"paper stamp kit for kids"We’re big fans of kids stamp kits in this house especially since my 3 year old daughter can entertain herself for ages with her stamps.  We’ve got a couple of lovely sets so I thought we were all kitted out but now I’ve seen this new Japanese stamp kit and it’s love.  It’s unlike any other stamp set I’ve seen before and the possibilities of creating beautiful designs with this set look endless.

"kids stamp set"The stamp kit includes everything you need to make hand stamps or roller stamps and also includes 35 pattern ideas to start you off and then you can go on to create your own original patterns.  The stamps would be great for making your own wrapping paper and cards and even artworks for your kids rooms but best of all, it’s just great for letting kids express their own creativity.

"creative stamp sets for children"This kit is the creation of Torafu Architects of Tokyo but you can buy it over at Upon a Fold (one of my favourite paper boutiques) where I found them.  It’s out of stock at the moment but more are coming soon.  I am a huge fan of Japanese designed goodies because just like this kit, you always get something unique, beautiful and very desirable.

Update August 2014: Very sadly, Upon a Fold no longer exists. 

"pull along dog toys"How cool are these pull along dogs?  I recently spotted them while browsing svpply.  I stopped to take a closer look and I found the most unusual pull along toys I’ve ever seen.  These striking dogs are made of leather and I love them especially the dachshund with his bright blue wheels.  I’m not sure what breed the bigger dog is but he’s pretty amazing too. 

"pull along dog toys"

Wow… sometimes I just marvel at the creativity of people out there.  These dogs are the creation of Ellen Heilmann of Germany and they’re called Waldi Und Sprinter.  Just marvelous, don’t you think?

I want my hat back

June 1, 2012

"I want my hat back"I am completely besotted with this kids book called ‘I want my hat back’ by Jon Klassen.  It’s a story about a bear looking for his hat and while it sounds simple, there’s a clever message in there reminiscent of children who do something wrong and then try and cover it up with excuses and lies.  The story is told in a few words with beautiful illustrations that have humour and wit and there’s a wicked little twist at the end.

"i want my hat back"I bought this book yesterday with some others and this is definitely my daughters favourite and mine.  I think we’ve already read it five times but it’s been a pleasure since  I want my hat back is a delight for both adults and children and deserves a place in every little kids library.

mama & baby…

May 31, 2012

"bunny pencil case"

Today’s picks for ‘mama and baby‘… this hot pink iPad leather case for mama and this super sweet leather bunny pencil case for baby.

*Asuka Weaves wallpaper by Osbourne & Little

"european nursery bedding sets"

Hand made in Italy, this kids bedding by Numero 74 is just exquisite.  In the collection there are blankets, quilts and duvet sets for babies and children.   With a strong vintage vibe, the bedding is made in limited editions so you know you’re getting something unique.  But Numero 74 is about more than bedding as they also sell very desirable vintage toys and furniture which I have featured before.

"Italian kids bedding sets"

There is an understated elegance to all the bedding that comes in a range of colours from brights to muted tones.  The fabrics have pretty floral prints or polka dots but there’s also lots in plain colours too.  Started by 2 friends who couldn’t find what they wanted to decorate their kids room, they decided to make or source their own and Numero 74 was born.  I’ve completely fallen for their entire collection especially those quilts pictured at the top.  Visit Numero 74 or for a different range try smallable.com

Vintage nurseries really float my boat like no other style of nursery decor.  I’m not sure why but I think it may have something to do with the freedom to mix and match as you please.  There is no right or wrong, there are no rules, no colour restrictions; it’s just about you and your creativity.  And besides, no two rooms will ever look the same.  I often seek out vintage baby rooms to share with you and today I’ve found 3 that are un-missable:

"vintage nursery room for girls"

I love everything about this room… the colours, the eclectic wall pictures, the gorgeous pom poms and the DIY feel.  The pallet bed is in fact made by the parents of the lucky baby girl whose room it is.  I found this room over at Apartment Therapy.

