Handmade, One of a Kind Mobiles by Franze Straessle

I was struck by the simplicity of these handmade mobiles by Franze Straessle which I found on the delightful Papier Mache blog. They seem to be more of a tribute to the treasured trinkets of childhood, as opposed to a stimulating over the crib mobile for a newborn... but I love the idea as decor for a playroom or older child's room.

Here's an enchanting description of the mobiles from the designer's site:

"A clothes peg flirts with a jelly bear. To their left a pencil stub notes down the confessions of an old key. The invited witnesses are: a miniature car number plate, a vending machine ring containing a fake pink gem, a baking tin, a roll of pigeon blue thread, a glass Christmas bauble decorated with a dark-red heart, a beautiful shard, a flashing eye, a silver spoon, the smallest money sock in the world, a coin, a Denk-fix card, a mother of pearl button and – and for the sake of completeness – a light bulb. All of these things are dangling from a ring made of wire. Why? Simply to be there – like us all."

via Papier Mache

Agave Nectar -- Not Such a Sweet Deal

We're constantly looking for ways to make our lives more healthy, and when we started using Agave Nectar in place of organic sugar in our tea, we presumed this was the better choice. But I just came across this telling article at Re-Nest which purports that Agave Nectar may not be all it's cracked up to be. Of course, the author points out that there is conflicting evidence both for and against Agave Nectar, and the bottom line is, we don't know who or what to believe... which seems to be becoming an all too frequent, frustrating situation regarding the safety of the vast majority of foods (and their packaging -- ie: BPA in cans) on the market. It seems that nothing may be taken at face value anymore, and even though we found our Agave Nectar on the shelf at Whole Foods, it should be suspect.

Here's an excerpt from the article on Agave Nectar as quoted at Re-Nest:

Agave syrup is a manmade sweetener which has been through a complicated chemical refining process of enzymatic digestion that converts the starch and fiber into the unbound, manmade chemical fructose. While high fructose agave syrup won’t spike your blood glucose levels [as HFCS is reported to do], the fructose in it may cause mineral depletion, liver inflammation, hardening of the arteries, insulin resistance leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

This brings me once again to the basic fact that pure sugar in moderation is better than any other substitute on the market.

Wallpapered Furniture by Bryonie Porter

Furniture in need of a makeover? Take a clever cue from designer Bryonie Porter and revamp your bookcases and dressers with wallpaper. There's no need to cast off worn furniture to a landfill when you can spruce it up and make it like new again, like Porter does with her wallpapered furniture.

Her upcycling process gives boring furniture a stylish infusion, and her pieces are topped off with water-based, eco-friendly high gloss lacquer, making them a perfect green alternative for outfitting a child's space.

Craft TuesD.I.Y with Lisa Lopez: Make a Keepsake Shadow Box for Your Child

In celebration of my son's 5th birthday tomorrow, today's craft is a beautiful way to collect memories from over the years and place them in a keepsake shadow box to hang and display. Recently, my mother gave me my shadow box that she made for me when I was a child. Having it as a treasured memory of my youth inspired me to make one for my son that he can cherish for years to come. Shadow boxes are so fun to make, and they are like scrapbooks that hang on the wall!


Materials You Will Need:

• Special items: little figures, crayons, favorite candy, (wrapped is best), themed paper, fabrics, ie: blankets, a favorite dress, that has been outgrown and you don't mind cutting. Note: take care not to take items that will be missed if displayed behind glass and can no longer be played with!

• A picture for the center of the box

• Regular glue and hot glue
  

• Whatever you can dream up! I even found an old wooden box, pictured in the lower right corner of my son's box, which I turned on its side to store more little trinkets. You can add shelves, like the shelves seen in my own shadow box. And if you are really adventurous, you can make your own shadow box out of an old dresser drawer!

• Or you can find a shadow box at your craft store all ready to go.

How to Make A Keepsake Shadow Box

1) Once you have gathered your cherished mementos, remove the back of your shadow box and mount your child's picture, regular glue works great for the picture mounting.

2) Next, you can use your hot glue for securing heavier items in your shadowbox. I recommend completing the back portion of your shadowbox, and then moving on to the inside items, (the items that will go on the ledge.)

3) You can line edges with paper, fabric, etc. And be sure to measure as you go, holding up the back part so all of your items fit and are visible.


I'm thrilled that my son Logan now has a keepsake shadow box that he will treasure for a lifetime. And I just want to wish him the happiest of birthdays! The past 5 years have been the best years of my life and I cherish him dearly.

