TUTU GIVEAWAY and Thrifty Mama Natural Holiday Gift Guide Feature

BabyCakes Creations is thrilled to be featured in the Thrifty Mama Natural Holiday Gift Guide. If you do not follow Thrifty Mama I highly suggest you do - this woman has some amazing deals and freebies!! I am a facebook fan and get amazing daily coupons and deals that way.

Additionally, you can enter to WIN a BabyCakes Creations Holiday Pettitutu at Thrifty Mama right now! Get your entries in this weekend as a winner will be chosen Monday morning, December 7th! Just in time for those holiday photos :)

***Happy Thanksgiving - Holiday Break***

***PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, we will be taking a break from 11/25-12/2. You may still place orders during this time but please note they will not be processed or shipped until we resume normal operations. Emails WILL be checked occasionally during this time to answer any questions. Have a great Thanksgiving!

JUST LISTED: The Holiday Pettitutu size 12mos-2T, ready to ship. Only ONE available!! Perfect for holiday photos.

NEW ITEM: Decoupage Initial Bow Holders

A sweet way to display your little girl's hair bows and clippies! This Decoupage Initial Hair Bow and Clippie Holder is the ultimate girly accesory - a functional piece of decor for displaying and organizing all of those hair bows and clippies!

I LOVE custom orders - these bow holders can be made with any initial and in any color scheme - please inquire for more information or for a custom listing.

Happy Tutu Owner :)

Another happy customer! Logan looks adorable in her BabyCakes Creations tutu :) If you are a happy customer and would like your child featured email me at babycakescreations@live.com with a photo and I would love to feature them on my blog and facebook fan page!

New Item: Pettitutus

Pettitutus are a fun and funky tutu and they look absolutely awesome in photos. Here is the "Holiday Pettitutu". Check my shop to purchase your pettitutu or contact me for a custom design!

Awesome blog for toddler crafts

Ok, so aside from tutu making, my other obsession is anything fun, crafty and that promotes learning for Addison. I had to share this website because she has some awesome and simple ideas for crafts and activities to do with toddlers. The author was a teacher turned stay at home mom and her background brings some ideas I would not have thought up on my own. Enjoy! I would love to check out other sites with activity and craft ideas so if you have any favorites please comment with them :) Oh and she also has a blog for some really good recipes if you are into cooking - another hobby of mine these days!

Tutu Dress with matching hat

Here is my latest custom order tutu dress in hot pink and purple with a matching hot pink flower hat. If you are interested in custom tutu dresses or coordinating hats let me know!

***Patriotic Tutu***

I recently had a custom tutu order for a marine's daughter. Daddy is coming home soon and her mom thought it would be fun to greet him in a patriotic tutu! What a great idea! This was also my first experience shipping overseas to Japan :)

Custom Tutu Dress Order

This dress was for a 3 year old birthday girl and turned out pretty cute I think! Custom orders can be so fun because sometimes the color combinations people choose I would have never thought of!

Another Happy Tutu Owner

Isn't my niece London so adorable in her Greenbay Packers tutu? Her Daddy is a HUGE Packers fan so this tutu seemed quite fitting for her! Custom team color cheerleader tutus are available in over 40 color options for your little sports fan.

Make your own darling play table!

I have been wanting a table and chair set for Addison to be able to play at - color, paint, play dough, etc. This tutorial is adorable...in my head of course I am replacing the fabric with a table sized tutu skirt...or maybe a thin tutu layer over the fabric so that it is not transparent...hmmm...

Photo from Pretty Partridge.

Pretty Pinks WITH LAVENDER and pink rosettes

This was a custom order for a 3 year old birthday girl. I think it turned out so adorable!!

NEW Item - Crochet Tutu Dresses!!

