Friday, August 5, 2011

Pssst! The Twinkle Twinkle nests are here!!


Little baby fast asleep
are you really mine to keep?
I touch your face, your feet, your hair
I hold my breath, I say a prayer~~
                                                                                                                                         (me)


~~


Finally~~ after 3 very busy months, I am so excited to be able to share the Twinkle, Twinkle nests with you all! They are truly exquisite~~


Created with some of the most beautiful yarns that I have ever used -these little nests are very, very special. My dear friend Mary joined me in this project, embellishing each little nest with her intricate and beautiful bead work. This latest designer nest is unlike anything that I have ever shown you before~~


~~




Each little nest is unique~~



They are individually accented with vintage beads, tiny pearls, swarovski crystals, and beautiful vintage Czechoslovakian glass beads.





Mary and I both spent hours and hours (and hours!) working on these little nests to make them so very special for you. Perhaps they will become an heirloom, a special remembrance, a celebration~~





~~




~~



In addition to the beautiful beads, we've added a various assortment of vintage trims, ribbons, flowers, and gorgeous tulle.





I'm so excited to introduce you to the amazing artists who have helped me to realize the fulfillment of this amazing project~ but first I want to take you someplace very special~~






Welcome to my "little world"~~



a place of tiny little hands and feet~~





~~





For 35 years now, I have been blessed to work in a career that allows me to love and provide care for tiny little babies. I have held more babies~ and loved more babies~ and rocked more babies ~~ and lost more babies, than I could ever count. My world is challenging, and rewarding - and at times, heartbreaking. My life has been blessed by the hundreds of little hands and feet that I have touched over the years~~




~~






When a birthday comes early - sometimes almost 3 months early - these little babies face a mountain of challenges in their struggles to survive. Those of us who live and work in this "little" world - know first hand how amazingly strong these fragile babies can be. In my world - miracles happen every day.





~~




~~





In many cases our babies stay in the NICU for 2 or 3 months. In some situations, they may stay longer - for 6 months - or more.



The proceeds from the sale of these nests will be donated to the charitable foundation at the hospital where I work.  We are currently in a major fundraising campaign to raise money to build a Children's Hospital.  Together- we will all be contributing to a legacy that will provide dedicated health care for our infants and children - for years and years to come.






The nests measure 7 inches in width and just over 4 inches tall.




~~


~~



~~




~~



~~

~~

I've waited such a long time to share with you the creative genius and artistry of some of my friends. (This business of nest making has turned out to be a very detailed venture. I absolutely could not do this without the valuable assistance of some amazingly talented folks~~)




Twinkle, Twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.


The largest of the stars that adorn the Twinkle, Twinkle nests were specially made by my friend Stephanie. Each ceramic star was individually created and contains a beautiful little swarovski crystal. Every child born into this world is a shining star in the lives of those who love them. Stephanie has demonstrated this perfectly in her creation of these magnificent stars.


Stephanie has supported my dream for the creation of these little nests from the very beginning. In addition to her design and creation of these beautiful stars, she also graciously donated them in support of my charitable cause.


Stephanie's little nephew - "Hudson" - was born several weeks prematurely. Not only did he face the struggles common to most premature infants - but Hudson was also born with Down's Syndrome. I truly believe that babies born with Down's Syndrome are a special gift from God. Their gentle spirit, loving disposition, and sweetly smiling faces bring a wonderful joy into the lives of all who know them. One of my greatest pleasures is holding a little child with Down's Syndrome in my arms - they are so snuggly~




Baby Hudson will face many challenges in his young life. Already he has successfully completed heart surgery! He is a brave little fighter who has amazed his Aunt Stephanie with his will to stay strong and survive.



These little blue nests are dedicated to Hudson and all little boy babies who sometimes must face special challenges in their lives. Thank you Stephanie for your heartfelt generosity and for supporting me in this project. This has been a long time in coming - I know. Your beautiful stars are incredible and they bring both light and love to these beautiful nests. (you can visit Stephanie and see more of her amazing creations at her Etsy shop here.)  


