Collage Collage

Another great week was had by all! We read “Little Owl Lost” by Chris Haughton, as well as some other favorites – but I think these Owl Puppets kind of stole the show! Great work once again everyone!

I’m pretty lucky to have worked with some amazing photographers here at the store – I think they like the light in here as much as I do! I was so touched to have met Jennifer Lavelle and her family when they came by for a visit on the weekend. Former BC residents now living in New York, they were home for a visit and spent some time in the store. Jennifer’s blog post made my day. Don’t we look great? Thank you Jennifer!

In the spirit of the Olympic Games starting in London so soon, we thought we’d share this awesome craft with you again for all the champion kids in your life!

Best Big Sister? Best Room Tidy-Uper? Best Kid EVER? I’m sure you know some contenders.

The following is a Do-It-Together Craft that involves a little bit of sewing (or you can consider a paper version instead of with felt!). After wards, you’ll have an adaptable award to give over and over again to the kids that mean the most to you.

You’ll need;
2 pieces of 8 x 11 craft or wool felt
some ribbon (long enough to wear!)
glue
scissors
heavy card or construction paper
something to draw + colour with
a sewing machine or needle and thread

First, use a template (like a roll of masking tape)
to trace out a felt circle. You’ll need two whole circles and one half circle

Next, cut out the letters to the winner’s name and sew or glue it to the half circle.

Now you’re going to stack one whole circle, the ends of the ribbon, and the second whole circle.

Line up all the edges, and then add the half circle on top with the winners name.

Sew all along the edges, twice even if you’d like! Make sure the winner’s name has the ribbons above it so that the medal sits up in the right direction.

Once you’ve sewn it all together, you might want to add a maple leaf, a star or something like it to the back of your medal.

Now, use your template to make a slightly smaller circle and cut it out of heavy card or construction paper.

Slip it into the pocket you’ve made on the front, and add whatever winning titles you’d like!
Turn the paper circle and add as many winning titles as you like. You can even make extra circles so that you can win all sorts of awards.

Last but not least, get up on your podium and receive your medals. You’ve earned it!

Because it’s Friday, and it’s raining – and it’s a sweet little laugh for us all, with just the right amount of dark. Maybe we’ll make some Marcels at the shop today to keep the smiles coming. Thanks Amanda Wood for the reminder!

Watch Marcel The Shell here.

I’ve been getting a lot of requests lately for outdoor art parties, or just some fresh ideas for summer time artful fun. Here are a few of my favorite ideas lately – and please share others if you’ve got em!

From “Hands on As We Grow” this frozen paint in an icecube trays  (pictured above) looks as fun as it would feel!

And how about these Frozen Ice Treasure Eggs from Crafty Crow?

Gather up a bunch of sticks from the yard or the beach and get inspired by these creations from Poppytalk! The ones below are by artist Ginette Lapalme and they’re one of my favorite things.