Thursday, May 13, 2010

great greenie & a giveaway: with claire and me



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yippee!
it's kids week here @ the rikrak studio: 6 days of celebrating children, and the wonderfolk who handcraft art for their curious, wonderful little hands!

::::::::::::::::::::> UPDATE! <:::::::::::::::::::::

be sure to enter all of the KIDS WEEK giveaways!

1. WIN a moozle home stuffie, here.
2. WIN a *my beautiful girl designs* prize pack, here.
3. WIN 6 REusable snack baggies by BananaSaurusRex, here.
4. WIN a kids prize pack from Claire & Me, here.
5. coming soon!
6. coming soon!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

it's kids week here on the blog, and i'm a big believer that one of the most important parts of parenting is family.

so today we're visiting with the wonderful artist janae of Claire & Me. she's a delightful part of the rikrak studio blog family and i think she's an excellent role-model for indie businesses about embracing your work & family: together! {and yay - i hear it's her birthday today, too! woohoo!}

i love the ways in which janae incorporates her wonderful handmade indie business into her life/family, and vice versa. i love the friendly, welcoming way the Claire & Me boutique invites me to be part of the fun, pull up a chair, make myself at home, and get delightfully lost in the beautiful works in her shop and in her wonderful family adventures on her blog!

we all know it's good business to welcome the world with open arms. and janae does it so well, and so sincerely, as a kind & generous artist & person!

i know you'll love
her beautiful creations that are born out of her own mommying experiences. love that!

so visit the Claire & Me shop here, the blog here,
and follow along with Janae's tweets here!





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i asked janae for an great greenie eco tip.
here's what she had to say:
:: TRY CLOTH DIAPERS ::

"My obsession with cloth diapers started when my friend had a neighbor that proudly stated how she was going to use them. My attorney sister totally agreed about the cloth diapers. I decided that a perfect mom would use them. I blogged about it. Finally, I have been using them for two weeks now. There are several reasons I like them. My daughter had super sensitive skin and got sores from the chemicals in diapers. Cloth diapers are better for sensitive skin. They are better for the environment (my brother in law disagrees because we use water to wash them). Finally Carlie convinced me with her proud little row of clean white diapers (her baby was six months old!)- she told me how easy it was and how much they cost. At the time both my kiddos were in diapers and I thought of the ramifications of using those same neat clean diapers for several children. Imagine the pairs of shoes I could buy with that!"


"My sister in law made it seem so easy. She just bought a system and went for it. She does all the research and I just call her when I have a question. She knows how to find the best laundry detergent and get a sprayer and bucket. If you are considering cloth diapers let someone else do all the hard work and show you what to do. Lots of people blog about cloth diapers- ask them your questions.

"I don’t always use the complete cloth- I use G diapers with disposable inserts (which are actually flush-able) so they are pretty easy to travel with.

"My other advice for people considering cloth diapers is to do whatever you can. I don’t always use the cloth inserts. I started off with one or two diapers and switched between them and disposable. I try to line dry my diapers. Maybe you don’t want to line dry your diapers, but you could save energy by line drying some of your kiddo clothing over the summer. Or you could use the detergent meant for cloth diapering on your clothing (I’ve learned a lot about what is in detergent.) Start small- every time you buy a box of diapers buy a cloth diaper at the same time. You will be surprised how quickly you can switch over."

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thanks for the helpful hints, janae!

and now.. it's YOUR CHANCE to win the fabulous Claire & Me kids pack!




:::::::: the prize is: ::::::::
an adorable doggie-applique onesie
AND a sweet sweet child's apron! woohoo!

Onesie: This applique dog will be like a pet for your child. You don't have to take it out though. It is on an American Apparel bodysuit in blue and features Heather Bailey fabric.

Apron Some days you need to get gritty. Maybe you have to plant bulbs in the yard with your mother. Maybe you need to paint or just carry all of your pants with you. Maybe you need to hide all of the balls for your little brother's toy in your apron and run around with them. For times like these- I have made a simple hostess style apron. It has three large pockets for your hands or your treasures. It can fit from size 18 months- 5 years (the ties are quite long) Oilcloth wipes clean with a damp cloth so you don't have to wash it. This girl Apron features Amy Butler Love fabric.

1. go visit the claire & me shop.
... come back and tell us about your favourite goodie from her shop & why you love it!
=
1 entry

2.
leave us a comment telling us about an eco-tip (to do with kids!)

... = 1 entry

3. follow the Madsen Family blog

{click on follow on the top-left corner of the blog homepage} then come back here and tell us!

... = 1 entry.

