Trick or Treat Halloween Pumpkin Toddler T-Shirt by bluewren08
Many shirt designs available at zazzle
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Halloween Trick or Treat Toddler T-Shirt
Halloween is fast approaching, so make sure your little ones are all set with their very own Trick or Treat T-shirt...
Trick or Treat Halloween Pumpkin Toddler T-Shirt by bluewren08
Many shirt designs available at zazzle
Trick or Treat Halloween Pumpkin Toddler T-Shirt by bluewren08
Many shirt designs available at zazzle
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Cooking with Kids - Rainy Day Activity No 4.
Now I know it can be tempting, when it's cold and rainy outside, and the kids are under your feet in the kitchen, to contemplate cooking 'the' kids, but cooking 'with' the kids is so much more fun!
There are so many great recipes that are nice and easy and kid friendly. Start off with a simple batch of scones. There is a wonderfully simple recipe for Lemonade Scones, with just three ingredients that is super easy. The kids will love seeing the lemonade fizz with the cream, and they can mix this all into the flour then get busy with the dough, kneeding, making shapes, using cookie cutters and they can even decorate their scones with choc chips or coloured candy. Their scones will certainly be unique, but they'll taste great, and best of all, the kids have been enjoying cooking! A great start to building skills in the kitchen.
There's some more simple quick and easy recipes at my Busy Baking Lens which are all quite kid friendly with parent supervision for melting butter etc. Try the Choc Chip Muffins or the Busy Baker Orange Cake - so easy and so delicious, the kids will love them.
There are so many great recipes that are nice and easy and kid friendly. Start off with a simple batch of scones. There is a wonderfully simple recipe for Lemonade Scones, with just three ingredients that is super easy. The kids will love seeing the lemonade fizz with the cream, and they can mix this all into the flour then get busy with the dough, kneeding, making shapes, using cookie cutters and they can even decorate their scones with choc chips or coloured candy. Their scones will certainly be unique, but they'll taste great, and best of all, the kids have been enjoying cooking! A great start to building skills in the kitchen.
There's some more simple quick and easy recipes at my Busy Baking Lens which are all quite kid friendly with parent supervision for melting butter etc. Try the Choc Chip Muffins or the Busy Baker Orange Cake - so easy and so delicious, the kids will love them.
Pink Star Shoes from Zazzle.com
Perfect for the little princess in your life that loves being pretty in pink, these Pink Star Shoes created by Artform the Heart are cute and funky!
Girls Pink Star Shoes by ArtformTheHeart
Make your own shoes online with zazzle.com
Sunday, June 20, 2010
This sweet Sunbonnet Sue design is fresh and bright in orange and yellow tones. This design would be great across all age groups and especially fun for those who love oranges!
Oranges & Sunbonnet Sue Twins by sunbonnet_sue
Make custom t-shirts at zazzle.com
Pirate Ship Fun T Shirts from Zazzle.com
What better treasure could there be? Your littlest pirate is sure to steal hearts with this cute Pirate Ship design! Text reads "YO HO HO This pirate steals hearts"
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES - Number 3
PAPER MOSAICS
On those wet rainy days, a great way to keep your little ones busy is to get creative and colorful with Paper Mosaics. Most of the items you will need for this activity will be things you have on hand. Simply find some colored paper or old magazines and a large sheet of paper as the base of the mosaic. Provide blunt ended scissors, a hole punch and non-toxic glue stick. Then you can let the fun begin.
Cut or tear brightly coloured paper into small pieces. Use the hole punch and make small circles. Scapbooking punches are also great for creating different shapes. Show the kids how to glue the paper pieces onto the large backing sheet to make blocks of color or different designs and then let them have fun creating their own mosaic masterpieces.
For younger children, a page from a traditional colouring book with a simple black line design can provide a great base to stick the paper mosaic pieces onto. Allow the finished mosaic to dry completely. If you have access to a laminator, you could turn their design into a colorful placemat for use at mealtimes.
Another idea is to go 3D and cover a paper cup with a bright mosaic design. These can then be used as mini pots to plant seeds or as colorful containers for crayons and felt tip pens. The possibilities are endless!
On those wet rainy days, a great way to keep your little ones busy is to get creative and colorful with Paper Mosaics. Most of the items you will need for this activity will be things you have on hand. Simply find some colored paper or old magazines and a large sheet of paper as the base of the mosaic. Provide blunt ended scissors, a hole punch and non-toxic glue stick. Then you can let the fun begin.
Cut or tear brightly coloured paper into small pieces. Use the hole punch and make small circles. Scapbooking punches are also great for creating different shapes. Show the kids how to glue the paper pieces onto the large backing sheet to make blocks of color or different designs and then let them have fun creating their own mosaic masterpieces.
