the hippest kid

The Fairy's Book of Fairly Good Manners

I so look forward to my newsletter from the Toymaker. Her beautiful paper crafts remind me that you don't have to spend big bucks to entertain the kiddies. The latest edition announced the arrival of "The Fairy's Book of Fairly Good Manners".

Those that know me know that I'm a real stickler for etiquette. I have a hunch that we would have a lot less war and crime if people were taught better manners at an early age. Shooting people just isn't polite.

From her newsletter:

"Print out this little book to give to someone who likes tiny things or needs a nudge to remember to say please and thank you."

Available from the Toymaker.

Redhood by Camilla Engman

Camilla Engman makes amazing prints and paintings. Her style is strangely sweet and dark at the same time. Little Red Riding Hood gets a "Mini-Me" companion in this made-new fairytale.

The lighthearted nature of the print almost made me forget the sad fact that Red's Grandma gets eaten during this macabre story. This now begs the question: does anyone know why so many people get devoured in German children's stories?

Available at Mahar Dry Goods.

Handpainted Art at La La Ling

Totally lovin' these paintings! You get a cool handpainted Op Art rendition of any image you provide to artist Elysas Beria. You even get to pick your own foreground and background colors.

I'm suddenly overcome by the urge to get a white wig and Campbell's Tomato Soup... gotta run.

Available at La La Ling.

Pets of the Future by Mark Frauenfelder

I'll just be candid: I HATE kid's rooms with corporate cartoon art themes. I don't want my child's sheets to match his Happy Meal toy du jour.

Thumbtack Press is a wonderful remedy to cookie-cutter kid decor. They feature unique artwork by top illustrators. You can buy just a print or get it framed, matted and shipped for a nominal fee.

I especially love this one by Mark Frauenfelder for its irreverant subject and vibrant colors, but there are many other artists to choose from.