'Grass' Countertop Drying Rack from Boon

Aside from the fact that it's just plain adorable, I love 'Grass,' the countertop drying rack from one of my favorite modern baby gear companies, Boon. Boon is no stranger to Petite Planet. I have written about their Stash organizational system, their non-toxic bath toys, and their innovative toddler feeding gear -- and the company continually releases fun, functional products that make a parent's job a little easier.

Confession: Before Grass sprouted on the countertop next to our kitchen sink, I was using a tupperware container lined with a paper towel to catch and dry all of the baby/toddler gear that required washing and air drying. (Gasp!) Grass is not only an immensely more stylish option, it gets the job done effortlessly.

When you toss anything from pacifiers and sippy cup lids to bottles, bottle nipples, forks and spoons atop Grass, it simply sticks to the blades to air dry -- with any excess water dripping to the white tray underneath. Both the Grass and the tray are top-rack dishwasher safe, and both components are BPA, phthalate and PVC free. Grass measures 10x10 inches, so it is the perfect size for small kitchens, and it really adds a fresh, sweet flair to the countertop!

Handmade Indoor Play TeePees

When it comes to building a fort, Olivia and I usually drape an old sheet over four dining chairs and crawl underneath... but when I saw these handmade indoor teepees crafted from vintage fabrics, let's just say I got instant teepee envy.

Each teepee is handmade to order with 100% unbleached cotton, and features vintage appliqued floral and bird motifs. They are easy to put up and they fold away and may be stored easily as well. Additionally, they have a cut away window and workable gingham curtains in one wall. And parents will appreciate that the teepee's removable fabric base is washable.

This teepee would be a great addition to any stylish play room -- and you can also get your child's teepee personalized with his or her name!

Ranging from $145-$245, these tiny abodes are an investment, but they are sure to be a treasured hideout for many picnics and reading sessions with beloved dolls and teddy bears.

Herbatergent: Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent from Vaska

Vaska laundry detergent is changing the world one load of laundry at a time! This refreshing, eco-friendly, non-toxic, hypo-allergenic line of detergent is ideal for adults and children with sensitive skin, as it contains only plant based ingredients and no carcinogens, petroleum or other chemicals that are harmful to the earth and to delicate skin.

Vaska products are superior due to their purity and performance power. Their botanical solutions, derived from lavender, leave clothes smelling fresh and looking clean. I am a big fan of their Herbatergent, which comes in Light Lavender or Scent Free varieties, uses real herbs for cleansing power, and boasts only the following natural ingredients:

• Plant-based surfactants
  

• Vegetable conditioner

• Water-soluble degreasing agent
  

• Lavender extract
  

• Lavender scent (Light Lavender only)

• Filtered water

A 48 oz. bottle costs $9.99 and will wash 32 loads. Vaska Herbatergents are 2x concentrated, biodegradable, graywater and septic tank safe, not tested on animals, and they soften clothes naturally. Because Herbatergents are chemical free, they extend the life of clothes by not breaking down their fibers. Additionally, the detergent bottle is made of HDPE, 75% post recycled content and is commonly recycled by most cities.

Laundry isn't a load of fun, but it's detergents like these that turn this chore into a beneficial, refreshing experience! Vaska products are available on Amazon.com.

Blabla Butterfly Backpack from Grasshopper

When your little caterpillar becomes a butterfly fluttering off to preschool, this beautiful, handmade, perfectly sized backpack will help her tote all of her necessities. Designed by French artist Florence Wetterwald, each Blabla butterfly backpack is hand-knitted by Peruvian artists using age old techniques that are passed down from generation to generation. The zipper closure keeps contents secure, and the butterfly's soft feel and sweet smile provide reassurance while away from home.

Check out more amazing handmade wares from Blabla at Grasshopper.

Craft TuesD.I.Y. with Lisa Lopez: Homemade Felt Cookies Bake Up Play Kitchen Fun!

GOT FELT? MAKE HOMEMADE FELT COOKIES!

This week's craft might appear to be a huge undertaking, especially if you don't sew. But I assure you, neither do I -- except for the occasional button or tear, and I was able to make these adorable cookies with ease! This was a very fun craft because I loved seeing how many different varieties and flavors of cookies I could whip up. I was inspired to make these homemade felt cookies because my niece has a play kitchen which she adores, and special pretend food made with love is less expensive, non-toxic, and green!


Materials You Will Need To Make Felt Cookies:

• Recycled Eco-Felt in multiple colors
  

• Embroidery floss

• Needles: 2 types, a regular one for the thread and a thicker " tapestry" needle for the embroidery floss

• Beads (optional)
  

• Eco-friendly fiberfill
  

• Scissors

How to Make "Chocolate Chunk" Cookies:

1) Using a glass or something round in the size you want, trace 2 circles onto your felt and cut them out.


