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happy halloween

robotic zombies holding hands - rafael age 5

small type- new issue of BIG magazine

If you haven't found BIG (stands for Bravery, Imagination, Generosity) magazine for creative kids and artists you really should check it out. It is a wonderful resource- beautifully produced and full of thoughtful and inspiring creative work and ideas. Their third isssue is about to come off the press so if you subscribe now you will get it in the mail in about two weeks.
You can read our interview in Small with the founders and creative directors, Jo and Lilly, here.

small art- cardboard creatures

Saw this show of 'anthropogenically modified organisms' by Kirsty Fletcher at Red gallery- the kids were enchanted!

small furniture- piet hein eek

I love everything he does.

website

children's pieces

and if you are in the netherlands you can visit their real world shop

small furniture- Jäll and Tofta convertible crib

Finally a cool and convertable crib! 

The 'Rocky' bed made by Jäll and Tofta and available at their new shop or at Buisjes and Beugels.  Jäll and Tofta ship internationally too.

small shows- the cosmic bicycle theatre

The Cosmic Bicycle Theatre and Puppetry Studio is a place I used to visit in its old location in the East Village. The theatre has now moved to Brooklyn and amazingly 22 years since the owner Johnny ClockWorks first opened in Boston, he is still producing unique and imaginative puppet theatre.

In addition to producing all kinds of puppet theatre, they do childrens workshops in the holidays, birthday parties and kids matinees.

They need support from the public in particular right now, so if you are in New York - make time to see one of their shows and help save this magical place from disappearing.

Website

Blog

small threads- spirit hoods

Animal hoods for the very individual child - magic clothes that transport the wearer- in this case to somewhere slightly wild. Spirit hoods for kids and babies ...and now Spirit hoods for adults too.

small beats- rag time blues

Randy Kaplan (or 'Shampoo Me' as he is known in our house after his hysterical song where a shark comes in through the plug hole and demands a small kids shampoo his head) is one of our favorite kids performers. His new album of blues and ragtime for kids is out now and you can get it here. So much fun for dancing.

small threads- suoak

Elly Geana-Park brings her experience as a designer in Europe nad Asia to her new line for kids - Suoak  Suoak uses fabrics primarily from Japam and Switzerland and is produced in New York. Her designs are sweetly serious and slightly formal but always fresh and comfortable enough for playtime.

small finds- gifts galore

Two shops that stock an astonishing array of ecclectic, unusual and enchanting gifts, party supplies, crafts and decor for the more particular child.

a random selection from the treasure trove at Mes Habits Cheris - (pictured above)

Lark - always full of vintage, cuteness and kitchness.

small play- play and return

This is a great idea- more fun, less waste and clutter.  Join Spark-box toys and they will send you a box of personalised and developmentally appropriate toys for your child  play with and return once they have new interests. All the toys are beutifully crafted, always safe and clean and selected for its engaging and educational qualities. Lean all about it here. I think it would be a great new baby gift.

sample boxes for a 24 month and 12 month old.

small threads- minimaximus

Miniimaximus make super cool and ethically produced t shirts for kids- designed by artists and kids! We love their ethos and their products. Even better- they are having a big sale.

Website

Shop

If you or your kid are interested in submitting designs to be considered for future T-shirts you can read all about how to go about it here.

small threads- shoes on...lets go

wellies from Joules

white mocassins from Atlanta Moccassin

'unbreakable' soft brown suede velcro boot and red suede lace up boots from Kicker

Zephyr shoe for toddlers at Stork

small finds- satchel & case

red leather satchel also available in black

lunch case - a classic that comes in many colors and sizes

apple print lunch bag

zig zag print case  or is it a satchel...I guess satchels have long handles and cases have short ones?

pink and gold satchels ..... and any other color satchel you would want

small finds- school time

At Molly-Meg, design shop for childeren - adorable vintage style desk and chairs in a fantastic range of colors, by Les Gambettes.  

small draw- motivational creatures

The awesome Dallas Clayton has just put together 100 motivational cresture prints- find them here.

Daqllas is a guy who made his own dreams come true- check out his great books and inspirational story....

Blog

Books

small threads- nixie

Look at Nixie's one of a kind vintage fabric designs- lovely. The whole collection is- as usual- made from vintage or sustainable fabric.

small type- book by it's cover

We have interviewed Julia Rothman before in Small about her favorite independent publications for kids. I have recently been to her site and I remembered what a great resource it is. As well as being a talented artist, author and co founder of the webdesign group ALSO, Julia collects and reviews all kinds of independent art publications. Above are some images from the independent childerens books - all reviewed and pictured on her site for you to explore..... You can take a look here..... 

small play- handmade dolls

 
I still have the doll that my great aunt made me when I was a child. She has long pink arms and legs and curly wool hair with big staring blue eyes made from felt.There is something about her that was always special and I love seeing how she lives on in my own daughters games.

Floral doll

Jess Brown rag doll

small finds- mad science

Aromic and Good Science prints from Double Merrick

Minature anatomy in a jar series minature glass bottles from Kiva Ford

Mad sciencs alphabet blocks from Xylopca Design