Sweet Paul Kids Issue 2013 by Sweet Paul Magazine

Special Edition

the

issue 2013

Contents KIDs 2013

5 What’s up Sweet Paul? 8 Contributors 13 Your little ones will love ... 18 Recipe Monday 20 Crafty Friday 24 Gorg-wanna baby 28 Keep your eye on 34 Gorg-wanna handmade 36 Celebration of family 40 Gorg-wanna design 44 Toy story 49 Decorating for kids 53 Will’s picks

features 58 Pancakes of the world 66 Recyled into toys 74 Transformation 80 Kid approved food 90 Off to the circus 94 The wonderful Wizard of Oz party 106 Professor Figgy’s science class

Photography by Alexandra Grablewski

118 Fantasy kitchen 126 ABC 132 Fancy free

140 From Mormor’s kitchen

2 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

sweetpaulmag.com | 3

4 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

What’s up Sweet Paul? Welcome to a very special edition of Sweet Paul Magazine. This is the second time we’ve made a special Kid’s Issue. And why a Kid’s Issue you may ask? Because everyone that works at Sweet Paul Magazine is a big kid at heart. For me, nothing is more fun than to try to figure out what eight-yearold Paul would love to eat or make. I would sure have loved to dress up as the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, make Swedish Pancakes, and even make Professor Figgy’s green slime. I was thinking the other day about what was on my mind age eight, a little Paul growing up in Oslo, Norway. Well, I really wanted to be an airline host. Back then, flying was fab and you got to see the world. Steward and stewardess uniforms were designed by Dior and Balmain. I even made an airplane cabin in the basement with our old dining room chairs and assorted teddy bears as passengers. Mormor did the catering, I had real food served on small trays. I could be down there for hours. Once in a while my parents would hear: “Welcome onboard this SAS Boing 747 bound for São Paulo, please fasten your seat belts.” I even used my parents’ liquor cart as a duty-free trolly. So welcome onboard this Sweet Paul Magazine, loosen your seat belt, and enjoy every page.

I would sure have loved to dress up as the tin man from The Wizard of Oz, make Swedish Pancakes, and even make Professor Figgy’s green slime

Photography by Alexandra Grablewski

sweetpaulmag.com | 5

6 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

sweetpaulmag.com | 7

Paul Lowe

Founder & editor in chief paul@sweetpaulmag.com

Joline Rivera Art director joline@sweetpaulmag.com Nellie Williams Graphic designer nellie@sweetpaulmag.com Will Taylor Market editor will@sweetpaulmag.com

Paul Vitale Marketing & business development director paulvitale@sweetpaulmag.com Advertising Inquiries advertising@sweetpaulmag.com General Inquiries info@sweetpaulmag.com

Laura Kathleen Maize Copy editor laura@sweetpaulmag.com

Contributors

What was on your mind at age 6?...

Alexandra Grablewski

Photographer, New York I just wanted to be as cool as any other six year old.

Dana Gallagher

Photographer, New York What was on my mind? My sweet ride.

8 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Joline Rivera

Sarah Oster Shasha

“One of these days I’ll be designing my own books.”

When I was six, all I could think about—or talk about— was horses.

Art director, Chicago

Writer, New York

Lindsay Berger

Stylist, Des Moines “Where is the runway?”

Nellie Williams

Graphic designer, Chicago Barbies and Cabbage Patch Kids. I could play with them all day long.

sweetpaulmag.com | 9

“We could never have loved the ear th so well if we had no childhood in it.” GEORGE ELIOT

GIRLS

BOYS

BABY

GIFTS

A collection of premium children's clothing, toys and books.

PeekKids.com

contributors

Lova Esmeralda Felicia Blavarg

Elise Dee

When I was a child I was convinced that if I could just reach high enough I would be able to paint the sky red. My mom and I went out to try it—luckily, she had brought some paper just in case!

When I was six, I was interested in sweets, crafts, and all things glamorous.

“Why is my mom dating that guy?!”

Susanna Blavarg

Jim Noonan

Crafter, New York

Laura Kathleen Maize

Paul Vitale

Photographer, New York I got my first camera at that age, a black plastic Kodak Instamatic with cube flashes. I loved it and shot many pictures of the same things in different angles.

I was pretty much obsessed with Fraggle Rock, Transformers, and these winter gloves I had that showed the temperature outside!

The Toronto Blue Jays, Disney movies, and my favorite band— the Skydiggers

Will Taylor

Dietlind Wolf

Colin Cooke

Market editor, London

Photographer+stylist, Hamburg

Photographer, New York

“Hey, that sand looks tasty: I’m gonna go eat it and then throw up in my parent’s car while on a summer holiday in France.”

I wanted my first writing exercises at school to be in color, so I told my mom we had to get colored marker crayons and wax crayons for class.

The first look at an ocean. Nothing but blue skies ahead…

Holly Becker

Writer+stylist+blogger, Hanover Going to my favorite candy store on the way home from school, reading books, playing with my dolls, roller skating, and being a proud member of my local Brownies (pre-Girl Scout) troop.

Crafter, New York

Copy editor, Toronto

Kathryn Gamble

Photographer, Des Moines

Marketing+business development director, New York At age six I was obsessed with Scooby-Doo and becoming a ventriloquist.

sweetpaulmag.com | 11

12 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Your little ones will love …

3 Colorful and quirky buys from Lucky Boy Sunday All products from luckyboysunday.dk

Bobby Chair pillow, $71

Janee Lookerse handmade kid’s banner, $17 janeelookerse.storenvy.com

Uffie pillow, $124

Visiting an exhibition at a museum:

London V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9PA | Special events all year round Paris Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle 36 rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, 2 rue Buffon et 57 rue Cuvier, 5e | All year round NYC Brooklyn Children’s Museum 145 Brooklyn Ave, at St. Marks Ave | March 23–September 15, 2013

Baking a batch of Sparkle Cookies ⁄4 cup butter, softened 10 teaspoons golden caster sugar 10 teaspoons icing sugar 2 egg yolks 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1⁄4 cups plain flour 10 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, sifted multicolored sprinkles 3

Stanley Delarge doll, $120

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Combine butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolks until you have a creamy consistency, then add in the flour in thirds. 3. Roll the dough into 20 grape-size spheres and place on greased baking sheets. 4. Bake for around 15 minutes or until golden, and then allow to cool. 5. While the cookies are baking, mix up your confectioners’ sugar as per packet instructions so that the consistency is thick but still runny. 6. Once cooled, dip each cookie halfway into the icing, and then roll in in the sprinkles.

sweetpaulmag.com | 13

spring

Our top three books for kids Kiki and Coco in Paris by Nina Gruener, $19, acorntoyshop.com This book is the perfect fairytale for the modern day. The sweet story focuses on a doll and the little girl who looks after her and follows their adventures in the City of Lights. The whole story is brought to life by beautiful photography from Stephanie Rausser and a real handmade doll created by doll maker Jess Brown. This contemporary fairytale will charm people of all ages. Play All Day by Taro Gomi, $20, thehambledon.com If you’re looking for a book that keeps on giving, then Play All Day is for you. With more than 100 perforated playthings to punch out and create, it will keep your little ones occupied for hours. The bonus of this this activity book is that no pencils or scissors are required, making it safe for even your youngest. The pop out playthings will help your little ones learn how to plan their own city or zoo as well as making colorful boxes and finger puppets. This Is Your Book by Ryan Maconochie, $12, amazon.com If you’re expecting or have recently welcomed a new baby, then this book by graphic artist Ryan Maconochie is a must. When Maconochie became a father he decided to make a book to help him document all the things that happened after his daughter was born. This is Your Book will give you the opportunity to record much more than vital statistics like weight, length, and time of birth. Expect to find spaces for recording amusing memories like all the baby names you ruled out. Just imagine the conversations your baby’s completed book could lead to in years to come.

Look what Sweet Paul spotted!

Although Charlie Brown was constantly hindered 2.

by self-doubt, you can be sure your

little one will be full of confidence in this fun and colorful tee inspired by the loveable cartoon

character.

14 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

1. Blast off! banner $35, thepeoplespennant.com 2. Looks like Charlie Brown t-shirt $18, brika.com 3. Kid’s baking apron set $39, odettewilliams.com 4. Are we there yet? t-shirt $34, peekkids.com 5. Tangerine tunic $48, emeraldaugust.com

sweetpaulmag.com | 15

16 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

sweetpaulmag.com | 17

Recipe Monday Small & baked Make these small baked donuts for your kids. They will love the size and you will love that they are not deep fried!

Food+styling by Paul Lowe | photography by Alexandra Grablewski

18 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Mini Donuts

Makes 24 mini donuts Donuts: 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 3 cups plain flour 1 cup buttermilk 3 eggs 1 tablespoon honey 1 ⁄2 cup butter, melted Frosting: confectioners’ sugar water sprinkles 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Grease a mini donut baking pan. 3. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl. 4. Add buttermilk, eggs, honey, and butter and mix well. 5. Spoon mixture into greased pan. 6. Bake until golden, about 5–6 minutes. 7. Let cool on a wire rack. 8. Beat confectioners’ sugar and a little water into a smooth frosting. 9. Dip the donuts into the frosting. 10. Dip the donuts into the sprinkles.

sweetpaulmag.com | 19

Crafty Friday New kids on the blocks Turn your kids and their friends into a very fun toy

Craft+styling by Paul Lowe | Photography by Alexandra Grablewski

20 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

You will need: wooden blocks (these are from littlesaplingtoys.com) photocopied images of kids (do a photoshoot where they stand against a white wall with their arms straight down) glue 1. Cut out the photos so that they fit onto 3 cubes. 2. Glue them on. 3. Let dry before playing.

sweetpaulmag.com | 21

Get your subscription to Sweet Paul Magazine today! SPR I NG 201 3

sweetpaulmag.com 22 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

sweetpaulmag.com | 23

Gorg-wanna baby

IMAGE: mundo melocotón

Duvet cover mundo melocotón, $45–$122 mundo-melocoton.com

24 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

WILLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FAVORITE

7. 8.

