Taking a break

What are you doing this holiday season to relax and get ready for next year?

It has been awhile since we chatted. And I wanted you to know I will be back very soon. 

But before I do, I am taking this time to recharge my batteries and work on some very exciting things! 

I will share with you first! I promise!

This Little Piggy: nail art

Brooke is only turning 3 next month and already loves getting her nails painted. But with a tight budget it's best to "do-it-yourself". So we got this book a few weeks back. And WOW! you will love it. 

It come with a palette of six water-based, non-toxic nail polishes. 

Buy it here

Perfect for little hands. No nail polish remover is required. You can peel the polish off in a few days. 

Craft: Rainbow Rice

Make your own rainbow 

My daughter and I saw a beautiful rainbow the other day after a rainstorm. But my camera was not working { user error, so typical}. 

So this will have to do...

Homemade Rainbow Rice

Ingredients:

- 10 pound bag of rice 

- water
- ziplock bags
- watercolor paint {We like this liquid kind}


Directions:
Take your 10 pound bag of rice and separate it into 10 ziplock bags evenly. In each bag put different paint colors as desired (we did a rainbow). Put in some watercolor paint. 
Shake the bag until the color is absorbed onto the rice (we loved this part!).
Let the rice dry overnight. And VOILA!

I love your comments! Please share your ideas!

Prettiest TO-DO-LIST

could not resist ~ the perfect notepads!

I am totally obsessed with paper. And I am constantly making "to-do-lists". Even though I rarely get to check all of the items off my list. 

So when I saw these adorable notepads I could not resist. 

This hip Mom has amazing designs that POP with color and the designs are simple and clean. Make sure you check out her entire shop. She is the kind of gal I would love to have over for coffee and a chat!

Buy it here

Annual Apple Picking Trip

If you want to find a "pick your own" fruit or vegetable farm in your area check this site out.

This years trip to the apple orchard {Silverman's Farm in Easton} 

was amazing. 

It was a joy to see our almost three year old daughter experience the simple fun of picking apples in a picture perfect setting. 

Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg

Love this kids book

Discovered this book tonight with Brooke at the local book store...

Get it here.

I hope you enjoy it as much as Brooke and I do.

read on if you want to hear my rant of how we happened upon this book...

It was Friday afternoon and approaching the witching hour (if you are a parent, you know what I am talking about for sure, that 3-5pm-ish dead zone). So we hopped in the car and headed to Barnes & Noble to explore. I was trying to do double duty scouring the shelves for something new and interesting while I kept an eye on Brooke (age 2 yr. 10 mos.) who was making her own quick work of rearranging the children’s displays riffling through the puzzles, stuffed animals, books, and toys. But I realized I was half looking and half shuffling behind her to shove the items back while she was pulling the next two items down.

I had decided to give up and we should go grab something for dinner. But just as we were heading out the door I saw it. WOW! Just the cover alone got me intrigued. I could not resist pulling my Brookie into my lap and we both devoured this book. Several times. Had to take it home and put it on the low shelf.

I am sure it will bring lots of inspiration to kids of all ages.

Intern Wanted

I could definitely use some help...

If you know someone that is a creative whiz-bang OR currently in design or art college have them contact me to apply...

Little Birdie Art { at } me {dot} com

Cutie Booties

These rain rubbers made my heart leap when I saw them. I think a rain dance is in order.

find them here 

What's in a label?

I know...a long post

But I loved this article about what to look for in an art label. As a part owner of an art supplies company we are so diligent about what ingredients we put into our products. So check out this site and read this article as a concerned parent...

HEALTHY CHILD HEALTHY WORLD

That time of year

BACK TO SCHOOL

Who's ready? 

I started to get nostalgic for those long forgotten days 

of back-to-school...

I know as a Mom I am happy to be getting everything ready for the school days ahead. Lunchbox. CHECK. Backpack. CHECK. School outfits and shoes. CHECK. Mind set of getting back into a schedule!? OK...CHECK. 

