Jointed Paper Dolls

Little Eliza Jointed Movable Paper Doll via inkingcap

I recently heard a suggestion for decoration in a little girl's room - framing some jointed paper dolls in various poses. The idea was interesting to me , though I would be sad to see these movable pieces frozen forever.....maybe finding a way to display them tucked into a ribbon board would be the best of both worlds.

Mermaid Art Paper Doll via thefiligree

Mr.Rabbit courtesy of minifanfan

A is for Acorn jointed paper doll via ribonita

miniature moveable paper dolls via hollandsworth

Little Red Riding Hood Articulated Paper Doll signed by artist, Jo James via 44thStreetFabricI love the entire "Peter and the Wolf" puppet theatre on paper available on PDF from sarahjanestudios- some jointed paperdolls performance art!

PDF- Peter and the Wolf Puppet Theater via sarahjanestudios

All the World

One of my favorite picture books right now is All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Marla Frazee. It has no shortage of fans, being a Caldecott Honor Book and a New York Times Best Illustrated choice of 2009. 

I could tell you all about the extensive praise that the lyrical text and captivating drawings have received, but instead I am posting a video of Ms. Frazee talking about the joys of illustrating for the child audience.

Any time I have an opportunity to hear an illustrator speak about their artistic inspiration and craftsmanship, I am in awe. These are the people who can bring stories to life.

All the World achieves that perfect union of word and picture, but I would say it takes it one step beyond and Frazee's illustrations tell many tales within the text. It is a beautiful, grand achievement.

Video courtesy of youtube

a favorite illustration

Peace in watercolor /photoshop courtesy of Simona Cordero via flickr

Playrooms

Are there really homes with playrooms like these? If so, when can I move in?
All images courtesy of potterybarnkids

Atsuyo et Akiko + Winnie the Pooh

I know that Lorelei just posted about her love of the classic Winnie the Pooh and the new movie, but I could not resist sharing my own Pooh find. Over on the blog Dilly Dallas I discovered the adorable shop Atsuyo et Akiko and I love what they are doing with the classic honey-loving bear and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. Seriously, aren't those pillows just the cutest?

Sum-sum-summertime!

Image courtesy of Babble

This "Kid's Car Wash" at Child's Garden preschool in Covedale, Ohio makes me smile.

A find

I first saw this great shelf/cabinet thingamob in a post on design*sponge and followed the link to the source, ladybird and fellow, because I had to find out more about it.

I love the look of it and the fact it is multipurpose (the car display kills me).
Turns out it was a $5 garage sale find that was painted black (the "display" portion is a mail sorter!)- what a cool way to repurpose this piece.

I wish I stumbled upon such possibility for a finski....

All images courtesy of ladybirdandfellow

sarah + abraham

sarah + abraham is one of those shops filled with practical, yet sweet and fun gift ideas. The olliegraphic personalized dishware and placemats are fantastic gifts for kids- something unique and clever because you can specify hair color, eye color, etc. to resemble the recipient.


Another gift option on the site are their silhouette design cards. These are perfect for family note cards or thank yous for a new baby/ child's birthday. They are more sophisticated than the kid friendly olliegraphic line, but you can also customize the design from a wide selection of playful silhouettes.

You can't go wrong with personalized gifts and sarah + abraham has such a great selection.

All images courtesy of sarah + abraham

my kind of princess

I understand the Disney Princess craze sweeping the nation is troubling to many parents (see the recent success of Peggy Orenstein's book Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture). If my daughter was not as enthusiastic about searching for slugs as she is about Belle from "Beauty and the Beast", I may be concerned about the princess effect too, but since I am not immediately distressed.....I really like these ribbon sculpture barrettes of the Disney Princesses.

What I like about them is that they are not so commercial or "girlie-girl". The designs are recognizable, but minimal and simple. They are little pieces of ribbon art really- and I'm charmed.

Image courtesy of SweetTangerineBoutiq

momfilter

Image from "Remembering" series via momfilter

Did you ever read Cookie magazine? I had just started a subscription when they called it quits. It was such a disappointment because I really liked the blend of parenting issues, style features, recipes, and general life/work pointers the magazine offered. It was not too parent-y and not too fashion-y....it was just right.

Well, the founding editors of Cookie are still delivering that just right blend of information, but now they can be found (along with some fantastic contributors) on the blog momfilter . In a cyberspace crowded with blogs, this one was a welcome discovery!

Easter Bunnies

It is no secret I am big fan of littleAshop on Etsy. The bundle babies are a truly special gift- handmade, one-of-a-kind, and sweet as all heck.

Now this post is actually about the bundle bunnies. This Easter if you are putting together a basket for a baby/young toddler (or folks of any age who appreciate perfect touches), some of those things like assorted sweets, bubbles, and sidewalk chalk are out, but I will tell you what is in.....a bundle bunny! What an ideal Easter treat. littleAshop does custom wool or cashmere bundle bunnies (with color selections conveniently listed) and I can't think of a better surprise at the end of a jellybean trail or egg hunt. Hop on over and check them out!

Image courtesy of littleAshop

Miss. Nelson is Missing!