1. A to Z poster The Indigo Bunting, $50, theindigobunting.bigcartel.com 2. Mr. Bear print Showler and Showler, $24, showlerandshowler.com 3. Sleeping in the rain pillow Zu shop, $32, showlerandshowler.com 4. Baby card Rifle Paper Co., $5, riflepaperco.com 5. Elephant pull along toy Acorn, $58, acorntoyshop.com 6. Animal wooden hangers My Sweet Muffin, $9, mysweetmuffin.com 7. Bonne Nuit glow in the dark wall sticker The Modern Baby, $45, themodernbaby.co.uk 6. Blossom newborn noonie Lalaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pequenos, $54, lalaspequenos.bigcartel.com

sweetpaulmag.com | 25

26 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Summer is on the way!

S U M M E R 201 3

Sweet Paul Magazine Summer 2013, coming soon Get your copy at sweetpaul.bigcartel.com

sweetpaulmag.com | 27

Keep your eye on Master of the dolls Quick to catch your eye

Text by Paul Vitale | Photography by Alexandra Grablewski

28 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

I fell in love with Mimi Kirchner’s work the moment I laid eyes on one of her iconic tattooed-man dolls. Her work is equal parts charming, witty, beautiful, folksy, modern, and romantic. Her ideas are unique and her execution is as close to flawless as a handmade object can be. It was an honor to spend a morning in Mimi’s Boston-area studio and to chat with her about her work and her artistic life, and also to blatantly covet her dolls and vintage fabric archives.

PV: I’ve always been fascinated by doll making and sewing in general. I loved to try to hand-sew dolls from scraps of fabric at an early age. When did you first start to explore sewing? Doll-making? Who taught you to sew? MK: I don’t remember when I first started sewing. I know that I had those cardboard stitch cards that you sewed with a fat plastic needle and some pretty yarn and that was probably nursery school age. By nine years old I was seriously interested in sewing and all needle arts. I asked for the Weldon’s Encyclopedia of Needlework for Christmas that year and was beyond thrilled when I got it. I still have it! I have a little tin with doll clothes that I made at that age. I started using a sewing machine around then. A friend had a hand-cranked machine at her house and we were allowed to play with it as much as we wanted. In 7th grade I joined a 4-H group to learn sewing from commercial patterns. We all made A-line skirts with waistbands and a zipper. From there I was on my own, mostly. My mom was passionate about fashion and sewed all kinds of amazing things—evening gowns, suit jackets, beautiful coats. She would give me a little help if I needed it but mostly we were each into our own thing.

PV: How did you begin your career in sewing? Have you always been focused on dolls? MK: I have always done fiber arts—including at college where I majored in Crafts (BFA from Carnegie Mellon University) and tried a wide range of fiber techniques including weaving, spinning, felting, knitting, crochet, and more! Somehow though, I ended up getting distracted by the ceramic studio and spent 20 years making and selling decorated clay tableware. Of course, on the side, I sewed, knitted, and crocheted clothing for myself and family, made toys and quilts, and enjoyed those interests on a hobby level. In 1999 the studio building where I was working was destroyed in a fire. I had been feeling discontented with my creative life and figured that this was a sign from the universe that it was time to re-evaluate. I happily moved on from the pottery and started exploring other media. I took print-making, painting, and wire-work. While taking classes, I was helping my mother-in-law dress some family antique dolls. I started researching antique dolls on Ebay. Next, I was at the library, taking out every book they had on dolls. Then I found user groups online and found other people. Uhoh! I had fallen down the rabbit hole—I was obsessed! I started making dolls in 2000, but I didn’t consider it a new career for several years.

sweetpaulmag.com | 29

PV: You must know a lot about dolls in general. Can you tell us a little about the history of handmade dolls? MK: Yes, I did a lot of research when I got interested in dolls. I discovered a whole new world! There has always been the mom who made a one-of-a-kind doll or toy from scraps or rags. The history of the business of doll making is very interesting, though. Doll making is associated with some of the earliest women entrepreneurs in America. And in the rest of the world too. The first patent given to a women in the US was for doll designs. There is a long history of independent women starting businesses with their original doll designs. Also, I was fascinated to learn about oil-painted dolls that share a history with American Folk Art portraits.

PV: Your tattooed dolls are widely appreciated, iconic works of art. How was this doll developed? What inspired you to use toile in this ingenious way? MK: It is very rare that I will have a fully formed idea that I act on. There is typically many months of thinking, collecting, and incubating an idea. The idea starts as sort of a brain tickle and if it keeps recurring then it moves forward. I started noticing people with tattoos and wondered how I could make a tattooed doll. I began collecting images of tattooed people and tattoos that appealed to me. I had already made a man doll pattern and that was a good starting point. I was stumped on how to make the tattoos, though. I tried embroidery but that was so laborintensive that there never would have been more than one doll. I thought about drawing on the fabric with permanent marker and that led me to think about fabric that already had “drawing” on it and that was it—toile! Of course there were still some challenges. How to make the toile a skin tone? I am no expert in dyeing and my first few attempts were terrible. I even tried using watered-down acrylic paints. Eventually I had something usable. I made a few fellows and I had no idea if anyone would be able to read the toile as tattoos. Hurray for the internet! I posted my guys onto Flickr and immediately got positive responses—I knew I’d gotten it right!

PV: What’s your creative process? Do you start with an end product? Do you know what each finished creation will look like when you begin? MK: Absolutely not. I have my basic patterns—a fox, a baby, or a tattooed man. They are simple shapes that I think of as my canvas. I enjoy how I can make the same shape over and over but make it different every time. I am actively making choices throughout the entire construction—colors, skin tones, clothing, hair color. Some are active choices like clothing colors, some things like the facial expressions just happen. I often feel that I have no control over that part. It most certainly is not a conscious design. If I had the whole doll planned out beforehand, I would be very bored with the process. It would just be construction and no creativity.

30 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

k ee p y o u r e y e o n

PV: Where and when do you work best? MK: I seem to need to work in the morning to get my day on the right track. I can spend the afternoon doing photos, going to the post office, answering emails, but if I don’t spend the morning in my studio, nothing seems to get done. I also like to spend a few hours in the studio every evening. That helps me get right into the work in the morning. Hmm, that makes it sound like I work all the time. Actually I do.

PV: Do you have specific products that you only use? Specific types of floss for embroidery, types of fabric, sewing machine, etc.? MK: I like to try everything, and colors—the more the better! I do use 100 per cent wool felt (no synthetics), I try to stick to natural fibers—cotton, wool, linen. And I love my vintage Bernina 930—I’m not sure I could love another machine.

PV: Can you give our readers any trade secrets, useful technical sewing and embroidery tips, or time savers? MK: Hmm, I think I am probably the worst person to give time-saving advice. I’m more of a “use your seam ripper if it isn’t perfect” kind of person. Keep at it until you’ve got it right. You’ll never improve if you don’t figure out what you did wrong. I am never going to be the fastest! That said, if people haven’t discovered hemostats and freezer paper as tools in toy making, they are in for some fun!

PV: Do you have any tips for budding doll makers and fiber artists out there? MK: There are loads of books and patterns available, but taking a live class from an excellent doll maker will be a game changer. I learned so much from the first class I took (from Gail Wilson), and not what I expected to learn. I was able to touch a well-stuffed doll to learn how it should feel. I saw how she used her tools and the concentration needed to do fine detail. There was casual talk that would never be part of a book or pattern but was so interesting. And it is a way to become part of a community of people with similar interests.

PV: You have mentioned that you love to teach and conduct workshops. What and where are your upcoming classes? MK: I have been teaching at Gather Here in Cambridge, MA in April and hopefully other times this year!

PV: Where can we buy your work? MK: I sell my work on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/MimiKirchner. I also do a few craft markets every year. I am hoping to be at the Craft Fair in San Francisco in July and Chicago in September. And people can also contact me directly by email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, my blog... whatever!

PV: What do you have in store for the future? MK: Well, who knows? I try to keep myself open to try new things when the opportunity presents itself. I’d like to do some online teaching. I have some characters in my head that might find their way into fabric this year. I always have “publish new patterns” on my list.

sweetpaulmag.com | 31

32 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

sweetpaulmag.com | 33

Gorg-wanna handmade

IMAGE: The Bumble.Bee

Pinafore top and ruffle diaper cover, The Bumble.Bee, $45 etsy.com/shop/bumblebeeonline

34 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

2. 1.

4. 3.

1. Hot air balloon mobile pattern Craft Schmaft, $9, etsy.com/shop/craftschmaft 2. Colorful bunting Berry A la Mode, $29, etsy.com/shop/BerryAlaMode 3. Kid’s owl tee shirt Full Spectrum Apparel, $16, etsy.com/shop/FullSpectrumApparel 4. A cushion called Clive Heart Zeena, $16, heartzeena.bigcartel.com 5. Owl soft toy The Fox In The Attic, $35, etsy.com/shop/TheFoxInTheAttic 6. Sweet Dreams print Kelsey Davis Design, $8, etsy.com/shop/KelseyDavisDesign 7. Felt baby shoes Vilnone, $28, etsy.com/shop/vilnone

7. PAUL’S FAVORITE

sweetpaulmag.com | 35

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Celebration of family Father’s Day breakfast in bed As managing director of children’s retailer The Land of Nod, Michelle Kohanzo doesn’t always get a chance for a leisurely breakfast in bed with her husband and four children—but that doesn’t mean they don’t spend quality time together. Everyday routines, rituals, and traditions like this one are a great way to celebrate your own family. Meaningful events don’t need to be time consuming. You can create memories with your family through the moments you share together every day. Visit landofnod.com to subscribe to the catalog and see how Michelle celebrates her family every day. You’ll also get the latest recipes and crafts courtesy of Sweet Paul.

36 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

sweetpaulmag.com | 37

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Croque Madame Serves 4 Michelle’s husband, Dave, often makes his household-famous Croque Madame for dinner. It’s kind of his specialty. 2 tablespoons butter 1 1⁄2 tablespoons plain flour 1 cup milk, warm salt & pepper, to taste 8 thick slices of good bread 8 slices ham 4 oz grated Gruyère 4 fried eggs, sunny side up 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Melt the butter in a small pan and add the flour. 3. Stir for about a minute, don’t let it go dark. 4. Add the milk, a little at a time, stirring until you have a smooth sauce. If it’s too thick, just add more milk. 5. Season with salt and pepper. 6. Place 4 slices of bread on a baking tray covered with parchment paper. 7. Add some sauce, ham, cheese, and another piece of bread. 8. Bake in the oven until golden. Serve hot with a fried egg on top. Bowtie Gift Wrap It’s a gift. It’s a gift wrap. Wait, it’s both? Give a bowtie as a Father’s Day present, and you can also use it to wrap a gift. DIY Stamp Art All you’ll need are vintage stamps and a frame. We bought this frame at landofnod.com. Simply glue vintage stamps to a piece of cardboard, then frame it. Arrange stamps by color to add a little extra design. Make it personal by finding stamps from locations you’ve visited.

