Posted by revo recycler on 2004-07-14 15:49:16
Post Subject: Seattle/Issaquah: Free Classes for Kids and Adults
Thanks for the posting, lumberjack lolita! I want everyone to know that you're also teaching a free Relief Printing class for kids at Revolution Gallery in Issaquah, WA on Aug. 7th at 11am.
We also have a Mosaic Basics class (also free) Aug. 15th at 1pm and an Intro. to Mosaics class (alas, we must charge for this one) Sept. 11th at 11am.
I must confess to being the owner (as well as an artist) of said gallery...
However, with our talented local artists and our great recycled art, our aim is to give local artists a forum for sharing their talents.
Posted by elliela on 2007-04-25 15:57:25
Post Subject: AD: The Art of Knitting 4 Kids DVD is here!
Hi all,
Did you ever want to give your kids/grandkids/nieces/nephews, all of the young people in your life, the pleasure of learning to knit?
Here's a great kid-friendly way to do it:
The Art of Knitting 4 Kids DVD
Watch a promo here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=cX0fzpbnmno
Knitting for kids has been proven to foster creativity, concentration and this DVD will entertain, teach and inspire kids of all ages.
It's available for order now at: 1-877-KnitDVD
http://www.TheArtOfKnitting.com
We'll soon be offering kits for the project on the DVD and will also have discounted packages of kits/DVD's for schools/churches/synagogues and any community group who is interested. Please call us for more info.
I hope you will all love this DVD as much as we enjoyed making it.
Posted by Dutch on 2005-12-07 15:22:20
Post Subject: I need advice regarding crafty kids stuff for sale!
Hi- I am a writer for Blogging Baby, and I am doing a feature on gifts for kids/parents that were made by independent designers/artists/craftspeople. I'm not as crafty as I wish I was, but I thought I'd spread the word about this scene as much as possible because I really respect it. Blogging Baby gets 30,000 hits a day and I'm hoping to help some good people make some money.
I have published a draft of this Shopping Guide on my blog: Sweet Juniper (guide is here).
I would REALLY love anyone's input about other crafty folk who sell their baby/kid/parent related wares online via their own websites, or through etsy if they also have their own websites or blogs with good pictures. I am not trying to be exclusive, but I've exhausted what I could come up with without mor ehelp from the experts!
Posted by Dutch on 2005-12-07 15:20:25
Post Subject: Holiday Gift Guide for Parents- independent designers
Hi- I am a writer for Blogging Baby, and I am doing a feature on gifts for kids/parents that were made by independent designers/artists/craftspeople. I'm not as crafty as I wish I was, but I thought I'd spread the word about this scene as much as possible because I really respect it. Blogging Baby gets 30,000 hits a day and I'm hoping to help some good people make some money.
I have published a draft of this Shopping Guide on my blog: Sweet Juniper (guide is here).
I would REALLY love anyone's input about other crafty folk who sell their baby/kid/parent related wares online via their own websites, or through etsy if they also have their own websites or blogs with good pictures. I am not trying to be exclusive, but I've exhausted what I could come up with without mor ehelp from the experts!
Posted by Lauren on 2004-10-02 11:17:56
Post Subject: students for environmental awareness
hi, i am a junior at cook college, rutgers university in new brunswick new jersey. i'm an avid member of students for environmental awareness (sea) and am on the fundraising committee. would anyone be interested in donating crafts, preferably scarves or something cold-weather-like to help us out? we are trying to get a larger population of the student body and people in surrounding areas to be aware of environmental issues, as well as getting the vote out (go kerry!) . . . unbiased of course. we go to elementary schools and hold environmental programs for kids, and are trying to get speakers like robert f. kennedy to come to rutgers to speak on environmental issues. hopefully, as the club exands well be able to give out scholarships or internships in conservation/ecology related fields. we need all the help we can get, and any donation would be great! just pm me or email me at ltheis@eden.rutgers.edu
Posted by Lauren on 2004-10-02 11:19:43
Post Subject: students for environmental awareness
hi, i am a junior at cook college, rutgers university in new brunswick new jersey. i'm an avid member of students for environmental awareness (sea) and am on the fundraising committee. would anyone be interested in donating crafts, preferably scarves or something cold-weather-like to help us out? we are trying to get a larger population of the student body and people in surrounding areas to be aware of environmental issues, as well as getting the vote out (go kerry!) . . . unbiased of course. we go to elementary schools and hold environmental programs for kids, and are trying to get speakers like robert f. kennedy to come to rutgers to speak on environmental issues. hopefully, as the club exands well be able to give out scholarships or internships in conservation/ecology related fields. we need all the help we can get, and any donation would be great! just pm me or email me at ltheis@eden.rutgers.edu
Posted by Lauren on 2004-10-02 11:19:04
Post Subject: students for environmental awareness
hi, i am a junior at cook college, rutgers university in new brunswick new jersey. i'm an avid member of students for environmental awareness (sea) and am on the fundraising committee. would anyone be interested in donating crafts, preferably scarves or something cold-weather-like to help us out? we are trying to get a larger population of the student body and people in surrounding areas to be aware of environmental issues, as well as getting the vote out (go kerry!) . . . unbiased of course. we go to elementary schools and hold environmental programs for kids, and are trying to get speakers like robert f. kennedy to come to rutgers to speak on environmental issues. hopefully, as the club exands well be able to give out scholarships or internships in conservation/ecology related fields. we need all the help we can get, and any donation would be great! just pm me or email me at ltheis@eden.rutgers.edu
Posted by rachelyra on 2006-09-27 14:24:50
Post Subject:
when you are painting anything iffy it is great to sand it lightly ahead of time with a fine grit sandpaper - it really helps the paint to stick. try using a good sealer at the end, too. Be careful when making things to eat off of that what you are using is food-safe, especially if its for kids.
Posted by annie_r on 2007-06-30 23:47:50
Post Subject: wool felt
Hi all,
I am looking for a good source for all wool felt that is perhaps not outrageously expensive. I just can't seem to get into the synthetic stuff- it doesn't have the same feel and I am using it for kids toys so I really want them to feel great. Any ideas?
Ok I'm back with another free recycled project for all my crafty friends here. It's a 1 liter water bottle holder crocheted from plastic bags. This is a quick and easy project that would be perfect for kids to do. Here is the link http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/07/28/recycled-plastic-water-bottle-holder/
Posted by howdy dan on 2006-01-31 00:35:25
Post Subject: RecycleCraftCans
Thousands of #10 cans are discarded every day and end up in our already overfull landfills. These Coffee Cans and #10 cans can be recycled into beautiful containers. Check out www.kankraft.com This is a great and inexpensive project for kids groups like girl and boy scouts, etc. Teaches a dual lesson of crafting + recycling. Check it out. www.kankraft.com
Posted by anthrogirl on 2005-12-14 15:41:52
Post Subject: Knitters in NYC's East Village?
I volunteered at my local library to teach crochet, and I'm looking for someone to teach knitting. This would be for kids at the Ottendorfer Library. It's a beautiful library and the librarians are incredibly sweet. I'm thinking of doing this on Friday Dec. 23 from 4-6pm. Anyone interested/available?
Posted by smudgy_cat on 2005-07-08 13:30:50
Post Subject:
I made one from a sunset for kids book. It was a jean leg cut off and then the cut end was tied off with a rubber band/rope.
Stuff the leg, then bend it and sew it into a horse head shape. Then shove a dowel into the head and secure with glue or staples. I don't recall exactly.
If you put reigns on it, make sure they are super short. Otherwise kids will run around dangling the horse from their neck.
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2005-07-28 09:35:48
Post Subject: Recommended reading lists for children online?
Hi Everyone!