 

"yellow vintage baby nursery room"

A completely different look for this nursery but still very much vintage inspired.  Created by a Dutch mama called Nina Invorm, this room is full of vintage treasures from toys to clothes to wallpaper.  It’s a happy, bright, cheerful room that looks beautiful too.

"vintage nursery ideas"

Much more muted with an almost minimalistic vibe, this vintage nursery is another beauty.  I love the exposed brick and the completely unexpected black leather chair.  This nursery is by Oeuf NYC, the makers of beautiful nursery furniture and more. 

"bright summer sandals for girls"

We’re still happily enjoying some scorchio weather here in London and for me one of the biggest benefits of summer is wearing sandals.  Open-toed shoes are so much better for your feet and I love, love wearing all manner of sandals and flip flops.  Of course, I also love putting my daughter in teeny-tiny kids sandals too.  With such gorgeous ones out there, it would be a shame not to.  Today I’ve picked out 4 bold, bright and beautiful sandals for little girls and I’m feeling the love for each one of them:

1.  Brilliant orange patent leather sandals by chic Italian kids brand Pepe {from elias & grace}

2.  Sunny banana yellow ‘Linda’ sandals with a cork sole by Stella McCartney Kids

3.  Another dose of Italian kids style but in luscious red by Gallucci {from smallable.com

4.  French and fabulous Pom D’Api bring us these hot pink flip flops {from elias & grace}

*And last but definitely not least is the wonderful paisley wallpaper by Mini Moderns – my latest wallpaper obsession.  I love all the colours but I can’t take my eyes off the turquoise blue one. 

"kids party supplies"

Earlier in the week I was on the hunt for some washi tape.  You know, the Japanese stuff that’s like masking tape but comes in the most wonderful colours and patterns imaginable and can be used for endless decorating purposes.  I found my washi tape and I also found Papermash…  a little London boutique full of wonderful, colourful, bright and happy paper goodies. 

"washi tape and party supllies kids"

Their collection is small but everything in it is gorgeous.  There are cards and posters from the Rifle Paper Co, there’s lots of washi tape in solid colours or patterned (I went for the neon ones in coral and turquoise and I love them), then you’ve got party supplies including pretty floral paper cups, stripey straws and gorgeous honeycomb balls.  Papermash also have a few crafts that you can download for free and make yourself.  I’ve got my eye on the super pretty doily wraps which I’m picturing as party favour holders for my daughter’s next birthday bash.  Visit Papermash to see all their goodies.

mama & baby…

May 24, 2012

"aqua ballet pumps,knit sweater"

I’ve been ignoring the mama’s of late so I wanted to do something to fix this and I also wanted to mix it up a bit.  This is a new series I’ve started where there’s something for mama and something matching, contrasting, complimentary, clashing (you get the idea) for baby or young kid.  Today it’s these summery ballet pumps with tiny little tennis racquet charms for mama and a beautiful cashmere sweater vest for baby.  Leave a comment and let me know if you like the ‘mama & baby…’ series.

I got the inspiration for this idea from the wonderful Oh joy blog who does a series called ‘this & that’.  Theirs is a bit different but it was the foundation for this idea. 

"girly art for girls room"

I’m on the hunt for some cool art prints and posters for my daughters room.  Her walls are bare (apart from a feature wall with the gorgeous pip early bird wallapaper) so I have a blank canvas.  I’m loving the idea of putting up lots of different prints, posters and postcards in close proximity to each other.  When I’m looking for unusual, off the beaten-track art for kids rooms, I often head to etsy because I know I’ll find something and sure enough this time I found Lily Moon from Cyprus.  I loved it!  Lily Moon is unashamedly girly but not cutesy and that works for me.  The art is inspired by imaginary stories and there is something about each one that draws you in and allows you to make up your own story.  I also love the old fashioned feel of the drawings and the soft colour palette.  One of my favourites is the little girl with the rabbit called ‘Alice’.  But they’re all magical and I think I might just have to get some for my daughters wall collage.

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