wizard of oz in the theater!

I'm sure everyone loves the Wizard of Oz, and I this year is the 70th anniversary of the movie release. On September 23rd in theatres across the country you can see the film in HD at your local theater. I can hardly imagine seeing it in a THEATER but I think it's going to be amazing and what a great idea!

The process is pretty easy, you go this website: FathomEvents.com and put in your zip code and the theaters closest to you will pop up. You can buy the tickets online, it may be a good idea because I think that there is a lot of press about the event so who knows what kind of crowd is going to show up. But how fun!

website for Wizard of Oz event

Little Creatures

Still from 'Spirit Ship'

Children at play are a wondrous thing. Every parent knows this. My husband and I personally love that our children play so near to us when we are working. You can hear some of the most wondrous and imaginative things. A child's mind just floats and creates spontaneously as it goes, making sense in a loose fitting format - kind of like a dream.

The creators behind Little Creatures Films use this very spontaneous play to create stories in film. Using non-actors aged from 3-10 years old, a natural setting is chosen, a wardrobe created, and the children prompted hardly at all to freely create a story which is narrated from their own musings and explanations. The result is a very dream like aesthetic with a surprisingly engaging story line. The films are created to encourage younger children to use their imaginations and engage rather than just observe. The unique quality to the whole idea is that the children essentially make their own movie. If you go to the Little Creatures website you can see a sample yourself of what is created. It's a beautiful tableau and a welcome anecdote to the notion that childrens cinema has to be this foreign and often unrealistic presentation.

Still from 'Spirit Ship'

Let's be clear though. The whole operation is still growing and is very much a passion of the heart. Kristin Brenneman Eno, the founder of Little Creatures, is interested to see if other parents feel the same way she does that most childrens media just does not allow for children to utilize their imagination in a productive way. If you'd like to leave a comment after viewing the website for Little Creatures, where you can view a trailor for the new film called Spirit Ship, or if you'd like to read the recent interview with her in Small Magazine - she'd like to hear any feedback you might have. And, if you'd like to get involved in the whole project, I suggest you take a look here.

It's a great idea with a modest budget. But we think that it needs to be encouraged, so we're happy to share it with you in the hopes that it will just keep on growing. Let us know.

Governors Island Art Fair

Governors Island, NY

If you've ever visited Governors Island - that little oasis of quiet set off the southern tip of Manhattan in New York Harbor - you know it is a great idea for a nice day out. And, here is an idea for you and the kids to now have an excuse if you haven't yet visited the island. The Governors Island Art Fair takes place over every weekend from this weekend, the 5th of September until the 27th. It is estimated that over a hundred artists from around the world will be showing their work, which runs from painting to sculpture to video and installation to puppets! It is easy to get to the island from a ferry either from Manhattan or Brooklyn and you can either bring your own bike, or it's possible to rent one from the island. Have a look at some great art and take a bike ride around - do some fishing, or just sit on the grass and believe you are hundreds of miles away from the hustle and bustle. The perfect way to allow yourself to think the Summer is still going strong!

For more information visit the Governors Island Art Fair site or you can get more info about Governors Island itself here.

Blair's Back to School Tips

Back to School !!

The West Coast is gearing up for the return to school too. And, because Blair at WiseCraft has been at this 'game' a bit longer than us, we asked her for any unique insights for the Back to School routine, and what it means to her family. Here is what she suggests:

the desk and pencil box

Argggghhh, homework. Its fun for the little kids maybe? during the first year of school (its big kid stuff), but after that, let's face it, most kids could do without it. Last year, my husband and I began working with the kids on making a habit of doing all their homework at their desks. Just like eating meals at the table, we felt it was important to create a routine around the act of doing homework. Their desks are quiet, well-lit, and are close to any reference materials and books they might need (the computer they use, when needed, is in our family room). We recently did our back to school supply shopping (which, I must confess, is fun for all of us!). Even a preschool would enjoy the chance to take a trip to the office supply store to pick out cool pencils, erasers, tape, and writing paper. We recently cleaned out and set the kid's desks up for studying. Everything they might need is here. Erasers, rulers, pencils, staplers, tape (there's never enough tape). My son, who is 8 and entering the 2nd grade, tends to get fidgety while sitting at his desk, so I included a squeezy foam ball that he holds in his hand and squeeze while he is doing his homework, really helps keep him focused.