I thought before I did a google search, I would check w/ the well-read folks here. Do you know of any good sites which have recommended reading lists for kids? I home school my son, and it would be nice to have a list that is a mix of classics and newer reading. You know...something other than Harry Potter books....more like Shakespeare or the Diary of Anne Frank type of stuff. Although I'm not going to sic Shakespeare on him just yet~he's just 10 1/2 and will be doing 6th grade work.
Because of my Thyroid disease, my energy tends to wax and wane, so I'd like to have something like this to help us be more prepared at our library visits. The library's lists tend to NOT have many of the classics listed. Kind of annoying!
Thanks, kind friends!
Posted by Marcie on 2007-10-10 00:03:37
Post Subject:
"now that the weather is changing".... HA! It was still in the 90's here in Dallas, Texas today.
That is a really great idea for kids clothing! I don't have children, but I plan on sending your idea to my friends! They will probably then send me a sack full of clothes since I actually have a sewing machine, haha.
Posted by maka10 on 2005-06-20 09:46:17
Post Subject: Re: ADD in Canada
Anyone out there with ADHD kids? I went to a forum on the weekend about an advocacy group that is getting organized so that kids can get the support they need.. It is sad that we have to put people in boxes...but if we don't and you don't fit the boxes that are already made...anyway I would be happy to pass on the website if anyone is interested...It makes me happy that they are recognizing things..because I had undiagnosed Add for 29 years.. Life is much better for me now..that I understand that hard stuff is easy for me...and easy stuff is hard!.
Hi!
I'm not in Canada but I do have AD/HD. For info for kids with AD/HD I'd try CHADD (http://www.chadd.org/). Lots of great info. Also, ADDA (www.add.org) (be careful with the URL-- www.adda.org will get you an architectural society--interesting but not what you're looking for right now!)
There's TONS of information available in books, too. I strongly suggest "Driven to Distratction" by Dr. Ed Hallowell. Excellent book for learning about ADD
Posted by bessiemae on 2006-05-23 06:06:37
Post Subject:
Starting up a Church Of Craft keeps me on the look out for very cool crafty publications to serve as "jumping off point" for those Nervous Newbie Crafters. "Family Fun" and "Martha Stewart for Kids" magazines have loads of quick, fun, non-threatening wackadoo ideas.
"Piecework" is amazing! The projects are well written, slightly out of bounds, and usually have an accompaning story. Scholarly bent. Ever embroider a globe?
Altered art is another accessible portal. Jsut keep adding until you like it!
This week, I'm taking the "Post Secret" book and providing supplies for everyone to make their own Post Secret and mail at leisure. Card stock. Stamps. Colorful Sharpies. Collage. Etc. Brown Bag to carry it to post office.
Posted by sun bear on 2004-12-29 10:22:47
Post Subject:
my b/f and i saw one at michaels (for kids) and he said he had one as a kid but it didn't really work very well. I just thought I'd warn you so you don't get dissappointed if you get the one at michaels
Posted by KnittyMomma on 2004-12-09 21:29:41
Post Subject:
what kind of shopping cart cover? like the one for kids? I dont know where a pattern is for one is but if you are one of those people who can look at one and figure it out I can take pics of mine
Posted by babyface on 2007-02-06 16:52:39
Post Subject:
I was using one of the oven thingies they make for kids and it worked fine the first few times but then they started coming out shaped like upside down ash trays.
Posted by kissmyknitz on 2005-06-01 22:38:44
Post Subject:
Easiest ever... freeze bananas and blend/cuisinart. My favorite combo is mango, banana, papaya or pineapple, cashew or almond butter, some sweetener like maple syurp or honey.
I have been making monster banana splits from this! After its all blended, smother with crushed berries, coconut shreds, syrup, cacao nibs (cocoa beans), and chopped dates. I treat myself pretty good, don't I?
You can also puree melon and freeze. I also like lemon/orange juice and yogurt with a bit of water... These would make good colorful popcicles for kids... Oh, I guess I could go on and on about this too!!
Posted by wanna be crafty on 2005-05-21 20:04:46
Post Subject:
someone recommended tea tree oil. although now i'm wondering if it's safe for kids?!? the smell is pretty intense. i have no clue if it even works (i've never tried it...i use citronella). but thought i'd share with you anyway........
Posted by happyhats on 2006-07-15 02:59:51
Post Subject:
What if you made the newspaper aprons and then made pictures about not littering, keeping a clean earth, etc. You could even make the paints and chalks! I know there are simple recipes out there somewhere, I can try to dig mine up for you.
Then you could have an area to bring in recyclable craft items, as seen in the list in the post above, and do various crafts when you have enough of certain items. You could pass out flyers to the parents asking them to bring those items to class. Once you had an abundance of supplies, coming up with a craft would be easier...drums out of containers, kazoos and rainmakers like you suggested, photo frames or cards from cardboard containers, etc. Check your local thrift store or library for kids craft books.
Posted by Dawn on 2005-06-13 22:09:55
Post Subject:
My first thought was either large carpet remnants in bright colors (maybe edged somehow so they look neater) or small area rugs like the kind sold in Target or Wal-mart. There are nice prints for kids in the children's section and even the kitchen section. One of my vintage craft books has directions for a quilted, roll out lounging mat thing; that would be very cute in bright, cheery colors.
Posted by sarabell on 2005-05-23 12:58:55
Post Subject:
someone recommended tea tree oil. although now i'm wondering if it's safe for kids?!? the smell is pretty intense. i have no clue if it even works (i've never tried it...i use citronella). but thought i'd share with you anyway........
i think that tea tree oil would be safe - my MIL puts it on my mini daredevil son's bumps to prevent swelling when she watches him.... he came home with a bump on his forehead and was quite minty smelling. either he puts on a real tough front for gramma or the fumes didn't bother his eyes. (honestly, though, i don't know how well it works to keep down the swelling.)
we used to live at this place with a bunch of eucalyptus trees in the backyard. no fleas there. wondering if its oil would do any good if diluted in alcohol and sprayed..... you think?
Posted by neuroticdawg on 2005-05-22 23:38:36
Post Subject:
I don't like to use the sprays on my kids either, but I guess it beats the heck out of west nile and lyme disease. I'm thinking of switching to insect repellent wipes. I've seen some especially for kids, maybe at Babys R Us. It seems like the application would be more precise that way and less likely to end up in eyes and mouths.
We get the waterbugs too, just a few in the summer (a few too many). I think they're really oriental cockroaches. I just use boric acid (big yellow plastic squeeze bottle with a red lid) in places the kids and pets can't get to, like under sinks and in cracks they can't reach. Googling "nontoxic pest control" might yield some more kid-friendly ways to deal with them. Or getting ones husband to google it :) My phobia isn't quite that bad, but thinking about them makes me shudder. Little barstids.
Posted by breewell on 2004-11-30 17:46:37
Post Subject:
I am starting to feel it, I think that making almost all of my presents this year helps with that. I started a while ago, but am now starting to finish things which is exciting. It will really start for me on Dec. 1st because that is when the post office will start Operation Santa Clause. Since we are short on money this year, I have asked my parent to sponsor me in buying stuff for 3 kids instead of getting me a present. So next monday I get to go to the main post office and sift through letters to find 3 kids (I ususally go for kids in my neighborhood since I know there is a need here) and then go buy clothes and books and toys for them. I have no kids in my life so this is my annual education in "what is hot this year". (I'm sure THAT will be another thread once I find out the ages). I am so excited, it really is my favorite part of the holidays (even if it does mean braving the crush in in thoy store)!
Posted by Katrin on 2005-03-30 19:23:24
Post Subject:
Gee whiz! Stop the presses! Knitting Isn't Just For Old Ladies Anymore? Wow, who'da thunk it? I've never seen a headline like that before, anywhere, ever.
