Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Kids stuff...

Becky Higgins coined a phrase recently. “play station”. She stated how she has what is called a “play station” set up in her create space for her kids so they can be busy while she is in the midst. I did that a while back, but I did not have a clever title for it. We just call it "Analise’s stuff". My youngest loves to be in my studio with me. She told me the other day: “Mama, when I grow up I am going to do scrapbooking just like you”. How sweet is that? How can I resist not letting her in the room with me? So, I put some supplies together just for her and a place just for her to store them. I simply made a file type box from some leftover cardboard. Covered the box in patterned paper, added some ribbon and embellies, and you would have thought I just bought her a pony and her own circus. She loved it! We cover her glue stick in paper so she remembers it’s hers. And she has access to all my punches and goes to town punching and gluing to her hearts content.
In so many ways it’s a win, win”:
She spends time with me….
She does not get into my stuff…
I recycle older supplies in her direction…
Everybody is creating and happy…
This helps with my scraps, too. I hate to throw them away, as it is. So instead we utilize the die cut machine, and other paper punches, and they make for many creative outlets for her.


Oh, and one more thing…my oldest daughter loves the photo mistakes I so often make. So, I don’t throw any of those away either. They are saved for her and she relishes those little treasures.
Just a few thoughts on keeping little ones happy, and you happy.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love the idea of a 'play station'. My DD2 loves crafting, but her stuff seem to be in different places.I think I may have to do a bit of a shuffle round in our, craft,computer, junk room.
Jackie worcs :-)

Trish said...

I love this post, Jamie! We have a big craft drawer that is in our family room that houses most of the supplies, and also a tool caddy for coloring books and crayons/markers. It is cool to have them nearby...

Anonymous said...

Just an added idea for your "discarded" photos - I save some, esp those including trees, flowers, etc. Then I will cut out letters for titles from them. Use pop dots on some!

Anonymous said...

Hi:

I love the butterflies punches. I noticed the smaller one is Martha Stewart. Where can I buy the larger punch or is it a die? Thanks so much for sharing.

Michelle

Candace H said...

My daughter loves to create with me too, Jamie! No studio here, but we mess up the dining table together, lol! May need to make her a little carrier - thanks for the cute idea!

Colleen said...

what a great idea!! she's such a cutie too

Anonymous said...

She is so cute like those cute butterflies... It is best stuff for kids!!