Moonstruck

It make sense that amigurumi, the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals, would appeal to almost everyone. We humans, with all our maddening parental instincts, can’t resist small, cute objects. How else could our last few generations explain the popularity of calculator wristwatches that perform complex mathematical functions (because hey, trig happens when we least expect it); mp3 players so small we lose them with our keys; and Pokemon? For Marcy Bridges, also known as Marcy Moon-Yen, however, the question is not whether Moon Buns, her signature li’l stuffed bunny, is cute enough—we all know the answer to that one—but rather, how can this doe-eyed work of doll genius get any cuter?

Bridges, a Chinese-American fiber artist working out of her Virginia studio, has figured out how to outfit the same palm-sized bunny in dozens of different colors, and even in a darling riding hood, without ever losing sight of the simplicity and innocence that put her product on the map. Handmade, kid-proportioned to emphasize the sweet childlike spirit of the craft, and conveniently sized for stuffing in purses or pockets as a carry-along friend, Moon Buns just might be the one “traditional” plaything that finally catches on in homes strewn with electro-junk and spent batteries. After all, our kids need someone like Moon Bun. And Moon Bun needs them, too. To help a little bun find his way into your home, Marcy has graciously agreed to send one Custom Forest Moon Bun. To enter, visit Moon's Creations, then come back here to tell us which of Marcy's creations fits your personality best and why. Tell us in an additional post if you subscribe to Wishing Willow, follow us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter, and "tweet" about the giveaway. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. Contest ends 2/20/09. We have our winner. Congrats Hazel!

Toys for the Moments of Tooth

When it comes to handling a teething infant, there are really two choices: one, take the initiative to provide something firm, chewy, and safe; or two, watch in horror as Junior makes a teething toy of whatever happens to be lying around. Babies don't discriminate when it comes to shoving objects into their mouths. As parents, however, we have reason to be choosy, and thanks to Starbright Baby there are some wonderfully fresh, fun teething toy options to consider, all of which are homemade, safe, and BHT-free (unlike the plastic teethers sold in many stores). The choices are up to you: For your princess type, Stella the giraffe might be the pick, stylishly decorated with retro circles the shade of bubble gum and martini olives. For the gamesman/enigmatic thinker you're sure is already contemplating physics in his crib, Skyler is an inspiring option, thoughtfully finished in checkerboard green to stimulate brain activity. Or, for a twist, one might even consider custom-ordering a giraffe sized for toddlers, clothed in a tailormade suit of your own favorite fabric scrap. The folks at Starbright Baby have made it devilishly easy to find something perfect for your little angel, and these gentlemanly giraffes might just buy you a few more hours of sleep each week along the way.

Starbright Baby is also generously offering a giveaway to our faithful Wishing Willow readers. The winner of today’s giveaway will be receiving an adorable teething giraffe from Starbright Baby's Collection ($14 value). To qualify, visit Starbright Baby, then come back here to tell us about your favorite style and product. Tell us in a second post if you subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 1/06/09.

We have a winner! Kama @ Today's Housewife who said, "I like Teething Giraffe - Makayla. This would be perfect for my son. He turned 3 months old on Christmas day and has constantly been chewing on his hands lately! I wonder if he's going to start teething soon"

A Golden Touch

Children, don’t discard those secret hopes and not-yet-jaded spirits just yet. Your parents may not admit it, but there’s a significant element of truth to the fantastical stories of toys rising to life, as they do in legends running the gamut from Pinocchio to The Velveteen Rabbit. Here it is: Sometimes, we choose the toy. Sometimes, the toy chooses us. The fuzzy, felt-skinned friends offered by Kata Golda serve as a splendid sample group through which to test this theory, laboratory-style. Go ahead little girl, pick up the hand-stitched dog, spring-pretty in her skirt and blouse, and see if her tiny dark eyes like chocolate chips don’t implore you to take you home, best friends forever. Don’t be afraid, little boy, to hold that bear in the buttoned jumper close to your believing heart, and see if he doesn’t softly whisper a plea that he might be the toy that wins your smile this Christmas. Give Kata’s characters a window of opportunity, Mom and Dad, and that lamb with the beguiling eyes, rabbit in Sunday best, or darling little peep just might capture you as well.