I am so excited about the newest addition to my etsy shop - Crochet Tutu Dresses. These little dresses are adorable, unique, and super comfy. Currently Lavender and Hot Pink are available. Dresses are made with soft, stretchy crochet tube tops and tulle skirt is attached. Each dress also comes with a matching crochet headband and detachable flower (can be placed on the dress or headband). These will fit newborn all the way up to about 12 months. I am working on toddler sizes and hope to have those available soon. I can also attach a halter neck tie if desired, though these little dresses are sure to stay put on their own too. These dresses would be adorable for newborn or baby photos, 1st birthday attire, Halloween (add a pair of wings and you have a little fairy!), or simply just a cute and fun dress to wear. I hope you like them as much as I do! Check my shop for these appearing soon!!

Such a cute mod podge craft!

Ok, I have not held up my original plan to post a crafty idea every week, but I am still going to post crafts that intrigue me as I find them. This one has my interest and I am excited to take it on! My only problem is Addison is a book-addict and I'm not sure she could happily part with any. I may have to find a clearance board book at Borders to accomplish this project.

Pretty Partridge, blogger and fellow-etsy shop owner has some great ideas and this project is one of my favorites! Pics from Pretty Partridge. Check it out!

Tutus for the ultimate Halloween costume!

Halloween is right around the corner and what better than a custom tutu costume! Tutus can be made in any length and color combination for the perfect costume! Add embellishments such as ribbon streamers, pompoms, flowers, crystals, etc to create the ultimate custom costume that is sure to be unique!

Some ideas for tutus that you can easily pair with solid colored shirts, leotards and tights:

Witch - purple and black tutu or orange and black tutu (pair with witch hat)
Pumpkin - orange tutu with green ribbon
Tinkerbell - green tutu with purple ribbon (add some wings and a magic wand)
Fairy - any color tutu but I think of hot pink or purple (again, add wings and a wand)
Rainbow bright - tutu in rainbow colors with rainbow colored ribbon streamers
Bumblebee - yellow and black tutu
Cheerleader - tutu in team colors
Ladybug - red tutu with black pompoms
Flower - any color tutu with rosette embellishments
Bride - white tutu dress with tulle veil

Contact me for a custom listing for any of these or other ideas you have - I would love to help you create a memorable Halloween for your little one with a custom tutu!

Happy Customer

I just received photos from a happy customer and with her permission wanted to post these pics. Julia is too cute in her sweet pinks with rosette embellishments tutu!

Happy 4th of July!!

Wishing you all a fantastic and safe 4th of July!!

Cheerleader Tutus in Custom Team Colors!

My niece London's 2nd birthday party was this past weekend and her daddy is the biggest Greenbay Packers fan I know. I thought it fitting that his daughter have her very own Packers tutu! My niece loved it and daddy approved too. How about a custom tutu in your favorite team colors for your little cheerleader?

Pretty Pinks with Sweet Rosette Embellishments

♥ This is one of the latest custom orders and I thought it turned out very sweet! You can purchase this design in my etsy shop, or create something custom for you - change the colors or embellishments - or both! The options are endless to creating your perfect tutu. ♥

A little behind

Ok, so I'm a little behind, OK, I'm VERY behind on my blog posting. But don't worry, I am working on some really great new items! Stay tuned...

On another note it seems as though summer in the Pacific Northwest may have officially begun - we are loving the weather and all this sunshine!! Have to make up for the vitamin D deficiency from the rest of the year here :)

Crafty Friday - Let's Talk Organization

Ok, so this is not a craft tutorial this week - more like an open forum for crafty ideas! I am currently in the process of cleaning out and re-organizing our office. I have been trying to come up with some great ways to store many of my crafting supplies.

I found some great canvas boxes to store tulle spools in - they are just deep enough that the spools fit perfectly so I can see exactly what colors I have. I have been trying to figure out good ways to store the ribbon I have accumulated. I was thinking wall mounted paper towel holders might work well. I am still trying to figure out the perfect way to store the bazillion embellishments and silk flowers among other items. I am also at a loss for a great compact way to store pre-made tutus and frankly I'm not sure there really is a way without risking crushing tulle. I have been using hooks on the wall to hang hair bow and clippie holders and that has worked well so far.

What crafty ideas have helped you get things organized?

***Also a reminder that the fans and followers sale ends Memorial Day at midnight!***

Fans and Followers SALE!!

