Bloom- Barrie artisan craft and art show

I am very excited to announce the upcoming 'Bloom'.  The spring craft and art show will be the perfect way to celebrate the warm weather, and accessorize for spring and summer.  We would love to see you there!

New 2012 Nursing/Breastfeeding Cover Styles

Here are the new nursing cover styles for this year!

Contact me for your order at junebugsfashions@gmail.com.

gDiaper Review

I was contacted quite some time ago to do a review on these cute reusable gdiapers and am looking forward to sharing my experience with you.  I have done some cloth diapering with my first son Levi, and also some with the twins, so i'm no virgin to the cloth diapering world. Though I wouldn't call myself any type of cloth diapering guru by any means.  The world of cloth diapering has changed so much since I initially purchased my first Bum Genius diapers in 2009. In the past, I had used the bum genius organic all in one's and microfiber diaper with inserts, so I was excited to try a different type of re-usable diaper.   There is a huge variety available now with seemingly endless accessorizing options, quite overwhelming actually.  My aim with this review will be to give you an honest perspective of what to expect with this diaper, so as to help with your decision on which diapers to invest in when considering reusables.  I'll be reviewing the diaper on a few different points.

1. Fit
2. Performance
3. Convenience and ease of use
4. Washability
5. Style

So here we go...

1. Fit
I have to admit that at first I had to get used to the unusual way that the gDiaper fits.  Counter-intuitively, the diaper is secured opposite to other 'normal' diapers.  The Velcro portion that one would normally put in the front, wraps around the back instead.  Since my 18 month old twins are just discovering the fun of pulling on those little closure tabs, having them in the back on the gDiaper actually serves to be very useful!  It took a little while to get used to fastening them in the back, and also not cranking the tab closed.  It is recommended that the gDiaper not be pulled to tight, as this will cause leaks (which it did in my case).  Once I eased up on the Velcro tabs, and only pulled them just snug, my leaks disappeared.  I also noticed when I was securing the diaper too tight, that the diaper was leaving quite the indentation on the baby's skin.  When I eased up on the fit, there was some improvement in this area, although some marks still remained, no matter how much I relaxed the fit.  The gDiaper fits very slim and trim over babies clothes, avoiding that bulky bottom look.

2. Performance
Once I got a handle on their fit, I found the gDiaper to function quite well.  The Velcro tabs with which they are secured stay put, and are easy on babies skin.    At first I experienced some leaking with the diaper, however with some amazing customer service, and adjustment to the fit, the problem was solved.

3. Convenience and ease of use.

The disposable insert fits easily into the pouch.  Although I only had two for the trial, I could see the gDiaper being all pre-loaded and ready to go, rather than switching out liners and or pouches with each change. When there was no bowel movement,  I still found it easy enough to remove the insert and replace it with a new one.  However, when there was a poop, I found this to bit more of a challenge (as my children tend to have looser stool).  Although the disposable insert fits easily into the pouch, I did notice that it slid out of position quite a lot.  This made for cleaning up messy poops quite the chore, as the poop ends up all over inside the pouch.  Still no leaks through to the outer cover, but messy nonetheless.  I believe some type of diaper sprayer would be quite handy for this job.  If your child has firmer bowel movements, then I wouldn't foresee this being a problem, but if they do, buy a diaper sprayer.

4. Washability

gDiapers are incredibly easy to wash.  There are care instructions on their site that are quite easy to follow.  I did notice some staining on the pouch even after the first wash, but as from previous cloth diapering, usually some good sun exposure helps with stubborn stains.

5. Style
These hip little diapers are some of the cutest and stylish diapers I have seen on the market. They have various styles to choose from that are sure to excite you a little more about all of the diapers that you will be changing over the course of your diapering days.  Look for a new spring line up to be released soon.

Overall, I'm glad that I was able to give these diapers a try.  The cost does seem to be a bit on the high side for getting set up with a disposable set, but a great investment that could always be re-sold after use.  I love the idea of being able to switch between re-usable cloth inserts and disposable inserts.  I think that they are a great environmentally friendly stylish diapering option.  Customer service was quick and very helpful when I had questions about the fit.  I also took some time browsing around their site, and enjoyed reading about their company history and great family ethic that they carry.  