4. follow me (i'm http://twitter.com/therikrakshop ) AND *claire & me* (she's http://twitter.com/claireandjanae) on twitter. come back here and tell us about it!
... 1 entry


5. tweet on twitter
about this giveaway and come back here and tell us! please be sure to include @therikrakshop so i can find you! :)
= 1 entry.


6. leave a comment over in this etsy thread here sharing a link to something FUN in your shop/at home that you handmade for a child/ for kids OR something handmade by another that you LOVE for kids!
come back here and tell us about it.
= 1 possible entry


7. follow or subscribe to the rikrak studio blog
and leave me a comment here telling us that you do! = 1 more possible entry.


8. blog about this giveaway and leave us a link to it in a separate comment here.
= 1 more possible entry


9. :: PLEASE NOTE:
each entry must be it's own comment.
thanks! ::

..........................................
:: RULES ::
a) it is possible to have a maximum of 8 entries total per person.
b) please make sure to leave each entry as it's own comment. thanks!
c) using random.org, 1 winner of the Claire & ME giveaway will be chosen on friday, may 21st @ 5pm EST.
d) open to contestants worldwide.
e) please be sure to leave me an email where i can reach you if your account doesn't link to one. thanks.

................................................


see you tomorrow for giveaway #5

::::::::::::::::::::> UPDATE! <:::::::::::::::::::::

be sure to enter all of the KIDS WEEK giveaways!

1. WIN a moozle home stuffie, here.
2. WIN a *my beautiful girl designs* prize pack, here.
3. WIN 6 REusable snack baggies by BananaSaurusRex, here.
4. WIN a kids prize pack from Claire & Me, here.
5. coming soon!
6. coming soon!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pin It

110 comments:

  1. i like the Birthday Baby Cupcake Gift Set

    black11angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. my daughter and I have the habit of separating garbage from burnable to non-burnable as well as can and bottles.

    black11angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. following the madsen family blog

    black11angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. following both of you at twitter

    black11angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. tweet
    http://twitter.com/gustosa11/status/13913465209

    black11angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. email subscriber

    black11angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. blog post
    http://gustosa-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/05/claire-and-me-kids-pack-5212010.html

    black11angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the Erin Mcmorris Park Slope Burp Cloth Set! The bright orange is perfect for summertime! This would be a wonderful baby gift!

    ReplyDelete
  9. We use cloth napkins in our home. I can't believe how many paper napkins I used to buy. The cloth napkins are so cute too-I had been collecting them from antique stores for years and finally decided to enjoy them!

    ReplyDelete
  10. following the rikrak blog too:)--I always enjoy your posts!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I adore the Don't Mess with Texas Applique Baby Bodysuit. My aunt lives in Texas and is always asking for pictures of the kids, so I'd love to send her one of them in there.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Just posted a tweet about your great contest on twitter!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the Anna Maria Horner Good Folks Baby Girl Minky Luxury Blanket because the colors are gorgeous
    lejn05@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. following the Madsen Family blog
    lejn05@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. following the rikrak studio blog
    lejn05@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. subscribed to the rikrak studio blog
    lejn05@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love the Joel Dewberry blanket.

    katevet ay gmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  18. I use fabric bags instesd of plastic, so easy to sew and so much fun to use!
    katevet at gmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  19. Greetings from Malaysia! The item I love is: "Schlaf Mat - The Portable Nap with Imported Japanese Fabric" (http://www.etsy.com/listing/17799110/schlaf-mat-the-portable-nap-with)

    My email is: imafulltimemummy at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Greetings from Malaysia! I'm already a follower of your blog via Google Friend Connect.

    My email is: imafulltimemummy at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love the tie dye shirts! Kids in tie dye are cute.

    hrfarley at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love the Erin Mcmorris Park Slope Burp Cloth Set! So cute.

    teisalinscott@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. My kids each have a garden and we help them plant veggies so we have nice fresh snacks on hand.

    teisalinscott@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I like the Little Pear Applique Baby One Piece...so cute!

    couponboss at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. My eco tip: put a bucket in your shower and save the water while it is heating up, then use that water for your garden.

    couponboss at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love the SnapClean Kaffe Fasset Kitchen Towels.

    urchiken at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. One tip is to use the back of used office paper as art paper for kids.

    urchiken at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. ms(dot)verymarried(at)gmail(d0t)com

    hiya! http://www.etsy.com/listing/42812791/applique-baby-shirt-12-months-rock-baby

    i like this because it's so cute but kinda rocker chick at the same time!

    ReplyDelete
  29. ms(dot)verymarried(at)gmail(d0t)com

    When I was a kid we'd put dirt in egg cartons and plant flowers. it was fun and eco friendly!