'To Do' morning chart

How will these kids ever get out the door in the morning on time? I recently read a brilliant idea in a magazine that a creative way to keep kids on task on weekday mornings is to make a music play list that's the length of the time you have to get ready in the morning (60 minutes, for example). Using the songs as cues can remind them of how much longer they have and keep them on task. We may have to try this. I also have had the kids draw a picture to remind them of what they need to do and take with them. All these little tricks keep them on track and they don't have to hear me nag so much!


The breakfast(s) of champions. I recently spent some time with the kids going through a couple of cookbooks we have here to pick out some breakfast ideas. They each marked ones they'd like to eat with little tabs and promised not to wince when I served them. You see, I don't know about you, but I quickly run out of variety, and my kids eat more (and better) if I keep it interesting when I can. And breakfast is tough, we're all rushing most of the time. There are tons of cookbooks out there, ones we like are Cooking Fun for Kids by Rae Grant and Real Food for Healthy Kids by Tanya Wenman Steel.
Afternoon Tea. When we get home after school each day, my kids and I have "afternoon tea". This is simple, we have either herbal tea or a "steamer" (warm milk with a little vanilla syrup added) in a special teacup, and some sort of small snack (I try to make it a fruit or vegetable with a protein like cheese or peanut butter). Its simple, predictable (my kids love routine), and we are able to spend a few minutes catching up together before they head up to do their homework, or just decompress from a full day. I'm sad to say that as the kids get busier, we're not able to do this as often as we used to, which makes the times we can do it even more special.

We'd love to hear what types of things your family does either to get ready for school (at any age) or does during the school year that works well. All good tips are welcome!
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It's Back to School !!

My son went back to school today, he is very excited to be starting the 2nd grade. My daughter starts her last year of preschool next week. And, if you believe my post the other week where I'm wishing for a return to a more structured routine, then you'd think I turned my back on my son today as he entered the school and ran through the nearby fields happily. NOT so. Instead it was all very bittersweet for my husband and I to pack him off this morning - even if he could hardly contain himself with eagerness. From a quick glance later on Facebook I noticed I wasn't alone. Parents everywhere are conflicted and a bit sad. Tired, and perhaps drained, from all the Summer fun we were all too happy to confess our relief at the return of the school year. Now, we're all a little misty eyed at the prospect of our little ones going off to school for the day. Go figure!

Any parents want to share their story about sending their children off to school for the first time? I remember how strange it felt not to have them around. You get so used to them being attached at the hip early on that the transition can be a bit abrupt... and then strangely lonely. For those few hours it's like you almost don't know what to do with yourself. Maybe take a nap?!?

A Dip Into Hollywood

Annenberg Community Beach House, Santa Monica, CA

I saw this story about the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, CA in the New York Times 'Sunday Styles' section and it reminded me that my sister-in-law, Kit, in Long Beach, CA was raving about how beautiful the place was when she recently visited it.

The former beach front home/retreat of actress Marion Davies (and companion to the very wealthy William Randolph Hearst who built a virtual palace for her) from the late 30's to 1947 later morphed into a hotel and beach club. Then much more recently it fell into disuse until it was rejuvenated with the generous help of the philanthropist Wallis Annenberg into a wonderful public beach club. It is all the more amazing given its rich Hollywood history and the fact that it remains open to all equally.

Claudette Colbert and Marion Davies at a costume party in 1937

I've heard nice things about the pool and the area for kids. But, if any of you have been, I'd sure like to hear more about it. Next time we're visiting family in Southern California, I want to make sure we pay a visit to Santa Monica and take a dip. If you want to know more here is some further information.

The Strange World of Amusement

Dubailand

There are many parents who might cringe at the thought of taking the kids to Disneyland. There's just something about the place, and many amusement parks like it, that doesn't seem right. In respect of the concept of 'Full Disclosure' I must confess to you that our children have been to DisneyLand. In fact, they have been twice. And you know what - they had a blast. The trick to remember about going to one of these massive amusement parks is that, as a parent, you just have to squint your eyes a little bit and remember that what a child sees is much different than what you see. It can be a fun time for all. Nonetheless, if you are one of those parents that still think it is not the best of ideas to expose to your children to, then have we got news for you. The theme amusement park can get even more outrageous.

Try these theme parks for instance:

DubaiLand: By now you've heard of how Dubai has sprung from the desert sands almost overnight. In it's effort to excel, or overdo, just about anything any other city might deliver, Dubai Land is the perfect metaphor for what Dubai (the city) wishes to create. Dubai Land endeavors to be the mother ship of theme parks, consisting of a whole bevy of 'lands' under one umbrella including.... well, you name it, it will probably have it.

