5 Tips on getting your kids reading, and enjoying it!

Today is World Book Day! (Unless you are from the UK, and it was last month, sorry!)

I have a form of mild dyslexia (sorry for any spelling mistakes in this post!). But over the years I improved and learnt ways to manage and catch myself when I make mistakes, but it was never easy and sadly for a very long time reading was a frustrating and difficult task.

I was fortunate that my school had an excellent special needs department, with teachers that would encourage me to read and practise, so today I can look back and remember fondly reading the last Harry Potter book in a week (big whoop whoop moment for me!).

So I don't think you need a special day to encourage kids to read more, but at the same time it is a good reminder of how great books are! So here are some tips on how to get your kids reading more, and enjoying it!

5 Tips on getting your kids reading, and enjoying it!

1. Read with your kids! Who wants to sit alone and read a book? Well maybe Mum wouldn't mind that, but it makes reading not so fun for kids, so turn it into a group activity. You can begin by reading a bed time story, which is a great way to bond with your child and calm them down ready for sleep. Then as they get older you can read together (you read one page, they read the next) until eventually they read you the bedtime story!

Princess Story Time Kids Laminated Placemat 12x15, Children, Kitchen, Baby, Animals

babychickdesigns

10.95 USD

Fabric Book Sling - Riley Blake Happy Ever After - 35 inches (Blue, Pink or Yellow)

BoogieSmallsBoutique

27.00 USD

The Three Bears and Goldilocks Magnetic Character Pieces, Board Learning, Board Stories

SoSimpleSoSweet

15.00 USD

Nursery Decor Cushion Pillow Story Time Cushion Beach Huts - Baby Shower gift idea from Cwtch Bugs

CwtchBugs

22.00 GBP

2. Make it interesting to your child! Every child has different interest, and if your child is reading something they are interested in they will enjoy it a whole lot more. From fantasy, adventure and science fiction. And don't limit interest to just books, think of other reading materials like magazines too.

Children's Picture Book - Spring is Here - Autographed and fully Illustrated - Indie Author

CakeInTheMorn

10.00 USD

Fabric Reversible Bookmark - Pink Black Plaid, Grey Circles- Great Gift for the Avid Reader, Children, Teacher

SewABC

4.00 USD

Soft Quiet Cloth Fabric Activity Book for Baby or Toddler - Ocean Beach Day

WoodPondDesigns

40.00 USD

Comic Book Kit

thecolorloft

11.25 USD

3. As I said in tip 2, don't limit it just to books. If you have one, think about getting some children's books on your kindle, nook, iPad or other tablet, then your kids have a whole library of books to read in the palm of their hand, and your not just limited to what they bring home from school or the library.

Snow White - custom made felt doll - miniature doll - fairy tale doll

LullabyMobiles

30.00 USD

Little Bookworm Tee

rhoadworks

11.00 USD

Barn Yard Farm Animals, Personalized Story Book, Mystery, Easter, Spring

wehive

20.00 CAD

Baby's first fabric book/ baby's quiet/soft book

nenimav

35.00 EUR

4. Join a reading challenge. Every summer my local library had a reading programme for kids and it was a great motivator to read new types of books, and kept me reading when I was out of school without my teachers.

ABC Animals Soft Cloth Quiet Book

lindaskraftykreation

14.00 USD

Custom Monogrammed Bible or Book Cover with Carrying Handle

BurpieBundles

35.00 USD

Bear Puppet and Book Set

MFcrafts

5.00 USD

Personalized Hand-embroidered Keepsake Soft Storybook: Read Me a Rainbow

BeepsPeeps

24.00 USD

5. Don't just keep reading to set times. Ask your child to help read the food labels while out shopping, or read emails send from friends and family members. If you are baking with them have them read the recipe, or let them read the cook book and pick a recipe. And also make sure that, if they see something they don't understand, they can ask you to help read it with them.

So Happy World Book Day!! Grab a book and get reading :)

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Chevron Chic

Chevron Minky Baby Blanket from BabyBeanzy

Waterproof Wipeable Bib from BurpieBundles

Teal & Black Chevron Dress from WearYouGo

Book Sling, 47" long from BoogieSmallsBoutique

Short Sleeve Boys Navy Tee w/ Chevron Tie from brownowldesign 

Red and Pink Chevron Headband from LeahsLittleBowtique

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Book Nook:: Summer Reading Programs

As a little kid my mother took us to the library every week.  It was a staple in her daily routine (one of her many techniques for maintaining sanity) and was a place we loved to go!

