Working without words.

Here are a few picks of where I work to design me pieces.






Notice the TinkerBell that my daughter colored for me :) She is my "muse"!

Take a look at some of the other EART team members work spaces and works in progress. Follow the ring around, starting with the Team Blog.

My favorite Etsy Shops.

Today for our EART Blog ring is discussing what Etsy shops are our favorites. I am so excited to be writing this post, because there are so many great shops out there that it is hard to see them all. Hopefully you can brows by my favorites and make them some of your favorites too!

Here we go!

1. SMDstudio.etsy.com - Steve Drew is a super talented artist who has found his niche in the art world creating realistic landscapes, birds and much more on canvas.

2. Luxbeads.etsy.com

I have gotten some of my favorite gemstones from this shop, and have always have a great experience! Love the fact that I can but small amounts of many stones. This way I can get more diverse design work done for the same amount as a strand of one type and cut of gem.




3. EclecticArtisansTeam.etsy.com

Of course this in one of my favorites. So many great artists in one place! What a great mix of talent. Come check it out.




Want to see some more favorite picks from EART artists? Follow the blog ring around starting here at the team blog and read through some other great posts!

These Are A Few of My Favorite....Colors

Today on the EART Blog ring we are talking about out favorite color to work with. I have to admit that I tend to gravitate toward cool colors in my work because that is what I enjoy for myself. Blue is my weakness. It doesn't matter the shade, any blue will do!!! I prefer to work with natural gemstones that are blue instead of glass. I feel that the intensity that nature brings to the stone is so much more beautiful than any glass could be.

I don't think that I have a problem using other color combinations, however I don't wnd up doing it very often because I work from impulse. So my impulse typically gravitates to my personal color preferences. Stuck in a rut may be a more appropriate term for me than out of my comfort zone! Haha!

Want to read about what colors light up the creations of the other EART team members? Head on over to the team blog to follow the ring around!

Save some dough on Cyber Monday!

The EART team is having a trunk show in the Etsy virtual labs on Monday the 30th. Stop on by to see some gret products and get some awesome deals!!

Why I do what Ido

This week for our EART Team blog ring we were asked to write about why we started with our craft. I was thinking about this the other day and trying to pin point it down. I have been "crafty" for so long that it seem like it has always been a part of my life.

I have to give the credit for my hands on, creative nature to both of my parents. My dad is a wonderful wood worker and has always been good a "building" things, even one of the houses we lived in. My Mother is a talented seamstress and crocheter. In addition to all of that she cross stitched and is excellent at drawing and scketching.

With all of that being said I think I get my love for jewelry and design from my Pawpaw (mother's father). He was the kind of man who saw something that he was interested in and just did it. He never did anything half way either. One of his many "adventures" was into silversmithing and lapidary. He created jewelry and even cut his own stones to use in his beautiful pieces.

I have several of the stones he cut, and a few of the peices that he created. I am amazed by them, and admire and miss my Papaw so much. When I inherited these items I realized how much I really wanted to pursure jewelry design and eventually silvesmithing.

Even though I have been crafting with beads, elastic cord, and copper wire for many years, it was the nspiration that my Papaw left me that has given me the passion ans desire to make something more from my gift. To make the most beautiful things that I can with the best quaality and love that I can give them.

Thank you, Papaw for everything! I miss you!


Ok...drying my tears now :) Want to read about how some of the other EART team members got their start with their craft? Start at the Eclectic Artisans Team blog and work your way around. They have some great stories to tell that are worth listening to!

Have fun and Have a Great Thursday!!!

November Scavenger Hunt!

I am proud to be a contributing member of the The Eclectic Artisans Team's new team shop. Check it out! To celebrate our new shop and the beginning of the holiday season, we're having a scavenger hunt, and everyone is invited to participate!

Here's how to play:

Visit the participating etsy shops (scroll down for the list of shops) and search their items for this photo:



When you find it, send the shop owner an etsy convo letting them know you found it. You can search and enter in each participating shop. You can only win once (we want to share the love as much as possible), but the more shops you enter, the more chances you have to be a winner! Each shop owner will randomly draw one winner at the end of the hunt.

