34 Handmade Gift for Little Boys + Little Girls….. with Tutorials
November 28, 2011
Ideas for Little Girls
1. Upcycled Knit Pom Hair Accessories by Lil Blue Boo.
2. Puffy Bead Bracelets by Running With Glitter.
3. Non Slip Hair Bows by Make It and Love It.
4. Little Girl Romper by Make It and love It.
5. Braided Headband by Skip To My Lou.
6. Bonsai Tree Applique by Lil Blue Boo.
7. Lazy Days Skirt by Oliver and S (download).
8. Black Apple Dolls by Martha Stewart.
Ideas for Little Boys
9. Upcycled : Shirt to shorts by Saltwater Kids.
10. 'Gak' by Make It and Love It.
11. Picture Matching Word Cards by Canon.
12. I Spy Bag by Make It and Love It.
13. Boys Shorts with Cargo Pockets by Craft Passion.
14. Upcycled Fused Plastic Belt by Lil Blue Boo.
15. Green Robot Stenciled T-shirt. by Lil Blue Boo.
Little Kids
16. Personalised Memory Game by Momtastic.
17. A frame play tent by My Cakies.
18. Alphabet Wall Art by The Handmade Home.
19. Owl And Elephant Collages by Martha Stewart.
20. Kids size Ironing Boards by Duo Fiberworks
21. Rolling Pin Stamps by Redefining Creativity.
22. Nesting Dolls by the ETSY blog
23. Stick Horse by Light Blue Grey.
24. Felt Cookie Presents/Playfood by Redefining Creativity.
25. A Matching Game (Tutorial and Download) by Lil Blue Boo.
26. No Sew Pennant Banner by Place To Bloom.
27. Libray Totes by Noodle Head.
28. Dr Suess Activity Blocks by Sugar Bee Crafts.
29. Painted Block Puzzle by Momtastic.
30. Window Garland by Noodle head.
31. Accidental Painting by Lil Blue Boo.
32a. Thrifty Fort Building Kit by Saltwater Kids.
32b. Fort Building Kit ( all packed up) by Saltwater Kids.
33. Birthday (or Picnic) in a Suitcase by Funky Time.
34. Fabric Dollhouse (or Barn) by UK lass in US.
harrysdesk now available at My messy room.
September 6, 2011
Yes…it’s so exciting! harrysdesk pieces are now available at ‘My Messy Room’
‘My messy Room’ is a quaint and sweet kids and interiors shop with interesting yummy things at every turn.
Here’s how Stav (the owner) describes it…..
‘A stylish life, a room that’s rife with fabulous favourite things! A space for us, and all our fuss, full of the the joy that family brings. This t-shirts too tight – but fits my brother just right, these hand me-downs still have style that bites! With pretend chef hats we’ll learn how to cook! Then we’ll snuggle for hours with your favourite blanket and book. Play hopscotch and elastics and have old fashioned fun, and on hot summer days we’ll make sandcastles in the sun……
…My Messy Room stocks all sorts of interesting and unique Gifts, Furniture, Books, Clothing, Toys and Decor including; vintage wallpaper, hair clips, vintage prints, retro lamps, plushies, hand made dolls, paper dolls, designer children’swear, baby brands, games and puzzles, nostalgic gifts, children cooking, childhood keepsakes, family heirlooms, children’s bedding. ‘
….. and now harrysdesk brooches, owl brooch making kits and giant hair ties!
HOORAH!
My Messy Room: 111a Smith St, Summer Hill, Sydney NSW 2130 …or visit online
Where words and pictures meet: Lauren Child
August 26, 2011
Image from Lauren Childs book 'Who's afraid of the big bad book?' source: bswigshoppe
Author/Illustrator: Lauren Child
Genre: childrens picture books
Artists medium: collage, pen, photo montage
Age Appropriateness: 4 and up.
Introduction: Of course, I had seen Lauren Child’s artwork used to animate the Charlie and Lola series of books but one Christmas I came across “Who’s afraid of the bog bad book?”. After looking through it quickly I saw that it was perfect for our no. 2 who at the time was about 6. It’s a fantastic read aloud and talk about the pictures….. as your read the font becomes part of the illustration and experience. Turing the book this way and that it makes for a very fun experience.
