smaller

small film- the happy film

The happy film from Karim Zariffa on Vimeo.

 very sweet and very well done. Kids would love this too I think.

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Lori Nix "Mastadon" from her Unnatural Histories series  -left

Ofra Lapid (photographs of models of falling down buildings)  -right

Small projects- make a doll

We love Adolie Day and have featured her work in Small before and we are excited to tell you about a competition she is organising to encourage hand making dolls for kids and big kids! Make a doll out of any material (wood, fabric clay etc) and send an image by email to fabriquepoupee@hotmail.fr before midnight Septemeber 14. There will be two winners- one under 12 and one above 12. The winners will recieve a copy of Adolies new book Coquette- Paper Dolls' and a signed number copy one of her prints, Pom D'Api shoes and will be exhibited in a gallery in Montmarte Paris in early 2012 alongside other doll artists.  

 

behind the pages of issue no.19

Photo by Nick Prendergast

Here's a peek into a photo story in the works by Nick Prendergast and Aften Owens (stylist) for the next issue out at the end of August.

 

small threads- design your own sweater

It is so hard to find good sweater for kids let alone organic, beautifully designed, ethically produced sweaters at a great price. All the products at Toto Knits are ethically made by a group of single mothers in Kenya. The knitters are paid by the piece which allows them to work as much or as little as they like- allowing single moms to make a living and still put their family first. They have great  classic and unique designs- I especially love the monkey sweater pictured above.

Best of all Toto Knits have a feature which allows you to design your own dream sweater and they are offering Small readers 20 percent off the usual 35$. Shipping is free until the end of October.

so...simply pick the style, size, shape, color and special accent that suits your child and your individual design will be produced and shipped to you anywhere in the world. I think this would be a fun thing to do with your child.

Click here to start designing your own sweater ....and if you don't feeling like creating your own you can see their other designs here.

Don't forget- the discount code is SMALL

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left: photo by quercus design

right: Day 345 by Lisa Congdon. A Collection a Day, 2010

small films- secret garden project

Kristin Brenneman Eno really cares about the state of children's imagination. We met her several years ago when she was working on her now almost finished film Spirit Ship. We did a really long interview with her in one of our earlier issues as we were so inspired by her comittment to fight the encroachment of generalised televisual imagination. The resulting film is a 15 minute collaborative live-action narrative film shot on location in Red Hook, Brooklyn with six children from all over New York City. It was shot with no script and instead develops a narrative through the spontaneous reaction of the children to props and sets. You can see a trailer and read more about this work here.

The Secret Garden Project takes this concept and produces 2-3 minute edited movies of your own children deep in imaginative play. The process is collaborative so the kids also particpate in the filming. Kristin's experience working with children and facilitating imaginative play will enable the recording of the fleeting period when the imaginatve world as engrossing as the real one. You can learn more about arranging a filming with your child here

small threads- mila-moo

Mila-moo is a new independent line of sweet, retro dresses in Liberty fabric (my very favorite fabric), all made in England. I love finding designers who make clothes that are suitable for the not overly sophisticated 'tween'. Beautiful and stylish but still fresh and innocent.

Website

Blog

playtime new york pop up shop

Head on over to Playtime's Pop Up Shop beniffitting K.I.D.S Japan earthquake relief. It's open to the public. Shop some of our favorite brands: Antik Batik, Bensimon, Flora and Henri and Kico Kids. 70% off retail!

Saturday 10am -6pm

Sunday 10am -6pm

Monday 10am -5pm

82 Mercer Street between Spring and Broome Streets

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Vexta (who has a new show this week here)

Andrea Sacchi - Icarus and Daedalus (1599- 1661) - the ultimate 'listen to your father' story

 

small finds- creme anglaise

 all kinds of cushions from creme anglaise.

small beats- lullatone

We have interviewed Lullatone before for Small but if you haven't yet... you really should check out this great creative group (and family) from Japan. They have lots of new free ring tones and this lovely (also free) rain drop music making app for keeping your little one busy in the waiting room. You can also pick up copies of their cd's and see how they make creative music for kids out of things they find around the house- which is a fun idea to share with your own kids.