That's all you have to do. The scavenger hunt runs from Friday, 11/13, 2009, to midnight EST on Friday, 11/20/09. Check the EART website on Monday, 11/23/09 to see the winners. Enjoy the hunt!

(Please note: EART members are not eligible to win prizes.)

Here's a list of participating EART shops and their fabulous prizes:

MichellesCharmWorld
Prize: Pair of Lego Earrings & Lego

EDCCollective
Prize: Set of four photographic art note cards with envelopes, your choice of images.

DivaDea
Prize: set of four handmade christmas cards

IndigoOrchid
Prize: Platinum Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings

Pnkgeeni
Prize: set of six handmade embossed christmas cards

AWEshop
Prize: Hammered Copper Adjustable Spiral Ring

Purple Sparkle Crafts
Prize: Sugar Pink Marshmallow Cupcake Candle

MouserkinsMagic
Prize: Choice of 2 Bookmarks

InspirationRecycled
Prize: Peacock and Brown Felt Pendant

Punkynmunky
Prize: Animal print no slip hair clip trio

BeautifulSchlopp
Prize: $25 gift certificate

Hair Bows Wonderworld
Prize: red velour rose pin-on corsage/buttonhole

EclecticArtisansTeam
Prize: sparrow earrings from MichellesCharmWorld

Holiday Shopping Specials for You!!!!

This time of the year everyone is concerned with what they will give their friends and loved ones for the holidays. I am no exception! I have been browsing Etsy for the perfect gifts to give the special people in my life.

I hope that I can make your shopping a little easier this year by making it easy on your pocketbook (Who doesn't need a little help with that!).

Here are some of the specials I will be running:


STARTING 11/13/09 and continuing through 12/5/09

♦Free Domestic Shipping on orders of $30.00* or more
♦$3 off International shipping on orders of $30.00* or more.
♦Free gift with purchase (Perfect as a stocking stuffer)

After order is placed, please wait for a revised invoice from Paypal BEFORE you pay.

I have a free holiday gift wrap option available if you would prefer holiday colors to the traditional purple, white and black Indigo Orchid Designs packaging. (Please specify the holiday you are gifting for in the notes to seller upon check out)

* $30.00 minimum total cannot include shipping charges


I will also be running some blog reader only specials, so make sure you come back and check every once in a while to make sure you don't miss anything!!

Ok...Time to get out your pens and paper and head over to the EART Team Blog and follow the blog ring through each blog to collectyour lest of specials and discounts from EART members!! This is a great way to save some time and money this year!!appy Thursday everyone!

H

Christmas in October

I here people laughing about it all the time, but it seems to be more true every year. This week for the EART team Blog Ring we were asked how early we start preparing for the holidays in our shops. Well, seeing as this is my first year at this I have had hard time gauging when to start "hanging the holly" in my shop, as it were.

I have been working on some holiday designs since mid-October, and am planning on listing them by the end of this week. I guess we will see if it was too late or too early once I get that done.

I hope that Halloween was not an indicator of how my Christmas/ Holiday items will do. I only sold one pair of Dia de Los Muertos earrings, but I think I may have listed everything too late. Hopefully things will be a little more productive this go around.

Want to find out how the other EART team members are getting their shops ready for the Holidays? Head on over to the Eclectic Artisans Team Blog and work your way around the ring. Who knows, you may be able to fill out your Christmas wish list while you read!

So much to do, and so little time to do it !

This seems to be the story of my life! Always feeling like I am running in circles, but wondering if I am getting anything accomplished. This week the EART Team Blog ring is taking a look at how we manage being an active team member, a creative and productive artist, and still have a life outside of the handmade world.