HarmonyLand: What Mickey Mouse is to DisneyLand, Hello Kitty is to HarmonyLand. Except, this being a Japanese theme park, it is intensely (and beautifully if you are a fan of Hello Kitty) devoted to its theme. Apparently, the parades are incredible.

DiggerLand: In the true British spirit of DIY, the 4 theme parks that comprise this 'amusement' park are pretty much no frills affairs. Basically, your visit will include an opportunity to sit in an operating dump truck or variety of digging machine. It may sound fairly odd (and it is) but it can be surprisingly fun for the little 'builder' in your family.

PedroLand: Known as 'South of the Border' because of its location just south of the border separating North and South Carolina, What apparently started as a beer stand almost 60 years ago has developed into a rest stop featuring restaurants, a gas station, its own fire and police stations, and a motel. It also includes the small amusement park. Somehow, the Mexican theme seems to be unexplained and seems out of place. But, what the heck, the USA is full of strange amusements - and this very campy place is without any competitors when it comes to its roadside advertisements - hundreds of them apparently!

Suoi Tien Park: Who says religion can't be fun? In Vietnam, Buddhism is given a whole new focus in this water park meets amusement park. Water slides sprouting from a 12 story replica of the Buddha himself, waterfalls, animals everywhere (including a crocodile feeding pond) ... how's that for enlightenment!

Tierra Santa: This is the penultimate when it comes to a religious theme amusement park. Located in Bueno Aires this place is more of a wonderland than anything else, with it's sole focus on stories from the Bible, including as the center piece, a 60 foot plastic Jesus rising, every half an hour, from behind a mountain to the sounds of Handel's Messiah. From what I can find out, the sensation is beyond desription!

BonBon Land: An amusement park's focus on a mouse, or a kitty, is one thing. But, hands down, the choice of theme for BonBon Land takes the prize for the wackiest. Located just outside of Copenhagen, Denmark - this place has an obsession with pooing animals and farting sounds it seems. The theme comes from an equally strange range of candies that are/were popular in the 80's and 90's. I must have missed that one. Not for the faint of heart! This place is should certainly not be confused with the other amusement park in Copenhagen - the famous Tivoli Gardens, which is about as far away from the theme of BonBon as you can get!!!

And, if you think these are odd, there are even others that are classified as 'amusement' parks that are either too horrific, like one in Lithuania, or just crazy, like an adult version in South Korea. Personally, after hearing, or seeing, these examples, DisneyLand really doesn't sound so bad after all, no? It's a strange world out there!

cookus interruptus by cynthia lair

I have written before about Cynthia Lairs cookbook (which I use all the time!) 'Feeding for the Whole Family' she just contacted me about her website 'cookus interruptus' which includes a bunch of her healthy and fun recipes, along with helpful (and funny) video clips, you will find out what the interruptus means when you watch.

Sometimes when I get bored making my same old recipes I like to get inspiration from others and I think this is a great place to go online to get some fun ideas. I have recently gone awry with pasta and veggies and various ways of cooking with them so I needed an 'interruptus'... thank you cynthia!

I love that the dishes are not complicated, they are simple family meals that are nutricious and delicious. It can get hard when everyone gets wrapped up in recipes that are complicated (okay these are sometimes fun too) but day to day recipes are sometimes hard to come by and if you are like me you change your recipes to fit your needs and your families tastes.

good luck and happy cooking!
visit her website here - cookus interruptus

the Nonchalantdad: Easier Said Than Done

Recently, while putting some of the kids clothes away I noticed that one of my son's shirts was missing a button. Actually, I was hanging the thing and accidentally ripped a button off. Now, rather than admit that I made the mistake which would have put an immediate end to my embarrassment, I got it in my head that this was a sign from above that it was finally time, after 4 decades of half hearted attempts, to take on the task of sewing a button on myself. Over the years, whenever I was confronted with the task, I'd find some way of not having to do it myself. This was easiest when living with my own mother, who didn't mind that her son couldn't do the small endeavor himself - probably because it continued to keep me in a position of needing her. Later, I would pretend some inability or another and get a girlfriend, or in one case, a neighbor, to help me. For some reason, I had never had to do it myself. Now, staring at my son's shirt, I decided I would need to make a stand. Not just for myself, but for all the men out there (barring those that were in the military or survivalists) who, for one reason or another, just never had to do it.

