weekend project #2

/






Last week we bought my son a 'first words' book. It had some common words like 'car' and 'ball'- but the car didn't look like ours and the neon orange soccer ball didn't look like any we owned. So I thought it might be nice to create a first words book exclusively for him, using objects that were more familiar to him and focusing on words that he was either already trying to grasp (ball, momma) or words that would be helpful to me (milk, water).

I started with some letters I had long ago purchased at a thrift store for a dollar. I was thrilled to come up with a project for them, since they have been sitting unused in a glass jar for at least a year. I photographed the words on a white background, and then photographed the objects on a white background as well. I did most of this during Gram's naps. Then I compiled the album in iphoto (I have a Mac), and sent it off Sunday evening. The price tag was more then I wanted to pay ($28 by the time tax + shipping factored in), but I think it will be something we will hold onto for years. 

If this one is a success with my little G, I'm thinking I will do a book exclusively of people in his life (his grandparents, uncles, doctor, etcetera), with the hope they will be more familiar to him- particularly the long-distance relatives.

weekend project #1

/





We finally caved and bought our little G his own chair. He had been flopping himself into any and all he could get into- and would scream with glee every time we were at a friend's house who had one. I knew he would love it. What I hadn't counted on was how much he would love the box! My husband and I turned it into a little home for him in under 15 minutes on Friday night. I wielded the exacto knife and Charlie got crazy with the duct tape, even creating handles and pulls out of it. We made little windows and shutters that he opens and closes. He has spent more time with it then with any other toy we have purchased. It is not a thing of beauty by any stretch of the imagination, but the way it entertains him (for a long time) IS a beautiful thing!

gen says... (lucy's scrapbook + room)

/









A post by Genifer Goodman Sohr:

"This is Lucy...my o-so-sweet, creative, brilliant step-daughter! Lucy's latest creative project began with a Valentine's Day treat from Cupid - a red and pink polka dot photo album (from Target) and Martha Stewart's Playground Multimedia Pad (from Michael's). The pad is full of patterned paper- nice, heavyweight inserts that fit any standard photo album. It also includes stickers, letters, and everything else Lucy needs to adorn the album.

Since Valentine's Day, Lucy has spent all of her free time crafting pages of fantastical stories and illustrations- so I just had to share this idea. I know we will all enjoy looking back at this book in the years to come- such a fun way to document her 9th year!

Now that you have met Lucy...I thought you might also enjoy seeing a little peak of her room. It is full of fun crafting projects and collections. The lanterns above her bed are also from Michael's (the Martha Stewart line), and were hung with assorted grosgrain ribbons. The silhouette was a piece made by her dad with simple construction paper. A funny collection of assorted vintage animals tops her desk (collected from thrift stores and flea markets). There's also Lucy's prized possession- her Kid Robot collection.

Lucy's room suits her perfectly- girly, creative, unique and independent- just like she is!"

Thank you for another creative post, Gen! You've inspired me. -shm