Other work: Beware of the storybook wolves, many of the Charlie and Lola series, The Clarice Bean series, The Princess and the Pea, The Pesky Rat,I want a Pet, My Dream Bed, Hubert Horatio Barten Bobten -Trent…
Review:
For all the surface brio of illustrations that are crammed full of everything from photographs to fabric scraps, in person, Child remains as tentative as her books are bold, as hesitant of her success as her characters, with their crimped mouths and vast, wary eyes, appear to be of their exuberant environments.
Video Interviews: An extended interview about how she became a writer illustrator.
Her website: Milkmonitor…. a very fun and arty website.
Other things they do: Lauren works with UNESCO to help children in need.
Her work can be purchased through the Illustration Cupboard.
This one I find super exciting…. Lauren’s illustrative style has been commissioned by Liberty of London for fabric. Beautiful and playful.
You can find out about the design process here.
Image of Lauren Child fabric for Liberty from Design Wotcha
Image taken from the Design Wotcha of Lauren Child fabrics for Liberty.
Where words and pictures meet: Anthony Browne
August 25, 2011
Illustration from Hansel and Gretel by Anthony Browne. Image from The apple and the egg.
Author/Illustrator: Anthony Browne
Genre: childrens picture books
Artists medium: Pencil and very controlled watercolour.
Age Appropriateness: a bit book dependent…. baby to older primary…… through to adults.
Introduction: Although Anthony Browne is best known for his books featuring gorillas, my first real exposure was very recently while in the library with 5 year old ….researching for this series of posts. I came across and read ‘In the forest’. I love how the pictures are predominantly black and white with the subject being in colour. I also loved the way the story required other book knowledge.
This book lead us on the path of revisiting fairy tales (which we hadn’t read a lot of recently). The experience reminded me of Tim’s english literature lecturer who said (20 years ago) …. much of the imagery in literature is lost because students don’t have a good grounding in biblical literature….I wondered how much children miss out on when not exposed to the ‘old fairy tales’. Interestingly enough….at least to me … academics are starting to acknowledge that reading the ‘old fairy tales’ and experiencing books from moments in history when thinking was different to ours, aids in encouraging the imagination. Nic blogs about it this idea here.
Other work: Voices in the park, My Dad, My Mum, Zoo, Willy and Hugh, Little Beauty, Gorilla, Willy the Wimp, the tunnel, Silly Billy, Piggybook, Changes, Willy the dreamer, Look what I’ve got, Hansel and Gretel, Bear Hunt, Willy the Champ, The Shape Game, Willy the Wizard, Through the magic mirror, Willy’s pictures, Bears Magic Pencil, Me and You, The night Shimmy, My Brother, Things I like, King Kong, I Like Books, The Tunnel, Willy’s pictures. (Over 40 books if you include translations)
…again too many books to show the covers of all of them
Review:
Anthony Browne is an internationally acclaimed author and illustrator of children’s books, with nearly 40 titles to his name. He creates strongly narrative watercolours that blend near-photographic realism with fantastical, surreal touches and ingenious visual puns. His skilful use of colour, pattern and background detail subtly conveys an exquisite empathy for his lonely and sensitive child protagonists (both human and ape). Gorillas feature in many of Anthony’s books. He says, ‘I am fascinated by them and the contrast they represent – their huge strength and gentleness. They’re thought of as being very fierce creatures and they’re not.’
Interviews: You can read CBBS’ author spotlight…including questions from kids here.
Video:
- Anthony Browne talking about adults and picture books and other things…..
- Talking about why picture books are important.
- Speaks about his favourite picture books.
- Introduces The Shape Game
Activities from books: Play the Shape game.
Art: book illustration plates available as artworks from the Illustration Cupboard.
Where words and pictures meet: Shaun Tan
August 23, 2011
The Self-Portrait by Shaun Tan. From 'The Red Tree' Image his.
Author/Illustrator: Shaun Tan
Genre: childrens picture books
Artists medium: painting, mixed media
Age Appropriateness: The pictures can be a little scary and melancholy, so probably not before school age…..and on. Think adult fables rather than children’s books.