Anyway, how hard could it be. I knew how to chop down a tree, paint a house, change the oil in my car, and dig a hole. I could handle it. But, just to be sure, I'd use the world wide web to help me. Rather than ask my wife or mother for a demonstration I could pretend I already was self sufficient by finding someone online to help me. Well, I guess I wasn't the only one having trouble. There were millions of demonstrations available. Now, the new problem was determining which one to use. Who would have known there were so many different ways of approaching it? I could have sworn that there was even some sort of political debate about whose method was the best. Had I looked long enough I'm sure I would have found a blog dedicated to the simple craft. But, I didn't have time, I needed to get it done before anyone came home and witnessed me staring willfully at a button laying on the floor. 

Trying to sew and watching a demonstration online is tough going too - nobody tells you that one. I damn near killed myself with all the failed attempts as I just tried to thread the damned thing through the needle just to get started. Finally, I had developed my own method which required holding your breath and bracing both elbows on nearby chairs as you braced your chin in your chest. Now I started in on the task, threading and threading - foregoing the technique that suggested using a match stick to allow some slack. I was a bit worried that my furious weaving of the thread as I poked about might trigger the match to light unexpectedly and burn myself and the house down. I had this brief vision of fire investigators announcing on live television that the cause of the fire that burned half the town down was due to this idiot trying to sew on a button. It was the wrong impression I wanted to leave my kids, or my wife, who presumably would be only to happy to chisel the word 'IDIOT' on my tombstone.

But, I did it. Or at least I convinced myself I did it. It wasn't so hard after all. I was kind of proud of myself. It was a bit like when I first learned how to make a white sauce without utilizing a full bag of flour. I was relieved. Even more so, because it was days before anyone noticed. My son calling from the other room alerted me. As I came rushing into the room he was holding the shirt up and pointing at the place where I sewed on his button previously. He thought he had discovered a bee hive of some sort. Next time I'll just staple the thing on. That'll teach them to be so unappreciative. I had to bribe him to keep it quiet. Now that I knew how to do. 

favorite thing of the week - back to school!

Of course we all love summer, barefoot, summers warm sun, kids running around at the beach.... it's all great. But at this time of year I get really excited for 'back to school', back to a decent schedule, back to work (okay so I love my job is that so bad!), and back to a cool and comfortable nights sleep. Call me insensitive, but don't think that I don't love my kids... but I just love that first day of school, you bring your kids to school, kiss them good bye, and drive home (or go to work)--sit back-- drink your coffee--all in silence... it's just ravishing!

Back to School... my favorite thing!

Good Design Concepts In Any Language

Kids Republic Picture Book Store

For some of us, design is almost everything in life. By nature, we are just attuned to our environments in a different way and because of that, we are very sensitive to space. I was reminded of this by a couple of posts that I recently spied on Handmade Charlotte. I had to laugh when I read Rachel's comment on the children's section at most bookstores being a design afterthought. Isn't that just about true of any children's section elsewhere too? She's right, most people think they've got it right when they just throw up a Brio train table or puzzle table, etc. The kids may not really notice. But, I sure as heck do. ugh!

Yuyu-no-mori Nursery School

So, it's a pleasure to see the pictures of the Kids Republic Picture Book Store in Beijiing, China. And, in some ways, it's even better to see the pictures of the Yuyu-no-mori Nursery School and Day Nursery located in Yokohama, Japan. How inspiring! My kids go to different schools, and both are nice. But, it is hard to find comparisons to these beautifully designed spaces. If you go to this website, and excuse some of the language barriers while you scroll down a bit, there's some other lovely pictures of beautifully designed Japanese schools too.

Back To School Ideas: the Packed Lunch

Last year at some point, I remember packing the kids their lunch box and I got to thinking about how much the way I packed the lunch might not be so great. I'd given a lot of thought to what went into the lunch box, meaning I chose the foods I put in carefully - even the snack. But, I had not really noticed how I was actually packing the lunch in the box. I was using plastic containers for the main course, fruit, and snack which was OK. But, often, in the beginning I would put a juice box in, or yogurt container. This doesn't seem like a big deal when you're packing your child's lunch early in the morning, but if you multiply this by all the other mothers (and fathers) doing this on a daily basis, it starts to add up to a lot of waste. And, the funny thing is, it really doesn't require much change to make a difference.

