Handmade Store: Cindy Joy

I am a SAHM who squeezes creating things in between caring for my 2 beautiful boys - Ethan (born February 2007), and Gabriel (born December 2000). Formerly a designer and maker of elaborate evening wear and bridal gowns, I am now a stay at home Mom who wants sophisticated and fun things that are easy to take care of. I knew there was a disconnect going on between the designers of mass products and Moms Who Live In The Real World when a friend unwrapped a white dress up outfit made of linen sized for a 6 month old. Right. That's practical. How do you even iron something that small? What do you do when it stains the first time they wear it? I thought that surely my expensive design education could help me work out a solution to this problem. It can’t be that hard to make things that look good and are easy to care for. It doesn’t hurt that I was looking for something to do that would be simpler than wedding gowns. Babies do not generally need 4 to 6 fittings, though they do throw fits if they don’t get their way. I’ll take a baby fit over a bride fit pretty much any day of the week. So, Bundles of Joy was born about the same time as Ethan.

All my products can be thrown into the washer, followed by the dryer, followed by no ironing. In order to make them last longer, I do recommend that you wash in cold water and tumble dry on low. That combination will make any washable thing last longer, so it is just good sense anyway. Additionally, all items are made in my smoke free, pet free, practically dust free studio and pre-washed with dye free, perfume free detergent. So, that is the practical part, what about the sophisticated, fun, and appealing part?

I create high quality, handmade baby gifts. I focus on creating things that appeal to both parents and children with my sometimes modern, sometimes retro, sometimes playful, always graphically appealing colorful cotton prints and soft plush fabrics. Made from 100% cotton flannel and backed with 100% polyester plush (Minky) or fur, I am starting with blankets, but I have plans to expand into changing pads, mini changing kits (basically, a changing pad that rolls up around pockets for supplies and then ties or Velcro’s closed), bibs, burp cloths, and sleep sacks. Check back regularly to see new products developments.

Never adverse to whimsy, I also feature onesies appliqu?d with prints of art by young artists. The onesies are always 100% cotton and the appliqu? is printed on 100% cotton, which is shrunk before applying to the onesie. The fabric for the appliqu?s has been reviewed as one of the best available printable fabrics. I produce excellent images by using a high-density photo file to print the appliqu?s. A portion of each purchase goes to the artist - $ 1 for now and $ 2 for a college fund. I had to pay for my college education, and I am all in favor of the next generation doing so as well. I am starting with my son, Gabriel, but will soon include other artists. If you provide me with a sufficiently dense .JPG file, I can also print your child's art on any size appliqu? up to 8" by 10.5". Just email me and we will work it out.

All items are shipped USPS First Class Mail. I use recycled shipping boxes whenever possible.

If you have any questions or want a custom piece, please email me. Also, be sure to check out all available fabrics and art, as well as everything baby I've made, whether sold here or elsewhere, at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cindyjoy/ . Remember – I love do custom things!