I’m embarrassed to admit that I currently have a fairly long list of overdue baby gifts I need to take care of. You would think that as a writer of a children’s blog I would have endless ideas for great baby gifts, but just like everyone else I get stumped. I’m always on the hunt for new go-to gift websites for great baby and birthday presents. Enter Lisa Callanan and Christina Tedesco. These two women met through their two little girls on the first day of preschool in the fall of 2005. As they got to know each other they shared the idea of starting a business that centered on what they cherished most in life: their kids. 2 Little Stars was launched and today their business offers a full product line of stylish and personalized blankets, burp cloths, bibs, onesies, tees, tag blankets, personalized accessories and more. Every item is made of high quality, luxurious fabric along with a unique design that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Project Nursery is a sucker for anything personalized such as the darling pony-tail holders and toddler letter tees. For that new baby, the handy burp cloths and tag blankets make wonderful newborn gifts. For a limited time, 2 Little Stars is offering a special discount to Project Nursery readers. Just enter code “PROJECTSTARS” at checkout and receive 10% off all orders. This offer is good through November 3rd.

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Tags: Baby Showers, Gifts, Personalized

Thanks for a great week of Stampin’ Up!. We hope you came away feeling a little crafty as a result. Whether you dive into that long overdue scrapbook, spruce up a wall with decals, or create your own framed art, your kid will appreciate your personalized touch (even if that happens to be years away from now)!

WIN IT!

1. Win a box of Stampin’ Up! goodies (including the latest catalog, stamps, decor element decals and craft papers) by commenting on this post and sharing your thoughts about this weeks Stampin’ posts or a crafty project where you send us a link to your own blog post! Who knows? If it’s kid related, maybe we will feature it

2. Extra entries are counted by 1) posting on our chat room forum (up to 5) 2) subscribing or commenting that you are a subscriber and 3) blogging about our giveaway. Yes, we track all of it!

3. The winner will be selected at random by using random.org

4. Contest ends Friday, October 31th, 11:59pm pst

CONTEST CLOSED - Congrats to Kim!

Tags: Giveaways, Stampin'

I used to take great pride in my business cards from back in my “working” days. They were something special - Double thick, textured, two-toned, embossed with copper foil and card stock like a brick on the spectrum of paper lbs. While my old career path is currently on hold and the cards are now used for a game of “52 card pick up” with my toddler, I have learned to channel my love of stationary into ordering special occasion and note cards. And there’s nothing more special or stunning than letterpress…

Debra Saba, owner and creative director at Luxe Expressions recently introduced me to her lovely line of letterpress. She also took the time to answer some questions I thought our readers may like to know:

Why is letterpress more expensive and is it worth it? Yes, Letterpress is special and because of the nature (each piece is pressed one by one by hand and by color to get the ink indention), they are on the higher price point than for Offset printing. However, we offer both print methods here at Luxe Expressions.  We do love Letterpress though. You can say the simplest things and it looks fabulous inked into soft cotton papers. Any baby design can be done in Letterpress or Offset and one can add embellishments with bows and other items to make them truly unique.

What is it like working with Luxe Expressions “Couture”? We are a couture design studio and our online pieces are used for inspiration but we find that for our baby clients, most people just want to change colors, names (of course), fonts, etc. For all things baby, we design baby shower invites, baby coasters, baby thank you cards, mommy calling cards, birth announcements, and family holiday cards. Luxe Expressions has endless possibilities for you to welcome the little one with style! Ask our design team how you can customize one of the collections you’ve seen on our site or work with them to custom-design a piece especially for you. Reach us by calling 770.424-6192 or email us at hello@luxeexpressions.com.  We will work up a quote, send an invoice, and begin the design process.  We will guide Project Nursery readers through the entire process.

Good News! Luxe Expressions is currently offering Project Nursery readers Baby Announcements and Baby Thank You Cards at 30% off for 1 or 2 ink colors through December 25^th.  In addition, our readers will receive 20% off family holiday cards in 1 or 2 ink colors. Designs must be in letterpress to qualify for the discount.  Offset printing is also available upon request.   Please use code LUXE4PN when contacting Luxe Expressions to apply the savings.

