Christmas GIVEAWAY!! Newborn Owl Hat from Happy Baby Crochet

AND THE WINNER IS.......

COMMENT # 21  -----  BETH who says, "Hi! I am thankful for my crazy little red-headed 2 1/2 year old AND her baby sister that is expected to arrive early March 2012!!"
(Beth, please email me at happybabyshoes99@gmail.com to claim your prize).

Announcing my Custom Newborn Owl Hat CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!!!!!

This Christmas I am so thankful to God for His many blessings. I am thankful that He sent His Son, Jesus, to be born so many years ago. I wanted to do a fun giveaway to celebrate His birthday!

So for my Christmas giveaway, I am going to do something a little different. I sometimes get tired of making the same owl hats over and over again, so I'm letting THE WINNER the option to "design their own" custom newborn owl hat! 

Baby Boy Owl Hat

Add braids/tassels



Boy Owl Hat colors but w/flower clip for a Girl

Girl Owl Hat w/flower



Newborn Girl Owl Hat

 
The winner may choose: 2 color choices for their owl hat (top and bottom), option of a flower, option of braids or tassels on the sides. A color card will be sent to the winner after the giveaway is over. My owl hats are made of organic cotton and superwash wool, so colors are based on the color choices for that yarn.  

So, without much delay......

HOW TO ENTER:

There are 4 things you can do to enter this giveaway: (Each of these steps counts as a separate entry. Each step completed gives you an additional chance to win! :-)

I do have to approve your comments, so don't worry if they don't show up right away.

1. Be a "Liker" of Happy Baby Crochet on FACEBOOK. Leave a comment here to let me know that you did this, or that you are already a fan.
2. Tell me what you are most thankful for this year in a separate comment here. 
3. Heart my ETSY SHOP or one of the items in my shop. Leave a comment here to let me know you did this.
4. "Share" my giveaway blog post on your facebook page (personal or business pages). Come back here and leave a comment that you shared.  

***Last day to enter is December 20, 2011. I will announce the winner on my facebook page (and on this blog) on December 21st, 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: Allow 3 weeks for me to custom make and ship your newborn owl hat. First Class USPS mail. My owl hats only come in size Newborn or 0-3 months. They are designed for use as photography props. Please always monitor baby while wearing them. Thank You!

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Winner will be chosen via random.org.

Christmas at Happy Baby Crochet!

It's Thanksgiving day....I piled the kids in the car, headed to my sister's house for some yummy turkey dinner and time with family. Immediately, I turn on the radio to my favorite station, The FISH Atlanta 104.7. My heart just melts when I hear Christmas music playing. OH, my absolute favorite time of the year!! I can't explain the excitement I feel from hearing Christmas carols. I am lover of music, but Christmas music is just amazing. I am so ready to celebrate the birth of my Savior, and these songs just make it all the more special. I think my favorites are "Oh Holy Night" and also "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant.

I am so thankful for all my many blessings this past year. As I prepare for Christmas and the holidays, I take each day...S L O W L Y, careful not to let the excitement, the holiday activities and busy times, the shopping and gift buying not overshadow the TRUE GIFT of God...Jesus, the reason why we celebrate Christmas.  

So, I leave with you some fun new Christmas images and this verse,
Psalm 118:29 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Here are some of my new items! If you want to order one but don't see it in my etsy shop, just email me at happybabyshoes99@gmail.com. All of my items are custom made-to-order, so keep in mind my normal turnaround is 3 weeks!

Reindeer Hat - Angel Eyes Photography

Reindeer Hat - Bella Bebe Photography

Hungry Little Caterpillar - Angel Eyes Photography

Christmas Hat and Cocoon Set - Angel Eyes Photography

Holiday Pom Hat - Bella Bebe Photography

New Etsy Shop Address & Newly Released Items!

Thank you Etsy for making some recent changes to your site, you have made "handmade" life a lot easier!

Thanks to these new changes, my new etsy shop address is now: www.happybabycrochet.etsy.com.

You can also see my name, Jenny Brink, at the shop owner. I am so happy that people are able to know my real name and not just my old profile username.


I hope everyone had a great Halloween! I feel so guilty I wasn't able to make "props" for my boys to wear, but after a successful first craft fair in October and filling so many orders recently, I just could not get to it! My fingers were too tired!
So, I had Spiderman in pjs from the Dsiney Store and a mask from target, and a firefighter with a hand-me-down costume!


I am also excited to release some NEW items to my shop! This is my first time working with Lisa from Lisa Rappa Photography (Atlanta, GA) and she made the most beautiful photos of my newborn bumblebee set. I can't wait to work with her in the future!

Baby Bee

Baby Bee

Baby Bee

I have also released a new newborn pixie hat called the "Holiday Pom Pixie Hat." Jessica from Bella Bebe Photography (Daphne, AL) always does such amazing work!