Catching up- Cuban Style

While I have been super slacking on the blog, I promise there has been lots of progress on the sewing table and I'm excited to share that with you soon.  In the meantime, its about time that I shared a few photos with you.

Just after Spice, Dale and I headed out for a getaway, sans babies to Cuba.  Yes, one week, no changing diapers or waking up with a toddler during the night to pee, laundry or making meals.  Just a break from the every day, with my man, where there happens to be a beach.  What more could a girl ask for?!

After the excitement of Spice came to an end, and the reality of leaving my babies for a week really settled in, I started feeling a wee bit anxious about the whole thing. I had been so focused on all the planning and sewing prep for Spice, it kept my mind very occupied with the anxious thoughts somewhat lurking the the background.  With the flight just around the corner, packing, meal prep and so on to start, I began to think about possible excuses for which I could stay home.  It all sounded quite reasonable in my head, though need not be repeated, as time has proven that they were a tad bit insane.  All of those crazy thoughts culminated with the decision that I was not goin, nope, just wasn't happening, Dale was going to have to find someone else to go with.

Nonetheless, I knew this would not fly with Dale, so I might as well get started on packing.  As I started to pack, some cute dresses, swim suit and black stilettos (that I hadn't worn in so long, they needed to be dusted off) I started to get a wee bit excited.  But wait, I can't be excited, I'm a mother, I shouldn't be excited about abandoning my kiddos for a week, that's just so wrong.  What would 'they' say.  You know the 'they's'.  The ones who tell you how to put your kids to bed at night, how to discipline, how to potty train, how to this, how to that....who are 'they' anyways?  I resolved to be okay that I was excited to go away and sad that I was leaving them... and it was okay to be feeling everything all at once.  Because, who cares what 'they' think, anyways!

Once we arrived at the home for our dear friends Aleks, Amy& Hanna (A.K.A the bravest and kindest people on the face of this green earth) to drop off our kiddos, I may have taken a few deep breaths.  I promised myself no crying, nope...nope...nope.  The last thing I wanted was for the kids to feel that something was wrong.  Honestly, once we got them all settled, and set up, I felt hugely relieved.  They were right at home.  We said a quick goodbye and set off into the sunset... okay, more so a massive snow storm but it made leaving for the hot sunny beach even more enticing!

We had a great time enjoying the culture and landscape of Cuba. Okay, really we mostly enjoyed sleeping in, not cleaning dishes, nightly date nights, and simply holding each others hand ( I know the last one is corny but a nice break from holding babies all the time). We just soaked up one on one time, 7 days in a row.

Since both of us have a bit of the adventure seeker in us, we decided to do an overnight stay at another resort, coupled with some hiking the following day.  We enjoyed some authentic local food, and hiking into the mountains, ending with some cliff jumping.

The plan was for us to jump together, but I suppose I was just a wee bit more eager.  Dale didn't chicken out, promise.

When we arrived back home, we were greeted with three babes sitting all in a row.  Levi jumped right up to give a big hug and kiss.  Averie took a good long look, and came in for a snuggle, while Kaela seemed that she had forgotten who we were.  After a bit of warming up, she soon remembered though, and we were back to usual.  The first week back home was difficult for me.  I had to remember that the kids needed to get back into routine, but so did I, so we roughed through it together.  Would I do it all again.  Absolutely!  Thanks to friends and family, we enjoyed a great time together, and are ready to plan the next trip


Stay tuned for some sewing updates.....

Spice: Arts and crafts Show Artisan Biographies

Spice is very quickly approaching with only one week to go.  If you haven't done so yet, check out the facebook page for more details.  The arts and craft show will begin on Friday November 16 at 6:30, ending on the 17th at 4:30.  Here are a few bios from those participating in the show. Enjoy, and hope to see you there!

Lori Harrington

Products:Handcrafted Soaps

Lori has been making handcrafted soap at her farm in Brechin, Ontario since 2010.  She is a busy wife and mom to three young adult children, and works at the local public library, in addition to soap making.  With a background in chemistry, she has applied her scientific knowledge to the art and craft of making soap, experimenting with many formulas to create gentle, moisturizing handmade soap.  She loves all things Victorian and country, and expresses this love in her unique soap labels.

Robin Radford

Products: Candle holders(birch bark and cedar), Fresh door wreath arrangements, Bath salts, Paper Christmas Ornaments, Preserves (jams, relishes, pickles, salsa), Pies and baked goods.

