BirchLeaf Designs

Leaf Collector

2011-10-11T13:54:00.000-04:00

Homemade Leaf Collector with materials right from home!

How to Eat Raw Worms

2011-05-04T15:49:00.000-04:00

Blow it out your Egg Hole!

2011-04-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

The children were inspired to blow out eggs and paint them all pretty.

Sweet Yummy Goodness to Welcome us into Spring

2011-04-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

Yum! Lookie what we found in our snow-covered garden...Easter Candy.

Two Pigs and a Rooster

2011-04-18T09:28:00.000-04:00

We got a couple of Pigs this year! They are way too fun!

One pig will go to the Marquette County Fair and the other is the "family pig".

We had a bit of time before we got our pigs to make a temporary pen in our hoop house.

We decided to build a temporary pen until the snow melts, then we will put up fencing and a moveable shelter elsewhere. Mojo and the kids got to work with pallets as walls inside the hoop.

Below is the piggy bed.

Seeds n' Spores Family Farm went to pick up all the pigs...13 of them total and brought them back to the farm. Six of the pigs will end up being "Fair" pigs.

Morgan, Kiah and Niikah checking out the organic feed.

We brought our own bins, so we will dump the bags and weigh accordingly.

Kiah found the little peeps in the greenhouse!

Kiah wrestlin' a pig out of the trailor and into the back of our truck. The kids are cheering her on!

Ziggy Maurice Stardust, our rooster, welcomes the pigs to their new home.

They love each other so much.

Checkin' out their new piggy pen.

Good night!

It's Time for Maple Syrup!

2011-04-06T14:34:00.001-04:00

Maple Tree, Thank You.

Feeding us sweet, sweet nectar.

You shine in the sun.

Taking Volcano Building to the Next Level

2011-03-30T17:14:00.001-04:00

How to build a volcano with Plaster of Paris

by Kiah and Milo

(special thanks to storm the castle)

Here we go...

First, get a cardboard box and cut it how you want it. It is helpful if you keep the sides up a little and the back at least as tall as the volcano. This will prevent a huge mess and allow you to draw a picture on the back of the inner workings of a real volcano. You will also want to cut a hole on the bottom of the box so you can remove the plastic bottle for cleaning later.

Next, take a plastic bottle and wrap it in a plastic bag (so it doesn't stick to the plaster of paris).

Lastly, cut out a bunch of cardboard strips to place around the bottle like Milo is doing.

Place the strips in a fashion that looks similar to a volcaco and tape them all together.

Next, stuff your cardboard volcano with wads of newspaper.

Begin to mix your plaster of paris according to the directions on the box. We mixed it 2:1 (plaster:water)

Measure the water...

Add the water to the plaster in a big tub.

Mix away...

After the water has been added to the plaster, be sure to work quickly as the plaster will set up quick! Begin to dip strips of newspaper in the plaster mix and then carefully place pieces on the cardboard volcano. Try to keep them as smooth as possible while overlapping them different ways.

Keep mixing up plaster of paris in small batches until you have enough to cover your entire box and volcano.

Let the plaster sit until it is completely dry...about a day or two.

Then get out the acrylic paints and have fun! Paint scenery if you like...we used red, yellow, blue, green, brown, and grey.

Voila! This volcano is ready for action! We will take out the bottle from the plastic bag, put the bottle back in the volcano and add the ingredients for a great explosion!

For the explosion, we suggest you do it outside the first time!

Here are the ingredients for those of you that just can't wait for the next volcano eruption post...

1.Take the bottle out of the volcano and fill it just about full with water.

2. Put 4 or 5 drops of Dr. Bronner's Liquid Soap or any dish soap right into the water.

3. Add 2 Tablespoons of Baking Soda to the water.

4. Put the Volcano over the bottle so it is in place and ready to go.

5. Pour some vinegar right into the volcano bottle and watch it Erupt!!

Virtual Baby Shower with the EtsyKids Team!

2011-03-21T20:35:00.002-04:00

Reposted from a sweet mama over at Avery Lane on Etsy...

Baby showers are one of the ways to celebrate the anticipated birth of a new baby. It is also an excuse to pamper the mama to be and help her with the overwhelming amount of baby supplies she will need, especially when it will be her first child. Friends and relatives get together to socialize, play games, and share many, many memories.

Through the numerous showers that I have attended, I've noticed that the gifts given often reflect the gift givers’ style, interests, and parenting emphasis. I have often given handmade gifts as baby shower gifts, and have seen others doing the same. Giving handmade gifts, whether it is made by you or someone else, shows thoughtfulness and the gift is often unique, which is always appreciated. After all, each person is truly unique, biologically and in personality, so it is so appropriate to express your uniqueness with the gifts that you choose to give, as well as appreciating the uniqueness of the mom to be and her baby.

Many first time moms have to make important decisions they have never had to think about, like "cloth or disposable," "bottle or breastfeeding," and "natural versus plastic toys". Your gift can open up a wealth of natural alternatives and sustainable choices to the recipient as she embarks on her child rearing journey.

From natural teething rings to cloth diapers, mama pads to diaper bags, first toys to nursery décor, one need not look farther than Etsykids. Here are some of the many products that I would love to give to an expecting mom, all of which help support sustainability, handmade, and individuals instead of corporate CEO’s.

Reading to your baby can foster a secure attachment and emergent literacy. Touchable cloth books also offer sensory stimulation, which promotes cognitive development. This one is lovely by WoodenPondDesigns: http://www.etsy.com/listing/68581175/woodland-fabric-soft-and-quiet-book-for

Wooden teething rings by BirchLeafDesigns are not only a natural choice for baby, but will also help strengthen those finger muscles: http://www.etsy.com/listing/62396830/wee-wooden-teething-ring

MaggieSueDesigns offers some adorable diaper bags that allow mom to not give up her stylish ways while toting around the assortment of diapering supplies and necessities. http://www.etsy.com/listing/12248581/timeless-tote-or-diaper-bag

Babazoobee offers an upcycled choice for those that appreciate sustainability: http://www.etsy.com/listing/43979472/upcycled-wool-and-cotton-messenger-style

KeikiBoutique has some modern looks in compact diaper bag accessories: http://www.etsy.com/listing/10074387/rts-posh-pouch-diaper-and-wipes-holder

Let’s not forget mom. So often a new mom doesn’t know that certain things are helpful, until they are needed.

