Design^Sprout | Your Guide to Green Design

Go Green Barbie?

     Well, it was inevitable, the original material girl herself has gone green...kind of.  Toy giant Mattel, no doubt hoping on the green bandwagon, has launched a program recycling the excess scraps of doll clothing left on their factory floors.  They plan on turning these once landfill bound remnants into patch- work accessories for eco-conscious children. Of course, the actual doll will remain a very earth-unfriendly PVC and all that colorful packaging, perfect for catching the attention of 6-year-olds, is later discarded and rarely recycled. 

    This makes me soooo smoldering mad that I wanted to get some other opinions.  Am I alone here in being disgusted with the "greenwashing" of America? Should I get over myself and pat Mattel on the back for at least making some effort? It seems to me that they are making a quick buck and using our concern for the planet to do it. If Mattel really wanted to make a difference why not reduce their insane amount of packaging or make the dolls out of a bio-degradable product? Okay, I'm getting down off my high horse. What do you think???

 

Welcome to the Dollhouse

   I don't know why or how these adorable little creatures came about - I just know that my girliness  wants one in every cute incarnation they come in! Styled head-to-toe in the most colorful of costumes and hairstyles  Momiji dolls come in a ton of options and it's fun to browse their website for interesting things to do with them.  Below is a handmade doll house art students made to house their collection.
    I love the idea of purchasing a few dolls that speak to you and then displaying your personality while creating their world. Seems like a great way to spend time with the kids!

DIY - Let's make our own toys!

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!!

   There's something about this day that reminds me of being a little girl and the magic each hour held. When my brother and I were in trouble (which was fairly often, sorry mom!) and not allowed to play with our toys, we'd spend hours making up games or creating our own entertainment from random household objects. Some of my favorite memories are of the laughs we would have with every horrible failure and fun you couldn't possibly buy with every success.

   On this Earth Day I thought it would be fun to re-visit some of those times and expose our children to the pride and ownership that comes with creating - rather than simply consuming. This foam core doll-house is super-easy and kids can really get into the decoration! Have them design the wall paper and furniture or turn the whole thing in to a super-hero lair with trap doors and secret rooms.  After all, aren't we all little kids at heart? At least the lucky ones.

   Get instructions for making these adorable, crocheted Harry Potter dolls here. I'm told she keeps selling out but if you e-mail her she'll put more for sale on her Etsy site darncatcrochet.

Felt blocks are easy, safe for the little ones and can help improve your juggling skills! These funky robots can be made from blocks your kids have outgrown.

 

  Who doesn't love a flying sock pig? It's not you is it? I didn't think so.