Tags: Announcements, Discounts, Letterpress, Stationary

Julie Blanchard, owner of Lemon Tree Paperie, created a sophisticated and classic nursery for her son Weston that we are pleased to share with our readers. When planning the nursery, Julie was instantly inspired by Serena and Lily’s fabrics and decided on the color scheme of navy, indigo and lime right away. One of Julie’s goals was to keep the colors and fabrics simple and uniform so that she would be able to easily accessorize.  One of our favorite elements in the nursery is the custom paint design featuring little Weston’s initials framed by a crest style border. Very Preppy and cute! Julie says, “The custom paint design saved on buying artwork.” What a brilliant way to give the walls purpose without having to find expensive artwork.

Julie customized the crib bedding by mixing the “Charlie” bumper with the “Blake” sheeting collection, both from Serena and Lily. With some extra fabric, she was able to customize a sweet pillow with Weston’s name for the her Dutailer glider. In addition, Julie used the extra bedding fabric and ribbon to create an adorable wall hanging for over the changing table. Other Details include a Pali crib, and Pottery Barn Kids baskets and liners. The lamp is from Target and the bookshelf is a custom made piece. Julie did an excellent job of mixing and matching pieces to achieve this tailored space she dreamed of for Weston.

Besides being a nursery design maverick, Julie has a passion for fine paper and stationary. After spending many years in the business she decided to open her own online boutique, Lemontreepaperie.com which offers baby announcements, calling cards, personalized stationary, family labels and much more. Through her online boutique, Julie advises clients on a national basis, and is personally involved in each and every order.

We are excited to announce that Julie has offered Project Nursery readers $15 off all orders of $100 or more! Use code NURSERY when placing orders. Offer valid through 9/30/08. With Halloween coming up what a great opportunity to snatch up some amazingly cute cards for the family. Thanks Julie!

Tags: Art, Baby Nurseries, Cribs, Discounts, Green, Inspiration, Monogram, Paint, Preppy

As you already know, Melisa and I are big fans of bringing art to the lives of our little ones. By the way, congratulations to subscriber Pencils for winning the darling painting “Morning Swim” which was so generously donated by Little Art Collector. This past weekend, I made a trip to the De Young Museum with both kids in tow to check out the fabulous Chihuly exhibit. The wide eyes and open mouth on my daughters face when we entered the gallery displaying all of his vibrant glass pieces was priceless. 

Looking for your own piece of personal and original art to add to a nursery or toddler room? Figment portraits are a contemporary approach to the pop art tradition. Kristine Baerlin is the creator of these unique works of art. Working in New York City as a successful painter for nearly a decade, Baerlin has developed two distinct portrait styles.

 Kristine says, ”My “Circle” style is an abstract, bold and contemporary approach to the pop art tradition. My “Dot” style is a playful twist on the more traditional portrait, perfect for any setting.”

She works directly with her clients to develop a specific size and color combination. Each portrait is hand-painted in her studio and signed on the back of the canvas. Baerlin’s portraits guarantee a timeless and original work of art. Her work has been featured on HGTV and various local galleries.

Contact Kristine at portraits@figmentstudio.com and mention you are a Project Nursery reader for a special discount on her designs. One of her pieces would be a beautiful addition to any room in the house.

Tags: Art, Wall Art

When my son turned one, I thought it would be extra special to have a photo album on display at his party to showcase to the world his first, joyful year on earth. Oh, but wait! Life with a child is crazy and this was simply not an option. Funny I should say this now. After all, I am a “SAHM”, right? I thought putting my career on hold would give me all the time in the world to be on top of crafty projects such as these. Funny, that it isn’t at all the case.

I also can’t remember the last time I had photos printed so how am I ever going to get baby’s first year book together? Project Nursery subscriber and NYC career mom, Kelly Cahill shared with us a brilliant solution: How Fast They Grow, created by self-proclaimed “Scrapbook dropout” and MomCathy Bennett

How Fast They Grow is a one of a kind “Digi-scrapbook®”: A drag and drop digitial scrapbook with over 270 templates to choose from. Even better, How Fast They Grow has just unveiled 54 new design templates from Pincushion, a new company founded by Aimee deLongchamp of the San Francisco Bay Area. Aimee, a renowned Bay Area textile designer, brings over a decade of experience designing for leading children’s fashion and home companies like Pottery Barn Kids, Esprit and the 2008 Gap Nursery collection to these adorable new templates.

