The Power of the Peg Doll

 I am happy to share that my peg dolls have been purchased and shipped all around the world along with my play mats, mountains, boats, & more.  As an early childhood educator and parent, I know that children's imaginations are sparked by the simplest things - a cardboard box, a stick, a peg doll. These simple wood turning dolls are handcrafted by a fellow Ohio artisan and hand painted by me.  They are sealed with a natural, non toxic sealer safe for children.

 Peg dolls can be anything and everything. One simple doll painted with a green body can be a zookeeper, a fairy, a mommy, a garbage man, and so much more.

 No bells. No whistles. No batteries. No small pieces to break off.  These peg dolls are unisex and hold a whole universe of imagination within them.

 Children have BIG ideas for these little peg dolls.  Adults do, too.  I have heard that they are being used for imaginative play, home decor, in classrooms, and even in play therapy!  I love the fact that not only are my peg dolls part of your children's childhood, but also that they can be part of the healing process for children. That's the power of the peg doll.  My heart is full.

This is the magic of childhood.

Have a fun and playful day!
Mel

Play is a powerful thing

 This weekend, Toys R Us had a sale on Schleich toys. I bought some baby elephant calves. My husband said that I bought the whole herd! Funny man, that one! :)

 The girls and I follow several Elephant conservation groups on Instagram. Every morning, we check in for updates on the different elephants in their care. We love seeing pictures from Elephant orphanages in Africa.

 The girls - ages 3 and 6 can locate Africa (&some of the countries within Africa!) on any map or globe now!

I am setting up a play elephant orphange with all these baby elephants from Schleich. Can you see the DETAIL on these toys? I mean, their leathery skin! Amazing. No. I am not getting paid by them, but I do love their animal replicas. Each one is hand painted!

It is on my list to visit Schleich when I go to Germany! Someday, someday.

Through play, we have learned about the elephants, people who care for them, and also people that try to hurt them. We talk about people who run the conservation centers and their jobs. We talk about people who champion for The end of the ivory trade. Prince Harry and Prince William always are mentioned :) The girls take on the roles of vets and caregivers of the elephants and love "feeding" them with baby shower favor baby bottles.

Africa is thousands of miles away. And poaching and extinction of elephants are big concepts for little ones. But through play, the concepts have become tangible and close to their hearts.

I am sharing the world with children through play. Play is a powerful thing.

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Happy Horse Farm ~ Magic of Childhood

I sometimes just sit back and watch the play unfold. Adults don't always need to facilitate the play. Children should facilitate the play. What happens next is pretty much magical.

Since I won't be with the kiddos for Easter, we gave them our gifts early. A couple new animals, new fence, and books.

The Happy Horse Farm was developed and came to life right before my eyes. "I have a new pony. Her name is Honey. She likes apples and laying down. She is friends with the barn cat." -G, age 4

Childhood is a short time. Cherish it. Nurture it. Put your phone, ipad, laptop down...and be present.

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Throwback Thursday - Toys from Childhood

Do you remember this treehouse from Kenner?  It was one of my favorite toys from my childhood.  It came with people and a car and a spotted dog.  Eventually though, I moved in The Littles dolls, and this treehouse became their home.  I think if G had it, she would have all of her Schleich, Papo, and Safari Ltd toys move in.  I need to see if my mom still has this.

Throwback Thursday - Toys from Childhood by melanieshanks featuring home decor