To be quite honest, this is what I struggle with the most. Between two kids under 4 years old, housework, 9 hours of college, and my jewelry business I have a hard time keeping up! The one trick that I have found successful is to "budget" my time. I only give my self a certain amount of time to complete tasks. If I am not done by the end of my time I put if down and have to wait until I have spare time to finish. In all honesty, when I set reasonable limits, I have no problems meeting them.

The final, and most important thing that I do with my time is prioritize. If I have to choose between my family and my art, my family will win every time. Sometimes it is good to refocus and remember why you decided to make your art a business. When the lines get blurred and the art becomes more pressing to me, I step back and reevaluate how much time I "really "need

Want to read about how other EART members manage to lead a full life and still be able to by productive? Start here at the team blog, and read your way around the ring!

The Eclectic Artisans Team Shop Features Punky N Munky

Please stop by and read about the Eclectic Artisans Team Shop featured artist, PunkyNMunky!

The Eclectic Artisans Team Shop Features Punky N Munky

My Favorite Thing

As a jewelry designer and artist, it is really hard for me to pick out just one piece that I have made and call it my "favorite". I love all of my creations because they all cam from my heart. That being said, there are some pieces that I have made that really grabbed hold of me so to speak, and led me by the hand through the creative process.

This is one of those pieces. It is named "Inspiration" because it inspired me to use different items as focal pieces in my jewelry.

The focal piece of this necklace is a Czech Pressed Glass Button. The button itself is new, but it was molded using the original antique molds, and was crafted in the exact manner that this company originally did more that 80 years ago. I was impressed with the craftmanship of the button as well as how easy it was to use it just as I would a precious stone.

Inspiration - it is found in the strangest places! That is why this is the favorite item I have in my shop.


Want to find out what the other artists in the Eclectic Artisans Team treasure the most in their shops? Stop on by the EART Team Blog and follow the ring around. I'm sure that you will enjoy the stories that they have to share with you!

Happy Thursday Everyone!

The Eclectic Artisans Team is Open for Business!!

I am proud to say that the Eclectic Artisans Team, an Etsy Street team, has now opening up a team shop. This is a great place to go and brows through the great variety of what the EART team has to offer.
This week we will be running a Promo where all of the participating members will be offering a free gift with a purchase from the team shop! I am extending this offer to my home shop, and will be sending a free gift with every purchase over $20.00.
Take a moment and go visit the new team shop to see what my great team members have offered there. Who knows what you might find!

I need to go shopping!!

I mean it! I NEED to go shopping, just not for me personally- for my shop. The one thing that will stop an artist dead in their tracks is running out of their medium of choice. Well I am fast approaching the point where I hit a brick wall.

My favorite wire to work with currently is 20 gauge, dead soft sterling silver. Well... I a am running very low! So I guess a trip to www.Monsterslayer.com is in the near future for me. They have such an amazing variety of metals, chains, and beads. I could spend hours looking around online. I know, I know... it is a sad state of affairs when a girl is more interested in her next silver wire purchase than the next pair of shoes she will buy.


So, as much as I would like to say that my next shop purchase will be these FANTASTIC set of Wubbers pliers, it won't be ( maybe next time...). But that doesn't mean that I will have anyless fun with the purchase that I will be making!

Want to read about what other EART team members are shopping for to complete their shop? Stop by Diva Dea's blog and find out whether her next purchase will be a "need" or a "want". Who knows, maybe she is in the market for a little from both catagories...

Boo!! Did I scare you?

That's right, it is that time of year again. The time when spooks and ghouls start making their way out from the shadows to prepare for their big night, Halloween. The goblins and ghosts are extra good at sneaking up on people and I am no exception this year!

I had grand plans for some great Halloween items in my shop this year. Unfortunately, I have yet to get them completed. SO... until they are finished I will tell you about my ideas. One of the projects I would like to have up in my shop before the beginning of October are some very cool silver and onyx spider web earrings. On the menu are also some deliciously dainty carnelian pumpkins and candy corn. Last but not least, some cheeky Dia de Los Muertos skulls in all the traditional bright colors.