2) Cut out small square shapes for the chocolate chunks.

3) Thread your larger needle with matching brown embroidery floss.


4) Taking one of your circles, start to sew on your brown "chunks" going up and down throughout the felt. Once you have sewn in a square around the chunk, tie a knot on the backside.

5) When all of your chunks are sewn into place, take the second circle you cut and put it behind the one with the chocolate chunks.


6) Using a whip stitch, sew around the circles to attach them together.

7) When the circles are almost sewn together, stuff some eco-friendly fiberfill into the cookie's center to make your cookie "puff" up a bit. The more fiberfill you use, the puffier your cookie! Then finish off your stitching and complete the edge. Yummy! Looks almost good enough to eat!


How to Make "Sprinkled" Cookies:


1) If you want to make "sprinkled" cookies, cut out two circles using your felt.

2) Take the larger needle and some embroidery floss, and using only the top circle, thread the embroidery floss up and down throughout the felt to make the look of sprinkles. Tie a second knot on the back of the felt when done.


3) You may also use beads to achieve a sprinkles effect. Sew beads onto the top piece of felt with your smaller needle and thread. Note: If very young children will be playing with these felt cookies, skip the beads (possible choking hazard) and use different colors of thread for stitching in the sprinkles.

4) Another fun cookie to make is a "frosted" cookie. Cut out different colors of felt to represent the color of frosting you'd like to use. Attach the frosting felt to one piece of the cookie, then put the two circles together and repeat your whip stitch around the edging.

5) Fill cookie with Eco-friendly fiberfill and then stitch closed.

Experiment by making different shapes of cookies! You can make heart shaped cookies for Valentine's Day, and box them up as a gift for a beloved child! These cookies are fun and easy to make -- and they will be a treasured addition to a toddler's play kitchen. So go ahead and stitch up a batch today!

Eco-Friendly Sesame Street Clothing for Green Kids

We love Sesame Street in our household (who doesn't), and these recycled Sesame Street T-shirts for kids, make it easy and stylish to be green! Each shirt is made to order by Morfs Brand mom/designer Julie Barger in her Virginia studio -- and each is completely unique! The beloved characters, Zoe, Count, Big Bird, Oscar, Elmo, Grover, Ernie and Cookie Monster are crafted from recycled tees, and recycled patterned socks are used to make the cozy layered sleeves. "Can you tell me how to get..." one of these tees ASAP?

via Growing up Green

Vintage Chenille Ice Cream Cone Baby Rattles

The name says it all: "vintage chenille ice cream cone baby rattles." Have you ever seen anything so sweet? Well, aside from your baby! Etsy shop Vintage Chenille serves up these delightful waffle cones topped with a soft scoop for baby to shake, rattle and cuddle.

Be sure to check out all of the other baby rattle offerings crafted from vintage chenille -- including birds, pears, apples and carrots! And for tots with a penchant for Pachyderms, don't miss the adorable selection of plush elephants. Rabbits, scotties and little dolls round out the vintage chenille baby toy collection, which is certain to be treasured by tiny recipients!

Eco-friendly Valentine Cards from Green Shanti

Valentine's Day is one month from today! Send your loved ones gorgeous, eco-friendly cards that spread the love without harming trees for paper! Green Shanti has an exquisite collection of Valentine cards that are made from raw materials like silk, jute, coconut shells, banana fiber, dried leaves, cane spices, beads and crystals.

The cards are handcrafted in India by communities of artisans, and no trees were touched to create Green Shanti's Valentines. Each card is made from 100% recycled, acid, chlorine and tree free handmade paper derived from cotton rags and natural fibers. The blank leaflet inside each card awaits your special sentiment for your loved one.

What a great way to love the planet for Valentine's Day!

Visit my post on more ways to have an eco-friendly Valetine's Day here!

Family of Three Lives the Simple Life in a Yurt

The next time you feel cramped for space in your home, think of Erin McKittrick and Bretwood Higman, who live in a yurt (a one room Mongolian-style tent) located in Alaska with their 11 month old son.

According to a recent article on the couple's lifestyle in The New York Times, "they decided they could live without running water, shower, bath or a working toilet, but they had to have broadband Internet access." Dogs help lick their dinner plates clean, and they take showers once a week after an hour long walk to the closest town.

The couple, who have walked more than 7,000 miles together, started the organization Ground Truth Trekking to help raise awareness of environmental issues in Alaska.

I always like hearing about people living modestly and close to the earth in these settings because a) it makes me appreciate all of the little things I take for granted and b) it's a reminder that life can always be lived on a simpler scale to benefit the planet, and most assuredly the individual.