I also think back to the family traditions that we had as our hearts started thumping just thinking of the first day back to the bus stop. My Mom was a "totally prepared" kind of gal. So to make sure we headed back in style she would throw us into the back of the station wagon and head to the store for supplies. Each year we would gleefully rummage through the bins to find the best and most spectacular book bags, pencils, markers, notebook paper, Everything! And I loved the smell of new fresh notebook paper and markers were ALWAYS my favorite. I would sit and organize them by color over and over again. And Mom always made us feel special to get us that special "item" we wanted. And every year Mom would help us pick out a new sparkling outfit or two to wear. She made sure we didn't wear it before the first day of school (a rule sometimes we had fun deciding to break together). snicker! 

I hope my daughter loves back-to-school as much as I do. For now, she's in pre-K so the effect is a bit lost. But as we build our own traditions and talk about heading back to school this week I cannot help but think of special ways to make her love this season  as much as I did. 

What family rituals can you remember? Please share!

My fave jewelry designer

Heather Moore Jewelry


I love the necklace I designed from Heather Moore. The ideas of being able to customize my own necklace to be a "one-of-a-kind" is so appealing to me. And with each milestone I try and think of a new creative way to add to my design. 


Here is my favorite one for the fall season...

Heather Moore Jewelry

POP!

Ice Pops in just minutes!

Brooke's best friend Annie is turning 3 this week. And I have my eye on this ice pop maker as the perfect birthday present!

 After you've made your own fresh ice pop mix you can have the healthy snack handy in just minutes, rather than hours. For anyone with little kids, you know this is the ultimate treat since it gives "instant gratification" in a good way...

www.williams-sonoma.com

If the price tag gets your blood boiling, try the inexpensive versions at TARGET or Sillycone to make number or letter versions! You just have the wait a few hours for the mix to freeze!

Either way....ENJOY

Whole Foods: Art Class

What a feeling!

I am conducting art classes at the brand new super mega WHOLE FOODS in Darien, CT. We made homemade modeling dough with the kids from scratch and can you just tell what fun they had? 

We had over 40 people there to enjoy!

What Color is Your World?

READ, ENJOY, REPEAT

I love this children's book and reading it to the kids. I always ponder the possibilities afterwards of how an artist can recreate the world

BUY it

displaying kid artwork

Do you still use your fridge as the place of honor for those art projects? But what to do when a new masterpiece comes along? 

SNAP & PRINT

{When you need to purge and make room for new art work, just take a picture. 

You can always remember them - and take less room to display them}

How To: Preserve photos with pazazz

book: photo album

many of my friends are so skilled at displaying and preserving precious photos in amazing ways. but i still need to find inspiration to get myself motivated. So when i found this book i was super excited. And saw that the talented vanessa holden {think real simple magazine} is involved and one of the authors. It's a slam dunk! So get those digital photos off the computer and printed! 

Craft: DIY Sidewalk Chalk

who doesn't love sidewalk chalk?...

I know I do...

any excuse to 

get outside 

and create

some art,

NOW THAT'S FUN!

Also...you can get a good workout

while helping your little ones use

up all that new sidewalk chalk!

SO GET OUT THERE!

Tools and Materials

• Cardboard tube (saved from center of paper towels or toilet paper
• Scissors
• Duct tape
• Freezer paper
• 32-ounce plastic containers (saved yogurt containers work great)
• Tempera paint in a variety of colors
• 1 cup water
• Mixing spoon
• 1 1/2 cups Plaster of Paris
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Tip: Silicone baking trays also make great chalk molds, and come in fun shapes such as letters and numbers (we bought the ones from Sillycone)

Sidewalk Chalk How-To
1. If necessary, cut cardboard tube to about 5 1/2-inch lengths (the size of half a paper towel tube). Other sizes can be used as well. Use duct tape to tape off one side of each tube.

2. Insert a sheet of freezer paper, cut to size (with paper inside the tube).

3. In a plastic container, mix 2 to 4 tablespoons (depending on color desired) of paint into the cup of water. Continue mixing while slowly adding the Plaster of Paris to the water, until completely combined. The mixture should be about the texture of frosting.