Of course, any review of Kata Golda’s work would be remiss without a mention that it isn’t just her stuffed animals that carry this magic. With the same enviable ease with which she turns a few mousy bits of felt into a full-fledged finger puppet, she turns tea sets etched with animal life, cards announced by unassuming snowmen, journals sung to life by carefree birds and a score of other products into the kinds of keepsakes that never lose their place in our lives. The fact that Kata donates a percentage of every sale to elementary schools is really just a second layer of frosting on an already-delectable treat; these toys are appealing enough as examples of the kinds of toys that all of us as parents wish we could make. Well, maybe you don’t have Kata’s golden touch, but if your luck is golden, that might be enough: The winner of today’s giveaway will be receiving an adorable Mouse Finger Puppet from Kata’s collection ($24 value). To qualify, visit Kata Golda, then come back here to tell us about your favorite product. Tell us in a second post if you happen to subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 12/11/08.

**We have a winner! Jenna who said, "I really like the Kid’s Messenger Bag. It is very cute!"

Wooly Whimsy

whimsy (hwim’-zee), n., a fanciful or fantastic device, object, or creation especially in writing or art

Strictly speaking, of course, the above definition is not usually the one intended when craft artists such as Anne, the creator behind Murdock Designs describe their work as having in it a touch of “whimsy,” but in this case, it works as beautifully as does the art itself. Our six-year-old, Aedan, himself a fanciful/fantastic creation, confirmed the elusive “it” factor, the magic, of Anne's vibrant handiwork when the Blue Leafy Super Bug became his favorite wooly appendage from the first moment he snatched it away from the three-year-old brother for whom it was intended, but by no means is the Murdock Designs charm lost on adults. Just the opposite: while critters the likes of Dotty Super Bug or Diagonal Busy Bear might hog the spotlight with their heroic costumes and disarming smiles, the mod-magnetism of accessories such as the Periwinkle Appliqued Linen Tea Towel and the Blue and Red Button Magnet Set is rather arresting in its own right.

If you’ve been in the market for pillows, you might not find a more adorable, versatile set than those found in the Murdock Designs shop. With varied themes from factories and antique bombs to cashmere suns and stars, these pillows strike the perfect balance between bold style and accessibility. In other words, you won’t be able to help showing them off, but you certainly won’t mind your guests enjoying them, either. In keeping with the “whims” of the designer, Anne's repertoire also includes wool felt hair clips and flower pins, a lovely messenger bag, and a number of other items. Whatever your preference, however, one thing we can all agree on is that nothing tops free, and free is exactly what the Red Flowery Busy Bunny will be for the winner of today’s terrific giveaway. To enter, visit Murdock Designs, then come back here to tell us about your favorite product. Wishing Willow subscribers earn an extra entry; be sure to let us know in a second post if you’re a subscriber. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 11/18/08. Best of Luck!

**We have a winner! ThreadBeaur who said, "Dotty Super Bug is so cute. The linen tea towels are also fantastic. I like the red and the orange ones. Great shop, thanks for introducing us to murdock design!"**

Uncommon Commonality

Remember the good old days, when dolls were assembled from felt and flannel rather than from skin-toned plastic and tiny screws? OK, neither do I. That’s precisely why the warm, undeniable “dollishness” of Simpli Jesssi’s eclectic and ever-sanguine handmade figures of everyday people and animals is such an irresistible quality. Characters like these are virtual antiques, being that ever since the dawn of the long-legged, ultra-humanoid, ridiculously glam Barbie, hardly any dollmaker relies on imagination anymore (except in deciding which leather miniskirt ensemble would be sufficiently trashy for Barbie this Christmas season). Frankly, it’s a whole lot easier to feel kinship to the ruddy-cheeked Astrid, the irascible Ulf, the urbanesque, mustachioed Juan or the phlegmatic Timo than it is to connect with supermodel figurines anyway. Dolls like these may never find their way to a Walmart shelf (a compliment in itself), but they’ll cuddle their way into any kid’s heart. In the end, of course, it’s the cozy factor: When it comes to which doll my children will hold close on a cold night, you can keep your idols of bronzed Californians. The soft comfort of a Scandinavian in plaid will do just fine.

