Laying down on the job

Often I find myself testing all things froggy with my nephew's name because he inspired them in the first place. He has a frog blanket that goes with him everywhere. I was trying to think of all the things his frog could do when we weren't looking...so far his frog is tasting ice cream from across the table and jumping on a trampoline. The trampoline frog is probably my favorite because it makes me laugh to think of a frog on a trampoline. How fun would that be if you were a frog, really?!

Trying to think of ways to incorporate some of my designs into different applications I came up with the silly idea of a horizontal growth chart. I thought it might be a unique way for the kids to measure themselves. I don't know if anyone will buy this, but it was fun to make! Campbell loved testing it. It could mount just off the floor or beside the bed (my original vision)

quick lick frog horizontal growth chart

princess mittens

So we got to go to our friend's inaugural party for her new kid party business Deux Amies. (http://deuxamies-sacramento.blogspot.com/) They get to the party and immediately change into their petticoats, crowns, gloves and boas. It took 5 minutes just to get the gloves on, but oh, was it worth it! She just had this look of wonder on her face. Then photos and out for tea. It was lovely and fancy and perfect. Linnea slept with her "princess mittens" that night. She couldn't take them off. She wears them to ride her bike and just lounge around the house. Who knew? Princess mittens are a huge hit!
I hope to offer tea party invites and thank you notes as part of her package, probably her mid-range. The thank you notes will also be offered on the site (in case someone needs to reorder--fingers crossed!) Check them out!
fairy princess cards
princess tea cards

only girls have sparkles

This evening I got to just sit and draw with my daughter on the magnetic wipe off board. She would draw a scribble and then demand my help with extra's like hands or arms. My favorite was the pink-purple sparkly shark she drew. (It was a gray blob with lump on one end, until she started to describe it) I made the mistake of asking if the boy green-purple shark had sparkles too. That is when I was educated in sparkles. Apparently, only girl's have sparkles. She demonstrated her point by dragging out her ponies who were obviously female since one had shimmery hooves and one had glittery hair. The boy ponies weren't exciting enough she just kind of waved her hand in their general direction. They get fur. Hmmm. Now you know, so you won't insult and embarrass yourself in front of a preschooler the way I did.

Etsy

I'm in the process of making a fabric, reusable birthday banner. And a friend (co-owner of Koukla Kids, www.kouklakids.com, a super cute kid's store in Sacramento) mentioned the many offerings on Etsy. So I checked out my competition. That is dangerous, I get so sidetracked I could easily waste hours looking at crafty, clever items I never intend to buy. I have an account but never did anything with it. Now I'm kind of inspired to throw my stuff in the mix to see what happens.

don't eat the stickers

So I've been trying a form of bribery (sticker chart http://www.swellcard.com/sticker-charts.html) to get Linnea to go to sleep and stay in her bed all night. It really got out of hand for awhile. She was getting up for every excuse "thirsty" "hungry" "scared" ...on a side note the scared reasons are probably the most entertaining...one night it was the cheesy-book. Not sure exactly what this is but it runs around and prevents sleep.
So, the sticker chart was working great. But I made the mistake of bragging about its success. Everyone knows, the moment you brag as a parent you are doomed to be slapped down and humbled. Yup, she got up 4 times tonight. Stickers were not powerful enough. We will try again tomorrow. When it works, I love the involvement in the sticker "goal" chart. She wakes up excited and takes 5 minutes to carefully choose her sticker and then pick the one she doesn't like for her brother. I'm not sure why he has a sticker chart since he is still in a crib, but his sister insisted. Right now his chart is on the floor because he keeps ripping it off the wall and trying to eat the stickers. We are working on that.

I can see through my nose

So my daughter informed the other day that she can see through her nose. (I find this hilarious) She will scrunch up her face and hold her hands to either side of her head, slightly covering her eyes. She will then peer through her partially closed eyes and magically be able to see through her nose. How I can use this in a design I have no idea. I really want to do a super hero series but have a mental block against drawing actual people. Super hero talents I would find really useful...

• the ability to eat multiple cupcakes in one mouthful
• the ability to wear high heels and not feel foot pain (somehow my daughter already has this, must come with the nose-sight)

Super hero talents others wish they had

• strength (to lift things like garbage trucks, major hero work)
• speed (this would be my son, who can pull his sister's hair but not run away from the wrath fast enough)
• the ability to do battle with a hair brush (this would be my daughter who really hates to have her hair combed)

So feel free to share the abilities you wish you could have (and would it be appropriate as a card personalized for kids? I suppose adults want personalized cards too...)