4. Fill prepared tube with mixture, assisting with a rubber spatula. Tap tube on work surface to release air bubbles.

5. The plaster will set in about a half hour, and can be removed from tube after about one hour (check for hardness by gently squeezing tube). Once chalk is removed from tube, place on a cooling rack and let dry completely (at least 24 hours) before using.


I will add some more pictures later. It is raining here now! So now sidewalk chalk today!

Beautiful spring tulips

 

Our tulips are blooming! Spotted these on  Abby Try Again

Your kids and the importance of ART

Don't forget ART!!

Getting an early start in the arts can make a real difference in the lives of children. The arts impact the developmental growth of every child. When children express themselves through the arts, they benefit in many ways. Research shows that the benefits of early arts education extend way beyond providing an important creative outlet for children. Young children build fine motor, language and cognitive skills. Elementary age students strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which helps to increase overall academic achievement and school success. When children use their imaginations, they enjoy a sense of accomplishment, as well as build confidence in themselves.

Art education also helps children develop a sense of craftsmanship, quality task performance, and goal-setting, which are valuable skills needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond. The arts help children to develop more appreciation and tolerance for other people’s unique point of view. A quality art program also introduces children to world cultures through art forms and activities unique to different regions and countries. From broadening perspective to expressing thoughts, feelings and perceptions, the visual arts are a smart choice for children. Art is one activity that offers children a release from the increasing pressures of academics, sports and many other competitively-focused enrichment activities. A balm for the soul, art also helps kids learn how to see the big picture, which is an important life skill.

Courtesy of Art for Creativity ~ http://www.abrakadoodle.com/blog/?cat=16

Design Idea: Simplify

I need to simplify

Today I looked around my house and noticed what a busy mess it has become lately. This is all about priorities. My working hours are piling up lately (for good reasons mind you...many exciting things happening here). But instead of cleaning and organizing my business and house I CHOOSE to spend my free time with family. I know you second this right? 

And when I saw this little bedroom cabinet on Carrie Can & You Are My Fave I couldn't resist to post. THINK OF IT...water, flowers, a journal....sans alarm clock! ALRIGHT!

Mom crush: Make & Mingle

I hightailed it up to Fairfield to meet one of the dynamic ladies that owns the store Make & Mingle. If you live in the area (or even if you don't) you have to see their cool space and take a class in their open and airy studio. I sat down in their white leather couch to chat about how we can collaborate and just didn't want to leave! Poor Karen!

The store is focused around offering amazing fabrics to buy as well as thinking up cool classes to offer for tweens, adults, and kids focused on sewing and creating!

And if you love to craft or sew just go on down. I think we will be doing some very fun things with these crafty ladies.

& p.s. I signed up for the "make your own Tunic" class in May. Sew fun!

Daisy Dough coming soon

Create your own collage

Quote of the week

What gift do you have? Think about it. And do try and appreciate any and every one of them.


I can't remember how I found this quote. But still...it makes me think...and appreciate.

Brookyln

Brooke woke up this morning and the first words from her tiny two year old mouth were, "Mommy, I want my brother"...

So here's for her big brother...I thought this was perfect for the birthday month eh Andrew?

{ another great card from paper pastries }

CRAFT: Bubble Wrap Printing

Don't you just love bubble wrap?

I do. And when I saw this craft idea I could not resist trying it out in our classes. We did some color mixing experiments with the kids so they can start to comprehend how the colors blend! Red + Blue = Purple! Awesome! 

You can do this with even the youngest toddler. We did it with our 15 month - 2 year old class. They got it. So go for it....

Set out large brushes or rollers with brightly colored paint.

Tape bubble wrap to your table cover. Newspaper or a reusable, coated tablecloth work well.

Paint on the bubble wrap until you feel happy.

Press a sheet of paper on top of the paint and rub lightly. Peel off the paper to reveal your print.

Voila!

{ yeah to Clementine Art for having such awesome ideas...and hey! She is another amazingly creative and savvy gal! these are her pics/idea }




Little Birdie Art, Greenwich CT ~ a children's studio (203-869-0925 OR LittleBirdieArt.com)


In Art,

Enjoy your Easter

My friends, what are you doing this weekend? I hope you'll be with family and loved ones. The sun has finally arrived here in Connecticut and I'd like to go for a walk at the beach, carry out our Easter Egg hunt family tradition, and enjoy every minute with my family (and maybe some yummy Easter candy too)!