We're all about the stars with these little nests! The Twinkle, Twinkle factor continues in the creation of the beautiful smaller stars, hanging delicately on the nests with their tiny little ribbons. My friend Jo Heckett painstakingly created each of these little beautiful stars. Jo lives across the "Big Pond" (in the UK) - so these stars traveled a great distance to embellish these special nests!

~~


~~


~~ Thank you Jo for being such a huge supporter of this charitable project. Your incredibly beautiful stars are magnificent in the embellishment of the nests. I appreciate your time and talents more than you will ever know. This dream would not have been fulfilled without your help! (You can visit Jo and see more of her fabulous creations at her Etsy shop here.)    




Each nest is adorned with the most precious hand crafted little felt moon! Specially created by my friend Paulette - these intricate little moon embellishments are each individually embroidered and beaded. (Think hours and hours of work!) They are the most detailed adornment on the nests and they are nothing short of magnificent!

~~

~~


Paulette~~ you have shared my passion for the creation of these nests for the longest time. Your imaginative design is the crowning touch to these little treasures. I cannot even begin to imagine the time and detail that you spent on the creation of these special little moons. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your talents require great patience - I am in awe of your creations~


(You can see more of Paulette's beautiful embroidered and beaded creations in her Etsy shop here.)      

Presentation is everything! Your nest will arrive beautifully wrapped in this tissue and adorned with these adorable tags - all specially created for the Twinkle, Twinkle nests by my dear friend Susie. Ever my constant supporter, Susie has helped me with all of my nesting projects to date. She is my "fairy godmother" - she makes all of my dreams come true when it comes to creating beautiful wrappings and tags for the nests~~


~~Thank you Susie for your special talents and for helping to bring my dreams to life. You are amazing!! You can contact Susie at kosec@sbcglobal.net.


No nest would be complete without preious little eggs nestled within~~
Michelle's beautiful eggs graced those incredible shorebird nests - and now, they are here to beautifully complete the Twinkle, Twinkle nests. Each precious little egg is hand rolled, painted - (and speckled ) - they are tiny little works of art! You will find 2 little eggs tucked inside each nest.


~~

~~

~~

~~


Michelle has more than enthusiastically supported me in this incredible journey of nesting. She hand"rolled" these little eggs not once - not twice - but three times! (it's a long story but suffice it to say that I could never get the count quite right!!)
You can visit Michelle's beautiful
Etsy shop here.




~~


~~

~~

Michelle - you are a true artist and a great friend. You will never know how I appreciate your loving support and your talents. Your eggs are to my nests - as sweet cream is to butter~~. Merci, my friend.

~~


The bravest little person that I have ever met is my Kensey girl. Born almost 3 months premature and weighing at just over 2 pounds, Kensey and her twin sister Lindsey fought seemingly insurmountable odds to survive. As fate would have it - Kensey's battles were the toughest and she has had to fight twice as hard as her sister~~


~~


My relationship with Kensey has been two fold - I cared for here when she and her sister were in our NICU and then fate bought us together again, almost 3 years later - when, as her court advocate I helped to place her and her siblings into a loving home with foster parents who were devoted to the special needs of the children.

Kensey's struggles continued - and a near death experience found us all at her hospital bedside only a few months ago - standing vigil. We held the adoption ceremony for Kensey and her siblings in the hospital - at her bedside -while she remained so critically ill.



And then - a MIRACLE occured. Kensey recovered to go home with her foster parents (now her adoptive parents) and her four siblings. She is bravely determined to be like "her sissy" and fights hard to learn to do the things that we all take for granted - like walk and eat and smile.




These little pink nests are dedicated to my Kensey girl~~ and to all little girls like her who struggle against great odds to survive and bring joy to the hearts of those who love them. I love you Kensey - you are my hero~~



First of all - I want to say that I never, ever, dreamed that I would be making nests AND that they would find their way into loving homes all over the world~~

~~and then, that I would be making designer nests and using them to contribute to charitable causes that are dear to my heart- is still almost unimaginable.

