KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Cassi from The Crafty Crow

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Hello everyone! Today I have selected eight different craft ideas using autumn (or ‘fall’, as we say here in the US) leaves – one of the best and most beautiful free crafting materials around. Enjoy!

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1 – Isn’t this mask amazing?! 5 Orange Potatoes shares how they did it and a mask pattern to print out.

2 - This plaque at Ordinary Life Magic is a great way to preserve autumnal memories – try making one for every season.

3 – I love the gorgeous results of this combination of leaf rubbings and crayon wax resist at Our World My World.

4 - These pretty leaf votives at School In Our Home are easy to do and make a lovely gift as well. Check your local thrift shop for inexpensive glass containers.

5 - Go for a nature walk and collect some sticks and leaves to make this fun craft at This Little Project.

6 - Lori Joy Smith shares a different version of the fall-leaves-in-wax-paper idea – make it into a little book!

7 - Color Color Color shows you how to make a fall tree with items from your recycling bin. (Link to come)

8 - I think these leaf puppets are so cute at The Toddler Blog. Older kids could write a simple fall play to entertain the younger kids.

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You’ll find many more great craft ideas at The Crafty Crow, I hope you’ll come by and say hello! If you have a project that you would like to submit then send it my way – details are in the right column on The Crafty Crow.

You can view more ‘The Crafty Crow Presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.

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Today’s post written by Leah

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Children have imaginations that have the power to make dragons out of white puffy clouds, magic abodes atop the tallest trees and from the swirling winter wind, fairy whispers. As youngsters, everything and anything is possible. No dream is too big and magic does happen. We take delight in the simplest events and laugh aloud more often than any other time of our lives. No wonder, as adults we are always chasing youth and hoping to capture and bottle it!

The Enchanted Child – www.enchantedchild.com.au – has encapsulated all there is to that wondrous period of our lives with an assortment of labels that have somehow taken the essence of childhood and infused it into their designs. Winter is welcomed with colour this year; bursts of it just spring out from The Enchanted Child’s pages.

Shopping isn’t just an activity us adults can delight in. Little Evelyn loves shopping too and doesn’t mind glancing into a window or two and perusing the wears. See her below shopping on trendy Mailing Road in Melbourne dressed in her Freshbaked Dress (in red to stand out) and clutching her Bobble Art bag. I’m quite partial to her Ouch gumboots and wish they would make these in adult sizes for me <*pout*>. It seems to me that red is the perfect colour to scare away the dreary greys of winter this season.

New arrivals at the Enchanted Child include Danish label Fixoni, which boasts bursts of lime and red this season including the Fixoni Star Tee and Fixoni Fiona Print Top which are just about the perfect long sleeve t-shirt for a boy and girl; and Minymo (also from Denmark), whose palette brings a bit of difference to your kidlets wardrobe at an affordable price. Take a look at the Minymo Jill Skirts for some seriously dance twirling inspiration.  Looking for a gift? You cant pass up some of the treats on offer from Penny Scallan and Bobble Art. I’m almost hoping the rains would arrive to see my youngest try out the Penny Scallan Raincoat and umbrella. I can’t help but mention Freshbaked which is one label I have grown extremely fond of since sourcing the Freshbaked Red Winter Coat from this very store. It’s luxury with an affordable price tag. It is fully lined and wool! *Bliss*

Today, the lovely Julie at The Enchanted Child is offering all KSF readers a special deal. Until midnight Tuesday 18 May, you’ll receive $10.00 off your order when you spend $40.00 or more (before postage costs are applied). Use Coupon code “KSF10” at checkout to redeem.  You’ll be wanting to check the Sale section, which is currently housing a whole heap of fab stock from Fixoni, Dolly Up, Fresh Baked, Run Scotty Run and more discounted by at least 20%.

Want even more Enchanted Child love? Sign up for The Enchanted Child mailing list to receive ongoing special discounts and offers. Also, watch this space for news of a HUGE surprise soon to arrive at The Enchanted Child. Can’t wait!

1. Freshbaked Aviator Jacket, Khaki $54.90
2. Heavenly Creatures Carnival Girl Tee $46.00
3. Freshbaked Faux Fur Vest $54.50
4. Ouch Tulle Skirt $55.00
5. Penny Scallan Raincoat, Daisy $59.95
6. Run Scotty Run Spot Bubble Dress $49.95
7. Fixoni Stone Pants $44.95
8. Penny Scallan Star Umbrella $19.95
9. Freshbaked Cotton Dress – Red $49.50

You will find a wonderful array of brands at Enchanted Child including: Alimrose Designs, BIG by Fiona Scanlan, Bobux, Chillikids, Eternal Creation, Freckles, Freshbakes, Heavenly Creatures, Keedo, Krickets, Lauren Hinkley, One Red Fly, Oopsie Daisey Baby, Ouch Clothing, Princess Ratbag, Ripple Rider Swimwear, RuffleButts, Run Scotty Run, Scrunch, Snugglebum, Sooki Baby, Toshi, Walnut and Zebra Crossing Club.

