The Adventures of Hush the Hedgehog

Me: We got to California in two weeks. What are you taking?
G: Uh, animals and clothes and swim suit. What are you bringing?
Me: what do you think I should bring?
G: Hush the Hedgehog for sure and maybe a swim suit.

Hush is our Safari Ltd Incredible Creatures Hedgehog that tends to pop in our play pretty often. G loves him.  He was part of our pet shop and sometimes, he just goes along with us.  It's one of her/my favorite toys.

Well, this will be an adventure. My nanny family is going for a conference for 8 days! I am going along to help with the girls.  It should be an adventure! It's the longest that I have ever been without my husband. I hope I don't get homesick. I actually am looking up fabric, craft, and toy stores in the area!

The countdown is on. I hope Hush packs lightly!

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Craft Day Tuesdays - Necklace plus Art

 Does inspiration ever come to you at the weirdest times? It does me.  I went to Hobby Lobby on Saturday.  I was a woman on a mission.  I knew exactly what I needed.  I had a short window of time...then BAM!  Inspiration struck.  I saw these tiny wooden discs and I thought, "I know our next project!"

 We painted the discs pale blue.  It took very little paint to do 4, so a whole bottle of paint would probably paint 50+.  Then, we went off to play while they dried.

 Later, we drew the "scenery" with Sharpie markers.  Just fun things like sunshine, grass, rainbow, etc.  Easy, right?

We picked which button would go with each scene (Dress It Buttons - aren't they cute?).  I hot glued on the buttons.  I burn my fingers ev.ery.time.  Then, I hot glued the ribbon on the back for the necklace.

They turned out sooo cute.  I might make theses with my nieces and nephew, too.  They were a hit!

8 wooden discs - $1.99
Blue paint - $1.00
Ribbon - $1.00
We already had the Sharpies and the buttons

Are you inspired to make some adorable necklaces?  I think I want to wear the unicorn one!  :)

Have a fun and playful day!
Mel

Pigeon's Pet Shop Grand Opening

So Pigeon's Pet Shop has been in the planning stages for several weeks now.  But today is the Grand Opening.  Why Pigeon?  Well, because one of our favorite books is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.  G said, "Oh my goodness, can you imagine if Pigeon ran a pet store? It would be chaos."

So we cleared off the bookshelves.

We organized.

We wrote out the prices. (Good writing skills there!)

We placed all the animals in their "cages".

I love the price amounts that SHE came up with.  Huge price difference but oh well.

All (or most) of the animals are from Safari Ltd. Incredible Creatures line.  We love them.  They are bigger than most of the animals out there, so they are the perfect size fora  pretend pet shop.

We do carry exotic and unusual pets as well - a variety of birds, some snails, pet ladybugs, pigs, frogs, eels, and more!

G took hours deciding the placement of each animal.  too funny.

Once all the animals were in place, she added to our inventory (more birds and lizards and Nemos and Squirts the turtle!)

We worked really hard at creating a perfect pet shop after visiting our local pet store. "We need bedding and toys for the animals and food and money."  I think she will be a great store owner:)

We are ready for the ribbon cutting ceremony with goldfish crackers for snack!

Will you be inspired to create a pet shop in your home or classroom's dramatic play area?

Have a fun and playful day!
Mel

Valentines

Can I get a drumroll please?
Ddddddd...
Ta-Da!
My Valentine's are done!

After spending several hours photographing these Incredible Creatures from Safari Ltd toys, I fell in love with the end result.  I printed the photos as 4x6s at my local CVS with a white border to give it more of a postcard feel.

 I think the recipients of these Valentine postcards are going to smile.  I mean, who couldn't smile when you see this Baby Chameleon holding a heart?

 I know the 'whooo loves you' is kinda punny, but I couldn't resist.

 I love the expression on the white mouse - it's almost like he is covering up a smile.

 This little hedgehog is oh-so cute - the perfect Valentine.

 The flying squirrel just makes me smile every time I see it, like he is ready to leap and fly with his outstretched arms.

 The hermit crab just lends himself to being a Valentine, right?

 Okay, the guinea pig is my absolute favorite, because I used to have guinea pigs in my preschool classroom and at home.  Look at this sweet little face.

Valentine's Day is less than 2 weeks away.  I cannot wait to mail out my special Valentines.

Mel