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Guest Curator: Nursery Art with Cool Mom Picks


Story by Coolmompicks, lizcoolmompicks Published on February 11, 2009 in Spotlight	Photo by Tracy Clark

This week's Guest Curators are Liz Gumbinner (aka lizcoolmompicks) and Kristen Chase (aka Coolmompicks), co-founders and editors of CoolMomPicks.com, one of the most influential (and fun) shopping blogs for parents on the web. We're big fans of their focus on handmade and active participation in the movement to help save handmade from the CPSIA. Plus, they never cease to make us laugh.

We've both always had a heart for handmade – Liz's mom used to run her own children's clothing label out of their attic, and Kristen's mother made everything from their clothes, to their bread, to their yogurt (seriously). So we started Cool Mom Picks to help introduce parents to all the cool handmade and indie stuff we were falling in love with around the web. Little did we know there would be this huge Etsy explosion, providing us a limitless resource for incredible toys, dolls, baby clothes, jewelry, accessories, and oh my lord, the nursery art...So much great nursery art.

It's hard to even conceive that anyone would buy some mass-produced poster from a chain store rhyming with Schmoys R Us, considering there are about six zillion original pieces right here, and at great prices, too.

Here are just a few of the options that make us wish our kids had more walls.

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD - Giclee Print by danitashop

It's so awesome to find fairy tale art that doesn't have some licensed Disney character on it. We'd love to own one of the original textural collages from Danita, but would happily settle for her prints.

Lunastrella Robot, Space Station, and Flying Saucer by johnwgolden

We loved John W. Golden before he was like Mr. Popular Poster Guy. This trio of space-themed illustrations would look terrific in a modern boy's room.

Space Boy by kidshaus

Yep, we have a thing for space-themes. KidsHaus's gocco space boy is high on the covet list. It would be awesome if she made a girl version, too. (Cough, ahem.)

I Can Count to Eight by yumiyumi

We love how this little bear is dreamily counting to 8. 10 is just soooo predictable, don't you think?

Mustang Art Print by girlvsworld

It doesn't get much cooler than a girl with a guitar...Except maybe a girl with a drum kit.

Togetherness Owl Print by kateendle

You have to include something with owls in a 2009 kids art wrap-up, right? I mean, we hear it's required. In that case, we pick collage artist Kate Endle, who has a ton of cute options in the birds of prey department — provided they don't give your kid any ideas about staying up all night.

Waiting by sarahjanestudios

This print from Sarah Jane Studios would be beautiful in a more traditional girl's room. It looks like the beginning of dozens of bedtime stories.

Bamboo in Multicolor No 2 by artbyrosemary

Not everything in a baby's room has to scream BABY. Rosemary Pierce-Lackey's mixed media bamboo sculpture would look fantastic over a crib. (Just um, don't hang it too low. Trust us on that one.)

Animal Alphabet Poster by decoylab

Grab this letterpress alphabet print for your next shower gift; the pink and blue helps you hedge your bets on gender appropriateness. Also good for any sexually-confused babies out there.

Come a Little Closer by lindsayart

Lindsay Brackeen's artwork looks like it was plucked right out of the pages of a Caldecott-winning children's book.

Lion Screen Print by labpartners

We can never resist a good backstory. Lab Partners created this cheery, handprinted gocco lion print in a limited run to help raise money for Ugandan school children.

Fun With Bubbles Custom Silhouette Print by lepapierdesigns

Paul Rudd had that great line in Knocked Up about how he wished he liked anything in life nearly as much as kids like bubbles. Turns out, that's true. And we're guessing they'd like this print, too.

Chevelle Fine Art Photograph by daydreamer

Photography is a more unexpected choice for a nursery, and Anna Dykema's pics of vintage toy cars won't be outgrown as fast as art featuring bunnies or teddy bears.

But wait, there's more! Check out the Cool Mom Picks Art and Décor (sounds fancy) archives.

Looking for past Guest Curators? Check out our archive.

