Summertime is synonym of family time, fun, warm weather and why not? Room decoration! ! Our Best Sellers designs with 50% OFF and the rest of the products with 30% OFF.

Let your kid’s artistic spirit out and start renovating their rooms and your house areas; they will definitely enjoy and love this activity more than you think. Like Picasso says: “Every child is an artist”, and we just need to help them to find what they love.

Because there’s no better combination than love, kids, summer and these pieces of art. What do you like the most? Inspirational quotes? Adventure maps? Or maybe your kids have a wild style and love nature and animals… there’s no trouble, we surely have the perfect piece that can change the whole room ambiance. Don’t lose your time, adventure awaits you.

You can find us in every social media you prefer!

 Twitter: @ChildDesign

Facebook: ChildrenInspireDesign

Pinterest: ChildrenInspire

Instagram: childreninspiredesign

If you'd like to become a part of the Global Guardian Project, please sign up for our mailing list and we'll send you videos, educational activities and stories of kids changing the world.

The idea for the Global Guardian Project was spurred on day while my friends and I watched our children play. We were having a discussion that we have often, about leaving the earth in a terrible state for our children and grandchildren. It always leaves me feeling desperate and ashamed. But this time, I let those feelings of shame turn into sparks of inspiration.

Global education is what fuels me. It’s what I base my professional and personal life around. When I look at my own children, I know that they are the true messengers, not me. So the Global Guardian Project took form.

In March of 2016, we'll be officially launching the Global Guardian project, a resource for global minded parents and children who want to learn more about the world, and what we can do to impact the future of the earth. This project is special because it's being taught to kids, by kids. By providing the resources, we hope to inspire children to motivate others. Our videos and interviews are all co-written by kids; the ideas and content are all theirs.

We are very excited to share the Global Guardian Project with you. In the meantime, you can sign up for our newsletter, a great resource for mindful parents and curious kids. You will receive exclusive samples of DIY educational projects, and tips on how to become a Global Guardian at home.

With global education being our mission, here are a few favorite products that help reinforce the importance of caring for our Earth.

Hey friends- I have some really exciting news and am asking for your help (in exchange for some great art!)

I've been invited to collaborate with my dear friends (and sisters) Molly and Katherine Fisher to launch a luxurious wellness retreat company with a social giving focus. Retreats will take place in Mexico and will include wellness, cultural and educational elements to them.

To help style these unique and adventurous retreats we'd love to hear from you. We've designed a quick survey that will help us design the best retreats possible. In exchange for your valuable 2 minutes, we'll gift you with a printable download of 4 of our bestselling," You Are" motivational prints.

Just follow this link, answer a few questions and submit. A link to your art download will then pop up!

Thank you in advance- this is a really exciting time for us and we appreciate your input!

For years I've stood by my belief that pairing art + giving can be a strong force for social change. 2 years ago, I was given the opportunity to prove that by partnering with Gain Health to create a piece of art that tells a story of global compassion. All proceeds from that compassion map (in a 2 month period) were donated to their program, Future Fortified. In the end, we raised enough money to provide much needed nutrients to infants and children in Kenya- 8,000 children for an entire month.

It was my biggest success story. Still is.

This year I'm breathing new life to our One Mother to Another Initiative by spearheading a community of women who want to use the power of social media to raise awareness and funds to global women and children focused initiatives.

How can I play a part?

The concept is pretty simple. I make the art. You, as a part ot the OMTA community, share the story of the art and the organization we support. All art purchased through our site will be donated to the chosen org. They get needed funds to support their women and children focused initiative. We get to be proud to play a part in social change.

Launch date

On February 1st, we'll be launching the first art + organization pairing. We'll offer a piece of art from our site for a week designated to that org. 100% proceeds raised will be donated. Then we'll do it again with another org. And again. And again.

If I could raise enough money from one print to provide nutrients to 8,000 children in Kenya for a month, imagine what we can do together.

