Sir Mix-A-Lot

Out of nowhere, my 5-YO son became the mad mixer.  He has. to. mix. every waking moment.  Goop, glop, slop, you name it.  And it's the process that matters, of course, not the end result.  He's over the finished product as fast as you can hit the internet for the next recipe.  This is a desperate call for goop recipes.  Tonight we made flubber, our greatest success yet: interesting process, great colors, no mess.  We also made no-cook play-dough and tomorrow my husband is on deck for gunk, a 1:1 corn starch and water mixture.  Oh, and food dye.  Don't forget the ($4/box!) food dye. 

Don't get me wrong, I think it's all pretty cool and science experimenty.  But.  I can't keep up, and the flour and water was a d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r.   What's with the sudden, intense mixing obsession?  Got any recipes I should try??  Cause I'm gonna run out any day now.

Knitalong: Inspiring the DIY in Mamas

When my mother first taught me to sew, I ended sewing my piece of fabric square firmly to the carpet. I had one of those "aha!" moments, wondering if I was destined to live my life in "home economics" hell.  I cannot say though that I haven't given it a good try.  Fast forward to the blessingway where I participated in handcrafting onsies for my soon-to-be-birthed second child.  Silly me, consumed with chatting with the other mamas, I ended up cutting up our hostesses table cloth for a terrific pattern I can conjured up in my head.  Oops!  Thankfully she forgave me for my blunder, and we are still friends to this day. 

In DIY Portland, sometimes I feel lost at sea in vast pool of creativity.  I am surrounded by those who knit, sew, bake, cook, fill-in-the-blank from  scratch.  I admire these mamas greatly for the stuff they create and the inspiration they bring in me to keep on trying to DIY even though most times I admittedly am not good at it. In homage to one of the great DIY-mamas, I invite you to a kick-off party to celebrate the highly anticipated release of Larissa's Knitalong book.  It's on Saturday from 4 pm to 6 pm at Abundant Yarn and Dyeworks in Sellwood (bring the kids).

Aside from Larissa and Sarah (of course), who are your favorites?  What are your favorite sites that break it down so even someone like myself can give it a try? What are your favorite crafting books?
Is it really as easy as it looks?

New Twist on an old Treat: Candy Sushi

This weekend we were feeling crafty in the kitchen and I'd like to share our results!

I had seen "candy sushi" before but thought some of it was a little silly with twinkies or powdered doughnuts as the rice.  To me, it seemed perfectly clear that candy sushi should be made with rice Krispie treats.  From there I decided fruit leather and fruit roll-ups are the perfect substitute for the fish.  Andrew (4.5 yrs) had fun helping me "cut" the shapes with a pizza cutter and was good at helping pour when making the rice krispie treats.  So, without further ado, here is my "how to" make candy sushi:

Ingredients list:
Rice Krispies Cereal
4 cups (or 10 oz) marshmallows
3 tbsp butter
Variety of Fruit Rollups / Fruit leathers (For the nori or seaweed, I used the "mariani" brand fruit roll-ups which are located in the produce section, not the snack aisle.  Sour apple has that dark green color).

Tools list:
Pot and spoon for mixing Rice Krispie treats
Saran Wrap/cellophane
Sushi Mat
Pizza cutter
Spray Oil (helps when working with the rice krispie mix)

1)  Start by unpacking the fruit bits and cutting them to the sizes you like with the rolling pizza cutter.  Rectangles for the nigiri toppers, long slices for stuffing the roll, strips for the outside of a roll, and 1/2" thick strips of the sour green apple to imitate the nori (Seaweed)
2)  Melt the butter and marshmallows in the pot and make a recipe of rice krispie treat per the recipe on the box of cereal
3)  While the butter and marshmallows are melting, lay out the cellophane on the sushi mat, and then arrange pieces of fruit leather for the outside of your roll.  This way it's ready for the warm rice krispie treat to be layered on top.
4)  After mixing the cereal into the melted marshmallow, you will need to work fast.  Using an oiled spoon and oiled hands (a light spray of olive oil should be fine), layer a thin (1/2-3/4") amount of rice krispie treat onto the prepped roll.  Flatten this (be brutal, it'll work into shape) and then place the thin strips of fruit inside.  Once it's ready, use the cellophane to roll it over, and then use the mat to tighten the roll down into shape.  One recipe of rice krispie treat will get you at least 2 rolls, and several nigiri too.
5)  Form the bases for the nigiri sushi.  Try to work while the rice krispie mix is still warm, using lightly oiled hands.  Kids can help with this part but be sure the mix isn't too hot to handle for them.  Work the treats into approx 1" X 2" ovals and set them aside to cool completely.  If you have any left form it into traditional rice krispie treats in a small dish.
6)  Now assemble your nigiri sushi by placing a rectangle of fruit leather on top, and wrapping with the nori (sour apple fruit rollup).  Store in sealed containers where possible.  They get really sticky and probably shouldn't be stored for more than a couple of days.  But who could resist eating them before then???

Sewing with kids: when do you start?

When I was visiting my sister a few days ago, her 13-year-old step-daughter was busy working on her first sewing project (after a lesson from her grandma). Even though she's clearly old enough, I was surprised at how well her little bib had turned out. The next day Everett and I were busy choosing projects from Amy Karol's fabulous beginner's book, Bend-the-Rules Sewing and the number of projects he demanded was, well, impossible. I started thinking about teaching him to sew...

