December 28, 2011

Repurposing your baby's old bumper pad

I had so much fun decorating my baby girl's room. I already had one boy, and let's face it, girl's bedrooms are much more interesting to design. Although a boy's room does bring it's own creative challenges, there's nothing like decorating with PINK. I figured it would be the only time in my life that I would get to decorate with pink. I can't blame my husband, if I were a dude, I don't think I would want to be surrounded by pink either. I've been on a quest for a masculine look that includes pink, but have yet to find it. But that's another post.

I fell in love with the John Robshaw baby bedding, and couldn't resist. And I have to say 4 year's later, I still LOVE it. And that's a good thing, because it was a splurge to say the least. I find it funny that people put so much time into decorating the bedding for a crib. The bumper pad in particular. I think the doctors say to remove the bumper pad as soon as your baby can rollover. So your babe gets only a precious few months with that adorable bumper pad. I loved the flower pattern on my John Robshaw bumper pad, and spent many hours staring at it trying to figure out how to reuse it. 

Leave it to my resourceful mom to figure it out. If there's one thing I've learned from my mom-- it's where there's a will, there's a way. So, I told my mom I wanted to make pillows out of the bumper pad. I thought she'd just cut it up, and make 2 fronts and do the back in a coordinating fabric. But my mom being the genius seamstress she is, took it apart, split it in 2 and opened it up, which doubled the surface area of fabric we had to use. She even kept the ties and use them like buttons as a closure for the back. It looks so cute that it could be used as the front. I have no idea how she managed to match up the pattern, but she did. It helps that the fabric is quilted, it helps to disguise the seams. I'm so glad that we'll get to use this bedding for a while longer. Right now the crib is converted to the toddler size, so the standard size pillows are a bit big on there, but they are great for lounging on the floor, and will be perfect when the bed is converted to the full size (assuming it fits in her tiny room!). Next up is repurposing the crib size bed skirt- not sure what that will become. Maybe more pillows? Or a quilt?


Thank you Granny Franny for your beautiful resourceful sewing!

December 22, 2011

Procrastinator Present: Gift Cards!


To all those who have procrastinated this holiday season: it's not too late to give a Happy Habitat gift card. They are available for Phone Cases and Eco Throws. Let your recipient pick out their own pattern and colors for their iPhone, Blackberry, Samsung Galaxy or iPod Touch or for a recycled cotton Eco Throw. Gift cards can be emailed to you, you print it out, and have something to put under the tree... ready to go even if you order on Christmas Eve!

December 17, 2011

Rainbow Kitchen: GREEN

I'm going easy on myself on the Rainbow Kitchen Challenge this time around. Green feels festive and Christymas-ish for this time of year, but really appropriate any time of year. I like green kitchen cabinets-- especially an olive-ish/grey color that has a neutral feel. I would consider doing them in my house if they looked anything like these. I think they actually have a neutral feeling.
Pale Green Grey Kitchen Cabinets
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Grass Green Kitchen Cabinets
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Bright Green Kitchen Cabinets
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Okay, so the kelly green ones are far from neutral, but it sure is a happy room! 
I could totally live with this kitchen.
Kelly Green Lacquer Kitchen Cabinets
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I admit it, I could not do this in my own house, it would make me claustrophobic. 
But it certainly is cool. 

December 12, 2011

Holiday Yarn and Felt Wreaths

I'm not sure how I feel about wreaths. I've been told they are too crafty for my style and think I might agree. And indeed it is hard to find something that's fresh and modern. But I do like something on the front door to welcome you.  I think my last attempt was trying to tell me something when it fell off and broke in half. Maybe it was a bit too shabby chic for my taste anyway.  What are your thoughts on these? I made one last year for a girls holiday party where we were supposed to make a gift for under $10. My sweet friend Megan ended up taking it home. Does the yarn and felt make it too crafty? Or is it modern since it's not a traditional style wreath. Megan has great style, and she liked it. Hopefully she wasn't just being courteous!
Felt and Yarn Flower Wreath


I was asked to participate this year in the KVC Tree Gala, and was happy to try my hand at another wreath. Here's what I came up with...

Felt and Yarn Flower Wreath

I heard it sold, so I guess that's good, and that was the point- KVC is a great cause! Still not 100% on any wreath I've seen. Anyone out there have any great ones? Please share!

December 08, 2011

Happy Custom Designed Phone Cases

I love to see what pattern and color combinations my customers put together. Here's a few fun ones that recently went out.
Personalized iPod Touch Case Pink and RedPersonalized Pink and Green Preppy Trellis iPhone Case with InitialMoroccan Fretwork Personalized iPhone Cover with Initial
Customized Trellis iPhone Case with InitialCustomized Zigzag Chevron iPhone CaseConcentric Circles Custom Design iPhone Case with Initial

And I have to share my newest. I HAD to get a new one to go with the cute clutch I received for my birthday (from In Clover-- must stop by if you haven't been and you are in KC).

Zigzag Chevron iPhone Case Taupe with Initial

 Heads up! If you want to give a Happy Habitat Custom Phone Case as a holiday gift, to get regular shipping prices, you must order by December 13th. After that there will be an additional charge if you want it by Christmas. If you want to give one as a gift and let the recipient pick out the pattern and colors, you can give a gift card... and those can come quick, even via email.

December 04, 2011

I Spy: Henna Mehndi

I'm sure you've all seen the henna designs on hands before. I think they are fantastic... mystical, intriguing and sexy. I'm starting to see some of these designs pulled into interiors which gives the same
effect.
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Henna Mendi Pillow
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Henna Mendi Design CupHenna Mehndi Design Pitcher

Indian Design Henna BowlIndian Design Henna Tray

Honestly, I wish there were more options-- I couldn't find much in the way of rugs, fabrics or wallpaper. Hmmmm.... that gives me an idea.

Oh-- and if Henna and Mehndi design is something you like, but maybe don't want to bring into our home, you can EAT it! How beautiful are these cupcakes, cakes and cookies?
Henna Design Cookies
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Henna Design Cake
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Henna Design Cupcakes
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December 02, 2011

NEW! Patterned Holiday Photo Cards


Send a fresh holiday greeting with your choice of pattern, color, and greeting. The options are endless to make your card uniquely yours. Mix it up this year, and deviate from the traditional holiday colors. I really like turquoise and red together-- it looks festive and wintery. Or plum and navy makes for a cool New Years card. I love to see what combinations my customers come up with-- always something I haven't thought of. I'm loving grey or taupe paired with red-- traditional, but a little different. Visit the holiday card shop to see all the patterns and color options.



All photos featured on my cards are from the amazing Amy of Amy Berg Photography-- a childhood friend of mine who always had a fantastic artistic touch.  Her photography is so cool and bright. Thank you Amy... your photos make my cards look great!