Be a catalyst

If you'd like to join our community of like minded moms, who want to use their social media communities to help women and children globally, please send an email to me at rebecca@childreninspiredesign.com. I'll send detailed information when the time gets closer to Feb 1.

I hope you'll be a part of our newest project and our growing community of changemakers. Your little ones will witness you taking steps toward global change. You'll be teaching them well.

For a list of orgs we've worked with in th past, see here.

This week's craft download is this darling little butterfly mask! You can download the rest of the masks on our blog's homepage:)

So, to get started, here's what you need.

We can't wait to see the masks on your kiddos!! Enjoy!

Let me explain.

I've created a collection of free DIY projects called the Global Guardian Project.

I use art to illustrate the stories we need to tell our children. It’s important to show kids that the compassion they have for the people in their lives is the same compassion that everyone in the world deserves. My eco friendly art helps to teach little ones to be mindful and kind, and reminds parents of the importance of sending a positive message.

And now, I want to offer the DIY projects to you, so you can teach your littles compassion for the earth and all who inhabit it. 

I want to help open the door for a healthy dialogue between parents and kids about global issues. My eco friendly global DIY's are not only a great educator, but also beautiful decor.  You don’t need to turn it on or plug it in, but it will spark a connection. Big and small, we all have a duty to be informed, and spread love and kindness.

If you and your child would like to become a part of the Global Guardian Project, sign up for our newsletter and you'll start receiving projects and inspiring art in your inbox starting January 1. 

It's no secret that I love maps. I love maps of all kinds and have used them in my kid's nursery decor since birth. Apart from them being sweet on the eye, maps have a very important purpose for children. They help children gain a greater understanding of the world. Whether it be recognizing all 50 states, knowing where their roots lie, or perhaps tracking past and future adventures, maps teach kids about this big, amazing world and it's rich and unique cultures. It also teaches compassion for our earth. The more children know about the people, environments, cultures, animals and nature, the more connected they'll feel. They'll feel a responsibility to care for it, and all who inhabit the earth. Maps help to create a responsible global citizen. I believe a map is an investment in a child's education and character.

Here's where you can find the maps:

Global Compassion Wall Map

Personalized USA Travel Wall Map

To Live World Wall Map

My Roots Customizable US Map -  Choose your State

My Roots Customizable World Map

Like many, I’ve spent most of my life chasing success, approval and happiness. And like many, I’ve been left feeling bored, empty and unfulfilled.

I spent the past 2 years barely hanging on to a rapidly growing business. I was fortunate, I was creative, I was fulfilling my dreams. Except, I wasn’t. I was stressed. I was irritable. I was constantly in fear of the moment all the balls would drop. And mostly I was always a little bit sad. I was forced to shift from an artist to a businesswoman and I didn’t like it. I didn’t have time to create. I had to start outsourcing other artists to keep up with the new design demands. I suffered. And sadly, my brand suffered.

I got caught up in the whirlwind. It was time for some soul searching.

The change:

I knew I needed to radically shift my mindset. I realize instead of looking outward, I needed to start looking inward. I mean, really digging. I decided I had to let go of everything that was no longer serving Children Inspire Design, my creative self and my family. The most profound moment in this shift was when I stopped making decisions based on what others would think, and instead chose to base my decisions on how I felt. I narrowed my mission. I decided to create a strict set of criteria that all my artwork had to fall under in order to be Children Inspire Design worthy.

A design has to do one or more of the following:
-Inspire children to have compassion for the earth and all who inhabit it.
-Teach mindfulness and/or emotional intelligence
-Foster curiosity for world cultures/languages
-Cultivate little Global Citizens

So, my commitment to you for 2016 is this- I promise to dig deep within my creative self to design some real, meaningful, educational artwork for your little global citizens that will not only be sweet on the eyes, but also provide a bit of brain food for your littles. Your children deserve to know all they can about the big wide world of ours. It’s my pleasure to create art for you to use as the starting point.

It feels good to be clear and focused. I’m excited to get to work-

-Rebecca

We believe that art and giving go hand-in-hand. For that reason we have partnered with many amazing organizations globally to raise funds for their initiatives through sales of our prints.