When we were kids, we always begged to use the sewing machine, but mom made a rule: you had to be eight years old to use it. I'm pretty sure, though, we started in with hand-sewing before that (and you can bet our great-grandmas were sewing before they knew the alphabet). I'd love to hear your experiences (or plans) -- if you're into the textile arts as I am, when did you learn to sew? When did you, or do you plan to, teach your own children?

Oh yes: and if you're looking for that perfect gift for a teenager (or adult) who's taking up sewing, Amy Karol's book would be a nice place to start.

Knitting something new for baby

I've been knitting like crazy, lately, for all the new babies in my life (and those to come). Today I just found out my sister Jenny is pregnant! Meaning that, in the space of 15 months, my children will have amassed SIX new cousins and one new little brother or sister. Among my own siblings: five new babies.

I've knitted three pairs of tiny baby pants for my brother's twins and my own soon-to-be newborn baby. They're outrageously cute, but I'm kind of over baby pants after three pairs in 10 days! I've got a couple of baby blankets in process, and about four baby sweaters. My mom's a pro with booties (not that they really get worn, anyway), and I knitted a cute little robot for my three-year-old niece's birthday. Hats? It's summer!

I guess what I'm saying, is I need a really killer idea. A friend just had a baby girl -- she has three older boys -- and I want to knit just the right thing. Any brilliant thoughts for me? Let's just go ahead and eliminate hats, booties, and anything in the "it's just a rectangle" family (i.e. blankets, burp clothes, and the like). What is (to you) the ultimate baby handknit?

Crafting with Kiddos

As a mama, I love to encourage my children to be creative, both through crafts and in the kitchen.  Lisa is looking for some ideas of activities to do with her new two year old child:

My husband and I are adopting a two year old boy that we brought home about a month ago.  I am hoping to get advise from other moms about good activities for two year olds.  We read tons of books, paint/color, play in the sand box, go to the park etc.  I am looking for some more indoor craft activities that give us a chance for a lot of interaction.  Also, he loves to help out in the kitchen so any fun recipe ideas would be great.

My recommendation for cooking would be to try easy baking things.   I like to let my little guy help mix up biscuits or pancake batter.  Playing with dough is fun for them, as is cutting out the shapes (making biscuits  - or scones! a winner in my house).  We also do crafts that involve multi-media type art, combining coloring, painting, and stickers all at once.  For recipes, you might check your nearest library for books that have kid-friendly recipes in them.  I have one that has a great pretzel recipe where the pretzels are to be shaped like letters.  We made one for each person in the family with their first initial (of course with M for Mama!).  Anyone else have some great successes in the indoor activity department?

Calling crafty mamas and papas

I'm forced by the hiatus at Kiddley, the brilliant energy of my second trimester (it seems way worse with baby #3!), and my not-so-secret desire to be the less material-and-power-hungry, hip northwest reincarnation of Martha Stewart, to cook up a concept for a crafty blog of our own. My idea (for which I hereby claim all intellectual property rights for urbanMamas, and me, and my friends who inspired me) is to have a daily project dripping with rich photos of the project IRL; alternate days would have projects for children to do, and for children to use/wear/play with.

Want to play along? I can't possibly do this by myself, pregnant energy or no. Leave a comment or email me at mama [at] cafemama.com.

Making Digital Memories

When I was three, and my brother two, my father’s job uprooted our little family of four from Slidell, Louisiana and planted us in a town called Ekali in Greece.  Such a drastic change seemed completely reasonable to my parents seeing as how we were so young and not in school yet.  We learned to swim there with swimming lessons, we learned from our neighbors how to choose the juciest snails for escargot, and we learned how to slide down the back of Mom’s VW beetle when it was covered in a layer of frost or snow (watch out for the license plate!).  One thing that we missed horribly (and the feeling was reciprocal) was the family.  My mom’s parents and brother were back in Texas and seeing as how we were more than a 10 hour drive away, we didn’t get to see them as much.

Being an ocean apart did not keep them from thinking of us, though.  My grandmother was always the creative one and used to record cassette tapes for us so we could play her back any time we needed to hear her voice.  She wouldn’t just record her own voice, though.  She would record sounds, like Texas thunderstorms in late summer, or the sound of the locusts singing at night.  She would explain about the 17 year life cycle of the locust, and then point out the sound of the wind chimes and the neighbor’s dog barking.  Then she would go around and record random sounds from her house making a game of “guess that sound.”  Things like her dishwasher, or the shower, or her doorbell.  One particular tape was sent in honor of my brother’s fourth birthday.  With it came a book, and on the tape was my step grandfather reading the story.  Additionally, they took the tape recorder to church so everyone could send happy birthday wishes to my brother.  So now we have the voices of my Aunt and Uncle, and childhood voices my three cousins immortalized on that tape.  The one birthday greeting that really floored me (and nearly caused me to pull my car over to have my cry) was from my second cousin, Tiffany.  She was the same age as my brother, four that year (that month, too).  In May 2000 she had been a guest at our wedding.  By 2002, she was gone.  She had been diagnosed with a glioblastoma and it was just too late.  She left behind a 5 year old daughter (and father and brother and mother and cousins and so many people who loved her so much).  And here she was on this tape wishing my brother a happy birthday in her little four-year-old voice.  My grandmother has also since passed, and that makes the cassette tape absolutely invaluable on so many levels.