My siblings and I outside the public library, circa 1983.

Last week was our first week of summer, and the kids and I made the first of our weekly trips to the the public library.  We came home with a stack of books for each member of the family:

The 6th grader is loving the series, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, by Michael Scott, the 5th grader is blazing through all the Harry Potter books, the 3rd grader is captivated by Percy Jackson and just started Rick Riordan's 2nd series, Hero's of Olympus, the Kindergartner picked up a stack of Star Wars graphic novels and beginning readers, and the preschooler and I had great fun picking out great story and picture books.

We also got everyone in the family (even mom an dad) signed up for the public library's summer reading program.

Summer reading programs are all around ... each with their own set of rules and incentives for finishing the program.  In most cases you read a certain number of books or minutes within a time frame set up by the sponsoring organization and when you turn in your log they will give you incentives/prizes/discounts for turning in your completed reading log.

Summer reading programs help encourage children to continue reading throughout the summer to help prevent regression in the progress they've made in the classroom.  They also provide added benefits for those kids who love to read, and needed incentives to those whose first instinct isn't to pick up a book.

Here are just a few of the summer reading programs you might consider taking advantage of in addition to doing your local public library's summer reading program.

• Half Price Books, Feed Your Brain. 
• Barnes & Noble, Imagination Destination. 
• Scholastic Summer Challenge. 
• Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Challenge. 
• Chuck E. Cheese, Reading Log. 
• PBS Kids and iVillage team up for Summer Reading Sweepstakes.

We want to know what books your children are reading, and let us know of other great national summer reading programs we should . 

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Book Nook: The Three Questions

From Cherice of InnerPiecesGallery.

Jon J. Muth’s picture book for children is aptly titled. The three questions introduced in The Three Questions might at first seem a little odd, especially to today’s modern child. The questions themselves have a slightly unnatural rhythm to them which makes them difficult to imagine ever speaking out loud. This strange rhythm makes much more sense once we realize the questions originate from Leo Tolstoy’s short story titled (Hmm, can you guess it?) The Three Questions.

Muth’s book expresses his own passion for Tolstoy while beautifully sharing the author’s study of Zen in a way that children can understand.

Muth’s watercolors add a peaceful beauty to every page. Most importantly, the engaging images lead us at last to the ANSWERS of these meaningful three questions. No spoiler alert here. You’ll have to read this delightful story to learn the answers for yourself.

Parents, don’t miss the author’s note at the end of the book. It offers even more insight into the inspiration behind this empowering book for children.

Find InnerPiecesGallery, online via blog, twitter and Etsy Shop.

InnerPiecesGallery, EtsyKids Team nor Etsy is affiliated with the books author(s), illustrator(s) or publisher.  This review is provided simply for the joy of sharing good books and for supporting the work of inspiring authors.

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Book Nook: Inner Perfectionist Beware!

From Cherice of InnerPiecesGallery.

I believe that within each of us lives at least a hint of perfectionism. After all, who among us really WANTS to make a mistake?

Apparently, Barney Saltzberg does. In his delightfully creative book, BEAUTIFUL OOPS!, he shows us how to use our mistakes, mishaps and blunders (yes my friend, we ALL make them) as opportunities to set our imaginations free!

From the very first page you know that you’re in for a special treat. This book is clearly exciting and mature enough for an older child yet feels as sturdy as an infant’s board book. That’s important because you’ll want to explore these artistic pages again and again. Secret fold-always throughout the book show inquisitive minds just how beautiful a smudge, a stain, or a spilled blob of paint can become.

Inner perfectionist beware. Once you read BEAUTIFUL OOPS!, you and the kids may find yourselves searching for excuses to make more oopses!


Find InnerPiecesGallery online at their blog, twitter and Etsy Shop.

InnerPiecesGallery, EtsyKids Team nor Etsy is affiliated with the books author(s), illustrator(s) or publisher.  This review is provided simply for the joy of sharing good books and for supporting the work of inspiring authors.

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Book Nook: How Full Is Your Bucket? for Kids

From Cherice of InnerPiecesGallery.


Have you helped fill someone’s bucket today? And no, I don’t actually mean with water, sand, or potting soil.

Authors Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer fill buckets every time someone reads their children’s book How Full Is Your Bucket? for Kids. So does illustrator Maurie J. Manning. Want to learn how?

The aptly titled How Full Is Your Bucket? for Kids is based on the adult edition How Full Is Your Bucket, a #1 New York Times bestseller. This delightful and empowering storyteaches children and adults what bucket filling is all about.

