Symmetry sculptures

While I’m not a control freak, I have grown accustomed to having a lot of kids under my control at one time. And, I think I’m good at it. I run a fairly tight ship in terms of schedules and expectations, but am pretty relaxed when it comes to general raucousness and chaos. There are always a hundred things happening at once (and at least three kids talking at me at the same time), but we’re now at the point where Atticus and Ella are old enough to herd the crew into “unsupervised” play while I do the things necessary for our tribe’s survival (like cooking, packing lunches and drinking coffee).

While I do these things I get a kick out of the conversations I overhear (and the scuffles that they manage to iron out) and feel that, at some level, I’m still very much involved with what each of my kids goes through in his or her day.

What I’ve become to realize this year however is that I’ve definitely taken this for granted. We’ve made it through the first year of real school, where Atticus is gone for the whole day. A whole day where I have no idea what’s going on. A whole day where he’s surrounded by 23 other little terrors, also figuring out what it means to be properly social. A whole day where a lot happens.

Add the work schedule of a start-up business to this, and it’s easy to feel completely out of touch even though I’m actually around the kids – as a whole – a lot. I used to know every time Atticus learned something, got upset, went to the bathroom. Now, I am pretty much on damage control, carving out that one-on-one time if there’s a problem. The large majority of the time there isn’t though, which means, we’re in our daily groove and time is just flying by.

I’m still trying to figure out how to set up routines and habits so that I feel okay letting go (suggestions welcome!). Because, in all honesty, Atticus is just fine and thrilled to be able to step into a degree of independence and enjoy something that’s just his. I’m certainly not the first mama to lament this transition.

Luckily, his kindergarten class asked for parent volunteers this year to help break the parental fall into school. So, Nathan and I alternated being in Atticus’s class each Friday morning. It was great to have a chance to meet the other kids and get a sense of what his day looks like. It also gave me even more respect for the super-human individuals that take on the role of teaching 24 kindergarten students. Let’s just say, I’m happy to stay in the sticker business

A few months ago, there were the most gorgeous mobiles hanging around the classroom. I snapped a picture on my phone for future reference and last weekend came across it while culling my photos. I asked Atticus to teach us how to make them and he patiently walked us through the steps, excited to revisit the project. They are very simple, great for all ages, and look gorgeous.

It also provides context for discussion about symmetry (when Atticus got to the symmetry part, Ella (AKA our tattooed lady) groaned and said: “Ugh! I really hate having to make things symmetrical!” She’s a true left brained artist, haha!).

MATERIALS:
Multicolored paper strips. At least 5-6 colors, two of each, cut 2-3″/ 5cm wide.
Scissors
Stapler

PROCESS:
1. Arrange your paper strips like a symmetrical sandwich, using only one strip of the middle color. Keep in mind the color combinations – it looks best to have lighter colors next to darker ones, or to make a gradient/ ombre effect.

Once we started using terminology like “sandwich” instead of “symmetry” Ella was totally onboard.

2. Staple the stack of strips in the center. Secure with three staple.

3. Start sculpting your paper strips. You can do anything: fold, cut, roll, stamp. The only rule is you have to do the same things on both sides.

4. Flip it over and do the same thing on the other side. You’ll have four flaps that all get the same artistic treatment.

Rolling and folding are good suggestions. From there, the kids each started coming up with their own ideas. Enthusiasm definitely builds as they start to see the flat stack take shape.

Each time they finished a new color, it was like a treat to see what color was next and they couldn’t wait to do something different.

Ta-da! They’re so dynamic, aren’t they! I really love these. So easy, so satisfying, and NO MESS!  You may find Nathan and I sipping some cocktails and de-stressing over a good symmetry sculpture later tonight

The kids each chose which way they wanted their sculpture to hang, and I stuck a paperclip through the strips and hung them from the rafters. They’re fun to gaze t while falling asleep! I also think these could make such fun party decorations or holiday crafts depending on the colors you use…

You could also prep stacks of stapled strips and bring them on a car ride or to a restaurant for a great ready made activity.

Have fun and let us me know how yours turn out. : )

Mo xoxo

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Kanoodle – a great game for all ages

Last week we joined our friends on holiday in Cornwall. We rented a cute flat overlooking the sea and spent our days exploring different sections of the coastline and our evenings back at home, cooking dinner, playing games and watching the sun set over the sea. Our six kids played so well together, coming up with cute games and imaginary roll play scenarios… until we brought out the Kanoodle game – at which point they all fought over it like cats and dogs! Every child, from age 3 to 11, wanted to play with it!