38 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

sweetpaulmag.com | 39

Gorg-wanna design

IMAGE: Lucky Boy Sunday

Favourite Place tent, Lucky Boy Sunday, $465, luckyboysunday.dk

40 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

7. 6.

1. Line-up orange felt print The Modern Baby, $27, themodernbaby.co.uk 2. Bowling Skittles in a bag My Sweet Muffin, $78, mysweetmuffin.com 3. OYOY Elf light pull Story North, $47, storynorth.com 4. Maximilien & Ludo cushion cover Famille Summerbelle, $61, famillesummerbelle.com 5. Little elephant rug Bobo Choses, $250, bobochoses.com 6. Petit bentwood chair The Conran Shop, $129, conranshop.co.uk 7. Octopus drawstring bag Not On The High Street, $38, notonthehighstreet.com

WILLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FAVORITE

sweetpaulmag.com | 41

42 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

sweetpaulmag.com | 43

Toy story The quest for the perfect toy Text by Sarah Oster Shasha | Photography by Colin Cooke

44 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Everyone’s always looking for the perfect toy. These days, it’s becoming more important than ever to find a toy that’s fun but also thoughtfully designed and made with non-toxic materials. Custom furniture designer Ken Como was faced with this dilemma a few years ago. He started his toy company, Noli Noli, and masterfully handcrafts each piece out of reclaimed wood. His rattles, robots, boats, and racecars are loved by his own son and have quickly become the talk of the town. I sat down with Ken and ask him a few questions about his business and the inspiration for his beautiful designs.

SOS: Why did you start making toys? KC: I have always loved toys. As a child I remember having great fun losing myself in the quiet life of a toy. The toys I make now all have an individual character. They can be easily become animated in my mind.

SOS: Are your toys really for kids or kind of for grownups as well? KC: They are primarily made for adults but they are meant to be shared with children. I find that children are more likely to appreciate a toy if the parent shares it as a valuable object that they own.

SOS: How do you get inspired? KC: The wood itself is inspiring! When I see a chunk of wood I can’t help but see the toy that might be inside.

SOS: How did you start woodworking? KC: I was training to be an architectural draftsman for a wellknown NYC cabinet maker. When I had free time I would wander the shop and pick up scrap wood. I saved (rescued) it from the shop dumpsters. During lunch breaks I would annoy the

sweetpaulmag.com | 45

seasoned cabinet makers on how to work with the wood. Then I spent a year in Tokyo learning about handmade joinery. In Japan, the teacher taught us that the wood has a life of its own and needs to be respected as if it was still alive. I thought that was a cool way to think about wood.

SOS: Where do you find your wood? KC: Ninety per cent of my wood is locally sourced from the northeast. I use Black Walnut, Black Cherry, and Hard Maple. The white wood that I use for the eyes is either from England or France—it’s called English Sycamore. America does have a very nice white wood (Holly) but it is much too expensive and kind of rare.

SOS: What did you make before toys? KC: I went to art school and painted. I received my MFA from the University of New Orleans, moved to NYC, and tried my hardest to make it. I liked painting for the same reasons I like making toys: it is a great way to lose yourself and animate your own world.   SOS: How long does it take you to make your pieces? KC: Roughly about 40 minutes per toy. But designing a new toy can take months! Check out all of Ken’s toys at nolinoli.com.

46 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

sweetpaulmag.com | 47

48 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Take the ideas of your child

Decorating for kids Patterns, colors, and cute motifs! Text+STYLING by Holly Becker | Photography by Debi Treloar

Decorating a child’s bedroom is exciting because there are so many possibilities to experiment with. But it can be equally frustrating and overwhelming, since organization, maintenance, and the ever-changing tastes of children always pose a challenge.

into consideration. Work together to pull favorite things from catalogs and magazines and group them into a scrapbook or folder. This shows them that you are interested in their feedback and take them seriously! This is a unique opportunity to get to know them better. Naturally, some of their ideas will be out of budget and a little bonkers, but together you can develop a room scheme that works. While considering the overall space, keep in mind two key points. Most elements, like overhead lighting, will not interest children, so instead make it easier on yourself and focus only on what they do have an opinion on and make the rest of the design decisions on your own. Next, consider that a child’s room doesn’t require a lot of “decorating” because most things are already decorative. Stuffed toys, mobiles, artwork or school models, books, action figures, and dolls will do a lot of the work for you. Creative ideas for arrangements for floating shelves, beds, and bookcases may be all that is needed.

sweetpaulmag.com | 49

After pulling together ideas, draw up a floor plan and sketch out how you’d like the room to work. I advise developing four major zones: a place to sleep with a table and reading light by the bed, a place to do work, a play area, and a space for organization and storage. Pay attention to what your child plays with regularly—less clutter the better! Labeled organization, with words or pictures of objects, makes clean up time easier. Work on developing an organizational system that is uncomplicated. Ask other parents for tips or read blogs and books on the topic. You can also adopt systems that are already successful in other parts of the home. If your child really wants purple walls but you are less than excited about the prospect, consider an accent wall in your child’s favorite color. Next, mix in bedding, toys, drapes or shades, and throw rugs. By keeping expensive basics neutral, the only thing you need to update over the years will be the less costly ones like bedding, a new wall color, switching out wall art, and arranging new toys and books on shelves to replace what they’ve lost interest in. That wasn’t so hard, was it? Please try to relax and enjoy the process. Encourage creativity, personalization, and joy! The moment your little one starts to have an opinion about their bedroom can be a very sweet time for you both, so enjoy the process. Use it as a chance to encourage, teach, build selfesteem, and bond. Happy decorating!

50 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

By keeping expensive basics neutral, the only thing you need to update over the years will be the less costly ones like bedding, a new wall color, switching out wall art, and arranging new toys and books on shelves to replace what they’ve lost interest in

Holly’s fun tips for kids’ rooms Frame your kids’ artwork onto their walls along with work by other artists. This demonstrates that you value their work and hold it in the same high regard as the pieces you’ve purchased. Teach your child to cherish what they have by showing them how to take care of their toys and also how to display them nicely. You can create such nice vignettes using blocks, action figures, dolls, cars, or trucks. Children love to create little displays—let those displays be part of the scheme of the room. Children need a room to serve three key functions: a place to play, to sleep, and to learn. Try to carve out a little space for each activity and organize the room so objects that fit each activity are in the correct “zone.” Don’t get hung up on creating themed rooms. Children’s tastes change a lot faster than their parents’. Instead, create a space for them that allows creativity and flexibility in the décor over time. Children like to be involved in decorating their rooms, so ask your child what they like. Look through catalogs together, take them to kid’s stores, encourage them to create a little scrapbook of favorite things to get a sense of what they are responding to so you can make their room extra special and personal to them. Kids love to have sleepovers, so try to think of ways to incorporate space for additional guests—perhaps a bunk bed or a trundle bed. Two twin beds placed end to end against a long wall will create an extra-long daybed that can sleep a few children at a time; when there are no sleepovers, this can be simply a lounge space. Children love colors and patterns! Give them a clear space on the wall where they can draw or tack things up. You can use cork, chalkboard paint, or create a linen-covered bulletin board and then tell them that they can do whatever they want on that particular space. Display things that are fun for your child to look that are inspirational and that make them happy. Some examples are small trinkets, a music box, fun hats, or pretty necklaces on a hook.

sweetpaulmag.com | 51

52 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Will’s picks Sweet Paul’s top 10 wallpapers for children From quirky and whimsical to retro and playful, there’s no shortage of stylish children’s wallpapers to choose from. Sweet Paul’s market editor, Will Taylor, has surveyed the market for the ten best designs to decorate with this season

IMAGE: Famille Summerbelle

Morning in Manhattan wallpaper, in blue or yellow, $70 per roll famillesummerbelle.com

sweetpaulmag.com | 53

Three top tips for choosing the right wallpaper 1. Before you decide on a paper think about how the use of the space might change over the next few years. If you’re decorating a nursery you can be safe in the knowledge it will stay that way for a couple of years and so a baby-like design will suit. If, however, you’re decorating a teenager’s bedroom, consider your wallpaper choice a little harder—you’ll want to make sure they won’t tire of the look within a few months. To be safe, stick to wallpaper designs that have simple, graphic patterns over niche wallpapers that reference a sport or hobby, as these interests could well be fleeting. 2. Wallpapering a whole room can be very overpowering, especially if the design features a graphic pattern with a regular repeat. Decorating with wallpaper often works best when the paper is used to highlight an existing architectural feature of the room, like a chimneybreast or alcove.

3. Decide on which wall you plan to paper before picking the wallpaper itself. Knowing the surface area you need to cover will help inform your final design decision. For example, a wallpaper design with a large, infrequently repeating pattern wouldn’t suit a small alcove, and a very detailed design could crowd a smaller space—ask the retailer for a sample and tack it to the wall to help you envisage how the design will look during both daylight and artificial light. Dotty, $90 per roll, ferm-living.com For simple Danish style there’s no better place to look than Ferm Living. Their Dotty wallpaper is a timeless design that will bring warmth to a bedroom or family room.

Will’s tip! The C-60 pattern by design duo Mini

Moderns is perfect for a teenager’s bedroom—it’s not too childish, so they won’t outgrow it within a year of it going onto the wall. C-60 wallpaper, $70 per roll, minimoderns.com

Stick to wallpaper designs that have simple, graphic patterns over niche wallpapers that reference a sport or hobby, as these interests could well be fleeting 54 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

w i ll ’ s p i c k s

Will’s tip! Let your child’s imagination set sail with a Maritime-themed scheme—to achieve a simple and contemporary scheme, opt for a paper like Funky Wall’s Blue Lines as it has a classic nautical feel, or if you prefer a more mythical feel, go for Fine Little Day’s OHOY paper. 1. Blue Lines, $56, funkywalls.be 2. OHOY, $54, finelittleday.com

3. Fairy Design, $115, notonthehighstreet.com Perhaps your little one is a budding artist! Fun Wall’s Enchanted Woodland paper is a design that keeps on giving because it’s designed to be colored in over time—there’ll be no more worries of rogue drawings on the wall, either. 4. Dogs, $145 per roll, bainesandfricker.net Not all children get to enjoy the magical experience of keeping a pet, but thanks to Baines & Fricker’s Dogs wallpaper, any child can now invite canine friends into their room.