First we learn that we each have our own imaginary bucket. Granted, some children are not thinking in metaphors at the age they most enjoy picture books. In my humble opinion, a little guidance may be in order while reading to your young, concrete thinking child. We don’t literally have buckets of water floating above our heads all day long. We can, however, learn which actions fill us up and which ones empty us, that is, with a little help from a bucket.

How do we feel when our buckets are empty?

How do we react to other people when that happens?

How do other people react to us?

Manning’s beautiful illustrations help address these important questions and more in a lighthearted, easy to understand way.



I must admit, I initially grew a bit concerned while reading examples of how to fill our buckets. Felix, the main character, began to fill his own empty bucket by receiving compliments from others. I wholeheartedly support cheering for children after a job well done. I do not agree, however, with encouraging reliance on praise in order to feel good about ourselves. Better to form internal mechanisms for self empowerment than to create unhealthy dependence on other people’s opinions. Then again, that’s just my opinion.

As it turns out, my concern only lasted for, oh, a fraction of a moment. The authors, being the research focused professionals that they are, include a variety of ways to fill our own buckets. They placed plenty of emphasis on one of my favorite bucket-filling methods, helping other people fill theirs.

If you’re a parent, you most likely have already filled your child’s bucket numerous times today. If you would like a helpful tool for empowering them to do the same, I highly recommend How Full Is Your Bucket? for Kids. Published by Gallup Press, you can find it along with other Tom Rath bestsellers here.

Parents of 10-14 year olds, you will find resources to help discover your child’s strengths there as well.

Care to help fill some more buckets today (including yours)? Spread the word about this empowering children’s book! Pin it. Tweet it. Share it.

If you enjoy this month’s inspiring book find you might also like:
Incredible You and Unstoppable Me!
The Dot, Ish and
The 7 Habits of Happy Kids

Find InnerPiecesGallery online at their blog, twitter and Etsy Shop.

InnerPiecesGallery, EtsyKids Team nor Etsy is affiliated with the books author(s), illustrator(s) or publisher.  This review is provided simply for the joy of sharing good books and for supporting the work of inspiring authors.

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Curling up with a good book

Today we have Posies and Petals guest posting with us!

Winter is a great time to curl up with a great book. I relish that quality time with my kids and recently we've had quite alot of it. So I asked Will to bring me his two favorite books, I wasn't surprised that he couldn't stop at two. First he brought me these two....

  

then these....

 

and lastly this one.

They are all fantastic books that I have enjoyed in my classroom as well as my living room. Today we spent a little extra time with Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. We made a tree and used our letter magnets to retell the story. First Will and I, then Will and his dad, then lastly Will told the story to his sister Caroline, who sat and watched in amazement.

Then we just happened to have some animal crackers shaped like letters, so we acted it out again over snack! I love when things work out like that. Tomorrow, we will look for number magnets to act out Chicka Chicka 123.

What are your favorite books right now? For yourself and your kids? I always love hearing new titles!

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Kim Siebold Studios steps into the publishing world

As far back as I can remember, I have always been interested in drawing and illustrating. I remember many days of coloring with my crayons, writing stories, illustrating and creating books. I recall wining poster contests in grade school and actually getting in trouble for focusing on “only the art”. So it was only natural that I went to college for a B.F.A. in Graphic Design and also picked up a B.A. in Communications. I always knew that art, drawing and design was my passion. After college, I pursued my career working at many ad agencies, design firms, owning my own businesses and always dabbled in my enterpenurial spirit whether I was working full-time for myself or for a company. As my children grew older and didn’t need as much “parental attention” (code phrase for wanting to hang out with their friends more than their parents), I fulfilled my extra time with illustrating and creating art.

I learned about Etsy in early 2009 and thought this would be a great way to showcase my work and make some extra money is the process. I opened my shop (Kim Siebold Studios) in November 2009 and within a few weeks, I had been contacted by a wonderful woman who is now my literary agent. She was inspired by one polar bear drawing on my Etsy shop. Shortly thereafter, I was offerred a book deal based on this illustration. Over the course of 2010, I learned about the exciting world of publishing and worked on finalizing the illustration for Starry Night, Hold Me Tight. The final book was release in October of 2011. It is so exciting to see my book in stores such as Barnes and Noble and Pottery Barn Kids, as well as many of the .com shops such as Amazon and Target.

Starry Night, Hold Me Tight is a book written for ages 4 and up.