The pocket-sized game (perfect for travel!), is a solitaire game which comes with a booklet including more than 100 puzzle challenges. Children choose their puzzle – ranging from basic to difficult – then place the pieces as shown in the puzzle. The challenge is deciding where and how the rest of the pieces go to complete the puzzle. It’s a fun game, great for developing problem solving and strategic thinking skills.

The game is available in the UK here and in the US here. It makes a perfect birthday gift for kids of all ages!

Courtney x

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Footpath Flowers by Jon Arno Lawson and Sydney Smith

It’s usual when children first start learning to read they’ll be given sweet little wordless books so they can make up their own story. When I was teaching I loved this stage of learning. Listening to their imaginary worlds as they focus on the tiny details in the illustrations – each story always different, always relevant.

But then as a child emerges a ‘reader of words’ these lovely worldless books seem to vanish and yet they are so enriching in a child’s life.

I recently came across this beautiful book, Footpath Flowers by Jon Arno Lawson and Syndney Smith, which highlights so well the busyness of our technological fuelled world seen through a child’s eye as she wanders home with her father. She focuses on the beauty of the city through the tiny flowers she sees by the road side, by the pavement, on the dog’s collar and she wanders how her father can miss all of this while he’s on his telephone. Quite an adpt story for these modern days isn’t it? When we are in a work/balance turmoil. Where we’re striving for a peaceful balance.

We love this book. I love how each of my girls tells of a different story, each time they pick up the book. Footpath Flowers will also have you thinking and make you stop and smell the roses!

Available from amazon (UK) and (US), this is a very special book indeed.

Vanessa x

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5 Questions with Jen Murphy from Polka Dot Club

We are really excited to announce a new interview series called ‘5 Questions With…’ where we’ll feature designers and shop owners, giving you an introduction to some super inspiring people with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their business, work spaces and favourite products. And we’re starting with a huge bang – interviewing the lovely Jen Murphy from Polka Dot Club.

Esther and I first met Jen a few years ago in NYC when she was starting her business. We fell in love with her teddy bears immediately and couldn’t resist buying one for Marlow and Casper. Years later, those teddy bears remain our children’s most treasured belongings. I loved reading Jen’s answers and seeing her stunning photos, and I’m so excited to share with you below.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself, where you live and about your family.

We call our home a tree house. It’s an old Victorian duplex we’re slowly turning into a single family home. There are trees all around it, a big porch on the second floor that feels like perch, and from the third floor its all skylights and blowing branches. In the winter all the house plants that summered outdoors come in and the greenery fills the inside as the cool days and long winter set in. We built a sauna in the back yard to make the very long Minneapolis winters seem like a luxury instead of a burden and it seems to be working. It can feel magical. I live here with my husband Jay, who’s also an artist (fine art- paintings, sculpture, video, and…) and two young children. Our daughter is 3 and son is 6, and though we’ve only lived in this house for 5 years it’s Home.

My studio is here at home for now. We carved our a space in what was two bedrooms on the first floor where I work. With little kids, work time seems to be broken up into short bits- nap times, care schedules, laundry… I feel both the burden and the utter joy in being able to split up my days with work and life and family and it all moves in and out with, on good days, ease. It’s not forever, but for now it works.

We moved all over the US before we settled here in Minneapolis, neither Jay nor I grew up here. It was a choice to live in the midwest were you can feel the seasons marking time, houses are inexpensive, kids can go to good public schools, and our community of friends and other makers are closely connected. We chose our neighborhood so we can walk to nearly everything we need and trek another 6 blocks to the banks of the Mississippi river where it feels wild and miles away from anything while being right in the middle of the city.

2. Tell us about Polka Dot Club and how you came to create a business making teddy bears.

I’m a second generation teddy bear maker…

My Grandmother taught me how to sew when I was seven, a year later my mother began making teddy bears and before I was eleven years old I was using her scraps to make my own bears and animals. In the mid 80’s an artist teddy bear movement was happening and there were huge shows popping up all over the world- convention centers were filled with people making and buying teddy bears. It was a strange and amazing way to grow up. My mom and I would travel the country selling her bears and I would put a few pieces out on the table and began to draw collectors of my own. I made teddy bears through high school and college, and in 2001 I launched a website (jmurphybears.com) with one-of-a-kind collectable pieces.