Holiday Pom Pixie Hat

Well, hope you enjoy a fabulous week and Blessings to you!

Jenny

Harvest Festival on October 15th, 2011 in Marietta Square

I am busy preparing for the Harvest Festival in Marietta, GA on October 15th from 9am-6pm. If you live in the Atlanta area, please come by and visit our booth! The festival has lots of activities for for the whole family---Halloween happenings, games, costume contests, food and fun! This will be the first time Happy Baby Crochet will participate as an exhibitor, so I am looking forward to it. I will have lots of ready-made photo props as well taking custom orders for the Fall and Christmas time!

My Etsy shop is currently CLOSED while I am preparing for the festival. I will REOPEN my shop on OCTOBER 16TH with some ready-to-ship items available. Stay Tuned!

Here is a preview of some items available READY-MADE for the Harvest Festival this year!

Boy Owl Hats

Football Hats

Girl and Boy Newsboy Hats

Organic Shell Stitch Hat

Pumpkin Hats

Penguins

Christmas Hat and Cocoon

___________________________________________________________________

Additional Information about the festival from the

Events on the Square Website.

October 15th, 2011

Harvest Square Festival
Historic Marietta Square

Sat 9:00am-6:00pm

The 35th annual Harvest Square Arts and Crafts Festival will feature many local and area artists and craftspeople. Exhibitors will include painting, pottery, woodwork, metal, jewelry, glass, fabric and floral designs. This year the festival will feature Halloween Happenings and Scarecrows on the Square. The Marietta Square Farmers Market will also take place during the festival from 9 a.m.-noon.

This year's festival combines Halloween Happenings and Scarecrows on the Square into a day of family fun. Halloween Happenings will feature games, activities and prizes for the entire family. Scarecrows will be set up by schools, groups, and organizations the first week in October and will remain in the Square until November 1.

Schedule of events
Scarecrow contest winners, 1:45 p.m.
Children's costume contest, 2 p.m.
Pet costume contest, 3 p.m.

The festival is free, and free parking will be available in the Cobb County parking deck from the Waddell Street entrance. For more information, call Marietta's Parks and Recreation Department at 770-794-5601.



And so I leave you with an Etsy Treasury I made today! It lists some of the most beautiful creations.....called
My Owl Garden.


Hope to see you there!
Blessings,
Jenny

Izzy B Review and Football Giveaway!

This giveaway is closed but more soon to come!!

Visit Izzy B Designs Blog and enter to win win win some football fun from Happy Baby Crochet!! I am joining with Izzy B Designs for my giveaway. You will also find some other amazing football stuff to win on her blog, so make sure to enter before Sept 17th!


***Please note: You must go to Izzy B's blog (link above) to enter. You cannot enter here or on my facebook page.


Auburn University graduate and from a crazy Alabama family who LOVES Auburn football, yes that's me. War Eagle!

So, via Izzy B, one winner will receive a Lil' Auburn Tiger hat in size NEWBORN.

One winner will receive this little football hat in size NEWBORN.



Below are some new football themed hats you can buy in my ETSY SHOP or contact me at happybabyshoes99@gmail.com

My son in his AU tiger hat!

Blessings!
Jenny

WIN Izzy B's Big August Giveaway

For the month of August, you can enter to win some amazing prizes in Izzy B's HUGE giveaway. Contest ends August 31, 2011. There are 2 categoies. One contest for prizes at least $25 and one for $75 and up. Check it out HERE.  

Happy Baby Crochet is giving away a $25 gift certificate.

You may use this to buy something in my shop or a custom from me (as long as I have a pattern for it!). Izzy B will post the winners on her blog after the contest ends.

Please read all of the directions on Izzy B Facebook of how to enter. They are posted in the link above. Also, visit her blog for more reviews and amazing giveaways. She will be doing a review of my Auburn Tiger hat some time this Fall.

Good Luck!

Jenny

Finding Creativity in the Midst of Chaos



Organic Cotton Shell Stitch Hat



After chasing around my boys all day...trying to keep them off the furniture, from drawing on the walls with crayons, chewing my remote controls, YOU NAME IT, at the end of the day I just feel BLAH!! I know that all of this chaotic enjoyment is short-lived, so I try to keep the peace. May God give me patience!

Some how through it all I try and find some time to be creative, though most of my creative juices have already been squeezed by my kiddos. But you know what? That's okay! Because God has a  plan for me...and my kiddos. All I can do is try and stay in HIS Word, live day by day, and know that he is Lord. He is in control, not me.

If you are having "one of those days," I am praying that you keep in mind:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Don't forget to visit my facebook page and my etsy shop. I will be having a giveaway on my facebook page as soon as I reach 500 fans!

Photos by Angel Eyes Photography.