Gather your little cubs and snuggle up for bedtime with Starry Night, Hold Me Tight. It is a story full of humor, love, and motherly wisdom, intermixed with wintry activities such as sledding and making snow angels. In this charming picture book, Baby Bear learns how to share with friends, put away his toys, and that throwing snowballs at Momma Bear is not polite! With warm, lovable verse and simplistic, adorable illustrations, this book will turn nighttime routines into treasured time together.

You can read more about this book and download colorsheets and activies at starrynightbook.com! Follow me as well on Facebook.

So my Etsy success story didn’t just end with one book, but two books! My personalized alphabet animal illustrations resulted in a second book offer. ABC Now You See Me will be release in March/April 2012. ABC, Now You See Me is a padded-cover introduction to the alphabet features a sequence of endearing animals that peek out from beneath interactive flaps and correspond to the letters they accompany, including an Alligator, a Bunny and more. I cannot wait to see the final product! It is available at this time for pre-ordering on many .coms such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble. As it comes closer to the release date, I will find out which stores will carry it. You can follow this book for the latest information on Facebook. Wouldn't a personalized print and a copy of this book make the best present ever?

I welcome you to check out my website and see how Etsy has inspired my work, and my successes. You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook. I am now working as a freelancer in the design community while focusing on my illustrations. I have several projects in the works and am open for more opportunities to come my way. Thanks Etsy!

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Summer Reading Kit for Kids: Free Printable!!

Today's post comes courtesy of theartofjoy.etsy.com.

Summer is a perfect time to visit your local library or bookstore and discover new books! When I taught elementary school, I would try to find ways to get my students excited about reading…

One of the things that I made for my students was a reading log and whoever had the most books read received a special prize from me the next school year. The kids loved it! This time around, I’ve created a whole Summer Reading Kit (two designs to choose from) for you to enjoy! You can download both designs from my blog.

I hope you find some wonderful new books this summer! We'd love to hear about your a recent good read and if you're looking for local summer reading programs to help reward your children reading through the summer, check out these summer reading programs.

• Your Local Public Library - 2011 Theme, One World, Many Stories
  
  


• Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program - Imagination Destination
  
  


• Borders Summer Reading Program - Double Dog Dare Challenge
  
  


• Half Price Books, Summer Reading Program - Feed Your Brain

Thanks Joy for sharing this printable with us! You can see more of Joy's work on her blog, creativemama.com and in her shop:

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Potty Training with Dr. Seuss!

We're potty training our caboose. My fifth and final go at potty training. It's bittersweet.

My husband and I marvel at how different the potty training experience has been for each of our children. Same parents, same basic approach with small modifications tailored to each child's needs. And just like her siblings, this one has taken to potty training in away that is totally unique to her. Fascinating really.

Same basic approach ... lots of books in the bathroom to read to help relax the child and make sitting and waiting more interesting. Her book of choice, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, by Dr. Seuss.

Individualized modification for child #5 ... #5 can listen to, and turn the pages of the digital One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish on my Droid while she patiently waits on the potty. Fabulous on days when she's not wanting to stop and sit and wait.

I have a couple of Dr. Seuss books on my phone now [thanks to well placed ads in a favorite game of my 4 year-old] and I gotta say I'm loving them [and am less annoyed that my 4 year-old spent my $10 on digital books]. They are interactive, hold my kids attention, and aren't a game. If your a Seuss fan, and looking for fun, interactive, totally kid friendly (love that this is interesting and entertaining for the two year-old, four year-old, and seven year-old) stuff for your phone that is also a bit educational, consider check it out the collection of Seuss books at oceanhousemedia.

What is your child's favorite Dr. Seuss book or character?

Check out these whimsical Seuss inspired accessories and adorable clothes made with Robert Kaufman's Dr. Seuss fabric line by EtsyKids team members.

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Sibling Rivalry...

...irritating, yes. But sib squabbles are dress rehearsals for life.

(this is a snippet from an article in Better Homes and Gardens October 09 Issue p.262)

Siblings are the best and worst of friends during childhood, which is right on psychologically-their sole purpose is to gain a parent's attention, and irking a sib is often the way to do it.

I hated when my mother refused to get involved in our spats. "Work it out," she'd say. "I don't' want to hear about it."
But my mom was right. That conflict resolution she forced us to learn not only taught us to navigate relationships, it made us the best of friends as adults.

Many experts say parents shouldn't try to eliminate it as much as moderate it. "Sibling rivalry is a dress rehearsal for life," says Elaine Fantle Shimberg, the Tampa Author of Blending Families and mother of five..You have to learn to communicate and you have to make compromises."

