« March 2008 | Main | May 2008 »
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...