In the digital age there aren’t that many people out there recording cassette tapes.  Books on tape can still be found but probably don’t sell as well as books on CD or maybe even books on podcast.  But how much fun would it be, if you were four, to get your very own CD along with your book, with someone you loved reading you the story?  What about a game of “guess that sound” on track 2?  Maybe track 3 could be friends singing you a favorite song.  As we zoom through our busy lives, we snap photos and capture short videos, but we forget to immortalize the every day sounds.  Have you recorded anything for posterity?  Do you think your children would enjoy listening to a CD with stories on it read by loved ones?  Sounds like just the thing for a car trip or plane ride…

An antidote to the commercialized, cheesy kids music out there

Oh the wonderful things that our fellow urbanMamas share with us.  And of course, this comes from Shayne Berry.  She writes:

We went the first few years of my daughter's life before stumbling upon this genre of talented, intelligent folks making great music for families.  I feel like it's my motherly duty to share our finds with my fellow UrbanMamas.

 

Our most recent find is Frances England.  She created her album, Fascinating Creatures, as a fundraiser for her son's co-op preschool in San Fransisco.  It spread like wildfire on the Internet and is now available on Amazon.  Her engaging subjects (tricycles, trains, planting a garden, jazz musicians) blend nicely with her mellow voice and simple instrumentation.  Her melodies are catchy and singable- we adore this record.

 

Elizabeth Mitchell is another great find.  She was a preschool teacher/indie rock star before making kids' records.  Her most recent, You Are My Little Bird, was put out by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and follows two other fabulous records by her.  Her husband and daughter accompany her on many songs and her records feel as though the listener has been invited into the living room of this cute, musical family.  She has a knack for choosing great old folk songs to cover with her soothing voice and upbeat, simple music. Many a car ride has been calmed with her albums.

 

Lastly, Dan Zanes has been called the godfather of kids music-with good reason. His hip, lively take on Folk, Americana and World music is so infectious that I find myself even playing these records when my kids aren't around.  Dan and his band are extremely talented and provide family with a stark contrast to all the kids music on the market that has been created with synthesizers and drum machines. He also has a concert DVD that gives even more insight into how much he loves and connects with these songs.  If I had to choose one record to start with, Rocket Ship beach is fabulous but all his albums are must-haves.  They have all inspired countless sing-alongs and impromptu dance parties.  Even my husband gets these songs stuck in his head. 

 

I think that much of kids' music today has been created to follow a trend or make a buck. The thing that sets these three musicians apart from most is the sense that they started playing these songs for themselves, for their families and friends and it just so happened that other people started listening.

 

-----------------------------------------------

You can hear samples at Amazon.com

 

There are other artists who follow these same ideas, many were mentioned in a 2006 Family Music Poll:  http://fidsandkamily.blogspot.com/

By the way, Dan Zanes is coming to the Aladdin Theater on April 15th!

February Crafty Mamas Bazaar

The February Crafty Mamas Bazaar is THIS SATURDAY! February 24, 11 am - 3 pm at Milagros. Each month we showcase a handful of wonderful local mamas and the crafts that they make. The artists featured this month:

• Stacey Roy of The Bossy Boots will be displaying fun handmade clothing
• Larissa Friesen of Elaborations crafts unique items for mamas and babes
• Angela Flynn of Little Piggy Prints will be back to help you make a special keepsake by creating personalized ceramic hand and footprints of your little one
• See samples of artistic baby announcement by Elle Zober of Zober Images
• Jessica Beck will be showing her fun and unique line of handmade, hypoallergenic stuffed toys known as Cranky Pals

As always there will also be complimentary organic coffee and tea service for the event. All sales go directly to the Crafty Mamas, so please join us this Saturday and see what these local mamas have to offer.

This free event is in the Milagros Family Room at 5429 Ne 30th Avenue, Portland and is indoors.

Mommy 'n' Me Knitting

Thanks for the feedback on Mommy 'n Me Knitting.  Sydney's Cafe is proud to present its first of an ongoing group for mamas and their little ones to gather an knit.  It's a great time for those of all ages and skill levels:

• Have your child learn to knit
• Finish that knitting project you have been working on
• Meet up with a friend to chat and knit
• Cozy up to comfy chairs and a latte while learning this craft
• Collaborate with other knitters in the community
• And simply have a wonderful Saturday morning!

Everyone is welcome!  Every Saturday beginning February 3rd at 10 AM.

Sydney's
1800 NW 16th Avenue
sydneyscommunity@gmail.com
503 241 4313

updated March 1, 2007:  Due to schedule conflicts, Mommy 'n' Me knitting will now be every SUNDAY at 10 AM.

Crafty Mama Bazaar This Saturday!

There are a lot of Crafty Mamas in PDX and we will be showcasing a handful of them this Saturday, January 27, 11 am - 3 pm at Milagros. Featured artists include:

• Cynthia Thompson of Zoom Baby Gear
• Christina Bissell will feature a variety of handmade toys, bibs, burp rags, book bags and more
• Gretchen Gawlik makes fun, hip, re-designed shirts and onesies.
• Elizabeth Webber creates greeting cards, gift tags, stationery, bookmarkers, magnets, and other paper art using photographs and vintage images.
• Angela Flynn helps you make a special keepsake by creating personalized ceramic hand and footprints of your little miracle.

We will also have complimentary organic coffee and tea service for the event. All the sales go directly to the Crafty Mamas, so please come out to the Crafty Mamas Bazaar this Saturday and see what these local mamas have to offer.

Mama and Me Knitting

The folks over at Sydney's Cafe have an idea. How about a mama-'n'-me knitting group every week? Are you interested? Of course, all mamas are welcome, regardless of whether their kiddies are knitting!What time would work best (considering the cafe closes at 6pm in the evenings)? Would 4 or 5 o'clock work one evening each week? A weekend time?

