Heart Felt

Sponsor Giveaway :: Chasing Will

I was so excited to discover Chasing Will on Felt a couple of months back.  I have bought Hugo numerous pairs of fashionable, yet practical leggings.  It's wonderful to be able to purchase handmade baby leggings in geometric patterns, arrows, Aztec designs and trendy fluros.  Along with wonderful pram blankets, fitted cot sheets and pram liners.

I asked Katie to us a little about herself and how Chasing Will was started.

 

 

My name is Katie and I'm a married mother to William who is 8 months. I am originally from Sydney Australia, but moved to Christchurch with my husband Mark in 2009 for him to work as a racing commentator for Trackside. 

 

Before moving here I had no interest in sewing, which is quite ironic given that my mum is an incredible patchworker and sewer. I had always sort of rebelled against it and was into sport so I only learnt to sew at school. But after showing her a bit of interest in it last year she bought me a lovely little machine for Christmas. I started off sewing paper garlands and other smaller things and have progressed from there to making more complex items, mostly through the help of tutorials online.

 

I started Chasing Will after I made my son William Chase (hence the Chasing Will) a baby blanket with sherpa fabric. I had a few nice comments from quite a few people about it asking where I got it from. When telling them I made it they encouraged me to make some more and sell them. 

 

I like to make clothing and accessories more targeted towards boys as my son Will acts as my muse and also my model and I find it hard to find cool original clothing for boys. Especially handmade stuff. But I still do like to make things for pretty little ladies too!

 

I am inspired by graphic bright prints, especially geometric ones that don't have too many baby nods to them. I love to make things that are different and not many of same thing, so mums and their bubs can be unique!

 

I have also started to design my own fabrics and now offer leggings in organic cotton knit in my own 'plus' designs. I also have started making some organic baby blankets, pram liners and fitted bed sheets in my plus design, which will be available on my Felt shop soon. I just have to find the time in between looking after my son to do it all! 

 

 

 

For the giveaway Katie is offering a pair of her popular reindeer leggings.  

How cute would they be on Christmas morning.  

 

 

To enter you need to pop over to Facebook and hit the 'like' button here and become a Chasing Will 'liker' and of course you also need to be a Heart Felt 'liker' right here.

 

Then come back to this post and tell us which size you would like if you were to win.  Available in sizes - newborn, 3mth, 6mth, 12mth, 18mth, 2T

 

And don't forget to check out Chasing Will on Felt.

 

I will draw an random winner this time next week.

Good luck!

 

 

Sponsor Giveaway :: Cuttapea

What does the fox say?   Evidently foxes can say up to twenty different calls.  

Foxes are the flavour of the month in our house at the moment, Sadie is always on the look out for fox things.   You can imagine how excited she was when Gloria arrived in the mailbox.

 

She's an amazing custom order fox from the talented and foxy, Katie Hansen.  Her handmade foxes are known as Cuttapea and are available through her Facebook page.

I asked Katie to tell us a little about herself, how Cuttapea started and what inspires her.

 

My name is Katie and I am originally from England but have been in NZ for 13 years. I have 2 delicious littles (almost 4, next week (!!) and 18 months) and 1 bearded husband guy.

I guess I have a slight thing for foxes... slight, may be an understatement - I have one tattooed on my arm! I started out making a couple of foxes for my daughters and for friends having babies and the like and then my Mum said I should take them to the markets and it all went from there.  The fabric I use is mainly op-shopped or gifted by lovely crafty friends. It's handy making small-ish things as you can always use others scraps!

I am constantly learning and hope to one day make enough foxes to fill my china cabinet. I'm sticking with foxes, for now, but do have plans for other critters. One day.

Now for the amazing Cuttapea giveaway!  

Katie is giving you the chance to win either the Foxy Gent or the Foxy Lady in the photograph below.  

How cute is that bow tie and I want a dress made from that amazing fabric!  Either would make someone very happy this Christmas.

 

To enter pop over to Cuttapea Facebook page and 'Like' it.

Pop over to Heart Felt's Facebook page and 'Like' it.

When you have done that come back here and tell us which fox you would like if you win from the photograph above.