♥ For Blog followers and Facebook fans only! BabyCakes Creations is having a memorial day sale for loyal fans and followers. Take 15% off your ENTIRE purchase of tutus, tutu dresses, and hairbow/clippie holders. Enter "FANSALE09" in the notes at checkout AND tell me if you are a blog follower (on the right side of my blog where it says "followers") or a Facebook fan. Hurry- sale ends Memorial Day at midnight! Have a great weekend! ♥

Crafty Friday - Homemade Playdough

Ok, so Addison is still a bit young for playdough but I'm excited for when we can use this recipe as she gets a little older. Why buy playdough when you can make your own so easily! You can add food coloring and make any color imaginable. Storing them in small tupperware containers may work well.

Ingredients:
2 cups baking soda
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup cornstarch

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients with a fork until smooth
Boil over medium heat until thick
Spoon onto plate or wax paper

Voila!! homemade playdough :)
***disclaimer - I have not tried this recipe yet so if it needs adjusting or you have a better one I love to hear about it

Crafty Friday - Mother's Day Jewelry Box

This tutorial from One Day When I Have Time is awesome! Intended as a Mother's Day gift though I think it would make a nice gift any time!

Happy crafting and have a great weekend!

Simple Mom

Today I stumbled across a blog that made my heart sing and I want to share it with you.

I am a planner by nature and organization is my game (well at least it was pre-baby...). When I decided to be a stay at home mom it seemed simple enough that I could raise my baby, run errands, have dinner on the table every night and keep my house clean and organized...well the last one of those has been something I have been wrestling with how to keep a better grip on since the first weeks we brought Addison home.

Addison was never a great napper as a newborn so I found it difficult to get much cleaning done in her 20-30 minute naps - not to mention much of her newborn napping she would only do on me in a sling! When she was awake she was a baby that always wanted to be held and I loved holding her. As she got older and her naps increased in time and she would take them in her crib, it has gotten much better, though I still struggle with needing a little down time versus cleaning like a mad woman to get everything done during naps (not to mention taking care of other "duties" like managing our rental properties, home and my husband's real estate business finances, and an online business).

Now that Addison is a toddler she is very good at independent play and does allow me more time to get things done - or include her. Example - helping me with folding laundry by handing me all the socks she can find, or helping me stir something I am cooking for dinner (as long as it's not hot of course!), but even still I find myself always feeling a step behind with the house chores. I have come to grips that my house will not always be perfectly clean and I am "ok" with it not being spotless as I know this time with Addison is short and precious. That being said, I am still an organizer/planner nut (not necessarily full on clean FREAK though I do feel sooo much better in a clean house - I just hate the cleaning part!) and I do need some order for my own sanity.

Simple Mom has so much inspiration for people just like me!! From a full 10 day guide to simplifying spring cleaning, to checklists you can download (I LOVE LOVE LOVE a good checklist!), grocery and menu ideas, monthly calendars and SO much more!! If you are anything like me in your quest for organization this site is so helpful! I love her simple approaches and straight forward advice.

I would love to hear what you think of this site and any other tips you have from your own life or other sites you love!

New Tutu Design: Island Cutie Tutu

I just finished a custom order for a 1 year old birthday girl in Hawaii and just had to post a couple pictures of how it turned out. Her sweet grandmother ordered the tutu for her and picked out the colors and I love them together so much that I am using it as a new BabyCakes Creations tutu design. This tutu is created in hot pink, wine, and citrus tulle with a hot pink satin bow. Tutus can be made in any length and all tutu designs can also be made into adorable tutu dresses. Best of all the non-roll elastic waste bands will stretch up to 5 inches so your little one can wear it for years to come. Let me know what you think of the new "Island Cutie Tutu" featured here (coming soon to my etsy shop). ♥

New Product Announcement - Tutu Dresses!!

♥ ♥ ♥ Brand NEW to BabyCakes Creations ~ Introducing Tutu Dresses!!!♥ ♥ ♥

The sweet and summery Garden Fairy Tutu dress is here!! I'm so excited about this design and these dresses! The Garden Fairy Tutu Dress is shown here in pretty shades of paris pink, baby pink and citrus. This tutu dress is custom made to your sweetie's measurements or selected size. The ultimate summery halter style dress perfect for photos, photographer props, flower girls/weddings, dress up, birthdays, dance recitals, special occasions, fun!! Best of all, when your little one outgrows the dress, it can become a tutu - a beautiful two-in-one gift for any girly girl. Get yours now here.