Think before stepping in. "Parents, wishing only to see their kids smiling, sometimes hijack the process," says Chicago psychologist Aaron Cooper, author of I just want my kids to be happy! Why you shouldn't' say it, why you shouldn't think it, what you should embrace instead. They mix in when sibs bicker or fight, thinking it's the way to promote peace. In fact, it backfires much of the time."

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9 Tips to be more Creative

I woke up earlier than usual this morning and was cruising around blog land to my favorite reads. I went to see what fellow EtsyKids member JoeyandAleethea was doing (psssst...she just celebrated her 5th anniversary - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!) She had a link in her latest post from a blog called Pikaland, which I am now following, because I love it! And the latest post on that blog is 9 Tips to be more creative - so I tossed what I was gonna write about today - and I hope this inspires you just like it did me! Thanks Pikaland and J&A:

About fueling creativity:

1. Creativity is fueled by experiences, sights, sounds and smells. Sitting still won’t bring new ideas in; experimenting and trying new things will jog your creativity.
2. I maintain a certain pattern to the day, with my morning bath signalling me that I am starting my work with a fresh mind and spirit. After breakfast is when my day officially begins — I turn on the radio and look at my to-do list (see #3).
3. I jot down notes every night before I go to bed about what I need to accomplish the next day. This way, I’m actively placing my worries onto paper so I can go to bed not fretting about what needs to be done.
4. I have a box labeled for each different project I’m involved in. So I toss everything I have in one box, and I don’t worry about misplacing things or ideas. This one was inspired by The Creative Habit
5. I also keep a different sketchbook for different topics and ideas. I have one for business, one for random sketches and another for my writing. And in these sketchbooks I sometimes allocate different sections so that my thoughts don’t get messed up too much (there isn’t a search function on them, like a computer does!)
6. And I throw these sketchbooks all over the place, so when I have a thought I scribble it down quickly.
7. I try and find the pattern between things, and connect the dots between random things just for fun when I’m stuck in a rut. Like when I see the color yellow around me, and then I start to focus on finding yellow things — stuff that I didn’t notice before will show themselves to me. I’m heightening my sense of awareness because I’m narrowing my focus to one thing.
8. Doing things differently helps. I love calligraphy, but sometimes I seem to be stuck in a rut — it seems that I could only write in a certain way! So I stop, and see what others are doing, and try to analyze what I could do differently. A little more pressure on the downward stroke? Or how about adding more flourishes to that letter? It took me about a week of constant practice to free up my hand. If you’re stumped for ideas, have a look at Keri Smith’s 100 ideas to get you started.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Creativity is like a muscle that you need to flex regularly. I dread staring onto a blank piece of paper, but everything begins with that first stroke. I’m a perfectionist, so I train myself to not use erasers at all when I’m drawing. And if I do make mistakes, I start on a new piece of paper — that way I let new ideas in and not just dwell on what I previously did.

Here are some books in my collection that I pick up whenever I need a boost:

1. The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp : I love this book. Twyla is a dancer and choreographer, but a lot of the things she has to say cuts across all disciplines.
2. How to Be an Explorer of the World: Portable Life Museum by Keri Smith : Keri reminds everyone to put on their explorer goggles and look at the world with new eyes — I did a review of her book here.
3. Living Out Loud by Keri Smith : Although the book is a little girlish for guys, I love the article she wrote about how to find what you love to do
4. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho : This is an amazing book that I pick up and read again and again. The message is simple — you won’t find what you’re looking for until you follow through on your dreams.
5. How to be an Illustrator by Darrel Rees and Nicholas Blechman : I like how they talk to illustrators and get their feedback on running a creative business.
6. Lines & Shapes by Lena and Mav : Amazing artists and beautiful, beautiful pictures. I have volume no. 5 and I treasure it.
7. The first issue of the Good to Know project : I like keeping a copy on my bookshelf so I can read up on what my friends have to say about being creatively stuck.

