Kids Haus

Trish Grantham Art Sale

It appears to be the week of art sales, so I just wanted to alert you all that Trish Grantham is having one today as well. She's got a new batch of affordable bunnies, pandas, birds and toast! I love the simplicity of these sweet bunnies...

Roar Growl

Whew! I've just finished a second run of my "Roar Growl" Gocco print. I'll admit that I procrastinated re-printing this one because it's rather labor intensive since I hand-mixed my colors and there are three different screens. Anyhow, I'm happy to be done and I've just added it back to my Etsy site. I'm now going to begin focusing on illustrating some new designs and attempt to apply them in different ways, onto different things...we'll see what happens now, won't we?

Amy Ruppel Art Sale

Once again, Amy Ruppel is having one of her infamous online art sales today. There are some adorable birds for a very nice price. If you like to give Valentine's Day mementos -- this could be your chance!

Karinsdotter

With all of the baubles, jewelry and trinkets we have accumulated over the years, an easily accessible box to store these random little items is completely essential. We've got a little wooden box to stash jewelry right now but we're to the point of needing two separate boxes, one for each girl, to avoid potential complications (if you know what I mean). Karinsdotter is an avid book binding maniac and has a severe obsession of papers, so she binds books and makes these lovely little boxes in her spare time. Bean saw them on my computer this morning and immediately proclaimed her love for them. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

Bloggers Unite: CPSIA

The topic of the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) is something I've been intending to write about for quite some time but it has reached the point of imminent importance. Bloggers are uniting today to spread the news so that, if you're compelled, you can help delay, amend or repeal the law. Click on Matt at Etsy's "Action Kit" to view compiled information and links of who to contact to voice your opinion, most importantly the contact information for the Committee on Energy and Commerce that is the congressional committee that sponsored the CPSIA.

Also, here is an eloquently written description of the ramifications, via Etsy.com, that will occur by February 10:

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Fin + Roe Magnet Memento Cards

I simply love Fin + Roe's new spin on birth announcements! Your baby's photo can be made into a magnet with the name, birth date, time and weight printed on the side -- a brilliant momento to give as a gift (better than a smelly cigar)! When I see things like this, I have fleeting moments of wanting one more baby but thankfully the Magnet Momento Cards can be made for other occasions like birthdays, graduation and weddings -- nice diversion (whew!).

unverblümt & zugenäht

Hello! In case you may have wondered where I've been for the last several days, I was spending it with my husband's lovely family in snowy & beautiful Tahoe -- I even managed to get a day of snowboarding in, which has only happened a mere 3 times since Bean was born seven years ago. There was no internet access, which was ultimately a good thing as it meant that we were back to basics: reading, playing card games, eating (a lot!), playing, talking and just being! As difficult as it was to not fret about emails and my blog, it was a great sabbatical.

So, now that I'm back, I've been meaning to tell you about Unverblümt & Zugenäht for several weeks -- it's actually my cousin's wife's shop (confused?). Bettina lives in Germany and, unfortunately, I've never had the pleasure to meet her but have heard so many things about her hand-embroidered tee shirts via my mom. Our daughters' also share the same name, coincedentally, so I'm beginning to think I really need to make my way over to Germany and meet her. My mom recently sent me a link to Bettina's shop and I was so impressed with her designs and not only because we're "family" but because they're all genuinely adorable! Sadly, I'm not as fluent in German as I should be (with an Austrian mother and all) so I can't quite translate what she has written in her shop but, fortunately, the pictures speak for themselves.

Billy Rocker

Mr. Kaliski is the designer of this marvelous, customizable, cardboard rocking horse called Billy Rocker. Your child can transform it into a horse, dragon, unicorn or most certainly anything their little imagination can dream of. It can be painted, scribbled upon, wallpapered, collaged...in fact, there are no rules. Once you've finished designing it, you can turn it inside out (because it's cardboard after all) and create something new on the other side -- so you have 2-in-1! I should also mention that when the day comes that your Billy Rocker has run it's course of fun -- it's fully recycleable, so there's no (or very little) guilt about the footprint it leaves behind!