5. Enchanted Woodland, $107 per roll, notonthehighstreet.com Pastels are still a hugely popular interiors trend, and the soft shades related to the trend create a relaxing environment; papering a nursery with this fairy tale-like wallpaper is the perfect paper for such a palette. 6. Fayre’s Fair, $70 per roll, minimoderns.com All the fun of the fair doesn’t have to stop when you leave the park gates—decorate with this merry-go-round design in a playroom to create a jolly and whimsical look.

sweetpaulmag.com | 55

56 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

KIDS 2013

Photography by Dietlind Wolf

features

sweetpaulmag.com | 57

Food+styling by Paul Lowe | Photography by Susanna Blavarg

Thanks to Miss Malva, Miss Juliet, and Miss Harper

f o the wor s e k a c n ld a P

Most countries around the world have their version of pancakes. Here are some of our favorites 58 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Russia / Blini

sweetpaulmag.com | 59

USA / Pancakes

60 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Russia / Blini These are sometimes served with caviar, but I made a breakfast version with crème fraîche and berries. Kids love eating this one as the recipe makes a lot of tiny pancakes. Serves 4 1 1⁄4 cups plain flour, sifted 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast 3 tablespoons sugar 1 ⁄2 teaspoon salt 1 cup milk, warm 1 large egg, separated 3 tablespoons butter, melted Extras: crème fraîche fresh berries 1. In a large bowl combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. 2. Make a well in the middle and add milk. 3. Mix until smooth. 4. Cover the mixture and let rise for 1 hour. 5. Stir in egg yolk and butter. 6. Beat egg white to soft peaks and gently fold into the batter. 7. Cook on a medium-hot, greased griddle. Use about a quartersized amount of batter for each blini. 8. Cook 1 minute, then turn over using a spatula and cook for another 30 seconds. Serve hot with crème fraîche and berries

Sweden / Raggmunk These are made with grated potatoes. Russet potatoes work the best. They taste really good with yogurt and berries, jam, bacon, or as a side to meatloaf. Serves 4 6 medium potatoes, peeled and shredded 2 ⁄3 cup plain flour, sifted 1 teaspoon salt 1 large egg 1 cup milk Extras: yogurt berries 1. Once peeled and shredded, place the potatoes in a dish cloth and squeeze out as much water as you can. 2. Place potatoes, flour, salt, egg, and milk in a food processor and beat until you have a smooth batter. 3. Let the batter sit for 30 minutes. This will make the flour swell some, so if the batter feels too thick simply add a little more milk. 4. Cook on a hot, greased griddle. Use about 1⁄4 cup of batter for each pancake. 5. After 2 minutes, turn over using a spatula. 6. Cook for another 2 minutes. They should be light brown on each side. Serve hot with yogurt and berries.

USA / Pancakes Good old pancakes! This recipe turns out great every time. Serve with butter, maple syrup, bacon, fruit, or nuts. Serves 4 2 cups plain flour, sifted 2 teaspoons baking powder 3 tablespoons sugar 1 ⁄2 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 1 3⁄4 cups milk 3 tablespoons butter, melted Extras: butter maple syrup 1. Place flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, eggs, milk, and butter in a food processor and beat until you have a smooth batter. 2. Let the batter sit for 30 minutes. This will make the flour swell some, so if the batter feels too thick simply add a little more milk. 3. Cook on a hot, greased griddle. Use about 1⁄4 cup of batter for each pancake. 4. When pancakes are bubbly, turn over using a spatula. They should be light brown on both sides. Serve hot with butter and maple syrup.

sweetpaulmag.com | 61

Sweden / Raggmunk

62 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Morocco / Beghrir Serves 4-6 1 cup water, warm ⁄2 teaspoon active

dry yeast 1 teaspoon honey 1 cup milk 2 large eggs 1 cup plain flour 1 cup semolina flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 ⁄2 teaspoon salt

Morocco / Beghrir

Extras: wedges of blood orange honey 1. Place water, yeast, and honey in the bowl of a mixer. 2. Let stand for 5 minutes until it starts to foam. 3. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat until you have a smooth batter. 4. Cook on a medium-hot, greased griddle. Use about 1⁄4 cup of batter for each pancake. 5. Cook until bubbly and the tops are dry. Do not flip. Serve hot with blood orange and honey.

These are really delicious pancakes. They are only cooked on one side, so they are very cakelike. They’re excellent with honey, fresh fruit, yogurt, and nuts

sweetpaulmag.com | 63

Norway/ Pannekaker

64 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Norway / Pannekaker This is how my grandmother made them. They are not sweet, so we would put sweet things on them, like homemade blueberry jam or just a sprinkle of sugar. Serves 4 2 cups plain flour, sifted 1 â &#x201E;4 teaspoon salt 3 large eggs 1 cup milk 5 tablespoons butter, melted Extras: blueberry jam 1. Place flour, salt, eggs, milk, and butter in a food processor and beat until you have a smooth batter. 2. Let the batter sit for 30 minutes. This will make the flour swell some, so if the batter feels too thick simply add a little more milk. 3. Cook on a medium-hot, greased skillet. Use about 3 tablespoons of batter for each pancake. 4. Swirl the pan so that the batter covers the pan. 5. Cook for 1 minute, then turn over using a spatula. 6. Cook for 1 more minute. They should be light brown on each side. Roll up the Pannekaker with blueberry jam and serve immediately.

France / Crepes The trick is to make them as thin as possible. In France they serve them not only with sweet toppings, but also with eggs, ham, and cheese. Serves 4 â&#x20AC;&#x160;

France / Crepes

2 cups plain flour, sifted 4 tablespoons sugar 1 â &#x201E;4 teaspoon salt 3 large eggs 1 cup milk 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Extras: Nutella chopped nuts 1. Place flour, sugar, salt, eggs, milk, and butter in a food processor and beat until you have a smooth batter. 2. Let the batter sit for 30 minutes. This will make the flour swell some, so if the batter feels too thick simply add a little more milk. 3. Cook on a medium-hot, greased skillet. Use about 3 tablespoons of batter for each pancake. 4. Swirl the pan so that the batter covers the pan. 5. Cook for 1 minute, then turn over using a spatula. 6. Cook for 1 more minute. They should be light brown on each side. Serve hot with Nutella and chopped nuts.

sweetpaulmag.com | 65

We love recycling here at Sweet Paul. Anything can be turned into something fun

66 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Crafts by Paul Vitale+Paul Lowe | Styling by Paul Lowe | Photography by Alexandra Grablewski

Rocket

sweetpaulmag.com | 67

Sock Horse

Rocket

You will need: 1 thick woolen sock 2 large buttons yarn or floss, in several colors batting 1 wooden rod, 3–4 feet long

You will need: 1 cardboard shipping tube cardboard 1 X-Acto knife glue spray paint colored craft paper white paper crayons

1. Sew buttons on each side of the foot of the sock. 2. Embroider eyelashes near the buttons with yarn or floss. 3. Add the mane by sewing and tying pieces of yarn to the sock. 4. Add batting to the inside of the sock. 5. Place the stuffed sock on a rod, and fasten by wrapping yarn around the base until secure. 6. Make the horse’s nose by tying yarn around the foot of the sock. Leave a bit of extra yarn for the reigns!

Mr. Robot I have collected old toy robots for years. There is something so kind and safe about them. You will need: 1 large tomato can, for torso 1 smaller tomato purée can, for head 4 small and long corn cans, for arms and legs 2 flat sardines cans, for feet Superglue spray paint, in beige 1 wooden bead paper crayons craft glue 1. Wash the cans well and let them dry. 2. Use Superglue to glue the cans together in the shape of a body. 3. Spraypaint the cans beige. 4. Use Superglue to glue the wooden ball on top of the head. 5. Draw some stripes on the robot with a crayon. 6. Make eyes, mouth, and machine parts out of paper and glue to the robot. 7. Take over the world.

68 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

1. Cut the curved rocket legs out of cardboard. There should be 3 1⁄4-circle pieces. 2. Using an X-Acto knife, make slits on the bottom of the tube where the legs will fit in. 3. Glue the legs into place. 4. Spraypaint the whole rocket. 5. Make small cones from craft paper and glue them to the top of the rocket. 6. Using crayons, draw designs on white paper. Cut them out and glue them to the rocket. 7. Houston, we don’t have any problems.

The Band Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome The Sweet Pauls to the stage!

Guitar You will need: 1 box 1 X-Acto knife 1 tube (we used both a toilet paper roll and a paper towel roll) craft paint 1 hot glue gun rope 2 large elastic bands paper straws 1. Trace the circle of a bowl onto the biggest side of a box. 2. Cut out the circle using X-Acto knife. 3. Paint the box and the tube.4. Glue the tube to the top of the box. 5. Place the elastics the long way around the guitar. 6. Cut a straw in half and place under the elastics on each side of the hole. 7. Get ready to rock out.

Sock Horse

I remember making these with my grandmother when I was a kid. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great way to reuse all those single socks lying around Bottom left: Play Pillow Bottom right: Dancing Family

sweetpaulmag.com | 69

Mr. Robot

I have collected old toy robots for years. There is something so kind and safe about them

70 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Pull Toys

sweetpaulmag.com | 71

Microphone You will need: 1 paper towel roll, cut in half craft paint papier-mache ball (ours is from leesartshop.com) 1 hot glue gun piece of cord 1. Paint the ball and the tube. 2. Hot glue them together. 3. Hot glue the cord to the inside of the tube. 4. Sing as loud as you can!

Drum You will need: 1 hatbox (this one is from containerstore.com) 1 piece of white faux leather hot glue gun ribbon with pompoms cord buttons 2 12-inch, thin wooden rods fabric scraps batting rope 1. Cut the leather so that it fits on top of the box. Hot glue in place.2. Hot glue the pompom ribbon around the edge of the faux leather. 3. Hot glue the cord in an “x” pattern all around the drum and hot glue a button in the middle of each “x”. 4. Place some batting on the fabric scraps and roll them into a ball shape around the wooden rods. 5. Cut off any excess fabric and fasten the scraps with thin rope. 6. Drum solo, please.

