Wednesday, 22 September 2010

The Big Draw

big draw logo
I recently found out about the Campaign for Drawing, which I think is a fantastic idea, and not just for kids. For one thing, I think it's a real shame that many people worry that they are just not 'artistic' enough to draw. I think folks should just have a go, and have fun...it can be quite liberating. It's also great to experiment around with different drawing materials - pens, pencils, felt-tips, markers, ink...and then there are all the different choices of drawing 'surface' - not just paper, you know. The list is endless!

The Big Draw is a celebration of drawing - for those who can, and those who think they can't - that takes place in October every year. There are lots of events taking place all over the UK next month, which you can find out about on the site.

The Owl & Lion Gallery/Boutique in Edinburgh is running some free workshops for children as part of the Big Draw - details here - including mask making, owls and other animals. All they ask is a small donation (which goes to their chosen charity, the World Wildlife Fund for Animals). Places are limited though, so if you're interested, I'd suggest booking very soon!

...and, just for kicks: here's an interactive, online version of that game we all play(ed) at school - Draw & fold over.

Friday, 17 September 2010

DIY Duvet!

Having been under the weather in recent weeks, I've had rather a lot of duvet days lately. So I thought I'd tell you about this fantastic idea for kids - or big kids for that matter!

do not disturb
What better way to stave off boredom than by doodling...on your duvet. Yes, really! It's called the Doodle Duvet:

doodle duvet
This is a stroke of genius by Stitch Designworks - the 100% cotton duvet comes complete with a set of colourful pens using ink which washes out at 40°C. I also like the fact that it's printed to look like a sheet of file paper :)

doodling on the duvet

Monday, 13 September 2010

Reading Roald Rocks!

This is a special Roald Dahl Day edition of Reading Rocks! :)

As it's the advent of the well-known children's author Roald Dahl's birthday today, what better day to celebrate some of his wonderful works. So, without further ado, here are a small selection of my favourites, featuring the lively illustrations of Quentin Blake.

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

wonka
Matilda

matilda
Revolting Rhymes

revolting rhymes
James & the Giant Peach

James & the Giant Peach
The Witches

The Witches
The BFG (The Big Friendly Giant)

BFG
George's Marvellous Medicine

George's Marvellous Medicine
If you want to mark the occassion yourself, why not try something from the downloadable Roald Dahl Day Party Pack? It's sure to be entertaining!

There's also a rather wonderful and interactive official website (complete with a quiz, e-postcards you can send and a flying peach game for under 13s) here.

Wednesday, 8 September 2010

Back to School Cool

I am off to college myself this week...so, with that in mind, here are some rather lovely 'back to school' finds on folksy I thought I'd share.

alphabet print
'The Alphabets' print by Indira Albert

blackboard bookmark
Stitched blackboard bookmark by Millicent


Birds fabric covered notebook by Rama and Jude

pencil case
Cute printed 100% organic cotton pencil case by Love from Beth - will also be available soon in kit form for any budding sewers!

crayon roll
Keep those crayons tidy with this pretty polka-dot crayon roll by Stitch Me Lane


new school card
Send them off to a new school with a card illustrated by Rebecca Lancaster Designs