Red Scarf Project 2007

Care packages from family were such a big thing in college, especially in the earlier months and years. Can't say that I was ever a recipient of frequent care packages...

Now that we've helped with Caps to the Capital and Warm Up America, it's time to support the Red Scarf Project 2007. The Orphan Foundation of America is collecting red scarves to send to unadopted foster youth in college:

The red scarves that knitters and crocheters make for this project will be put in Valentine's Day 2007 care packages for these very brave young people who, despite many hardships, are attending college. Getting these packages will let them know they are cared for and hopefully give them encouragement to stay the course. Think of the scarf you make as a hug for someone who, despite all odds, is working hard to get an education and trying to make his or her life, and therefore the life of our extended community, better.

See the guidelines, and knit fast! They are only accepting scarves through January.

Knitting projects: art and charity

I had such a great time making two sweet little cabley baby hats for Caps to the Capital (which I haven't sent yet, because I'm a flake), and since I'm in a perpetual state of procrastination with the project I really need to be knitting (a baby blanket for my sister-in-law in Utah, due any day now), naturally, I'm casting about for new projects to occupy my day off.

Larissa's working on a book on knitalongs, so naturally her blog is the first place I turn for distraction. If you, too, are looking for something to do with your idle time and your sock yarn she has a great project up this week! It's a square-along, and you can register at her testalong sign through January 20 (you have 'til February 1 to finish and deliver your squares). She'll only use 20 squares for the book project, and all the rest will be knit up into blanket(s) for Warm Up America.

Procrastination, knitting and a good cause! What could be a more perfect use of my idle time these cold cold January days?

RecycledArt Kids Class December 21

There was a post about RecycledArt a while ago...Well, RecycledArt will be having a class for ages 4-6 on Thursday, December 21 that is a perfect Holiday Break activity for your little one. Here is description of the event:

Through the Looking Glass!

We will join together this holiday season to see what we can spy with our little eyes using salvaged windows from the Rebuilding Center! This 1 hour workshop will kick off with a circle time and a short story. Each artist will create a masterpiece as we talk about the values of reuse before recycling. We’ll learn how glass is made and recycled and how that glass is used to make windows. The last 10 minutes of class are reserved for our art show…a chance for artists to share their creations and tell us the story of what they saw Through the Looking Glass.

Date:  Thursday December 21
Time:  3-4pm
Ages: 4-6
Cost:  $10 per artist (includes materials)
Place:  Milagros, 5433 NE 30th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97211

The class is limited to 10 students and requires advance registration. Contact RecycledArt-ist Liesha Eberst at 503-901-9324 or makerecycledart@yahoo.com to register or for more info.

Crafty Mamas Wanted

Calling All Crafty Mamas!

We had a lot of fun hosting Crafty Mama Fairs during the Art of Living in November and the UrbanMamas Bazaar in August.  We are now planning on making the Milagros Crafty Mamas Fair a regular thing beginning on Saturday January 27 from 11 am - 3 pm. After that, we plan on having a mama-made art fair on the fourth Saturday of every month. Our hope is to rotate vendors so there is always something new each month.

If you would like to considered as a vendor, there are a couple of things to keep in mind: 1) You have to make or design the product you are selling (sorry, no resellers) and 2) if you are using any manufactured goods as part of your craft/product (for instance if you are screen-printing on a t-shirt) you MUST be using certified sweatshop-free materials.

We will have five slots a month and we are keeping the table fee as low as we can so that we may provide an opportunity to folks who may not otherwise do this sort of thing. If you are interested in participating, please send us an email at milagros@milagrosboutique.com

Creative Gift Ideas for Daycare Providers

Last year, we had a previous conversation The Etiquette of Gift Giving for Daycare Providers. urbanMamas are also wondering what kinds of gifts make for great items for teachers or daycare providers? After nurturing and loving our youth, we're pretty certain that they've been nice and not naughty. Says Misty:

Any affordable/creative ideas for Christmas gifts for daycare providers? Between my two kids, I have 5 or 6 daycare providers I need to get gifts for.

Holiday CardMaking at Sydney's

Thank you to Tim, Amanda, Brianna and the rest of the Sydney's staff for hosting some great coffee playdates. Sydney's is coming up with new and great ideas to keep us all happy and occuppied (and us mamas caffeinated). Sydney's is hosting a drop-in Holiday Cardmaking event:

Enjoy classical and holiday music while you set down to put together holiday cards. We will reserve the large community table and set up supplies (stamps, drawing utensils, paper, stickers, and more) for moms and kids to use. Parents are encouraged to bring in their own suppies (but just make sure all the supplies don't get mixed all together!). Don't forget to get the kids some mini hot chocolates to enjoy on the couch as a break from all the craft-making.

Sounds like a great time for mamas with older children, for mamas with infants, and even for mamas whose kids are in school! See you there: Sydney's, 1800 NW 16th Ave, December 4 at 10 AM.

P.S. If you have ideas on fun events for mamas and kidlets at Sydney's, please email: sydneyscommunity@yahoo.com.

Holiday crafts for kids?

I'm a wanna-be Martha Stewart (the Portland version, with only one house, and with a decidedly black thumb) and, as such, I aspire to have my children doing crafts during every waking hour. Naturally this is not the way my life really works, although I *have* been able to interest them in paper chains and in anything that's epicly messy.