Pull Toys I asked nolinoli.com to make the base and wheels for me. You can always order a set from them. You will need: 1 wooden board, about 4x6 inches 4 wheels 2 small hooks rope old kid’s books (we copied the images and enlarged them on a copier—remember to also make the flip side!) cardboard 1 X-Acto knife glue Superglue

72 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

1. Assemble the board and wheels. 2. Screw in the hook to 1 end of the board and fasten the rope. 3. Glue your image to heavy cardboard and cut out using an X-Acto knife. 4. Cut out the other side of the image and glue onto the back of the cardboard. 5. Superglue the cardboard to the board.

Play Pillow Turn your old clothes into pillows that tell a story. There are hours of fun to be had here. You will need: fabric scraps needle & thread batting fabric glue 1. Cut out a flower, leaf, house, or a cloud in the fabric—remember to cut out 2 shapes to make 1 pillow. 2. Sew the 2 pieces together by hand or machine. 3. Fill pillow with batting and sew up. 4. Glue windows to the house, or the center circle to the flowers using fabric glue.

Dancing Family To get the images for these, have a little photoshoot where you photograph everyone with their arms and legs out. You will need: photocopies of people paper glue thin cardboard 1 X-Acto knife tacks 1 small hammer string 1. Cut apart the photocopies into the pieces you’ll need for each doll. Divide them up into the head and torso, 2 pieces per arm, and 2 pieces per leg. 2. Glue all pieces to cardboard and cut them out. 3. Put the dolls together with small tacks. Use a hammer on the back to bend the tacks. 4. Tie a thin string to each elbow, shoulder, knee, and hip. 5. Let the strings meet on the lower half of the torso and tie them into one piece of string. Let the string hang down. 6. Put on some cool music, pull the string, and have a dance party!

The Band

Ladies & gentlemen, please welcome The Sweet Pauls to the stage!

sweetpaulmag.com | 73

74 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Fashion designer Thomasine Dolan transforms the simple white tee into a fashion statement, with only some dye and a pair of scissors

Crafts by Thomasine Dolan | Photography by Dana Gallagher | Hair+makeup by Dina Calabro Models are Clementine, Mim, and Helen | All clothes from thomdolan.com

sweetpaulmag.com | 75

It was only natural to ask Thomasine Dolan to transform some white tees for our Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Issue. As a mother of three daughters, she has plenty of experience with repurposing clothes. And what is better to repurpose then the simple t-shirt? It was really amazing to see her at work. She put the shirts on her daughters and with a snip here and a snip there, the once plain white t-shirts were transformed into really cool garments. And after the dye bath they went from drab to fab in seconds. She used liquid Rit dye (a Sweet Paul favorite!). Simply follow the instructions on the bottle. Add an old broach or some pretty rope as a belt, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be ready for the runway. Want to see exactly what Thomasine did to the t-shirts? Go to sweetpaulmag.com/make

76 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

sweetpaulmag.com | 77

78 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

sweetpaulmag.com | 79

d e v o r p p a D O d i O F K ue r al t e r d n m a o r d f ie e e r t h m t o c re a ve t a a e h h s l a The cipes t ecipes v o r e r r l l p A p . s a e i il f s m o d i a k l f sea rom the f ogr

d Foo

80 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

l +sty

by i ng

Pa u

t | Ph o owe

by phy

a Alex

a a Gr nd r

blew

ski

chicken thighs

5 po ta to

ts co

apr i

Mas he d

Po t

s oe at

= C h t i c k ico en w ith Apr

sweetpaulmag.com | 81

tomato

o ni o n

+ c ar

+ ce l er

Chicken with Apricot & Mashed Potatoes

Mini Lasagna

“I like sweets, and this dinner is like chicken with sweets on it.” —Fia, age 6 Serves 4

Makes 6

Chicken 4 to 6 chicken thighs 1 cup dried apricots, cut in half 1 onion, chopped salt & pepper, to taste Potatoes 3 tablespoons olive oil 5 large potatoes, peeled 3 tablespoons butter 1 ⁄2 cup warm milk 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Grease an ovenproof dish with the olive oil. 3. Place chicken, apricots, and onion in greased dish. 4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the meat on the chicken falls off the bone. 6. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain out the water. 7. Mash potatoes with butter and milk. 8. Season with salt and pepper. Serve chicken and mashed potatoes hot!

82 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped 1 celery stalk, finely chopped 3 cups tomato sauce 10 lasagna sheets, cooked 1 ⁄2 mozzarella ball, sliced 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Heat the oil in a pan and sauté onion, carrot, and celery until onion goes clear and soft. 3. Add the tomato sauce and let simmer for a few minutes. 4. Place some sauce in the bottom of a hard muffin tin. 5. Layer lasagna, sauce, and cheese on top. 6. Bake for about 30 minutes. 7. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.

i Lasagna n i M

“I’m getting my own little lasagna. It’s so cute—I really like cute things” —Eve, age 5

sweetpaulmag.com | 83

+ +

carrots

che

lettu ce

mb le

ambled Taco r c S s

84 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Scramble Tacos

Fish Tortillas

“It’s like breakfast only it’s really dinner. None of my friends have that ever!”—Samantha, age 5 Serves 4

“ I love fish and this one has a really nice crust that I always eat first.”—Alexandra, age 7 Serves 4

3 eggs 1 ⁄3 cup cream

1 lb cod, cut into 4 pieces 21⁄2 cups corn flakes 1 teaspoon salt 1 ⁄2 teaspoon pepper 4 tortillas, heated lettuce, shredded 1 carrot, peeled and cut into sticks sour cream

2 tablespoon chives, chopped salt & pepper, to taste 4 taco shells 1 carrot, peeled and cut into sticks 1 cup mild cheese, grated lettuce, shredded 1. Mix eggs, cream, chives, salt, and pepper in a bowl. 2. Make light and fluffy scrambled eggs. 3. Heat the taco shells in the oven for 2 minutes. 4. Fill shells with scrambled eggs, carrots, cheese, and lettuce.

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Rinse the cod in cold water. 3. Crush the cornflakes, and add in salt and pepper. 4. Dip the wet fish in the mixture, making sure the fish picks up lots of cornflakes. 5. Place in an ovenproof dish. 6. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until fish flakes fall apart. 7. Place fish in tortillas with lettuce, carrots, and sour cream.

so u r cr ea

las rtil to

h Fis

tuce let

s ot r r ca

or till as

sweetpaulmag.com | 85

spices

ry r cu

eas p ck

ch i

+ + +

Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry Serves 4 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 ⁄2 inch ginger, peeled and finely chopped 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon curry 1 ⁄2 teaspoon turmeric 1 ⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander 1 can chickpeas, drained 1 head cauliflower, cooked tender and cut into pieces 1 cup coconut milk 1. Heat the oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until the onion goes clear and soft. 2. Add spices, chickpeas, cauliflower, and coconut milk. 3. Let curry simmer for 4 minutes. Serve with rice.

86 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

ut mil k con co

cau liflower

C au liflow

u aC er & Chickpe

“I tested out curries with my kids. I want them to grow up loving spices and not just say, ‘I don’t like...’” —Eric, dad to Simon & Fred

sweetpaulmag.com | 87

Pot Pie

Meatballs with Tomato & Pasta

“This is a great dish for all the family, we all love it. And it’s so easy to make.”—Linda, mother to Ada Serves 4

“I love making meatballs with my kids. I let the kids roll them out. They feel good knowing they had a part in making the dinner.”—Laura, mom to Anna & Thomas Serves 4

2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 3 small carrots, peeled and sliced 1 onion, finely chopped 4 cups cooked chicken, in pieces glug of olive oil 1 tablespoon+1 dash plain flour 1 cup stock 1 ⁄2 teaspoon thyme, fried 1 ⁄2 cup frozen peas salt & pepper, to taste 2 sheets of puff pastry, cut in half

1 lb ground beef 1 carrot, chopped 1 ⁄2 teaspoon salt 1 ⁄4 teaspoon pepper 25 cherry tomatoes, cut in half a few fresh basil leafs, chopped pasta, freshly cooked glug of olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Sauté potatoes, carrots, onion, and chicken in a little olive oil until the chicken changes color. 3. Mix 1 tablespoon of flour into the pan. 4. Pour in stock and stir well. (If it seems too thick simply add some more stock.) 5. Add thyme and peas and season with salt and pepper. 6. Roll out the puff pastry in a bit of flour. 7. Fill 4 ramekins with the mixture and top with puff pastry. 8. Poke a few holes in the pastry. 9. Bake until golden.

1. Mix ground beef, carrots, salt, and pepper. 2. Roll into walnut-sized meatballs. 3. Fry them in a little olive oil until golden-brown. They need about 3–4 minutes. 4. Mix with tomatoes, basil, and pasta. Serve hot!

Pot

• carrot cken s chi

+ pe as

•o nion es • potato

88 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

e Pi

g u ro nd

beef

e m

alls with T om at o

a st a P

Meatb

pas t

at bal ls

sweetpaulmag.com | 89

Crafts by Lova Blavarg | Photography by Susanna Blavarg

90 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Believe it or not, you can make these amazing circus objects by simply using a pair of scissors and some glue! Sweet Paul crafter Lova Blavarg made this amazing circus menagerie for us. We were stunned by the cleverness in what she put togetherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;they are true masterpieces one and all. All you need to do is to go to sweetpaulmag.com/make and print out the templates and instructions.

MoN kE

They are all designed to hang together from hand to tail

sweetpaulmag.com | 91

N W O L

S Great as gift toppers, cupcake toppers, or even on your Christmas tree

92 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

T N A pH

This elephant does not just stand still on her pedestalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; turn the wheel and she moves!

