Writing about big, fuzzy balls makes me think of that Schweddy Balls sketch on Saturday Night Live. Except these balls aren't salty and nutty and made by Alec Baldwin. No, they're gorgeous and made of recycled sweaters or fleece and soft…
When I first saw photos of the handmade kids' moccasins from super talented designer Susan Petersen, I got that tingly, fidgety feeling I get when I see something I really want. But when I saw them in person, let's just say that tingly f…
If you're lucky enough to live in Montreal, then April 30 is going to be one really amazing day of shopping. The mama-run Collectif nënë is launching their first annual baby show and you will want to be there. Of course, most of us aren'…
I'm fortunate to have a daughter who takes violin right next to the Blabla Kids storefront in Atlanta, so every week, I poke my head in to say hello to their lovely staff and design team, and take a peek at what's new. And just wait unti…
M y daughter is turning three soon, and I want to put together a dress up box for her. Any ideas for a great Etsy costume shop? She wants an astronaut costume but I need it to be something she can get on and off herself. Any other ideas?…
With a new couch on the way (yippee!) I'm preparing to say goodbye to the saggy, dog-scented, claw-worn monstrosity. It's easy. Trust me. One of the fun things: Shopping for new throw pillows. I'm thinking with a red TV and entertainment…
Ever since my daughter declared Easter was her favorite holiday, I've paid a little extra attention to the gifts I put in her Easter basket . After all, I'm sure the Easter Bunny thinks she's pretty great. While Easter is still a few wee…
A few years ago I got really ambitious and made birthday crowns for my two children. Flash forward a bit and I've now got a third child and still only two birthday crowns. Any guesses where this is going? Yeah. I'm kind of thinking these…
Don't tell the Easter Bunny, but there's a new rabbit in town. Actually, a few new rabbits. Mirabelle is a dancer and Balthazar is a magician and I think they probably have French accents. Don't they look like they would be great guests …
I've got one word for you: Heartsy . Oh, and a few more words: Etsy , like Groupon , and huge discounts on awesome handmade stuff. Sold, right? It's called Heartsy , and you get the picture. You give Heartsy your email. Every day, they s…
Usually, when I hear the words "geometry" or "polymer clay," I start daydreaming about cupcakes until the conversation comes back around to something I dig. Like cupcakes. But as soon as I saw the cool jewelry by nomilktoday, I perked ri…
Attention all you picky handbag ladies, daughters of picky handbag ladies, sisters or nieces of picky handbag ladies. --yeah you. You know who you are. Behold the brilliance of the design-your-own handbag line from boston Etsy seller Ecl…
Well, I do believe I have just discovered the most original new baby gift on the planet . Bold proclamation, I know, but have a look at these new custom birth charts by Amy Karol --yes, she of " Bend-the-Rules Sewing and Bend-the-Rules w…
It's been a long time since I've munched on a beignet or window-shopped my way down Royal Street, but I have very fond memories of my last trip to the fabulous city of New Orleans and how alive it always is with music and laughter. From …
Never underestimate the power of craftiness. Etsy doesn't. In fact, they're banking on it in order to support More Birthdays , the American Cancer Society initiative. (Who also happens to be one of our favorite sponsors.) If you're in NY…
Our kids may never debate the merits of Betty vs. Veronica or laugh at Jughead's ability to gulp down hamburgers. But you still have to admit that this crown-style hat hearkens back to the golden days of Archie, before all comic book cha…
Yes, chalkboards are huge right now. From mugs at Starbucks to the chalkboard wall decals we've covered here, scribbles on black is hott with two wobbly, handwritten T's. And here's a unique and adorable way to jump in on the cuteness, w…
One of the fun things about judging the children's category of the Handmade Olympics this past week, was discovering so many super incredible new finds for you all. Some of which aren't even necessarily for children. One of my favorites-…
Lovely, Love My Family by the Roots is one of those songs that gets stuck in your head in a good way. My girls discovered it after watching it on Yo, Gabba Gabba! oh, maybe 6,000 times and it's been a favorite around here ever since. So …
A couple of weeks ago, we invited you to nominate yourselves or your favorite handmade artisans for the Handmade Olympics, a fun, entirely unathletic competition featuring amazing handmade creations. Cool Mom Picks was invited to be the …
I love having a West Elm right in my hood. It's always a fun source of home inspiration for me, and I like quite a lot of their accessories--even if some of their wood furniture gets beat up in like two seconds if you have kids . What I …
We've been long time supporters of handmade here at Cool Mom Picks. In fact, it's our original reason for being. And so when Kristal from Rik Rak Studio (love her stuff!) asked Liz and me to judge her amazing Handmade Olympics , we said …
A long time ago before there were many children under my feet, I was actually pretty crafty. Yes, I even used to knit! But sadly, I'm hard pressed to find the time these days. That's why I'm so jealous of all you moms who might be able t…
Any hipster with a scarf can tell you: The fiber arts are enjoying a renaissance. I can knit (poorly) and spin (horribly), and I sometimes consider trying needlepoint. But no kittens and flowers for me. No, I'd start with the wacky but l…