The making of this Twinkle, Twinkle nest has been in my heart for well over a year. The original idea wasn't mine however - it was Mary's. We've come a long way from "you need to make a baby nest!" (Mary) and me saying back to her, " yeah right! In my spare time!!"

~~

~~


~~
~~

~~

~~

~~




~~


~~




You will find 30 little nests in my ETSY shop - 15 of each color. Each nest is unique - no two are alike. (If you have emailed me and requested to reserve one - it will be there under your name.) As with all my designer nests - this particular nest will not ever be repeated - when they are gone - they're gone!



She's been my best friend for all of my life~~

I can't ever remember when she was not a part of my life. Working on this project together, has been one of the most incredible and meaningful experiences of our life long friendship. At first I thought she was crazy~~ and now~ well, they are finished and are beyond anything that I could have ever imagined. Trust your friends~~





Thank you all for loving my little nests and for allowing me to use them to help charitable causes. If I could have one wish come true - it would be that my parents could be here to see this incredible experience that is taking place in my life~~


Vicki

ps - I am taking a little blogging break until mid-September.  Need some "me" time!  I will be available by email - vboster1@windstream.net.  Enjoy the rest of your summer - it is passing way to fast for me!

44 comments:

Unknown said...

this post has touched my heart deeply mon amie. what you do both in your "day job" and when creating these heavenly nests is touching many, many lives. you bring love, hope and joy to sooooo many by sharing your heart's passion. i am honored and humbled to be a part of it all. truly....my life is richer for knowing you....sweet vicki....my kindred creative friend!(you're mother would be ever so proud of you!)

sjmcdowell said...

Dearest Vicki,

What exquisite miracles new born babies are!! May God Bless you and keep you always for doing your part in helping the Lord keep these little miracles loved, nutured and protected by you and the folks that work with these little wonders!

You and your friends who have made these wonderful nests possible are awesome. May God Bless each and every one of you.

I am blessed to be able to give one of these wonderfully beautiful Pink Nests to my new Granddaughter the end of October.

Your post is one of the best I have ever read....I'm happy to be a Blogger when something like this happens!!

Love and Blessings,

Susan

Sandies' Patch said...

Vicki! You and your talented friends have surpassed yourselves!
They are the most wonderful creations I have ever seen!
And then.... to market them in a unique way,making them limited editions is truly inspired!
I am full of admiration for you all.
People will be wanting these long after they are gone me thinks!

Bless you all!

Sandie xx

Sea Witch said...

These are so lovely and you are a gem for the love you put into each and every one. Sea witch

yaya said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes. My first child was born 2mo. premature. He weighed 2lbs..that was 35yrs. ago. It was a miracle that he survived and thrived. I will never forget the nicu nurse who was an angel to us. She could hardly hand him over to us when he could finally come home. He is now a Dad to 4 beautiful children of his own and he is also a health care worker in a local hospital. I think his nicu nurse would be proud...she passed away many years ago, but I'll never forget her. Your nests are just beautiful and will bring much delight to the new owners and much needed equipment for the new little angels in your care. Good luck with this cause.

gigi knits said...

The nests are beyond words!! What you do everyday for the littlest of souls is a great gift to be able to give hope to the parents & grandparents.. You are a very special caring person.
Can't wait to see my beautiful pink nest to honor 4 daughters 6 granddaughters &4g-granddaughters.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

You touched me so, and I am happy to have found your blog. Your life must be so blessed.

Silke Powers said...

Oh, Vicki, what a wonderful post!! So sweet and so touching! The photos of the little hands and feet just melted my heart. It always amazes me how resilient these tiny babies are... true miracles!

I just LOVE your new nests!! How many did you make? They are just gorgeous!!! And you are amazing, my friend!!

Much love, Silke

marda said...

Oh Vicki, I don't have words to express how exceptionally beautiful these little nests are.