Lullatone

small decor - henrietta swift

 

Love these fun stickers for light switches.

Henrietta Swift

small photography- from the air

Between JFK and San Francisco -Paul Octavious via the very cool (and informative) travel phtography blog - Skip Town

lucien freud (1922 - 2011)

Lucien Freud

small illustrator - kay van bellen

Kay Van Bellen (who illustrated a fashion story for Small- issue 15)  has new work in her shop. Lovely!

Website

Shop

small giveaway apliiq hoodie

Apliiq is an LA based new media fashion company that collects rare, vintage and recognizable textiles and applies them to everyday garments and accessories. The Apliiq website offers a selection of limited edition and custom appliqué products from which visitors can choose fabrics and garment colors to make a unique composition of color and texture.

Apliiq just launched some custom kids and baby gear and we're giving away a custom hoody with your design!  
To enter simply follow these steps: 
1) go to http://customize.apliiq.com and design a kids or baby hoody
2) click the "share it" button on the bottom of the screen and copy the link for your design our comments section below
3) share your link on our facebook wall and the apliiq wall

The winner will be announced here August 30th...be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win.

small projects- egg carton owls

Egg carton owls - a fun for all ages recycling craft. The owls in situ with one of the creators (wearing a custom made Little Bean top). Let us know if you make one- we would love to see it.

small magazine issue 18

Issue 18 is online----finally! We have made a few changes to Small. The pages are bigger, we added a contents side bar and it's a bit easier to navigate around the Small Draw and Back Issues pages. I was taking a moment and looking at our new back issues page (I can't believe we are on issue 18!) and noticed Amelie on two covers. The first when she was three years old and now, at age five, gracing the cover of issue 18. It's interesting to see how much our models (and us!) have grown.

Enjoy the new issue!

 

 

small film- public schools in America

a sad documentary with ideas about the possibility and potential for reform in American public schools - Waiting for Superman

Photos by Allison V Smith - from her Schools series

small threads- ola and olek

I love these shots from the Ola and Olek 2010 season. This year they have some cool seventies inspired outfits.  You can pick up some of her designs pictured above from Blue Caravan- the ethical online market place for emerging and independent designers.

small threads- boys swimmers

 

Stella Cove starburst trunks

Bobo Choses swim bottoms

JCrew board shorts

Polarn O Pyret  board shorts

Kids Case swim trunks

 

happy fourth

Dream Street 1955

photo by W. Eugene Smith,  from the exhibition American Dreams

sweet william sale

20%-30% off swimwear from Kidcase, Bobo Choses, April Showers...

20%-30% Saltwater Sandals...

20%-30% tees and shorts by Acme, Atsyuo et Akiko, Ada Ada...

everything your little one needs for summer.

small magazine behind the scenes

 

Behind the scenes of our fashion shoot for issue 18...out very soon...

Video by Jason Coker

small threads- really bright

I tend to wear all muted tones and secondary colors but I really wish I was able to pull off these kind of bright colors. These are my favorite companies that make clothes fromt he colors that make your heart sing.

Kit + Lili (Bright prints for kids and women)

Pink Chicken (Bohemian dress for girls and women too)

Dandy Dodo (A new company out of England - super patterns and unsual shapes too)

Polka (found at Little Pinwheel)- always colorful

Cupcakes and Pastries Great party dresses in bright jewel tones

small threads- vik prjonsdottir

Vík Prjónsdóttir is a collective of Icelandic designers thatare rejuvinating the wool and knitting industry in Iceland. They have collaborated with an old knitting factory and are producing new and innovative wool products for kids and adults. The products are all made in Iceland and reflect Icelandic traditions but often in a new and unusual way. This seal suit is bit warm for the northern summer but imagine how cosy it would be to slip inside this in winter. You can buy it at Birkiland (an online Icelandic design store)

small finds- wsake

There is so much great jewellry around we decided ot show you a little more.
Anna Artmann has just put out a new range of jewellry, for adults or kids. She started with a line of delicate stars and hearts, and then did personailised sillohuettes and has now produced a gorgeous bunch of creatures. I would love to have all four and be able to wear them togehter.  They are all handmade in her tiny workshop in Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany, using only the finest materials-  925 silver - partially dyed using no chemicals at all - and very strong natural silk. The silk wont rip, but to has a saftey clasp to make it safe for children.