For younger children, a page from a traditional colouring book with a simple black line design can provide a great base to stick the paper mosaic pieces onto. Allow the finished mosaic to dry completely. If you have access to a laminator, you could turn their design into a colorful placemat for use at mealtimes.
Another idea is to go 3D and cover a paper cup with a bright mosaic design. These can then be used as mini pots to plant seeds or as colorful containers for crayons and felt tip pens. The possibilities are endless!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Train canvas painting poster from Zazzle.com
I don't think I have ever met a little boy that doesn't like trains! This little red engine print is perfect for your little boy's room. Love the engine driver waving happily!
Bee Dance Shirt from Zazzle.com
Sweet as honey, this lovely design features happy little bees around their hive.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
POETRY FOR CHILDREN - Teddy Bear by A.A.Milne
TEDDY BEAR - A.A. Milne
A bear, however hard he tries,
Grows tubby without exercise.
Our Teddy Bear is short and fat,
Which is not to be wondered at.
But do you think it worries him
To know that he is far from slim?
No, just the other way about -
He's proud of being short and stout.
(Selection from TEDDY BEAR by A.A. Milne)
The full poem can be found here.
A bear, however hard he tries,
Grows tubby without exercise.
Our Teddy Bear is short and fat,
Which is not to be wondered at.
But do you think it worries him
To know that he is far from slim?
No, just the other way about -
He's proud of being short and stout.
(Selection from TEDDY BEAR by A.A. Milne)
The full poem can be found here.
GETTING CREATIVE - Teddy
Today I've been trying my hand at sketching and painting a Teddy Bear. I haven't tried to create artwork like this for a long time, so it's been a fun experience. I was surprised at the results, and while I know I need to practice a whole lot, I thought I'd create a mousepad with the result of today's art session. So... here he is... Teddy adorning a mousepad!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Evening Owls - mug from Zazzle.com
Winding down at the end of the day can be difficult for some little ones... a warm bath, a nice warm drink in a special bedtime mug featuring sleepy little birds could set the mood for a calming bedtime story and sweet dreams.
RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES - Number 2
When my boys were small, one of their favorite activities on rainy days was finger painting. Of course you can purchase finger paints, but did you know that you can also make your own non toxic version very cheaply? It works a treat!
FINGER PAINT RECIPE
Ingredients
1/2 cup cornstarch
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups cold water
food coloring
Directions
In a medium saucepan, mix all the ingredients together. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes over low heat. Keep stirring the finger paint mixture until it is smooth and thick and then take the pan off the stove and let the mixture cool.
When cool, divide the finger paint into storage containers - one for each color. Add a few drops of food coloring to each container and stir till well combined. Cover tightly when storing and protect clothing and work surfaces when finger painting as the food coloring can stain.
Try adding some clean dry sand to the finger paint to make a textured painting experience!
FINGER PAINT RECIPE
Ingredients
1/2 cup cornstarch
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups cold water
food coloring
Directions
In a medium saucepan, mix all the ingredients together. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes over low heat. Keep stirring the finger paint mixture until it is smooth and thick and then take the pan off the stove and let the mixture cool.
When cool, divide the finger paint into storage containers - one for each color. Add a few drops of food coloring to each container and stir till well combined. Cover tightly when storing and protect clothing and work surfaces when finger painting as the food coloring can stain.
Try adding some clean dry sand to the finger paint to make a textured painting experience!
Dog St. Bernard Poster from Zazzle.com
Decorate your child's room with this delightful St Bernard Dog Poster. It's bright, it's happy and it's fun!
Cute Bear Canvas Bag from Zazzle.com
Isn't it amazing how much stuff you need to take with you when you leave the house with a baby? This jumbo tote bag, featuring a cute bear design, is nice and large and will hold everything you need!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
FEATURE ARTICLE - RAINY DAY BOX - By Audrey Jeanne Roberts
I am ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. A big handle meaning I'm a bundle of crazy, busy energy and that couldn't sit still and concentrate for more than fifteen minutes at a time. Rainy days were torture for both me and my mother. To survive those days, my mother had a "Rainy Day Box." It was beautifully decorated and filled with art supplies that I only got to play with if it was raining. My mom knew I was at heart an artist and that I could sit still and play with those materials for hours at a time. We both enjoyed that box for very different reasons.
There were three secrets involved. The first was that they were different than anything else I had to play with. She didn't have much money to spend, but what filled that box was more than toys -- she filled it with ideas and projects to create. A teacher-in -training, my mom practiced things she would later use in her classroom. She cut out magazine articles with projects appropriate to my age and had the materials ready for me to play with.
