Along A Long Road

Miles had two favourite English books up until yesterday.

Richard McGuire's Night Becomes Day  and Christoph Niemann's Subway have pride of place in his bookcase (along with many a Dr Seuss and Dennis Lee poems, I hasten to add). The visual and lyrical appeal is obvious. Miles likes his rhymes (to his mum's delight) and although he is only just starting to read in French, he knows these easy-to-read stories off by heart, and was proud to take them to school to show them to his friends.

 And now he has another one to share - award-winning artist and designer Frank Viva's first children's book "Along A Long Road". After seeing it on Ohdeedoh a few ago I thought I'd order it to put away for Miles for Christmas. However when it arrived yesterday, I knew I couldn't wait.

See the road?

There it goes!

From page to page

Without a break

We've read the story over and over,

Following the lone cyclist's ride from cover to cover,

Tracing his journey on the shiny yellow track,

Up and down, in and out, through and around.

Along A Long Road

A new favourite

A must-have

For young and old alike!

(c'est même mieux qu'une nouvelle toupie Beyblade selon Miles...)

Friends

Cat Folk Choir - PinPals

Friends, near and far, thank you so much for all your lovely comments regarding this Ohdeedoh interview, I'm am very touched. 
Have a wonderful weekend!

Five Faves #7

Children's Artwork Collage*
A fabulous idea!
Simply Create

Hope you're all enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend!

Time for my Fives Faves!

*

1) Favourite Upcycled find
Mr Stag- plush wall hanging made from 60/70s bedlinen
A Wooden Tree**

2) Favourite Stationery
Sewn hemp fabric
Can't wait to see how Heather will develop this idea



3) Favourite Paper Engineering / Animation / Optical toys
Everything from Sarabandepress***
Love this Pop-up Gas Station!

Check out Ilisha Helfman's site here and Sarabande's here
You must look at their ole million face page!


4) Favourite dolls
I love each and everyone of them Jenni!





5) Favourite patterns
by kids
for kids

Wonderland - Coordonnée's Kid's Collection


Enjoy!

* via Ohdeedoh
**via we3
*** via Uponafold

I want to ride my bicycle

Chalk Chalk came back on my radar the other night and I love their prints more than ever. Like many, I'm a big fan of chalkboards in the home, and these gems have the added appeal of being dust-free.

Chalk Chalk like wheels and all their artwork features human powered transportation devices (bicycles, tricycles, wagons, etc.) drawn in chalk.

Their open edition prints ($20) or original handcrafted chalkboards made from sealed fifteen ply baltic birch would look stunning in any room in the house. I honestly don't know why it's taken me so long to write about them!

Seen originally on Ribambelles et Ribambins
Re-discovered on OhDeeDoh

Versatility

Let's Play print by Binth

Take a pack of cards, tap it, unwrap it and play

Beautiful set of rooster design playing cards from Centuryfinds

or frame a few of them

6 vintage 50s "Futuristic" Old Maid cards from divinedebrisvintage

Two complete decks of blackstone playing cards with cute wooden dolls, boys and girls from ricracandbuttons

or decorate your home with them

Hanging Christmas cards and garland made by Artemis

Keep your teens busy with them

Craft activity spotted on Ohdeedoh

Tell a tale with them

"Affairs of the Heart", an illustrated, narrative poem by Fiona Blair incorporating heart idioms and the language of playing cards to tell the tale of a lonesome queen

and use them to help those in need

Thereza Rowe's contribution to Shelter's House of Cards exhibition,
a limited edition of cards designed by 53 artists available here

Christmas inspiration

"Petit Papa Noel" Christmas tree made from a vintage prune drying rack
SignedbyAnge

Another selection of inspiring Christmas decorations, both handmade and bought


Kate Elliot's DIY salt dough ornaments found via the Red Thread

Thrifted sweater trees found via Blueberry Park

DIY diorama ornaments tutorial by GiddyGiddy


Customisable Merry Christmas garlands by Cinqmaicréations

Ladle candle holders and

bun case tree decorations by Hanna, Hannas Sjarmerende Jul


Beautiful paper ornaments by Essimar, found via the Red Thread

Snowflake curtain by Bugs and Fishes, found via Ohdeedoh

My favourites - Painted recycled paper baubles on a gum tree by Inaluxe

Prettydreamer

Well, I love wooden objects and folk art so these handcrafted toys and gifts for the home are just perfect. Simple, colourful and non-toxic, Prettydreamer's wooden, in part Waldorf-inspired, puzzles and pull-toys are sure to please young and old alike. My little boy Miles would be thrilled to bits to own a tool set like this and Savannah would play for hours with the village building blocks and people. If you're looking for something special for a christening or birthday gift or for Christmas time check out Prettydreamer's shop and blog for more beautiful, handmade art with a timeless quality.

Found via Ohdeedoh

Wheels go round

Isn't this a fab idea for displaying vintage toy cars? Crafty mum Annie Suman decided to make this keepsake for her son by glueing his old car collection to a mirror. A simple, stylish display to cherish for years to come.

Found via Ohdeedoh.