Local artist create for kids
April 30th, 2009 | By: Christie Santodomingo
Anyone who has attended the local art fairs or Farmers Markets knows that we have lots of artistic talent on the Eastside! As a new mom, I am always on the lookout for fun, one-of- a-kind gifts for the little ones in my life. I was lucky to spot these three businesses and thought I would share their stories with you.
Carol Lavinthal of Just Kidd’n
I first saw Carol’s adorable kids clothing booth at Salmon Days. This Sammamish mom has been in the business of making whimsical reversible playwear for children from infant to age six for more than 18 years! She first started when her twins were infants. Now they are off to college and she is still having lots of fun creating clothing for kids. She uses fun, playful patterns and 100% cotton fabric. What makes her Just Kidd’n line unique is that the clothes are designed to grow with your child. She includes cuffs on pants that can be let down and ties on jumpers that can be loosened as your child grows. She comes up with the designs, makes the cuts, and applies the finishing touches but relies on local moms to help her with the sewing. Look out for her at local art fairs or check out her site at http://justkiddn.com.
Elizabeth Gardiner and Renee Almy of Little Miss Clippies
I ran into these two friends turned business partners at the Issaquah Highlands Holiday Bazaar. Gardiner of Snoqualmie Ridge and Almy of North Bend connected through their daughters. Both moms agreed that they were tired of clips always falling out of their daughters’ hair, and so they came up with an idea and design for the “no slip” hairclip. What makes their clips and headbands special are that they stay in place and are comfortable to wear. Made for infants to toddler age, their colorful floral designs are a big hit with moms and daughters alike! You can find Little Miss Clippies at the Acacia Salon in Snoqualmie Ridge or on their website at www.littlemissclippies.com.
Nikki Sapp of Dr. Frankensock
I spotted these adorable little sock monsters at the Issaquah Farmers Market last summer. Sapp of Newcastle takes a new twist on the age-old tradition of ragdolls. What started as a hand-made gift for her nephews has since become a growing business with raving customers. What makes her hand-made monsters special are that they are constructed from socks stuffed with hypoallergenic stuffing with eyes made from vintage buttons; you can opt for hand-embroidered eyes for infants. Look out for these clever sock monsters at the Issaquah Farmers Market or you can go online to www.drfrankensock.com. (website coming soon).