I grew up in Northern Ontario.  I was blessed to grow up with God's natural gifts all around me.  My husband and I now live in the country, raising and homeschooling our four children. I am passing down traditions of preserving God's natural gifts to us, for future generations to protect and enjoy.

Robin and Ingrid Cochrane

Products: Refined home decor objects such as lamps, vases, picture frames, tables, mugs etc.

Robyn and Ingrid Cochrane are a mother and daughter who live on a farm and love the country life and the outdoors. They both have an eye for decorating and love finding old or outdated home decor items and refurbishing them to fit into the modern day household.  

Stephanie Marsh

Products: Abstract acrylic art on canvas

Though she does not have formal training, Stephanie has always been into art in one capacity or another. It's always been something she enjoyed, but never pursued seriously until she became a stay-at-home mom. Since she moved up from the States almost 2 years ago, she has been restricted on working, so taking up both painting and becoming a Zumba fitness instructor have been the solution to contributing financially to her family. Both have given her the flexibility to stay home with her daughter, Paisley, and pursue her passions. Her primary focus creatively is bold, abstract art using pallet knives with various mediums to achieve texture, depth, and/or fluidity. Though many of her pieces are her own inspiration, she also takes on commission works as well.

Jordan Elizabeth Scott

Products : Heat pads and hot pads

  I’ve always enjoyed sewing. I’ve had a sewing machine since I was 8, I started out making small gifts for family and slowly built my techniques. I love exploring new patterns and fabrics. It’s always an adventure when I start to sew, you never know where I’ll end up.

Tahlia Coros

Products: 'Frilly' scarves, embroidery thread bracelets, bookmarks, embroidery thread covered headphones, and scarves made from t-shirts.

I am a busy student, currently in Grade 10. With all of the work assigned to me at school, I have used crafting as a break from it all. 

I have always loved using my creativity to make things. I started off with little drawings, then paintings and bracelets, now scarves! I have recently just learned how to make scarves from my grandma this past summer ! When I heard about Spice I decided it would be a good way to earn some money and I get to do something I love! 

Emilie Dugard

Products: Owl cards, Owl keychains , Owl ornaments, Owl Kleenex holders

I graduated from high school last June and I chose to take a year off and work therefore leaving me plenty of time for crafting! I have always enjoyed using my hands and doing anything from painting to making bracelets and my new found hobby, sewing and making cards!  I have enjoyed exploring pinterest's DIY section and will be sharing my love of creating owls at spice! 

Carla DeWinter

Products: Paintings and Stationary

Carla has always loved drawing and painting. She went to York University for a BFA in Visual Arts and recently has taken a few watercolour lessons. When she was little her Mom would often find her in the greeting card section of the store while they were out shopping. Her desire is to glorify God by combining His scriptures with the things that she paints, and creating greeting cards so people can pass on the blessing of God's Word.

Amber Steingard

Products: Yarn wreaths and yarn snowmen

Lover of all things creative from music to writing(visit blog here) to cooking and crafting, I'm excited to share my newest venture of handmade yarn wreaths. I've been so inspired by my many artisan friends and am excited to be joining in.  I'm so thankful for great family and friends and a loving husband to share my life with, but most of all thankful for what the Lord has done in my life and my desire is that I would honour Him with all that I have.

Janet DeBoer- ‘The Dutch Farmers Wife’

Products: soaps, linen sprays, chapstick and lipgloss, mason jar soap pumps and sock animals. 

Looking back 2 years ago if asked the question "what do you make" I would have said "nothing... I don't have a creative bone in my body." What changed all that one might ask? Well, let me tell you! It was babies, and not necessarily even my babies... it was the fact that every woman I knew was giving birth to adorable cuties and I couldn't afford all the baby showers and baby gifts any more. I figured I either had to find a new crowd to hang out with, or come up with a more cost effective gift. My solution... sock animals. They quickly became a hit, and before I knew it people started requesting them... which inspired me! I realized that nothing is difficult... just time consuming; thus sparking my creative side. Now I'm hooked on creating things... the options are endless! (Unfortunately the amount of hours in each day does have an end). I've expanded now to soaps, lip balms, lip gloss, linen sprays and more!