Knowing the background to their creation has meant a lot. We have two sweet little neighbors, both born 3 months premature. The oldest, a boy now 5 and his little sister now 2 are indeed miracles. The little boy has almost become a surrogate grandson...to bad for him this neighborhood doesn't have anyone his age to play with, so he's kind of adopted us! Hardly a day goes by in warm weather, and we're sitting on the porch in the afternoon when he gets home. In no more than 10 min. he's running, or riding his bike to our place, on one occasion even bringing his own chair so he can visit. He's so bright and healthy and except for his size, you'd never know he'd been that premature. His little sister is another little miracle. Her petite size had her pediatrician concerned, but a thorough check showed nothing to worry about. I'm so glad my purchase of something so incredible also goes to help those little ones who need a miracle.

Thanks for telling us about all the creative people who helped make these nests and give them my heartfelt thanks for their contribution.

Gabriela said...

Vicki!These are so lovingly beautiful!!!!!Mary was right!You just had to make these!

Mereknits said...

Vicki, these nests are so beautiful and the thought behind them amazing. As a pediatric OT I see babies when they leave the NICU and I help them learn to roll, sit up, crawl, walk and use their hands. I understand your love and your loss. Thanks for all you do,
Meredith

Terry said...

Vicki,
Your Twinkle Twinkle Nests are gorgeous! You are an angel! I am the mother of 22 year old quadruplets. They were born six weeks premature. I have three girls and one boy. My girls were quite healthy and only spent a week or so in the NICU, but my son spent six weeks in the NICU. He is a very healthy young man now, thanks to wonderful people like you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the work that you do. I also thank you for the delicious cookies I received today.
Love,
Terry

Jan Thomason said...

you are amazing. you are such a vessel of God and He is so proud of you and how you knit Him throughout His nests.

i cannot wait to get mine - i have to get over to your etsy shop and DO IT!! i'm wondering if there are any precious flowers on my blue nest? I chose blue because I have three boys AND because it will probably go in my blue bird themed bathroom (or not). Just wondering about the flowers..............

off to town. Your post touched my heart so deeply and if i lived near you i would volunteer to do anything i could to help those sweet, sweet babies.

so glad we're friends, jan

Mosaic Magpie said...

A lovely post that brought tears to my eyes. This world needs more people like you. People that see a need and go out of their way to fill it. All the lives you have touched are also a part of your legacy. Good job, Vicki! I feel blessed to call you my friend.
Deb

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Nothing short of "Out of this World"!!!!!
Thank you for stopping by and getting me over here....making me be still long enough to soak up all this happiness.
Such an adventure...such a purpose ...and mostly such amazing friends.
The exquisite detail of the twinkle, twinkle nests is unmatchable.
I cannot begin to imagine the cumulative hours spent not to mention the mental gymnastics that comes with a project this detailed and huge.
You are one caring woman Miss vicki...huge heart to match this project.

Every time I enter my dining room my eyes rest on your precious nest...and I think of you and your babies.
Precious little hands and feet...thank you for loving and caring for all these wee ones all these many years.
Bravo...Standing "O".
I love you girlfriend...
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Retired Knitter said...

Such a touching post. Such caring thoughts. A gift for sure for all.

Finding Joy said...

Those photos of the babies are so precious, they are beautifully taken with such tenderness. Ever parent with one of those babies are so blessed to have people like you caring for their infants. Angels.


And the nests I am always amazed at your creativity, these are incredible.

Have a blessed week:)

mairedodd said...

fate -

here i sit, on the morning of my son's birthday... the son who was born at 23 weeks 4 days gestation... weighing just over a pound... your exquisite nests and their intention have moved me... the pictures, well i think you know what they did to me... the monitors that keep ever vigilant watch, the lines that hook them to fluids that sustain and cure...

those babies, those families are so very lucky to have had you in their lives... whether as the primary nurse or just a loving, positive person in the nicu... the experience is life changing...

these babies teach us so much - lessons of gratitude, strength, love, faith... they teach us about what really matters...

your parents have been watching you all along - it is their love and strength that kept you going when you tired or became uninspired...

myriamkreativ said...

