Inspiration: Growing Up in El Fayoum

The children living in Hussam Elsheriff's village, Ezbet Tunis in El Fayoum Oasis, Egypt, have very few toys, often none at all. If they're lucky their mother will make them a soft doll filled with straw, or perhaps a car made from palm tree branches with soda caps for wheels. Ramadan lanterns and sugar figurines are a seasonal source of amusement but other than that, the green fields of the oasis are their most common playground.

They have no bedroom of their own, often sleeping in a corner of their house and spend much of their time farming with their parents in the fields. Catch and Chase, making kites from dead branches, unaware of the things they are missing... after spending some time getting to know them, Hussam tells me they are happiest children he has ever seen.

Thank you Hussam for these inspiring images and the glimpse into everyday life in rural Egypt.

What Are You Waiting For?

You have only five days left to buy one of Milimbo's brilliant cardboard Jungling kits, buses or posters.

I am delighted to see that Juanjo has reached his goal of 3.500 EUR via this verkami crowdfunding project, but you can still contribute and it really would be a shame to miss out on something so unique and special.

You can read all about it here (in several languages) or on his blog and Facebook Page.

Please support small, innovative designers!

Wax Lyrical

Hey! 

It looks like the sun is here to stay, for a few days at least.

Time to bring out my kids' Summer clothes and see if they still fit!

If you're looking for something bright and bold to put a spring in their step, Oonaloo's children's clothes and accessories are made from vibrant, playful African wax prints.

I love the matching handmade dolls, of course, and am completely smitten with those monkeys.

My etsy find of the day.

 

Hive Five #24

I've had my eye on Argentinian toymakers Mamëll for a few months now, and can honestly say that they design some of the nicest wooden toys out there. Produced in Buenos Aires by local craftsmen, their wooden construction kits, vehicles, toys and craft sets have a modern but also timeless look about them, and I for one would love to sit and play with such beautiful objects.

A definite High Five from me, but that's not surprising when you realise that Romina's sister is no other than Miga de Pan...

For more information, designs, prices and stockists, please visit the toymaker's Facebook page and Tumblr, and / or follow them on Twitter.

Love!

Paper Roses

Just because

I Love Paper

And two and a half years later,

They inspire me more than ever.

***

 

The Janitor

The Janitor by Pin Pals.

Time to get my house in order.

I mean,everybody knows what it's like when you come back off holiday...

This has to be my Image of the Day.

A Wonderful Journey

Yes, I'm back from Berlin, 

my mind full of street art, colour and patterns.

Smiles and laughter as we walk through the city,

exploring, admiring, enjoying the sun.

Remembering too, in silence.

Die Wunderfahrt -Albert Sixtus /Sandor Bortnyik (via)

Vintage German wooden tangram set