I’m at the beach with my husband’s family, and while much creativity is happening all around me (more on that later), I’m feeling like having a lazy beach/blog day. Here is some great beach inspiration, all found on The Bean and the Bear (she must have vacation on the mind too!).
I’ve always wanted a indoor swing, and I think finally I live in an apartment that can accommodate one (at least one for the little one on the way). Here is the beginning of my hanging chair research…
Handmade Charlotte blogged about this adorable swing that doubles as a rocking chair. Wish list item number one.
For a more stable child, Ikea has this simple swing for the bargain price of $14.99.
I love this Lincoln Log style indoor swing. Found on Ouno blog.
Anything made from wool felt goes on my list. I love these German swings by Mohr Polster. Found via Ohdeedoh.
And just for fun, this swing is, in fact, a necklace! I love how Huck Finn it looks! Found on Minor Details.
Just like I’m not big on boxed parties (except these), I’m not a huge fan of craft kits. I’d rather give kids a table of fabric scraps, pipe cleaners, glue, and a pile of magazines and see what they invent, rather than giving them a picture to follow. But there’s always an exception to the rule, especially when it comes to good design and packaging.
This really isn’t a kit exactly, but more like a goody bag of tools that encourage a child’s imagination. Developed by Karen Kimmel, the canvas bag includes different organic-like stencils and colored pencils, with no instruction book. I’ve seen kids in action with these tools, tracing, layering, and rubbing to create masterpieces. Visit Kimmel Kids to find retailers near you.
Even though the kits by The Little Experience are rather directed, they are are just so darn cute! And bonus, each box comes with instructions of how to turn it into a prop that accompanies each craft.
The vintage packaging of these Wild & Wolf kits just sends me. I spotted these at the Stationery Show this week and I can’t wait to see them on shelves in the US.
I have a thing for little chairs. My husband can’t quite understand it, but indulges me about 1 out of 5 times when the buying mood strikes. Here are the newest and greatest that I spotted at ICFF.
These adorable kids’ folding chairs are made from cardboard tubes and recycled plastic. Made by Hecmec, a very cool Japanese company.
Alan Heller designed a kids version of this awesome stool, that promotes controlled, jiggly movement while sitting. Visit ErgoErgo to see products.
Thelermont Hupton, the genius company behind the saw horses from yesterday, designed this amazing stool that also allows for movement while sitting. I love how they look like crayons coming out of the ground.
You can add a plush cushion or just flip over the Tingle stool by Luxx Box for versatile seating. They also showed their product, 1Eighth, a stackable wall-like module that makes for creative spaces for kids. Or you can flip one over to make a toy box.
Tatolino is a fun chair that promotes an active lifestyle, says their website. This is one of my favorite products from the show. This child’s seat becomes so many things: an interactive toy, a wheely cart, and a super-cool lounge.
There is an exhibition at the Museum of Childhood in London called Sit Down, all about kids’ seating. I think a trip across the pond is in order.
We are back from Brimfield (more on that later), and today I experienced the opposite of the biggest flea market in the country: yes, ICFF, The International Contemporary Furniture Fair, a showcase for the best and newest in contemporary design. This deserves a few posts, but I’ll start with the great kids’ product I saw.
There are very few craft magazines (at least good ones), but there is one that tops the entire genre: Marie Claire Idees. If you don't know it, you need to (and I assume you are a lover of the handmade if you are reading this blog). When the newest arrives on my desk, I carefully plan when I am going to devour it. I took French in high school, so I can get the gist, but the pictures are good enough for me sans text!
They've added a page in the front of the magazine highlighting their contributors (at least I think that's what it's about). Here are a few blogs to look at…
Sunday is our one year wedding anniversary, and my husband and I are spending the weekend in the best way we know how…we are going to the Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts! Seriously, nothing can make me happier…new home, spring weather, baby on the way—I plan to score big time! My friend Katie Brown calls it the Field of Dreams; you have to go to understand why!
What is it about a frozen dessert that is wrapped up and tied with a skinny, delicate piece of baker's twine that forces me to stop and stare? Not sure if it makes me want to eat it or just look at it.