Keep stopping by to see that finished works as they pop into the shop. Some of the other Eclectic Artisans Team members are getting ready for Halloween too. To read more about what they have in store, stop by Michelle's Charm World to see what cute and spooky things she has in store.

Fall Is In The Air

It is getting close to the time of year when the temperatures start to fall and the leaves start to change. That is unless you live in Texas like I do, then it is still 95 and humid!

Well, even with the temperature not cooperating fall is on the way never the less. All you have to do is look in the stores to see it. Fall colors of browns, oranges, maroons, and golds are on every clothing rack. This has prompted me to do the same thing and pull out all of my fall themed beads and gemstones.

I am in the process of getting out my fall line made of Fancy Jasper, Tigers Eye, Garnet and Andalucite (just to name a few)! When the seasons change, so does the clothing and in turn the accessories. The seasons wait for no one, and neither does fashion!

Other members of the Eclectic Artisans Team are getting their shops ready for fall too! Go check out what Michelle' Charm World has in store for the fall season.

Troubles and Trials

Even though I love designing and creating jewelry, I still have periods of time that I find myself struggling. It is not the silver or beads that give me trouble, but rather the business of, well, running a small business.

My biggest trouble when it comes to running my little corner of cyberspace is time management. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the business of getting business that you end up being a hamster on a wheel, always running but never really getting anywhere!

I am still learning the ropes of online selling, but one thing I have already seen is that it can consume you if you let it. When that starts to happen it is probably best to take a deep breath, take a step back for a second and them regroup and reorganize. It is really important to me that Indigo Orchid Designs stays something that is beneficial to me and my family, and does not become a burden.

Are there any things going on in your life right now that seem to be a struggle for you? (I'm sure there are, everyone has some struggles now and then). Take a step back, reevaluate and regroup! You will feel better for having tackled it, even if it doesn't get completely solved.

Reading about others struggles can help put our own in perspective and give us motivation to take them on! Go, and stop by Michelle's Charm World's blog to see what struggles she tackles as a small business owner!

Are you ready to go back to school?

It's that time of year once again. Time for Moms and Dads to run around town stocking up on paper, pencils, and folders for the kids first day back to school. At least this is the first picture that pops into my mind when I hear the phrase "Back to School".

There is a whole lot more to back to school than paper and pencils and elementary classes. What about all of the College students heading back to University after a summer break. One of the top priorities from them is "How do I look"? Well, you are in luck today (wink, wink).

In a back to school tribute, I would like to show off some of my super simple, but eye catching jewelry. Perfect for those mornings when you rolled out of bed just in time to run a brush through your hair and make it to class right before the professor starts his lecture. (I am an expert in this subject!) The right jewelry can take that thrown together look and make it look planned.

Earrings that go from jeans to night out at the coffee house after class:



Super slick necklaces to help balance out any outfit:


This is just a small example of some of the things in the Indigo Orchid Design Shop that can help you start the school year out right! Don't forget to have your most important supply with you when you start back to school this year... your style!

Want to read about what other Eclectic Artisan Team members are doing to get ready for school? Check out DivaDea's blog to continue the back to school fun!

Why Etsy?

That's a good question! Why DID I chose to set my shop up on Etsy? Well first I guess I should tell you about what motivated me to look for a place to set up shop.

As you have heard me talk about in the past, I had been designing jewelry for my own enjoyment and use for several years before I decided to venture into the world of sales and custom work. One of the biggest motivating factors for bringing my work out into the public market was the hope that it would offset some of the financial burden brought on by my decision to be a stay at home mom. Being at home with my girls is hugely important to me and my husband, and I would make the same choice even if I didn't have a way to try to contribute.

After I had done my research on supplies and what I would need to start an official business with a tax ID, I started the search for the best way to get my product out in the market. Immediately the online marketplace stood out as the perfect option.

Since My primary job is to stay at home with my girls and make sure that my house runs smoothly, being able to sell online was ideal. It gave me the freedom to create and list my items as well as "keep shop" while the girls were asleep or having movie time. Freedom and flexibility were a must! This is when I was introduced to Etsy.