Charlie and Sarah: Superhero Monogram

I've always admired Charlie and Sarah's screen printed tees (particularly their Wellies British Flashard Tee) but I've got to say that there's something about the use of letters for their Superhero Monogram/ Applique Tee that I absolutely love! I have a thing, shall we say, for typography and a beautiful or bold use of letters can really get my juices flowing. Each Superhero tee is screen printed and each letter sewn on. They are custom made to order, all letters from A-Z available, so you'll need to allow two weeks for delivery. These would make a great gift...

Kidsonroof Totem Tree

Erika from Mikodesign mentioned that she had been at Kleine Fabriek in Amsterdam and saw Kidsonroof's newest cardboard creations. I'm such a fan of Kidsonroof's designs already and it's so great to see them really stretching their imagination. To explain the Totem Tree is a little tricky but it's essentially like building your own tree out of cardboard birds, birdhouses, leaves, mushrooms, apples and other pieces of printed plant and wood textures. It stands a bit over 2' high and seems like such a fun, creative way to spend an afternoon. Afterward, it becomes a work of art to display...

French Bull Mini Bean Bags

Every kid loves a bean bag. I know this because it's a huge source of entertainment in our house. My husband and I bought a fancy bean bag before we ever had kids and, over the years, it's become one of their favorite places to sit while watching movies but it's frequently used as a crash pad when running across the room or jumping off the couch (yes, I allow it to some degree). French Bull, the same company that has given us the vibrant melamine plates, has come up with this series of really fun Mini Bean Bags sized just right for the little ones. What's not to love?

Villa Julia

A cross between a cardboard box and Fred Flinstone's house, the Villa Julia by Estudio Mariscal is my new favorite -- I could almost live in it if it had running water. I'm not sure where it would fit it in our house but the concept and design is extraordinary. It's somewhat of a game as it takes place in five phases: assembly, personalization, decoration, occupation and disassembly. The Villa Julia comes with a plan detailing the easy instructions for assembly; children set it up themselves (assisted by an adult) and make it their own by coloring the drawings found on the sides. I'm still trying to find out if it's available to purchase anywhere and will let you know what I find...

Update: The Villa Julia will be available in April, so I'll keep you posted and let you know when and where it will be available.

Petite Picasso

I wish I could have gotten better photographs of this awesome art tube that Donna from Petite Picasso graciously sent Bean for Christmas but the girls were too anxious to break into the paint tubes and markers without further ado. When I first received it, I had assumed that it was an empty art tube to store our larger masterpieces. Upon opening, I was thrilled to find an entire set of markers, colored pencils, paints, brushes, crayons, eraser, sharpener all rolled up inside the nicely compartmentalized plastic case. Needless to say, our art tube is already jammed with past & present works and it's sitting pretty in the corner of the girls' room. She even had the tube customized with Bean's name on the outside which made the whole surprise extra special. I wrote about Donna's business, Petite Picasso, back in December but if you missed it, you'll have to read about her beautifully customized books for your child's art. Thanks again, Donna!

Watches!

Bean is turning 7 in a mere eleven days and she has a running countdown, reminding me every couple of hours (as if perhaps it slipped my mind). She has clearly stated that she wants a watch and is ready to learn how to read time...and so my hunt begins. Not too cute and certainly not pink (she prefers green). You would think that someone who has racked up as many hours on the internet, sifting through kids wares, I would know precisely where to find the perfect watch for my daughter's 7th birthday. Surprisingly, I was a bit stumped and with dozens of Google searches, came up with very little. Of course, one of the first places I looked was Swatch where they actually had the best selection, so I've got my eye on the Bau Bau watch. If anyone has any other brilliant ideas, please let me know...

eensies

The week got off to a slow start with only 3 out of 5 posts that I intended to write, though I'm sure you can all understand what it's like to bounce back from a holiday hangover. I have managed to clean out 2 garbage bags of toys and miscellany from the girls' room and playroom though (shhhh!). A wise tip: refrain from dumping bags off to your local Goodwill for a few weeks just in case something is discovered missing. Why do I know this? It happened tonight! Thankfully, the bag was sitting in my garage and I was able to recover it without blowing my cover.