TheCrazyElephant offers many such items. This shop even has an entire section dedicated to the mama. Making sustainability stylish: http://www.etsy.com/listing/67965857/1-set-of-elegant-elephants-nursing-pads

Etsykids member DeniseJacobsohn creates privacy covers for mom, using beautiful fabrics, as well as makes shopping easier with her gift sets. Any new mom would be so lucky to receive one of these: http://www.etsy.com/listing/56882679/baby-shower-gift-sets-perfecting-when

Nursery Art is important for baby and often overlooked. WeAndTheBean has some beautiful designs that encompass the mother child bond. I especially love this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/59725343/night-papa-monkey-8-x-10-childrens-art

With all the strollers and car seat research to do, nursery art can be a comfort to the mom to be as she and her baby will spend many hours together in the nursery. A nursery lamp, mobile, or picture can stay with a child for years. I still remember my Peter Pumpkin Eater musical lamp fondly. Giving such gifts can help build fond childhood memories for child as well as mum.

Another etsykids artist who does extraordinary work is MyArtsyBaby: http://www.etsy.com/listing/67667585/penelope-owl-birds-and-butterflies

Babywear: There is so much to choose from Etsykids! With warmer months coming and ease of dressing, snap bottom tees are the staple for a new mom.

Greensies make some really creative and unique designs. I love her momma and baby giraffes snap bottom tee: http://www.etsy.com/listing/62990202/giraffe-looking-up-to-you-onesie-size-3

I love everything from ChirpAndBloom. Designer Rebecca Harkin has such wonderful style and her pillowcase dresses are CSPIA compliant as they do not contain drawstrings. This vintage set is sure to be one the mom saves for years to pass on: http://www.etsy.com/listing/47216733/recycled-vintage-embroidered-pillowcase

The CleverKitty is so clever indeed with her felted baby shoes. Helps keep those sleeping infants’ toes comfy and warm, as well as high in style. Many to choose from for lads:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/16225425/felted-high-top-baby-shoes-leaf-green

OR for lasses: http://www.etsy.com/listing/9543938/felted-flora-jane-baby-shoes

For those who like sew gifts themselves for a new baby, FunkyFriendsFactory has a large assortment of wonderful first friends or lovies. I know each of my children has a favorite stuffed animal that has been with them for as long as they can remember. Here’s just one of the many patterns available in her shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/62618152/lamb-plush-toy-pattern-pdf

Hope this gives you some inspiration for the next time you are lucky enough to be invited to a baby shower or know someone who is expecting a special little bundle of joy.

Great Giveaway with German Dolls!

2010-11-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

Be sure to pop right on over the NaturalKids Blog for a chance to win a German Dolls' sweet lil' Pocketdress & Pocketdoll. Go now! Go like the wind or the giveaway will end!

GiveAway with the NaturalKids Team

2010-11-07T10:33:00.000-05:00

Pop on over to the NaturalKids Team Blog to enter a giveaway we (BirchLeaf Designs) are sponsoring. you have many chances to win a cute little newborn tie-dyed onepeace, hat, and sweet mama tea!

Sweet Giveaway with The Sitting Tree

2010-10-16T07:16:00.000-04:00

NaturalKids Team member, The Sitting Tree, is offering a sweet giveaway here: http://thesittingtree.blogspot.com/2010/10/handmade-for-holidays-giveaway.html

Please enter and give her blog some love!

Volcano Building Basics

2010-10-08T10:57:00.001-04:00

Science is so much fun! If it were up to Milo and Kiah, they would do science all day, every day!
Here are the directions to build a simple, yet effective volcano...

First, you will need a tub to put everything in and a pint-sized mason jar (or any jar for that matter) to hold the "volcanic" ingredients.

Next, follow Milo's instructions: Please note that we only had apple cider vinegar on hand...it is recommended to use white or distilled vinegar. Also, any dish soap will work, in this instance, we used Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds.

Once the "volcano" has been built and packed around the jar, Milo also says you can "add some prettiness if you want, like stones and little trees".

Finally, gather around with friends, follow the steps above, and Wah Lah!

We found that the "explosion" happens rather quickly, so if you add a bit more vinegar at the end, you will get a second explosion!!

Milo does a jig!

2010-08-15T15:26:00.002-04:00

Milo created a new product for the booth!

Handmade T-N-T! It's dyn-o-mite!

He was using the waste ends from our streamers but they ended up being such a huge hit, we had to buy him wood to make more! He sells more dynamite than we sell streamers...

To help Milo be more independent with his creations, His Papa, Mojo, made him a "jig".

Now he can make his little packs of T-N-T all by himself!

Wah La!!!

Huge Sale in July with NaturalKids!

2010-07-13T22:23:00.000-04:00

Member shops from Etsy's NaturalKids Team are having a sale in July! It's like Christmas in July!

Looking for a gift for someone special? Come right on in and browse through great deals! Sales and Promtions you will want to check out!

Our shop is offering...from July 15-25, buy any 2 items, get 10% your entire order (shipping excluded).

May the Sun Shine down like Honey where you Stand...

2010-07-03T07:07:00.001-04:00

Holy big ball of fire! Check out this sweet giveaway from Imagination Kids! Enter by 9pm tonight for a chance to win this super cool sun stacker! Be sure to swing by their shop for more cool stuff!

Butterflies on the Rise!

2010-07-02T18:00:00.001-04:00

Kelly, from MuddyFeet is flitting about, trying to bring back the beautiful butterflies! According to NWF, butterfly numbers have been low...so what can we do about it? Visit Kelly over at her blog to learn about the butterfly challenge she has to offer and to enter a giveaway of some of the beautiful things in the photo above!

Butterflies on the Rise!

2010-07-02T17:29:00.001-04:00

Progressive Pioneer Blog Double Giveaway!!!

2010-06-13T10:17:00.001-04:00

Progressive Pioneer is having a double giveaway! One from Annie, of Bird and Little Bird, with her sweet little Semi-Fantastic Mr. Fox Kit and one from Jen, of SewnNatural, with a set of her lovely felted acorns. Please do go over and enter!

Giveaway with Living Crafts Magazine and the NaturalKids Team!

2010-06-13T09:26:00.000-04:00

Living Crafts Magazine is offering an awesome giveaway! Have a chance to win your choice of either a one year subscription to Living Crafts or 4 back issues (in case you are already a subscriber but may have missed out on some of the previous issues).