Check out her blog and website- both beautiful

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I can't believe we have done over two years of the Friday inspiration. We are hoping to do some more documentary style shoots in the Fall issue.

These images from Lee Grant's series Sister Love

....and one from the Indian photographer Ketaki Sheth from her series Twin Spotting are really inspiring me right now.

small play- finally...a convertible glider bike

The new Super Glider from Balance Bikes converts frpom a glider (or balance bike) to a bike with pedals and is larger than average so can be used by adults (for exercise and to get around quickly) and also older kids who have having trouble transitioning to a bike or did not get the opportunity to learn and also special needs kids that just want to join the fun and get exercise. (oh and it also folds up!)

 

small finds - Vinca

Amanda Dimova, the designer of Bear Feet shoes, launched an edgy kids accessories line called Vinca. It's aimed at the older set, 12 - 16 years, but I know my 7 your old would love to wear the earrings carved from wood or glitter acrylic in shapes of butterfly's, deers, seahorses and birds. Just like Bear Feet, Vinca is handmade in Austin, TX.

Vinca USA

small draw- Naomi Zouwer

Naomi Zouwer was the first artist we featured in the very first issue of Small and was part of our small draw colouring book project. She has recently put out two new coloring books which you can pick up from LalaLand - the Australian publishing house for really beautiful artists' coloring books, posters, stationary and prints.

Naomi's coloring books and prints

LalaLand - a publishing world of artists

Naomi in Small

small photo shoots- inspiration board

This Norman Parkinson Photo (found on the Land Ho tumblr) is on our inspiration board for the next issue. Grant Cornett is shooting another still life for us- this time outside in upstate New York (where he is an artist in residence at the wonderful Wassaic Project.)

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1940's...

Moreton Salt girl - Art direction by Rhea Thierstein photography by Tim Walker

Vee Speers

 

small finds- my little day

My Little Day - the French party site- has just teamed up with Milk to produce a photo shoot of their perfect garden party. So sweet.

small threads - Pantoffel & Co.

Love, love love these shoes from Pantofféll & Co handcrafted in Poland. The best part - Pantofféll & Co. pledge to donate monthly 25% of our profits to Abandoned Soul Foundation.

small art - urban tickle

Great modern birth announcement prints by Urban Tickle.

small photo shoots

We are heading to the beach this week to photograph our issue 18 fashion story. It's the same location we shot 'summer lovin'  in the summer of 2008. Check out these cute bikinis from Kayce Hughes our models will be sporting.

Kayce Hughes striped knit bikini

the Brooklyn renegade craft fair!

head over to the Renegade Craft fair in Brooklyn  today and tomorrow to pick up some original mimi kirchner tattoed dolls, little hero capes, hand made plush toys from zoogu, wooly baby upcycled booties (see our post on 9th) Screech owl prints and cards (see our post on the 8th) woolies from pipsqueak chapeau and tons more of our favorite  designers and makers. See the full list here.

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Carol Dronsfield (Holga Photos) exhibiting now at green square tavern

Sally Mann ( via collection on The Daily Knickerbocker )

and if she has a boy!

I have always dressed my girl in boys clothes and the boys all have very long hair but for now I am being very color coded!

onesie by Kit + Lili

rabbit by rabbit rabbit softie

blanket by pink chicken

reuseable wall stickers from mae

toy bus made form recycled skateboards at boardgames

organic soap from babybear shop

booties by wooly baby

 

if my sister has a little girl...

I am choosing a gift....

