KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Edwina

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Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it – we all do it, we shun the cold blooded and somewhat fishy approach of spawn and leave: us warm blooded creatures have an overwhelming biological urge to create a cosy little nest for our tiny, wee bundles of love.

Nesting is part of our nature, creating a beautiful nursery or nook for our new love is perfectly natural and joyful part of the grand creation, and no one should stand in our way!

In fact, so driven are we, that I am told if you are nearly ready to pop and have a maniacal desire to clean out all the cupboards and wash down the walls, then look out because the baby is on its way.

But, hopefully if you are reading this, then you are sensibly putting your feet up or having a well needed escape from the kids and the housework. And What better way to fill your house with beautiful things and relax at the same time is to do a little shopping without moving your ass

It’s often possible to pick upsome very beautiful and inexpensive prints that are perfect framed for the nursery wall, play room or anywhere around the house, and today I want to show you some of my favourite indie artists and illustrators.

*****

Emily Martin – The Black Apple

Emily is a wonderful artist based in Portland, USA. She has a great blog called Inside a Black Apple where she chronicles her quirky Victorian aesthetic and shares lots of beautiful paintings, prints and dolls.

Emily is a bit of an uber-blogger whose Etsy shop is very full and successful and she has even shared the stage with Martha Stewart on her TV show.

From left to right:

1. Bubblegum Betty Print. $US18.00.
2. The Snail Jockey Print. $US18.00.
3. Telephone girl print. $US16.00
(ps. I have Bubblegum Betty on my living room wall and she always gets a comment.)

*****

Sarah Jane Studios

I love this artist, her pictures are just gorgeous full of whimsy and light. They have a vintage echo but the colours and hues are very modern. You can delve deeper into world through her blog Sarah Jane Studios and explore more of her prints in her Etsy shop. These prints are only a small selection of my favourites.

From left to right:

1. Winter Cheer Print. $US24.00
2. Lavender Blue Dilly Dilly Set – 2 Prints. $US40.00
3. Waiting Print. $US24.00

*****

Belle and Boo

Belle and Boo is another wonderful business run by English pals Mandy and Kate. They have a similar vintage feel but with their own British twist.

They are stocked at Nest Studio in Adelaide or you can purchase prints, clothing and homewares online from their website or Etsy shop.

From left to right:

1. Belle, Boo and the 1″ Horseman Mounted Gilcee Print. UK32
2. My Favourite Spot in Winter Mounted Gilcee Print. UK32.00
3. Cowboys and Indians Mounted Gilcee Print. UK35.00

*****

Art and Ghosts

Art and Ghosts aka Louise produces some very amazing and surreal images. Inspired by nursery tales and mythology, Louise creates these intriguing digital images that surely have a story to tell.

It is worth having a look at her blog and site for a deeper delve into her world.

From left to right:

1.The Orchard Twins Print $US24.00
2. The Magic Toyshop Print. $US20.00
3. Ruby Print. $US24.00

*****

Aunty Cookie

Aunty Cookie is the alter-ego of Shannon Lamden, a Melbourne based artist and designer who muses about her moochy life on her blog. She also designs fabric and has some cute book stickers that can be downloaded. These ink drawings are a great way to get an ‘original’ for a tiny price, and cute fabric as well.

From left to right:

1. Welcome Baby Ink Drawing. $AUD20.00
2. Toot Toot Ink Drawing. $AUD20.00
3. I Dig Birds Digital Print. $AUD12.00

Please check individual sites for details on postage and delivery.

Today’s post written by Angela

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For back to childcare/pre-school/kinder/school supplies you just can’t go by Kinder Kaboodle – www.kinderkaboodle.com.au. This fabulous store, run by genuine sweetheart Bernice, is purpose-built to make life kitting your kids as easy as pie.

For backpacks, large enough to accommodate lunch, snacks, art projects, and a change of clothes, whilst still being small enough for a little person to carry, choose from Kinder Kaboodle’s fab range from Rush, Tiger Tribe, Mini Rhubarb, Fleurville (my personal faves!), and Zebra Crossing (now on sale!). For swim bags and library bags, check out the range from Kiddysac. Choose from the cute range of bag tags from The Bag Tag Studio to ensure that your backpack is easily identifiable.