Each issue focuses on a season of the year, bringing ideas and the how-to for projects that are in harmony with nature to create a seasonal rhythm at home. Editorial content includes projects making toys, apparel, home items, gifts, and seasonal crafts.

To find out more information and to enter, pop on over to the NaturalKids Team blog. The drawing will be on Sunday evening at 7:00 pm EST.

Thanks from all the members of the Natural Kids Team!

p.s.
If you don't win, Pardis, the Editor of Living Crafts, is offering the current summer issue for free to all new subscribers by entering the following code at checkout ~ when you subscribe you will receive five issues all together instead of the usual four that come with a one year subscription ~ Sum10NE

It is All the Same Disease of Consumption

2010-05-28T09:36:00.001-04:00

Eagle Rock could just as easily be the place, it is all the same disease of consumption.

A Christian could find the answer in Chronicles 7:14

Same problem: and the same solution, but the solution seems so far out of our reach.

Subject: A letter from Chief Arvol Looking horse - A great Urgency

To All World Religious and Spiritual Leaders

My Relatives,

Time has come to speak to the hearts of our Nations and their Leaders. I ask you this from the bottom of my heart, to come together from the Spirit of your Nations in prayer.

We, from the heart of Turtle Island, have a great message for the World; we are guided to speak from all the White Animals showing their sacred color, which have been signs for us to pray for the sacred life of all things.

As I am sending this message to you, many Animal Nations are being threatened, those that swim, those that crawl, those that fly, and the plant Nations, eventually all will be affect from the oil disaster in the Gulf.

The dangers we are faced with at this time are not of spirit. The catastrophe that has happened with the oil spill which looks like the bleeding of Grandmother Earth, is made by human mistakes, mistakes that we cannot afford to continue to make.

I asked, as Spiritual Leaders, that we join together, united in prayer with the whole of our Global Communities. My concern is these serious issues will continue to worsen, as a domino effect that our Ancestors have warned us of in their Prophecies.

I know in my heart there are millions of people that feel our united prayers for the sake of our Grandmother Earth are long overdue. I believe we as Spiritual people must gather ourselves and focus our thoughts and
prayers to allow the healing of the many wounds that have been inflicted on the Earth.

As we honor the Cycle of Life, let us call for Prayer circles globally to assist in healing Grandmother Earth (our Unc'I Maka). We ask for prayers that the oil spill, this bleeding, will stop. That the winds stay calm to assist in the work. Pray for the people to be guided in repairing this mistake, and that we may also seek to live in harmony, as we make the choice to change the destructive path we are on.

As we pray, we will fully understand that we are all connected. And that what we create can have lasting effects on all life. So let us unite spiritually, All Nations, All Faiths, One Prayer. Along with this immediate effort, I also ask to please remember June 21st, World Peace and Prayer Day/Honoring Sacred Sites day. Whether it is a natural site, a temple, a church, a synagogue or just your own sacred space, let us make
a prayer for all life, for good decision making by our Nations, for our children's future and well-being, and the generations to come.

Onipikte (that we shall live),

Chief Arvol Looking Horse
19th generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe

Northwood Alliance, Inc
6063 Baker Lake Road
Conover, WI 54519
phone: 715-479-8528
fax: 715-479-8528
http://www.northwoodalliance.org/
nwa@nnex.net

More articles re: Eagle Rock
http://keweenawnow.blogspot.com/2010/05/hot-day-at-eagle-rock-before-arrests-of.html
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiancountrytoday.com%2Fhome%2Fcontent%2F95060709.html&h=b36e0

American flag is hung upside-down on top of Eagle Rock as a sign of distress. Photo by Keweenaw Now.

Got Eagle Rock?

2010-05-23T11:06:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release: May 23, 2010

Contact:

Cynthia Pryor - (906) 360-2414 - cpryor@isp.com

Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve - (906) 345-9223 - ydwp@yellowdogwatershed.org

Drew Nelson – (616) 706-2539 - drew@drewnelson.net

Link to Drew Nelson's song: http://www.yellowdogwatershed.org/blog/2010/05/21/activist-songwriter-release-song/

Hard copies of the song are also available by contacting the YDWP office.

Drew Nelson releases ‘Eagle Rock - Song of the People” in support of those protecting their sacred site from harm

Drew Nelson, singer songwriter, has written a song that calls to all of us who wish to protect our lands from any action that would injure it. Drew who is from Michigan, understands our water rich place and has embraced this cause against a metallic sulfide mine on the Yellow Dog Plains - located in the beautiful remote Upper Peninsula of Michigan on the shores of Lake Superior.

Currently, Rio Tinto second largest mining conglomerate in the world proposes a copper/nickel mine under the Salmon Trout River on the Yellow Dog Plains. The proposed mine, disrespectfully called “Eagle” is on state and public land that our government has put in the hands of this multi-national corporation for their private gain. On this state land there is a rock - a three acre outcrop that is the only high spot on the Yellow Dog Plains. This rock is Migi zii wa sin or Eagle Rock that is a sacred site to the Anishinaabe of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Eagle Rock was scheduled and approved by the state of Michigan to be the portal to this mine.

The event that precipitated the arrest of Cynthia Pryor and the occupation of Eagle Rock by three courageous women - Charlotte Loonsfoot, Chalsey Smith and Georgeana Earring was the beginning of the fencing in of Eagle Rock by Rio Tinto. These are all women of the water who did what they had to do to help stop this mine.

Drew wrote this song in honor of the bravery of those who now occupy Migi zii wa sin and who are not leaving. Drew presents this song with these words:

I have written a new song called 'Eagle Rock (song for the people)" and it will be made available for FREE to everyone. All I ask is you visit these sites, educate your self about what is going on and PLEASE make a donation to those brave heroes who are holding off one of the largest and most egregious violators of indigenous peoples and our mother the earth.

THIS IS NOT A LOCAL PROBLEM IT IS A GLOBAL PROBLEM.

Drew signs his name lower case and as ‘human being’. This is not about any one person but together represents all the brave spirits and human beings that care. We thank all who wish to help and as you listen to this song - think about those people on the ground, in harm’s way, who have taken their stand - there at Eagle Rock.

For more information about Eagle Rock and how you can help, go to these sites: http://www.standfortheland.com/; http://www.yellowdogwatershed.org/; and http://www.savethewildup.org/.

Please also visit Drew Nelson's website at http://www.drewnelson.net/.