Pink Bunting from My Little Day

Felt Slippers by Grazim

Embroidered pillow by Coral and Tusk

Cat from Sparkle and Spin

Alphabet Print from Little Big House

Bib by Nanana

small draw- Jacqueline Schmidt

 
Jacquline Schmidt of Screech Owl Designs is exhibiting at the Powerhouse Arena at 37 Main Street Brooklyn, NY 11201. (You can also buy the prints at her website)

Last year we interviewed Jaquline about her role as art director at Moomah. (check out Moomah if you are in New York and if you are not, visit their website for tons of inspiration and ideas for making with kids) Read the interview here

small furniture- insekt desk

 We are excited Kellie Smiths- from the Dutch line Buisjes En Beugels -has started making furniture. We love Kellies experiemental cuts and styles and have featured her clothes in Small since our fourth or fifth issue.

Here are a couple of shots from the last autumn issue showing her dress and jumpsuit (shot by Steve Visneau). The INSEKT desk is her first piece fo funriture and is available for kids, adults and as an extra high work desk. 

Check out the Buisjes En Beugels website for great books and homewares too.

 

small hands- damselfly

We have a new sponsor who would want to tell you about even if they were not a sponsor. Faith of Damselfly is truly passionate about her new business. Every piece is hand made in England using the 'whole garment' system and the gorgoeus items are evidence of the involvement of 'petit mains' rather than factory piece-work.  Faith concieves and constructs really special clothing, utilising the talents of local seamstresses. Only the best quality fabric is used and each piece has a specialty hand finish, like the silk ruffles or the embroidery you can see on the coat above. They are really heirloom pieces (but also amazingly affordable for a special piece). 

The clothes are beautiful, the photography and the website is beautiful and the passion for the work is really beautiful.

 

 

Shop

Website

Blog

 

small shops- SilasJules

SilasJules is the new line from the people behind Dig Og Mig -a little store in New York's West Vllage-specialising  in Danish kids clothes.

If you have not yet bought summer shoes for your boy or girl you should definitly check out SilasJules for their lovely imported Danish sandals. You will probably be sidetracked by the gorgeous liberty print dresses and shirts and flouncy skirts- all made in Manhattan NY. I am loving everything in this line.

Small beats- Renee and Jeremy

I give Renee and Jeremy's first album 'It is a Big World' to every new-born in my life. It is lovely music for adults and kids, filled with beautiful sentiments and great melodies it is perfect for quiet time. They have since put out another album C'mon which is great for jumping around the loungeroom.  YOu can listen to both albums for free on their website. Now in preparation for the new album coming out soon they havet made this sweet animation to their new single 'Share'. Share it with a little one here.

small type - ten birds by cybele young

I spotted Ten Birds by Cybele Young at the library and the books pen and ink illustrations caught my so me and the girls checked it out. When we read it before bed I was smitten with the adorable story of common sense and the inventive birds trying to get across the river.

Cybele Young is an artist who creates sculptural works from fine Japanese papers often printed from etched copper plates. Her inspirations come from fleeting day-to-day experiences while her creativity flourishes in the mundane, where small observations become fantastic.

I Didn't See That Part
2008 by Cybele Young

Cybele Young

Ten Birds By Cybele Young

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bed jumping

Julia Fullerton-Batten In Between

small shops- Specks and Keepings

Every issue I put together a couple of collages for the magazine. They always develop from an accidental find- stumbling across something that trips something in my imagination and makes me want to malke a whole page around it. Last issue I found Hillery Sproatt's embroidered dolls on Etsy and was inspired to put this Russian doll themed Small Something page together.Since the issue has come out,  Hillery has started up her own web shop which has much more than just her exquisite dolls.

I have now discovered that Hillery also makes beautiful fabric mobiles and etchings, and stocks in her shop gorgeous clothing for adults , lunch sacs, embroidered napkins, accessories and much more from some of her favorite makers and artists. The whole shop is now on my wish list. The whole shop is as perfectlly produced as the dolls that originally caught my eye.

Check out Hillery's shop, Specks and Keepings here and her blog here