Cheers to you for a relaxing weekend.

And here is an easy Easter Egg craft to try: 

{ marble eggs are easy to make! photo www.marthastewart.com } 

MARBLE LOOK
Buy the cheap grocery store egg dyeing kit with the cups and dye

1. Mix all the cups of dye
2. Dye all of the eggs one color
3. THEN! Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to all of the color cups
4. Then go back in and dye those same eggs in a different colors
VOILA - Marble eggs

WINK

Oh...I miss WINK PHOTOGRAPHY. But if you live in or around Chicago don't miss Char this July. This was a year ago. 

here is her blog.... http://www.wink.typepad.com/

Back to Cali

wonderful trip to Cali. Nice to have extra pairs of hands to help with kids and enjoy family.

 { card and photo courtesy of: http://paperpastries.bigcartel.com/product/the-golden-state-note-card } 

And although our welcome mat ran out after ten days we did understand and we were happy to see everyone, share our awesome Brooke, and spend every eighty-degree day in the pool....together

{ JW Marriott Desert Hot Springs - Desert Springs, CA } 

Our new mascot..drum roll please....

Here is the preview of the new Little Birdie mascot

What do you think? 

Love is in the air.

Happy Valentine's Day.

we had a small class this morning. it was really nice.
we spent the whole time making things for those we love.
how simple and sweet.

TWO HOLIDAYS in one looooong weekend! Enjoy it....


{ courtesy of ominitia on www.flickr.com } 

Craft: Homemade Finger Paint

Here is a good one for you to try out! Let me know how you like it!
Homemade Finger Paint

1/2 cup flour
2 cups water
1 tablespoon glycerine
2 teaspoon lemon extract for preservative
small screw-top jars (recycle baby food jars anyone!)
Wilton food coloring paste

1. In a saucepan, mix flour with a 1/2 cup of water to form a paste.
2. Add the rest of the water and cook over low heat until thick and clear, stirring constantly.
3. Let cool. Add glycerine and lemon extract. If mixture is too thick and does not spread easily, add a little more water. Divide and pour into smal, screw-top jars (baby jars are great for this). Add food coloring to tint.
Store in airtight containers. Refrigerate for longer shelf life.


Another suggestion...try adding food coloring to yogurt and you can finger paint like this too. Nom, nom, nom!

{ recipe and picture from Busy Little Elf blog ~ thanx } 

In art,

Craft: Make Your Own Paste Recipe

When toddlers first experiment with paste I find they are more interested in getting their hands in it to feel it. So instead of putting some in front of them to stick together, just make a batch and let them play with it a bit. 

Squish! Squish! Messy fun!

Homemade Paste

1/2 Cup of Flour (we use all -purpose organic)

1/2 Cup Sugar

3 1/4 cups Water

any extract (vanilla, orange, peppermint, etc. for smell)

OR 2 drops food coloring

We combine our sugar, flour, and 1/4 cup of water in a bowl. 

Then bring 3 cups of water to boil in a saucepan. Stir in the flour mixture

and reduce the heat. Cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes (but stir constantly!)

Once it is thick remove it from stove heat + add your extract or food coloring (or both).

We save ours in an airtight container in the refridgerator for up to two weeks when not in use. 

Voila! Try it out and let me know what you think! We won't be selling this (we are starting to sell our organic playdough). But we do use this in our classes. Whatever we can make ourselves or recycle/precycle we do!

I will take some pictures later this afternoon for you to see it's consistency.

Pics from OPEN HOUSE Jan 28

I am so tired now. We had a full house! I loved how the kids were clambering to get in the door and to the art room! They were so eager and all jumped right in. We had kids from ages 20 months up to 5 years old.

Thank you to all the parents who brought their little birdies. We really appreciate your support! I hope you all had a great time (and will spread the word if you did).

I will let the pictures speak for themselves...

"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world." Montessori