Our Great Lakes are so precious! According to the EPA website http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/basicinfo.html: The Great Lakes are the largest surface freshwater system on the Earth. They contain about 84 percent of North America's surface fresh water and about 21 percent of the world's supply. Only the polar ice caps contain more fresh water.

In addition: Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and is the world's third-largest freshwater lake by volume.

Holy wah that's a lot of fresh water...we need to work together to protect it!

Soulemama Giveaway with the NaturalKids Team!

2010-04-24T10:04:00.001-04:00

Soulemama is hostessing a giveaway with some members from the NaturalKids Team. Click on over to enter to win one of our playsilks, along with other goodies from our natty friends!

http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2010/04/soulemama-sponsor-natural-kids-.html#comment-6a00d8341c4ea853ef0134801a87bd970c

Deep Fried Peeps

2010-04-22T08:25:00.001-04:00

So, what do you do with those nasty left over peeps no one wants to eat after Easter anyway?

Well, if you happen to know a potter (which we do.), and if he happens to be firing his wood-fired kiln (which he was)...we highly suggest bringing the peeps!

Thanks to Ryan Dalman and his family with Dalman Pottery...They taste much better kiln fried!

Below are some of Ryan's lovely pots. For further inquiries, he may be reached at dalmanpottery@gmail.com

Sugar Loop 2010 - From Sap to Syrup

2010-04-18T20:40:00.002-04:00

From Sap to Syrup...

Mojo and Rad boilin' down sap. This is an all day process of feeding the fire and adding sap. It takes a little over 40 gallons of sap to equal one gallon of syrup.

We bought a new stainless steel pan this year...it's so lovely!
Thanks to Paul at
stainlesssteelcreations
for such a nicely made pan.

Sap at a rapid boil.

Kiah and Ona call it a day and make the trek home.

We transport the remaining sap to our outdoor kitchen. Here we boil it down on the stove. We take it to 119 degrees, then strain it from the faucet into jars.

The jar on the left is from the "first run" batch. The jar on the right is from the 2nd run.

This painting from our dear friend, Jen, sums it all up...Maple sap is such a blessing! Making your own maple syrup sure makes you feel "connected" because you know right where it's coming from!

Sugar Loop 2010 - From Maple Tree to Sap

2010-04-17T22:04:00.005-04:00

From the Maple Tree to Sap...

Maple Trees are a blessing!

We tapped 70 trees this year beginning March 3rd and untapping April 5th.

Following are photos from our Sugar Loop Day 1 thru Day 4...Tappin' Trees:

Make a hole in the tree at an upwards angle (about 10 degrees) with no more than a 2" depth.

Hole waiting for a tap...the sap is already drip, drip, dripping.

Kiah digs in her bucket for a tap.

Milo hammers the tap into the hole.

Diggin' out the arches.

Collecting firewood for the upcoming fire.

Don't forget to taste the sweet sap right from the source!
Look for our next post "From Sap to Syrup" in the next few days.

Celebrate the Earth!

2010-04-14T00:55:00.001-04:00

Come celebrate the Earth with Us!

Etsy's Natural Kids Team is having a gynormous sale! Beginning April 14th, 55 shops will be offering different sales or giveaways.

Our shop in particular is offering 10% off from April 14-22.

Plus, we have a little gnome picture in one of our listings! If you 'find' the gnome, let us know and you will receive a naturalkids team pdf booklet about connecting kids to nature, making yummy recipes, and how to make simple toys and crafts yourself. This pdf was made possible through generous contributions from members of the naturalkids team.

To see participating shops and for further details, come visit the NaturalKids' Blog.

You may also simply search "naturalkids team earth day" on Etsy

The Enchanted Cupboard Giveaway Winner Announced!

2010-04-03T12:01:00.001-04:00

Drumroll please....
And the winner from the Earth Day NaturalKids Blog-a-thon and The Enchanted Cupboard giveaway is...

Momma Rae! Yay Momma Rae! May you spend many days playing with this cute little set!
Thanks to all who entered!

An Interview with my Sweet Natty Sister, Beccijo from The Enchanted Cupboard

2010-03-11T09:07:00.004-05:00

I am turning 40 this year and feel as though it is a big step. I feel like I need to start that year with the Waldorf tradition of leaping out of my bed. I had written a letter to myself years ago of all the things I wanted to do before turning 40. Things like "find my true self" Thank you Etsy for the help with that one. AND Put fun colors in my hair, I never did it in high school even though it was the era of PUNK! So I'm thinking some purple chunks!

I tend to always see the brighter side in life. I believe we have a purpose and that humans are meant to create, when we don't we get lost. Who I am is very much molded from my childhood. I came from a LARGE family, 9 kids to be exact with lots of foster kids here and there. They (foster kids) were mine all of them. I took them under my wing, loved and nurtured them like one of the baby animals on the farm. There stories would break your heart but I wanted them for how ever short of time I had with them that they felt love. I learned a lot about the differences in people and families. I learned how to be a leader, how to be calm, how to delegate, and how to succeed. And sometimes when the world was just too much for them or me I made up a story. A story about fairies, mermaids or pirates. The good always won and there was always a happily ever after!

I have since been able to reconnect with some of the kids as they find me on facebook. They tell me sweet words of how I made things for them that they kept and how I made a difference in their life. I think it is pure magic to be able to create and give a little of ourselves. I am just so tickled to know that there are children all over the world playing with my toys, weaving their own stories. Sometimes when I am overwhelmed I close my eyes and imagine those kids playing.... imagine the little hands, the tiny giggles, and the big smiles.

In the real world I get to hear my kids and see them play. Sometimes they help me with ideas but they always inspire me. I think it is a wonderful blessing for them to see me truly happy and being creative. To make something that someone else is willing to pay what I say it is worth is like winning an Oscar ever time that sale email comes in! I do a lot in my day with 4 kids, homeschool, Etsy shop, and teams but I love every minute of it!

Some people think I do not sleep, I am just very organized. It really is the key to having a life that your are living not just surviving. I hear moms beating themselves up all the time about feeling guilty about what they may be taking from their families to have their Etsy Dream. The truth is Yes you can't have it all...at least not all of it all the time. You need to make time for all the parts that you are... self, wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, etc. When we do this our children see it and we change the next generation.

Please take a moment to visit Beccijo at her store on Etsy - The Enchanted Cupboard

Easter/Spring NaturalKids Team Blog-A-Thon & Giveaway!

