These handmade Storybook Birds are exceptionally adorable and customizable. You specify the name or word(s) to be spelled out, choose a color theme and *voila* -- a completely hand sewn banner to hang in your little one's room to add that special touch.
The French company, Carton Chic, is certainly living up to its name. Do you recall turning cardboard boxes into an imaginary escape as a child? The possibilities were limitless. I remember making a spaceship, a house, a refrigerator...you name it. That's why I was immediately crazy about Armelle's fresh take on cardboard creativity. These cardboard pieces are reminiscent of the classic puppet theatre but instead it's a TV on one side and a kitchen on the other...fun!
If you're looking for some unique art from across the Atlantic, L'Affiche Moderne, a French company selling posters from
mostly French photographers, graphic designers and children's illustrators, has recently opened the English version of their online shop. Each poster is a
numbered limited edition of 300. There are some lovely pieces for a kids' space and a grown-ups' space as well...
When I first laid my eyes on these handmade litter bags by Bitsy Blossoms, I was thrilled! Of course there should be a pretty litter bag in my car since it seems that there is always a bottle cap, a cracker, a wrapper or chewing gum that needs to be discarded. I usually stuff it in the cup holder or a temporarily convenient spot until I get home. The patterns are all fabulous and you can buy a roll of biodegradable replacement baggies from Bitsy Blossoms as well, otherwise they fit a standard produce or pet bag. These would make a great gift as well.
My sleep schedule is still off kilter but it also means that I'm enjoying the morning, so far, quietly sipping my espresso and writing a blog post in peace and quiet while everyone is still sleeping -- it's only a matter of time though. I was just sifting through some photos of our trip and wanted to share some cheerful patterns that we came across. It's getting my blood moving for Monday. Also, while I'm recalling our travels, I wanted to thank Erika from Mikodesign for giving me some terrific recommendations for restaurants and shops in Amsterdam and Esther from Babyccino for sharing her babysitter with us so my husband and I could have an evening out...which only turned out to be one glorious hour since a new person in a strange city didn't agree with the Mini...oh well...
We made it home yesterday and I'm feeling refreshed, believe it or not, after almost two years. Of course, giving birth and keeping up with two little girls doesn't allow much time to stop and recover -- so having my husband at arms length and stepping away from the daily routines at home was just what the doctor ordered. The girls' were awake and chirping for breakfast at 3 a.m. this morning so I just made myself a nice cup of espresso and started filling orders for eggs, orange juice and cereal. Good to be home.
So, though it's Saturday and I'm mentally preparing myself for Monday, I wanted to share Trish Grantham's new Russian nesting dolls on her etsy site. So adorable...
Local Seattle artist, Todd Karam, has got some sweet paintings that will be featured at his show entitled "Ordinary Objects" at the Suite 100 Gallery in Seattle this month...you can even purchase his pieces here. Todd's art has wonderful textures and layers...I love them...
Hi! Remember me? We're getting close to wrapping up our European whirlwind tour and I'll be back to blogging on Monday...though my fingers are rusty and my brain a bit squishy. I would have written sooner but our internet connection has been horrible for the last week and a half. It was a good cleansing process to be completely disconnected though.
In the meantime, I've been fortunate to have had a handful of terrific artists email me their work during my holiday...so, until I return, I'd like to introduce you to Stephanie Friedman. Stephanie's sewn art pieces simply popped! They're cheerful, bright and would make brilliant art for a baby or child's space.
When his kindergarten teacher displayed his giraffe drawing on the board, Brian Demeter knew he wanted to be an artist after all the kids wanted to trade candy for his art. I love stories like that because the child's mind has no boundaries. I was 6 when I strongly recall deciding I wanted to be an artist too and no one could change my focus. Brian's pieces are so fun and tell such imaginative stories...
I couldn't pass up a quick blurb about Kiki & Polly because as I was reading through my email, I got a nice message from Lisa Golightly about her work. What's both funny and ironic is that I was watching Breakfast at Tiffany's at the same time -- and for those who aren't familiar, the main character's name is Holly Golightly. Lisa is a mother of two and and this is her way of capturing moments of childhood and family...with her own twist on the art of portraiture.
