Some baby wants and not baby needs (from Etsy)

Baby cocoon by karenswimmer

First up on my things to buy is this cocoon with pixie style hat.

A nice alternative to baby sleeping blankets. My little tyke is a big wriggler so I like to think he would be easier to settle in something more womb-like such as this. Check out their store for other goodies as the shop seems to be run by a very dedicated, loving and crafty mother.

$32/£20







'Crying is for babies' poster from the Subliminal baby range. sycamorestreetpress @ Etsy.

Letterpressed, original prints, great for the nursery. Other items from the range include 'You are getting sleepy' and 'eating off the floor never ends well'. Here's hoping they rub off.

Reasonable at $35/£22 each.




Gorilla cloth nappy soaker by thesittingtree.

Other than cloth/reuseable nappies being ecologically and economically friendly you also get the opportunity to buy stylish unique items that are cherishable, a strange prospect when one thinks of what will soon be in the item of clothing, nevertheless I think they are cute, a must have for those who are cut out for washable nappies.

$18/£11






3x Pom features by pomtree

The latest interior fad; pom poms!

Great for the nursery as an alternative to mobiles. Either way sure to catch babies eye whilst brightening up the room.

Pick your own colours here.

Three for an absolute steal at $11/£7

Bless this mess onsie from Friendsagain @ etsy

Cute unisex babygrow vest with vintage twee cross-stitch font screenprinted by hand.

A steal at $15, approx £9.










paw print baby moks by scandeez @ etsy.

Beautiful leather shoesies, it is a shame they wouldn't be used for long as you can tell from the photographs they are really delicately crafted, furthermore making you hope that your littleun stops growing.

$30/£19









A-Z Animal print by boldandnoble

Teach your child their ABC's with this educational art by the wonderful and talented Boldandnoble.

he handscreened print depicts a silhouette of 23 animals corresponding to the alphabet, giving opportunity to learn how these letters make sounds as well as a broader vocabulary of animals.

$67/£43







Wooden toy train by asummerafternoon

A timeless classic toy handcrafted in organic wood. Comes with four cars as standard. Chunky and sturdy in design. Would be great as a hand-me-down for generations to come. Beautiful.

Under priced at $50/£30









'Jeannie' knitted plush by theweaverbirdie

Charming handcrafted toy made with cuddly wool.

This one of a kind puppy comes with a free pouch.

Check out the shop for more designs.

$21/£12

Getting my maternity kit off...

So, a friend of mine needed a preggo to bare (not really) all for his upcoming video installation. At first I didn't want to do it, but didn't want to let anyone down. I tried to re-write my parts where my chest would be covered with a newborn, un-surprisingly we had problems getting hold of one.

Looking back at the day I suppose I felt more funny about being partially naked in front of my friend, I also felt odd that by getting my kit off when pregnant would misrepresent my usual shape. The day came closer and closer then on the day I just took a deep breath whipped my top and bra off and got on with it. - the tension dropped and not after long I felt fine.

Looking back on the photographs (which I asked to be taken) I was slightly proud I had overcome being so wilful and just got on with it, not to mention I didn't appear to look like the Jabba-the-Hutt freak that I was convinced I would. Also, after the pregnancy, looking back at this time in years to come, I can see how I carried my first born. (Not to mention being a part of a pretty unique art-piece!). Just as well it is being exhibited in lands far away, I would probably feel much different if my friends were to see it!

I definitely suggest doing something similar, this has made me consider making a video of the birth or from the day of arrival so I can remember all of this, the negatives make me forget how happy I am to be carrying. Also, on speaking to other Mothers about this they recall the final stages/labour as cloudy, it seems to upset them that everyone sees their experience from a better view of which they did.

I don't know, maybe i'm going maaaaaaad.

The attack of the killer pram! - Parenthood and artistry

I am not exactly the Guardians biggest fan, so I was pleasently surprised to see this article passed onto me by my partner. It's a refreshing piece discussing the realities of making it in the art world after becoming a parent. The article is written by novelist Frank Cottrell Boyce, so obviously its about writing in particular, but the same principles can be translated to all the arts, or even an attitude to life as a nervous parent.
In my household me and my partner both work in creative fields, to work nine to five to fund our lifestyles would feel like more or less giving up... Giving in and by our standards, we would be failing a inspirational good role models for our little un'.
Richard (understandably) wants to support me and our child, to provide for us without worry. I, would also like those things, but only under certain circumstances. Echoing the role Cottrel's wife, I also have only ever wanted my partner to write. For him to make a living from it, anything else is secondary to the bigger picture. I would not be happy to either of us to lose sight of our ambitions, and if we were to what kind of example would that set for our child? In addition to this I think to create and explore new ideas/places with my child strapped onto my partners back would make a wonderful reality for the person-to-be.
The child's presence I believe will encourage us to take our professions more seriously, as I am not only working for me now. We're working for the entire unit. It's going to be incredably hard, but hey, what other choices do we have?

(Pictured above: Artist Barbara Hepworth with child Paul, 1929)

Ziemowit Maj’s wall decals

Ziemowit Maj’s electric range.
Plug stickers that are pretty clever, good for a nursery or someone who is easily impressed such as myself.