Baby Gift Guides | Children's Category | Handmade Kids Series | Gift Ideas

Tags	art, Artistic Endeavors, children, coolmompicks, Cool Mom Picks, CoolMomPicks.com, CPSIA, decor, Guest Curator, Handmade Kids, kids, Kristen Chase, lizcoolmompicks, Liz Gumbinner, parenting, shopping, Spotlight

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96 comments Login to add your own!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.

TheTinyArt

I adore ArtbyRosemary! She has such a great shop!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 2:48 p.m.

norajane

Hidenseek is awesome!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 2:51 p.m.

busterandboo

some of my favs here - what about http://tummymountain.etsy.com??

Feb. 11, 2009 at 2:52 p.m.

FancifulForm

There are just so many to choose from. I am browsing and so far I just love them all! ^.^

Feb. 11, 2009 at 2:54 p.m.

strawberryluna

Lovely collection. I love Kate Endle both as a sweetie pie person and as a professional, she's just great. Cheers!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 2:54 p.m.

mcaplan

Love these ladies, and all of these pieces! Any of these would be super cute in a nursery!!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 2:56 p.m.

woolies

OOO and here's another FAB shop - you have to see her work!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...

Feb. 11, 2009 at 2:57 p.m.

LaveMeSoapCo

love the bamboo!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 2:58 p.m.

nfall2rt

Great picks! So true about the owls comment too. No kid is a cool kid without an owl something this year:)

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:05 p.m.

LuckyPebble

Wonderful collection!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:07 p.m.

yumiyumi

I especially love the little space boy gocco print! And thank you so much for including my little bear among your picks!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:07 p.m.

tuttistudio

Those moms and their picks are cool indeed! I just love that Lion Print by labpartners, and to know it helps Ugandan children is even better!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:08 p.m.

PipocaHandmade

What a fantastic selection!
Here is another great shop...falldowntree.etsy.com

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:11 p.m.

lizcoolmompicks

Thank you all for the great feedback and excellent suggestions. Keep them coming - we love finding new artist.

Sigh, isn't etsy the best?

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:14 p.m.

GeeZees

great items.....gotta love coolmompicks!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:15 p.m.

Greenbriar

I am an old fan of HidenSeek and now a new fan of Girlvsworld! All the picks were fabulous. Thanks Coolmompicks.com for bringing all these finds to our attention!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:18 p.m.

BabbidgePatch

absolutely fabulous collection!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:19 p.m.

worksofwhimsy

Some great colorful picks.

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:23 p.m.

EmmaGordonLondon

Some really great artwork picks.

I just love the Animal Alphabet!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:26 p.m.

pipapiep

Great collection!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:31 p.m.

chetart

This is a wonderful collection of great fun!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:32 p.m.

4TheSparrowsNest

I am crazy about these picks...esp. the woodland influenced ones.

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:33 p.m.

SugarVillage

Everything is so lovely

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:34 p.m.

shopgoodgrace

I can't pick a favorite - all of these are fabulous!!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:38 p.m.

cozyblue

so many cute and creative things - nice picks!
i love the counting bear :)

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:38 p.m.

redyellowandblueink

Wonderful work. Very sweet-yumiyumi and kateendle.

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:39 p.m.

LaireMarie

Such lovely picks...

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:45 p.m.

iomiss

cute selections and great blog! i love Danita

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:50 p.m.

baconsquarefarm

Lovely selections, kinda partial to that 1969 chevelle love old muscle cars.

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:54 p.m.

moderncard

Very nice selection. I think leearthaus.etsy.com has some cool prints for kids rooms too.

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:56 p.m.

trafalgarssquare

I love children's art! There is so much color and imagination and whimsy when you're doing art for kids; love these selections!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 3:58 p.m.

picturebookstudios

Great collection and I'll visit each of these shops!!!! If you have a moment, please take a look at my shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...
www.picturebookstudios.etsy com
I'm an illustrator of art of children young and old!
Thanks again for the lovely treats!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 4:11 p.m.

elizabethwren

Wonderful ways to decorate your kids rooms- all so fun!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 4:15 p.m.

