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Here are some happy child-related finds that came our way over the past week:

1) This is a beautiful little painting named 'Keira in the blue dress', by Jennie De Groot who blogs here at The Distracted Painter. She wrote to me a while ago, asking if I'd mind if she used this picture of Keira in her new blue dress as painting inspiration. Of course I didn't, and Miss K is very honoured to have had her portrait painted.

2) Here we have the kids' absolute favourite new album, There's a dinosaur in my backyard by our local children's songwriter Kath Bee. Kath's songs are clever and funny and children adore them. I won the cd in a giveaway on Kath's facebook page and it has been in high rotate ever since. Cheers, Kath!

3) In the third photo above you can see my latest flea market find: a little selection of vintage handmade Barbie clothes, which I will package up for one of my nieces this Christmas. (I'm afraid my feminist leanings made it too difficult for me to ever buy K her own Barbie doll, but she doesn't seem to mind too much.) My sister and I had the exact same strapless checked dress with the blue ruffle you can see in the photo, which is why I thought I should buy them and hand them on to her daughters.) I also love the little houndstooth cape, lined in satin.

4) Arlo helped me make some Christmas tree decorations on the weekend, a bit like these ones we made a few years ago. This time we used blue and white Japanese origami paper, and we love their geometric styles. You can find the tutorial here, should you need a little something for your own tree.

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9 responses to “for the kids”

  1. Jacqui Avatar

    Gorgeous little painting! I think the red doll cape is actually from a 60s Cindy outfit, or maybe it was her little sister, as we have what looks like the same one handed down from my older cousins. I could haul out the catalogue and have a look if you really want to know!

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  2. Ella Avatar

    What a beautiful painting. I never had a barbie, and can’t bring myself to buy one for Sophie. I think we’re okay, in spite of such deprivation 🙂 Those tiny clothes are darn cute though.

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  3. Amy Seven-Stitches Avatar

    I had that checked dress too. I can remember saving up for it. I think I had more fun dressing up and designing for my Barbie than playing any other games. Have you ever come across “Knitted outfits for teenage dolls”? It was my fashion bible and well worth a giggle too.

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  4. tinyhappy Avatar

    awesome. i havent seen that book- but will look out for it for sure! 

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  5. kate Avatar

    the portrait is lovely. I have my own little collection of various barbie type dolls and the rather psychedelic clothes my mum and I both made for them. no daughter for it to be a dilemma, but my son has enjoyed playing with them!

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  6. www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawn_wQ8DSe02Gw2CW9Vp66YSDwTmymetXJo Avatar

    I had a barbie I bought as a teenager by collecting all my pocket money. It was expensive back then but I loved it and since I couldn’t afford clothes for her I made my own too.
    I loved the tutorial for the little wreath,easy and quick last minute craft for school too, thanks!AriadnefromGreece!

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  7. Cinnamon Avatar
    Cinnamon

    The portrait of Keira is so lovely!
    I had barbies growing up too, but I don’t have any particularly fond memories of playing with them (I think I disliked how the shoes always fell off.) And, I too am to much of a feminist, so we don’t have any in our house either. Thank you for the tutorial link. I’m always saving those for when the kids are a little older and want to do that sort of thing.

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  8. domesticali Avatar

    You have a muse in the family! What a charming painting.
    And I thought those wreaths looked familiar 🙂

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  9. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I made a couple of those stars last night — they’re a fantastic idea!

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