Next thing they're gonna be telling us is ZAP! POW! Comics aren't just for kids!
The phrase "20-something" just never gets worn out either, does it, even though journalists have been trying to apply it to the same group of people for the last 18 years.
Posted by koria on 2005-12-03 10:25:25
Post Subject: Little girls' bracelet measures?
Ok, I'm making bracelets for all of my little girls this year. (Well they're not exactly mine, I'm the auntie.) Do you happen to have a 1 year old, 2,5 years old, 3 year old and a 7 year old girl? If someone could do me a favour and measure those little wrists. I'm desperate, I don't want those bracelets to be too big... I thought I'd make the bracelets and perhaps make some candies (if I find a good recipe for kids) and put them into these looovely notmartha's http://notmartha.org/tomake/tinypinata.html tinypinatathingies. I figured even if the gift itself is smallish, putting it in a fun package will make the kids get excited about it. I live to please my girls (+a boy) ^-^
Posted by Selah on 2005-06-23 07:09:11
Post Subject:
My ideal playgroup woiuld have:
-plenty of open space for the kids to run around tons so they'd tire themselves out and have great naps that day
-fresh fruit and yummy bread for kids and parents
-some singing
-parents who actually attend to their children
But what I'd really like is a mommy group that goes out at night for drinks and dinner and doesn't talk about their kids at all. I group of 3 or 4 other women that I really really like.
It's hard because most of the time all we have in common is having kids and I find myself having playdates with women who get on my nerves.
Posted by koria on 2005-12-04 03:21:33
Post Subject:
Thank you ladies, now I've got some directions... I was thinking of making my own beads (from that dough you can buy from the craft shops in all colors and that goes hard when it's kept in low warmed oven for like an hour or so). An then just using them, sturdy string and some thrift store findings (horsey beads, glow in the dark -beads, maybe some barbie shoes! etc)... So it would be simple, not adjustable. Oh well, I can always do long necklaces it this is a problem... I thought bracelets would fit the tiny pinatas bettet. BUT the necklaces might be even better. Hmm. I have to ponder on this ^-^
I'm thinking of making cool crafty (small cheap-o) gifts for kids. I have always been making "kids' gift" when I could introduce them to something really cool if I wasn't thinking like a regular adult "the kids won't understand". Stu-pid.
Posted by pinguino on 2005-01-24 07:32:03
Post Subject:
the science museum at balboa park is reallllly fun even though its for kids and stuff.
seaport village downtown is really nice too =) relaxing. lots of boats to look at, a christian lassen gallery.. you can walk there from the gaslamp district
gaslamp has all the clubs/resteraunts. lulu's is a coffeeshop across from horton plaza mall that is neat
horton plaza mall was designed by the guy who designed the san marcos women's prison. it is sorta escher-ish and the floors dont make sense. its fun too. the food court has a reallly good bbq place called witichas and its pretty cheap too.
Posted by happydaisydoo on 2004-07-09 14:25:18
Post Subject: Master's degree
First, I would like to say that I agree with everyone's advice on making sure more school is the right choice. I felt that it was for me and I thought I would share my experience. My Master's degree is in Museum Studies. The education side of museum work offers people many opportunites to be quite creative. You get to do a variety of things from the mundane (budgeting) to the really fun (hands-on activites for kids and adults.) There are museums all over the country dedicated to art, crafts, history and a whole lot of other things that need creative, dedicated people to help fulfill their missions. If you think you may be interested in museum work, find a worthy institution nearby and join their volunteer program. You will get an in-depth look at exactly what goes into museum work, explore a career option and help the community! Good luck with your search.
Posted by april again on 2007-07-27 11:48:55
Post Subject: looking for project inspiration for my clients
I work as a youth counselor for a residental center that does psychological and behavioral treatments and therapies for kids. My kids are about 14-20 years old and all girls. I am going to be doing the arts and crafting group but I am having problem thinking of projects.
Reasons:
They want stuff they can keep in their room , but nothing can have breakable material or sharp edges they can harm themselves with i.e. no glass, pottery, sharp edges etc.
They want things they can decorate their rooms with, but it has to be light enough to be TAPED up...no nails or anything.
I have some ideas for different pillows and things but thats about it.
Also, money is an issue, I gotta keep it cheap.
They like to have stuff they can personalize with their names.
Anyone have any good ideas? I am glad to hear anything and everything!
Posted by go-fish on 2005-05-07 12:29:08
Post Subject:
that is interesting, maybe good for kids once you figure it out.
not to say that adults can't enjoy it too! :)
I have to say that my wrists hurt a little just looking at the pictures, though. I wonder how it is on the wrists?
Posted by stella on 2007-12-23 16:31:28
Post Subject:
Muddymay- nope. we send cookies or cards to some family members out of state who celebrate Xmas, and my mom gives cookies to her coworkers since they all bring in treats, but that's it. oh, we also give gifts to the little kids in the family (my cousins have kids) but nothing extravagant. if i find something i want to give to a family member, i give it to them, but i do that any time of year.
Xmas is kind of a holiday for kids to me. if i ever have kids, i'll do a tree and all that for them, but it's just not a holiday i care about. it's actually pretty obnoxious to me, since i hate crowds and shopping. my mom, dad, sister, and i are also atheists.
Posted by sallysunshine on 2005-09-01 08:21:25
Post Subject:
This request for stuff and contact address was posted on Craigslist. Some of it is craft-able: baby blankets, for instance. They'll probably be inundated, because there are lots of people on Craigslist looking to help, so maybe the thing to do is do some googling and find the contact info for the Hurricane Relief Coordinator of a neighboring town.
*Baby Items: baby wipes / disposable diapers/ formula / baby
bottles / baby shampoo / baby blankets >anything for babies
*Purell or some type hand sanitizer
*Pillows / blankets
*little T-shirts ( babies to childrens sizes)
*Over the counter pain relievers (tylenol, motrin, tums, alka
seltzer, pepto bismol, band-aids, etc)
* color books / colors / board games / books (for kids in shelters)
You can send to:
Marksville City Hall
Attn: Myron Gagnard /Hurricane Relief Coordinator
427 N. Main Street
Marksville, La. 71351
Phone # to the mayor's office for verification: 318-253-9500
Posted by revafisheye on 2005-10-30 16:08:42
Post Subject: Music for Toddlers and/or School-Age Kids
Hi Crafty Moms, Aunts, Kids-at-Heart,
I have 3 nephews who are 8, 6 and 3. I want to get them some cool music that won't make their parents go insane. They already have TMBG's No! and my friends' for-kids-band, Funkey Monkeys*. What do you and your kids like? Alternative, funky, weird, traditional, not-for-kids-but-kid-friendly...I want it all.
Thanks in advance!
Aunt Leaf (Leigh)
*Awesome, awesome - I highly recommend the FMs. The first time I played the first disc for my nephews they instantly started dancing. Hilarious.
Posted by bessiemae on 2006-09-24 18:10:07
Post Subject:
Monkey Boys (almost 12yrs and 9.5 yrs) take art classes at local university taught by Art Ed. students. 90 min qwk with lecture/slides on art history/technique and studio time with media not usually available for kids: linoleum block; oils; transparencies; fired ceramics; etc.
Gallery show(artist statements!) at end with refreshments. Too cool.
Posted by digitalmaven on 2006-12-19 18:44:41
Post Subject:
I've heard lots of good things about the web site Kiddley, which posts all sorts of projects and activities designed for kids. That might be a good place to look for more ideas. :)
Posted by teagrrl on 2005-06-06 00:07:12
Post Subject: Printmaking for kids? (x-posted at SN)
(any teachers or other people in educational professions here?)