In one of the forums I post to I was always hearing the name "Etsy" brought up. Finally I decided to check it out. BINGO!! Etsy's fees were well within my price range, and it was available whenever I have a free moment to post. Another big factor for me was the community support network available through Etsy. The forums, teams, and news letters were a great source of information and support for me as a newbie. I have been with Etsy for almost 6 months now, and am very happy with my experience so far!

Speaking of a great network of artists... Want to read other Etsy set up stories? Go visit the Eclectic Artisans Team Blog and see what motivated some of the other artists in our team to join Etsy.

Can it "B" Tuesday?

Best Friends, baby-food and Basset hound puppies.

An eclectic mix of happenings today!
Best Friends:

Tuesdays ( and Thursdays) are fast becoming my favorite weekdays. The reason being that my best friend, Ali, comes over and has coffee with my before she heads off to work. I get to have true girl time before the morning rush of feedings, whining and dirty diapers begins. It is a refreshing way to start the day, and it helps me get my head on straight so that I can deal with my girls the way I need to the rest of the day! Thanks Ali! Woo woo woo!

Baby Food:

Today's menu item of choice for Aliana was banana cubes coated with crushed multi-grain Cheerios. I have to say it was a big hit (Once she figured out that she could mash them in her hand before she ate them.

Here is a little video of her post banana, giggly self!



Basset Hound Puppies:


In other random cuteness... On my families recent trip to Indiana we had the fortune of playing with some of the most adorable and cute Basset Hound puppies! Here are a few pictures so that you can Oooo and Ahhh for yourself!

Mondays were made for saving - money that is!

I have decided to dedicate my Monday blog feature to all of the great deals that I have found out there in the handmade world. Each week I will list links to all of the great places you can save money on your favorite things. After all, with summer coming to a close and Christmas peeking around the corner it doesn't hurt to find a great deal on a great item!

The Eclectic Artisans Team on Etsy has a weekly post to feature all of the great sales going on through the week here.

If you are in the market for some very cool handmade lamp work beads, don't miss the sale at MelissaBeads Artfire shop. Today only, she has her prices marked down 20%!!

Bluepisces76 is having a BOGO sale on their handmade soaps. Looks like they have some great stuff!

Claudia's Creations has these absolutely marvelous butterfly plantable handmade paper gift tags on sale 50% off!!! Once the gift has been given, the tag can be planted and wildflowers will grow. Talk about a gift that keeps giving! Lopts of other great deals at her shop too, a definite must see!

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great deals on handmade! Have you found a great deal latley, or would you like to feature a sale on my blog? Email me and I will add you on to the next Monday Feature!

"What's my motivation?"

Sounds like something you would here from an actor on a movie set, doesn't it? Well, maybe it is something that we All need to ask ourselves everyonce in a while. Lately I have been haveing some... well.. motivational problems concerning my jewelry. I get to wrapped up in promoting this, and posting that... etc. I have forgoten what started me on this adventure into the world of jewelry design and sales. So, If you will bear with me for a few paragraphs I will illuminate.

Back 5 years (or so) ago, I discovered some pieces of silver work that my maternal Grandfather (Pawpaw) had created almost 50 years ago. From that point forward my interest was sparked! I had found something that gave me a dual purpose- to continue in my PawPaw's legacy, and to give me a hobby and skill that I enjoy using.

Back in March I decided to take my work to the public. My motivation had changed slightly though. While I had always wanted to be able to share my visions with the world, I now was seeing it also as a way to help support my family. With the economy being what it is right now, and my husband displaced from his job, I had to find a way to contribute to my families income while staying at home with my girls. After all they are my greatest treasure and motivator.

It was at this point that I found Etsy. It has given me and outlet to try to build a business out of something that I enjoy doing!