Wagon

The circus is in town sweetpaulmag.com | 93

i z a W l r d u f r o e f Oz pa d n o w e r

Dorothy & Toto

94 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it amazing that a book published in 1900 still mesmerizes kids of all ages today? Hats off to Mr. L. Frank Baum. We invite you to our own wonderful wizard of Oz party with all the characters you love, like Dorothy, Scarecrow, and Lestat as Toto

Munchkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cupcakes

Photography by Susanna Blavarg | Styling by Paul Lowe | Hair+makeup by Amanda Miller | Costumes+crafts by Lova Blavarg,

Jim Noonan, Elise Dee, and Paul Lowe | Backdrop by Lova Blavarg | Models are Malva, Kyle, Lola, Takeru, Serina, Lily, and Lestat sweetpaulmag.com | 95

Tissue Paper Poppies You will need: tissue paper (in red or orange, and black) pinking shears Q-tips scissors fringing scissors (optional) floral tape floral wire (18-inch, 18-gauge) 1. To create flower petals, fold 2 sheets of red or orange tissue paper in half, lengthwise. Then fold each piece twice in half along the short edge to make 4 folded panels about 4 by 6 inches. 2. With major fold at bottom, use pinking shears to cut a petal shape out of both folded pieces of tissue paper, being sure to go through all layers of paper, cutting through folds on either side, but keeping main fold at bottom edge of cut pieces. 3. To create flower center, first cut 2 3-inch square pieces of black tissue paper. Then cut 1 full sheet of black tissue paper in half and fold 1 of those halves in half lengthwise. Using scissors (or fringing scissors) fringe tissue paper along open edge. 4. To build flower, first cut 1 end off of a Q-tip and attach resulting Q-tip to end of piece of floral wire using floral tape. 5. Stack both square pieces of black tissue paper together, wrap over end of Q-tip and secure in place with floral tape. Create stem by wrapping floral tape along entire length of piece of floral wire. 6. Wrap length of black tissue paper fringe around paper-covered cotton swab and secure into place with floral tape. 7. To complete flower, attach a total of 8 doubledup, slightly-askew, folded petals around base of fringed center, using more floral tape to secure them in place. 8. Fluff and style petals as desired. Ruby Slippers You will need: shoes red paint (optional) paintbrush glittering glue or Mod Podge glitter (fine or tinsel) acrylic spray enamel (clear gloss) hot glue gun & glue sticks 1. Choose desired pair of shoes to become ruby slippers. If shoes are not already red, paint them with red acrylic paint. Allow paint to dry completely. 2. To glitter shoes, paint on thin layer of glittering glue or Mod Podge and coat evenly with glitter. Allow glue to dry completely. 3. Once dry, shake off any extra glitter and seal shoes with clear gloss acrylic spray enamel. 4. Glitter hair bows or bow-shaped barrettes as desired and attach to front portion of shoe with hot glue, as a final embellishment.

96 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Witch’s Broom You will need: roll of craft paper double-stick tape recycled cardboard, around 12x24 inches dark brown craft paint paintbrush ruler craft or utility knife hot glue gun & glue sticks jute twine 1. To make broom stick, cut a 3-foot length of craft paper and roll tightly, securing edge in place with double-sided tape. 2. To make bristles, paint both sides of cardboard with dark brown craft paint and once dry, use a craft knife or utility knife with a ruler to cut the cardboard into 1⁄4-inch-wide strips. 3. Use hot glue to attach bristles to end of craft paper broomstick in a round configuration like a real broom, and secure bristles into place by wrapping with jute twine in 2 1-inch-wide sections along portion where the bristles attach to the stick. Tin Man Costume You will need: silver metallic spray paint large funnel gray or silver long-sleeve shirt gray or khaki pants gloves boots recycled cardboard thumbtacks wire cutters hot glue gun & glue sticks hole punch silver or gray ribbon 1. Start by spraying funnel, pants, gloves, and boots until completely coated with silver spray paint. Allow to dry completely. 2. To make body portion of costume, cut 2 identical rectangles of carboard that adequately cover the torso of the child. Fold each piece of cardboard in half lengthwise. 3. Cut points off of thumbtacks using wire cutters and attach along fold of 1 piece of cardboard with hot glue. This will be the front portion of the body. 4. Cover both front and back of both pieces of cardboard with silver spray paint and let dry completely. 5. Punch 2 holes along top edge of each piece of cardboard, about 2 to 3 inches in from each corner. Then punch a hole along each side edge of each piece of cardboard about 12 inches down from the top corners. 6. Have child put on gray shirt and silver pants with silver boots and gloves. Place the silver funnel on their head as a hat. 7. To finish costume, thread pieces of ribbon through corresponding holes on body pieces to connect back portion to front portion. Tie ribbon to secure body in place. 8. Paint child’s face as desired with silver and black face paint.

Tin Man

“A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others” L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of OZ

Tissue Paper Poppies

sweetpaulmag.com | 97

Hat

Jacket

Scarecrow

98 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Hat

Glinda Wand You will need: 1 ⁄4-inch wooden dowel (about 4 feet long) Rust-oleum metallic silver spray paint hot glue gun & glue sticks card stock or poster board silver glitter Elmer’s Glue 1. Cut 2 large identical stars out of the poster board. 2. Spray paint your dowel and star cutouts. Let dry completely. 3. Sandwich the top of the dowel between the 2 stars (silver sides facing out) and hot glue them together. Let cool completely before handling. 4. Cover 1 side of your star with a light coating of Elmer’s glue and sprinkle with silver glitter. Shake off excess glitter. Repeat on other side of star. Glinda Skirt You will need: 4 yards pink tulle elastic (for waist band) flat-backed clear rhinestones sewing machine & pink thread fabric scissors straight pins low heat hot glue gun & glue sticks

Wicked Witch of the East Legs You will need: ruby slippers (from above) plastic garbage bag Duct tape scissors newspaper black and white striped thigh-highs or tights 1. Make ruby slippers as in craft project above, preferably ones that fit your own feet since in this craft you will be using your own feet and legs to make the witch’s legs. 2. To make legs, place your own foot and leg into a plastic trash bag, with toes of foot firmly placed in 1 corner of the bag. 3. Wrap Duct tape around bag-covered leg, not too tightly, to form a mold of your foot and leg. 4. Once completely covered, use scissors to carefully cut trash bag/Duct tape mold off of your leg. Do this twice, once on each leg, to get a pair. 5. Use more Duct tape along cut edges to close up each mold and then fill leg molds with crumpled up newspaper until they are good and solid. 6. Stretch black and white striped stockings or tights over each leg and tie at top to secure in place. 7. Put ruby slippers on feet and place legs as desired at the base of a house or other object to make it look like it has fallen on the witch.

1. Cut 8 pieces of tulle to 43-inches wide by 26-inches long. 2. Stack your fabric together and pin in place around edges. 3. Cut elastic to 3 inches smaller than your child’s waist. 4. Sew the elastic onto the top edge of the tulle stack (the 43-inches side) using a zig zag stitch on your sewing machine and stretching the elastic as you sew until the entire top edge of the tulle is sewn to the elastic. 5. Sew up the center back seam using a straight stitch and a 1⁄2-inch seam allowance. 6. Using a low heat glue gun, glue the rhinestones onto the outer layer of the skirt in a polka dot pattern. 7. Tie any extra tulle around your child’s waist and make a large bow or pretty knot in the back. This should cover the elastic waistband and create a full bustlelike back to the skirt.

sweetpaulmag.com | 99

100 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Ruby Slippers

Capture Card:

You can make this amazing invitation card. Download it on sweetpaulmag.com/make and print, cut, and fold.

Wicked Witch of the East Legs

sweetpaulmag.com | 101

Glinda Arm Poofs/Sleeves You will need: 1 yard pink tulle sewing machine & pink thread 1 ⁄2-inch wide white satin ribbon fabric scissors 1. Cut 4 pieces of tulle to 15 by 9-inches 2. Layer 2 pieces of tulle and sew a gathering stitch on both 15-inch edges. (You can also sew a basting stitch and gather the fabric by carefully pulling the bobbin thread) 3. Secure your gathers by knotting the thread. 4. Cut 4 20-inch-long pieces of ribbon. 5. Sew your ribbon pieces at the center of each gather edge— use these ribbons to tie the poofs onto your child’s arms. Glinda Crown You will need: large piece of water color paper Rust-oleum silver metallic spray paint X-acto blade scissors ruler 1 ⁄2-inch white satin ribbon 1. Fold your water color paper in half. 2. Measure the circumference of your child’s head. Divide that measurement by 2 and draw a line that size at the bottom of the folded paper going from the folded side out toward the paper’s edge. This will determine the size of your crown. 3. Cut out your crown by drawing a basic crown shape and cutting a pattern in the center as if your making a paper snowflake. Use an X-acto blade to cut our inner pattern for clean edges and precision. You may use scissors to cut out the general shape of the crown. 4. Once you have finished cutting your crown, spray paint both sides with silver spray paint. Let dry completely. 5. Using your X-acto blade, cut a 1⁄2-inch notch at each outer edge toward the base of the crown. 6. Loop your satin ribbon through those notches and not them on either side. This is what you will use to tie the crown onto your child’s head. Scarecrow Jackets You will need: old jacket raffia hot glue gun 1. Cut the raffia into shorter pieces and glue them to the back of the collar, sticking out underneath and from the pockets.

102 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Scarecrow hats You will need: old hats raffia hot glue gun & glue sticks 1. Cut the raffia into shorter pieces and glue them to the inside of the hat almost creating a wig. Glinda’s Cookie Wands Makes about 25 2 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 ⁄2 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup butter, softened 1 1⁄2 cups sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract confectioners’ sugar water décor sugar 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. 4. Beat in egg and vanilla. 5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. 6. Roll out the dough to a thin layer. Cut out stars and place onto parchment-lined cookie sheets. 7. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. 8. Let stand on cookie sheet 2 minutes before removing to cool on wire racks. 9. Mix confectioners’ sugar and water to a thick frosting. 10. Spread the frosting all over the stars. 11. Dip in sugar. 12. Melt some sugar in a pan and use as glue to fasten the sticks. Wicked Witch Hearts Makes about 25 1 batch of sugar cookie dough confectioners’ sugar water green food coloring 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Roll out the dough to a thin layer and cut out hearts. 3. Place onto parchment lined cookie sheets. 4. In half of the hearts, cut out smaller heats in the middle. 5. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. 6. Let stand on cookie sheet 2 minutes before removing to cool on wire racks. 7. Mix confectioners’ sugar, water, and food coloring to a thick frosting. 8. Spread the frosting all over the whole hearts. 9. Place the cut out ones on top.