With our Compassion for the Earth Map alone, we were able to run a giving campaign with Future Fortified, a program under Gain Health to raise $8000 which provided nutrition to women and children in Kenya. We have also raised funds for Every Mother Counts and Baby2Baby via sales of our map.

The map highlights what makes our world so beautiful and precious, and lends itself ot wonderful teaching opportunities about protecting the earth and its inhabitants. The giving component behind the map offers a chance to nurture in children a desire to help others, to be the change.

Yay, they're finally here! I've been working on these animal masks for a looooonng time and I finally have a cute collection of forest animal masks for you. I know, peacocks aren't the first animal that pops in your head when it comes to forest animals, but I couldn't resist. 

So, to get started, here's what you need.

Then simply cut, paste, tie and enjoy! I trust you don't need step by step directions. I will point out though that the eyes are separate from the mask face on purpose- it's so you can measure your little one's eye level. Then simply cut out the holes on both sheets and glue together. Also, if you don't have card stock, I'd suggest gluing the designs onto light cardboard (cereal box type) then cut out. The whole mask will be much sturdier than using paper alone. Enjoy!!

Get it here:

Download Mask 

Download Feathers

Hey Friends-
I thought it was about time I created a fun DIY project for you, as it's been a little while. The project is really simple, you only need a stick, some string and our print out. I really like this one because it could fit in any space in your home. I have mine in my living room nested between my kid's art wall ad our family pictures.

We can see the mobile as a perfect pair to our Boho Wall Cards and our Boho Woodland print collection.

I'm going to let you to your creative devices to create something beautiful! Feel free to post pics of your creation on IG and hashtag #childreninspiredesign!

Download HERE

One of my favorite parts of designing for Children Inspire Design is creating these cute little free digital downloads.  Sweet little gifts that help global minded parents teach their littles how to care for the Earth.

Here's another lovely free download we created with both teachers and children in mind. Our Please Recycle print is a cute reminder for little hands to put their trash in the right place. Enjoy!

How about this for a little free love? 

There is no other word that holds so much meaning. Our digital design is the perfect reminder of the love we have for our children. Display the eco-friendly cards wherever love grows in your home to remind your children it’s all around them.

Each letter is 5x7 and the gender-neutral cards will add style to any empty wall. Simply string them together, tack them up or frame them. They are perfect for a nursery, child’s room, play room or even your family room. Enjoy!

Here's the digital download banner. Because we love you.

This Earth Day we really wanted to give you something fun and educational for your littles. So we collected our best images and created a DIY download that is actually 5 projects in 1 (the options are actually endless, but we thought 5 suggestions would start you off right). You can print out the download HERE and take any of our ideas above, or let your child create something of his/her own. Have fun, friends and Happy Earth Day!

Well hello, there. It's been a while.

I took a looonngg break from blog posting here on CID. But I'm back. Kids are in school. The studio is quiet. Back to work.

It's fun to start posting again by giving away a little freebie for my friends. This is one of my favorite alphabet prints. I love the crisp turquoise and citrus palette. It's an alphabet print that adjusts easily to adult eyes. I like that. I think your peepers will too.

Anyway, enjoy!

-Rebecca

Download 8x10 print HERE

We’ve all been touched somehow by the media explosion of stories of the global refugee crisis. Across the globe, in Europe, Africa and the U.S., people who have left their homes by force or out of desperation are trying to find a new place to settle.

This is a topic that is very raw and real for my family.

I feel that simple, truthful conversations are the best way to education children on our current global situations. Finding a way to have soft, open and supportive discussions will provide an opportunity for creating a compassionate, mindful child and will build a stronger foundation for more difficult conversations in the future.