    ReplyDelete
  30. My favorite is the Funky Monkey Moda Mini Quilt, love the colors! ^_^

    vesipisaroita [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I like the Anna Maria Horner Good Folks Baby Girl Minky Luxury Blanket.
    jswandrn at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  32. I just LOVE those Keep Quiet posters- so cute!

    www.travelingmama.net

    ReplyDelete
  33. i like the mini monkey quilt- just the right size.
    thanks!
    shen
    divertida(at)fastmail(dot)fm

    ReplyDelete
  34. my toddler reuses toilet paper tubes and can help with the recycling.
    thanks!
    shen
    divertida(at)fastmail(dot)fm

    ReplyDelete
  35. i follow as john/sb
    thanks!
    shen
    divertida(at)fastmail(dot)fm

    ReplyDelete
  36. i follow her blog now as john/sb
    thanks!
    shen
    divertida(at)fastmail(dot)fm

    ReplyDelete
  37. I really like the Erin Mcmorris Park Slope Burp Cloth Set. I love the prints and orangish/red is my favorite.

    naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love the echino oilcloth bibs (I can't pick a favorite) and the bunny applique onesies!

    ReplyDelete
  39. The amy butler cuddle blanket

    molls94@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. i love the red rabbit shirt. i love that it's not white like most appliqued shirts..it's super striking
    nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  41. my son has been helping with emptying soda cans into the sink..he loves pouring, and then he puts them all in the bag so we can bring them to the store, and he helps me feed them into the machine

    ReplyDelete
  42. I love Minky Baby Boy Luxury Blanket!!

    xcarreira(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. following both of you at twitter

    @zimeillustrator

    ReplyDelete
  44. tweet
    @zimeillustrator

    xcarreira(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I love the Schlaf Mat- The Portable Nap- Over the Moon. The pattern is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  46. An eco-friendly tip for babies is to breastfeed! Feeding a baby formula costs about $2,000 annually. That equals a lot of packaging and cans that must be recycled (hopefully) or ends up in a landfill. Additionally bottles, nipples, liners etc. are not reusable. I don’t think many mothers would feel comfortable buying used feeding equipment at a yard sale or on EBay! So these things all add up to a ton of unnecessary waste which is not a burden placed on the shoulders of breastfeeding mothers.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I like the Greek key blanket

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I really like all your onesies - a nice tactile quality to them, and I like the fabrics you use. I especially like this pear onesie: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45243617/little-pear-applique-baby-one-piece - the shape is spot on, and the print is a really rich mix of greens.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I picked the Strawberry Shortcake Girl Blanket for my granddaughter the print is so cute

    tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. An eco-tip for kids - I always loved making art from crayon shavings of the really short crayons, sandwiched between wax paper sheets and ironed. But you can also easily melt old crayons on your stove top to make new crayons, or to decorate pillar candles - carve into the side of the candle the shape you want to fill, pour crayon wax over that spot, and then scrape off the excess to reveal the filled-in shape.

    ReplyDelete
  51. when we go for a walk we pick up pop cans

    tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I'm now following you both on twitter

    ReplyDelete
  53. And I've retweeted the giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  54. I just left you a comment on your Etsy thread about an item I love - a fantastic hippo rattle/teether!

    ReplyDelete
  55. I am already a rikrak blog follower :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. My favorite item from the Claire and Me shop is the Edward the Circus Elephant Onesie. I love it because I love elephants, and that is one cute way to dress a baby!
    thorandellie[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  57. An eco-tip to do with kids is hanging laundry out to dry in the summer sun. If your kids are too small to reach the clothes line, they can be in charge of the clothespin jar.
    thorandellie[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I'm following the Madsen Family Blog. thorandellie[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I left a comment over in the etsy thread here sharing a link to Cheeky Monkey fabric storage baskets for kids at Sasha Sews on Etsy. On Etsy posts, my name is "eleanornellie".
    thorandellie[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I'm following the Rikrak Studio blog. thorandellie[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Love the Japanese pig fabric bib!

    sarahmarietownsend(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I like the Echino Oilcloth Bib because it's beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  63. I love the burp cloth sets, especially the brighter colors! So fun and useful!
    daunfamily@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. follow you both on twitter
    daunfamily@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. my kids and I clean up trash from the park, my little eco-tip
    daunfamily@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. The birthday cupcake baby gift set is so fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  67. I love Erin Mcmorris Park Slope Burp Cloth Set & Minky Luxury Blanket Zebra. Thanks for the giveaway.
    cindyhinckley at msn.

    ReplyDelete
  68. I follow rikrak studio's blog!