Photo: Stuart Isett for The New York Times

Craft TuesD.I.Y with Lisa Lopez: Decoupage Flower Pots

New to the medium of decoupage, I ventured out and got my first bottle of Mod Podge to start exploring the art -- now I am officially addicted and want to decoupage EVERYTHING! The warm sunny weather in San Diego this past weekend inspired me to plant some new plants and give the pots I put them in a bit of flair. I decided to decoupage some Terracotta plant holders with materials I had around the house. It was very easy and very fun -- read on to learn how to make your own decoupage flower pots!


Materials you will need:

• Terracotta pots

• Mod Podge - You can make your own by taking 3 parts white glue to one part water. Add 2 tablespoons of varnish for shine. Mod Podge isn't expensive, and it comes in a wide range of styles from matte to glitter. There is also an "outdoor" Mod Podge, so if you are going to put your pots outside, you may want to use that variety.

• Whatever materials you want to decoupage onto your flowerpot. I used a napkin with a print I liked, the packets that the flower seeds came in, and some pretty paper. You can also use postcards, magazines, newspaper, etc.

• Scissors

• Paints

• A "sponge" type brush

1) First, cut your paper, or whatever material you are using, into small squares. I did this as I went along because you will need to fill in with odd shapes and sizes. Put some Mod Podge or glue mixture on each piece and then affix it to your flowerpot.


2) Continue cutting and gluing your paper on the pot until it is covered. If you are using a napkin, take care because it will tear easily.


3) Once you have covered the surface, take your sponge brush and cover the entire pot with Mod Podge or glue mixture. One coat is fine, but the bottle says you can do several coats if you desire. Just allow 15-20 minutes in between coats.


4) Once the flower pot is dry, you can paint the rim of the flowerpot in a matching color, or leave it as is. Below, you can see the flower pot that I decoupaged using a napkin with a fun print (on the right).

The decoupage possibilities are endless! So next time you have some magazines lying around, postcards, or almost pretty material, try your hand at these decoupage flower pots, which would also make great teacher gifts with a lovely plant!

Below, you can see the flower pot I decoupaged with the packets that the flower seeds came in!

Organic Headache Soother Balm from Badger

As a sufferer of frequent migraines, I am always on the lookout for headache remedies. I at least like to try natural methods of healing to see if they work, before having to rely on medications.

Badger, the maker of my favorite sunscreen for kids, just debuted their Organic Headache Soother balm. It is an all-natural cooling temple rub formulated with botanical extracts and Menthol crystals to relieve headache pain. It promotes relaxation and helps cool and clear sinuses as well. Simply massage it on temples, on the back of your neck and on your forehead for relief. Its aroma-therapeutic elements include Eucalyptus and Peppermint for refreshing, Lavender for calming and Mandarin for uplifting.

If I feel a headache coming on, I do my best to thwart it with this soothing remedy. I also like that the whole family can use it -- given its pure, safe ingredients.

Here's to your future being headache free!

Toilet Paper Roll Art by Yuken Teruya

It takes a special, eco-conscious artist to find the beauty in an empty toilet paper roll, and Yuken Teruya does just that with his "Corner Forest" which springs forth to life via paper rolls.

Regarding the intent behind Teruya's work:

"Yuken Teruya manipulates everyday objects, transforming their meanings to reflect on contemporary society and culture. Cutting trees out of paper bags and cardboard toilet paper rolls, he creates meticulous and intricate art works, small and enchanting worlds, which relate to broader concerns. In each bag and roll, the shape of a tree is created without adding or removing anything, just by cutting out and folding the paper from the bag itself. Teruya’s works explore issues such as the growing consumerism of contemporary society, depleting natural resources and other problems associated with globalism, including the threat it poses to localized cultural traditions and identities."

Be sure to check out how the artist transforms a paper bag from McDonalds into a piece of art here.

via Swiss Miss

10 Ways Kids Entertained Themselves 30 Years Ago by KidCrave

Yesterday I wrote about how important it is that we as parents start to unplug our children from media influences. Then I came across this wonderful post from KidCrave: 10 Ways Kids Entertained Themselves 30 Years Ago, and ah, does it make me reminisce about a simple game of kick the can!

Remember playing Red Rover, Stickball and Mother May I? What about Hot Hands, Four Square, and Red Light-Green Light? These were all wonderful games that got us involved in the outdoors and social connections, and had nothing to do with televisions, video games, ipods or cell phones. Let's re-visit the old school charm!