You see, my motivation, in all aspects has always been my family. I started trying to do something to further my PawPaw's legacy and have continued on in order to leave a legacy of my own to my kids by giving them a future through somehting I love.

Now it is your turn to tell me what motivates you! Please leave me a comment and let me know what some of your motivating factors in life are!

We have some really great Artisans at the EART team, and they have some great motivational stories too. Jump on over to Jennifer Nilson's blog to see what gets her motivated!

I wish I may, I wish I might...

As a jewelry artist, I am always finding new "toys" that I want to add to my shop. I though I would share some of my wish list with you today. feel free to make donations to the cause so that I can keep designing and dreaming!! ( I'm just kidding!)

I have been seriously considering taking some metal-smithing and lapidary class lately. One thing that I KNOW is an essential to working with metal is a torch.

Next on my list is a tumbler, which is used for everything from shining and polishing finished silver pieces to hardening softer wires so that they can be strong enough to hold up to everyday use.


Last but not least (well probably not REALLY last either) I would like a permanent work bench set up in my garage so that I can put any new skills I learn to good use without buring holes in my carpet! Molten metal and carpet do not mix.Wow!! Now that I have it all down on paper with pictures, I am really craving them!

Do you have a list of things that you need to make your crafting space complete? Go ahead, make a list. Having it all written down on paper will give you a goal to work towards!

You can keep reading about other Eclectic Artisans Team members workspace wish lists by clicking over to Jennifer's blog, Crafty Goodness , to follow on along!

Vertigo and pearls

Vertigo and pearls, originally uploaded by Indigo Orchid Designs.

I think these may be my new favorite earrings! The pictures just don't do them justice! The copper sparkles and shines because of the slight hammered effect on the surface. If that weren't enough to get your attention, a beautiful platinum colored freshwater pearl dangles delicately from the bottom. Way to much fun!

So, tell me what you think! I need somefeed back! :)

Keep being creative!

Amanda

EART Team SCAVENGER HUNT!!!!!

Scavenger Hunt TIME!!!

Ready to put on your Sherlock Holmes gear and HUNT?! It's on! July 1st - 10th, the Eclectic Artisans are hiding an American Flag in their shops and waiting for YOU to find it! There are 15 shops participating, which means you have to find 15 flags! Each shop has hid ONE flag in ONE of their listings. Hunt and FIND!



Be one of the FIRST FIVE people to EMAIL ME the listing LINKS (all 15) as to where the flag is hidden in each shop and you will win YOUR CHOICE of THREE of the gifts above! Email me ALL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TO: MichellesCharmWorld@Gmail.com. NO comments here please! We don't want to give away the answers!! The first person to email me all 15 flags will get to pick 3 of the 15 prizes, 2nd person gets to pick 3 of the 12 prizes that are left, 3rd person gets to pick 3 of the 9 prizes that are left and the 4th person gets to pick 3 of the 6 prizes that are left and the 5th place person gets the remaining 3 awesome and fabulous prizes! This is going to be FABULOUS! Now Read below to see the shops that are playing and what their prize is! Click on the shop and start hunting!!!

Jeraly Designs invites you to take a look around her shop and find the flag! Her prize is this wonderful pair of earrings!

Pop into MichellesCharmWorld and take a look at a colorful paradise while searching for the flag! You can win your choice of a red or black Princess Crown Ring!

DivaDea offers these gorgeous buttons as a prize from her shop of polymer creations! Be sure to step into this fun and colorful shop and look for the flag!

At HairbowsWonderWorld you will find an amazing assortment of goodies for your hair to shine at special events! Even some beautiful bridal bouquets! Tale a look! Her prize is a PDF instruction on how to make a ribbon penquin!
Jaybird Designs is offering this beautiful treasure bag as a prize in your choice of 1 of 2 colors! This shop is definately one to stop and enjoy while hunting for your flag! TCPJewelry has a colorful prize set being offered to the winners! Please stop in and browse this wonderful oasis of jewelry while hunting for the flag!