Hi Vicki,
.... your nest are like you - very special! And these are really beautiful. I always think of you, when I have my cup of coffe in the morning and look at my little "Vicki-nest" that was one of the first nests you made. What a perfect idea of you! I am sure, that your mommy and dad take care every minute and will always be with you! Enjoy your "Vicki-time" Hugs & kisses Myriam

Anonymous said...

Dearest Vicki,
These nests are amazing! I cannot express how deeply this post has touched me ... all of the beautiful souls who generously helped add their talents to help create such precious works of wonder and for such a worthy cause. Indeed, these little nests will surely make lifelong statements as well as heirlooms, however, might I remind you that ALL of your nests will leave your mark on this world.

I wish all of G-d's tiny blessed souls unfathomable peace ... may their hearts only know happiness.

A Scattering said...

So, now here I am at work, all teary because this post is so beautiful. Vicki you, and your collaborators are the kind shining stars who continue to give me hope in this often crazy world. Enjoy your well deserved break - hope you and The Gardener having a wonderful time! Love, Elaine

Cheryl said...

Oh my word what a post! This brought tears to my eyes. As a grandmother of three baby grandchildren who were born way too early, I was more than touched by this. My oldest Grandson was born at 26 weeks and is now an incredible 6 year old and my twin Grandsons who were born on the 4th June this year at 33 weeks and are now thriving 3 month olds. I am so proud or my grandsons and of so proud of you and what you do! I cannot tell you what a difference nurses like you made to our experience, which was already so, so traumatic. I have nothing but respect and awe for you and your ‘co-carers’. Thank you so much. Oh by the way I think your nests are awesome too!

Beedeebabee said...

OMG, Vicki! I know I've been in sort of a sensitive mood lately, but I have to tell you that from the very beginning of this post...your adorable poem, my eyes welled up, and by the end I was on my second tissue! Your nests are SOOO truly absolutely stunning!!!! Reading about those little babies just broke my heart, but reminded me of what a beautiful, generous person you are...just the special kind of friend (angel) those little ones need so desperately. All of your nests are exquisite, and I knew these Twinkle nests would be as well, but the story behind these just pulled at my heartstrings with the biggest tug! The adornments made by your special friends are all so wonderful...and I'm so glad you listened to your best friend and decided to make these baby nests. They're so BEAUTIFUL...AND YOU ARE TOO!!!
XOXO Paulette

SuZeQ said...

I just knew they would be beautiful, but was I wrong. They are out-of-this-world-spectacular! Yes, they are. You should be so proud of yourself - I know I am proud of you. It's a shame that when they're gone, they're gone. I have a feeling you could make hundreds more and sell every single one of them. Not only are the nests beautiful, your words touched me to the core. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Lisa said...

Vicki,
What a post. First of all you are a 'super woman'! Nurse, wife, aunt, court advocate, world traveler, writer, artist, the list goes on & on. Your heart is the biggest in blogland. These nests are amazing & I'm sure will be gone soon. The detail in each one is perfect. You indeed have talented & generous friends. The stars, tags, moons, eggs, all of it so sweet & the perfect embellishment. I don't blame you for needing some time for yourself, it's well deserved!
Lisa

Dorthe said...

Dearest Vicki,
this is a so beautiful post, The photoes of the tiny baby wonders are heartbreaking-how can anyone be that small, and still be allive- what a fantastic job you have, and what a meaningful difference you do, working there, my friend.
The nests made with help from so talented hands, are gorgeus Vicki, you made this set even more beautiful than the others, and so magical to see -I love them dear kindhearted woman.

Have a wonderful and safe travel, and take care.
Hugs and love,-Dorthe

Carole said...

Of course you are deserving a break....holy moly what a lot of work. You are equally talented and generous my friend. I just realized that I had only seen your nests from my phone and wow what a difference on a real computer... They just pop off the screen.
Just amazing super women!
xx
Carole

A time to dance said...

I feel so moved by this post your words have really touched my heart ... I would love to meet you Vicki you are a very special lady .... Bless you ... H

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hi sweetie...
You brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful share. It takes a very special heart and SO much love to be able to do this type of work day in and day out. You are an earthly angel sweet friend. May God Bless you and keep you healthy to keep walking this path.