MUST SEE: Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood

I rarely issue proclamations like "you MUST..." because I reserve such bold statements for vitally important issues. This is one of them. I strongly recommend that if you're a parent you MUST watch the compelling online documentary: Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood.

You can click here to view it in its entirety. I'm not going to lie and say this is easy viewing. It is not. I had a lump in my throat and a pit in my stomach the entire time I watched it. You'll want to turn it off and say it doesn't apply to you or your kids, but if you live on planet Earth, believe me, it applies to you and your kids.

This film opened my eyes to the deceptive, toxic influence that the media has on our children-- and they aren't just being targeted via commercials on TV- that is so 80's -- now, our kids are being targeted everywhere they go -- at school, on the bus, through their emergency cell phone, at slumber parties -- you will be dismayed yet empowered by what this film will teach you about protecting your child from marketers that pray on their emotions and their innocence. It is time to take a stand and UNPLUG our children from the media circus. Let's return them to old-fashioned values, playtime and activities that nourish their spirits, spark their imagination and celebrate their unique personalities.

Believe me, I am the first to know that an hour of time is precious. I raise our daughter all day and work all night, but FIND THE HOUR to watch this documentary. You and your family will be so much better off for it.

Craft TuesD.I.Ys with Lisa Lopez: Potato Stamps, Sponge Stamps and Marble Art!

The holidays are officially over, but that doesn't mean the merriment has to end! There are plenty of ways to enjoy rainy or snowy days indoors. Your Petite Picassos will love creating art with potato stamps, sponge stamps and marbles as a special alternative to pulling out crayons or markers for art time. Next time your little one wants to celebrate their abstract side, encourage their talents with these quick and easy, delightfully fun craft projects!


Materials You Will Need:

• Paints

• A potato

• Sponges

• Butcher paper/paper

• Marbles

• Any type of box ie: shoe box, lid to a box

Potato Stamps

Cut a potato in half, which will allow you to make two stamps. Draw your desired shape onto the surface of the potato using a marker. Cut around this shape with a kitchen knife, leaving the design so it is raised on the surface of the potato. Dry with a paper towel. Pour some paint into a dish and you are ready to stamp!



Sponge Stamps

Take any old sponges, and cut them into fun shapes, letters, numbers, or whatever your artsy child prefers! Dip the sponges in your paints and stamp away!



Marble Painting

Take your box or box lid, secure a piece of paper to the bottom with tape, and have your child choose their paint colors. Squirt a bit of each color of paint anywhere on the paper. Then drop in a few marbles, and have you child hold each side of the box, carefully rolling the marbles through the paint. Allow to dry completely, then pull the paper out of the box and proudly display!

Keep these easy ideas in mind and inspire your child to create art in exciting new ways!

Sonicare Electric Toothbrush for Kids!

By now you know of my penchant for dental hygiene, from reading my previous posts about dental health with regard to The Natural Dentist, Preserve Jr. toothbrushes, and the Teach Me Toothbrush Set. So you can imagine that I was elated when Philips Sonicare recently unveiled their electric toothbrush especially designed for kids ages 4-10.

I prefer electric toothbrushes because they are inherently less wasteful by design (no need to trash the entire toothbrush time and again, simply replace the head), and they work much harder and more efficiently at cleaning teeth, with less effort required by the user -- a real selling point when said user is a child who isn't particularly skilled at brushing his/her teeth!

The Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush for kids was very cleverly designed with kids in mind. This power toothbrush was created for parents to teach children how to brush effectively, so they may successfully transition to brushing their teeth without guidance. The Sonicare for Kids toothbrush "is clinically proven to remove up to 75% more plaque in hard-to-reach areas than a children’s manual toothbrush in children ages seven to ten."

Additionally, the Sonicare for Kids toothbrush features "KidPacer® technology with fun musical tones that indicate when it’s time to move to the next quadrant of the mouth," and "a KidTimer® to help kids reach the recommended 2-minute brushing time by progressively increasing time over 90 days."

Two modes and two sizes of brush heads are available for the toothbrush: low mode/the smaller brush is designed for kids ages 4-7 and high mode/the larger brush is for kids ages 7-10 "for different phases of development to ensure a gentle, yet effective clean."

This innovative toothbrush will no doubt place kids on the path to healthy teeth and gums, and since it makes brushing your teeth a fun experience, it makes a parents job a little bit easier!

Ring in 2010 with an Eco-Friendly Calendar!

Let your kids celebrate every colorful day of the New Year with an eco-friendly Animal Alphabet calendar from Turnaround Design. Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled cover stock, each month features a sweet, vibrant animal paired with a letter -- and calendars may be personalized with your child's name and a star on the date of their birthday! Happy New Year!