If you wanted to introduce printmaking to children or teenagers, what printing technique would you choose? Preferably something quite cheap and not so messy...ideas for any age group is fine really, from pre-school to high school.
I'm brainstorming a list of activity ideas for the museum I'm doing an internship for...so I don't know if any of the ideas I come up with will actually be used, but I want to have a list of things that I know are doable. I've done some printmaking before, but it was lithography and copper plate intaglio (oh, and potato prints in primary school but that doesn't count) so it's not really useful if I want to plan a one-hour printmaking workshop with cheap/readily available materials. :-) The objective of the workshop would be for the students to find out how postage stamps are made (just the basic process of course).
Any links to websites dealing with art for kids, or any teacher/educator resources would be most appreciated too.
Posted by merrydeath on 2006-12-06 11:38:06
Post Subject: fun art stuff to do for kids?
^_____^ i just started (today) teaching art to k-2nd graders (huzah!!!). each class is 30 minutes and i was wondering if anyone had any cool suggestions for fun quick art lessons/crafts for kids. i learned my first lesson today- kids take time to do stuff, so i can probably break most of my lessons into 2 pieces. one for now and one for later. ie, cutting this week, gluing next week. ;)
Posted by PamTheQueen on 2005-05-02 19:35:54
Post Subject:
My DJ name is Lady Sundance, but i've never used it seriously. As it is, people think "Pamela Anderson" is my stage name and not my real every day name. *sigh*
I've been mostly a wedding DJ for the past almost 10 years. Now I am doing more of an "entertainment show" for kids and families. I loved "Lady Elaine" on Mister Rogers and wanted to be her when I was little, so I think i'll bring out Lady Sundance again.
(My company name is Sundance Entertainment).
I like DJ Karisma or Lady Karisma.
Also Gruvgirl, Mixtress, and Lady Lux.
Or you could go over to Shejay.net and take a look under "Artists" and see what name you can "mix up".
Posted by JediEmpressMel on 2005-07-30 19:12:56
Post Subject:
I had a twin bed when I was little. They work just fine for kids.
Snuggly blankies, and a couple plushies are nice. Cute character sheets are usually well accepted.
Lots of books to read, simple toys are good too. Audio books were my favorite thing, along with legos. But the big ones made for little kids, not the tiny ones.
Creative toys are better than passive ones.
Posted by peggy_sue on 2006-11-10 04:27:53
Post Subject: Favorite Craft Books
***Edited by artgeek: After you've shared your favorite crafty reads in this thread, please provide your contributor info here. Thanks!***
Here are a few I think are good enough to post:
Eco Art!
It's a recycler's dream, especially if you want to get your kids involved. I've known of this book since I was little. My mom and I used to work on the projects together. It has the basics, making a birdhouse with 2liter bottles/rock paper weights/wormfarms/& more. It's for kids around 6th grade and under (but I still like to use projects from it :] ).
Here's a link to buy/more info at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Ecoart-Earth-Friendly-Experiences-9-Year-Olds-Williamson/dp/0913589683
Stitch n' Bitch
This is what I used to first learn how to knit, it's awesome for beginners, the pictures and text are easy to follow, but it also has awesome patterns to follow for those who already know what they're doing.
Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-N-Bitch-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182/sr=1-1/qid=1163150457/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-6158737-3872757?ie=UTF8&s=books
Knitting Pretty
Similar to Stitch n' Bitch, it helped me along with learning how to knit. It has easy to follow instructions for newbies and cool patterns that range from easy to advanced.
Posted by maize on 2004-12-02 00:52:34
Post Subject:
I heard about the guy who started the Beanie Babies To Iraq program. It was in the latest USA today this past Sunday. His name is Maj. Jim Barker and everytime he went into a neighborhood in and around Baghdad he noticed many children didn't have toys. One day he met a 4 year old girl who had nothing to play with. He happened to have a Beanie Baby with him, a dog named Courage. He gave it to Sara and was amazed at her reaction. He sent an email to a Beanie Baby collectors' site and told his story. Within a month he had received more than 2,000 Beanie Babies. He then started his own website called BeaniesForBaghdad.com. So far, he's distributed over 15,000 Beanie Babies!
A Marine named Mag. William Maples launched his own 135 mile marathon in Iraq to raise funds for schools supplies for the children in Iraq. He did it in 38 hours and had to stop for 2 1/2 hours because of enemy rocket fire. He raised over $10,000.
A women named Spc. Katie Smith sent an email to her hometown newspaper letting them know about the lack of athletic equipment for kids in Iraq. They came up with a plan called Operation Kick Start and held a drive asking readers for athletic equipment. They received 150 soccer balls, several hundred uniforms, 500 baseball caps, football, baseball and basketball items and all were shipped to Iraq in truckloads.
Again, thank you for your generosity and I would appreciate you emailing me with your address so my brother and I can send you a personal thank you.
Posted by JediEmpressMel on 2005-08-01 17:12:43
Post Subject:
Hmm.
I don't know if your hs has a microwave, but Amy's Foods make really good vegetarian and vegan foods. I ate one of thier vegan pizzas , and it was really really good.
As for lunch things.
Peanut Butter and Honey sandwiches are good, and you'll get protien.
Celery and carrot sticks with dip? Crackers. Water or juice boxes to drink.
Hummus and tortillas are a really yummy snack, and you can mix things into the hummus to flavor it.
I know it says it's for "kids" but there are actually some really good ideas in there.
http://www.vegkitchen.com/kids/lunch.html
They also have a recipe section
http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes.htm
Posted by DJules on 2005-07-16 12:09:26
Post Subject:
sketchiest thing you've ever done? Hmmm....visiting my boyfriend in another town while my parents were away.
most ridiculous thought? When I worked in a Chinese resteraunt, and I walked into the kitchen and the cooks were laughing and speaking in Chinese, I was always sure they were laughing at me
favorite color? Purple, although I also have a strong allegience to green cause I'm a St. Patty's Day baby
Favorite food? Fried Rice
Most creative chalenge? Directing class in college. It was soooooo difficult, but has served me well. (And my proffessor thought my directing journal was wonderful and asked to keep a copy. This surprised me, because I thought I mostly filled it with whing about how much I hated actors)
Favorie spice? Does peppermint count?
Pet and name? Cuddles (mutt) Kalli (frou-frou puppy) Buddy (kitty) Speedo (house gecko) Dasan (house gecko)
and at the In-laws (next door) there's Wrong Way (ducky) Daffy (ummm, guess!) Pudgy and Skittles (Buddy's brother and sister) Oh yea, and some pigeons - Cappy, Stormy, Anakin, and various unamed ones. Um, we're animal people.
Food that you crave? Licorice snaps and chocolate (not at the same time, though) I also go in cycles of craving salty or sweet foods
Nickname that has stuck with you? Jules
what you would do if you won the lottery: 200 M? First, pay off my debts. Get a new car. Tear down our unattached garage and build a dance studio and theatre for our students. Look into starting a non profit dance and theatre company for kids. Do something nice for my folks, my In Laws, and DH's and my siblings. Donate to the ACLU, NOW, and other worthy causes.
Posted by rissaroo on 2005-11-06 21:24:09
Post Subject:
Putumayo's world Playground, African Playground, and Latin Playground have good world-music choices for kids. Also check out their Dreamland CD for really beautiful lullabies, that are also great for relaxing for grownups.
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2005-08-23 11:00:11
Post Subject:
I slip up way too much! You know you've been really bad at slipping up when your 3 yr old picks up stuff from your 10 yr old....that he picked up from you! *smacks forehead* I'm trying to be much better now, and using gentle reminders w/ my 10 yr old not to use that language around his bro.
I still think "cussing for kids" sounds like the title to a self-help book!