Drink bottles from Alex & Charli, Rush and Tatiri are essential to keep your little one hydrated.

Lunch boxes are another essential, and the insulated varieties are great for keeping food fresh and bacteria free. Fleurville Kids, and Fridge-To-Go lunch bags are just the thing. There are also a super selection of lunch bags from Penny Scallan, Bestever, 4 My Earth (fantastic eco-friendly options!), Crocodile Creek, and Rush.

Many schools are now requesting that your child front up with a hand towel with a loop. Kinder Kaboodle saves the day, with towels from Feef (who also make the world’s best smocks, in my opinion -  *nothing* can soak through these babies!).

Name personalisation services are also available on many of the products at Kinder Kaboodle – Kinder Kaboodle is a full service!

To further sweeten your shopping experience, you can enter ‘KSF’ in the discount code/coupon section at checkout to receive 10% off all orders at Kinder Kaboodle until 31 January 2009.

PS: Don’t forget to check out the Sale section at Kinder Kaboodle for lots of quality goodies for less.

Take 10% off all the prices quoted below with the code mentioned above until 31 January 2009.

A. The Bag Tag Studio Bag Tags $9.95 each
B. Fleurville Kids Backpack $59.95
C. Feef Hand Towels $10.95 each
D. Penny Scallan Lunchbag $19.95
E. Rush Dinosaur Backpack $39.95
F. Bestever Alligator Lunchbag $29.95 $23.95
G. Crocodile Creek Lunchbag $29.95
H. Kiddysac Library bag $19.95
I. Fridge-To-Go Lunchbag $26.95
J. Zebra Crossing Backpack $39.95 $31.95

These top brands are stocked at Kinder Kaboodle: Alex & Charli, Bazoongi Kids, Bestever, Bobble Art, Boys Don’t Wear Bows, Charlie and Lola, Chelona, Chick Pea, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Cupcakes Jewellery, Feef, Fleurville, Fruity Faces, Giddy Giddy, Goldfish Gifts, Happy Guru, Hotbods, Jam Industries, Kiddysac, Kids Cold Packs, Little Chipipi, Little Swish, Milestone Press, Mini Rhubarb, Mini Whisk, 4 My Earth, Oscar Blue, Penny Scallan, Rolly Poly Kids, Rush, Smelly Welly, Tatiri, The Bag Tag Studio, Vintage Kid, Western Chief, and Zebra Crossing Club.

Kinder Kaboodle charge $6.00 for parcels up to 500gms and $9.00 for parcels 501gms-3kg, Australia wide. Orders over 4.3kg will display the charge at checkout. Orders over $120 are shipped free!

Posted in Bobble Art, Cocoon Couture, Fleurville Kids, Kinder Kaboodle, Rush, Tiger Tribe
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Post written by Angela

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You may have recently seen in the news the story of up and coming artist Aelita Andre, whose brilliant post-modern works impressed, and then embarrassed, a gallery owner when it turned out this budding talent was only 2 years old!

Photo of  Aelita Andre courtesy of The Age

Aelita’s mother and father, established artists themselves, say that they merely gave her the opportunity to paint, exposing a natural talent.

Could the same be true of your child? Well, you never know!

Regardless of whether your master or miss is the next Picasso, exposing kids to art, and involving them in artistic endeavours is a great way to encourage creativity and self expression.

If you are in Queensland, the Queensland Art Gallery, and Gallery of Modern Art has a tremendous Kids Summer Art Festival on from 16-26 January. Download the full program of events.

QAG also run a regular ongoing program of events for children including Sundays In the Gallery, Toddler Tuesday, and Kids Tours. Contact QAG for further details.

Andy Warhol for Kids exhibition at QAG

ArtPlay in Melbourne is an exceptional program that gives children the opportunity to participate in artistic, interactive and creative projects with professional artists in workshop settings. I LOVE their Eco-Cubby project!

View the full calendar of events. Also, don’t miss ArtPlay’s fabulous Birrarung Marr playground, located behind Federation Square.