Enchanted Child ship via Australia Post for the flat fee of $7.90 Australia-wide, and the flat fee of $20.00 for international orders. See the Customer Care tab for full shipping information and help with any other FAQ.

Today’s post written by Edwina

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Every so often I fantastise about what it would be like to have a home filled only with ultra-modern, innovative designs.It’s even more exciting when I factor in the range of design-led kids furniture, toys and accessories that have been produced by some of the world’s most respected designers – Amercian husband and wife team Charles and Ray Eames designed dozens of toys and items for children between 1940-60, and Spaniard Javier Mariscal represents part of the new wave of designers turning their talent to children’s goods.

Qualifying as works of art, the stunning pieces below naturally bear prices tags much heftier than their generic counterparts, but oh, the pleasure of them!

Do any of you have any of these pieces, or similar, in your homes? Let us know what you think!

1. Peter Keler Bauhaus Cradle from Bauhaus 2 Your House
2. Pininfarina Giulia Children’s Rocking Horse from Riva 1920
3. Charles and Ray Eames Hang it All from Bebe Online
4. Eero Aarnio Pony Chair from dedece
5. Eero Aarnio Tipi Toy from Unica Home
6. Javier Mariscal Nido Nest from Unica Home
7. Javier Mariscal Julian Children’s Chair from Unica Home
8. Verner Panton Junior Chair from Space
9. Alfredo Haberli Pick-Up from Corporate Culture

Please contact individual stores to enquire about price, availability and delivery to your location.

Today’s post written by Anna

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Two of my three children are of the male variety which has given me a crash course in all things boy! Though at times I’ve wanted to pull my hair out, along the way, I have fallen in love with a thing or two about these beautiful creatures.  I love boyish wonder, their sense of adventure and love of a great story. I love their panache for the wild and spectacular and general boy philosophy on life: the rougher the terrain the better! At least for my boys, harder and faster = better!

Finding clothes that live up to all their pint-sized personality and that can also survive the mud, the speed, the thrills and spills of boyhood can pose a challenge. So, if you have a little man to shop for, or have girlfriends who complain about being unable to source great fashion for their little man, breath a sigh of relief and steer your fingers to Mini Men – www.minimen.com.au.

Proprietor Annette is a proud mum to three boys and has ‘been there, done that’ in terms of the endless search for fashionable boys wear under the mountain of pink in department stores.  Annette has the essential qualities needed when shopping for mini men: a keen eye for things that boys love, teamed with the all important ‘mum’s tick of approval’! It’s a winning combination – you’ll see what I mean when you check out the pictures of my favourite finds below.

Mini Men cater for tots to tweens – birth right up to 14 years – making this gorgeous boutique a unique spot to shop from tiny, through little and up to tween and teen sized mini men!  They have all the bases covered with everything from clothing, accessories, bags, shoes, to party invitations and toys.

Check out this fantastic list of designer labels all in stock now at Mini Men: an angel at my table, Automoblox, Baobab, Blik Wall Graphics, Bobble Art, Bobux, Cheeki, Djeco, Fiesta Crafts, Fre, Freshbaked, frogdog, GOKI, Hans, Heimess, Janod, JuJube, Le Toy Van, Levi Kids, Little Rivet Jeans, Manhattan Toy Company, Manufacturer, Mon*star Kids, Mossimo, Paper Eskimo, Run Scotty Run, Scooter, SOOKIbaby, Tommy Rocket, Toys Pure, Vintage and x&y threads.

Annette at Mini Men has an absolutely stunning offer for KidStyleFile readers – you can take a jaw-dropping 40% off everything in the current ‘Winter Clothing’ and ‘Sleepwear’ categories. Oh my, this is a ripper deal!  Close your gaping mouth and hurry on over as you have only 7 days to make the most of this incredible offer. Enter ‘KSF40’ at checkout to receive the discount which must end midnight on Wednesday May 21, 2010.

Prices quoted in red below are only valid with special KSF offer (see above for code) until midnight May 19, 2010 only.

1. SOOKI Baby Minimalist Boy Romper $34.95 take 40% off = $20.97
2. Scooter Engineered Stripe Knit Hoody $54.95 take 40% off = $32.97
3. Freshbaked Yarn Dyed Hoodie – Ecru $32.95 take 40% off = $19.77
4. Scooter ‘Angus’ Slim Fit Jeans – Little Boy $54.95 take 40% off = $32.97
5. Mon*star Kids Race Bike L/S Tee – Grass – Little Boy $32.00 take 40% off = $19.20
6. Run Scotty Run Splice Knit Henley Jumper $34.95 take 40% off = $20.97
7. Baobab Blue Biker Stud Tee $38.95 take 40% off = $23.37
8. Little Rivet Jeans Cinched Miners Jean $69.95 take 40% off = $41.97
9. Jarmeez – Super Hero Tee Set – Older Boy $35.95 take 40% off = $21.57
10. Mossimo Youth Military Hoodie $69.95 take 40% off = $41.97
    

Mini Men ship Australia wide for the low flat fee of $7.50. Orders over $150 are shipped for free. Mini Men ship within Australia only. See Ordering and Delivery for full information.