EpicBones

oh nice! love the coolmompicks website!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 4:28 p.m.

littlealouette

love it! I also love sharon montrose so much for prints and also some of the cool emmaklingbeil too. Love you guys! kiss kiss!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 4:28 p.m.

littlealouette

so cool to see you guys up there! My blog sistas!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 4:29 p.m.

ModernClassicsKids

Congrats to eveyone chosen!
Everything is fabulous!
Way to go, Vana & Sarah :)

Feb. 11, 2009 at 4:35 p.m.

aimeesarmoire

Hey! Who says only babies get to enjoy this cool stuff??? I'm just a (big) kid at heart, so I think I need to re-decorate my living room!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 5:04 p.m.

GumballGrenade

Very sweet selections! Love YumiYumi!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 5:17 p.m.

violetjulia

I love your picks. So much awesome kids stuff and toys on Etsy.

Feb. 11, 2009 at 5:52 p.m.

kristensteinfineart

Wonderful picks. Such sweet artwork!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 6:09 p.m.

LadybugLimited

thanks for all the picks-- now I've got some new faves!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 6:11 p.m.

littlebabybat

So cute! I love the owls.

Feb. 11, 2009 at 7:02 p.m.

HELICOPTERstudios

Lovely picks, some I have not visited yet! I love love Danitashop! Here's one I just discovered tonight via flickr........areathrifyone.etsy.com! Sweet stuff!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 7:03 p.m.

danitashop

Thanks so much for including one of my pieces there! It's an honor!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 7:42 p.m.

secondstorywindow

What a great article!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 8:15 p.m.

laspottery

Here's to cool moms!! Great job and love the CoolMomPicks.com site!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 8:19 p.m.

breadandroses

Wonderful collection! Every child should have real art in their room to spark the imagination.

Feb. 11, 2009 at 8:23 p.m.

littletreeart

The labpartners designs are really lovely. Lot's of beautiful art for children on Etsy!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 8:34 p.m.

IcingOnTheCupcake

So many great choices! Check out my store also for children's artwork!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 8:51 p.m.

erinschock

I love the little girl theme. Such sweetness and innocence-reminds me of the etsy seller
belleandboo who is amazing.

Feb. 11, 2009 at 8:54 p.m.

noodleandlou

Lovely choices!! Yay etsy and hooray for Coolmompicks!!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 9:19 p.m.

courtneycourtney

i love you guys!!!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 9:19 p.m.

OhFaro

Wonderful article and thanks to etsy and CoolMomPicks for focusing on interesting and unique kids items.

I really need some kids on my life, and when that happens, etsy is the first place I will shop!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 9:21 p.m.

KreatedbyKelly

Great picks!!! I love dreaming up nursery wall pretties *smiles*

Feb. 11, 2009 at 9:27 p.m.

KellesKitchen

Cool! And you're right - this did make me chuckle :)

Feb. 11, 2009 at 11:13 p.m.

JesseMosher

a nice choice the at -the whole group . Thanks Coolmom !

Feb. 11, 2009 at 11:56 p.m.

2BellesBeads

That Custom Silhouette is absolutely fabulous.

Great work, ladies. Keep it up!

Schmoys R Us... *giggle*

Feb. 12, 2009 at 1:07 a.m.

voleurdebijoux

lovely picks! :)

Feb. 12, 2009 at 1:25 a.m.

littlebirdcreations

fabulous picks...makes me think of some dreamy walls to come for when we bring our child home! :)

Feb. 12, 2009 at 1:30 a.m.

boopalinabebe

So lovin' the Bamboo in Multicolor No 2 by artbyrosemary.
Compliments the boopalina + bebe motley print bedding and accessories to the 9.

Feb. 12, 2009 at 3:10 a.m.

SunnyBower

This was fun to read.

PictureBooksStudios- you're a new discovery to me; I love your artwork!

Wollies- THANK YOU for mentioning my nursery room art!

'So much talent on Etsy!

