If you're looking for unique, hand-made holiday gifts then I have no doubt you'll find that perfect something at Mahar Drygoods. They have pooled together some of the most talented artisans. I'm completely infatuated with the shadow puppets and Ms. Bean was instantly smitten with the bumble bee mittens.
I would selfishly love Ms. Bean to love this Brio's Weaving Loom but I just don't know if she's ready for it yet. She's five and gets distracted easily and may not have the patience required BUT she's capable of surprising me and proving me wrong. I may end up getting it anyhow and if she doesn't like it then I'll just weave some napkins or make doll blankets (right?).
Back in 2003, my husband, Ms. Bean and I took a 10 day holiday to Amsterdam and it instantly became our favorite destination. So much so that we went back in 2005 for seconds! Amsterdam is bursting with great design (bursting!), friendly people and a unique culture. While riding bikes and exploring small shops along the way, we stumbled into a fantastic kids' store called Keet in Huis and it was close to a spiritual experience for me. My husband considered dragging me out of there but, bless his heart, instead allowed me wander for nearly an hour while I gasped and touched everything. Because we had to travel light, we were limited to buying something small. Ms. Bean's item-of-choice was a sparkly little crown made of plastic and sequins (shown below) -- it was a fine choice! So, why do I reminisce? Well, I stumbled upon that sparkly crown over the weekend -- now with a broken arm after being stepped on. On a mission to find a replacement for the magical little crown somewhere in the US, I was elated to find that Rose & Radish not only carries Pakhuis Oost's crown but also the best squirrel and bird bookends and deer coat hanger. For your pleasure, I'm also showing a few photos from Keet in Huis's website so you can see why I was so enchanted!
These nifty little storage bins from Loom are cute enough to keep on display while hiding all of the things that are better stashed away. The Pop Bins compress flat for shipping and then magically pop into shape.
This Toy Box 2 by Boom design is smart because they've given it two drawers and one lift-top box for a little versatility and added function. If you want one of your own, the Toy Box 2 is made to order and has a two week turnaround.
The time has come for me to take action and organize my girls' play room. Every time I step into that room, I'm so subconsciously overwhelmed by it's frenzied appearance that I usually have to step away and close the door in denial. Ms. Bean goes back to school in 2 weeks which will allow me a little extra time to take on a project. Their play room is what we call the "sun room" because it sits off Ms. Bean's bedroom and it's the sunniest, and warmest, room in the house. It's a long & narrow room, so a tricky space to design; however, not impossible.
Here are my goals:
1. Get rid of the clutter! Less is more!
2. More utilitarian cubbies to organize books, baskets with art supplies, etc.
3. Make the current reading area more useful and inviting
4. Creative way to display the girls' artwork
5. Keep costs to a minimum
6. Paint the room (it's the same, boring beige color from when we purchased the house)
So, with these goals in mind, it's time for me to begin my mission in organizing this space to maximize it's potential. I will continue to keep a journal of my process...wish me luck!
With the news of Mattel recalling 9 million toys including Barbie and Polly Pockets -- I can't help but feel disturbed and even more disenchanted with cheaply manufactured toys. I'm tempted to throw a slew of toys and plastic figurines away that clutter my daughter's room but I know the reprocussions of such a hasty act.
I've always been a big fan of wooden toys made by artisans. My mom is from Austria, so I grew up with unique toys and dolls that were hand made in Germany and surrounding countries. So, on the heels of the unfortunate recall, I thought I'd focus on some of the smaller artisans that make great toys that will undoubtedly stand the test of time and could eventually become a cherished heirloom for generations (well, I like to be optimistic at least).
Being from Seattle, I was thrilled to find a local company run by two inspiring moms. They started Nico & Zoe Toys in 2006 and their website is a hub of "uncommon and artisan made toys".
Check out these adorable toys! I know Bean would love this sweet Wren Purse Sewing Kit. Handmade: Sparrowkids / London, UK
These sturdy wooden trucks called My Little Scoots, made in Vermont with non-toxic paints, are a sign of the times. Check out the recycling truck!
Then there's the knit Socktopi! Handcrafted by Blackbird Fashions in Anacortes, Wa. My 1 year old could chew on Socktopi without me second guessing it's safety. How great are those stripes!?
I find it comforting to know that there are fantastic toy artisans passionately crafting toys for our wee ones.