Well...in 2 days, our little family is off to Europe for a bit over 3 weeks. It all started as a pipe dream a couple of years ago when my husband and I were convinced that 2008 was going to be the year that we would spend an entire summer in Europe...then it was whittled to 6 weeks, then a month and now it's a bit over 3 weeks in the spring. Heck, we're just surprised and excited that we're going at all.We all know how weak the American dollar is. We'll be trekking through Amsterdam, Copenhagen and then to the south of Spain where my husband's sister lives. I've been to Amsterdam several times and am already craving the chocolate from Pompadour, the frites and most of all the bike riding with our girls. It's Copenhagen that I've never seen so I would LOVE any recommendations for family-friendly restaurants, pastry shops, activities (Tivoli!) and for my own personal cravings...some great design-worthy shops. I have a deep appreciation for textiles, etc. Send any ideas or personal anecdotes my way...please! So, yes...this is a heads-up that I will not be blogging at my normal capacity. I may find the time to add a post here and there but I can't promise anything at this point...this is all about family immersion! However, I've just set up my KidsHaus flickr account so that i can upload and share photos of our travels so you can peek into our adventures (nothing there yet). For now, wish us luck and I will be refreshed and ready to resume blogging on May 12. The photos below were taken in Amsterdam in 2004 when Ms. Bean was only 2...
Imee began making her Indian Parade Elephants following a lecture she attended about the benefit of toys that encourage imagination and pretend play. This also coinciding with the toy production scares in China. Imee makes her elephants and dolls with the finest materials and adornments so that the final results are these beautiful little creatures. And the best part: a portion of proceeds from the elephant sales will be donated to the Elephant Sanctuary where elderly zoo and circus elephants retire in open pastures and comfort. I love hearing this -- especially since these majestic animals are dear to my heart.
I'm a bit behind the ball this morning after spending a lovely evening with several mothers' from my daughter's school. The evening went on quite late for me...I'm still trying to fully prop my eyes open. Anyhow, as I delve into Friday, I wanted to thank Bored Inc. for putting together such a nice giveaway offer. Courtney was also sweet to send a little package with the mushroom fanny pack and a cupcake pin -- both of which my daughter seriously covets! So, without further ado, we've selected our winner:
Robin: "The coin purses are adorable! If I won I'd use it myself. Would that be wrong?"
Mandy Colliss and David Quinton of Funky Little Darlings were hand-painting murals for children's rooms when it became apparent that it took much longer than clients expected, so Mandy and David found a way to digitally print wallpaper murals with the vivid colour, fine texture and quality that they demanded. They're a far cry from the nature scene murals that I lusted after as a kid...I can't imagine a child not wanting one of these to brighten up their space.
Oobi is a four person operation out of Sydney, Australia...they've been making toys & textiles for 8 years and their hand-knit knee-high baby booties could possibly be my new favorite. Suede feet and wooden buttons down the back are the details that make these particularly irresistible.
It's the second time in one week that I've mentioned The Small Object but I couldn't resist these handmade, limited edition clothespin people. There are only 10 available and I have a feeling they won't last long...
For some reason, this Patagonia Great Divider bag made such a huge impression on me months ago that I still think about getting one for myself. Mind you, this bag is intended to be used for anglers (fishermen) on a boat so that crucial supplies won't get wet but our friends used it on a day trip to Portland fully stocked with baby's essentials. A bigger and more functional diaper bag of sorts. This bag is completely water-proof! Inside, it has adjustable foam dividers that can be configured to any formation and removable end pockets to keep track of small things. It's perfect for keeping those crucial items neatly organized in the car for those frequent emergencies.
Amy Hevron is a local Seattle girl that has showcased her work in several venues and, as a result, I've purchased a few myself...they''re all gracing the walls of Ms. Bean's room. Her paintings portray very sweet and whimsical animals -- some clad in suits! Amy also paints an array of lovely flowers. There are still a few for sale via Amy Ruppel's website, otherwise you can contact Amy Hevron and inquire about commissions, etc.
