PrestoBingo SHAPES: a shape-finding and counting app for kids. Image courtesy of Spur Design.

It’s official! We’re giving Spur Design’s latest project, PrestoBingo SHAPES the thumbs up. This colourfully inventive and interactive, shape-finding and counting app for kids is a real treat and more challenging than you might expect.

'Square Boy' was the first illustration created for the SHAPE series. Images courtesy of Spur Design.

The creators at Spur Design have included just about every shape you could think of: circles, ovals, squares, semi-circles, trapezoids, triangles, and rectangles. Kids will get to practice numbers 1-20 too.

Vibrant illustrations and animations guide the way, and once you’ve discovered all the shapes in each scene you’re rewarded with a surprise skit, before moving on to the next frame.

This app is best suited to kids ages 2-6, though older members of the family will equally enjoy a turn.

PrestoBingo SHAPES is available at the iTunes App Store.

New Generals A/W 2012 Collection. Images courtesy of Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Sharing a few stills today from the New Generals A/W 2012 fashion show at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Staged at the historic Carlsberg factories over the weekend, New Generals presented another totally ‘ethicool’ collection to an enthusiastic audience of fashion buyers, press and VIPs.

The New Generals signature looks for Autumn/Winter spans sizes 0-10 and includes a multi-functional balloon dress, cardigans, hoodies, giant prints, trousers and leggings – as well as a few standout accessory items: a fun rucksack that doubles as a tote bag, and a small range of must-have acrylic necklaces.

See Kai Run – Jennifer. Images courtesy of See Kai Run.

Thanks to style-conscious labels like See Kai Run, the days of healthy-but-hideous kids’ shoes are over. Their new Autumn/Winter 2012 collections for 0-3 years old will have your toes wiggling with joy. Sporting the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance, their signature brand of urban chic covers everything from street-smart trainers to picture-pretty Mary Janes.

See Kai Run – Kai gray & black trainer.

For boys, the Thurston, in versatile brown or black, lends street cred to any outfit. Little girls will love the sweet Nina Mary Janes in pink or green. They’ll all adore the butter-soft leather and padded collars for extra comfort, and you’ll appreciate the easy adjustable hook and loop closures – so important when dressing a wriggly youngster.

Getting beyond the toddler years? The new Kai™ Collection caters for big kids in sixes from US 3 to 8 (AUS 7-12), so your child can enjoy the styles they know and love for a little while longer.

Left to right: Adoring Hearts organic socks; Grand Arygle in brown organic socks.

While you’re at it, pick up a few pairs of their new organic socks. Made from airy, breathable organic cotton, they’ll stand up to all the running, jumping, hopping, kicking and climbing busy little feet get up to.

Visit See Kai Run to check out the latest collections.

Heart Cookies with Raspberry Filling. Photo: Darcy Hemley.

Last February we posted Valerie Gordon’s delicious recipe for Valentine Heart Cookies with Raspberry Filling. Here it is again for anyone who missed it.

Photo: © 2010 Ian MacPherson. Produced by lmnop productions.

Give a classic game a valentine twist with these charming Bingo cards by Jenni Bowlin. Swap regular counters for heart-shaped candies and don’t forget to spice up your game with a little ‘Bingo Lingo’.

Resources: Jenni Bowlin, Bingo Cards; Happy Lab, Heart candies.

Images courtesy of Bubble London.

Visitors to Bubble London earlier this week, rolled up to an artistic Olive Loves Alfie Colour installation at the entrance of the show. Here’s some pics as promised…

Images courtesy of Bubble London.

Over 250 of the world’s most creative children’s brands came together under one roof to participate in the most successful autumn/winter edition of Bubble London to date. Stay tuned for an in-depth look at what new and exclusive brands were on show.

Quackie toy box by e-glue. Images courtesy of e-glue.

French design agency, e-glue are true specialists when it comes to conceptual design for kids, so it’s no surprise their latest idea is a beauty

This charming duck-inspired piece is e-glue’s answer to toy storage and boasts some pretty cool fixtures including a lifelike beak rail and jazzy, yellow rimmed wheels.

The guys are currently searching for a manufacturer to help them bring their Quackie toy box to life. If you think you can help, visit e-glue’s website for further details.

Photo: © 2011 Ian MacPherson. Produced by lmnop productions.

You can’t beat a handmade valentine, but if you’re short on time we’ve got you covered. Here are three simple ways to capture the attention of your sweetheart, using a little creativity and a few stationery items from our friends at kikki-K.

HEART-FOLD MESSAGE. Photo: © 2010 Ian MacPherson. Produced by lmnop productions.

HEART-FOLD MESSAGE
You’ll be popular when you pass out these ready-made, heart-shaped note cards on February 14. Just craft a sweet message on the inside, then fold and seal with a pretty sticker.