Today’s post written by Edwina

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What a bunch of talented Australian designers and makers there are out there! This selection of goodies are all from local talent who know how to do ‘cute’  with an overload button.

Little Lou is an amigurumi hand-crocheted bear in a spectacularly cute turtle neck jumper and brown pants. I also really like Flying Star Toys, and Alfalfa’s store is full of cute necklaces, lockets and brooches.

You can find out more about each designer below, and click through to purchase at a range of stores below.

		Little Lou Etsy Seller - Rosieok Price – $US13.00 More info/Buy It
		Sail Away Boat Blue Caravan Seller – Flying Star Toys Price – $AUD32.00 More info/Buy It
		Spotty Hair Button Made it Seller - Sophie and Jack Price – $AUD15/pair More info/Buy It
		Terrier Brooch Etsy Seller – Alfalfa Price – $US16.00 More info/Buy It
		Flower Baby Tee Bluecaravan Seller – Moo Bear Designs Price – $38.50 More info/Buy It

Please contact individual sellers for postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Hands up if you’re in Sydney.  Ooh, you lucky, lucky people: not only do you live in one of my favourite cities ever, but you’re now able to visit one of my favourite online stores in the flesh! ShopHouse – www.shophouse.com.au – have just moved into their spanking new warehouse and showroom in Hornsby on Sydney’s upper North Shore, where you can visit, browse through the fabulous array of products and pick up orders.

Given that ShopHouse stocks some of the most beloved brands of childrenswear in Australia – Oobi, Purebaby, Snugglebum, Penny Scallan, Polka and lots more – and also their famous customer service (have you ever received a parcel from them? Wasn’t it beautiful?) I know for sure it’s one store I’ll make a beeline for next time I’m in Sydney.  The showroom is open by appointment only – to arrange your browsing/drooling time, phone the ShopHouse team on 1300 200 871.

To celebrate the opening of the new ShopHouse showroom, and to give all of us not in Sydney a ‘virtual’ taste, proprietor Bron is gifting KidStyleFile readers FREE shipping on all orders until midnight on Friday 14 May 2010.  Enter code ‘KSFSH283‘ at checkout to redeem this offer. Make the most of it: with oodles of new winter stock now in store, and a sale section bursting with literally hundreds of kids fashion pieces and accessories at bargain prices (up to 60% off!), you’ll be a super happy shopper!

one. Snugglebum Sleeper PJs – Lavender Polka Dot, $39.95
two. Baby Bloch Baby Ballerina Slipper – Stardust, $49.95
three. Purebaby Grey Marle LS Tee – Dog, $24.95
four. David Fussenegger Bassinet Blanket – Car, Rocket & Castles, $54.95
five. Snugglebum Longjohn PJs – Dino, $39.95
six. Rosie Flo’s Arty Colouring Book, $15.95
seven. Cocoon Couture Gorgeous Giraffe Beanbag – White On Watermelon, $99.95
eight. Penny Scallan Bits & Bobs Bag – Apple, $29.95
nine. Oobi Baby Shoobies – Whale, $17.95
ten. Purebaby Knitted Rib Beanie – Charcoal, $24.95
eleven. Polka Liquid Leggings, $49.95
twelve. Moppit Chris Jacket, $69.95

Shophouse stocks an assortment of labels including: Adiri Natural Nurser, Alimrose Designs, and the little dog laughed, Annabel Trends, b.box, Baby Bloch, Baobab, Bobble Art, Bonds, Chalk n Cheese, Cocoon Couture, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, Eco.Kid, En Gry & Sif, Funky Buddha Bibs, Galmatic, Get Fresh, Huggalugs, ID Tee, Jedko Games Co, Kee-Ka, Kiddysac, Kobba Toys, Krooom, Lark, Lil’ Lana, Look at the Wall, Milestone Press, Mill&Mia, Moltex Nappies, Mon Tresor, Mondays Child Pyjamas, Monster Couture, Moppit, Moveables, Noo Designs, Oobi Baby, OshKosh, Pebbles, Penny Scallan, Polka, Pure Baby, Red Wagon, Rileah Design, Serena + Lily, ShopHouse, Silverado Jewellery, Snugglebum, Teeny Me, The Little Experience, WotNot.

ShopHouse charge a flat rate of $6.95 for e-Parcel delivery Australia wide, and a flat delivery charge of AUD$20 for international orders. Click here for full information.