You will get an extra entry if you 'share' this on your Facebook page with your friends. (just leave another comment here to say you have done so)

We will draw a lucky winner this time next week!

Good luck.

Sponsor Giveaway :: Robots & Flowers

 

Another fabulous Heart Felt sponsor giveaway!

With a newborn in the house dribble bibs are so darn handy ~ not only for the dribbles but for the little spills too.  Robots & Flowers caught my eye because of their funky fabric choices.   Dribble bibs don't sound like the most glamorous item of clothing, but with these fun fabrics they are not only practical but can lift an outfit too.

I asked Cara to tell us a little about herself and how Robots & Flowers started.

Robots & Flowers is all about crafty baby stuff! I love to use bold prints yet with a colour palette that is quite muted and runs a similar theme. I make a lot of custom made items and get customers requesting certain items frequently.

Robots & Flowers came about very recently and is inspired completely by my son Hunter, who is now 7 months old. In comparison to my job pre bubs as a primary school teacher, I find being a mum to be a very different sort of tiring but I had a need to 'do stuff & make stuff'. I've always been this way but now that I’m at home and I have some (and I mean some – with a baby!) time to do it.

At first I viewed it as a creative outlet and a hobby with little expectations but I've been completely thrilled to see how people have responded to it and how busy things have been in these few months. I am lucky to have a clever mum who is able to knit any pattern I throw at her and she is the person behind all of the knitted items. 
I’m always on the look out for new fabrics and hope that I can design and print my own fabrics one day. Until then, I’m loving meeting peoples requests and constantly coming up with new ideas to excite other mums out there or as unique lovingly made gifts. 

Giveaway time!

If you would like to win this Robots & Flowers bird dribble bib, just leave a comment here on Heart Felt. For an extra entry become a liker of Robots & Flowers on Facebook here (just leave me another comment here on Heart Felt to tell me you have done so) and I will draw out a random name in a weeks time.

Good luck!

 

Sponsor Giveaway :: Elephant+bird

Do you like my little photographer? 

Maybe one day he will be a photographer for the National Geographic.

 

He's using an original Elephant+bird wooden camera.  

They take great [pretend] photographs, fits in his little hands, a button he can twist around and has a soft leather neck strap.  

Oscar's camera is a like a polaroid camera.  He takes his picture and instantly gives me a copy to see, which amuses me since I have a digital camera and he only sees my photographs of the screen or on the computer later on.

 

  I asked Jo from Elephant+bird to tell us a little about their business.

Elephant+bird started from a love of illustration and trying new art forms. Myself and my partner Matt, design and screenprint all our products using eco friendly practices, here in Auckland.

My Dad builds all the wonderful wooden toys using practices and tools that were passed on to him from his Father, so it has become very much a family business and we love it!

Everything in our shop is designed to last and to celebrate the uniqueness of handmade. 

Do you have a budding photographer in your family?

If you would like to win your own Elephant+bird wooden camera, just leave a comment here on Heart Felt.  If you would like another entry become a 'liker' on Elephant+bird's Facebook page here, [just pop back to Heart Felt and leave another comment to tell me that you have done so.]

I will randomly draw a winner this time next week.

If you are interested in checking out their screenprinting pop over to their Felt Shop here and their website here.

Good luck and a huge 'thank-you' to Jo and Matt.

SAY 'CHEESE"

 

Sponsor Giveaway :: Arcani

Something I bought for Oscar for Christmas last year was an amazing cardboard play house from Arcani.  It arrived at my doorstep flat packed and on Christmas morning the children and I had fun constructing it (which was very straight forward) and then they couldn't wait to get out the art supplies to decorate it.  

Oscar had a good old scribble on it, but Sadie took it more seriously and used beautiful colours.  It was sturdy and strong and fitted at least two of the children inside at a time.  I love the cute little details like the chimney and the letter box.

:: Oscar Christmas morning ::

It would be great as an activity for a birthday party, a rainy day activity or just because.  You also have a choice, if the house isn't for you what about the car!

Introducing to you :: Arcani

We started this business 1 year ago, born from what I see in the eyes of parents for their own children, pure love and adoration.  Every parent believes their child is amazing and born for great things.