I created this DIY printable, which includes a world map + cut out images, as a way for parents to start talking to children about families around the world. I want to offer parents tools to have compassionate conversations at home with children so that they can process these facts and perhaps find a common connection to refugee families

These are the things I talked to my children about. They are at the core of my family value system and what I believe to be most important:

All Parents have a common dream to provide a safe, healthy, happy life for their children. -Refugee parents have uncommon courage to risk leaving everything they know for a better life for their families. -At the core of each human being is the desire to protect and love each other. -It is important to show compassion for other’s struggles and respect their lives, not as citizens of a particular country, but as human beings. -We always have the power to help.

I’ve also included a few resources I found to be helpful in educating myself and my family. How To Talk To Your Kids About Refugees, Time.com How To Talk To Your Kids About The Syria Crisis, Unicef.org ABC’s Behind The News, a family-friendly report on a young refugee’s journey. Appropriate for perhaps 7 and up. (please watch before showing to your children).

you can find DIY download links HERE

My husband, two boys, our dog, Rocco and I are about half-way through a roadtrip in our Airstream. California to Wisconsin via the meandering route. Travel has always been imporant for me, and when I had kids, I knew I wanted to instill in my boys that passion for exploring new places. I believe there is no better way to learn about the world, about cultures, art, history, and about yourself. I'll be writing a more extensive post about this trip, but right now, I need to go have some awesome adventures with my boys. For now, I will leave you with some photos of our trip this far, and links to our past posts about global education and traveling with kids here and here. Happy travels, everyone!

image via pinterest

Written by  Christine Martin

Times are changing...no doubt. Technology increase, information accessibility, economy transformation all point to this change.

 This being said, there is a burning question: Is education keeping up with the pace?

 Has there been a parallel evolution in the way schools educate our children? Is increased standardized testing the answer? What about rampant medication of children with attention difficulties?

 Modern entrepreneur and author, Seth Godin claims:

 We need school to produce something different, and the only way for that to

happen is for us to ask new questions and make new demands on every element

of the educational system we’ve built. Whenever teachers, administrators, or

board members respond with an answer that refers to a world before the rules

changed, they must stop and start their answer again.

The rules have changed.

• Standardization is not better. Kids are uniquely skilled. Differentiation is key in bringing their skills to life.
• Meeting the status quo is not best. Meeting your potential is.
• There isn’t just one answer (in the back of the book). There are many.
• It isn’t just academic vs. non-academic. Children perform using varied smarts or intelligences.
• Working together is not cheating. It’s collaborating.

Sir Ken Robinson illustrates these changes and the role of education in modern times in this captivating talk on Changing Education Paradigms.

What can I do?

1. Cater to your child’s intelligences. Does he enjoy drawing? Have him draw a comic strip on the chapter read at school. Is she athletic? Encourage her to create an obstacle course in the backyard using five different materials in five different ways.
2. Let go of the desk + chair. Schools often demand students to be seated to complete work. We’re not all made to work that way. Have them sit on a bouncy exercise ball or write standing if they are more comfortable. Many work spaces now accommodate the needs of employees to increase performance.
3. Consider alternative methods of schooling. Home-schooling, online programs (check out California Academy of Arts & Sciences) and various after-school programs may be education forums that your child resonate with more than conventional schools.

Education needs a face-lift. Not only at school, but home as well. The sooner we can let go of the idea of more of the same and embrace a real change (revolution), the more we service the future, our children. 

Global education has become a key component in school curriculums worldwide. As an educator both in the U.S. and abroad, I have collaborated in developing global education programs in several schools. Many times this is included in the larger school vision and permeates throughout the school culture. Other times, it is a challenge.

 With demanding standards needing to be met, asking teachers to take on another component in their daily lessons can be overwhelming. But, global citizenship does not have to be a separate or additional part of the curriculum. It can be integrated into daily activities in a way that corresponds with what students are currently learning and demands little extra work from the part of the teacher.

 Here are some simple ways to enhance a global environment in your leaning classroom:

 1. Literature: With the incredible selection of children picture books and novels, this is a simple way to add global awareness in your bookshelves. The Cooperative Children’s Book Center has a list of 50 Multicultural Books Every Child Should Know. Check it out. 