Penguin Hat



Christmas Hat and Cocoon

Cute as a Button Hat and Booties

Bright Blue Newsboy Hat and Daiper Cover







Newsboy Hats

Crochet Newsboy Hats are definitely a hot trend for newborn photoshoots. I just love them for Fall weather. I have made them in all colors and my absolute favorite part is picking out buttons to go with each one.
Here are a couple of new ones I have made from a pattern from Speckled Frog Crochet on etsy. The green one below is currently listed for sale in my etsy shop. There are so many possibilities for this hat, colors, textures, buttons, flowers, ribbon. I can think of a million, but all in all this pattern is so cute that it really doesn't need a whole lot added to it to look great.



Photo by Nicodemus Photography



Crochet Sock Monkey

Sock Monkey by Art of Crochet

Crochet Sock Monkey Pattern from Crochet Geek

I just had to share a link to Teresa's (Art of Crochet) pattern for a crochet sock monkey. How cute! She gives video tutorials for each body part....amazing work!
I love making my monkey hats and they were definitely inspired by Mr. sock monkey. Maybe I need to work on a matching sock monkey toy for my monkey hats!

Blessings!
Jenny

Single Crochet Baby Beanie - EASY

This is a RE-POST from last year, but I just love this little baby beanie crochet pattern and it's so easy to make. I don't use this pattern much anymore, but I used it a lot when I was first starting out. It's great for beginners! The video tutorial will help guide you.  Happy Crocheting!

_______________________________________________________________________________

REPOST: Single Crochet Baby Beanie - EASY

The baby pattern I probably use MOST is the single crochet baby beanie. Moms love this pattern, especially for baby gifts and newborns. The same pattern can be used for many different versions and styles (I will be adding more ideas at a later date). The following pictures show some of my different versions of the same simple pattern. This pattern is FREE and can be found online at:
FREE BABY BEANIE PATTERN where she also has an online tutorial showing how to make this beanie hat. Video tutorial

The baby shoes/loafers below are from a pattern by Hook Candy. I love her crochet baby bootie patterns. Here is her shop on etsy: Sylver

Here is one of my baby beanies in a Sugar'n Cream's natural cotton yarn.    

This one is made with Caron's Simply Soft in Orange and Blue.

I had a request for a War Eagle/Auburn baby beanie. 

This one is made from Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Lake and Taupe and the one below it is made from Lime green and Cream.

Baby Crochet and Newborn Photo Props

When it comes to crochet, newborn photography prop making seems top at the list for the hottest craze. I think there is a new prop shop popping up every minute on etsy! I can't believe some of the things being created. I've seen some beautful crochet work recently and super talented artists.

My photographer friend is the one who suggested I start making photo props. I was busy making and selling baby gifts, shoes and hats, but she showed me some photographs on etsy...and I was hooked! I am enjoying it so much...so much more fun than just boring old baby shoes and hats.

If you can crochet baby hats, blankets, cocoons, headbands, slings, or anything of the like, you should try selling some items on etsy and see how it goes. There are some great patterns you can find for making photo props. I would strongly suggest this since you never know with other baby crochet patterns if the sizing is correct. You definitely want it to fit. There are some crochet pattern designers who have lots of experience in this area.

So, how do you know who to buy your pattern from? What pattern do you choose? Well, I have a great suggestion!

If you aren't already a member of RAVELY. Go sign up. You can search for patterns (click at the top on "patterns) you want to make. (example: baby photo prop hat) Then, once you find a pattern you are interested in, click at the top on "projects." Most of the patterns have other people who have already made items from the pattern. They like to share pictures of their work. If you like how the other projects turned out, that probably means it a good pattern and it's okay to buy it.

I create most of my own patterns but I have bought some that I really like on etsy from Inner Hooker, Mamachee, and Little Abee. Sometimes it's silly to write a new pattern for something when these other designers have already perfected it!

Well, good luck with the pattern search and now I will share with you the hat I just made using a pattern from Inner Hooker. It's her pumpkin hat pattern. Soon to be available for slae in my shop!

New Crochet Baby Shoes

Here are the 2 new styles of crochet baby booties that I have just added to my etsy shop. I am working on matching hats too! The shoes below are called "Happy Little Tree Climbers." I know that's sort of a strange name, but I took several pictures of them on a tree branch as you can see in some of the pictures and I just thought it was a cute, yet original name. The are also made of organic cotton and wool, so I was thinking about that they are "earthy" like "trees"...okay, so that doesn't make much sense does it? Ha! They come in sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-9 months.

Happy Little Tree Climbers



These are called "Cute as a Button Booties." One of my facebook fans came up with their name...yay! I love these booties. They come in sizes 3-6 months and 6-9 months.

Cute as a Button Booties


I thought I would share some pictures of me making them.....
If you've ever made baby shoes, you know how tedious they can be but shoes are definitely my first love when it comes to crochet!


Finished the sole!....

 Beginning the trim.....

Hiding my stitch.....

 Making the body.....

 Adding Buttons.....

 The finished product.....

Blessings!

Jenny