Tutu Dresses are created with Made in the USA 100% nylon flame retardant and certified lead free super soft tulle. All tutu dresses come with a coordinating satin ribbon halter and sweet flower accent. All ribbon is heat sealed to prevent fraying.

Tutu dresses can be custom made in any of more than 40 beautiful colors - contact me for more information or visit my etsy shop. ♥

Crafty Friday - French Memo Boards

I have always loved these and they looked simple enough to make. After looking at several tutorials, they truly are simple enough to make, though the end creation is a gorgeous way to display photos and notes. Here is a great tutorial with tons of step by step photos. And here is another tutorial that walks you step by step via video. I am going to make one of these soon (one of these days...) and will post a pic when I do. I would love to see photos of your creations too! Have a great weekend - happy crafting :)

Coming Soon...

The weather in the Pacific Northwest has been SUNNY until the last few days which has kept Addison and I outdoors and away from the computer (you have to enjoy it while it lasts around here!!).

I have been working on some new designs though and will have photos coming soon including photos of the gorgeous and super-summery garden fairy tutu dress. This design in two shades of pink and citrus can be made in an adorable tutu dress (my fave!!) or as a gorgeous tutu- also super sweet! It screams "summer" and I am hopeful that if I keep creating more of them the sun will come back and stay :) Also coming very soon - more hair bow/clippie holders, as well as more super cute tutu designs...so stay tuned!

And of course, if you have your own design in mind, I love love love custom orders! Check out my shop and keep checking here for new product announcements!

Crafty Friday - Decoupage Letters!!

♥ These are too cute and I can't wait to try it!! This would make a great addition to any nursery, bedroom, or even the rest of the house honestly. There are so many ways you can do this project since there are so many different scrapbook paper options out there. No matter what look or style you are going for, it can be achieved. This is one of those inexpensive crafty projects that in the ends looks like you paid some good coin for it. Check out the decoupage letter tutorial on Gray Matters' blog for all the how-to details.

I would love to hear about and see photos of your finished pieces! And as always, if you have a tutorial or crafty idea you would like to share for Crafty Friday please let me know! Happy crafting - have a great weekend!! ♥

New Product Announcement - Sweet Hair Bow Holders!

Check out our first "other girly things" - adorable hair bow and clippie holders! There are two currently available and more to come soon. The first two are for the ultimate girly girl with lots of pretty princess pink and bling bling bling -the Girly Bling Hair Bow and Clippie Holder and the Sweet Princess Bling Hair Bow and Clippie Holder.

What an adorable way to display your little cupcake's hair bows and clippies! A functional piece of decor for displaying and organizing all of those hair bows and clippies!

For bows and clippies to display on the holders I recommend Ellebows and More as previously raved about here.

Crafty Friday - DIY Magnets Tutorial

Crafty Friday is a new addition to my Blog. Every Friday (I will try to stick to this as best I can but please allow me a couple of "get out of jail free cards") I will post a crafty tutorial or idea to inspire and give you something to do on the weekend. If you have suggestions or your own instructions to share please let me know!

Our first Crafty Friday - DIY Magnets Tutorial

These are too cute and look so easy to make!! At last something to do on a lazy Saturday with extra scrapbook paper! I imagine you could use old wrapping paper, ribbon, magazine clippings, newspaper, photos, etc. to achieve your desired look. Find the tutorial over at Crafting Chicks. They have lots of other fun ideas too so take a look around while you are there! I can't wait to make some cute new magnets. Might even make some custom cute thumbtacks with these while I'm at it! These would make a great hostess or housewarming gift too!