I've been having fun collecting assorted materials for Christmas this year, everything from felted sweaters from the bins (now cut up into a variety of scraps and largish pieces) to vintage holiday cards from estate sales. It's so Martha it kills me. Now what do I do with all this?!?!

So far I've come up with a couple of things, although the kids can't really help that much. One: these amazing, simple and fun-to-make stuffed trees from little birds [pdf link to pattern]. Two: these fun and super-quick felted leaves from Wise Craft [also inspired in part by the Martha, pdf link to leaf template]. I'm making mine in Christmas-y colors and the boys love to play with the finished product. Maybe I'll make a wreath? I'll probably end up cutting up the vintage cards for Everett to glue somewhere... Christmas cards? Ornaments?

But other than paper chains and fingerpainting, well, I can't really think of much to involve a four-year-old, much less Truman -- who's not even two. Any ideas?

“The Art of Living” at Fox Chase November 11

The Fox Chase Business Association and the Concordia Neighborhood Association are hosting a special fall community event THIS SATURDAY from 11 am – 9 pm.  Enjoy art, music, food, workshops, and fun for the whole family at participating Fox Chase businesses all day long!

The schedule of events is jammed packed! Here is a just a sample:

• Puppet shows at Heart in Hand preschool
• “Crafty Mamas Art Fair” at Milagros
• “Kid's Yoga with Dr. Amy Watson” at The Core Source
• One-on-one sessions with lactation consultant Zenana Rose of Beyond Birth Home Lactation Services at Milagros
• Sample delicious authentic delicacies from Mexico at Autentica
• Sample Stumptown coffee and single origin espresso at Extracto
• Temporary tattoos for kids and the young at heart at Blackbird Tattoo
• Cupcake decorating for the whole family at Herbivore

Yes, it is all FREE! Check out the full schedule on-line. We hope to see you there!

RecycledArt: Something New from Something Old

It's always nice when we hear about something new and different among the great offerings in Portland.  Better yet, it's something fun, educational, and makes use of one of our favorite themes: "reduce, reuse, recycle".  Yay for Leisha!

RecycledArt offers stimulating, hands-on, educational art and science workshops for kids ages 3-10. Students take common, everyday objects and turn them into something totally out of this world!  They paint, sculpt, draw and build from the inside out while sharing ideas and making new friends.  RecycledArt unites the wonders of science with the creativity of art and we help to make the world a better place to live by learning about renewable energy sources and brainstorming ways to create less trash through reducing, reusing and recycling materials.

Remember tupperware parties?  Well, RecycledArt workshops are offered in a very similar style.  We come to you!  A RecycledArt workshop hostess invites up to 10 children to attend a 1 hour, custom themed activity.  As a workshop hostess, your child attends for FREE!  AND..your child will receive a treasure box filled with found objects that they can later use to explore their creativity!  In addition to workshops, RecycledArt also offers birthday parties!  The cost per artist is $10.

So...while the kids are learning cool science facts and having fun making art, the Mom's get a chance to relax and share a cup of coffee or go for a walk.  RecycledArt also offers pecial packages which include an on-site, chair massage, manicures and pedicures!

For more information on our workshops and packages, send us an email...makerecycledart@yahoo.com or contact Liesha Eberst at 503-901-9324. 

studio CRAFT: A Trunk Show

Seems like November 4 is a popular date for events.  Here's another in case you don't have anything planned:

studio CRAFT
saturday :: 11.04.06 :: 11a-3p
408 n. portland :: portland :: 97217
studiocraft.blogspot.com
503.869.6934

the designers
stephanie barnes [little birds] melissa frantz [all buttoned up]
mariko fujinaka [superbuzzy] alicia paulson [posie: rosy little things]
abby powell-thompson [abby try again] blair stocker [wise..craft] sally shim [shim + sons] sumi sun [sun + stone]

the goods
aprons :: book covers :: fabric :: fabric boxes :: felt birds
floor mats :: jewelry :: hairpins :: handbags :: notions
paper mache birds :: patchwork wallpockets :: pin cushions
pouches :: stationery :: stuffed animals :: tissue holders

Cloth Diaper Sewing Class

Cynthia Thompson of Zoom Baby Gear is holding a "Diaper Sewing Class" Saturday, October 21 from noon to 3 pm at RCT Fabrics - 2515 NW Nicolai St., Portland, OR

This will be a fun, hands-on sewing class where you can learn to convert basic prefold diapers into fitted, semi-fitted and even All-in-One diapers. Techniques for regular sewing machines and sergers will be covered. You can bring your sewing machine to sew along or just watch and take notes. There is no charge for this informative class. Babes in arms only please!

The regular Cloth Diaper Circle will return to Milagros on November 4.

Cynthia Thompson of Zoom Baby Gear is holding a "Diaper Sewing Class" Saturday, October 21 from noon to 3 pm at RCT Fabrics - 2515 NW Nicolai St., Portland, OR

This will be a fun, hands-on sewing class where you can learn to convert basic prefold diapers into fitted, semi-fitted and even All-in-One diapers. Techniques for regular sewing machines and sergers will be covered. You can bring your sewing machine to sew along or just watch and take notes. There is no charge for this informative class. Babes in arms only please!

The regular Cloth Diaper Circle will return to Milagros on November 4.

Are you crafty or want to be?

Calling All Crafty Mamas!

We had a lot of fun hosting the UrbanMamas Bazaar in August.  We are now planning our next mama craft fair as part of a neighborhood event happening in Fox Chase on November 11 called the "Art of Living."