    ReplyDelete
  69. My favorite item is: http://www.etsy.com/listing/44502877/little-businessman-baby-tie

    I love the funky sock monkey fabric and I love the little tie...so cute. I also love the squirrel applique shirts...too cute!

    ReplyDelete
  70. My favorite item is the Baby Girl Toile Minky Blanket. I love baby stuff and anything in toile, so bingo! thevanandthecart[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  71. An eco-tip. Whenever you go to the park, pick up the trash around your play site. Leave it nicer than how you found it. Always teach your kids to "leave no trace".
    thevanandthecart[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  72. My connection went down just as I was posting my eco-tip, so I'm giving it a 2nd try.

    When you take your kids to the park, pick up any trash that you see near your play area. Leave the place in better condition than you found it. Teach your kids to "leave no trace". thevanandthecart[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I love the Funky Monkey Minky Cuddle Blanket because we can never have enough blankets in my household.
    candy3181@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. We use cloth nappies in our home so no disposable nappies going into landfill. Better for our environment.
    candy3181@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I follow the Madsen Family blog
    candy3181@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. I follow or the rikrak studio blog
    candy3181@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I follow you both on Twitter @Candy3181
    candy3181@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I love the Minky Luxury Blanket Super Soft Extra large. It has everything I love when it comes to a blanket! Soft minky, cute print, satin edging, and it is large enough for my 5 year old and my 7 month old!

    aprettykitty84@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. Eco tip: use re-useable fabric baby wipes rather than disposable wipes. You can make your own by cutting up an old receiving blanket and making a mixture of water and baby shampoo to make them moist. I use these for wet diapers and to clean faces and hands. (we have separate designs for bums and faces LOL). I still use disposables for soiled diapers. But we still save a ton of money and help the environment by only using disposables once or twice a day versus 10 or 12 times a day!

    aprettykitty84@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I follow the Madsen Empire blog.

    aprettykitty84@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. I subscribe to the rikrak blog via rss

    aprettykitty84@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. I follow you both on twitter!
    aprettykitty84

    aprettykitty84@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Birthday Baby Cupcake Gift Set is to die for, to have one or two in hands is a live saver when some one is having a baby or a baby shower.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Never throw away your cardboard junk. NEVER, to this date I we have made airplane, bus, kitchen, baby crib, and tv out of it.

    ReplyDelete
  85. I pick the Little Squirrel Bib

    lusizova (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. tweeted http://twitter.com/Ludmilochka/status/14372039968
    lusizova (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. I'm a Madsen Family blog follower. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I'm a follower. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. My fave is the Schlaf Mat- The Portable Nap- Over the Moon. What a fun fabric & it's useful too! tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I follow the Madsen Family blog too!

    ReplyDelete
  91. The Strawberry Shortcake Blue Blanket is so sweet, my daughter loves her!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Already subscribe to your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  93. I like Claire & Me's Minky Luxury Blanket. It looks so soft and luxurious.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Posted on twitter. http://twitter.com/myshewasyare/statuses/14432278878

    ReplyDelete
  95. Great shop!

    I love all of the burp cloth sets. So many great colors to choose from.

    likelyonly29twice@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. We've been recycling for many years, long before it was a Municipal bylaw! We try to reuse first. That's what I've always taught my children.

    likelyonly29twice@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I'm a Rik Rak subscriber.


    likelyonly29twice@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I like the Squirly Squirrel 12m Onesie! Me and my son watch the squirrels play outside through the window all the time!

    TaraTagli at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. Make your own baby food - I use organic fruit and bpa-free freezer trays! Saves baby from eating processed foods filled with preservatives and no glass jar to dispose of!

    ReplyDelete
  100. I follow both of you on Twitter!

    @TaraLin

    ReplyDelete
  101. I shared this item on the etsy thread:
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/47678561/louisa-puff-sleeve-sundress-size-4t-amy
    kimhigueria at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  102. tweet!
    http://twitter.com/kimhigueria/status/14450883040
    kimhigueria at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  103. following you and clair on twitter @kimhigueria
    kimhigueria at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  104. The kids and I reuse everything. We rarely buy new toys or craft supplies, instead, we make our own! Last week we made rocket ships out of old cereal boxes, the kids loved it!
    kimhigueria at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  105. My fav is the Little Lady Applique One Piece. I love the fabrics used to make the ladybug!
    kimhigueria at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  106. My favorite item in your shop is the Schlaf Mat- The Portable Nap- Over the Moon ..it would make the perfect baby shower gift!

    ReplyDelete
  107. subscribe via email from goodmom2two@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

thanks so much for your comments, nicies!
it's a joy to read what everyone writes here.
thank you!