Wicked Witch Crown

Wand

Witchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Broom

Arm Poofs/Sleeves

Skirt

Glinda sweetpaulmag.com | 103

Emerald City National Dessert

Emerald City National Dessert Makes 6 1 pack green Jell-o whipped cream sugar cookie hearts

1. Make the Jell-o as it says on the package. 2. Cut it in cubes. 3. Fill glasses with cream, Jell-o, more cream, and a cookie heart.

Cookies & cupcakes & jello, oh my!

Glindaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cookie Wands

Wicked Witch Hearts 104 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

TIP!

Munchkin’s Cupcakes Makes 12 1 stick butter, room temperature 3 ⁄4 cup sugar

We used the same batter to make little yellow bricks. They are made in a cookie silicone mold. We covered them with icing and dipped in yellow tiny dragées

2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1⁄2 cups plain flour 1 teaspoon baking powder confectioners’ sugar water green food coloring 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Add the eggs 1 at a time and beat well between each. 4. Add vanilla, flour, and baking powder. Mix until you have a smooth batter. 5. Divide batter amongst paper cups in a cupcake pan. 6. Bake until firm to the touch, about 20 minutes. 7. Cool on a wire rack. 8. Mix confectioners’ sugar, water, and food coloring to a thick frosting. 9. Spread the frosting all over the top of the cupcakes. We used the witch’s legs from the invitation as decor on these cupcakes. Simply copy, cut out, and place on the cupcakes.

You’re invited! Check out the video below to see Sweet Paul & crew on the shoot.

sweetpaulmag.com | 105

Pf Professor Figgyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s science class

Crafts by Professor Figgy a.k.a. Jim Noonan | Styling by Paul Lowe | Photography by Susanna Blavarg 106 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Welcome to the wonderful world of your favorite science professor

sweetpaulmag.com | 107

Crystal Egg Geodes

108 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

We at Sweet Paul were so excited when Professor Figgy let us enter his magical science world filled with amazing projects. We learned so much! And the best part is that these projects are all really easy, fun, and good for the whole family. Professor Figgy is famous for his unique and educational science kits for kids and families. They combine the wonders of science with the fun of crafting. From gooey slime to homemade chalk, all projects are made with household ingredients. His kits can be found at professorfiggy. bigcartel.com

Professor Figgy How-To’s Crystal Egg Geodes You will need: alum (Potassium Aluminum Sulfate) powder (from talasonline.com) glue, school or glitter egg dye (from surmastore.com or ukrainiangiftshop.com) white jumbo eggshell, blown-out small scissors craft stick or plastic spoon paintbrush latex gloves container (preferably microwave safe glass or plastic—quart deli containers work well) microwave (or saucepan and stove) water measuring cup newspaper or drying rack 1. Crack the eggshell in half lengthwise or cut it in half with a small pair of scissors. 2. Using a small paintbrush, coat the inside surface of each half with a thin layer of glue and sprinkle a small amount of Alum powder over the glue until adequately covered (like glittering). Set aside and allow to dry overnight. 3. Add 2 cups of water to the container and heat to almost boiling in the microwave (or heat the water in a saucepan on the stove and add it to the container). 4. Use latex gloves to protect your hands and add 1 packet of egg dye to the hot water. Stir thoroughly

with a craft stick or plastic spoon until completely dissolved. 5. Slowly stir 3⁄4 cup of Alum into the hot dye solution, making sure that all of it dissolves. To dissolve any remaining grains of Alum, place the solution in the microwave for a few minutes. NOTE: All of the Alum must dissolve because any remaining crystals will compete with the crystals growing in your geode. 6. Let the solution cool for about 30 minutes and then submerge 1 of the eggshell halves into the growing solution so it rests on the bottom of the container with the inside of the shell facing up. Loosely cover the container with the lid (to keep dust out) and let it sit undisturbed overnight. Twelve to 15 hours will result in a perfect geode. 7. Once grown, remove the geode from the solution very carefully—wet crystals are fragile. Be sure to wear latex gloves again to protect your hands. 8. Place the geode on a drying rack or newspaper and allow it to dry completely before handling. 9. To grow a second geode in the other eggshell half, re-dissolve the crystals remaining at the bottom of the growing solution in the microwave and follow the instructions again. To grow crystals on large egg shells, use a larger container and prepare enough dye/alum solution (using the same ratio above) to adequately cover the egg shell. Science: Geodes are essentially rock cavities with crystals inside. They occur when gas bubbles become trapped in molten rock or rounded cavities form in sedimentary rock. Minerals dissolved in water seep into the space in the rock and are slowly deposited on the inside surface over time. Here, crystals form from a supersaturated solution and grow directly on the Alum attached to the eggshell by the glue. The egg dye gives the crystals their color and the result is very similar to a real geode.

Sidewalk Chalk You will need: cardboard tubes (from paper towels or toilet paper) scissors Duct tape freezer paper quart-sized plastic containers (recycled deli containers work well) Tempera paint in desired colors water mixing spoon Plaster of Paris rubber spatula cooling rack 1. Cut paper towel tubes in half or use toilet paper tubes as is. Tape off 1 side of each tube with Duct tape, being sure to completely seal the end. 2. Cut freezer paper into 6-inch squares and line each tube with 1 piece. 3. In a plastic container, mix Plaster of Paris as directed and in the correct ratio, being sure to first mix 2 tablespoons of desired color of Tempera paint with the water used to make the plaster. Mix slowly while adding plaster to water/paint mixture, until completely combined. 4. Using a rubber spatula to help, fill each prepared tube with the plaster mixture. Tap tube on work surface to release air bubbles. 5. Plaster will set in about 1 hour, and can be removed from the tube after about 2 hours. 6. To remove chalk, first peel away duct tape, then peel away the cardboard tube, and finally, peel away the piece of freezer paper. 7. Once chalk is removed from tube, place on a cooling rack and let dry completely (1 to 3 days depending on humidity) before using. Science: Plaster of Paris is composed of partially dehydrated gypsum that has lost about 75% of its water through an intense heating process. The gypsum absorbs the energy of the heat to release the water from its crystal form (an endothermic reaction) and results in a white powder. When mixed with water, the gypsum absorbs the water it lost in the heating process to

sweetpaulmag.com | 109

Sidewalk Chalk

110 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

sweetpaulmag.com | 111

Zn + Mn + Al Electromagnet

112 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Borax Crystal Ornaments

reestablish its original crystal lattice form. This reaction releases heat (an exothermic reaction) and in the process the plaster hardens solid. Electromagnet You will need: large carriage bolt or nail insulated copper wire (about 22- or 24-gauge) wire cutters (or wire strippers) battery (large 6V or small 9V battery) paper clips or other metal objects 1. Wrap carriage bolt or nail with a continuous, tightly-wound coil of insulated copper wire, tying off each end of the coil to the nail or bolt with a simple knot and leaving a length of wire at each end. 2. With wire cutters (or wire strippers) carefully remove about 1 inch of insulation from each end of the wire, exposing the copper wire inside. 3. Attach 1 end of the wire to 1 of the electrodes on the battery. 4. Then, holding the end of bolt or nail over a pile of paper clips (or other magnet-attracted metal objects), touch the other end of the copper wire to the other electrode on the battery. The flow of current should turn the nail or bolt into a magnet and it should pick up the paper clips. Science: When an electric current flows through a wire, it creates a magnetic field. Each of the electrons (very small, negatively charged particles) that flow to make electric current creates a sort of magnetic tunnel around itself when it moves. When a lot of electrons are moving (like in electricity), a large magnetic field is created around the conductor (the wire) that they are flowing through. The magnetic field around each coil adds up to make one bigger field. This field magnetizes the nail or bolt, which then picks up the paper clips.

Borax Crystal Ornaments You will need: 9 tablespoons Borax (found in laundry aisle at grocery store) pipe cleaner craft sticks thin wire (24- to 26-gauge) container, with lid microwave (or saucepan and stove) water wire cutters (or scissors) ruler measuring cup and measuring spoons newspaper or drying rack

Science: As the super-saturated solution cools, Borax is forced out of solution (because the water can no longer hold all of it) and crystals form spontaneously on the millions of microscopic surfaces (called nucleation sites) all over the material of the pipe cleaner. As the number of Borax molecules increases, the crystals get larger, eventually getting large enough to make the fabulous crystals you see on your ornament!

1. Add 3 cups of water to container and heat to almost boiling in microwave (or heat 3 cups of water in a saucepan and add to container). 2. Measure out Borax and slowly stir into hot water with craft stick, creating a milky, saturated solution. 3. Loosely cover container with lid and set solution aside to cool slightly (about 30 minutes) while making the ornament base. 4. Cut and bend pipe cleaner into desired shape or letter. 5. Attach short length of wire to pipe cleaner form and wrap the other end of the wire around a craft stick. 6. Remove lid from container and put pipe cleaner form in the borax solution, resting the craft stick across the mouth of the container. Adjust the length of the wire so the pipe cleaner is completely submerged but not touching the sides or bottom of the container. 7. Loosely cover the whole setup with the lid and place in a location where you can check on the progress of your ornament but where it will not be disturbed. 8. Slowly, the milky solution will become clear and you will be able to see your ornament’s progress. It should be full-grown in 8–12 hours. 9. Once grown, remove it from the solution and let it air-dry overnight on newspaper or a drying rack. Be careful— crystals are fragile when they are wet. Once dry, hang your ornament on a tree or in a window.

