Make {Boredom Buster}

As we head into the final month of summer vacation – I’ve been hearing that certain phrase “I’m bored” a bit too often.  So, to keep boredom at bay (and the TV off) we created our very own “I’m Bored Bucket” that is chock full of pretty papers, crafty doo dads, glitter, feathers and many more found objects!  The girls even made one for their neighbor friends.

I love discovering  things from around the house to add to the bucket  – like  packs of twisty ties and cardboard coffee cup sleeves I found in a drawer –  can’t wait to see what they create with this “elementary upcycling!”

image {mine}

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Mini Movies {Optical Art Book}

Artist and designer, Rufus Butler Seder has not only captured the imagination of children, but also the New York Times Best Sellers list, with his book “Gallop!“

Employing a patented new technology called Scanimation, each page is a marvel that brings animals to life with art that literally moves (click on the image above to see the horse in motion).

The book shows a horse in full gallop, a turtle swimming up the page, a dog running, a cat that springs, an eagle soaring and a butterfly who flutters.  The movements of the animals are so life-like, you and your children will find them quite mesmerizing.

A wonderful book for the young and young at heart.  Available here. enjoy hh

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Become A Collector {Introducing Art To The Young}

My daughter received a wonderful puzzle for her recent birthday, The Dance Class by Edgar Degas. As soon as she saw the picture, she exclaimed, “Oh, I know who painted this, I have a book with the other dance pictures.”

As a mother, I did feel a slight surge of pride when my 6 year old recognized this “masterpiece” and the artist’s other body of work. I also remembered well the book my daughter was referencing, a fabulous board book with the most melodic text – Dancing with Degas by Chronicle Books. This book and another in the series, A Picnic With Monet, were read to my daughters so often, that I can still recite each from memory.

Authored by Julie Merberg (currently the president of Downtown Bookworks Inc.) and Suzanne Bober (an avid art collector), these imaginative and playful books are sure to become some of the most well read in your child or grandchild’s collection.

The Mini Masters Boxed Set would make an excellent shower or new baby gift. Featuring the work of Degas, Monet, Matisse and Van Gogh, this 4 book collection will provide a wonderful introduction to a world of beautiful art. This extensive series of books also includes the art of Seurat, Cassatt, Picasso, Gauguin, Rousseau and Renior. Start your adventure today. Enjoy HH

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Perfect Package

We love children’s art activities that are presented in wonderful self-contained packages.

Take a look at this very preppy mini canvas tote – it includes stencil sheets, paint and sponges, everything your budding design star needs to create personalized art. The retro-nautical theme and red/cream color combination make this a perfect gift for a boy or girl.

The MoMA Modern Kids Art is a favorite at our house. This mini kit contains: 6 markers, 12 colored pencils, 12 oil pastels, 8 watercolors and a paintbrush all housed in a bright orange case with a handle. The compact size and clever design make this a perfect art kit for the “on the go” kid!

Find them both here. Enjoy. HH

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