all that, and more

Ohmygosh.

I'm so excited!

I've the honor to introduce you (should you not be lucky enough to have already met) to one of my crafty/blogging/mom heroes.  I "met" her a few months ago, and I don't know how I missed her for so long.  (Just another example of "me under my rock," I suppose.)  Any guesses who? 

Here's a hint: 

Yes, you're right!

This delightful and incredibly inspiring person is none other than Teri of Giddy Giddy, a charming children's-goods website.  She's mom-of-two, crafter, designer, business-woman, and a lovely, lovely person. 

So, why is she a hero?  Well, she's super sweet for starters, but also incredibly talented.  First off, Teri's home is charming.  Located in the San Francisco bay area, it's full of color, playfulness and thrifted loveliness, and Teri's eye for good design and her happy heart are evident in spades:

(That's one of Teri's paintings, in the background!)

(Vintage pins liven-up a sweet mirror...)

When I asked Teri what she felt her decorating "style" or philosophy might be, she said, "If I had to sum it up in 3 words, it would be:  eclectic modern vintage.  My decorating style is constantly evolving but most certainly determined by my budget.  For me, It wouldn’t be as fun or gratifying to buy a $600 chair as it would be to discover a beat up $5 chair that I’ve cutified!"

 
Next, She's got a love of vintage fabrics, and gives them new life in the sweetest of ways:  "I am a crazy fabric hoarder!  I love it all--from delicate 30's prints, to modern patterns from the 60's, and the psychedelic designs of the 70's. I am especially delighted by anything unexpected and out of the norm."

Thanks to Teri, her daughter's wardrobe is to-die-for, and she wears it so perfectly!:

(Okay, I have to step in and insist on Teri's behalf that she is truly not into Mommy-and-Me clothing.  Really.  In the first photo [skirts], Teri was teaching herself to make A-Line skirts.  And the second one [leggings] is charmingly explained here.)

But the crafting!  Oh, my word. Check out these sweet items from Teri's shop--the felt barrettes (there are many, many styles) are her signature item, and she's been creating them since 2004 .  Teri says, "I started making these handmade felt hairclips 6 years ago when my daughter was 6 months old.  I didn’t like all the frou-frou ribbony and sparkly hair clips for babies.  I was very much the anti-bow mom.  And my preference for quirky got me to start playing with felt on a hairclip--something that didn’t exist then!"

 

The difficulty, for Teri, is that similar barrettes have popped up since, quite frequently, in the online marketplaces, and this is (understandably) very frustrating.  She says:  "[Online marketplaces] have given creatives, crafters and artists a place to showcase their creations.  On the flip-side, it’s a place where people can hide behind their store and copy others in the name of making a few bucks.  It can be like the "wild west" of crafters--a free-for-all with no rules and no policing."  (Amy, here:  I have no doubt that many of the artists and crafters who read this blog can identify with Teri's feelings.  It's a very touchy subject for some, but honestly, I believe that when you are copying, you know you're copying, and there's no excuse.  Sadly, it happens all the time.)

But, fear not...Teri is FULL of ideas!  Check out these lovelies!:

Pouches for the littles...

And hats!  This one above, that looks like a curly little bob hair-do for heaven's sake, would have been on my girls' heads in about two seconds flat.  (The chin-straps are awesome, too, as both my girls would burst into uncontrollable giggles whenever I tried to tie a bow under their chins...Which, of course, is not a bad thing, but when you're in a hurry...oh, you know.)  

Ooooh! And I saved my total favorites from Teri's quite considerable bag o' tricks for last:  DIY projects from her blog, just for us!  There are many of them, but here are the ones we're gonna do here at our house, very soon:

Adorable snow-globe cards...

Cookie-cutter faces (!)...

And the most awesome (no-sew) cone puppets!  (There are so many more wonderful ideas--don't forget to check Teri's DIY section on her sweet blog...)

So, do you see?!  Why she's one of my heroes?  So much inspiration in one person, it's almost hard to wrap my head around it.  But what can I say? 

That's Teri.  She's all that, and more.

Hope today is, was, or will be everything you want, my dears.  Cheers!

xoxox.  

Comments

[v]

great stuff! off to check her blog, thank you:)

[little. lovely.]

I'm off to check it out too. Thank you for sharing, you're always so generous with your finds! x

[Wendi Gratz]

Oh my giddy aunt! I want that curly bob hat for myself! Too cute! I know I'm going crazy with the exclamation points here, but really!

[Kira]

I love her colorful home and I want the little girl's sandals! Very inspiring, thank you! :)

[beki]

Oh wow, I clearly live under a rock, too!! How fun!

[suzanne]

I want to let you know JUST HOW MUCH I enjoy your blog. I check on a daily basis, but for some reason I've been the bashful reader when it comes to commenting...which is strange, because I'm certainly not bashful. I love the way you find the beauty in the everyday....and share the way others do the same.

[N.]

I had bought some clips from her a couple of years ago and found her blog last month. I love her esthetic - so very awesome.

[Amy Hanson]

Thanks, all! I know it--she's awesome, right? And suzanne--thanks so very much. So, so glad you find something to smile about now and again 'round here. That's what I'm shooting for, and thanks for letting me know you enjoy...! xoxox.

[Alix]

hiya!
I stumbled upon your blog this evening while cruising around and I LOVE it! And then I was totally excited and surprised to see your post on Teri!! She is amazing...her little girl and my little boy are in the same kindergarten class, and I can tell ya she truly is a lovely, amazing and SUPER cool lady.

Nice to have found you! Can't wait to read more...
Alix
modernkiddo.com

[Lisa]

I have never seen those sweet felt barrettes before (not surprising, I don't have kids yet) and knew immediately that I will be ordering some for my lovely little baby niece. Easier said than done...SO MANY CUTE OPTIONS. How am I supposed to choose?? Well, baby niece doesn't have any hair yet, so that buys me some time, but - holy adorable, Batman!