Posted by Morgan on 2006-05-11 07:24:59
Post Subject:
I think it's a bit dangerous to compare this to other situations that haven't worked out between a younger man & older woman. How many times have things gone bad between older men & younger women, or between people the same age?? Of course it doesn't always work out, but that doesn't mean it won't work out with you! He could be more mature than usual and/or you could be less mature. Not all 19 year olds go out drinking all the time, & not all 29 year olds don't do that. You never know. Some guys are ready for marriage at 19, and some aren't, just like some women are ready at 29 and some aren't. & I'm not sure what I think about not starting a relationship with somebody because they might not want to get married later... I mean if you're really ready to settle down and have kids now, obviously that's something you should talk about with any guy, not just this guy in particular, because I've met plenty of older guys who aren't ready for kids. I think a lot of people still have hang-ups about older woman-younger man relationships (& maybe I do, too. I'm not accusing anybody or saying that I'm perfect! But I try not to!). It should be about the person, not their age, I think.
& I just want to add that I watched "Harold & Maude" for the first time a few weeks ago, & it was such a great movie! So weird but cool!
United States Environmental Protection Agency information for kids. It reads like a fairy tale... "It is important to understand that scientists don't know for sure what global warming will bring. Some changes brought about by global warming will be good. If you live in a very cool climate, warmer temperatures might be welcome. Days and nights could be more comfortable and people in the area may be able to grow different and better crops than they could before."
hmm...
And then it tells you to 'buy cooler stuff'
I know, I know, I shouldn't expect any different. But, still...
Posted by Dawn on 2005-11-10 20:22:27
Post Subject:
Don't worry - I usually find directions for kids to be more useful anyway. :o)
I have to say that spending almost every second of my not-at-work time on these invitations this week has considerably dampened my enthusiasm for this project. And I'm still not finished!! And this isn't even my party - I'm just doing a favor for a friend!
Oh well, at least I have a good excuse for breaking out my Wilson Phillips CD for sing-a-long crafting. :o)
Posted by Shannyn on 2004-06-12 13:51:36
Post Subject:
I personally am inspired by many things, but I've been reading a lot of books about Marijuana and I really think it should be legalized.
A few months ago, my friend had to go into chemo. Just before he started he caught his mom smoking marijuana in his garage. He was horrified. They talked it out, and she told him that when she had to go through chemo, marijuana had helped her a lot.
I've been researching this subject for almost a year now, and it is truly amazing that marijuana can not only be used medicinally (for chemo patients, but also the extracted oil and seeds are very healthy for you.), but industrially (ropes, canvas, lamp oil, fuel.)
Alright, I'm gonna stop before I go off on a rampage.
I'm in an organization that raises money for charities, and this year we're raising money for a burn foundation, for kids with severe burns on their bodies. I'm going to cut my hair off for locks of love at the end of the year.
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2006-03-13 07:39:40
Post Subject:
I buy Family Fun, but not because of the projects usually. I do like their write-ups on family-friendly travel, and the cooking for kids stuff.
Has anyone seen the premiere issue of Cookie yet? I'm not sure how well I like it yet. It had some neat stuff, but it seems to cater more to the wealthy population!! LOL!
Posted by EclecticAnnie on 2006-08-02 12:37:02
Post Subject:
I LOVE finding junk and making it new! I just got a bookshelf from a neighbor that I sanded and painted with leftover paint from my bathroom. I also just knitted a welcome mat/rug out of plastic grocery bags. Looking forward to making some rag rugs - either braiding, knitting, or weaving on my Amish loom.
Last year, I turned old clothes into stuffed animals, and jean pocket purses for kids' Christmas gifts. I also melted down candle stubs and bought some wicks and wick holders and poured the wax into teacups or old votive cups. I used clean spaghetti sauce jars to hold hot cocoa mix I gave as a gift, as well.
I use cardboard egg cartons for starting seeds indoors in the spring. I use old plastic tubs for planters.
I turned an old bedspread and a sheet set into curtains. I tossed a circular, tassled, tablecloth over a curtain rod too.
I could go on and on - and probably do a whole website on how to renew or reuse or repurpose things around the house.
Posted by yardenxanthe on 2005-11-04 14:51:35
Post Subject:
The cake could be in a pyramid shape and cover it in a layer of frosting and then a layer of sanding sugar tinted yellow (for sand). Or you could make a tall rectangular cake that was shaped & decorated like a sarcophagus (eww, but might be fun anyway).
Just googled it, and here's a pic of a gingerbread pyramid filled with goodies: Click here.
Dover publishes those little tiny books for $1 (some are stickers, some are paperdolls, etc.) and I'm sure you could find some egyptian ones.
Ooh, i just found this: Egyptian Crafts. On this website, they link to this hieroglyphics site and mention that you could sound out kids' names in hieroglyphics and make a sign for their rooms, etc.
Ooh, here are more cool crafts: http://www.boiseartmuseum.org/education/egyptian.htm
Here's a write up on an Egyptian-themed party. Looks like for food, they kind of just went generic middle eastern food: hummus tray, baklava, shish kebabs, etc.
Here's a page on Egyptian games (for kids)
More ideas including have a "dig" at the party, giving each kid a roll of toilet paper to wrap herself up as a mummy.
This website talks about what an actual ancient egyptian party might have been like. The most notable thing I saw was that the guest of honor sits at a chair, but the guests sit on pillows on the floor (that could be fun).
Posted by FauxChina on 2005-11-04 15:09:30
Post Subject:
I don't have any children of my own, but my brother has a two year old daughter who absolutely loves Tupac and Ice Cube, granted it's not childrens music, and he doesn't play the songs that are too bad, but one or two from each album. When she was just learning to balance herself by hanging on to the coffee table, she'd shake her little bum to Outkast's Bombs Over Bhagdad.
Growing up I had one record that was kids music and that was Sessame Street Fever, everything else was Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper and tons of other classic rock. I'd suggest just making a mix tape or CD for them so you can ensure that there isn't any objectional language, plus give them a wide range of styles to try out to decide if they like it or not.. Soundtracks to kids movies are great too, the Shrek soundtrack was awesome because it was kid friendly plus adults wouldn't mind too terribly listening to it too. But I'm not a very good influence musically for kids, years ago I had my 5 year old cousin singing Where Eagles Dare by The Misfits, that was a great surprise when she sang it for the whole family over x-mass dinner...
Posted by Tracy Parker on 2005-07-27 08:53:36
Post Subject:
Now that my husband brought it up (having a baby) I feel myself questioning everything - like "is our neighborhood good for kids?" and "is our house set up right for a baby?" and "Should I go to the doctor?"
Ahhhh, I am kind of an over-preparer so maybe I just need to chill and let what might/will happen just be. But it's so hard!
They're written for kids to follow, so they should make sense. Ignore the bottom of the second page, it's about french knitting (an apparently useless craft, all you get is a long rope!)
Posted by elixirbeth on 2006-09-08 15:56:00
Post Subject:
if you don't plan on going to college, maybe it's a good idea to have a high school diploma, but why not spend those two years at a college and get an A.A. in something relevant and interesting instead of in a shitty prison for kids?
Because sometimes relevant and interesting take a back seat to bills, health insurance, and child care. For many many MANY people, additional school after public high school simply isn't an option. Forget the fact that even the tuition at a community college can be a stretch (because many people can receive some form of assistance), time spent in a classroom (or lab or studying or doing homework) is time that the person could be earning money for their family.
However, that said, I have spoken with/advised many students who knew that high school simply wasn't for them. They wanted to get a jump start on their lives, so they decided to earn their equivalency and move on forward. Bravo! Different strokes for different folks.