Introduction: During a library visit about 7 years ago I first came across ‘The Red Tree’. I loved the book but it felt too sad to own. I remember being intrigued by the art of Jeffery Smart and Martin Sharp as an early teen and by the great skill of cartoon artists. Shaun Tan combines these artistic ‘looks’ in a thoughtful whimsical way to explore complex issues. His work reminds me a little of the ‘Wallace and Gromit’ creations of the Aardman group…..but with less of a sheen.
Other work: The Bird King, Tales from outer suburbia, eric, the arrival, Sketches from a nameless land, The Lost Thing, Lost and Found and What Miscellaneous Abnormality Is That?
Review:
‘The lost thing of the title is a curious amalgam of what could be best described as a teapot melded with a crab.
The environment Tan creates is deliberately unsettling. Buildings and concrete slabs are old and decayed with rusted pipes jutting out at strange angles. The city looks worn out and tired, and there is a complete abscence of plant life.
The city is populated by self absorbed adults, preoccupied with their ritual habits. Too busy with their dreary and gray lives, they neither notice nor care about the lost thing. But the unnamed protagonist does care. He is a beacon of goodness and decency in a dark, detached environment.
The youth, a tireless collector of bottle tops, takes on the responsibility of finding the lost thing a home.
Shaun Tan’s illustrations are a homage to several artists, such as John Brack and Jeffrey Smart.’
Review from Speechlanguage- resources
‘Video Interviews: A preview of Tans Award winning short film The Lost Thing.
An interview with Shaun Tan on madness and Nonsense and the Writing and Illustrating process.
Tan talks about the idea of an adult fable and the process
Other things: As well as working on concept drawings for Wall-e and Horton Hears a who, Tan has created murals, made award winning short films and had his work adapted by artists in different fields. You may recognise his drawings from “Fuel Your Mind’ Book Week 2008 .
Shaun Tan's illustration for 'Fuel the mind' Book Week 2008
The ACO adapted ‘The Red Tree’ into a musical production, puppets have been used to bring his books to life and theatre productions have also been made of his works.
Norseman by Shaun Tan.
'Estuary' by Shaun Tan.
'Fighting Crows' by Shaun Tan.
'Track Layers' by Shaun Tan.
'Alert but not armed' by Shaun Tan.
'Never leave a red sock on the line' by Shaun Tan.
'The Gift' by Shaun Tan.
* All images are the copyright of the artist. Click through on the images to go to original source.
Where words and pictures meet: Oliver Jeffers
August 21, 2011
Image from The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers.
Author/Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Genre: childrens picture books
Artists medium: collage, paint, ink, everything!
Age Appropriateness: kids get it at about 4…… I know lots of adults who like this one too. Very readable aloud.
Introduction: a few years ago Cathy gave one of the girls the fabulous book….. ”The incredible Book Eating Boy”
Other work: How to catch a star, Up and Down, The great paper caper, The heart and the bottle, The way back home, Once there was a boy.
Review:
‘Exquisitely trained art critics and recently potty-trained children equally love Oliver Jeffers’s work. The Brooklyn-based artist, originally from Belfast, Ireland, leaves viewers of all ages and backgrounds in awe with his whimsical paintings, installations, illustrations and picture books. He is best known for the latter, which led The Times naming Oliver as one of “The Best New Picture Book Illustrators” in 2008. Following that praise, his book Lost and Found was made into a short film that went on to win 60 international awards, including a BAFTA for Best Animation in 2009. Oliver remains humble and charming despite his substantial success…’
Video Interviews: Author video fun guy…interesting to see the process.
Kids talking about what they like about Oliver Jeffers books.
Other things they do: You can see more of his artiness at the design label You and Me The Royal We
Art:
The Before and After Painting No 1 by Oliver Jeffers.
Still Life with Logic and a Choice of Beverage by Oliver Jeffers.
Landscape with metal and Trajectory by Oliver Jeffers.
Another Penhall!
July 20, 2011
Silvery grey Penhall..... with floral lining.
I’ve just posted this new one on etsy
It’s the second promised bag made using the colours inspired by you. You can see the green and blue version here.
I’m loving it, and was glad of the opportunity to put a silver grey bag together….as I have been wanting to use this colour combo for a while.
So thanks…..
The repositional rosette....
....and the back.
...the oval base with pleats...