Fingerprint Jewelry

When Addison was a few months old, I ordered a fingerprint necklace kit from Prairie Creations. I received a piece of clay with instructions in the mail and made Addison's print. Then I sent the tiny print back and they fired it into a piece of beautiful jewelry with Addison's initials on the back. This piece of jewelry is so very special to me and I plan to get additional fingerprint charms as we add to our family. There are also several etsy sellers that make beautiful fingerprint jewelry as well.

Birthdays and Tutus = Adorable Fun!

Saturday April 4th was Addison's 1st birthday and party!!! Along with her cupcake theme, giant cupcake-cake I made her and all the other little things and good company that made the day special, she OF COURSE was wearing a Confetti Birthday Tutu! This tutu design is one of my all time favorites to date - partly because it reminds me of birthdays and they are so fun (especially 1st birthdays!), but also because it comes in 8 gorgeous colors that scream "happy birthday!!!" Melon, yellow, lime, aqua, pansy, garnet, paris pink, and baby pink make up this adorable tutu.

Toddler Food Ideas

Ok, so this has nothing to do with tutus or tutu accessories, but I figure many of you may have toddlers and kids of your own. If you are anything like me, you are always looking for new fun meal ideas that are both nutritious and add some variety.

Today I found an amazing website Wholesome Toddler Food (I also used Wholesome Baby Food to make all of Addison's purees and get other beginning solids suggestions and highly recommend it.) This toddler site has TONS of great suggestions for even the pickiest of eaters. There are great recipes and even sample menu ideas!

I'm officially inspired to jazz up Addison's meals this week - hopefully you can gather some good ideas too! If you have other great websites or ideas for toddler feeding I would love to hear them also! ♥

Last Day for Easter Sale!

HAPPY EASTER! Reminder that today is the last day to take advantage of the BabyCakes Creations Easter Special for 10% off your order! Just enter SPRING10BLOG in your order notes.

Every tutu wearing girly girl MUST have matching hair clippies!

I have to take a moment to tell you about my good friend's etsy shop Ellebows and More. "ElleBows™ & More! Handmade hair accessories for little ones." Now, yes she is a friend of mine, but believe me, friend or not, her shop has the cutest little hair clippies I have ever seen (don't believe me, go see for yourself!)

Addison has several of them to match all her outfits and not only are they absolutely darling but they amazingly stay put in her super fine hair! I was so over the moon excited when Addison finally had grown enough hair to be able to ditch the headbands and go for the clips, but so many of them just fell right out (which equals choking hazard as well as losing them). I have never had any issues with my Ellebows sliding out and that is one of many, many reasons I love them so much. Aside from the no-slip factor (can I go on about that a little while longer!),Ellebows are just so stinking adorable! She has several different options and seems to add new options almost weekly. Itty Bitty Ellebows for the very first hair sprouts, matching clippie duos, clippie trios, button ellebows (my personal favorite!), silk flower clippies, adorable funky crochet flowers, felt flowers with cute little ribbon leafs, and I see just added new today (I told you she is always adding new things!!) sweet crochet butterflies!

Ellebows make great gifts too. I have purchased them for friends' daughters and they always add a unique and pretty touch to the gift (and come attached to super cute display cards). I will tell you though, I have been guilty of buying Ellebows as "gifts" and loving them so much that I end up keeping them for Addison and needing to get more!

I'm a little biased, but I think this picture of Addison in one of her many Ellebows is too cute!!

So head on over to her shop on Etsy and get the little sweetie in your life some adorable clippies! And while you are on Etsy, why not pick up a matching custom tutu from BabyCakes Creations for the ultimate gift! Also check out her blog for fun tutorials, product updates, sale announcements, and other good reads.

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The must have tutu accesory!

I recently stumbled across a fellow etsy shop, Knotty Baby Wear which features knotty legs. I have been pairing similar leg warmers with skirts and tutus on Addison for the past several months and was so excited to find this shop that not only offers very affordable knotty legs but some of the most adorable leg warmers I've seen to date!

♥♥♥ Every tutu wearing girl needs some knotty legs! ♥♥♥

These are great for crawling, potty training, diaper changes, and they are just too sweet and stylish! They come in a variety of sizes and patterns so check out the shop and get yours - and they even offer free shipping! www.knottybabywear.etsy.com

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