graze organic

So, I was excited to see the ideas that I saw on Wise Craft the other day. I loved how simple the ideas were, and how effective they would be. Plus, the designs are pretty fun and 'feel good'. The one I think I'm going to get this year are the organic reusable sandwich and snack bags offered by graze organic. I just love the fun graphics, and the whole process of manufacture is accountable and environmentally friendly. The other idea is to make your own reusable sandwich wraps from material that is much more effective and environmentally effective. On the website that offers the tutorial for making your own reusable sandwich wraps, betz white, there is also some statistical information and tips available to remind yourself why it might be important to consider scrapping the use of disposable plastic bags, juice boxes, and other wasteful containers. I remember that my mother used to wrap my sandwiches in a cloth napkin.

betz white

As a convenience over the years, all of this wasteful rubbish has made it's way into our everyday lives very effortlessly. It's time to take a closer look at the stuff we take for granted each morning. And, the above ideas are just a few simple ways to make a BIG change! Anyway, it's certainly easier than getting the kids to eat a banana/peanut butter sandwich!

I'm going to try the reusable bags, and continue what I started last year - using a thermos for drinks instead of juice boxes. What about you, any other ideas for the packed lunch box?

discipline...

Somehow, I never really thought of this part of parenting when I was holding that little baby in my arms and couldn't stop cuddling and looking at him... and then, just like that, the little baby grew up and we needed to start thinking of some 'boundaries'. Like most small children he started to get a little rambunctious, a little more excited by the world, and I certainly didn't want to crush that... everything that you didn't think of when that little bundle came along.

Discipline... it's a heavier word these days it seems. But, it's never far away. My husband and I have spoken about our own childhood experiences and we couldn't have been wider apart. My mother, especially after my father died when I was very young, was quite lenient (but then we were two girls). My husband speaks of a sterner discipline in his childhood, bordering sometimes on more severe forms of punishment (well they three boys and two girls...). It's a hard topic to discuss at times, even with friends, because honestly, there seem to be a wide variety of opinions depending on who you speak to. Just the other night I was reminded of this subject while watching an episode of Mad Men, when Betty Draper finds her pre-teen daughter sneaking a cigarette in the bathroom and grabs her and puts her in a dark closet. Then, lately, I've received a few questions from parents wondering if I had any suggestions concerning the subject.

So, my husband and I were fairly determined not to be very stern with our son, and then daughter. My husband especially was clear that none of that would help, or do any good. We decided to take our cue from our pediatrician at the time, Dr. Michel Cohen. In his book "The New Basics" we followed his suggestion in the chapter on Discipline and Boundaries. I was laughing at his intro, but it all made sense and it took the edge off this sometimes difficult subject. He basically said that 'you have to stand up to your kids early and consistently.' And, both my husband and I have come to believe it. In our case, bad behavior from the kids - like unruly behavior, pushing, shoving, screaming, etc - was met simply by a consistent form of punishment.

I won't give you every detail but first of all, whatever you choose to do you need to stick with it. I think this is one of the hardest aspects of discipline: parents caving in on your crying child, or trying to explain their actions to their child, or losing control (or losing your cool) in the situation. At least it has been for me! And the second part that is hard for me is to stay calm and not show emotion. But I would like to give you a few ideas from Dr. Cohens book because I'm sure that it will help anyone and everyone create a set of guidelines early on. It handles the subject very well, it also gives me a bit of relief that it comes from him. Dr. Cohens whole approach in his book is a bit laissez-faire, but he says directly that his approach to discipline is certainly not! His approach is simple and direct and it really works.

First of all you should get the book and read the entire chapter (and this book comes in handy for many, many other questions that come up with babies and kids). I think that many parents fall into the trap of giving lengthy explanations to their kids for their discipline, but kids don't really understand all of that talk and it just confuses them. What they do understand is direct action. The best, and most basic form of punishment and discipline, is to simply take the child out of the situation (privately or publicly) and put them in their crib (this was a problem for us because we didn't have one), or a room, and close the door. If a public display ensues, then take them away from the setting however you can - in our case usually picking up our son or walking him away by the hand. This takes them out of the situation, they can throw their fit (and later they will get over that). If in a room, leave them in there for about 2-3 minutes without talking, depending on the age. Then when it's time to come out don't explain and talk about what just happened just let them out. If he or she does the same troublesome behavior again, repeat the action. It's important that you don't get upset, laugh, or get overly involved, keep your emotions on an even keel (if you can! I have had a hard time with this one, but not my husband...).

