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!).

Via Pink Wallpaper

Via 20×200 : Print Information : Praia Piquinia 27/08/09 15h17

Bardot by Halsman via laurencemillergallery.com. Exchange tiny waist for pregnant belly, and that’s me! 😉

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.

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.

Ruffles are so in…were they ever really out? And lucky for us, they are easy to DIY. Here are three ways to use ruffles in your life.

How About Orange gathered together this great collection of ruffle how-to’s. Check out her robust list of DIY ideas.

I always touch ruffle pillows in stores…they are just so, well, touchable. Here’s how to make your own from Kelly + Olive via Say Yes to Hoboken.

A cork board gets girly with a ruffle embellishment! Found on Design Mom, made by Fresh Nest.

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.