After making teddy bears for nearly 20 years and after having 2 kids, I launched the POLKA DOT CLUB in 2013 – a collection of heritage toys each handmade in Minneapolis. I’m so passionate about making children’s toys with the same materials and methods used over 100 years ago. It’s not easy, fast, or inexpensive but it feels right. The mohair, that makes the bears so very special, is loomed in Germany at one of the only remaining mills left in the world. Mohair ages very differently than the contemporary alternative synthetic plush; it ages with dignity showing it’s years, but gracefully, and begs to be passed on from one generation to the next. My focus is on making playthings that will not be tossed aside as a child outgrows it. These toys value is not diminished by the years of love and play, rather they become more special over time because of the quality of craftsmanship and fibers. I’m excited to be making modern heirlooms- for now and forever.

3. I’ve seen glimpses of your studio on your Instagram feed, and have always wished I could have a better peek at your beautiful work space. Describe your studio and walk us through the process of making your bears.

My studio is one long, thin room lined with shelves of fabric, supplies, bears in the works… I have 3 tables cluttered with little bear clothes, scraps of fabrics, ideas in process… Everywhere there are bits and pieces: artwork, drawings, vintage toys, old fabric pieces – visual inspiration everywhere I look. There is so much in the my studio it’s a marvel it all fits in this small space. While it’s always messy, everything has its place. Somehow the clutter of working this way feels easy to me – unlikely parings present themselves, ideas open up, and somehow the visual layers make me feel free to try more, do more, stay open.

Each morning I start work with coffee and business. I asses the day – I respond to peoples questions, correspond with stores and collaborators, print invoices, and figure out what needs to be done. Each day is different and determined by projects and orders I have in the works. I clear off my worktable where I draw and cut pattern pieces, pack boxes, stand and work. I move around my studio- each area allowing for ease of working on different projects. About half of all the sewing on the bears and rabbits is done on the machine, the rest is done by hand, so when it comes time to sew I sit, listening to music and podcasts and I stuff each piece, embroider faces, add finishing touches… It’s just me, and 2 sewers that work on the PDC. They help a lot, but I wear all the hats around here. When you email the PDC- it’s me you get!

4. What do you love most about your job?

On good days I’m really lifted up and excited by how agile and open it is being a small business person. I love my job, and when I’m present and not bogged down by the hulking to-do list I see how I’m driving this train, and I can take it wherever I want to go. That’s exciting, liberating, and so wholly empowering. I’m also constantly aware of my audience. My favorite childhood toys loomed so large in my life; they were companions, coconspirators, characters imbued with all my childhood imaginings. The idea that I’m creating that for someone else is such a privledge and a pride.

5. What is your favourite product in your collection and why?

That’s tough. All the Bears and Rabbits have something special that appeals to kids at different ages and something that keeps me excited about making them, but the Classic Bear is just that – so endlessly classic. I love the straightforward timeless design thats made to last and only gets better with play.

The articulated limbs, materials, and attention to details and the history are unlike any other contemporary toy on the market. That feels like a special place to be – made to play with, made to pass down to the next generation, but always good looking enough to keep out on the shelf too. I like that. It’s a place of honor.

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Sowing seeds and planting beans in pretty paper plant pots

Last weekend we went to an outdoor food and craft market here in Amsterdam, and we came across a beautiful stand full of bags filled with dried beans in every size and colour, coming from every corner of the world. The children were completely captivated by the beauty and origin of all of these beans, and they didn’t want to leave the stand until the kind lady ended up giving them each a few beans in a little bag, which they treated like true treasures.

Once back home, we decided to test out the Paper Potter that Conscious Craft (a beautiful natural toy & craft shop and a member of our shopping portal) had sent us. The concept of the Paper Potter is brilliantly simple — strips of newspaper are rolled around a wooden tool and then tightly pressed into a form to shape it into a sweet little paper plant pot that is completely bio-degradable. How cool!

Creating the plant pots proved to be a super fun activity and it took a while until the kids had stopped squabbling over the wooden tool, but once they had figured out a rotating schedule, they had quickly created enough paper pots to plant their beautiful beans.