And honestly, I'm not even going to respond to the "shitty prison for kids" remark (oh wait, I just did). One of the most emotional teaching moments I've had happened outside the classroom: a student was walking across the stage, and as the principal announced his name, the boy's entire family (15 strong) stood up, applauding and cheering. When we spoke after the ceremony, they told me HOW PROUD they were of their boy, the first in their family to complete high school.
Posted by brdgt on 2006-04-28 08:09:57
Post Subject:
As a kid the cover of the book A Wrinkle In Time scared me so I never read it. By accident I came across it as an adult and decided to read it. Wow, did that book ever suck. So so bad.
I reread A Wrinkle in Time last summer and really didn't like it either - I thought the main character was such a bad role model for kids - so whiney and weak.
They're written for kids to follow, so they should make sense. Ignore the bottom of the second page, it's about french knitting (an apparently useless craft, all you get is a long rope!)
Thanks for posting this! I bought an old flower loom recently and I haven't figured out how to use it yet, this will be very helpful!!
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2006-02-21 09:50:30
Post Subject:
I have kept every single journal style Swiss calandar I have aquired since 1983. I can't bear to part with them!! The photographs, 1 per week, are just too lovely to part with. I have also been trying to come up with a way to frame or display them that doesn't look too boring!
I was just now thinking that I have so many of them, I should just decoupage them onto long boards and attach them to my walls like a wallpaper border!! LOL!! Hey....it could work!!
My folks always give me the free calendars they get so I can use them for art projects or whatever with my boys. Calendar pictures and magazine pictures are also really great as story-starters for kids to make up their own stories. When they're young, you can write down for them what they think up about the pictures, and when they're writing on their own, it's great practice and helps to get their creative juices flowing!!
Posted by seamripper on 2004-08-20 15:13:32
Post Subject:
i had trouble with purl stitches for months after i started knitting...but then i bought a knitting guide for kids and it really helped me...i think it was called Knitting for Pre-Teens or something...the instructions + illustrations were way more easy to follow than anything else i read and i was finally able to get the hang of it.
Posted by Morganaofthewild on 2004-09-07 01:54:04
Post Subject:
I loudly second CraftinFool's recommendation of the Coats and Clark CD-rom. I got an arsenal of books to teach myself, including ones for kids. I got confused somewhere in each book. When I sat down with the CD and could watch hands in motion, I finally got it. I was knitting better in 3 hours than after weeks of looking at illustrations. This interactive CD is excellent!! (I got it cheap, too - at joann.com.)
BTW, stockinette stitch just tends to curl. I don't believe choice of yarn can prevent it.
Posted by Astrid on 2008-07-26 19:34:58
Post Subject:
Thank you, Mele! To add to what I said, I think consumerism has been there ever since the word 'hobby' was invented. What's bad for me about it is not 'consumerism means big corporations making profit', but 'making profit' (still) comes before caring for our planet.
Kits exist as long as I can remember. To be honest when I was a kid I loved embroidery kits. They couldn't make me happier! When I learnt to knit they gave me a knitting kit once, with mini skeins of yarn and supposedly easy to follow patterns for doll's clothing. After failing to succeed the first project I used the yarn for my own 'designs' (sort of like you, boheme-anne!). At the time I thought I was too stupid to understand the patterns, now I know my own creativity was in the way. I've learnt to read (knitting and crochet) patterns, but I still can't follow them. I only use them to find out how something works, then use them for my own designs. But to this day, I can still totally copy an embroidery pattern and enjoy it. I'd even be happy if someone gave me a kit...
But that's aside. It's not the kits that worry me (I do believe they can be good for kids or starters to discover or develop their creativity). It's people who think they are artists (and maybe they are truely talented!) that are not yet concerned about where they get their materials from or only think in terms of quality. Yeah, that's fine in a world that's not being threatened. As it is for me being an artist (or just a crafter) is equal to being conscious and if you don't or can't recylcle (it's not possible for all art forms) then you should try to get sustainable resources. In the textile area there's enough to find already. There are complete sustainable clothing lines already, so you should be able to buy the fabrics and yarns they use as well. And if the companies who sell those make profit, good for them! I can only hope they become bigger than traditional producers or the latter will change!
Sorry if I hurt anybody's feelings, BUT IT'S REALLY FIVE TO TWELVE, and handmade alone is NOT THE SOLUTION.
Posted by Knits4Fun on 2005-07-18 12:16:33
Post Subject:
http://www.getcrafty.com/blogs.php?user=Selah Here's my blog about the party. Of course I forgot to take a photo of the cupcakes before they were touched by those little hands and mouths. :)
That was an awesome party!!! I'm so glad it all worked out. I also loved the popcorn bags as favor bags for the kids. LOVE, love, love the baseball pinata too!
I'm thinking I may do some cupcake thing because it is such a great idea for kids as they each get their own equal sized 'piece' and all. We'll see. I have another 4 mos!
Posted by sarabell on 2005-04-02 12:33:06
Post Subject:
it's crazy how this has morphed - it's like playing that game 'telephone'!
i have no intention on this being ANYTHING related to parenting other than stuff like playdoh recipes, and other craft ideas for kids. as far as the whole parenting thing would go, i just don't think that this would be the place. (i'm working on making a place where that WOULD be appropriate, to a certain extent. if anybody's interested, PM me and i'll give you the details if you want, but i'm still in a very initial planning phase, having started on it after seeing the responses this thread has gotten. but even there, i still have no interest in the whole bodily function thing other than a crafty idea or two to get your kid to use the potty. )
(thanks for watching my back knittymomma!)
the forum would just be home related stuff - not parenting, and not just for moms...... i say to include stuff for mamas because a lot of us are at home, and it just seems to be the appropriate spot for stuff for moms to do; mom projects (or things to make for other people's kids), and kid projects - instead of getting lost in or clogging up other forums.
in response to any implied reverse sexism, none was intended. it's just that this site seems to cater to the "fairer sex." believe me, i give my props to the men who stay home and/or are crafty in their own right, though i have yet to see any boys around here. (....and the 'today show' domestic diva was a MAN, but perhaps we should be more PC and use the term "domestic engineer"? of course, i'd prefer to go the other route with something like house goddess. but that's just me, and again, no sexism intended. really.)
Posted by elixirbeth on 2006-08-12 12:47:05
Post Subject:
to the women who are still waiting:
Do you ever question your relationship because your partner claims that he/she isn't ready for kids? Has anyone gotten into the situation where their partner says "maybe" at the beginning of the relationship, and that slowly turns to "maybe not" as time passes?
Posted by LizQuincy on 2004-11-14 01:03:50
Post Subject:
I'm a freshman this year, and I have already found tons of great things to eat with a microwave, mini-fridge, and water-boiler. The only thing holding me back is my meal plan, which all resident students must have. I cook too much, obviously, because I haven't even used half of my 100 meals yet. Damn.
Actually, I am planning on writing a book, after a few more years of this lifestyle. A manual for kids who aren't too fond of college cafeteria food, who want to eat healthy things. And I'm thinking of having a vegetarian section, since most of the food I eat is that.
Posted by Chris on 2007-09-20 00:50:21
Post Subject: Environmentally Friendly Drain Cleaner
You should try a product I found---Plumb-Away. It is environmentally-friendly, safe and easy to use. None of those harsh chemicals!! It''s great because it can be used on every drain--even toilets. About 8 drains can be opened per canister. It uses high pressure propellant, extreme coldness, a cutting agent and back water pressure. 1-Second and your done. Even okay for Septic Systems. The best part--they donate a part of each sale to a non-profit environmental group, Touch Tanks for Kids, that offers marine life and clean water educational programs to children.
Posted by anthrogirl on 2006-11-06 20:02:23
Post Subject:
to the women who are still waiting:
Do you ever question your relationship because your partner claims that he/she isn't ready for kids? Has anyone gotten into the situation where their partner says "maybe" at the beginning of the relationship, and that slowly turns to "maybe not" as time passes?