Our mini mama-made craft fair will be from 11 am - 3 pm. We will also have complimentary coffee and treats, balloon artistry, and more. We still have some slots left for crafty mamas, so if you are interested in finding out more info, please send us an email at milagros@milagrosboutique.com

Do you want to be crafty?

Our friend, neighbor, and wonderful local crafter Paige Haxton will be teaching an introduction to wool felting class at Milagros on October 7, from 2 pm - 4 pm.  You can learn the basics of wool felting and create your own unique Huopa soap (a fun felt covered soap that exfoliates while it cleans!) Class fee is only $8 per person - that even includes the cost of all materials. To reserve your spot, sign-up at the store, call, or email us.

Wanted: Aprons for Cafe Au Play Auction

Larissa is spearheading a creative endeavor to benefit Cafe Au Play.  Drawing upon her crafty skills, she's charged with making and / or procuring 40 (yes, you've read correctly - that's forty) aprons which volunteers will be donning at the Cafe Au Play fundraising auction on November 4.  I know there are lots of crafty mamas out here, and this is a great opportunity to show off your wares.  For more information, post a comment here or on Larissa's site.

Crafty Sundays at Contemporary Crafts Museum

Yet another great suggestion from an urbanMama, Sharai:

Hi Urbanmamas! I was searching online for arts & crafts experiences for my 6 year old son, and discovered the Contemporary Crafts Museum, which I've always meant to visit. Looks like they have a cool (and free) Family Discovery Sundays program once a month (next one is THIS Sunday), and also kids day camps on school holidays (camps are fee-based).  Admission to the Museum is always free.

lazy labor sunday knitting anyone?

I just came back from the Oregon State Fair, where I discovered I earned a blue ribbon for my knitting! Yay!! And seeing that I'm coordinating a knit-erific Blessing Way blanket for Shetha's upcoming birth, I have knitting fever, and bad.

If you're knitting for the blanket, or you're just feeling the fever like me, won't you join me for a little lazy Labor Sunday knitting at Mabel's (31st and Division, and they do like babies there) tonight? I'll be there between 1:30 and 3:30 or 4, and again in the early evening if anyone is up for a later time.

mother's day crafty wonderland

It was so fun to see so many mamas, papas and babies out today at our urbanMamas family day! And thanks to Shetha's hard work, I'm wearing my urbanMamas tee now. Like the weather, they're hot.

I know we already mentioned it, but I'm going to put in a second plug for Crafty Wonderland at Doug Fir tomorrow! It will be my first time to the hippest of LoBu hip spots -- and I'll be helping sell a wide range of fun, silly and useful things Larissa and I have been sewing these past few weeks. If you don't come to buy, send someone else. I'm going to have a few My Tie slings, lots of little arty fabric toys (great for teethers, Truman tells me), Larissa's cool quilty tee concept (currently my fave project), and lots of truly adorable bonnets. Oh! Plus our friend Kim's hand-dyed yarn (it's really, really fantastic, Larissa and I are trying to keep ourselves from buying it) and some knitting patterns.

We'd love to see you.

Memory Overload

When Carter was born, my sister gave me a baby book to write down and capture all of those wonderful baby milestones. Being the procrastinator and lazy journalist that I am, I had a hard time keeping it up-to-date. A friend had suggested keeping it by the bedside and taking 10 minutes each day to write down my thoughts. I took her advice, kept it by the bedside, and every night, I silently vowed that I would update the book the next night.

When Carter approached his first birthday, I started a blog to keep our friends and family from across the country apprised of our lives. Despite its haphazard state, it has been the best way for me to capture his babyhood. Now that I have two boys, the blog is even that much more useful. Aside from the blog, I take a couple dozen of digital pictures a month, and less frequently take videos of the kids. Here’s the dilemma. The digital age is great, but I’m swimming in a sea of digital photos and boxes of unsorted print photos. How do you sort your photos (digital and print) and videos so they are organized and accessible? What systems have you created so that it doesn’t become overwhelming?

Easter crafty goodness

A long time ago in a faraway place... (ie BC - before children), I used to do all kinds of things crafty.  Some would say I still do crafty things, but they are fewer and far between, sadly.  Now, with Easter fast approaching, and my son becoming of an age where we can do simple crafty things together, I'm digging up old resources for fun Eggy crafts.

My two favorite are from a long-time journaler/blogger, not martha.  Way back in the day, she posted the instructions for Easter Eggs a la cascarone... a hollowed out and dyed egg that is stuffed with goodies and confetti.  They are to be cracked on someone else's head to bring good fortune/luck/wealth.  I could be wrong but I think this is a Mexican tradition...  The other fun craft involves water balloons and paper mache.  It's basically tiny egg pinatas.  I used fun easter themed tissue paper to give these and eggy feel and filled them with yummy easter goodies (and fake grass of course).  I think the little mister might be fantastic at dyeing already emptied eggs (get out your souffle recipes!) and ripping some tissue paper to help the cause.  Maybe I can put all his boundless energy to good use!

Do you have any traditional spring or holiday crafts you share with your family?  Please share with us, too!

NE Knitting Mommies

Calling all nifty, knitty mamas.  Here's Chrissy's group:

Hi! I saw your post on Urban Mamas calling for knitting groups/playgroups that would be open to Urban Mamas. I am running a couple of knitting groups right now - we're called the NE Knitting Mommies. We've been meeting regularly on Monday nights from 7-9, usually at my home in NE (Beaumont-Wilshire area) but also at coffee shops around the eastside. We also just started meeting as an afternoon knit/play group on Thursdays between 1 & 5. Not much knitting gets done, but we still have fun! Anyone who might be interested in joining us should e-mail me - mailto:sevenby30@hotmail.com - for more info.