The bag is also completely reversible. The other side is lined with a liberty-esque floral in blue green and grey tones with a touch of pink….so it’s a bit girlie.
...a peek at the inside....
Commission for Jenny: Bible cover
July 12, 2011
Front cover with journal pocket..... look closely from the green button to the top.
My latest commission was a really lovely one for me to be part of.
Jenny’s daughter made her profession of faith* last weekend and this is her gift.
It’s a bible cover!
I know some of you who are right now scratching your head in confusion….. and saying “Why cover your bible and give it handles?” Well the reason is when bibles are taken to and from church week after week they don’t last long…so some Christians cover them and make them easy to carry so that they last longer…. and look cooler.
Zipper enclosing pages
...other side
I’m so happy with the way this one has turned out….especially as I haven’t made one before.
It completely made from her late grandfather’s ties, which her wore mostly on Sundays as he preached to his congregation. So it is so special.
Jenny said:
So special! I think there may have been a few quiet tears shed. She has been discovering all the little special parts – pockets and hand-stitching and thinking of all the things she can use the different pockets for.
inside back....with hidden slip pocket....
Front inner flap....with hidden pocket.
...the other side....or back.
* profession of faith: a public commitment to be a follower of Jesus always.
New product: Paisley hairties
June 28, 2011
...see my little guy doing the excited dance...?
I’ve recently come across an addictive new product.
Hairties made from covering buttons with vintage reclaimed paisley ties.
With 5 members of our family with long hair, we have lots of experience in hair bands/elastics/clips. These are designed to be worn not just by the little girls but bigger ones as well ….. no more sparkly pink plastic bits for us.
These button elastics are about the size of a 10c piece…. and I think look fantastic, and unique.
And only $6 for the pair.
Postage is free if you buy 3 or more pairs. Just comment or email me to let me know which ones you would like.
They are limited runs of only 2-3 sets of each colourway, and I will post the remaining ones on etsy for sale in a week or so.
The first range uses paisley fabrics from ties….. stand by for a spot range and other exciting instalments for the hair.
I do need some ideas on how to photograph them. They are tricky little things.
Red....
Green....
Navy....
Black...with a little sparkle
Complete range. Click to enlarge.
Commission for Deb and Tim
March 5, 2012
Before Christmas, the house move and the best holiday we have had as a family yet, I made my first ever unisex nappy bag. It was quite a fun process, so I thought I would share some of it.
It all began with an email out of the blue from all the way over in WA…. Deb wanted a bag that both her and her husband were happy to carry. She liked the Phoenix Files Bags shape and colour palette (although wanted to see some other ideas for colour), but wanted to make sure it was still ‘male enough’ for her Tim.
Blue/ grey Combo
Black/Avocado combo.
Red/Black/White/Grey Combo.
Tan/Brown Combo.
School Tie combo.
I emailed her a number of tie combinations. They settled on the black and avocado greens combination. To make sure it wasn’t t too feminine we stayed away from florals, paisleys and shiny ties. After we decided on the colour-way Deb cleared out her husbands wardrobe and asked if it were possible to upcycle one of his shirts for the lining.
The shirt was a King Gee style one made for a church men’s weekend away. The shirt had special memories for Tim but wasn’t something he wore. It didn’t yield quite enough fabric for the lining alone….so I added some ikea fabric from my stash.
Here’s what we ended up with.
Finished Nappy Bag with Change Mat.
Bag back....
...change mat.
Deb also wanted lots and lots of pockets.
Pockets for wipes, wallet, diary and notebooks, bottles and creams and of course nappies.
She also requested a special hook for her keys so that she wasn’t constantly searching for her keys at the bottom of the bag.
Inside looked like this.
Lots and lots of pockets. Open and zippered.
Button on key holder.
One of the more obviously telling details of the nappy bag are the side bottle pockets. I enjoyed getting my head around shaping these without compromising the given shape of the tie too much.
The strap is adjustable so as to be able to lengthen it for going over the handles of a pram or stroller and then shorten it again for carrying on the shoulder. I used a reclaimed computer-bag shoulder pad for extra comfort.
Right bottle pocket ...
Left bottle pocket.
Shoulder pad.
After I posted the bag off I received this lovely email from Deb’s husband Tim.
I really enjoyed making this one.
Anyone else need a nappy bag?