2. E-pals: Using current technology like Skype, FaceTime or Hangout, students can have a personal global connection to other children their age around the world. Engage with a school in another country that perhaps is covered in your curriculum. Assign specific topics once students get comfortable with each other and watch international collaboration take place in your very own classroom.

3. Multicultural calendar: Support diversity in your classroom and educate students on global events in history, religion, and the environment by including a multicultural calendar. Buy one or make it a collaborative class assignment.

4.  Current events: Nurture a sense of global citizenship by sharing awareness of events happening around the world. Students can either bring in news stories or set a time in the morning to read global publications and then discuss. Among other online sources are, Pitara Kids Network, and Our Little Earth, Global News for World Citizens.

5.  Service learning: Being of service is one of the most fulfilling and authentic ways of participating with others. By integrating service learning projects with your established curriculum, students obtain meaningful experiences that reflect their learning. Go here and here for some ideas.

6.  Classroom decor: Create an environment that promotes respect and curiosity of other cultures. Posters and resources that reflect diversity and citizenship help maintain positivity in a learning space.

 The world is interconnected more than ever. As educators, it is our responsibility that students engage in it with knowledge, tolerance, and compassion. Having a focus on global awareness is a key component to preparing children for a promising future.  

*Written by Christine Martin

Written by contributing blogger, Christine Martin. 

There was a time in the early 80s when we had wallpaper covering our walls. My mom had a thing for that. She also liked changing things up decor-wise and wallpaper removal/change is not the simplest ways to revamp a room. But, she did it...a few times. 

I don't remember patterns and colors being as fun and lovely as these though. Just Kids Wallpaper is one Aussie mom who loves to host fun designs that suit spaces for kids. From dinosaurs to trees to circus animals, you can find a plethora of styles from the site's collection. There are several that are quite timeless and would suit an interior design for a while. I would have added so many more images here, but these are my favs. 

Lovely, right? 

This Earth Day we really wanted to give you something fun and educational for your littles.  So we collected our best images and created a DIY download that is actually 5 projects in 1 (the options are actually endless, but we thought 5 suggestions would start you off right). You can print out the download HERE and take any of our ideas above, or let your child create something of his/her own.  Have fun, friends and Happy Earth Day!

On Thursday, April 2, we're proud to partner with SOS Children's Villages, an amazing non profit whose mission is to give homes to thousands of children globally.  SOS believes that every child needs a loving family. SOS families provide stable, secure and loving care in a family setting for children who have lost their parents or cannot live with their biological family.

This sweet little print raised $1,100 for our favorite anti-bully campaign, Free2Luv. We committed to donating 100% proceeds of our You Can Fly print for a week. Thank you, CID friends, for supporting our ongoing social giving initiatives.
Pretty powerful for a little piece of art, right?

Hey friends-

We like to give little gifts of appreciation now and again, to show our gratitude to you.  So, here's an adorable set of holiday wall cards to help spruce up your home.  Thanks for being you. 

Happy Holidays!

Rebecca

download wall cards here

We're all about helping our friends make back to school routines a little easier, so here's a link to this super helpful fill-in-yourself checklist.  Enjoy!

A few months ago, we were able to donate $5,000 via Catapult to Heshima Kenya, an organization that provides programs for refugees in Kenya, particularly women and children. The initiatives aim to empower women to develop skills that will help sustain their families, and ultimately their communities.

Our donation helped 20 women receive tailoring courses and financial literacy training, which included learning to write business proposals. Two women graduated from the income-generating program and were given grants to start their own businesses.Twenty additional women are on track to complete the tailoring program, and 12 more participants will graduate from the income-generating program.

It is our hope that the sense of empowerment those inspiring women gained will continue to lift them up, and that they will be able to instill that confidence in their children, especially their daughters.

To read more about the initiative we supported, click here.

We are deeply passionate about empowering women and children around the world. And we feel blessed to be able to collaborate with such amazing organizations. Please share information on organizations that you inspiring in the comment section below.