This works for various kinds of situations, Dr. Cohen goes on to explain do's and don'ts that are very helpful but you get the idea. But one thing that Dr. Cohen advocates, and I agree with him on this, is the need for a stern and consistent response to discipline. Maybe not at first, but you will soon see that it helps form boundaries and kids actually may need it. And, in the same spirit, we should not reward bad behavior just because we don't want to acknowledge or deal with it. In other words, we should not be the kind of parent who bribes their child to behave better. Because this just plain doesn't work, and you are only building a trap for yourself. Some parents believe that a softly softly approach to bad behavior is appropriate. This is where you try to softly explain to you child that their bad behavior is not right and that they should try to act better. Honestly, most of the time your kids don't really understand that you are saying and I have a hard time finding a situation where I have seen this work effectively. Our young children are watching us, and they are learning. The earliest lessons, even if it seems a bit harsh, are necessary to counter any later behavior problems.

Honestly we have one of each in our family. We have a boy who really knows how to push his boundaries sometimes and a girl who rarely does anything inappropriate - and only rarely needs light discipline, like a warning. You will learn what slight variation works best for your kids but don't be afraid to be stern with your boundaries. I think that people feel that all of this 'free range' parenting or nonchalant parenting means you let your kids run wild. But honestly, a child that does not know discipline is a child that is going to be a handful. Trust me.

My husband and I have a basic system now, still kind of based on Dr Cohen's suggestion. We started with what we loosely describe a '3 tier' method. In other words, it goes like this:

1. The warning. We will usually say 'that's not nice, stop that. I will only warn you twice' or something like that.

2. If the action continues we quickly follow up with 'I'm warning you, that is inappropriate behavior - stop it now, this is my last warning.'

3. Without raising our voices, and if the action still occurs, we rise up and take action - which whether or not it is public or not, means a form of time out. Kicking or screaming, it doesn't matter - out you go.

Very rarely now do we even have to get past stage 2. However, there are times when the situation is rougher or more egregious, and it becomes more complicated. I'm not going to pretend we are perfect, and there are times when I'd like to just roll out a cannon and blow up the whole darn room!! But, if this is the case, then I have learned (and you might too) that you just have to take a deep breath and regain control of yourself!

One other thing. Bad behavior gets punished, in our opinion, pretty swiftly after we get to #3. But, it is worth remembering that good behavior shouldn't go unnoticed either. Very frequently we make it clear to our kids when they have been nice in a situation, or gentle, or kind. We don't make a big fuss over it, but we do make mention of it, we like to use the 'big boy or big girl' rather than 'good' bog or girl (another suggestion from Dr. Cohen). Just so they know the difference, perhaps!

I'm not a professional here. These are just my suggestions, based on my experiences. I hope they answer some of your questions.

To buy the book visit the website here - Dr. Michel Cohen - The New Basics

jess brown dolls and wovenplay!

Jess Brown and Wovenplay collaborated on a collection of dolls that are simply perfect! I love how each peice has amazing detail just like wovenplay clothes for kids! I have to say that when I got the email from Katherine that she was going to work with Jess on some dolls I was so excited! What a perfect combination! Jess the most talented doll maker I have seen! and Katherine (wovenplay) just the most creative AND talented dressmaker I have met!


It's almost impossible to escape the trappings of Barbie and Cinderella when you have a little girl and no matter how hard you try they day will come when your little girl will see that plastic pink doll with big hair and somehow it just seems to be built in. But with the Jess Brown dolls at least you can put it off as long as possible! and somehow if you wish hard enough, these lovely rag dolls will not only be YOUR favorite but your daughters as well! (and the fact that you will drive miles out of your way if your daughter leaves her Jess Brown doll anywhere helps!)


Jess has always been inspired by beautiful textiles. She began making dolls for her daughter, Stella 9 years ago using old cashmere sweaters and antique remnants. As committed flea market goers, they would search together for amazing antique pieces, trims, buttons and findings.This has now all come together as a small line of one of a kind and hand made rag dolls.

Each doll is hand dyed in persian black teas to create variations in skin tones. They are all made of cotton muslin and linen, and primarily recycled and antique fabrics and findings. Each doll is stuffed with a sustainable corn fiber stuffing. There is something truly beautiful about a threadbare, worn, and well loved doll that has been created with the finest materials.

Jess lives in Petaluma, California with her children Stella and Tiger and her husband Erio. She owns a small shop in town called maude with her good friend Stacy. She got together with Katherine from wovenplay last year and decided to make these wonderful dolls together! I'm so glad that they shared them with us!

Thank you Jess and Katherine!

click here to find dolls available at Nonchalant Mom (and also wovenplay collection) click here to go to the jess brown website
click here to go to wovenplay website