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So the Pie isn't Perfect? Cut it into Wedges

Happy Saturday Diva's! I'm so happy this is a long weekend for me, I'm working on the largest order I've ever had and I hope to ship it out this weekend! So~today we're talking about Pie's -

Martha Stewart's #8 Rule in business and life.
Back in Martha's catering days she was hired to cater a dinner for Paul Newman and Joan Woodward; which was a major thing for her in those days. She decided to prepare a Moroccan buffet for the event, and the main feature was 8 b'steeya, four from chicken and the others with squab (small foul). So while they were baking Martha made the mistake of leaving the b'steeya unattended and stepping out of the kitchen and when she returned all of the pies were burned on the crust that was closest to the oven wall. She was horrified!!! There was no way she could make more in time and her reputation as a caterer was at stake. So, she took a deep breath and made an assessment. She saw that although the pies were no longer perfect, the vast majority of each was fine and undamaged. So she picked up a knife and cut each pie into wedges, discarded the burnt pieces, arranged them on a platter and sprinkled with spices. Martha served the pies as if nothing were amiss, and the party was a huge success.

The moral: When faced with a challenge, in business or life, evaluate/assess the situation, gather the good things in sight, abandon the bad, clear your mind and move on. Focus on the positive, stay in control and NEVER panic.
...now im hungry....im goin to veg! Smooches!

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On the eleventh day of Christmas, the EtsyKids Team gave to me...

...eleven things for playtime!





When baby is holding something, they love to grip and squeeze, shake and chew! These Crib Critters™ Super Soft Plush Baby Toys and Teething Ring from My Mini-Mocs are the perfect solution to satisfy those very natural instincts!











This Medium Aviary Cloth Play Block from KnitStyle is super fun for baby and kids to play with! Ribbon tags are sewn in along the seams so baby can pull and tug and have some fun! Also a great toy for kids to toss and play catch. Makes a great baby shower gift as well.














This handy Crayon Keeper from Boogaboo Babies holds 8 crayons safe and sound, and rolls up to fit in a pocket, diaper bag or purse! Fun fabrics that will inspire your budding artist. Grab it and go anywhere, church, restaurant, or school!













For a little Christmas crafting fun, here's a Christmas Mouse Craft kit from And Then. The kit contains materials for 5 mice and comes in a super cute reusable box. Lots of different materials are included so your child can customize his/her Christmas Mice. The only thing you need to supply is scissors!

Santa is now a finger puppet for the creative puppeteer in your life! Perfect for stocking stuffers, this Santa finger puppet from Happy Whosits is hand-crocheted in red, pink and white acrylic yarn, with embroidered features (making him child friendly) and will fit most fingers (little ones can use two fingers!).













C is for...Cookie Monster! Perfectly sized for a child's hand, this sewn felt Cookie Monster puppet from MF Crafts will surely bring hours of entertainment for any child! Great for Grandma to have on hand for visits from grandchildren; great gifts to have stashed away for a sick child or spur-of-the-moment gift needs.











A PAIR of collectible "When I am Quiet on O'ahu" and "When I am Quiet on Maui" kid's books written & illustrated & self-published by Judi Riley from Tiki Tales. Learn about Hawai'i's rich culture, language and geography with these two hardcover autographed books!








This adorable heart themed jacket from Perennial Piecer has a large chenille framed heart on the back. It is fully lined and has been pre-washed for a raggy chic look and feel. Fits 18" dolls and is made of denim and cotton fabrics with a plastic heart button.










This doll sling from Baby Pockets is perfect for your little one to carry dolls or stuffed animals! It is about 12" wide by 58" long and will fit most children from toddler to grade school.















This set of 4 Urban Garden Cloth Play Blocks from The Polka Dot Tot Spot is sure to keep your little one entertained! There are so many colors and designs of beautiful fabrics that make up this wonderful set...lovely!








Take your crayons with you where ever you go in this convenient crayon roll up travel pouch from Happy Babee and Beeyond! Perfect for long waits in the doctor’s office or at a restaurant. Your choice of any one crayon roll. Check this shop section out for the current selections: Crayon Keepers






Eleven pipers piping are hiding in a few item listings from EtsyKids members. Find just one of them and you could win one of these great playtime items!

Today's clue is: Maria’s Bavarian Mountains sound

When you think you've solved it and know what the keyword is, go to Etsy.com and type your keyword + etsykids team into the search, and start looking!

Once you have found the image, send a conversation to Tiny Stitches with 'EtsyKids 12 Days of Christmas' in the subject line, and a link to the item where you found it by midnight (Eastern time) December 8th. All correct entries will be entered into a random drawing for a prize!

Don't forget to keep track of where you find each day's image so you can enter the grand prize drawing at the end!

For complete instructions on how to play and contest rules, please click here.

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A big thanks to BuggaLove and My Mini-Mocs for creating the images, and Little Elephant Company for coming up with the clues!

Written by:

The Clever Kitty

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