The name 'Arcani' means 'Destined for Greatness' and is a brand we are developing especially for children, as every child is born for purpose. The playhouses were created as a great little activity indoor or out, a 3D shape they could play in and color too.

Arcani has kindly offered Heart Felt readers the chance to win their choice of cardboard play house or a cardboard play car.  

All you have to do is leave a comment here stating which one you would like to win.

I will draw one random winner in a weeks time.

Sorry ~ this giveaway is only open to New Zealand residients.

 

CARDBOARD PLAY HOUSE OR PLAY CAR

*Offering an option for boys and girls, your little ones will love these playhouses or play cars.

*Great for birthday parties, daycares or just hours of fun creative play

*Good indoor activity during winter or outdoors when sunny.

*Let their imagination create their own little masterpiece by gluing on material, a sprinkle of glitter, paint, stickers or coloring.

Made from recyclable cardboard 
designed by Arcani in New Zealand

MEASUREMENTS:
Playhouse: 78 X 63 X 88cm

Visit Arcani's Felt shop here

and 'Like' their Facebook page here.

Good luck!

 

 

 

Woodbotherer giveaway winner!

Thank-you to everyone who entered our giveaway.  

Don't forget to take advantage of the Woodbother's discount code at their Felt Shop.  

Enter the code HEARTFELT at the checkout you will get a 10% discount on a single purchase

(Offer expires on the 7th May)

I think I will be purchasing the wooden rabbits, they are just too adorable. 

 

But our random winner for the Woodbotherer's sword and shield set is.....

Congratulations Kathleen, I will email you.

Jx

Sponsor Giveaway :: The Woodbotherer

I'm really excited about introducing this Heart Felt Sponsor ~ from one of my most favourite Felt shops ::

~ The Woodbotherer ~

What a great name!  

Their handcrafted wooden toys are beautiful and the handmade Waldorf  inspired dolls are made with great care and  love.

Introducing Sam and Fil from the Woodbotherer.

 

Woodbotherer is a collaboration between Sam and Fil, showcasing and selling the crafty goodness they like to make. 
Parents to two kiddos, they were inspired to make durable, unique toys for them from natural materials. They are now happy to be able to make them available to you through their Felt shop.

Fil loves to work with wood (hence woodbotherer) and was inspired by his grandfather growing up spending time together in his workshop.

Sam originally trained as a potter but fell in love with doll making after she made one for her daughter and they both loved it so much. 'I love seeing the personality of each doll develop as they are made. They are all unique.'

For more on us, and weekly updates on what we are making visit our blog at 

www.theelvesandthewoodbotherer.blogspot.co.nz

and visit our Felt shop here.

 

Sam and Fil would like to offer one of their very cool handcrafted wooden shield and sword sets to one lucky Heart Felt reader.  

A small sword and shield set just right for a little knight!

Hand made in pine, the shield is made from plywood with a solid wooden handle. The sword is light a sturdy made from solid pine. The wood is left unfinished so that it can be painted and personalized if you wish.

This sword and shield is quite small and designed for 3 - 6 years old.

Dimensions are
Shield
L: 17.5 cms
W: 6cms
H: 2cms

Sword
L: 27cms

To enter: visit the Woodbotherer's Felt shop here ~ come back to Heart Felt and leave a comment telling me what's your favourite Woodbotherer item is.

(giveaway only open to New Zealand residents)

I will randomly draw a winner in a week's time.

But wait there's more....  if you just can't wait and you want to purchase something from the Woodbotherer's shop now, enter the code HEARTFELT at the checkout you will get a 10% discount on a single purchase (Offer expires on the 7th May)

Oscar loves his Woodbotherer sword and shield, really sturdy and safe to play with.  

He's had lots of fun and  loads of exciting adventures.

Good luck and thank-you Sam and Fil. 

 

 

1 more sleep to go ~ and our RubyLou Shop winner

Craft 2.0 tomorrow.....

Great little map of where your favourite sellers will be.

And the last of my tempters.

Wool pixie hats

 

Upcycled cardigans

 

and wool tunics.