The name for my new business is "The Dutch Farmer's Wife", because, well... I am the wife of a Dutch farmer, Ben. We have 3 sweeties and live in the boonies (aka Lisle). Creating things with all natural products is exciting to me, and I hope my creations excite you too!

Jamie Dawn Hanson- ‘Dawning jewlery’

Products: Necklaces, earrings, hair accessories for children and adults, pixie hats, paper dolls, jewelry travel bags.

As a wee bonny lass I found myself a journeyer in the undying quest of consummate creativity. As I grew so did my great longing to create with my hands. That is precisely how I ended up being 16 and selling my own lovingly handcrafted jewelry and accessories under the name 'Dawning'. I began my business at the age of 12 and have supremely enjoyed every moment since! My products include natural stone, metal, re-purposed material, wool and 

leather jewelry. I'm positive you will love my products as much as I love making it for you!

Check out her facebook page here

Karen Dobbs

Products: Paintings and original editioned prints 

Karen Dobbs is currently completing her Fine Arts diploma from Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario.  She has lived, worked, and now studied in Barrie with her husband since they got married in 2007.  Art has always been a part of Karen's life, building up foundational skills through high school and then later through various painting classes and now through the Fine Art program at Georgian.  Her first love will always be painting and exploring the details of God's creation, but being in full time studies has broadened her appreciation for all mediums and areas of the arts, including sculpture and printmaking.

      Throughout all her paintings, she uses colour and the exploration of mark-making to portray the subject matter, be it landscape, to flowers or abstraction.  Her goal is to allow the creativity of God to work through her to share beauty and light in a dark world and she is looking forward to the changes and growth still to come in her artwork.

Debbie Eskra

Products: Scarves

I am a mother of 3 sons, and grandmother to 4 granddaughters and 2 grandsons.  Dave and I have been married for 38 years and have loved the Lord since 1986/87.  Coming to Harvest 3 years ago, has changed our lives.  God has transformed us from the inside out and we know He has only just begun.  What a joy to be on this journey with all of our family at Harvest Barrie.

My knitting began as a young girl.  Probably before I was 10 years old my Mom and my Grandma taught me how to knit.  Both of them were avid knitters so I would sit in their company and together we would knit away.  As I grew up and had children of my own, I would knit for my family.  Of course, they each had their own hand knit baby sweaters with matching bonnets and booties.  We had matching nordic knit sweaters one year when we all skied.  I haven't knit much for quite a few years now and last year I was introduced to these marvellous scarves.  They looked very intriguing to me and when I inquired as to how they were made I was pleasantly surprised to discover, firstly, that they were knit, and secondly, how easy they were to make.  So began my scarf knitting.  I now have over 30 scarves ready for sale but I have knit many more.  They have made perfect gifts for family, friends, and neighbours.  

I have taught my granddaughter to make these scarves as well.  You could say...passing on the tradition of knitting.

I find knitting something very relaxing.  I can sit with my husband as we watch a program together or I can have a sweet time alone with God, just chatting about whatever's on my mind and not be distracted by what I am doing. 

Joyce Martin

Products: Knit items and Cards

As a child Joyce learned to knit from her mother who, at 83, still knits every day.  Currently Joyce is specializing in knitting for babies and brings a variety of items to Spice as well as welcoming orders.  More recently Joyce has taken up card making and she will have an assortment of handmade cards also available.

Angie Armstrong: ‘ARA Gifts’

Products: Scarves, Cowls, Baby clothing, Cards, Mug Cozies

Angie is the wife of Mike and mommy to two beautiful littles!  She loves being home with her babes and this was the first inspiration to get 'crafty'!  It started with a mug cozy and has moved to scarves and baby clothes.  Angie is committed to making unique, handmade and affordable gifts for your loved ones or yourself of course.

Check out her blog here.

Josée Chapman: ‘Junebugs’

Products : Nursing covers, Crayon wallets, Fabric cuff bracelets, Clutch purses, ipod/ipad cases, and Aprons.

 As long as I can remember I have been crafting with my hands.   Growing up I can remember brushing my fingers along the stacks of fabrics waiting to be formed into beautiful works of art.  The colours textures and patterns, inspire, excite and enliven.  Staring at the fabrics forces me to imagine, experiment and have fun.  Although it can be intimidating to try new designs, I'm always up for an adventure!  So I will sew, and we'll see where it goes!