G is for Gemini

Aren't these sweet?

I'm not quite sure how long these toys have been on the market but I was immediately drawn to their minimalist Kokeshi-type faces and pretty painted bodies. 

The Gemini wooden and felt peg-doll playset is made in Germany by award-winning toymaker Kellner Steckfiguren. It is distributed by Naef and can be yours for 16.50 EUR, (excl. tax).

A happy find for Colour My Monday, and perhaps one to bookmark for Christmas?

via Plumetis Magazine (which you really should take a look at)

Give Me Three #39

COLORATURO

VILLETTA

TINTE

 

 

 

Yes, It's Colour My Monday and time to share these wonderful building blocks by art educator and toy designer Karen Hewitt, founder of Learning Materials Workshop. John Meyers was lucky enough to find this set at a flea market a while ago and I was really curious to know where they came from. Thanks to pinterest, I was able to identify "Tinte" and learn about the Reggio Emilia Approch to pre-school education.

Take your time looking at the LMW site, Karen Hewitt's designs will appeal to artlovers and kids alike. I think some of you will also be interested in her blog focused on creativity, art and learning through play.

I, for one, will be following from now on...

The Colours

Hey, It's Monday!

Nothing like a bit - or a lot - of colour to kick off the week.

I have a feeling these wonderful handcrafted colour men by South African designer Renée Roussouw will make you smile. Bright and cheerful, painted with eco non-toxic paint & matte vanish, these little chaps are the perfect size for little hands to clutch, and would definitely add a quirky touch to any room.

You can read more about Renée's wooden figurine project here and even watch a fun video she made to promote her collection.

via pinterest

Give Me Three #29

Ri-Tagli

 Lallo

R-Tagli

More inspiring wooden toys by

Arcangelo Alicucio

via

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle!

Etsy Finds: Fun with Wood

Wooden Puzzle Toys Craft Book

 

Vintage Brio Car

Vintage Swedish Children's Play Shop

Good Morning & Hello Weekend!

I don't know about you, but it's been a long, hot and busy week here.

I haven't been able to blog as much due to family commitments

But I'm back now

Ready to have some fun.

See ya later gators !

Just Because #17

Kay Bojesen, 1950's

Piet Hein for the PHI Game Line, 1960's

Designer unknown

Simple,

Timeless

 & Universal

Just because I like wooden toys

 Retro Modern Design

Balance

Sorting

Stacking

Making piles

Making it fit

Always a question of

Balance

Manzanita Kids

Etsy Finds: S is for Ship

We're hoping to nip to the beach tomorrow morning for a coffee by the harbour and a good ole rummage at the flea market. It all depends on the weather. I have started collecting old Savon de Marseille, I love it when they shrink and darken with age. I'll also be looking out for old mirrors, I'd really like to make a feature wall in the bathroom with them. What are you into at the moment, anything in particular?

I've started pinning, making mood boards and storing all the things I love. I'm having fun!

I've just added a couple of things from Daily Memorandum, it's a beautiful shop, I  like to 'pop in' there from time to time. I thought these vintage educational cards and primitive  ships would work well in a boy's room, what do you think?

Have a lovely Sunday!

Etsy Find: Rock On

Such a beautiful vintage handmade toy

Exactly the kind of simplicity I'm craving right now.

Fresh Talent: Kedublock

Sergio Dias's new blog is shaping up very nicely indeed,

But that's not surprising when you see the wonderful toys he makes.

Kedublock

One to remember - I hope we'll be hearing his name a lot this year.

Let's Golo

Well, just because I've made it through to the finals of The Homies and I'm trying to drum up some support (a huge thanks to those who've already voted), doesn't mean to say that we can't have a bit of fun around here. I mean, that's what it's all about isn't it?

So, I have a new Czech word for you - GOLO, nice in'it? 

What's even nicer is all the wonderful things you can make with it, I mean, with a GOLO

And what's nicer still is that GOLOS are both child and environment-friendly (3 years and up) EN-certified eco-toys made by people who care.

I want a GOLO, don't you?

You really should have a look at the rest of Karel Makovsky's site, there are some lovely wooden jigsaws and toys on there. Thank you once again Marie for sharing such wonderful treasures!

Etsy Find: Little Houses

You know I love little houses...

Vintage Dutch Wooden House Game For Play and Display

Eupalina

Villages

and

Cities

 I have my beady eye on Madrid-based architect, designer and carpenter Eupalina.

Eva has been designing and making, furniture, toys and other objects since 2009. She often works with recycled, waste wood and likes to use eco-paints and varnishes. I love her simple, colourful boxed toy sets and will be first in line when she opens an etsy shop in the New Year!

Muchas Gracias Kireei!

Vilac, 100 ans de jouets en bois

Bilboquet -Extrait d’un ensemble de quatre jouets 1970

Bois laqué, Don Vilac, 1988
Inv. 988.643.1 à 4
© Les Arts Décoratifs. Photo : Jean Tholance

Paquebot « Océan Liner »1986, Bois laqué

Don Vilac, 1987
Inv. 987.328
© Les Arts Décoratifs. Photo : Jean Tholance

Tacot vert 1978, Bois laqué, métal

Don Vilac, 1979
Inv. 47252
© Les Arts Décoratifs. Photo : Jean Tholance

Hydravion rouge, 1987, Bois laqué, caoutchouc, métal

Don Vilac, 1987
Inv. 987.334
© Les Arts Décoratifs. Photo : Jean Tholance

« Le bois fait des objets essentiels, des objets de toujours. »
Roland Barthes (1915-1980), Mythologies, 1957.

If you live in Paris or happen to be there during the Christmas holidays, why not take your children to  visit the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, one of my favourite places in the city. I'm sure you and your kids will enjoy their current exhibition (on until 8 May, 2011), Vilac, 100 ans de jouets en bois, showcasing wooden toys made by the famous French toy company over the past 100 years. 

Those of you who can't make it might be interested in the exhibition catalogue, a perfect gift for toy design lovers all over the world.