2010-03-04T23:04:00.007-05:00

The NaturalKids Team was started by woodmouse in 2007. Early members included faerierebecca, fairiesnest, cozycottage. It was a small group, with a small presence on etsy. Since that time members have come and gone but our mission has stayed the same. To be a group of sellers dedicated to creating natural products for children. We are a diverse group of artisans who make natural toys, utensils, clothing and accessories for kids. Our sellers work with materials from the Earth, such as wool, cotton, silk and wood. Our goal is to support, promote and have fun together while building our businesses.

The Fairies Nest

One of our 1st Team Blog Post read as below and it is still true today....

"We are a diverse bunch from all over the globe who have at least one thing in common: we all work with natural materials in our products for children. Oh yeah, and we're all pretty darn crafty & talented too! Wool, wood, cotton...just simple materials direct from the Earth."

German Dolls

So who are we?

Some of us are mothers of small children.

Some of us are mothers of grown children.

Some of us make dolls, some of us make hats, some of us make toys.

Some of us have been selling our wares for many years.

Some of us are just starting to discover our talents and start selling.

Some of us work with natural materials for environmental reasons.

Woolies

Some of us work with natural materials as part of the Waldorf educational philosophy.

Some of us work with natural materials because we believe they are healthier and safer.

Some of us just like working with natural materials.

Some of us sell our wares for a living.

Some of us sell our wares as a hobby.

Since that time, some of us are fathers.

There are many members now! Please have a look at the list here

To celebrate our NaturalKid-ness, we are having our very first giveaway on our blog! Yay!

Offered here is an awesome little playset from The Enchanted Cupboard.

The playset looks a bit like the one in this photo, but it has more! It also includes an extra, smaller pine tree and a larger, different shaped magical mushroom.

To enter, simply visit The Enchanted Cupboard's shop and then come back and leave a comment as to what your favorite item is. The drawing will be March 26.

For more entries - please leave a comment for each:

1. Tweet about this giveaway!

2. Follow us on Facebook! http://artist.to/birchleafdesigns/

3. Follow our Blog!

4. Follow The Enchanted Cupboard's Blog! http://thereluctantcitydweller.blogspot.com/

5. Follow NaturalKids on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/NaturalKidsTeam

6. Follow NaturalKids' Blog! http://natural-kids.blogspot.com/

That's 7, yes 7 chances to win!

Thank you for reading and now join in the fun to take a trip to see what you may find at these NaturalKids Team Members Blogs! Happy Spring!!!

Oh, be sure to check out these sweet gift items for Spring from the Natural Kids Team!

The blogs listed below are all participating in the Spring Blog-a-thon...Please take a moment to visit them:

http://thereluctantcitydweller.blogspot.com

http://thefairiesnest.blogspot.com

http://SewnNaturalstudio.blogspot.com

http://www.tribaltimes.blogspot.com/

http://www.katsinthebelfry.blogspot.com

http://www.polarbearcreations.blogspot.com

http://fairtradefamily.blogspot.com/

http://germandolls.blogspot.com

http://www.curlymonkeyandco2.blogspot.com

http://www.bananabottoms.blogspot.com

http://woolies-woolies.blogspot.com

http://pinpon-dayanara.blogspot.com

http://sqrlbee.blogspot.com/

http://www.thesittingtree.net

http://www.themuddyfoot.blogspot.com

http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com

http://viltalakim.blogspot.com

2010-02-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

Please take a moment to zip on over to the Progressive Pioneer's blog...here she is having a $50 gift certificate give away with The Sitting Tree, a lovely shop on Etsy.

Here are some examples of what you could get with the $50!

New Listing!

2010-02-06T14:33:00.000-05:00

We have a new listing for our Etsy Shop! This toolbox is perfect for organizing art supplies, sewing notions, or whatever needs organizing...great children and adults alike!

Wooden Toolbox with dividers made from pine by birchleafdesigns

Amazing Giveaways!

2010-01-21T06:36:00.000-05:00

There are some amazing giveaways happening!

1. Here is an amazing puzzle giveaway with Donni at The Magic Onions blogspot. After entering, be sure to stop by their shops to see what beautiful creations they have to offer. Donni's Etsy shop is Fairyfolk and Jeannette's puzzle shop is Puzzled

2. Another sweet giveaway is being offered by Jen and Jane with Sewnnatural...be sure to check out her blog Sweet Greens to enter!

Let's Go Sledding!

2010-01-17T07:49:00.000-05:00

Here is our sled trail...it's about 800 feet long and oh so fun!

An interview with...us!

2009-10-29T09:59:00.000-04:00

Greetings! We are BirchLeaf Designs - a small family of folks near the Yellow Dog River in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We live off the grid...making handcrafted, natural playthings that inspire imaginations using wood, silk and felted wool. We live, work, homeschool, create, love and play nestled amongst the Hemlocks.

We like to reclaim wood and other pieces parts to make quality playthings for children. We are known to use recycled/upcycled materials like cereal boxes for the flower presses or wood cut offs from other projects; materials found in nature (like birchbark or acorn tops); and during a dying session, we use nontoxic dyes and keep water use to a minimum...with no "running" water, every drop counts!

We currently sell natural, whimsical wood and fabric playthings (like teething rings, bug boxes, flower presses, swords, playsilks and playclips to name a few). Our most popular items include our playsilks, swords, and bugboxes.

We are always looking for ways to improve our products! Comments and suggestions are welcomed! We also do custom orders...is there a product that you would like to see us make? We are open to ideas and challenges!

We work to live simple...off the grid, solar power, solar water pump, wood heat, bees (!) and in return for our work, we get to enjoy those simple gifts...maple syrup, honey, nature...sweet love, sweet life!

Climate Change ACTION Day - October 24, 2009! Do your part so we don't have to depart.

2009-10-22T16:18:00.000-04:00

We just attended a conference called the Great Lakes Bioneers Conference. Wow! is what we have to say about it! It was so amazing to get together with a bunch of loving, caring folks. A meeting of the minds, a place to gather to ready ourselves to get down to business and do something about our current state of affairs. We are all fired up!
http://www.glbconference.org

One major issue is that of Climate Change. This issue is so important because if we continue doing what we do without changing how we do things...we will all become extinct! Yes, folks, EXTINCT, like the dinosaurs. We need to reduce our CO2 emissions in our atmosphere to below 350ppm (parts per million)

So what are we waiting for? Let's do something about it! Here is one day that you will for sure want to mark on your calendar:

October 24 is the Global Day of Climate Change! We need to change how we do things NOW or we will not be here to fix the damage. For more information and ways to get involved please, please visit

http://www.350.org/understanding-350#2
http://www.Powershift09.org
http://www.Realclimate.org

*FREE SONGS* by great musicians to help you "Get Down with 350!"
http://www.350.org/350-songs-planet

CPSC loves Mattel...this makes me ill.

