The Onesies Project (and Mum Gets Crafty)

The Architect and I were trying to figure out a way to get family and friends involved in the whole "baby experience." With family and friends located all over the place we wanted to share our love of baby and crafting in a creative way. We decided to ask a few family members and friends to decorate a variety of onesies for the baby- hence the name The Onesies Project. 

We didn't really have any rules other than a kind request to be as gender neutral as possible. We also didn't care how creative your felt you were. If you wanted to participate we were happy to hand you a onesie. Participants even got to choose from a variety of colors and sizes. 

 

It should be no surprise my mum was the first to get her onesies back to us. (All pictured onesies are from my mum) She was the first person to give us a baby present a few days after we told her we were expecting. (First time grandmotherly excitement!!!) I think originally we gave her two to decorate, but she loved it so much she went out and bought more blanks for decorating.

The great thing about this project is the openness. I think a lot of the decor used for her onesies came from craft stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby. The most important thing is she personalized them using decor representing things in our lives. She and I both love owls, we have two dogs, and we have a bit of an animal theme going on with Charley Harper as our nursery inspiration. The other onesies are just darn cute.

Most of our onesies were purchased at a discounted price from Trendy Blanks. We pre-washed all of the onesies before handing them out and just let people decorate as they pleased. I think this would even be a good idea for a baby shower if you wanted to do something different than playing weird dirty diaper games, eating cake, and opening gifts.

There will be other onesies posted as they are returned to us. We just got one back from a friend, and I absolutely love it.

My favorite t-shirt/oneies combination

We attended the tree lighting ceremony last December at the capitol with two of our good friends. In addition to electrifying a tree and a lot of Christmas carols led by lovingly annoying KUT radio host John Aielli all of Congress opened up its doors. The local Farmer's Market even set up after hours, which allowed me to enjoy some much craved kettle corn and do a little shopping for baby.

Burro and burrito t-shirt and onesie for The Architect and Baby

The above pictured "burrito" onesie was picked up while browsing the Farmer's Market. It's from Will Heron, who is a local designer. He does children, women, and men's clothing. The Architect loved the onesie so much I went to Will's website and found the "Burro/burrito" t-shirt for him as a part of his dad-to-be Christmas gift. Will was prompt to respond to my order, and I had it in less than a week even though it was Christmas time.

Do expect a photo to be posted at a later date of the boys wearing Will's gear. I can't wait.

Baby Bolt Onesie and Bib

In November and December we frequented the craft fairs in the Austin-area. This city has so many talented crafters. If we had a money tree in the backyard we could be less finicky on whose products to buy. However, since we don't have a money tree we have to be a little more discerning in selecting handcrafted baby gear made by others.

We had seen the awesome work of Becka Spellman, who runs a baby and childrens clothing line, Baby Bolt, at the Craft Riot, hosted by EtsyAustin, in November, but held off on purchasing some of the Baby Bolt gear until we went to the Cherrywood Craft Fair. Spellman's designs are mod, and she likes to use upcycled and imported fabrics. She has a very good eye for color, texture, and prints. I am particularly concerned with quality made apparel, and based on our conversations at both craft fairs she knows the importance of a durable, well constructed garment. She also kid-tests a lot of her clothes on her own kiddo.

We bought a few Christmas gifts, but also splurged on a gift set for the baby (pictured above). The fabrics in the photo are from a reclaimed bed sheet and an animal print fabric from Japan. It came in a handy gift box, and her baby clothes are at the top of my list for a few baby showers I will need to attend in the future. She also debuted toddler hoodies at the Cherrywood gig, and I have my eye on one once baby gets older and the weather turns colder.

Baby Bolt is also located on Etsy here.