Birrarung Marr playground

Melbourne Summer Fun in the City (2 Jan-28 Feb 2009) also has a number of great activities for kids including the Mr Sandman Sand Sculpture at Docklands.

The sand artist is the remarkable Damon Farmer, and his work is sure to delight your children (and you!) – if your kids are anything like mine, then they’re favourite ‘medium’ is sand!

Please check individual websites for further details on dates, fees and availability.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Chances are, you’ve now caught up on yourself after the Christmas/New Years rush and you’re starting to look towards what this year will bring.

And what this year will bring, without a shadow of doubt, is cold weather in surprisingly few months!

Fortunately I’ve just discovered a cache of winter goodies in the sale section at Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au – which means that you can get prepared for a stylish winter at bargain basement prices!

Choose from the winter wonderland which has Britt Design, Mokopuna (divinely silky-soft merino from NZ), Lilbird and Penny Scallan, and have a look at the fantastic toys and summer gear in the sale section too.  There are some great discounts in there! (Hint: the winter gear starts on about page 3 of the sale section).

Now if you’re interested in what’s new and what’s hot (aren’t we all?) then it’s always worth paying a visit to the Metro Mum ‘New This Month’ category too.  Tamara and Francine really have their finger on the pulse when it comes to stocking hip new products!

I’m seriously in love with the Oeuf nursery furniture, and if I had my way then my next nursery would have nothing but those pieces in it… except for an organic cradle (or maybe a moses basket and stand?) by Seed!

Both ranges just have to be seen to be believed – oh, and the prices for them on Metro Mum include shipping so the price you see there is the total of what you’ll pay.

Also new this month are adorable kids birthday invitations from Paper Eskimo, cute backpacks from Little Beetle and a great range of nappy bags for both dads and mums.

Now finally, grab your copy of My Child Magazine or check the latest KidStyleFile News & Reviews Weekly Newsletter (sign up for it here if you haven’t already) and use the code to take 10% off everything except sale items and furniture at Metro Mum until 19 February 2009.

See details above to find information on how to score a 10% discount at Metro Mum.

1. Little Beetle Kiddie Backpack and FREE Drink Bottle – Lady Beetle, $29.00
2. Seed Organic Cradle, $330.00
3. Seed Organic Pod – Moses Basket & Stand, $355.00
4. Penny Scallan Girl Stripe Raincoat, $42.50 $29.75
5. OTi Organiser for Busy Women, $39.59
6. Paper Eskimo Birthday Invitations Pack – Glamour Queen, $18.95
7. Lilbird Basketweave L/S Tee – sz 2, $45.00 $29.98
8. Mokopuna Merino Wool Wrap Tunic Dress, $57.00 $48.45
9. Little Beetle Kiddie Backpack and FREE Drink Bottle – Train, $29.00
10. Paper Eskimo Birthday Invitations Pack – Space Cadet, $18.95

The range of brands at Metro Mum includes Emotion & Kids, Babymoov, FLATOUTbears, Il Tutto, Bilibo, Britt, Lilbird, The Prego Planner, Isoki, Mokopuna, Storksak, Melobaby, Mia Bossi, PeeWee & PooToo, David Fussenegger, DadGear, Little Sprowtz, Language Littles, Little Beetle, Baufix, Little Swish, Kipiis, FunPod, Keptin-Jr, Paper Eskimo, Foogo by Thermos, Snack Trap, Nest, Kanoe, Qtees, Mothers Minder, Ocho, Little Kitchen, Compendium, Ellaroo, Boyle, Milk & Tickles, Annabel Trends, Wall Candy, Lupi Lu, Mishi Design, Scount Organic, Oeuf, Mishi Design, Penny Scallan, and Caden Lane and Trunki.

Metro Mum charge $7.95 postage to most areas (less if you’re in the Sydney Metro area) – check the Delivery page for full details. Orders over $200.00 are posted free of charge within Australia.

Today’s post written by Angela

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I believe that looking at, playing with, and wearing beautiful things, created with love, has a positive effect on our well-being.

I also believe think you’re never too young to appreciate beauty. In fact I think that children maybe appreciate it best of all, as they’re constantly taking the time to smell the roses and notice the details in things.