Summer is right around the corner, Part 1

So, I know we just had snow today, but I'm still thinking about the summer, which is just three months away! Our biggest girl is 5-1/2 this summer, and I am hoping that she'll have more summer options than before. Here's our list with some highlights (she's not going to all, but these are just a 'few' of the things we're thinking about):

Ethos Music Camp: For five (non-consecutive) weeks through the summer, from late June to the end of August, Ethos offers a variety of music camps focusing on guitar, percussion, piano, strings, and even hip-hop and rock band ensembles. Cost is $195 per week, from 9-5 daily, grades K-12. Ethos is a well-respected music school with several community programs for school-aged children. Each child can enroll for a maximum of 2 sessions per summer.

Grace Art Institute Camps: Last year, it was India. This year, it's Greece. This summer Grace Art Institute summer camp will explore the fascinating and historical Greek culture. Cultural folktales are the heart of each week's curriculum and campers choose to immerse themselves in a variety of performing and visual arts, including dance & music, drama, glass art, ceramics & sculpture, fibre arts, visual arts, book arts. Cost is $205 per session, from 9-3 daily with a Friday art celebration, ages 4-12. (Before & After care can be arranged.)

smARTworks / PNCA: for 1st graders to middle school, this year's focus is storytelling. Cost is $235 per week and camp runs 8-5pm.

Children's Museum summer camps: These are among the pricier ones, but I thought I'd still put it out there. Camp runs 8:30 to 2:30 ($200) with aftercare available ($90). Still, there is art, drama, activities, games, crafts.

Audobon Society: "Audubon Summer Camps inspire children to love and protect nature, in the very best way, by exploring, learning, and having fun." Camps run for ten weeks throughout the summer. Half-day (9-1) sessions for first graders, and full-day sessions for 2nd graders and older. I can't find the cost in an obvious place online, so let me know if you find it!

Oregon Zoo Summer Camps: Use interactive activities, crafts, zoo exploration to learn more about the animals. All camps include guided zoo tours, animal visits in the classrooms, Discover Birds show, visits to the family farm and pygmy goat kraal, lorikeet feeding, songs, games, stories, a train ride (except Penguin Camp), snacks and a ZooCamp t-shirt. 3rd – 8th grade camps include a visit to the Washington Park play structure and Elephant Barn picnic shelter. Half-day camps for kindergarteners ($85 for members/$100 for non-member); full-day camps for 1st graders and up ($190 for members/$220 for non-members). Before and after care available.

YMCA - Camp Collins: Day camp for children in grades 1-6. "Campers will participate in archery, arts and crafts, hiking, nature activities, climbing tower, field games, and believe it or not, much more!" Camp runs for 9 sessions; fees are a sliding scale ranging from $165 to $215 per week. Daily bus service to camps run from Alameda school (NE), Gresham and the North Clackamas Aquatic Center.

Camp Ky-O-Wa: "Explore a trail in the woods, enjoy the cool waters of a lake, try your luck at fishing, bounce on a trampoline, sing camp songs, and discover other fun summer activities. Camp Ky-O-Wa is an integrated day camp for children ages 5-11, with and without disabilities." Sponsored by Portland Parks & Recreation.

Summer Nature Camp: Also by Portland Parks & Recreation, for children ages 5-12, week-long sessions "provide youngsters with a firsthand experience with nature through hiking, storytelling, scientific observations, and forest crafts."

OMSI Summer Science Camps: Junior Naturalist camp, Naturalist camp, Adventure camps. These camps are serious all-week camps at various locations throughout the state. Without a doubt, our kids could get an invaluable experience (camps run $385 for the week). But, our biggest girl is still eons away from spending the whole day and night away from us! Programs run for youth ages 7-18. Camps run from 1 to 3 weeks long! We are SO not there yet. Someday!

Mad Science: For some reason, I had it in my head that Mad Science camp would be so fun for our biggest girl once she became of age. Now, I see that they've only got one location in the inner eastside, and it's isn't even a full-day (it's only 9-3pm). So, it won't work for us, but maybe the locations and times will work for you! It's about $129 per week for ages 4 and up.

And, actually, this listing of summer camps is pretty good.

Calling All Crafty Mamas

You sew. You knit. You make beautiful handpainted ceramics. You make jewelry. Whatever your craft, have some fun, get to know other local artisans and maybe make some cash by getting a booth at Crafty Wonderland. Starting April 9th, Crafty Wonderland will be held the second Sunday of every month from 11am - 4pm at the Doug Fir. Click here to learn more about the application process. I know that I get bombarded with "invitations" to show at various trade shows and I turn them all down (or I create my own) because I hate the sales vibe at most of the big cheesy trade shows, and I know I will get little or nothing in return. The ladies behind Crafty Wonderland seem to be creating something above a trade show: a close-knit group of local crafters who love what they do and they're creating an environment that will attract buyers who truly appreciate the work and craftsmanship of handmade items. Plus, at only $25 a table, it's super ultra cheap. I hope to participate later on in the year, and I hope to see all of you crafty mamas (of which I know there are PLENTY!) there too!

Summer Programs in Portland

Hi!  I ran across your web site as I was searching for summer programs.  My family is planning on spending a month in Portland as part of our search for a new home.  Our current home is Cleveland, Ohio.  Can you ask your Mamas about summer programs for 3 year olds.  We will be staying in the Milwaukie area.  I hope I can join you for an event this summer.  Your groups sounds fun!