The paper pots are now in front of our window sill, looking very pretty by themselves… But this morning we’ve seen that the beans are slowly coming up, so it won’t be long until we will see the seedlings grow.

I think the Paper Potter is such a fun gift to families — both parents as the children will love to create the fun paper pot — and to grow lots of little plants!

xxx Esther

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The big phone debate

Apologies for another post on the mobile phone debate. The thing is – it is at the forefront of our minds as our eldest kids are approaching the equally feared and anticipated teenage years. It is also triggered by a recent survey that found that in the UK the average age for giving a child a tablet is two and the average age for a phone is seven.

This survey found that one of the main motivations to give a child a phone is because all the other kids had them and it was not “fair”. An intriguing argument, I feel.  Peer pressure is a strong motivator and it is horrible to be left out of a group just because you are not part of a social app, be it What’s App or Facebook. Being a teenager is hard enough. But there is a dark side to smartphones. Some kids in our school were using skype to communicate and had their account hacked into and received horrific threats. Devastating for the children and also the parents. A psychologist friend mentioned that cyber bulling, especially on FaceBook, has become a huge issue amongst teenagers. It is so much easier to bully virtually than in person. The bullying also does not just happen during the day within the confines of the school, so it is harder to escape.

My situation is the following: Coco is going to middle school next year, which means she will be going to school alone, either walking or by metro, and her schedule will change all the time. This was actually not enough to sway me to get her a phone, but then I realised that due to recent events in our neighbourhood (terrorist attacks), I started thinking that it might be good to be able to get hold of her during the day. She also oscillates between her father’s flat and mine, so being able to catch up when there is a change of plans could make all of our lives easier.

So funnily enough, my motivation of getting her a phone is for my own selfish reasons. Coco will be getting a very simple phone with no internet access. Interestingly, because of the Skype incident, she has decided that she absolutely agrees with this.

This is what we do in my little household. I opened up an email account for Coco when she turned 9 on a site called Zilla Dog, which is a child friendly site, where I have to approve all the mails she gets from new “buddies”. It felt like the right balance between her being able to communicate with family all over the world and not receiving ads about penis extensions. We have a desktop computer that she can check her emails on and also do research for school projects. As a search engine we use a site called Qwant Junior, which is a site developed for children and tries to make sure that the search results are suitable for children. We have an ipod that we use to listen to music, mostly on Spotify. But we only have one account, so I can check what the girls decide to listen to. It means that the good people of Spotify believe that I am a big fan of French and American teen hip-hop and so send me the most ridiculous suggestions – I hope that this is all done virtually and no one is judging my terrible music taste.

I think that everyone’s situation is different. Some children spend 45 minutes on a bus travelling to school, so listening to music is a great thing to be able to do (I will never forget my first disc-man, remember those?), others are super interested in photography.

As with so many debates, there is no right or wrong. Our children will not suddenly turn from angels to monsters because they have a phone, I think we can trust them enough for that not to happen. If it does, the phone will surely be the symptom not the cause…

Emilie

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Beautiful handmade sleepsacks

Lacy Noble is the younger sister of my dear friend Sally. So she’s practically like a sister to me! : ) She’s a mother of two adorable little boys and it’s been such a joy to watch her on her motherhood journey.

Lacy recently set up a business creating the most beautiful sleepsacks for babies and toddlers.  I’ve been following her business on Instagram and can’t get over how gorgeous all of her creations are. She makes each sleep-sack by hand using the most beautiful, fabrics including cotton florals from Liberty and checked/striped cottons used for men’s shirts. Each sleep sack is lined with a soft white cotton and filled with a hypo-allergenic poly batting, and they have snaps at the shoulders and a long zipper down the side for easy dressing and nappy changing.

Because they’re made to order, Lacy can alter the size (size 1 for babies or size 2 for toddlers). She can also alter the weight of the batting depending on your climate.  And you can choose your fabric and detailing!

I loved using sleepsacks for all my babies — they kept them cosy without the need for extra blankets, and I swear that just putting them into their sleepsack instantly put them into the bedtime mindset, preparing them for sleep and making the transition into bed easier. (Each of my children wore a sleep sack until they were around age two when we moved them out of their cot and into a toddler bed.)

For enquiries or orders, you can contact Lacy directly at smidgehandmade@gmail.com.

Courtney x

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