2009-08-31T13:25:00.000-04:00

The foxes are guarding the hen house! Please read the latest going ons with the CPSC and Mattel...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090827/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_product_test

Rick Woldenberg, Chairman of Learning Resources Inc put it so nicely on his blog:
http://learningresourcesinc.blogspot.com/2009/08/cpsia-rich-irony-courtesy-of-cpsc.html

Modern Handmade Child is here! Made by EtsyKids Street Team...

2009-08-03T14:54:00.000-04:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More kids

An Incredible Community that Cares

2009-06-09T08:24:00.000-04:00

I have tears streaming from my eyes...tears of sadness for a mother who passed after childbirth and tears of joy for a babe who has many "mothers" now in the community, breastfeeding and loving him.

Here is an article about the Goodrich Family and the community of nursing mothers:
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/524498.html

Here is a link to a project created by Ina May Gaskin...a project to honor all mothers who have died from childbirth. It's called the "Safe Motherhood Quilt Project"
http://rememberthemothers.net/

Here also, is a link to a blog post for Susan's quilt square:
http://snipandsnail.blogspot.com/2009/05/safe-motherhood-quilt-project.html

BeeKeeping 101

2009-05-16T17:18:00.000-04:00

Bees and Honey and all things Sweet...May 3rd, we got our bees! We had ordered a "nuc" colony, which contains 5 frames of bees, brood, stores of honey and pollen and most importantly a queen...

Beekeeping lesson #1...it is safer than you think to travel in an enclosed vehicle with a box of approximately 10,500 bees! We chose to take the "back" way home from where we had to pick up the bees. This is a wonderful drive up a dirt logging highway, through some of the most awesome country, in this part of the world. We had to stop and pickup Kiah at the house of a friend, who is a wood fire potter. This all made for about 2 hours of drive time mostly on bumpy, narrow logging roads. Indeed our favorite kind of Sunday drive. Only 3 or 4 bees escaped from their closed box, and they stayed pretty close to the buzz and smell of the nuc box. The bees in the nuc were itchin' to get out of that box though...it sounded like rain in there! We brought them home, took them up to the bee yard and opened the door on the box so thet could get out. They flew rather frantic like for several minutes them re-entered the nuc and settled for the evening.

Bees are Awesome! Pictured here is some of the equipment used to house a colony of bees...Deep super, wax frames, sugar water, pail for feeding , an inner cover and top cover.

Monday afternoon, when it warmed up, we put them in their new hive body, being careful to keep them in the same order, to keep them from being disoriented. We added five new frames, for a total of 10, so they should have a bit more room. In this photo, one frame is in the new box or "super", and the second frame is being removed from the nuc. This frame contained the queen (always a happy thing to find your queen).

This is a smoker. Milo and Mojo experimented and found that the stuff that comes with the smoker smells kinda bad. Then they proceeded to try different materials...like birch bark with pine needles, pinecones, sawdust, and found the best stuff to use was wood shavings from the workshop...cherry wood shavings.

We didn't use the smoker...but we had it ready just in case. To distract the bees, we sprayed the bees with sugar water and they spent a whole lot of time licking the yummy, sweet water off their bodies. They didn't mind us being there a bit. Apparently, the smoke causes the bees to panic and so they immediately go grab their stores of honey. Spraying with sugar water is a much gentler way to distract...we shall see what Autumn brings, the bees tend to get a little more aggressive and protective toward their honey stores in the Fall.

Kiahzzzz entry (age 8):

"Bees are so fun. I love to watch them. I know they will not hurt me as long as I'm calm."

Milozzzz entry (age 5):

"My best thing about the bees are watching them getting pollen. I love the bees' fort. Bees knees. The End."

Earth Day Sales - Natural Kids Team

2009-04-20T08:28:00.000-04:00

Those NattyKids have done it again! Many members of Etsy's Natural Kids Team are having Earth Day sales in their shoppes...There are lots of discounts and/or free shipping offers. To see a list of participating members and what they are offering for Earth Day, please visit the Natural Kids Blog

Natural Kids Giveaway Round #2

2009-04-17T09:51:00.000-04:00

Etsy's Natural Kids Team is having a super huge giveaway! There will be many chances to win - for details, please visit Woolies blog . Woolies is a Natural Kids Team Member and is so sweet to be hosting the giveaway! And as I have mentioned before, I am honored to be a part of the NaturalKids Team! They are truly an amazing group of folks and it shows right through in the quality of the children's things they make.The giveaway has already started, so high tail it over there, you have until April 29th to enter the 2nd round! The entry for BirchLeaf Designs is happening right now! The 2nd round will last for two weeks, then there will be a new round of NaturalKids shoppes!

Giveaways Everywhere You Look!

2009-04-11T08:39:00.000-04:00

Here is another amazing giveaway...
http://carolinealexander.blogspot.com/2009/04/two-weeks-until-big-giveaway.html

Natural Kids Giveaway! It just keeps giving...and giving...and giving!

2009-04-02T13:13:00.000-04:00

Hop right over to my friend Woolies blog and say peep! Woolies is hosting a spectacular giveaway with Etsy's NaturalKids Team. I am honored to be a part of the NaturalKids Team! They are truly an amazing group of folks and it shows right through in the quality of the children's things they make.

The giveaway has already started, so high tail it over there, you have until April 14th to enter the 1st round!

The entry for BirchLeaf Designs is coming up on April 15, 2009 - this is the 2nd round - the givewaway will last for two weeks, then there will be a new round of NaturalKids shoppes! Here is a sneak peek of what we will be giving away...

Let the Flow Begin!

2009-03-14T11:45:00.000-04:00

Maple Sap flow, that is...

Our family tapped 50 maple trees this year and are now awaiting the warm days and coldie nights of March.

We will check our buckets daily and dump the delicious sap into storage containers. When we get enough sap stored, we will pour it into the sap boiler...to be boiled down into yummy, yummy maple syrup. We are hoping to make enough syrup to last us the year and to give away as gifts. Kiah (age 8) and Milo (age 5) are taking notes on which trees run the best!