Grandy and Baa tees and onesies fit the bill for me for many reasons: 1. they feature the coolest appliques, made from gorgeous quality fabrics and ‘up-cycled’ buttons for the optimal sensory experience, 2. they have names such as ‘Truman Triceratops’, ‘Mervin The Slightly Mad Dog’, and ‘Rocketing Into Space’ (I love this: evokes so much excitement and life!) and they are made right here in Australia, by a Mum, with Love (go Aussie!)

You can feel the love, and adopt a Grandy and Baa ‘Buddy’ in onesies and tees, in sizes 6 months to 2 years, from the Grandy and Baa Etsy Shop.

Prices are quoted in US dollars: contact Rachael at Grandy and Baa for Australian rates, and postage details.

PS There’s also the Grandy and Baa blog to behold: check out this cool and simple (mess free!) project, just one of the superb craft ideas Rachael has documented.

Post written by Miki

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Looking for something a little bit different for your kids?  Something stylish of course, but not the same outfit as every second kid in the street is wearing?

Well look no further than Where Did You Get That? – www.wheredidyougetthat.com.au – for cool clothes from Tea Collection, and Daily Tea, as well as Tommy Rocket and Two Belles, and shoes from Morgan & Milo and Lelli Kelli.

Toni and Melony at WDYGT? have specially chosen every piece to be distinctive and to stand out from the crowd, and now’s the time to jump as there are currently two huge sales at WDYGT?

First of all, there is 30% off all summer clothing.  Pretty sundresses for the girls and cool tees and tanks for the boys teamed with some great shorts make for perfect summer wear, and right now the buying is great! (A couple of weeks ago Angela played stylist at WDYGT? with some of these items, check out her hot fashion sense here.)

Tea Collection also have some great special occasion-wear.  How about this adorable Seymani Sundress for your daughter and the Mendoza Boys Outfit for your son?  (You can also buy those pieces separately).

The other sale is in the Winter Clearance section, with up to 50% off some gorgeous products from last winter.  Snap ‘em up now! The Tiny Tea Boxed Layette sets are just too precious for words, and there’s a great range of pampering goodies for bubs and mums.

Just to make the two sales even more appealing, KidStyleFile readers can take an extra 10% off store-wide* at Where Did You Get That? The extra discount includes all sale and Enchanted Faeries!  Enter ‘STYLE-10′ at the Redeem Discount Coupon section at checkout. This offer expires on 31 January 2009, so scoot on over now.

*10% discount excludes Winter Clearance and Books & CDs categories.

Enter the code ‘STYLE-10′ at checkout to receive an additional 10% of the prices quoted below until 31 January 2009.

1. Tea Collection Mali French Terry Dress – Indigo, $73.95 $51.97
2. Tea Collection Mopti Woven Top – Birch, $52.95 $37.07
3. Tea Collection Ghana Batik Dress – Raspberry, $84.95 $54.97
4. Tommy Rocket Khaki Singlet Top, $29.95 $20.97
5. Tommy Rocket Marlin Tee, $36.95 $25.87
6. Tommy Rocket Board Short, $49.95 $34.97
7. Tommy Rocket Blue Check Shirt, $54.95 $38.47
8. Two Belles Green Voile Top, $54.95 $38.47
9. Two Belles Mini Mouse Dress, $49.95 $34.97
10. Tea Collection Dogon Twill Long Shorts – Woodbine, $54.95 $38.47

Where Did You Get That? stocks a huge range from the following designers: Aden + Anais, BabyMoov Bebedelice and Lovenest, Bella Tunno, Bod and Bod for Bubs hair and skin-care, Coco Boheme, Coo Clocks, Deglingos, Djeco, eco.kid,  Enchanted Faeries figurines, Girls 4 Sport swimwear, Goorin Borthers, Lelli Kelly, Moppit, Morgan & Milo, Opal London, Pink + Blue Yummy Mummy, Star & Rose, Tea Collection, Thermos, Tommy Rocket, Tooli, Two Belles, Zid Zid Kids, and Woolbabe sleeping bags.

Where Did You Get That? charge a flat rate of $7.95 for standard postage Australia-wide.