Enter a tranquil universe when you head into Indigo Orchids shop, jewelry that makes your mind wander while you try and decide what to buy! Enjoy your time here while huntin for the flag! She is giving these amazing earrings as her prize!

AweShop is a shop full of jewelry that gives you a tranquil and relaxing vibe! Stop in and take a look around at everything while hunting for the flag! She is offering up these pretty little earrings as a prize! WeeWoobies is a colorful and creative shop full of an assortment of bright and fun goodies! While searching for the flag check out the fabulous pin cushion that she is giving away as a prize!

Visit Punky N Munky for the most AMAZING hair trinkets EVER! You will be amazed as you hunt for the flag in this shop! She is offering this ribbon headband as her prize!

TashaDesigns invites you to stroll through her shop and look through all the treasures as you hunt the for the flag! She is giving these pretty butterfly earrings as her prize!

KellsCreations is offering this fantastic ACEO to the winner of her prize! Now head on over to a colorful shop of jewels and look for the flag!
FotoGeeni offers this gorgeous print as her prize! Her shop is a look through her lens at New Zealand and it's surrounding areas! Be sure to stop and look around while in her shop! It's a mini vacation!

SongBirdSpectre is offering up the most fabulous print as her prize! While looking for the flag, take a minute to enjoy all that her shop has to offer!! TheCreatorsPalette has this great book on how to paint watercolors as her prize! This is your last stop in the hunt for the flag! Take some time to enjoy all the work in her shop!

******************************************************************************



READERS! Just FOR YOU! We ARE ALL also Offering up a 20% discount off your purchase before shipping in ANY of the shops listed! Just use code: ScavengerHunt20, This code expires on July 10th. (To use this code, please put it in the notes to seller upon check out and wait for a revised invoice!)



NOW GET HUNTING! Remembe to EMAIL ME all your answers at one time:

MichellesCharmWorld@Gmail.com

Adventures in baby food...

My youngest daughter, 6 months old, just recently started to eat solid foods. Since my oldest started solids, I have made my baby food by hand. Not that there is anything wrong with the jarred stuff, I just personally can't stand it. It smells bad, has horrid texture, and tasted nothing like the real thing. I just feel better giving my babies a hand smashed banana, than the funny, brownish gray, jarred ones. It only takes about 20 seconds longer to mash it yourself, and go figure, it tastes like bananas!

After I got home from the salon on Friday I spent the morning making a few batches of baby food. I made pear puree and acorn squash puree (little one loved them both). It was really simple, so I figured I would share the process with you, just in case anyone out there actually reads my blog and can use the info. **smiles**

1. Cook the fruits or vegetables until they are soft - I cook my fruits in a sauce pan on the stove. Just cut them into 1 inch cubes and then put in just enough water to almost come up to the top of the fruit in the pan.
2. Let cool slightly
3. Puree - I do about half of the batch at a time. It makes it easier to get it smooth. For young babies you want it pretty smooth, but as they get older you can leave some small soft chunks in it to get them used to texture.
4. Spoon puree into an ice tray - That's right, I said ice tray! It is so handy, and cheap. The cubes are about 1 oz if filled to the top for easy portion control. Some of the special baby food freezing containers can get a little pricey, and they are not really good for anything else after you don't need to make baby food anymore.
5. Freeze - I think this one explains itself...
6. Store - All you have to do is pop them out into a labeled freezer bag. Very handy.
   

Here are some pictures that I took while making my squash puree.

Right after they came out of the freezer.

Ready to go back into the freezer

When you are ready to feed your kiddo, all you need to do is warm it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds (Just make sure to test it before you give it to your baby. Some things heat up quicker than others...)

Here is a great site that has a ton of info on homemade baby food.


Featured Item Of The Day


Doesn't this bracelet just scream summer fun?! I absolutely love the colors and chunkiness. Plus, it just looks like it would be fun to wear! Hop on over to Michelle's Charm World and check it out!



Well...I had better get about my day, and let you get about yours.

Have a fun and creative Tuesday!!