If you have a maple tree in your yard, or near you that you can tap, I highly recommend it ! Even if you do not plan on making syrup, the sap alone is wonderful to make tea or coffee or to just drink. If you do tap, be sure to do your research and also offer up a blessing or thank you to the tree in return for it's delicious sap.

Our sugar bush loop is great for skiing or just walking...one could get "lost" in there for hours!

My neighbor Jen and I like to do what we call "Tai Skiing" - this is were one of us leads the other, no talking...just listening to the sounds of nature and trying our best to quiet our minds. We may ski fast or slow, do a little ballet skiing, or whatever tickles our fancy! Then, when we come to a place that calls the leader to stop, the leader takes a few moments to lead a particular stretch, or deep breathing, or a series of movements, or just stops and listens. After our little session, the other person leads the next section of the trail.

Hush little baby, don't you cry, mama's gonna hold you by and by

2009-02-14T09:20:00.000-05:00

Attachment Parenting! Yay for Attachment Parenting! I was browsing through 1000Markets and stumbled upon some little lovies for your new babe.

Whether you are loungin' around the house or out in the community, baby wearing is so cool! Wear your baby with this great ring sling from Lil Peepers Keepers http://www.1000markets.com/products/11241 I wore my babies until they were 4 and until my shoulders couldn't bear it any longer! But, boy, do I have some sweet mama muscles now!

Out on the Town? Be sure to dress your little one in an adorable outfit from One Girl Circus http://www.1000markets.com/products/4968 and don't forget a hat to keep her noodle warm from The Yarn Chick http://www.1000markets.com/products/15771

Teething monster in the house? Be sure to check out these little wooden teething rings from our shoppe http://www.1000markets.com/products/15203 ...you can even add a little essential oil of Clove or Lavendar to liven up the experience! Tie one on to your sling ring!

Feeding time? Here is a bundle of "Eat Your Veggies" bibs from Kunkle Baby http://www.1000markets.com/products/10511 and don't forget the wee little wooden spoon from our shoppe! http://www.1000markets.com/products/15189

Whew! What a day! Now it must be Nap time!? Be sure to snuggle your baby in this sweet little Noonie from LaLa's Pequinos http://www.1000markets.com/products/18053 and lull her to sleep with a colorful, flying angel mobile from FlyingZoo http://www.1000markets.com/products/5873 Then, you can either A. take a nap with her or B. write down every little detail about her with this cute journal from This Is It http://www.1000markets.com/products/24761 and arrange all the sweet photos in this photo album keepsake from DaisyBlu http://www.1000markets.com/products/896

This just in...

2009-01-31T08:22:00.000-05:00

CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09115.html

Bloggers Unite! Take Action on the CPSIA!

2009-01-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

Protect Children 12 and under from the CPSIA!

Reprinted with permission from Etsy shoppe owners ChiChiBoulie and WinklePots (with a few minor changes and additions) . . . Thank you!

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it. The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on February 10, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too. How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students: Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under the age of 12.

To the Avid Reader: Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Here's an article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade: Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist: Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper: Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur: Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector: Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy: Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy: Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses. If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you even know about this? If this upsets or alarms you, please react NOW!

Online Petitions, Folks to Contact, and Interesting Articles are listed on these sites:
Sign the Online Petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html

We voted for Change on this issue and made the 2nd round of voting! Please read more here: http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

The Handmade Toy Alliance has provided a sample letter and listed contact info for your Congress Person and Senators: http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/

National Bankruptcy Day Site: http://nationalbankruptcyday.com/

Straight from the Horse's mouth: http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/cpsia.html

Pelosa's Toy Story: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

Write to the man who sponsored this bill and send him an item of yours that will be illegal to sell after Feb 9th, 2009 in protest.
Here's his contact info:

Bobby L. Rush (D)
Washington Office
2416 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-4372
Fax: 202-226-0333

See Etsy forum thread regarding the above protest here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5949146

Thanks for reading and please pass a link on to other interested parties!

Bellies and Babies and Blessingways, Oh My!

2009-01-16T09:27:00.000-05:00

BelliesBabiesBlessingwaysBreastsBodiesBreathingBirth!
How lovely they all are!

Here is a sweet give-away and an awesome Birthing website for that special Mama and Babe-to-be. Please take a few moments to look around Nicole's blog.

I experienced one of my first blessingways in a little cabin in the woods...just up the hill from where I live. The cabin was just abounding with love! The wisdom from the elders encircled the cabin with the new mama and baby tucked safely inside. We sang together, songs passed on from mama to mama weaving in new traditions with the old. We pampered the mama with full body massages and foot soaks. We honored the elements and the four directions. We shared words of birth and encouragement with the mama and babe to "help them on their way".

Much was learned that day. So much, that I knew right then that I wanted to have this experience myself and to help share it with others. That is also around the time when I met Ellen - the local midwife from Tree of Life Midwifery Care. Ellen's business is all about families and babies and she took me in under her wing.

I have been attending births with Ellen ever since my daughter, Kiah was in my belly back in 2000 (nine years!). Ellen, midwife for over 25 years, and I teamed up together to attend homebirths (including the birth of my two children) in the community and surrounding area. The births weren't many...but we liked it that way because of the way we lived. Both Ellen and I have cabins that are tucked away in the woods a few miles back...she in the Mulligan Plains and I near the Yellow Dog River. We live off the grid, off the beaten path.

Births were so few and far between, that it surely could not foot the bill for a family of four and we had no desire to be away from our little cabin in the woods...so we came to a point where we had to figure out a way to work and still be at home. With the wisdom our younger elder (young body, old soul), Queen Kiah, we found a way to make a living and to also be at home, (however, this could all change for us in the near future...see handmadetoyalliance.org. In 2006 my family and I created BirchLeaf Designs (see our website here) where we started making playthings for children and adults - we also have goods for new mamas and babes like newborn tiedyes, little belly button cord stump pouches, star and snuggle babies, wooden teething rings and wee little spoons. Along with Tree of Life Midwifery Care, we also make the much coveted Mama Bath and Mama Tea.

My children are older now which makes it easier to attend more births...Today, Ellen and I are on call for 6 womyn, 4 of them due within a day of each other! Yay for Homebirths!

Save Handmade Toys from the CPSIA!

2009-01-09T08:19:00.000-05:00

In case you haven't heard, the word on the street is that there is a new law regarding items made for children 12 and under - this law goes into effect February 10, 2009. The law was written in response to children's items that had high levels of lead and phthalates - these items came mostly from China in 2006.