Project materials: kikki-K, My Valentine DIY Sticker Book; kikki-K, My Valentine Note Cards; kikki-K, My Valentine Lead Pencils

FAN MAIL. Photo: © 2010 Ian MacPherson. Produced by lmnop productions.

FAN MAIL
Let a special friend know you’re her biggest fan by sending Valentine’s Day mail. These mini-sized envelopes will make a big impact when she discovers a tiny chocolate or treat is inside. Make use of office stationery labels and stamps from the post office, or simply apply these sweet stickers from kikki-K’s My Valentine DIY Sticker Book.

Project materials: kikki-K, My Valentine DIY Sticker Book; kikki-K, My Valentine Lead Pencil; Happy Lab Mini Chocolate Bars

MAD ABOUT STICKERS. Photo: © 2010 Ian MacPherson. Produced by lmnop productions.

MAD ABOUT STICKERS
Kids love to go the extra mile to impress, so this simple idea will appeal to even the smallest crafter. Take plain packaged candies and chocolates, and turn them into beautifully decorated Valentine gifts in a jiffy by adding a sticker or two. We sourced these yummy treats from the Happy Lab.

Project materials: kikki-K, My Valentine DIY Sticker Book

Search our archives for extra ways to surprise and delight your Valentine, and check back next week for some fresh February 14 projects and gift ideas.

Surya and David Pinto developed an insatiable curiosity about how infants’ visual brains develop when their own son, Siddu was born. Fast-forward to the birth of baby Anya three years later, and their funky kids’ art business, Wee Gallery, has also made its debut. Here’s a peek inside their unconventional world.

Our favourite family pastime is playing board games. We also love picnics when the weather is cool. Bowling is another favorite of the kids when an indoor activity is preferred.

We look forward to Fridays. Every Friday we go down to our local university tavern and meet up with a group of professors (who we got to know when Dave used to teach English) and their kids. The kids play while the adults wind down with a beer. It’s the perfect ending to a busy week!

The kids like it when I make bacon fried rice. I like it too, as two pieces of bacon between the 4 of us helps get down a ton of vegetables too.

Family down time happens when we all find good books. My daughter has just begun to really read, and I suddenly find our house silent for an hour at a stretch, which is so pleasant.

My quick dinner fix is Rosemary chicken. All 4 of us love it.

On the weekends you’ll most likely find us at the beach. Our Sunday mornings are usually spent at one of the many local beaches.

Ideas flow when deadlines are tight! I am a procrastinator by nature, but I like to think of it as compiling mental notes till the last minute.

My style is Indian Folk. I am drawn to images that are made by children too, and I try to draw with my left hand so that I have less control of the drawing. I am inspired by clever things, so it’s a bonus for me if I can visually solve something in a clever way.

My all-time favourite book is Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins. I love everything that Tom Robbins has written.

Everyday I try to check my daily blog list to keep in touch with what’s going on art or style wise.

Dave and I share a love for travelling. We are getting to the stage where we can take the kids on bigger and bigger adventures, so we are excited.

We love what we do because we get to think about art, kids, and toys all day! I feel lucky! I am also amazed and honored when we receive a note from a mom saying how much they love the cards.

Our very first product was Original Art Cards for Baby.

People know us for our hand drawn animals.

We find inspiration in our kids and their growing minds. Children are so fascinating, and their ability to find their way around their world is pretty incredible.

Our children like to hang out around the dining table. Homework, meals, crafts, and everything important happens there.

I collect anything vintage. I love thrifting, and Florida has some amazing consignment shops. I can’t resist anything folksy, or vintage modern.

Our prized knick-knack is a set of 4 Swedish Dala horses.

I’d love to redecorate/renovate my living room. It is the first room as soon as you come in, and is a little dark because of the front porch that blocks the sun. I spend hours trying to crack the puzzle of how to lighten up this room while spending the least money while retaining the character of the house.

Moomah, Tribeca NY. Photos: Kim Cornelison.

Sadly, Moomah announced over the weekend it would be closing it’s doors on April 1. Tribeca locals will miss this all in one, café, art gallery, nature museum and creative play space, for sure.

But it’s not all sad news. Founder Tracey Stewart has promised the best of Moomah will be preserved in an exciting new non-profit organisation, soon to be announced on moomah.com. Furthermore, Moomah’s website will stay live and soon expand to include even more creative resources and Do-It-Together art projects for parents and kids to enjoy.

Please support this fine establishment in its final months if you’re in the neighbourhood. Or simply drop by and thank Stewart and her team for creating such a serene and magical environment for us parents and carers to hang out with their kids!

Moomah – you will be greatly missed!