When I think of quilts, modern isn't the word that jumps to mind. Cozy and comforting? Yes. Hip and fresh? Not really. So when I came across the quilts made by Etsy seller Deer and Hippo I was delighted and more than a little surprised b…
When Liz got back from her Disney World trip, she laughed about the ubiquitous turkey leg that seemed to be everywhere. Which is probably why I can't get over the sheer awesomeness of this handmade rattle. Yes, it's a rattle in the shape…
So I'm a sucker for everything handmade with a nerd-chic pop culture reference built in. It's like three of my favorite things all in one glorious, slightly weird package. And the handmade finger puppets from Abbey Christine fit the bill…
Ready to put an end to the old question about how one man can defeat 10 ninjas? Well if he's a pirate in the hands of a very good checker player, it's not only possible, it's likely. The pirates vs ninjas checkerboard from Brooklyn artis…
I spent a good portion of my childhood coloring, drawing and creating and was very proud of what my mother assured me was some serious talent. I can't even imagine how excited I would have been if she then had one of my creations turned …
After taking the time to blow dry my mane, the last thing I want to do is pull on a claustrophobic thick wool hat and destroy all my hard work. So what? Just suffer the cold? Deal with the hat head? Etsy artist Cheryl Bryan has my answer…
My 5-year old son's now security blanket is a handmade one we featured here on Cool Mom Picks awhile back. Cool how that happens. So when I saw these beautiful baby blankets at Dandelion Baby, I imagined that they could easily become a f…
Ink stamps give everyday notes just the right amount of pop. I've always been interested in making my own designs but until this ridiculously cool product was created, that seemed just way too complicated. Yellow Owl Workshop puts all of…
My husband and I do Valentine's Day Lite, meaning that we will not be forking out $200 for a fancy meal, or buying each other expensive jewelry or electronics as a sign of our devotion. But that doesn't mean I am totally comfortable with…
As Valentine's Day creeps closer, I've been looking out for treats that don't list corn syrup or "chocolate-y" filling among the ingredients. One ingredient I do like: Felt. And that's pretty much all these adorable fortune cookies are m…
Wabi sabi suki is a Japanese concept that means "tranquil beauty." It is based on the simple elegance of form, texture, and color and occurs when human hands bring out nature's beauty in a way that echoes the material's inherent nature. …
I've been pleasantly surprised by all the cool, modern updates to alphabet decor, like this recent Etsy discovery which almost makes me wish that I had another baby's room to decorate. The Now I Know My ABCs mobile from MiChiMa L.A.N.D. …
O, G. Can it B? Y, yes, I can C that a rainbow of letters is waiting for U. Seriously, though. Aren't these recycled felt letter pillows too adorable for words? The Personalized Letter Pillows from MableDear on Etsy are big, snuggly, and…
Why yes I still am in full-fledged January organization mode, thank you so much for asking! I am spending wayyy too much of my free time (when I'm not organizing, of course) searching for beautiful and functional storage solutions . Aren…
I'm completely obsessed with infinity scarves after accidentally purchasing one on sale at the Gap (don't ask) and I can't stop wearing it. The tail-less scarf is soooo comfy and warm, and my favorite part: no annoying tassles for my tod…
I have a soft spot for stitch art and it's not just because I live in the embroidery capital of the world (yes, there is such a place). As a gal who can't even sew a button onto a pair of pants, I greatly admire those patient enough to c…
Well of course you all know we already love Martha Stewart Living , but we now have an extra- special thing for the February issue, since you'll find Cool Mom Picks in it. What a huge, huge thrill for us! Check page 30 for our tips from …
If you're like us, Christmas Eve day is going to be spent in a big gift wrap frenzy. As much as I love those brown paper packages tied up with string, I really love when the gifts I'm giving look as festive as the holidays themselves. He…
If you're a go-getter sewing type who hasn't quite go-gotten around to making all of your Christmas presents yet, you need to check out two adorable sewing books by Choly Knight. Sew Kawaii ! and Sew Your Own Pet Pillows will have you pr…
I have a chronic and embarrassing condition called "failure to plan ahead", which occasionally leaves me without a hostess gift , cute wrapping paper, or party decorations. Good news! There's a cure, and it comes in book form. Martha Ste…
Because I live in the desert, snowflakes are as rare as... well, snowflakes in the desert. We dream of white Christmases but they don't often happen. So snowflakes are my holiday totem, and I absolutely love how they've come together in …
If you're the type who likes to fill your holiday gifts with handmade love, we've got a whole bunch of beautiful ideas for you. My grandmother was a crocheter who made such hilariously bad gifts ( sorry, Grandma! ), they were the highlig…
Though my religious affiliation can best be summed up with a long puzzled silence, there are certain things from my youth that I carry with me to this day, like praying when the plane jets down the runway, and setting up the nativity sce…
I have an arsenal of go-to occasion gifts and one of my favs for the ladies in my life is the classic initial necklace . Perfect for a new mama or a friend's birthday it always leaves my girls feeling extra special. I couldn't be more th…