Thanks,

Jennifer Hartz

Mark your calendars - Mama S&B/Craft night

While the cat is away, the mice will play!  Well, while dh is heading out of town, I thought I would host a craft night for folks interested in knitting/scrapping/whatever your craft of choice is.
Date:  Tuesday, January 24 2006
Time:  8:15-whenever  (I'll try to get Andrew down before folks arrive)
RSVP:  Leave a comment w/ your e-mail below and I'll add you to an evite with the location info :)

If you don't have a craft of choice and feel like you want to learn, I will be willing to brainwash teach you how to knit.  I'll also have some teas/wine/snacks too.  Hope to see you all there!  Well, at least as many as my house can hold hehe...

Surprise! The Lila Guide | Baby-Friendly Portland

It was SO long ago when I think I filled out a survey for the Portland lilaguide.  What a treat it was to find one in my mail slot yesterday!  Calling itself the "new parent survivial guide to shopping, activities, restaurants, and more...", the lilaguide is written by parents for parents.  Reviews are Zagat-esque, incorporating first-hand comments and quotes by customers and parents just like us.  Unlike Zagat, where we can expect some witty snarky comments, lilaguide is pretty, smooth, and uber-palatable.

The guide is organized by county - Clackamas, Washington, Clark, and Multnomah.  The urbanMama in me wishes it was mostly Portland information organized by neighborhood.  Still, I found some fun stuff like quotes about almost all the parks and playgrounds with helpful firsthand information.  Of a park just a few blocks of me: "a nice park to visit although there's not too much shade during summer months ... the usual facilities including restrooms and off-leash area..."  I also enjoyed leafing through the Exercise section, highlighting activities I'd not heard of like Baby Boot Camp or Divine Pilates of Portland or Moving Through Center or Stroller Strides.  The Baby Basics section is a great resource, with listings and info for all our favorite joints like Fairies & Frogs (on NE Fremont), Generations (on Hawthorne), Grasshopper (on NE Alberta), Milagros (on NE Killingsworth), Piccolina (at SE Clinton and 26th), Sweetpea's (in Sellwood), and Zanzibar (on NE Fremont near 15th).

I'm glad I have a copy.  But, I'm glad I got a free one (for completing at least 14 reviews of Portland establishments).  I don't think I'd necessarily go out and buy one.

What Can't Sarah Gilbert Do?

I took up Sarah's (that's Cafe Mama, Everett's Mama, Truman's Mama, Blogging Baby editor, Kenilworth-Abernethy blogger - oh, and don't forget contributor to Slash Food, TV Squad, and a founding urbanMama) open offer on a holiday card photo shoot.  We were a bit late heading out the door, and found Sarah waiting patiently with adorable Truman hanging from her hip/front carrier.  Everett was amusing himself by running around the square.  On top of that she had bags, blankets, and her camera along with her.  It really didn't feel like a photo shoot at all since we sat for one pose as she snapped away.  As we chased after the kids and pretended to look at trees, she took some more candids.  Again, it didn't feel like we were getting our pictures taken as I was more absorbed in making sure the kids were o.k., and chatting with some of the other mamas who showed up for the socializing.  Now, for my point!  Sarah is incredible.  She's such a busy mama, but to do a photo shoot with both of her boys with her, in busy, busy downtown, was a feat unto itself.  I am always in awe of other busy mamas (Sarah included) and being inspired by all that they do.

 

Craftin', Scrappin', & More

Ok.  The holidays are coming at us like a speeding bullet and I need to kick it up several notches.  BAM!  Holidays are so hard, trying to balance the joys of giving with the fun of receiving.  Philly has already made her list and checked it twice.  This week, though, we're going to focus on all the giving.  What's more fun and meaningful than hand-making the gifts?

Mimosa Studios on NE Alberta near 17th:  We go to Mimosa lots because it's convenient for us.  The space is on the cramped side, so curious toddlers get up close and personal with the shelves and shelves of pottery lining the walls.  Still, we've managed to go to Mimosa several times in the past couple of years, despite having little people.  Owner Austin and her staff are attentive, creative, and super helpful.  They've helped us come up with new gift ideas, color schemes for our projects, and strategies for involving the kids in the fun.  Fridays this month are late nights with food & drink provided.  Check out their calendar for other fun stuff.

Amazin' Glazin' in Sellwood:  Haven't been to this one yet, but I know some of you have!  Sounds like Amazin's got more space for the more mobile tots.  Like Mimosa, they've got a great schedule this month for the hoildays.  This coming Thursday, their special project class is Poinsetta Platters from 6-8pm.

Art House on NE Broadway: They have a couple of fun events coming up, including "Crop with Me" and "Kids Make Holiday Tags".  Check out their event schedule or Marlynn's Family Friendly post.

Quirks & Quandaries on N. Mississippi:  It's a boutique that doubles as your own craft room space.  The craft room is stocked with all the supplies you'll need for small projects or to finish up old projects.  If you can't finish your project, you can always walk out with something unique & affordable from the front shop.

Knitty Knitty Bang Bang

Are you a knitty mama?  I'm not.  But, I do know that there are lots of knitting mamas out there!  Some of our pdx mama bloggas on the left are some knitting mamas, including Knitting Mama Phenom, StitchMarker Mama, Semaphoria, to name a few.  Who else?  Any ideas for some classes, events, or resources intown for a newbie like me?