So if you are just as impressed as we are, you have until July 3rd to get it together (check out the step by step demo). Be sure to mention “projectnursery” at checkout and receive 20% off your entire order. And if you are headed to a baby shower or in need of a gift for a recent arrival, give a How Fast They Grow gift certificate and you’ll make mom’s job a whole lot easier! A truly modern take on the baby book for modern families.

Tags: Books, Gifts

You’ve used the expression “warm and cozy” to describe a blanket but how about “healthy and elegant”? Two moms’ love of family, environment and fashion have come together to create Robbie Adrian, manufacturer of quality, organic baby blankets.

Mommy-to-be Tamara tipped us off on this hot find that celebrity mommies such as Christina, Katie, and Jessica know so well. Eco-friendly Robbie Adrian blankets are available in flirty silk ruffles or simple piping designs. Offered in plush 100% certified organic cotton velour or soft 100% certified organic cotton fleece, baby sizes start at $44 and they even make adult sizes. An ideal gift for welcoming a new mom or newborn into the world.

Robbie Adrian is also kind enough to extend a 10% discount to Project Nursery Readers. Please mention code “PN “at checkout. Oh and the gift box also happens to be just as pretty!

Tags: Blankets, Discounts, Eco-Friendly

Just last year I sent a customized storybook to a friend’s child and thought “How cool! It includes her name and birthday.” Little did I know that this was just the tip of the iceberg and I was missing out on a way better product. Meet that product: The First Adventures of Incredible You by the award-winning personalized storybook company, “Custom Made For Kids“.

Custom Made For Kids offers over 20 places in The First Adventures of Incredible You where details about a child, his/her family, friends, favorite places and family traditions can be seamlessly incorporated into the rhyming verse in the book. There is also a dedication page so they will always remember that this special gift came from you! Appropriate for boys, girls (up to 8yrs), all ethnicities and family structures, the Custom Made For Kids book comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Relish in your child’s cherished memories during story time. It will warm your heart. Take the virtual book tour to see for yourself. If you love it or know of someone special who will, write us a comment and one could be yours in our featured weekly giveaway. You know the rules…

Tags: Books, Discounts, Giveaways, Personalized

Decals add a splash of personalized creativity in any room but especially your childs. I can’t help but recommend these reasonably priced decals to friends and family. Hint to sister-in-law T: Wouldn’t this “Dandelion in the Wind” be great in your gender neutral, creamy, beigy (is that a word?), organic nursery? The baby’s coming in 5 months…no pressure

If you simply cannot commit to a single style, why not give decals a try? Forgo the agony of picking the perfect paint color, the cost of a mural, or meaning of a picture, when easy to apply decals can add a whole new dimension to your room. Best of all, the Lewa’s Designs’ blog provides a complete online tutorial to guide you through the application process.

So try something different for a change. Be whimsical and have fun with decals. Be confident and know that they can easily be removed if your taste or hobby should change. Mention this blog “Project Nursery” within the notes at Paypal check out to receive a 10% rebate.

Tags: Decals, Discounts, Wall Art

Framed gifts always make me feel special. Not only is it wonderful to look at on the wall, but it’s very personal and a sincere gesture from the sender.

If you are not already wowed by the complimentary stickers to match and seal the envelopes, have your stationary match your baby’s bedding! Yes, you heard correctly. Some of us can appreciate the hours and agony that goes into choosing the right crib bedding for your unborn baby. When we claim that Babycakes Art will take the time to customize your stationary design needs, we weren’t kidding. The possibilities are endless! Here’s just one example…

And now, the best part: Receive 15% discount on your purchase through June 30, 2008 with code “Project Nursery”. At checkout, enter code in the ‘notes to seller’ and the email address where the revised invoice should be sent. Complete order but do NOT go to Paypal to pay. You will receive a revised invoice, and a link to complete payment, via email reflecting the discount.

Tags: Announcements, Stationary, Stickers, Wall Art