faq
Who are you?
I am Amy Bowers, a full time mom of 3 very cool young kids. My background is in art history and American Studies with a special interest in women's history and domesticity. I live in a 100 year old house in Florida and spend my days doing mama stuff and avoiding my thesis and cleaning the kitchen.
Why did you create these?
The simple answer is because I wanted them and they did not exist. Life as a parent has stretched me so far beyond my boundaries and comfort levels that I could literally feel my self changing and growing. After my many adventures with my brood I would actually say, "I need a merit badge for this!" Corporate America has its printed mugs and embroidered windbreakers. I think moms need/want/deserve/should demand recognition (and not just on one Sunday in May). I wear my badges and use them as a tool for discussion with anyone I meet that asks about them. They are meant to be fun, but hopefully will resonate on a deeper level and facilitate connections with people.
What do you do with them?
Iron them on to your jacket, diaper bag, sling, baby carrier, jeans or hat. They would be sweet on a special blanket for your baby/kid to look at (although you might want to sew them to be extra safe). Scrap bookers, journal keepers and altered book makers can easily incorporate these into their creative work. For example, I am making a simple journal for each of my kids with the badge and a handwritten note of what they did to me that made me earn the badge. Another simple idea is to use them in card making (think birthdays, baby showers and blessingways, and definitely for all those mom-roic events that your friends survive).
What are the requirements to earn a badge?
That is the beauty of it, YOU decide! You know when you have gone beyond duty and deserve recognition! Buy the set for an expectant mama and tell her with a knowing nod of the head that there will be no question in her mind when she has earned a badge.
Are they just for mama's?
No, of course not! They can be used by dads, grandparents and even kids. They are designed by a mama for mamas, but we will share (we always do!)
How do you come up with the badges? Can I send you suggestions?
They are based on my adventures with my kids and all the amazing stories I hear from other mama friends. If you have a suggestion for a badge, please send it! Even if you think it is obvious, I use the all the comments and suggestions to help decide which badges to design next - so let me know!
Are there more coming out?
YES! I have several in the works. Sign up for the newsletter here and you will be the first to know what they are and when they will be available.