Feb. 12, 2009 at 7:38 a.m.

maryvsmith

These picks are so fun and refreshing...they made me smile and remember when my kids were young!

Feb. 12, 2009 at 9:40 a.m.

jodieflowers

Great items for the nursery!!!Love them all!

Feb. 12, 2009 at 10:38 a.m.

johnwgolden

Thanks so much for including my work! Great collection!

Feb. 12, 2009 at 11:27 a.m.

deebeale

Some beautiful prints here.

Feb. 12, 2009 at 12:13 p.m.

joshtaylorart

Very cool picks! Check us out too:
joshtaylorart.etsy.com

Feb. 12, 2009 at 12:35 p.m.

FrouFrouFido

I love how everyone has such a unique style yet all evoke such sweet childhood thoughts. Marvelous! :)

Feb. 12, 2009 at 1:32 p.m.

EJPcreations

Simple yet sooo pretty!

Feb. 12, 2009 at 1:44 p.m.

Thinkoutsidethebox

Such talented artistry! I love each and every one of these art pieces...oh..if only my daughter was little again!

Feb. 12, 2009 at 4:56 p.m.

lilacpop

Love the Mustang art print!! Everything is adorable.

Feb. 12, 2009 at 6:12 p.m.

TheSingingBird

great choices!

Feb. 12, 2009 at 7:39 p.m.

MommyHussle

Everything here is adorable. It is giving me some great ideas for my website. Thanks!

Mommy Hussle
http://www.nurseryartist.com

Feb. 12, 2009 at 8:09 p.m.

waddlinonion

They all share a dream-like quality that I think we all feel when we recall our childhood... beautiful!

Feb. 12, 2009 at 8:36 p.m.

jurphy

I love the expression on LindsayArt's Come A Little Closer fawn. She really captured something there! All are amazing and stir you in some way!

Feb. 12, 2009 at 8:42 p.m.

kbellabambino

Very pretty collection.

Feb. 12, 2009 at 10:04 p.m.

LilPeasandCarrots

I've been a long time fan of CoolMomPicks. It's such a great blog, so well written.

Feb. 13, 2009 at 12:03 a.m.

isabellaboo

How fun! Thanks for the inspiration :)

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:34 a.m.

slippedstitchstudios

love the diverseness!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 3:46 p.m.

gwendolynne

Nice picks! Try my fave Etsy children's illustrator too, Mandy Sutcliffe at www.belleandboo.etsy.com .

Feb. 13, 2009 at 8:15 p.m.

ZoeFletcherGallery

Oooh! Gorgeous. Just love that Hide'n'Seek!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 11:46 p.m.

tiffcane93

These are soo neat. But really, I love the CMP stuff!!! Keep it up girls!
And I got an amazing holiday gift for my sons' playroom and wanted to share about this ETSY artist's amazing, simple & classic letterpressed alphabet ... www.kwvh.etsy.com The letters are large and my kids love it - check him out!

Feb. 15, 2009 at 8:07 p.m.

sohomode

rock on mamas....

Feb. 15, 2009 at 9:12 p.m.

CityChicCountryMouse

lovely! these are so cute!

Feb. 15, 2009 at 10:01 p.m.

TechMama

Beautiful artwork.. I want to hang those on the wall!!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 3:56 p.m.

jensingh

Perfect, perfect, perfection-great stuff, our kids are so lucky!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 12:33 a.m.

anniepoo

Come a little Closer is absolutely adorable!!!

Feb. 19, 2009 at 2:52 a.m.

haannh

Adorable...

Feb. 21, 2009 at 12:40 p.m.

classicbead

The prints are soothing and would be thought provoking for little ones as they dreamed of being in those places!
How would a new mom choose?

Feb. 22, 2009 at 7:34 p.m.

JewelryOfNote

Your work is truly creative. I have taught music for 35 years, so I have seen a lot of what is out there.
"Fun with Bubbles" is my favorite.
I think your prints would have a calming effect on many classrooms. They are beautiful.

Congratulations, and keep this quality coming!

March 2, 2009 at 12:42 a.m.