So, since I fell short with my posts this week, here's a special one for a Saturday night since I'm hunkered down at home with a chest cold. I was delighted to discover a new-to-me blog, eensies, after Rebecca left a comment on my Organize post. Rebecca and Brett are elementary school teachers and decided to write a blog after so many parents have asked them over the years, “what should we be doing at home?” From what I've read so far, their blog has been very enjoyable and inspring at times. Their post on "Independent Reading" was timely for me since Bean is immersed in reading. It's hard to refrain from correcting her pronunciation or blurting out the word when she stumbles but I manage to bite my tongue.

INQUISITIVEkid

I'm completely smitten with INQUISITIVEkid! They have described themselves so well, "Our toys are reduced to the essential, are pure in form and colour, and do not have a predetermined way to play." I was thrilled to see the variety of beautiful toys, thoughtfully categorized into areas such as "Cable Cars, Playing with Air and Playing with Water" -- doesn't that just capture the essence of child's play? It actually provokes such strong childhood memories as my brother and I played outdoors many a summer trying to make our own versions of these sorts of things, of course not nearly as fancy!

Organize!

What's so fantastic about the beginning of a new year is it's psychological benefit of making us feel like we have a clean slate...a fresh beginning! With my clean slate, I'm pretty determined to organize and clean our house until there is no closet untouched. It sounds a bit daunting, doesn't it? My first project is the girls' bedroom. I don't believe I mentioned that C moved into Bean's room in December -- into their new bunk bed! With that, there is the conundrum of where to put both sets of clothes, added toys, shared artwork, etc. There's a lot to do but I'm starting with the basics. 1) I'm clearing every toy and object that is practically ignored (sadly, there are too many). 2) I'm making a better home for Bean's artwork, notes and awards. 3) I'm refining our storage situation by grouping like items together (like Legos!). I'm really fond of Little Pretty Studio's hoop.de.doo bulletin boards and saw these vibrant, Paisley Bins that come in different sizes while out shopping a couple weeks ago. I'll keep you up on my progress...whew!

Happy New Year!

Hello again! It feels like weeks since I've said "hi". I don't know about you but I'm feeling invigorated about kick-starting the New Year. I was mentally preparing myself to bound out the door Monday morning, excited to get to work, particularly since it seemed like an unusually long December with the addition of snow keeping us trapped inside but what do I see out my window? yes...more S-N-O-W-! I have a feeling it may be one more day of snow angels but that's hardly something to complain about, isn't it?

After two months of writing about holiday preparations, gifts, crafts, etc...I found myself a little puzzled as to what I would write about my first week of 2009. There are a couple of fun things I will show you this week but since I stumbled back upon Little Overcoat's shop, everything seemed so cheerful, whimsical and fun -- it seemed appropriate to share with you on a Monday and because I dearly miss the sunshine...

I'm also going to show you some of our favorite gifts this year...the tried and true and maybe even one that didn't perform as well as we had hoped. On my great gift list for our 6 year old, I loved The Giant Play and Learn Book. It is loaded with such wonderful activities that involved stickers, coloring, drawing, story telling, puzzles...and more. The book is vibrant and so FUN! Bean played with it for over an hour today with frequent interruptions from her 2 year old sister who was trying everything she could to peel the stickers off. It's great for traveling and keeping the brain busy. The pictures below aren't the best representation of the book but you get the idea. There's also a downloadable activity kit here for a little taste.