 

This one is yet to be finished, but the night is young.....

and I'm loving it already.

 

Thank-you to those who entered Heart Felt's RubyLou Shop giveaway.  

A big thank-you to Delphine, I've noticed she has added lots more stock in the shop including some gorgeous wee skirts.

But our random winner is....

Comment number 13

Congratulations to Tartan Kiwi!

I will email you. Jx

Sponsor Giveaway :: RubyLou Shop

Another amazing Heart Felt sponsored giveaway and I'm very honoured to have Delphine on board from the fantastic

RubyLou Shop

First thing that attracted me to the RubyLou Shop was the wonderful use of colours, patterns and florals ~ beautifully styled clothes for girls, boys and a fantastic range of funky unisex European style pants.  I'm a big fan of the Sarouel pants and feel quite comfortable in fitting Oscar in a pair with a little floral accent on the side.  He can run and jump in these without them falling down and they are great if they're wearing a nappy.

I asked Delphine to tell us a little about herself and how the RubyLou Shop came to be.

"Bonjour, my name is Delphine and I am French. I grew up near Paris and decided to go travelling after finishing my studies in my early 20's. For some crazy reason I ended up here, in NZ, right on the other side of the world of my own country! But I have been living here with my kiwi partner for the last 9 years and love it. I am now a mum of 2 little twin girls that keep me very busy and very happy!
 
I started the RubyLou Shop after having my twins because I couldn't find any comfy clothes that weren't pink for them! I am now totally addicted in making kids clothing and particularly love working with mums that are looking for some funky comfy clothes for their little ones!

 

The RubyLou Shop can be found HERE

and the RubyLou Shop website can be found HERE

For the giveaway Delphine is offering one lucky Heart Felt reader the chance to win any pair of Funky Trackies or Sarouel 'Skinny Legs' Pants that are already available in the RubyLou Felt shop.

Sizes: 6 months ~ 3 years

Sorry, this giveaway is for NZ residents only.

  Image 'Funky Trackies'

 

Image 'Skinny legs Pants'

 

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment here on Heart Felt and one random winner will be drawn this time next week.

Thank-you to Delphine and don't forget to visit the RubyLou shop here.

The eels of Anzac Bridge ~ book giveaway

One of our favourite times of the day is snuggling up in front of the fire with a couple of picture books before bed time.  

After Anzac Day Charlie has shown a lot of interest in soldiers, the world wars and especially his great grandfathers who fought in World War II.  

His choice of book this particular evening was "The eels of Anzac Bridge".

Eels of Anzac Bridge

Written by Ali Foster

Illustrated by Viv Walker

Published by Wairarapa Archive and Fraser Books.

 

It's a thoughtful but beautiful tale of a young man who leaves his home and family and travels far across the seas as a soldier in the Great War.  His journey entwines with another great journey of a local eel as it too travels far to it's breeding grounds in the Pacific Ocean ~ both eel and soldier never to return.

While the baby eels made their way back to the river of it's parents a memorial bridge was erected in memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the war ~ and was named 'Anzac Memorial Bridge'.

The story stirred thoughtful contemplation within both Sadie and Charlie with them both agreeing that (in Charlie's words) "everything has a life cycle".

What made this story even more interesting is that Anzac Bridge is a real bridge located north of Masterton in the small community of Kaiparoro.  So we decided to make a family pilgrimage to visit the place where the story was inspired.

The bridge was opened in 1922 and has a lovely Art Deco style to it.  Names of those honoured are listed and it was exciting for the children to compare the illustrations to the real bridge itself.

Under the bridge is a perfect home for eels.  We didn't think to bring some meat with us, it would of been fun to lure any eels out of their hiding places.

Daddy played a trick on the children by finding a piece of driftwood that looked just like an eel!

GIVEAWAY...

Wairarapa Archive has kindly offered my Heart Felt readers the chance to win their own copy of 'The eels of Anzac Bridge".  

All you need to do is leave a comment and you are in the draw.

Giveaway is open to anyone around the world.

I will randomly select a winner this time next week.

Or you can purchase your own copy at the Wairarapa Archive or online here. 

Good luck! Jx