Holiday Showcase: The Crazy Elephant

The holiday showcase is back for another year! I will be honest, I almost forgot all about it! I'm glad I didn't though because I will be featuring some awesome handmade shops to help you with your handmade holiday. As usual I am starting with me, especially since there have been so many changes this last year.

Where can we find you?

thecrazyelephantboutique.com
facebook.com/thecrazyelephant

What is life like in your studio?

Generally, I try to cut a series of pads, or what ever I am making that week, one afternoon a week. I get about 4 hours a week after little guy's bed time to do sewing, marathon style. I do my best to get about 20-25 listings up or restocked per week. I take care of my blog and online work to the sound of a 5 year old singing the Star Wars theme at the top of his lungs...very motivational!

What is your favorite giftable in your shop?

My favorite gift item in my shop this holiday is the penguin marble maze! They come in many prints but the one in the pic is my absolute favorite. They can go with you anywhere and they are a great quiet toy for the kids. Adults love them too and play with them as much as the kids!

Why is handmade important to you?

It is special! Handmade items hold meaning to people. A machine made plush is easily tossed out or forgotten, but something that has been made with love for someone with their own hands is just special. Plus it just feels good to have something that no one else can just run out and copy.

Share a handmade gift anyone can make.

Last year we made my in-laws a homemade pizza kit. We included a jar of pizza dough mix I made from scratch, a mini can of tomato sauce, and a package of pepperoni. It was a big hit and since it was consumable it did not take up space once it was used.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

We have grown and changed so much in the last year and I just have to say thank you to all my fantastic fans and customers! You guys are simply awesome!

Marble Mazes

We have new mazes in our shop! For spring I have designed 3 new mazes...

The egg shape is just in time for easter and is a little more difficult, acording to our 4 year old.

The mini maze is extra portable and great for the littlest hands.

The regular rectangle mazes now have a new layout so you can add maze variety.

Marble Mazes

I thought it was high time I did another product information post! Today I am going to tell you all about my marble mazes. We use ours in the car, during church, and at the grocery store. It is small enough to pop into any mom sized purse. It is all one piece, so there are no little things to pack up when it is time to head out. Just grab and go. The marble is sewn inside and all the lines are double stitched for durability. There is no start and end so that your kiddo can chose a new marble destination every time. Our little elephant likes to play "I got it here, now you put it there" and take turns. When he is done with it I play with it as much as he does. It is a great way to keep your hands busy and works on fine motor skills. This is a toy that once picked up is played with at any age! Here are some of the commonly asked questions...

Why do you use fleece?
The fleece is soft and durable. It also stretches around the marble allowing for more detail in the maze design.

How does the fleece fit in with your "grow your family green" motto?
The fleece that I use for the marble mazes is being kept from the landfill! A local physical therapy office uses fleece to do occupational therapy by making tied pillows with the patients. Instead of throwing away the scraps, they get sent my way and they get made into our marble mazes and freezie sleeves.

Why don't you make them bigger?

Little hands can only reach so far across the fabric. They are made with little hands in mind. Even for me, the smaller size is just right.

Do you make other maze layouts?
Right now it is just the 1 rectangle and 1 heart design. I plan to create more designs as time goes by, but it is still a little way down the road.

Are there any other benefits to the mazes?
Absolutely! The marble mazes work on fine motor skills. It is a great way to prepare your little ones for holding pencils in school. It is also great for grown ups that need to work their hand muscles.

I am always open to custom orders, so if you want a special maze for a special someone feel free to convo me on etsy!

Find all of our marble mazes at: thecrazyelephantboutique.com