Play is...

Play is our brain's favorite way of learning Diane Ackerman

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Fairy Home Fairy Garden

My Wood Guy is a genius.

I had this idea in my head and scratched it out in rough form, and he translated it into this beautiful piece.

I will be listing it today in my #etsy shop www.mybigworld2015.etsy.com

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

I never imagined!

 Being a mom, auntie, writer, preschool teacher, nanny, I have a good imagination. But I never imagined the wonderful response I would get from my sale yesterday.

Thank you.

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Sale in my Etsy shop Save 20% coupon code ONEDAY20

Today, February 21, 2016 and tomorrow save 20% (yes, 20!) on any order over $20 in my Etsy shop.

Use coupon code ONEDAY20

www.mybigworld2015.etsy.com

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Imagine floating on the Lake

 There's snow here in Ohio. Lots of snow. Like took me an hour to drive to work - that much snow.

 So right now, I am dreaming and imagining being lakeside in an old row boat, the sun making more freckles pop out on my nose, and dipping my toes in the water.

Hey, anything is possible in your imagination. I am totally crushing on these small wood boats that my Wood Guy made for me.

I had an idea scratched on a piece of paper. He brought it to fruition. The boats are Butter smooth.

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Beautiful Invitations to Play from Across thePond

 Recently, I shipped some whimsical items to Austria.  My customer sent me these stunning photos of beautiful invitations to play that she created using my items plus other beautiful wood pieces for her toddler.

The tiny worlds created here are just magical. Hopefully, you are inspired by @forest.fairy on Instragram!

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Making stories come to life with toys

Make your kiddos favorite story come to life with a few props. It's easy peasy and fun.

Get a book - any book will do! Leaf through the book and see some key characters or setting. Gather up some toys. Not too many as it will be overwhelming.

Read the story together - great bonding time. During this stage, the child is hearing the words, hearing the story, hearing new vocabulary, understanding that letters make up words, and phonics.

Then say, let's play the story. Your child may recall the highlights of the story and Make up their own version. Their verbal skills are improving. They are retelling a story, showing comprehension. They are using their imagination.

Make stories come alive!

I have been a busy bee. I have been juggling working full time and family, as well as making 9 (yes, 9!) playscapes so far this week, plus shipping out orders. It's a crazy busy life but I love it. I have a VERY supportive and encouraging husband - THAT makes all the difference in the world!

Have a fun and playful day

NEW Tree Stump Cottage Playscapes

I have been a busy bee!

I stayed up late last night to finish not one but SIX playscapes!

I am in the process of listing them now.

www.mybigworld2015.etsy.com

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Busy weekend

 I for one needed a Monday to recover from my weekend.

 Two basketball games, one high school play of To Kill A Mockingbird, and lots of sewing and shipping.

 I shipped to Australia and Austria this morning.

 I also shipped to Indiana and Georgia.

 I received a new request for a Daniel Tiger Neighborhood play mat. Hmmm...

 My days are full. My heart is fuller. I received the cutest message that one little girl chose my play mat over Legos. What?#? AND she paid for half of it by herself!

NEW items are in my Etsy shop.

Have a fun and playful day
Mel