This is the Miracle Weekend makeover. I am one of the hosting sites. For every comment left, Guideposts magazine will pay a dollar, to the next cancer makeover patient. Please stop by and read the story about 9 year old Charlie, and bless me with a comment. Out goal between the 4 or 5 blogs is 5,000. I know we can do it. I would appreciate it, if you pass the word around to as many friends as possible.

Thank you sweetie for a wonderful post. I love it. Have a glorious weekend. Country hugs from Phoenix, Sherry

Linda Carole Bloom said...

I Love these blue and pink nests! And loved seeing the babies. I never get to see our NICU, and your photos are beautiful. I also like the green nests to the right of your post. I'll keep visiting, Love, Linda

Mila said...

Ciao Vicki :)!
This is wonderful post that has touch my soul with your little babies photos...Your nests are adorable just like you!
Blessing,
Mila :)

P.S.Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog...

gigi knits said...

My nest came today its gorgeous!!!

Sharon Lovejoy said...

As ALWAYS dear Vicki, your posting filled my heart with joy. Those little dear feet and hands, the hope, the love, the creativity.

You are lovely and amazing!!!!

Lovingly,

S

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Wow, Vicki, I enjoyed each and every picture. Your nests are extremely gorgeous. They sparkle right into my living room, through my laptop screen ;)
And the teeny tiniest sweet pea is amazing. A little miracle.
Have a happy new week ahead xxx

Joyful said...

Wow! Loved the story, the photos and your fabulous friends. I'm sure your generous heart will be well rewarded with new homes for your fabulous creations.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Dear Vicki, what a beautiful post! Those tiny feet and hands are so very precious! My cousin is a neonatal nurse just like you. Such a rewarding and heartbreaking job but so worth being a part of those little lives and that of their families. Your nests are gorgeous. I am so glad that your dream to make them has come true along with the creative efforts of so many friends. I hope you are enjoying your down time. Wishing you all the best, Tammy

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Dear Vicki,
A beautiful post...written from your heart.
My cousins baby was born at 24 weeks gestation under two pounds. He is now 8 years old and doing very well right on track for a healthy 8 year old boy. He was one of the lucky ones with no development problems. The only thing he has trouble with is his lungs from time to time.
The nests are beautiful and made with so much love.
Just the sweetest tiny nests ever. Vicki the nests that you and girls have created have and will touch many life's.
Have a sweet and restful break,
Big hugs, Elizabeth

Lili said...

I just know your parents are smiling proudly from above at what you have accomplished Vicki. This was the most touching, creative and beautiful post I have ever read! You have such a special role in life dear Vicki and it was awe inspiring to get a glimpse of it on here. Blessings to you dear. xoxo ~Lili

Mosaic Magpie said...

Just checking in on you and making sure I had not missed anything!
Deb

Seawashed said...

This is just gorgeous. Your nests are one of a kind in beauty and dreaminess. I so admire your job. I would have loved to do what you do. The photos of the babies and words in this post are breathtaking. After such a LONG post, you need a break! It is truly beautiful to see how much creativity goes in to making each of these nests. Twinkle Twinkle little star was always my daughter Holly's song. She would sing and sing and sing that song and she is like a shining star. If you met her at any age, you would see her sparkling personality. She was the child that would talk to everyone and let the grocery clerk pick her up and hold her. Now I am popping over to your etsy. ox Kerrie

PS thank you so much for letting others know about my and my etsy on your sidebar. You are a sweetheart.

nanny said...

Your work is heavenly....I mean it. They are so delicate.

Your day job...oh if i could do anything in the world it would be to hold and care for babies....

CaroKunstversuch said...

Hello, I came ocer to your blog because you visited mine. It is adorable work you do with those babys!!

Fishtail Cottage said...

oh, i just read through this post & those nests are the cutest ever! you are such a blessing to all those little souls you touch & a comfort to the parents as well. You are an amazing woman and your beauty exudes through both your words and your work! Hugs. tracie

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

I received one of these beautiful, pink nests as a gift and had to let you know how much I lioved it!