This new felt mobile design of six stuffed woodland creatures is sweetly chic and will age better than any cartoon characters du jour. The Orangeville maker also creates commissioned pet “portraits” in felt of beloved dogs, cats and horses to hang as ornaments. (About $122, Made Known Loved)
Dinner attire
If you’ve been around babies recently, you’ll know lightweight cotton muslin is a popular go-to fabric for swaddling blankets. Orangeville mom Emilie Hudon loves it so much she’s turned it into such products as versatile nursing covers, nursing pads and the reversible bandana bibs pictured here – all under her new brand name Meikaa. Bibs are two sizes, 0–12 months or 12–24 months, and come in muted shades of grey, melon, turquoise and lilac, and they get softer with age. ($15 each, Meikaa)
Skin deep
As a mom of three, essential oil expert Holly Lo found existing products lacking for her little ones. After researching the best natural oils for baby’s skin (she represents the Utah-based doTerra line of essential oils at her site oilbabies.com), she partnered with her friend LeeAnn Hoskin to create the NaKed line of preservative-free goodies featuring lavender and sandalwood essential oils, coconut oil and other gentle ingredients – available at Orangeville’s Craft Happy store. Bonus: Profits are donated to the doTerra Healing Hands Foundation and occasionally to local charities. (NaKed baby wash, $14; baby balm, $10; sunscreen, $18, Craft Happy)
Owl’s well
Brighten up your stroller outing by topping off your infant’s outfit with one of Palgrave crafter Nancy Stewart’s crocheted owl hats. Like her blankets and booties, shown above right, the eye-catching hats are 100 per cent acrylic and machine washable. All Nancy’s Etsy sales go toward purchasing yarn for about 100 blankets she donates each year to charities such as Headwaters Health Care Centre and Caledon Community Services. ($20, Nancy Stewart)
Cool runnings
Okay, we know baby can’t walk anytime soon, but that’s the fun of these irresistible crocheted “sneakers” by Nancy Stewart, who sells them via Etsy, local craft shows and the Auxiliary Gift Shop at Headwaters Health Care Centre. The idea grew out of the former Caledon councillor’s My Very Own Blanket line, which includes the one shown here. (Booties, $20; blankets $60. Nancy Stewart)
Custom keepsakes
Caledon’s D&D Embroidery & Design personalizes handmade baby blankets, towel ponchos, pillows and other baby gear in a wide range of fabrics (yes, that’s a John Deere print!) and finishes. Maker Delaney Speers also customizes water bottles, mugs and other items with labels made to order. ($10–$200, D&D Embroidery & Design)
Picture perfect
Orangeville kids’ designer Cari Mistry specializes in pretty headbands and jewellery for babies and little girls at Madeline Ann Accessories, sold on Etsy. They’re a favourite at newborn photo shoots for upping the cute quotient. This photo was taken by local photographer Joy Blackburn of Joy of Life Photography. (Headband $17, Madeline Ann Accessories)
SOURCES
- Auxiliary Gift Shop, Headwaters Health Care Centre, 100 Rolling Hills Dr, Orangeville. 519-941-2410
- Craft Happy, 125 Broadway, Orangeville. 519-307-1112. crafthappy.ca
- D&D Embroidery & Design, Inglewood. 647-502-4090. D&D Embroidery & Design on Facebook.
- Joy of Life Photography, Orangeville, 905-789-5561. joyoflifephotography.net
- Made Known Loved, Orangeville. [email protected]. Made Known Loved on Etsy.
- Meikaa, Orangeville. 647-405-2249. AllAroundBaby1 on Etsy and AllAroundBaby on Facebook.
- Madeline Ann Accessories, Orangeville. Madeline Ann Accessories on Etsy and Facebook.
- Nancy Stewart, Palgrave. 905-880-3827. My Very Own Blanket on Etsy
- Oilbabies, Orangeville. oilbabies.com