The second secret was that no matter how hard I begged for it on a sunny day, and especially no matter how much my mom might have needed me to sit still on a sunny day she resisted the impulse to overuse it. The "Rainy Day Box" only came out when it was wet and gloomy. You know what? I still love rainy, stormy days.
The third secret? She tapped into the core of who I was as a child and fed my deepest interests. Whatever your child's interest, make up a box of things related to that interest and ONLY pull it out on a rainy day. It could be dinosaurs or race cars or archaeology. Find some very special books about the subject. Perhaps find a great video or two about their interest. Add in a related science project, or a few toys and a coloring book -- what ever will capture their imagination and attention. You'll have hours of fun with very little whining!
Audrey Jeanne Roberts
Professional Portfolio of Audrey Jeanne Roberts
Audrey Jeanne's Expressions at Zazzle
There were three secrets involved. The first was that they were different than anything else I had to play with. She didn't have much money to spend, but what filled that box was more than toys -- she filled it with ideas and projects to create. A teacher-in -training, my mom practiced things she would later use in her classroom. She cut out magazine articles with projects appropriate to my age and had the materials ready for me to play with.
The second secret was that no matter how hard I begged for it on a sunny day, and especially no matter how much my mom might have needed me to sit still on a sunny day she resisted the impulse to overuse it. The "Rainy Day Box" only came out when it was wet and gloomy. You know what? I still love rainy, stormy days.
The third secret? She tapped into the core of who I was as a child and fed my deepest interests. Whatever your child's interest, make up a box of things related to that interest and ONLY pull it out on a rainy day. It could be dinosaurs or race cars or archaeology. Find some very special books about the subject. Perhaps find a great video or two about their interest. Add in a related science project, or a few toys and a coloring book -- what ever will capture their imagination and attention. You'll have hours of fun with very little whining!
Audrey Jeanne Roberts
Professional Portfolio of Audrey Jeanne Roberts
Audrey Jeanne's Expressions at Zazzle
Budding Artist Aprons from Zazzle.com
Now this is just the thing to protect your little one's clothes when they are getting into the finger paint or play dough. Inspire the budding artist in your little painter or modeller with this cute 'Budding Artist' apron.
Mother and Baby Horse Kids Shirt from Zazzle.com
I remember loving anything to do with horses when I was a whipper snapper, and I'm sure lots of little girls would love this too!
Monday, June 7, 2010
FEATURE ARTICLE - CREATIVITY CAN GROW RIGHT ALONG WITH YOUR CHILDREN - By Audrey Jeanne Roberts
My children are now grown and on their own, but when they were little I was determined to do what ever it took to be a stay-at-home-mom. During the 80's that was definitely a counter-cultural position. Today I would say things are very different. When I talk to young mothers I find it is a much-coveted, but rarely able-to-be-accomplished goal.
It was a different time and being at home was not particularly well supported. Every mother I knew tried to convince me that I was "too talented" to waste those talents being at home. Others said, "How can you find fulfillment?" or "Oh my goodness I would be SO bored being home with my children!" But I found that being at home I had time to find my talents and develop them. I had time to learn who I was and who I could become even as I was enjoying watching my children learn and grow. I taught myself to paint in watercolors right alongside of their attempts with their own water color sets.
We were not rich and we often though how much easier it might be if I worked outside of the home to make ends meet. Yet we both knew we only had one short season to raise our kids and decided to do what ever we could to let me be home during that season. I had to be creative about finding ways to bring in money to make things a little easier. That necessity fueled the need to find ways to make products I could sell at craft shows and out of those efforts a business and career was born. My natural, undeveloped artistic talent, combined with the extra time being at home allowed me to read, create and play with my children, allowed me to develop gifts I'm convinced would otherwise never have come to the light.
Creativity blossoms when money is short! We found nearly new clothes at garage sales and spent 90% less than retail. I learned how to upcycle before it was trendy. I turned 99 cent a yard remnants into curtains, quilts or clothing. We went ten years too long before replacing our old carpet -- but found it really didn't matter that much to us. Neighbors drove new cars with big payments -- we drove old cars that were paid for. In the end our home was well-cared for, creatively lovely to look at and more importantly a happy place for all of us. We grew together as a family.
Working creatively from home is not easy. It means too many late nights and too little sleep! It means trying to figure out ways to keep your kids occupied while you try to make an urgent deadline. It often means that you cannot do all that you would like to do, and have to carefully select the best designs to pursue with what little time you have. But your pay comes in smiles that light up your day, being there for that ten minutes of the day when your child REALLY needed you and hugs 'n giggles at the end of the day. As Visa says... "Those moments are priceless!"
