Black and White kids' gift ideas on madeit

I was a guest editor on the madeit blog this week and had a ball choosing eight cute on-trend black-and-white gifts for kids from the small indie Australian makers. There were so many great options to choose from - head to the madeit blog to see them all with links through to the madeit stores. Thanks for having me, madeit!

Teepee onesie and harem pants set for baby

I'm putting together a blog post for Madeit.com.au today and came across this sweet baby outfit, handmade by lolli + bean. So cute! Margot can make this set to order in different sizes. The teepee is finished with hand-stitching and the cotton pants, elasticated at the ankles, would go with everything. Top marks lolli + bean!

Image: lolli + bean

From Madeit With Love

Tragically, over the summer holidays, Ipswich-based Tammy Boorer from Boorah Designs (handmade children's clothing and accessories) was killed in a car accident. The members of Madeit (where her Boorah Designs store was hosted) have rallied together to raise funds for the Boorer Family with a special shopping event tonight. If you would like to to participate, head to the From Madeit With Love Facebook page.

From Madeit:

The Madeit community recently heard of the tragic death of one of our members. Tammy Boorer and her husband were critically injured in a horrific car accident whilst traveling to their holiday destination. Their two children received minor injuries. Unfortunately Tammy, who was pregnant with her third child did not survive. Her husband Nathan is still in a critical condition in hospital. Tammy from boorah designs was a beautiful, creative soul who began selling on madeit in March 2009. Her signature patchwork skirts were loved by many. She was a devoted wife and dedicated mother who began her business by making clothes for her 2 children Zac aged 9 and Lilli aged 5. Madeit sellers are participating in “from Madeit with Love” an event being held specifically to raise funds for Tammy’s family. Participating Madeit sellers will be donating the proceeds from the sale of select items to the Ipswich Presbyterian Church who will be assisting the Boorer Family.

The shopping events starts tonight (13th February 2013) at 8pm. Head over to Madeit to participate.

Image: Madeit

Stylish Kids: Cheeky Britches

Melbourne-based Giorgia Goddard and Lucy Scott are the dream team behind Cheeky Britches - a fun and fashion-forward label for babies sizes 0000-1. Each range is inspired by a different country, and the current Japanese Blossom collection features fantastic 'samurai' paints, kimono-inspired lines and the traditional 'asanoha' print.

This really is one of the most exciting children's labels that I have seen in a while. The colours are fun, mostly unisex and mix-and-match for maximum outfit options. The matching swaddle blanket is a great idea, and those samurai pants are truly inspired.

All clothes are made from natural and organic fibres and Cheeky Britches' mission is to create high quality, socially responsible, affordable and natural clothing for your kids. The gift set would make an ideal baby shower gift or newborn present.

Thanks Giorgia and Lucy for getting in contact. Friends, this label is going places.

You can find Cheeky Britches in the Etsy and MadeIt stores as well as stockists online.

Images: Cheeky Britches

Twice Designs handmade brooches and greeting cards

I met Sarah Bartnett from Twice Designs at an ABCD Meetup in Sydney this year and loved the typewriter greeting card that she contributed to the goodie bag. And then last week, one of Sarah's cards was featured in a Bondville kids bedroom tour. I had to find out more...

So on top of her fun old-world greeting cards, Sarah also manages to find time to make lovely brooches, cufflinks and scarves. Even better, many of her one-off pieces are made from recycled and repurposed materials.

I'm dying for the laser-etched eye chart wooden brooch. So fun and a great conversation-starter. Know any budding photographers that would love the camera brooch? I think I've now got birthday presents sorted for a bunch of my girlfriends.

You can find Twice Designs in the Etsy and MadeIt (Australia) stores. If you head over the online stores now, there are sales on, including brooches from $2 and buy-four-cards-and-get-one-free. For more information on the latest designs, head over to the Twice Designs blog.

Images: Twice Designs