Fairytale Friday - Enchanted Forest

When Princess Claire heard the news, she knew exactly what she needed to do. She asked for the strongest Bear Guard and the bravest Gnome Guide. She knew the journey would be difficult...maybe even dangerous.
With her Bear Guard and Gnome Guide, Princess Claire went into the Enchanted Forest, where unicorns still ran free and animals can talk.
First, Princess Claire asked the wise Snowy Owl if he had any information. He said something was amiss but to ask the deer.
The Deer agreed that something wasn't right in the forest and maybe the Dragon would know more.
Oh, yes, the Dragon did know something. He had seen a dark figure dragging a bag through the forest.
Princess Claire got goosebumps.
The Dragon to ask White Mouse. She might know a little something.
Indeed, White Mouse knew that the dark figure was holding something in a cage down at the river's edge.
Princess Claire summoned her courage and headed straight for the wild rushing river with her Bear Guard and Gnome Guide.
A cage is what she found!
And in that cage...the Prince!
The Prince had been kidnapped and held for ransom. Quickly, Princess Claire unlocked the cage, rescued her brother the Prince, and headed home.
A grand celebration was held that the Prince had been found. The animals of the Enchanted Forest were invited as were the Bear Guard and Gnome Guide.
Princess Claire was named the bravest in the land.
The end

What stories will your kiddos toys inspire today? Happy imaginative weekend!

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

I believe in fairytales

 Albert Einstein said, "if you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairytales."

Me and Albert - think alike, we do.

Talk like Yoda, I am. Why? That came out weird.

 I believe in the power of imagination. I.agination helped me through my childhood. Make believe, fantasies, it is ALL important in development for children.

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

What Play Looks Like

Play may look like chaos...and sometimes, it is.  But that's okay. Children need to explore, make a mess spread out their toys, create a story in their head, make believe.  They are toys - they clean up. Let them play. And if it is bedtime, just tidy up. Do not put away the full zoo that they have created on the floor.  Let them add to it tomorrow. Trust me. Watch and be amazed.
What Play Looks Like by melanieshanks on Polyvore

Pets Toobs
safariltd.com

Blue Gnome Fantasy
safariltd.com

Whimsical Ways
whimsicalways.blogspot.com

Whimsical Ways
whimsicalways.blogspot.com

Whimsical Ways
whimsicalways.blogspot.com

Whimsical Ways
whimsicalways.blogspot.com

Whimsical Ways
whimsicalways.blogspot.com

Raccoon Standing
minizoo.com.au

Grizzly Bear Female
minizoo.com.au

King Penguin Chicks
minizoo.com.au

Little People Sofie Bluebird
fisher-price.com

Little People Park Ranger
fisher-price.com

If babies grew in gardens...

"If babies grew in gardens, then everyone who wanted one could have one. My friend Maci was adopted." -Greta, age 5

Ahhh, wouldn't that be great,

Out of the mouths of babes.

I think this will be inspiration for a new play mat.

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Take the fun outside!

My friend @clairehereandthere on Instagram sent my these pics of her adorable daughter playing with my cottage Playscape.

See all playscapes at
www.mybigworld2015.etsy.com

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Penguins in April

 Do not ask me why, but in Saturday, I woke up thinking Penguin Chicks. It did snow on Saturday here in Ohio in April. Was it my fault???

 Wouldn't these be cute for a baby shower for first birthday party???

Not happy to paint just one, I made a whole dozen Penguin Chicks Peg Dolls. A waddle of penguins!

The play possibilities are endless.

Add to winter pretend play, dollhouse, or play mat. Use as a cake topper. Gave as party favors.

They are now available in my shop
www.mybigworld2015.etsy.com

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Custom Order Peg Doll set

 I made one set of these my my It's a Small World Playscape Play Mat. Then, I received a request for another set.

 This weekend, in Saturday, I painted for 9 hours! Yep, you read that right. Nine. Hours.

They shipped out this morning to New Mexico. Imagination in the mailbox! :) that makes me smile.

Have a fun and playful day
Mel