Nope. For me, having kids was always a 'maybe'. I actually was hoping to meet a woman who would have the kids. I've always had a hard time picturing myself raising children. But for me, my relationships have never been about having children- they've been about having a life with another adult person.
Posted by tinstarmerchant on 2005-02-24 21:37:55
Post Subject:
I would love to have a garden but where I live, the sun and heat just burns everything up. I start out with good intent in the spring and buy plants and make pretty container gardens but they end up dying. :(
This week I planted an "enchanted fairy garden." It's for kids really but it appealed to me too. It's a round container and it has a little fairy path made of blue gravel, and a little fairy house. Some plastic animals and seashells. I planted it with beans and oatgrass and I have one bean and a bunch of oatgrass that's come up. :)
I do have three plants I've bought and they're actually thriving in my care! :) That makes me feel good. One is a polka dot plant, one is a coleus or something similar and the outside plant is a swan river daisy that tolerates drought.
Posted by pudding on 2006-08-01 01:50:47
Post Subject:
Lash out on a breastfeeding pillow! I use mine at almost every feed and it helps me relax because it makes holding Clio during the feed so comfortable.
This is probably not something you are thinking of right now but try not to spend too much money on clothes! I was about to buy Clio an expensive (for kids clothes), very cute t-shirt until we started solids. Carrot stains! I'm sticking to the inexpensive (still cute) stuff. :-)
You must have had your baby by now! So congratulations!
Posted by bessiemae on 2005-06-13 19:26:31
Post Subject:
-homemade cornstarch playdough scented/colored with KoolAid in cool little containers. Add a couple of $1 store kitchen utensils/cookie cutters or a cookie sheet.
- Make a patchwork checker board and use plastic animals as markers. Decorate border with plants/flowers, etc. Make small draw string bag for pieces.
- Kids seem to like kinda abstract animal shape pillows in loud colors or terry cloth.
- applique fav character fabric to T and shorts(Walmart has inexpensive Kid fabric, and if all 3-5yo, can pickup See and Sew short pattern )..same for pillows. Can also trim out a twin set of sheets or towels .
- Inexpensive apron, personalized with Word made Kid cookbook, and a few $1 store implements(measuring spoons, etc.)
- Most kids like anything with their name on it.
- Most girls like Fairy goodies: headband, wand, wings, etc. I say "most girls" because I would have to say "Elven" swords, tunics,etc. for my boys to consider it. Sigh.
- $1 store watches
- HM sidewalk chalk/soap crayons made in cookie cutters for cool shapes.
- like purses/bags, simple drawstring backpacks.
also check out the Dover website for $1 books and uber cool coloring books for kids.....not the usual cartoon/toyotic ones! Very cool maze books, sticker books, etc.
Posted by Slinkster on 2005-10-24 11:40:16
Post Subject:
Here are my WIPs, to-dos and ideas so far:
Mom: crochet throw with granny squares. I am about 1/3 of the way done
Sister/Brother in Law: embroidered placemats/napkins with beaded napkin rings. So far all I have is the pattern from Sublime Stitching.
Sister in Law: knitted scarf (first knitted thing ever...and better yet, it's done) a bracelet and earrings.
Brother: a crochet tee holder for his golf tees. maybe a hat???
niece: I think I am going to use the same pattern from my sisters present and put it on a hoodie. I was also thinking of getting her a bedazzler and a jean skirt and let her go at it.
What I realllllllyyy need is ideas for kids. I have 6 other nieces and nephews and no good ideas. Their ages are 15, 13, 10, 5, 2 and 1. If I have time I could make the 2 and 1 year old girls ponchos...
Posted by stella on 2006-02-06 19:34:36
Post Subject:
i just think their clothes are hideous... i mean, thongs for kids are horrible, and the racist t-shirt and offensive catalog were too, but also everyone who shops their looks like a total dickhead based entirely on wardrobe.
there's actually a guy in one of my classes that i refer to in my head as "Abercrombie" because he's always wearing those pre-wrinked shirts and holey jeans... every time i see him, i think "jesus, what a dork..."
which is probably not what the CEO was intending...
* i had an obsessive need to correct my own bad grammar.
Posted by JediEmpressMel on 2005-03-08 22:41:37
Post Subject:
Ya.. McDonalds has been doing that forever. It sucks.
I used to always tell my mom to get me the "boys" happy meal, because the toys were always so much cooler than the stupid girl ones they give out.
They still segregrate the happy meals that way. I was so mad the last time I went to get one, because I buy happy meals for myself. I tried lying that I wanted a boy one, but the girl misheard me, so then I had to say Girl.
I got this dump "polly pocket" doll on a windsurfing board. It's so useless and boring it's not even funny. The boys one had cool little hotwheels cars.
On the other side of the coin, there are plenty of boys who like playing with dolls...and then they have to get some pink happy meal, to get the doll.
I wish they would just have them in non gender role emblazened colors. Why can't the boxes just look exactly the same? I never understood that.
And instead of associating the toys with "boys" and "girls" I wish that they would just have them be toys for kids.
Toystores even do this and it pisses me off. They always have the cars, trucks etc in blue, while all the dolls are in pink and purple. How are we supposed to keep the message that kids are kids when they're so obviously marketing to segregrate by gender roles, which is completely ridiculous.
Posted by naomi on 2005-03-08 13:32:05
Post Subject:
This reminds me of something that popped into my mind the other day when seeing an advert for some particularly horrible fake food (crackers, 'cheese' and 'ham' lunchbox sets for kids). It occured to me that because something is edible in the sense that it wont poison you right away...well it doesn't make it food!
Posted by teagrrl on 2005-04-06 05:17:52
Post Subject:
When I was a little girl, I had LOTS of teeny shorts, teeny tops and even bikinis in summer. But all the little girls did. It was little-girl clothes. You can get away with wearing barely anything when you're little because revealing flesh at that age is not a sexual thing... or WASN'T until...
... more recently GROWN WOMEN started wearing such clothing (I'm looking at you, J-Lo), imitating little girls? Certainly you could say that of Britney. So, You look at the WOMEN wearing these revealing clothes, and then you look at kids, who always wore that stuff because it's kiddie stuff, and you go, hey, those kids are dressing too ADULT.
That's a very good point, MlleEmily. I recently read about people who were angry because a store was selling triangle bikinis for babies - which I agree is unnecessary (the bikinis, not the anger...) because a one-year-old is probably going to find the bikini top uncomfortable anyway. But it made me remember that when I was little I actually had those bikinis, handed down from my sisters who grew up in the 70s - and they were definitely triange bikinis meant for kids, 4-5 years and older. I don't think anyone saw that as "too adult". Most of the time when it was really warm I would just wear swimtrunks or shorts, no top, when I was that little - up to school age probably. And that was totally OK. Umm, I don't know what I want to say with this, other than that I agree.
However, I do think it's sick when small girls wear makeup to school and start shaving really early. And when they wear clothes they can't really play while wearing (like really tight clothes - for some reason the girls' clothes are always tighter than boys' clothes, even though boys and girls have the same body size when they are little. My two nieces are 3 and 5, and even the younger one's clothes are "girly" in the sense that they are tight-fitting etc. My sister hates that there are no "proper" clothes to buy...luckily the older girl prefers blue and comfortable clothes over cute ones, so she can wear the more unisex of the boy clothes, but the younger one is a girly girl and wants to wear PINK). (gee, was that like the longest parenthesis ever?)
Posted by chromegrrrl on 2006-09-08 19:42:08
Post Subject:
And honestly, I'm not even going to respond to the "shitty prison for kids" remark (oh wait, I just did).
