Birch Forest Playscape

 So I fell in love with these birch straws from https://www.etsy.com/shop/CupcakeSocial an HAD to order them.  They arrived this week and are adorable!  I knew exactly at I as going to do with them - create a birch forest playscape, of course.

I used Crayola's light blue Model Magic for the ground then simply stuck the straws right in - instant forest.  The deer is from Safari Ltd and the fox, bluebird, owl, and skunk are buttons from dressitup.com

 Here are Mooshka dolls.  Aren't they adorable?  I found them for $4.99 each at Target and thought they fit in well with my birch forest theme.

I am obviously playing around here.  I have had the Flu and my creativity has been zapped.  But today, I am feeling good and full of ideas. I found this pillow favor box at Joann by K&C Company.  I thought,"What a cute party favor! And I can add a Safari Ltd koala to it for party perfection."  ust something I am working on.

Well, while I still have good light, I am going to get back to my photosafari!

Have a fun and playful day!
Mel

Math Games Mondays - Buttons make great counters

I am not reinventing the wheel here.

Preschool teachers have been using buttons as preschool math counters for a looong time. But I recently discovered Jesse James Dress It Up buttons and my mind started spinning with the possibilities ~ themes and games and sorting.

I first found these adorable buttons at Joann stores then Meijer and Hobby Lobby. Dressitup.com has many many irresistible varieties. I am planning some Math Games Mondays with these cuties. 

Preschool teachers and kindergarten teachers tend to use themes.  Trust me, you will be able to find buttons to fit your theme with Dress It Up buttons.  No, I don't work for them and no, this is not a paid advertisement.  I just love these adorable buttons.  More ideas coming soon.

Have a fun and playful day!
Mel

Buttons make great counters by melanieshanks featuring garden gnomes

Feed the Animals

Ever see those signs that the park or zoo?   DO NOT FEED the animals!  Well, I am going to turn that thinking upside down.  I am saying feed the animals - well, maybe just the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks.  It's late winter, supplies are low.  It could be a fun activity to do with the kids.  Set some seed out then maybe make some birdseed playdough found on two-daloo.com with Safari Ltd birds or  cookie cutter shaped bird food found on apartmenttherapy.com

Stay warm and have fun!

Have a fun & playful Saturday!

Mel