KidsHaus is excited to announce a great giveaway from Bored Inc.! This little company is a mother & daughter team that has created a wide range of whimsical decals, tees, onesies, bags, coin purses...the list goes on (how do they do it?)! Courtney has graciously pulled together a nice package to one lucky winner including: 1 tee or onesie, 1 set of Decorama decals, 1 belt or coin purse and the winner gets to pick their choice of each item. I'm particularly in love with the vinyl mushroom fannypack for Ms. Bean...
Thank you to Bored Inc.! Enjoy playing...
How this works: We'll select 1 winner only . All you need to do is leave a comment, no anonymous comments please, from now until midnight PST on Thursday, April 10, 2008. I will announce the winners on Friday morning, April 11, 2008. One entry per person please!
The Small Object truly has a knack for making unique containers and boxes and they've charmed me again with the Toadstool Trinket Box. The perfect little spot to stash a first tooth, first lock of hair or miniature treasure.
In our home, my girls love to pretend cook while I attempt to throw together a real dinner. So much so, that I moved the play oven right next to the kitchen. Doodlebug Finery has some of the most adorable felt food for pretend play...cafe salad, chips and breakfast are currently on the menu. Handcrafted from a mother who makes these wonderful things while her daughter sleeps. 
Lapin & Me is a nostalgic little shop that has carefully chosen items with an emphasis on design, quality, style and imagination. There are wonderful things gathered from around the world all in one spot...
I took a teeny break from posting last week because I was a bit exhausted from a teething child and was also directing my focus into illustrating some things that have been on my mind. I will be happy to share what I've come up with in a few weeks.
Anyhow, a toy rickshaw for kids wouldn't exactly be something I would expect; however, much to my surprise, one actually exists and it's rather brilliant. Haba's Rickshaw Sulky has already won two design awards -- so there must be something to it.
I didn't even know that chalkboard fabric existed (did you?) but Jessica Levin has taken this unique material and crafted some of the cutest dolls and mats to scribble with chalk. A fantastic idea for travel! Jessica's 6 year old daughter, Ayva Sunshine, even illustrated the rocket and fire-breathing dragon -- a little artist in the making.
Minimink was designed by a Melbourne mum, Ally, for her baby Emery in 2003. She wanted to make products with the highest quality faux fur and with that...she's created cozy booties, hats and blankets. Now Minimink has introduced their Pram Papoose that has me wishing they made it in adult sizes so i could envelope myself for a...zzzzz.
We had such wonderful responses for both packages that Quiet Hours Toys graciously assembled for KidsHaus' spring giveaway. Thanks to everyone who submitted comments and thanks to Carey for making this happen. Now, without further ado, we've got our two winners...
Aimee: What a sweet idea. I have a sneaking suspicion that my little one would love Spring 1!
Tara: I came here via Quiet Hour Toys. What a great website! My four year old would LOVE the boy package. Thank you!
Austrian textile company, David Fussenegger, has such a gorgeous array of products -- including their new flannel blanket with pockets. Three little pockets to stash pajamas, stuffies or miscellany is a fantastic idea. I haven't found a source selling it in the U.S. yet but I'll keep my eyes peeled.
You'll find a lot of Trish Grantham posts on my blog because...well...I love her work. She's got a new batch of paintings on her Etsy site that are very affordable and endearing...
Well, we just made Easter eggs and I thought I'd write a mini-post about them because they turned out better than I had imagined and we had so much fun making them. We started with hard-boiled eggs (of course) and opened the package of traditional egg coloring tablets that you can buy. We added a tablespoon of olive oil (though I'm sure any oil will do) to the colored water bath. The oil makes a beautiful marbled pattern on the eggs. Ms. Bean dipped the eggs into several colors to see what would happen. That was the best part -- the element of surprise! I think they're almost too beautiful to hide in the yard now...*wink*
My little Mini never used a pacifier but I definitely recall the days when Ms. Bean would demand a pacifier and we'd have this brief moment of panic -- hoping that one was nearby. We'd stash them all over the house, in bags and purses like little Easter eggs. I love these PogiPods by Pogibabies because they create a dedicated home for stowing a pacifier. They're even lined in plastic. Great design and such fashionable prints -- I kind of wish I had a pacifier as an excuse to buy one. 