Modern Boutique, Timeless Properties

Lisa Haskins, mother of two, online boutique owner, and full-time nice person, knows a thing or two about carving out an identity. In a dog-eat-dog retailing world increasingly inundated with competitors for the “mom market,” finding a way to run ahead of the pack is always a challenge. But there are no gimmicks behind the success of Queen Baby Bean, and the only performance-enhancing substance she would ever be accused of imbibing would probably be Fair Trade coffee served in a darling poppy-red mug. Instead, she relies on a more conventional set of sales boosters: an unfairly cute product line featuring neo-nostalgic finds like the Chalet Dollhouse; modern environmentally-friendly ideals; and of course, flawless service. There is no “big box” homogeny to her site, either—the only predictable aspect of this store is its unfailing uniqueness. These are just a few of the reasons Wishing Willow is pleased to feature Lisa’s generous giveaway of the Musical Band Drum Set.

What is it with our parental aversion to percussion toys?It couldn’t be the noise, since we happily put up with Blue's Clues jingles and the exultant victory shrieks of Dora the Explorer, at penetrating volumes, all day long. It can only be our fear of the unknown. Well, here’s something you might not have known: Drum and cymbal sets aren’t just ideal outlets for the Robin Williams instinct (everybody look at me!) common among children. These kits also hone hand-eye coordination, allow for rhythmic experimentation that works the left and right sides of the brain simultaneously, and set the foundation for a love of music, whether your kid is a future Keith Moon or not. And as a plus, these earth-friendly toys are also pretty darn cute!

Becoming eligible to win the Musical Band Drum Set is simple: Visit Queen Baby Bean, browse the site and let us know what your favorite item is in Lisa's shop. Leave your comments here on Wishing Willow. To get an extra entry, subscribe to our newsletter (Leave a second comment, and confirm your subscription. The winner will be chosen randomly.) You don't have to have a Google account to participate. Click "anonymous" to enter. Contest ends 10/2/08. Best of luck!

Super cool bonus: Wishing Willow readers will save 15% off their purchases at Queen Baby Bean. Use the promo code: willow when checking out. Promo code expires 10/9/08.

**We have a winner - Brook who said "Ramalama Ava Diaper Bag in Chocolate! Holy Moly!! It's absolutely beautiful!" Congratulations!** This contest has ended. Check out our other giveaways here.

Doll Days Revisited

Designers such as Jess Brown know that the crucible of dollcraft is not the touch test, but the feel test. As early Americans proved in the swaddling of figurines with cornhusk and pine needles, fingertips are notoriously overrated in the evaluation of a doll. A fabulous doll, rather, is one that appears to feel, and inspire her owner to feel, an emotion true to the human condition. What I love about the Jess Brown collection goes far beyond the uniqueness of each design or the earthy sensibility of composing art from fabric remnants. The allure of her craft is in the nascent femininity caught in the expressions of the dolls: curveless bodies, teardrop-shaped heads adorned with nondescript faces, swordstitched dashes sufficing for eyes not yet opened to appreciate real evil.

While the temptation here is to link Brown’s work with an overall movement toward minimalism in toy design, or perhaps a cyclical revival of Folk Art, the truth is that the cloth doll genome maps out over centuries, as evidenced by the resurgence of dollmaking at the hands of Shoshone, Lakota Sioux, and other such tribal craftsmen. Brown’s special contributions to this tradition, however, are truly her own: bold, funny, and often intentionally incongruent design schemes, marked by unconventional hoods and hairpieces, clothing prints that are chic and mature, and a sense of time and place that is well-rooted without losing the whimsy that makes a girl fall in love with that doll in the window. Keep your Barbies and Cabbage Patch Kids. Jess Brown knows who she is, and something tells me the rest of the world soon will, as well.

Visit Jess Brown Design at: www.jessbrowndesign.com