I'm so excited that there are such wonderful ways for young creative individuals to pursue their careers today. I wish that a companies like Zazzle and Etsy had existed when I started. Instead of spending long hours traveling away from home to craft shows, the marketplace is right in your own home. There's nothing quite so satisfying than making money while you're at the beach playing or sitting on the floor reading a book to your child. It takes a lot of time, effort and work -- but doesn't everything worthwhile?
I'm thrilled at the opportunities for young parents today. As one who has now raised her children, I can tell you that you'll never regret a moment you spent with them, but you just may come to regret many of the moments you spent away from them. Companies like Zazzle and Etsy are a fabulous way to grow as a person, develop a career and be there to help your children grow into the people they were meant to become.
Audrey Jeanne Roberts
Professional Portfolio of Audrey Jeanne Roberts
Audrey Jeanne's Expressions at Zazzle
Busy as a Bee Shirt from Zazzle.com
Part of the joy of childhood is being happy, and carefree, always on the go, days being filled with fun things to do and being as busy as a little bee! This cute Busy as a Bee Shirt is perfect for fun summer days
RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES - Number 1
How do you keep your pre-schooler amused on a rainy day? It can certainly be a challenge, especially if your little one usually loves to get outdoors! This is the first of several Rainy Day Activities which are great fun and sure to keep your little one busy and happy on those wet cold rainy days.
INDOOR SAND BOX - Without the sand.
Create your own indoor sand box, but forget the sand. Find a large shallow sided plastic tub - the kind that rolls under the bed with a lid are good. Get a bulk bag of rice and tip it in the tub. The dry rice can be coloured by adding drops of food colouring and swishing it through the rice.
When it's all set up, provide a variety of small colourful plastic containers, funnels, spoons, scoops etc and let the fun begin! You can even provide a toy 'waterwheel' that the rice will run through easily to add to the fun!
INDOOR SAND BOX - Without the sand.
Create your own indoor sand box, but forget the sand. Find a large shallow sided plastic tub - the kind that rolls under the bed with a lid are good. Get a bulk bag of rice and tip it in the tub. The dry rice can be coloured by adding drops of food colouring and swishing it through the rice.
When it's all set up, provide a variety of small colourful plastic containers, funnels, spoons, scoops etc and let the fun begin! You can even provide a toy 'waterwheel' that the rice will run through easily to add to the fun!
Summer Flip Flops Belly Button Bear sculpture Cut Outs from Zazzle.com
How cute would this teddy bear photo sculpture be, decorating a nursery? Bright and colourful, and cute as a button!
Happy 7 Legs Purple Rainbow Monster Tee Shirts from Zazzle.com
Don't kids have the most wonderful imaginations? This kid's tee shirt design was created by Digital Dream Builder's daughter. Just love the whimsical colourful feel to it.
Simple Pleasures - Fun things to do with your Kiddies that you will enjoy too!
- Going for a picnic
- Finger painting
- Flying a kite
- Cooking with your kids
- Fun at the park
- Blowing bubbles
- Making sand castles
- Making snow angels
- Kicking autumn leaves
- Making mud pies
- Visit the local swimming pool
pink and purple custom shoe from Zazzle.com
What a fabulous colorful design created by Hopeful Romantic's daughter... just 9 years old!! Perfect to be featured on Kiddies Biz! I can see a future in designing coming up!
Baby Bunny Shirt from Zazzle.com
Kiddies and Bunnies seem to go together... and this furry little fellow featured on this Baby Bunny Shirt is just the cutest thing, don't you think?
COOKED PLAY DOUGH
Ingredients:
1 cup salt
2 cups flour
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 cups water
Food colouring
Method:
Mix first 5 ingredients in a saucepan. Cook on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes stiff. Allow to cool and divide into four. Work a few drops of different colored food coloring into each piece. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator. The dough will be nice and pliable and is non toxic if it finds it's way into little mouths.
1 cup salt
2 cups flour
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 cups water
Food colouring
Method:
Mix first 5 ingredients in a saucepan. Cook on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes stiff. Allow to cool and divide into four. Work a few drops of different colored food coloring into each piece. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator. The dough will be nice and pliable and is non toxic if it finds it's way into little mouths.
Welcome to the World!
Sometimes something special happens which makes you realise just how precious our little people are. We welcomed a new little member of our extended family recently, a brand new baby boy, who arrived 6 weeks early. He's a truly precious little bundle of joy, and doing so well that he is now home from hospital and fitting into life with his big brother and three big sisters. Welcome to the world little Logun.
Welcome to 'Kiddie Biz' - a place to showcase all the best Kids designs available at Zazzle. Big, bright, beautiful designs, colorful, happy and fun designs... designs kids will love, and which will make Mum and Dad smile! Looking forward to sharing the Kiddie Biz joy with the world!
Keep Smiling,
Jan
Keep Smiling,
Jan
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