This law was poorly written. As the law stands now, many handmade, cottage industries could be shut down because they cannot afford the required testing. Please visit these sites for more information:
http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/Home
http://www.cpsc.gov/

Here are two websites for you to go in and vote! Keeping the issue high on the list is important for change...Please spare a few minutes of your time to let your voice be heard!

Site #1 - vote with the "vote now" button at left of the title "Save Small Business From the CPSIA"
http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

Site #2 - here, do a "search for questions" with "cpsia" as the criteria. You can then vote on all the questions and also submit a question of your own if you like.
http://change.gov/page/content/openforquestions20081229/

YAY! This article just came in - saying that the CPSIA has exempted natural items such as wool, silk, cotton, gemstones, and pearls...however there is no mention of wood!
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a0Xr2Iw1Vi_8&refer=us

Thanks for supporting Handmade!

Everything But the Tea ... Party Giveaway

2008-12-08T12:39:00.000-05:00

Here is an awesome site to check out! Kiddio is full of great ideas, recipes, and give aways!

Be sure to visit this site!

Scary News for cottage industry toymakers!

2008-11-30T11:26:00.000-05:00

This is freaky! Please check it out and send in a letter to your congressmen! http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/

Here is a great post by Snuggleheard http://etsyaustin.blogspot.com/2008/11/makers-of-handmade-toys-could-face.html

Try this yummy Raw Cranberry Sauce

2008-11-27T09:14:00.000-05:00

We like to make a raw cranberry sauce...with cranberries, an apple, orange juice, bit of sugar (can use maple syrup or honey), lime juice, zest of orange and lemon, add any spices if you like (cloves, cinn., nutmeg)...blend it all up and whalah!

Breadmen Bakeoff!

2008-11-16T15:30:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday, Ulla, from German Dolls posted a "Breadman Bakeoff" on the NaturalKids Blog...Our family was so inspired to make these little guys! We spent the day on Sunday baking.

We pretty much followed the recipe, maybe using a little more flour during the kneeding and rolling portion. I will try soaking the raisins next time and maybe add more lemon and honey instead of sugar. Such a tasty recipe - you can find it here!
Here are our creations...

Kiah, age 8, made the top row - (from left to right is a pregnant mama with a belly and bubbas to boot, a faerie with wings, and a breadman).

Milo, almost 5, made the bottom row - (from left to right is a turtle, mr. breadman, and a ghost).

Come play a game of Hide-n-Seek!

2008-11-16T10:45:00.000-05:00

Where is the Mystery Gnome?

Starting Monday, November 17, the NaturalKids Team from Etsy is inviting folks to play a little game of hide-n-seek...

FaeRebecca has the best description of the game on the NaturalKids blog site
http://natural-kids.blogspot.com/2008/11/hide-and-seek-come-play.html

Working as a Team!

2008-11-09T06:37:00.000-05:00

I am part of NaturalKids...an Etsy Street Team. It is such a great team full of many wonderful and talented artists! Forty of the just over 90 (!) shops have recently come together to do some collective advertising. This cooperative website was created by FaerieRebecca and her Husband, Dave (Thank You!).

Please come and check out NaturalKids Store! This site features a awesome collection of galleries featuring soft dolls and toys, home decor, accessories, wood toys, felted goodies, open-ended creative playthings, and clothing. It is a site worth passing on to everyone you know! Treat your family and friends to natural, quality items that will last for generations.

Inspiration to create a blog for BirchLeaf Designs

2008-09-29T11:48:00.000-04:00

YaY! I have finally created a blog for BirchLeaf Designs! I was inspired to do this because of MamaKopp...thanks MamaKopp!

She has a contest to receive a gorgeous wooden Pregnant Mama Puzzle. Check it out...http://www.livenlearnnow.com/weblog/2008/09/mama-contest.html#comments

Also, please take a moment to visit some of Etsy's fine and talented artists at The Natural Kids Blog spot...http://natural-kids.blogspot.com/

BirchLeaf Designs

Leaf Collector

How to Eat Raw Worms

Blow it out your Egg Hole!

Sweet Yummy Goodness to Welcome us into Spring

Two Pigs and a Rooster

It's Time for Maple Syrup!

Taking Volcano Building to the Next Level

Virtual Baby Shower with the EtsyKids Team!

Great Giveaway with German Dolls!

GiveAway with the NaturalKids Team

Sweet Giveaway with The Sitting Tree

Volcano Building Basics

Milo does a jig!

Huge Sale in July with NaturalKids!

May the Sun Shine down like Honey where you Stand...

Butterflies on the Rise!

Butterflies on the Rise!

Progressive Pioneer Blog Double Giveaway!!!

Giveaway with Living Crafts Magazine and the NaturalKids Team!

It is All the Same Disease of Consumption

Got Eagle Rock?

Soulemama Giveaway with the NaturalKids Team!

Deep Fried Peeps

Sugar Loop 2010 - From Sap to Syrup

Sugar Loop 2010 - From Maple Tree to Sap

Celebrate the Earth!

The Enchanted Cupboard Giveaway Winner Announced!

An Interview with my Sweet Natty Sister, Beccijo from The Enchanted Cupboard

Easter/Spring NaturalKids Team Blog-A-Thon & Giveaway!

New Listing!

Amazing Giveaways!

Let's Go Sledding!

An interview with...us!

Climate Change ACTION Day - October 24, 2009! Do your part so we don't have to depart.

CPSC *loves* Mattel...this makes me ill.

Modern Handmade Child is here! Made by EtsyKids Street Team...

An Incredible Community that Cares

BeeKeeping 101

Earth Day Sales - Natural Kids Team

Natural Kids Giveaway Round #2

Giveaways Everywhere You Look!

Natural Kids Giveaway! It just keeps giving...and giving...and giving!

Let the Flow Begin!

Hush little baby, don't you cry, mama's gonna hold you by and by

This just in...

Bloggers Unite! Take Action on the CPSIA!

Bellies and Babies and Blessingways, Oh My!

Save Handmade Toys from the CPSIA!

Everything But the Tea ... Party Giveaway

Scary News for cottage industry toymakers!

Try this yummy Raw Cranberry Sauce

Breadmen Bakeoff!

Come play a game of Hide-n-Seek!

Working as a Team!

Inspiration to create a blog for BirchLeaf Designs

CPSC loves Mattel...this makes me ill.