Giant Bubbles You will need: large clean bucket dish soap glycerin (available at your local pharmacy) distilled water mixing spoon dowels or sticks string or twine scissors washer measuring cup 1. Add 10 cups of distilled water to a large clean bucket. 2. Slowly add 3 cups dish soap and 4 tablespoons of glycerin to the water. 3. Gently stir mixture together trying not to create foam or bubbles in the process. Skim off any foam that does form. 4. Cover bucket and set aside for at least 24 hours to allow ingredients to fully dissolve in the water. 5. To make bubble wand, cut 2 pieces of string, 4-feet long and 2.5-feet long. 6. Tie both pieces to the end of 1 dowel. 7. Thread a washer on to the longer piece of string and then tie other end of each piece of string to the end of the other dowel. 8. When holding dowels up with ends about 2 feet apart, the string should form a triangle shape with the washer hanging at the bottom. 9. Dip the bubble wand into the bubble solution, making sure the string is soaked. 10. Slowly draw the ends of the wand up and open while blowing air into the resulting soap film. A large bubble with form!

sweetpaulmag.com | 113

Giant Bubbles

114 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Science: A bubble is a thin film of soapy water that has 3 layers: a thin layer of water molecules sandwiched between 2 layers of soap molecules. In this mixture, the glycerin slows down the rate of evaporation of the water from the solution and makes the bubbles bigger and stronger. No matter what shape a bubble has initially, it will always try to become a sphere because it minimizes the surface area of the bubble, and requires the least energy to achieve. Glow Slime You will need: plastic or glass container needle-nose pliers standard highlighter water latex gloves mixing bowl jar, with lid Elmer’s School Glue Gel (4 oz. bottle) craft sticks Borax 1. Start by making “glow water.” Fill container with 2 cups hot water. 2. With pliers, pull out felt writing tip from the highlighter and carefully pry off the bottom and remove felt ink tube from inside. 3. Place both the felt ink tube and the writing tip in the hot water and let sit for 4–6 hours. 4. Once water has cooled and ink has saturated the solution, use gloved hands to squeeze any remaining ink out of the felt tube. Discard highlighter pieces. 5. To make slime, create solution by combining 1⁄3 cup glow water with

Glow Slime

the bottle of Elmer’s School Glue Gel. Stir mixture with craft stick until thoroughly combined. 6. To the jar, add 3⁄4 cups glow water and 2 teaspoons Borax. Secure

sweetpaulmag.com | 115

C+H+O Lava Lamp

116 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

lid tightly on and shake mixture until Borax dissolves as much as possible. 7. Pour solution from jar into mixture in bowl, stirring continuously with a craft stick. 8. Once solutions are combined, remove the resulting glob from the bowl and work it in your hands for 3–5 minutes until it comes together and is less wet and slimy. 9. Store your slime in a resealable plastic bag or air-tight container. 10. Slime will “glow” under black light! Science: When mixed with water, Borax creates an alkaline (basic) solution that reacts with glue to loosely tie its long molecules together, producing a putty-like material called a polymer. In simplest terms, a polymer is a long chain of molecules. Everyday materials like the plastic used to make soda bottles and the nylon fabric in a windbreaker are made

up of polymers. The slime glows under black light because the ink in highlighters (that is in the glow water) contains a chemical called pyranine that is a phosphor, which absorbs radiation (like ultraviolet light from the black light) and emits it back as visible light. Lava Lamp You will need: clear container of choice (recycled bottle or jar) light-colored vegetable oil water liquid food coloring Alka-Seltzer tablets 1. Fill container about 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 full with water and add food coloring to achieve desired color. 2. Carefully pour vegetable oil into container, creating a layer on top

of the water. Fill to about 2 inches below container opening. 3. Drop Alka-Seltzer tablets into container. They will sink directly through the oil layer and begin bubbling in the water layer, drawing the colored water up through the oil like a lava lamp! Science: Carbon dioxide bubbles form due to a chemical reaction that takes place in water between the acid (citric acid) and the base (sodium bicarbonate—baking soda) that are both in Alka-Seltzer. The gas bubbles draw the colored water up through the oil layer to the top of the container. Once the bubbles are released, the colored water (which is more dense than and doesn’t mix with the oil) sinks back down to the bottom of the container.

You’re invited! Watch the video below and see Professor Figgy in action.

sweetpaulmag.com | 117

Fantasy kitchen

Welcome to Dietlindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fantasy world, where the plates are edible

It sure is a wonderful world Photography+styling by Dietlind Wolf

118 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Table Setting

sweetpaulmag.com | 119

Tablecloth & Placemats 120 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Tortilla Plates & Bowls

sweetpaulmag.com | 121

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to stock up! 122 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Tape Tablecloth

sweetpaulmag.com | 123

Butterfly

124 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Table Setting

Tape TableCloth

All the plates and cups are made of edible fondant. • The plates are made by pressing a circle of fondant over a soda cap. • The cups are shaped by hand. Roll a small ball and use 1 finger to make a small hole. Roll a tiny sausage and fasten to the sides as handles. • The carpet is simply a piece of paper glued to the floor with wash tape.

Simply use tape to mark off the tablecloth on the floor. • The placemats are black paper with the names written in crayons. • This is great for indoor picnics.

Tablecloth & Placemats

Tortilla Plates and Bowls

The fabric is painted with fabric paint markers and taped to the floor with wash tape

These are all made with small cookie cutters, cake, and chocolate molds. • Simply cut out small circles and press them into the molds and bake.

Butterfly The body is made of rolled fondant and the wings are made of edible paper that’s decorated with frosting and candy.

sweetpaulmag.com | 125

How to turn old ABC books into easy and fun party projects!

Crafts by Lova Blavarg | Styling by Paul Lowe | Photography by Susanna Blavarg

126 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Garland

Sweet Paul Magazine crafter Lova Blavarg went to a flea market and was mesmerized by a bunch of old beat up ABC books. They had craft projects written all over them. These are the results of Lovaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finds.

sweetpaulmag.com | 127

Cones

128 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Straws You will need: paper straws X-Acto knife craft paper cut outs from books paper glue 1. Cut the paper into flags. 2. Use the X-Acto knife to make slits in the straws so that you can wedge the flag into the straw. 3. Glue on your motif. Toppers You will need: cut outs cocktail sticks paper glue 1. Glue the motif onto the sticks using paper glue. Cones You will need: old sheet music paper glue craft paper cut outs 1. Fold the sheet music into a cone and secure with glue. 2. Make another cone in craft paper to place inside the sheet music one, this will prevent the popcorn from bleeding through the sheet paper. 3. Glue on your motif. Popup Card You will need: double folded card scissors cut out motif paper glue 1. Make 2 1-inch slits with scissors from the folded side of the card. Fold it out. This is your base. 2. Glue the cut out motif to the base.

Popup Card sweetpaulmag.com | 129

Garland You will need: ribbon paper circles cut outs hot glue gun 1. Glue the motifs onto the circles. 2. Glue the circles to the ribbon using a hot glue gun. Medalions You will need: craft paper gold pen hot glue gun cut out motifs ribbon safety pins 1. Cut a 2- by 20-inch strip of craft paper. You can embellish side with a gold pen. 2. Fold tiny folds like an accordion. 3. Hot glue both end of the paper strip to each other so that you have a circle seen from above. 4. Gently press the circle together in the middle so that it forms a medallion, hot glue it in place. 5. Add motif and other embellishments you want to use on the front. Turn and hot glue on a piece of ribbon and a safety pin.

Medalions

130 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Toppers

sweetpaulmag.com | 131

Fancy CARDIGAN Crewcuts by JCrew jcrew.com/Crewcuts SKIRT Wunway wunway.com CAPE Tutu Du Monde tutudumonde.com TANK Target target.com PANTS Wunway wunway.com

132 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Photography by Kathryn Gamble | Styling by Lindsay Berger Hair by Giovanna Morano | Paper Designer Kristen Stuart

Free The skyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the limit Fashion that blends sophistication, subdued hues, and a touch of fancy lets kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; imaginations soar

sweetpaulmag.com | 133

134 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

...cool guy vibe opposite page: SUIT Appaman appaman.com SHIRT Ralph Lauren ralphlauren.com BOW TIE noé & zoë thumbeline.com top left: SHIRT Ralph Lauren ralphlauren.com VEST & Jeans Zara zara.com SHOES Sperry sperrytopsider.com top right: JACKET Joseph Abboud josephabboud.com/boys SHIRT Maharishi thumbeline.com bottom: HAT Crewcuts by JCrew jcrew.com/Crewcuts SHIRT XMI xmi.com JACKET & Pants La Miniatura laminiaturakids.com

sweetpaulmag.com | 135

Vintage

136 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Sparkle

opposite page: DRESS Zara zara.com BELT Lincoln & Lexi lincolnandlexi.com HAT Crewcuts by JCrew jcrew.com/Crewcuts CARDIGAN, BUTTON DOWN, PANTS & HAT Baby Gap gap.com/Baby this page: SHIRT XMI xmi.com NECKLALCE Headband at Crewcuts by JCrew jcrew.com/Crewcuts

sweetpaulmag.com | 137

top left: ONESIE Tutu Du Monde thumbeline.com bottom left: CLOAK Dino Bebe dinobebeusa.com bottom right: DRESS L:Ú L:Ú yoox.com NECKLACE Wunway wunway.com opposite page: DRESS Pale Cloud pale-cloud.com

138 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

Surprising lengths, sheer layers & embellished pieces

sweetpaulmag.com | 139

From Mormor’s kitchen History & cucumber sandwiches How my love for history made me discover the delightful cucumber sandwich

I read a lot when I was a kid. I loved books about historic people. Madame Curie, Abraham Lincoln, Marie Antoinette… they all fascinated me. Being a history buff, I loved having two little old ladies to spend time with who talked constantly about the good old days. Sometimes I felt I was living in another time. When I started school, other kids would show off their action figures and their pets for show-and-tell. I would bring in antiques. “This is a 19th century French porcelain plate from Limoges.” Let’s put it this way—it wasn’t good for my street cred.

Food+styling+Text by Paul Lowe | Photography by Alexandra Grablewski

140 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013

I would also read about the food historic people ate. Eventually I started a fixation about cucumber sandwiches. I must have picked it up in some book. But having afternoon tea and eating cucumber sandwiches? Oh, I thought life was good. But since I hated tea I had my sandwiches with a glass of milk. Mormor’s cucumber sandwiches were amazing. She cut the cucumber leaf-thin and used a little mayo. Her secret ingredients were black pepper and chives. She was an older woman and her taste buds were not like they once were, so she would put black pepper on everything. Just like I do today. Thanks Mormor. Cucumber Sandwiches Serves 4

1 cucumber ⁄2 loaf of white bread, sliced ⁄2 cup mayo

1 1

salt & pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons chives, minced 1. Cut the cucumber as thin as possible. 2. Take 2 slices of bread and add a thin layer of mayo on both slices. 3. Add a layer of cucumber slices to 1 of the sides, and add some salt, pepper, and chives. 4. Place the slices together and press gently. 5. Cut off the crust and cut the bread into 2 triangles. Serve right away.

sweetpaulmag.com | 141

142 | SweetPaulmag.com KIDS 2013