I was crazy about the book Miss Nelson is Missing! when I was in lower elementary school. I was crazy for it as a librarian reading to that age group as well. Now, as a parent to a rambunctuous toddler and preschooler, I am wishing for a Ms. Viola Swamp to come in and restore order every now and then.

If you are unfamiliar with the story, it is quite clever and a general crowd pleaser. A group of rowdy students constantly take advantage of their teacher's good nature. So their sweet and patient Miss. Nelson concocts a plan -one day she goes missing and is replaced with a very different type of substitute-Viola Swamp. Ms. Swamp is strict, heavy on the homework, and never allows story hour. Oh, how the children miss Miss. Nelson- and when she finally does return- they are only on their very best behavior... of course, then Ms. Swamp is nowhere to be found....

It seems that most kids love the idea of school children trying to get rid of a crabby substitute and the fact that, at story's end, it appears our beloved Miss. Nelson and the surly Ms. Swamp are one in the same!

This picture book is interesting in that it inspires all sorts of conversations- about respect, identity, fear, but mostly it is just darn funny and fun.

Images courtesy of google

winter hats for little heads

Image courtesy of Aliexpress via google

There are so many adorable and functional options out there for tots' winter head wear. Not only are hats necessary in these bone-chilling temperatures, but they always make for great gifts. After checking out the selections, I am convinced I need to expand the chapeau collection of my little ones!

This sweet gnome hat just makes me smile.

Snuggly pixie hat courtesy of BigLittle via etsy

The "hoo hat" looks like one of those pieces that gets passed down through a family- it has the heirloom look about it.

Hoo Hat- Upcycled Felted Wool Owl Hat- Blue, Orange and Green- Sz. Large courtesy of hoohats via etsy

Something to brighten even the greyest of winter days....

Teal Blue Hat with hot green flower courtesy of onajeans via etsy

On the Running with Scissors blog, Jessica talks about making this monster hat from an old McCalls pattern....I was immediately jealous and also regretted, for the bazillionth time, that I never learned to sew.

Monster Snow Hat courtesy of Running With Scissors

Another fleecy, stylish choice that would a giant hit with my little guy.

The Robot Hat courtesy of katiesegel via etsy
A knit aviator hat for those mighty tiny winter wanderers.

Aviator Hat courtesy of MaryYarns via etsy

Two teddy bear caps warm and cozy enough to bring on hibernation- I love the soft look of the cashmere in the first and the gorgeous blend of autumn tones in the second.

Cashmere newborn baby animal ears hat- chocolate mocha courtesy of thejunebride via etsy


Bear With Me Ear Flap Baby and Toddler Hat (Fall Colors with Stripe)-Ready to ship - courtesy of BuggyD via etsy

Thursday, a Valentine's Birthday, and Etsy

This much courtesy of sarahjanestudios

This year I have truly hit the party circuit......the toddler/pre-k party circuit. We have been to quite a few fantastic soirees. It got me thinking about a Valentine-themed party for the girls with February birthdays. I started looking around on Etsy (of course) and put together a party for those maybe slightly older than the pre-k set, but still little, those gals who could appreciate a tea party filled with hearts and sugar.

This invitation is the perfect combination of Valentine and Birthday....

Queen/King of Hearts- Luxe Birthday Invitation courtesy of NikkiPlott

Some simple, but plentiful, tissue heart streamers would be all that you need to decorate for the tea party.

Tissue Heart Garland courtesy of pipsqueakandbean

A fancy crown for the lady of the hour.....

Heart Crown courtesy of LittleIslandCompany

and some dainty party hats for all of the honored guests.

Love is in the air Party Hats- set of six courtesy of PrettyPaperFactory

Cupcakes are a must and these holders/wrappers couldn't be any sweeter (or more girly).

Valentine's Day Cupcake Wrappers/Holders- Set of 12 courtesy of KidsAtHeartDesigns

Beautiful heart-shaped cookies and molded sugars for the table-

Pretty Pink Heart Valentine's Day Sugar cookies with special added bonus of Pink Molded Sugars for your coffee or tea courtesy of LeChicBakeryBoutique

And some variety in the cookie choices, so you can be sure to please all of your guests.

Mad Hatter Tea Party Variety- Hand Decorated Cookies courtesy of crumblescookies

For those who may pass on the tea, some drink tags for their pink lemonade.

Drink tags from printable doll-themed party pack courtesy of chatchkedesigns

It seems for any party to be successful you need some great activities. What a perfect time for DIY Valentines and pinwheels!

DIY Valentine Kit courtesy of brixtonlane

DIY Pinwheel Peony Kit- Large Handheld choose from over 200 papers- courtesy of crossroadscottage

To keep things festive-ruby, magenta, and pink colored eggs filled with confetti for the party goers to toss and crack.

Fancy Pantsy Princess Confetti Eggs (5 Dozen) courtesy of JokeyYokey

Tiny bags to hold the parting gift of sweets or stickers and the perfect "Thank you"s for the birthday girl to send out when the celebration is over.

Vintage Style Valentine Glassine Candy/Treat Bag Kit with Handmade stickers- set of 20- courtesy of ifiwerecards

White Rabbit Thank You cards- Alice in Wonderland Themed Vintage Inspired- bundle of 10 courtesy of AnistaDesigns

That is my Valentine Birthday brainstorm....now if I only had a child with a birthday near the 14th!