For a lot of students that's just what it is: Shitty prison, Lord of the Flies advanced day camp, pre-20's day care, and living hell. Just because some have a great time, some have time, and some are just doin' time doesn't mean that *all* those experiences are created equal.
Posted by SweetMemoriesQuilts on 2007-07-18 12:14:33
Post Subject:
I have in the last couple of months had several orders for keepsake quilts for kids going off to University. You can use old clothes, blankets, pictures, etc. and have a quilt made for you or buy a kit to make your own. Of course, the crafty person can also just figure out how to do it on their own. You can see some examples in my photo gallery http://www.sweetmemoriesquilts.com/PhotoGallery.html. I also have a tutorial in my blog on how to print photos on fabric with your ink jet printer: http://www.sweetmemoriesquilts.com/blog. If you decide to make your own and need some help/advice feel free to email me jennifer@sweetmemoriesquilts.com
The last one I made was really interesting. The woman chose some cool fabrics for the top to make a really funky quilt and then we added family photos and and old baby blankie to the back. Her daughter really loved it and it will also be practical for use in her college residence.
Here's a photo of the back side: http://www.sweetmemoriesquilts.com/sitebuilder/images/IMG_0321-390x287.jpg
Posted by stella on 2006-09-07 11:37:31
Post Subject:
you don't have to do high school. my sister, my boyfriend, and a lot of other people i know got their GED or proficiency and went to community college.
if you don't plan on going to college, maybe it's a good idea to have a high school diploma, but why not spend those two years at a college and get an A.A. in something relevant and interesting instead of in a shitty prison for kids?
Posted by go-fish on 2005-06-18 13:00:03
Post Subject:
I have to shout YES! about Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy.
Marjorie Furlong's books Juniper and Wise Child are also perennial.
I love getting away into E. Nesbit's world.
And Linnets and Valerians by Elizabeth Goudge is also great.
L.M. Boston's Children of Green Knowe series.
Joan Aiken and her Dido Twite series. Plus Wolves of Willoughby Chase. YES Yes Yes! These books put Lemony Snicket and his pretentiousness to shame. If you want a REAL series of unfortunate events involving characters you can care about, read Joan Aiken.
I cannot forget to mention David Almond, who wrote Skellig and especially, Kit's Wilderness. The latter knocked me out it was SO GOOD. I need to buy a copy of this book to sit next to Philip Pullman. Deep.
I recently read a book called Slake's Limbo which was great. (don't know the author.)
The Diddikoi by Rumer Godden.
The Giver by Lois Lowry, too.
The Earthsea Trilogy by Ursula K. LeGuin. I don't know if they are intended for kids but that is when I read them.
For quick amusement, I read Jerry Spinelli's books for YA. Loser, Stargirl, Maniac MacGee. They give me something to think about for awhile, but I don't think they are forever kind of books.
I will try to think of books that don't hold up for me...
Alice's adventure's in Wonderland is probably one of those. I worshipped that book when I was young, and I think that last time I read it, I found the main character so annoying. Through the Looking Glass is still awesome for me. It is darker somehow.
Posted by chromegrrrl on 2006-09-08 14:04:51
Post Subject:
you don't have to do high school. my sister, my boyfriend, and a lot of other people i know got their GED or proficiency and went to community college.
if you don't plan on going to college, maybe it's a good idea to have a high school diploma, but why not spend those two years at a college and get an A.A. in something relevant and interesting instead of in a shitty prison for kids?
This is so right on Stella.
You can go to a university directly from homeschooling or GED too, just be prepared to build a portfolio and document your life (since you don't have a school to document your grades and test scores). Universities are more interested in students that aren't just going to do the minimum and if you can show them volunteering, public involvement, attitude, motivation and passion you can count on an acceptance letter.
Posted by tinfoil queen on 2006-09-05 00:35:03
Post Subject:
Anything by Francesca Lia Block. I read nearly all of her books a few years ago, and would have loved them as YAF.
When I was a kid, I read whatever I could get my hands on, which meant reading my mom's book collection. Sacajewa, Clan of the Cave Bear, etc. Books which could have been considered "too advanced" for a 5th grade reader. Relating to the point that Athena made, I think that things that aren't relevent to our life experience at certain ages is just fine. I think that His Dark Materials would have been just as entertaining, it just wouldn't have the depth of seriousness to a young mind as an adult mind. Does that make sense?
Alright, well, I am a high school student right now, so keep that in mind. I think that it is important for kids to pick up and try books that are too difficult or books that they wouldn't "get" at that age... it's part of the process of finding out what works for you, and maturing. I have an ongoing debate with my brother over this. He insists that if you read a book to young, it spoils it, but I have always believed that you should be able to reread books again and get more out of them everytime.
For instance, I read Jane Austen first in third grade. Of course I didn't understand everything! How could I have? But I certainly enjoyed her work, even at that age, and I reread it constantly, finding new intricacies every time.
Alright, my rant is over. But by the way, I don't think of Catcher in the Rye as a children's book, or To Kill A Mockingbird.
Posted by teagrrl on 2005-03-12 07:04:02
Post Subject:
Again, I think we need to do something about our sweet tooth. We have far too sweet a taste for things. (Does that make sense?)
Yes, definitely. Both my sister and I don't usually drink soda/other types of bottled drinks, because they're just too sweet...even juice-based drinks. It could be because I never really "learned" to like them (we only got to drink soft drinks on special occasions when I was little, and I didn't like carbonated drinks so I had them very rarely). But then, I never really liked sweet food either; can't stand ketchup etc (it just tastes like sugar to me) and while I will eat jam with, say, pancakes, I will only use very little of it, because I don't want the sweetness to compete with the taste of whatever I'm eating.
I just don't get why a lot of sugar has to be added to, for example, drinks made from fruits or berries - I think strawberries are sweet enough as they are. I read an article where a family had calculated how much sugar the kids ate every day and compared it to the amount that is thought to be "safe" to eat for kids that age. I think they exceeded that amount every day, although they didn't have soda or candy every day...but they got a lot from "hidden" sources, like yoghurt or ketchup. And of course they had to eat birthday cake, ice cream, candy etc when they were at a birthday party (which I'm not saying should be cut out - but it's quite a lot when you first get cake and candy on your birthday, then get celebrated with cake or icecream in school, and then have a party with more cake and candy for your friends...some schools/preschools here have stopped buying icecream/candy for the children's birthdays, instead they try to do something fun that the kids don't normally get to do, to try to show that celebrating a birthday doesn't have to be about eating).
I think that your sugar "threshold" will be higher if you eat a lot of sugar, so that you will have to increase the amount all the time - when I first started drinking tea I could only drink it with a sugarcube. After a while that didn't seem sweet enough, so I upped it to two cubes. When that didn't seem sweet enough, I thought "what the hell" and cut out the sugar altogether...didn't want to be hooked. Now I can't drink tea with sugar (apart from the tea you get on airplanes because it tastes like chlorine if you don't add sugar or something).
A lot of new products over here are sweetened with fructose rather than sugar or artificial sweeteners - they're still too sweet IMO but I do think fructose is better than refined sugar. For some reason I can't eat plain yoghurt (I've never liked it, it was the only thing I wouldn't eat when I was a baby) so I was happy when they started to make low-fat yoghurt with no added sugar (apart from fructose). (Of course, then I realised that yoghurt gives me migraines, so now I'm yoghurt-less anyway... :-(
Posted by janice1234 on 2006-10-28 21:55:33
Post Subject: Children's Bible Stories
Would you like to consider some children's bible stories. This is also good for kids to learn values and principles that the bible taught. We could ipart learning to the kids and educate them through the bible.
More wonderful children's bible stories can be found at http://www.nestfamily.com You can try it... I had tried it to my son, 2 and half years old.
